As a new mother, I found myself awake at odd hours, bleary-eyed and caring for my infant. One night, while scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon an enticing “opportunity.” It promised the chance to start my own business, enjoy unlimited income potential, and do it all from the comfort of my home. It sounded too good to be true, and I was immediately intrigued.
Curious, I began researching this new company, which seemed tailor-made for a busy mom like me who wanted to stay home with her kids. With a modest investment, I could run my own business without the hassle of inventory or hosting parties. It felt like a dream come true, and I couldn’t sign up fast enough.
I quickly became captivated by videos showcasing the company’s top performers, who seemed to effortlessly achieve success with their products. Never mind that these items were significantly more expensive than what I’d find at a local store; I was convinced they were magical and necessary for my life.
Naturally, I thought my family and friends would want to join me on this journey. They would surely support my “side hustle” and appreciate my efforts for financial freedom. Plus, many of them could benefit from this ground-floor opportunity and potentially become millionaires. It was a win-win for everyone!
I diligently followed the advice from my team, believing we would reach the top together. Social media was hailed as the best platform for selling products, so I began posting flashy photos and linking to my website. I created a group and added everyone from my friends list without asking for permission. After all, who wouldn’t want to be part of something so thrilling? Once they were in, I was encouraged to message each person directly, sharing the incredible opportunity and products, regardless of how long it had been since we last connected. I was offering them a path to become their own boss and secure their family’s financial future!
In those early days, I genuinely believed in the products I was selling. They were high-quality, albeit pricey, but I enjoyed a discount. Sales were coming in, and I was even building a team, which felt promising. It seemed like I was on a path to success with trips and prizes on the horizon.
However, I soon realized that the true benefits were going to those above me in the hierarchy. While I was working tirelessly to make a few sales each day, the top earners were cashing in on my efforts. I began to feel desperate, wanting so badly to join their ranks, but understood I would have to leverage others to get there—either selling overpriced products to them or recruiting them to my team, pushing them to sell as much as possible so that I could profit. It felt increasingly wrong.
The market became saturated with representatives, making it nearly impossible to find new customers. Initially, I climbed the ranks quickly, but then hit a plateau just before the point of substantial earnings. Looking back, I see it was designed that way; only a select few ever reach the top, while most struggle to make a profit. This system preys on young mothers and those seeking financial stability, selling them a dream that is almost entirely out of reach. In fact, many involved in MLMs end up losing money.
The pandemic further fueled the growth of MLMs, as many individuals sought additional income streams amid job losses. Unfortunately, some of these companies made unfounded claims about their products, even suggesting they could help prevent illness, which is simply unacceptable. It’s disheartening to see people exploiting fears and dreams for profit.
While I regret the time I spent in the MLM world, I’m grateful for the lessons learned. Those at the top are fortunate to have found success early on, but for me, I’d rather remain broke than ever send another “Hey girl!” message again. If you’re curious about alternatives, you can find useful information on home insemination and fertility at Make a Mom or explore Facts About Fertility for excellent resources.
Summary
My experience with multi-level marketing (MLM) opened my eyes to its exploitative nature. Initially excited by the promise of financial freedom, I soon realized that the structure primarily benefits those at the top while leaving most participants struggling. The industry preys on vulnerable individuals seeking income, often leading to financial losses. Ultimately, I learned that I’d rather not engage in such a business model again.
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