Definitions-page for joys-network-marketing-success-tips.com

Definitions and Explanations

In this section are formal definitions and informal explanations of direct selling, network marketing and multi-level marketing (MLM).

Are you like us...?

Can you believe, we had not even heard the names multi-level marketing, MLM or network marketing when we were approached to take up an 'opportunity'?

Are you asking "Isn't that illegal", as we did. When we investigated we discovered a new world of commerce right under our noses.

We hope that our ever expanding experiences and our research will help you. Our knowledge has grown from our determination to completely understand the network marketing industry.

'Network Marketing' and 'Multi-Level Marketing' (or MLM) are frequently used interchangeably. While there is a slight difference, most network marketing companies are also multi-level. We have adopted the usual practice.

We have tried to put Network Marketing into context in today’s market place with:

a little bit of history and some current data;
explanations, both formal and informal;
comments about network marketing’s image in our commercial world; and
our view of what this all means.

This section should help if you are dealing with new terms and definitions. If you are already an MLMer and you want to be successful (doesn't everyone?), it‘s important to know about, and believe in, what you are doing. Material here should build your confidence.

Sub-sections in this section

1. Direct selling past and present

There are various forms of direct selling. Network marketing is one form. This sub-section identifies differences between some of the popular forms, who's in it and how big it is.

2. Definitions of network marketing

We borrowed from the Internet. These explanations were downloaded in April 2010. Today, Network Marketing companies can be:

both large and small;
multi-national or 'domestic';
solely network marketing or a new MLM branch added to a conventional business;

so keep your mind open.

3. Pyramids and scams, network and multi-level marketing

Are all network marketing and MLM opportunities just scams? In fact most are legitimate businesses. Probably because it is relatively easy to enter the industry, there have been bogus schemes floated that have beguiled people who have been duped and lost money. The Federal Trade Commission recommends eight steps to follow before signing with any MLM (listed in this section).

4. Our explanation

We have included our explanations of how we think a network marketing company may evolve today. Included are: start up; 'normal' operations; recruiting; commissions; today's economy.

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