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MLMs Come and Go -- A Main Street Business is Better
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When you hear people comment that there are thousands of new MLMs each year, and that they shut down and new ones pop up all the time, it gives the impression that MLM is not a very stable business to get into. But are companies that distribute their products using network marketing that much different than the Main Street businesses?
People talk about MLMs failing all the time -- well, I can go to my downtown shopping area and compare the stores there now to what was there 5 to 10 years ago. Very few are the same. Little stores come and go -- they change owners -- and even BIG stores shut down, merge, etc.
So why is it worse for an MLM to start up, give things a good try, and shut down, or merge, or change owners?
I think it's because we are more personally involved with our MLM than we are with the corner grocery store. Sure, the family who owned that small store were people we got to know -- friends. When the "Gone out of Business" sign went up on the door, we were sad to see that little store shut down, but other than having to drive an extra couple miles to do our shopping at the new super discount grocery store, we weren't really affected.
When our MLM shuts down, though, we are part owners. It is US having to help put that "Out of Business" sign on the door, and explain to our customers that the doors were closed forever -- sorry, we gave it a good try, but we just couldn't hold up with all the competition.
So instead of one family affected deeply by closing the doors on their business, there are hundreds and thousands of families affected when one MLM business shuts down.
On the other hand -- look how great it is to be part of one of those MLMs that survives the competition. A company that has products that are wanted and used by our many customers. A company that is able to compete with all the discount stores. Maybe they compete because their "owners" are giving that personal customer service that everyone wants.
As you look for that perfect business, try to pick a company that you feel will last, so as you build a business that company will be there for you in 5, 10, or 20 years. See if you can be among the small percent of Main Street businesses that hangs on through the years and provides good products and customer service when other stores have shut their doors.
But if you choose wrong -- don't be afraid to look around and pick another company. Just because one small start up store shuts down, it doesn't mean the next one to move into the building won't succeed, and be the one that can take on the competition and go on to be a winner.
Look at those long time, big, solid companies when you are looking for a new company to work with -- but don't be afraid of the new biz on the block. After all, everyone had to be new at one time or another. And Main Street business or MLM -- some are going to make it, and some aren't. Check out each company. Does it have a product line that customers want, and at a price that customers will buy, whether they make a penny referring others or not? Does the company pay a "fair wage" to its sales force? Does the management have a good idea of how to run a business?
If the company passes muster on these questions, take a chance. You could end up one of the proud "owners" of a new and successful business that can keep up with all the Main Street businesses out there -- and might even do BETTER.
If you have any questions or comments about this site:
Email - Kristi Rushing