Why are more and more veterans turning to network marketing or MLM?

SSG Lawrence Crow — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 15:19:50 -0400

With the economy the way it is, in the dumpster and headed south, I see a lot fellow veterans getting into business for themselves through unconventional means; ie. network marketing, MLM, relationship marketing, call it what you will. What is your opinion? Would you consider a home based business or network marketing if the plan and compensation were right? And of course, if you knew the business had integrity and could back up their claims?

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Oct 9 at 2014 3:49 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 15:49:26 -0400

I've unfortunately not seen many of these business that appear to be legitimate. I have been offered work at a few and interviewed with the companies, but once I found out what the businesses were I shied away. I am not entirely sure what about the model I do not like, but something about it just feels wrong.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 9 at 2014 8:42 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 20:42:08 -0400

I am a big believer in MLM if it's the right company. That's a big IF because so many of them are fly by night that don't care about the individual.

Response by 1LT David Moeglein made Oct 10 at 2014 1:16 AM

1LT David Moeglein — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 01:16:03 -0400

Network marketing puts a premium on training and leadership. Anyone that is willing to invest the time in me to make me successful is a winner in my book. Very few of us come from established wealth. Network marketing gives us an opportunity to leverage systems, grow ourselves, build character, improve our relationships, create significant wealth, and help others achieve their dreams and goals. Sounds like the military, except for the making money part.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 12:05 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:05:06 -0400

Maybe I am a traditionalist or dare say "short sighted". I have always walked away from MLM. If you can do it and make it work, more power to you. I am always skeptical of the "easy, quick" money plugs. Most of the intros to MLM try to capture folks by the lure of just that. I am sure they are good programs out there. To each there own and best of luck if that is your endeavor.

Response by SFC Robert Norris made Oct 10 at 2014 1:39 PM

SFC Robert Norris — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:39:55 -0400

If you think you can your right if you think you cant your also right I choose to think I can and will.

I choose a affiliate program that I am successful in helping people turn paper money into 24k 999.9 bullion grade Gold that is real money

85% Americans polled want to do a home based biz 92% do not make any money at it because they are not trained to do it right and give up to quick and are looking for a fast food result

you need to have a burning desire to be successful in any biz and the first reason in the USA to have a home based biz is the TAX advantages no matter the product you can right off and keep your hard earned money rather than giving it way in taxes you need to know the rules to play the game correctly

2nd it is always better to work for your self than have a JOB = Just over broke you work enough so you don't get fired and they pay you just enough so you don't quit work your whole life and then retire with 40% less money its time for a change and if your a think in the box type of person then be a sheep I choose to be a leader and think out side the box and at least I will make my own rules. that is freedom and the American way but you do have the option to opt out and be like the crowd if you are a leader and want more g mail me gold4younow24k@ gmail.com

Response by SFC John Cruzat made Nov 26 at 2014 11:23 AM

SFC John Cruzat — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 11:23:45 -0500

I'd absolutely consider a home-based opportunity! I've recently joined one that I think will create all of the opportunities I've been looking for. I know there is a stigma associated with the industry but I'm optimistic that Viridian will deliver if I can press through the networking process. http://www.viridian.com/jcruzat4vets

They set up Veterans for free also!

Response by Lemuel Walker made Mar 23 at 2016 2:34 PM

Lemuel Walker — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 14:34:23 -0400

My mom retired in March of 2016 and decided to do network marketing as a way to keep busy. She has been apart of this company called Total Life Changes(TLC) for two weeks and just today she received a $500 check that she will be receiving every week as long as she stays with the business. I'm a 28 year old Air Force veteran and I just joined the business today. For more info visit my moms website "http://www.totallifechanges.com/walker66" or just google Total Life Changes. I believe its worth the try.

Response by Rob Musselwhite made May 15 at 2016 5:43 PM

Rob Musselwhite — Sun, 15 May 2016 17:43:40 -0400

MLM is a great business model but be advised and informed that it takes ambition and effort. So does working for 40 hours a week for forty years to build someone else's dream so why not build and finance your own. Just my opinion. Look for a company that focuses on you and your objectives, training, personal growth and mentorship over hype, sales and recruitment. Building a successful MLM business is highly rewarding on many levels but takes time, effort and good mentorship. If it promises get rich quick with little effort....run! We (my spouse and I) got lucky out of the gate and linked up with a network that doesn't recruit but puts you through a qualification and selection process. If you qualify they work with you to build a very successful business. Makes the success factor much higher having an experienced coach lead you along the right path for success.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made May 16 at 2016 10:42 AM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Mon, 16 May 2016 10:42:15 -0400

If you are asking this question, find someone who has a solid reputation in the business world who will have no gain from your conversation. Then find three more and compare the results. Network marketing is a different animal with a very high failure rate. My companies are online and not network marketing oriented and people still think we are a MLM because we are global without a network of offices.
The bottom line as I see it is this: Find something you like that helps people and hurts them. Then announce to the word: "Damn the torpedoes - full speed ahead!" I did...

Response by LCDR Glen Palo made Jun 22 at 2016 9:00 AM

LCDR Glen Palo — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 09:00:51 -0400

Absolutely agree that having a home business is a viable option for veterans. They have learned skills that are very applicable to a creating a business. Because there are so many scams and companies that go out of business, it is important to learn how to evaluate business opportunities.

Response by Spencer White made Dec 15 at 2016 3:12 PM

Spencer White — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:12:03 -0500

MLM/Network Marketing is not the end-all-be-all but there a few good companies in the marketplace. I prefer the business-to-business angle (not into selling my friends/family) and have partnered with an energy broker group (avion energy group -- it's a great opportunity - especially in that veterans can join without any fees and don't have to solicit their friends/family) -- the website is: avionenergy.net/oob -- feel free to email/call with questions or would like to bounce ideas. My advice is to definitely do your research and make sure that you're comfortable with the company and who you're dealing with.

Response by SFC Rodrick Carter made Jul 11 at 2017 4:38 AM

SFC Rodrick Carter — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 04:38:09 -0400

I always knew that MLM was the way to go. The advantages of having a home based business for the tax breaks alone is worth it. Also the traditional start up cost for most businesses cost thousands versus MLM startup is usually minimal. I just recently got started with Limu and I'm enjoying it. I don't have to sell anything and the startup cost was very affordable. Also with service members constantly moving around and deploying it would be difficult to pick up a traditional business and move. That's not the case with many MLM companies. I would encourage anyone who wants to make some additional income to check it out. Here is my website. https://rjcarter.iamlimu.com

Response by CPT Kenny Wall made Mar 15 at 2018 7:18 AM

CPT Kenny Wall — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 07:18:26 -0400

Is there a website that lists all MLM companies for ease of research? All the responses below have inspired me to perhaps join one. Looking for more service/software companies opposed to products (i.e. Travel, entertainment, Health and Fitness).

Response by SGM Nakia Jones made Feb 13 at 2020 1:13 PM

SGM Nakia Jones — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 13:13:23 -0500

What company are you with if any? I have been involved with MLM for the last 9 years of my military carerr. Using the skills that I learned throughout my career I was was able in 3 years to exceed what took my 20 years as a SGM/E9 to earn. MLM is a hidden ssecret.

Nakia

Response by SSG Lawrence Crow made Feb 13 at 2020 1:44 PM

SSG Lawrence Crow — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 13:44:49 -0500

This was posted 5 years ago. The economy has certainly turned around. The business environment is much friendlier. And unconventional business models are still booming.