Successful for Millennia

Network marketing as a way to distribute products is relatively new. But network marketing as a promotional concept is not. Probably the most successful, enduring, network marketing organization in history is Christianity. Network marketing was available to Christianity long before it was viable for product-based organizations. This is because in Christianity, the "compensation plan" is spiritual, and does not require the complex data processing capabilities necessary for a materialistic compensation plan. However, the marketing function is exactly the same. The basic message is simple and highly duplicatible. That is not to say that there isn't a limitless amount of complex substance behind that simple message. In the case of Christianity, that substance has been analyzed and debated for centuries. But the basic message is unchanged and enduring in its simplicity, and is the driving force behind the marketing success. The marketing success of Christianity over the centuries has also been due to the sincere desire of its followers to help others, to give of themselves, to go that extra mile and make a difference in the life of another. Of course, like any powerful network marketing organization, Christianity has seen its share of abuse. But in the end the marketplace has always dealt with the abusers and made sure that they did not endure.

We can learn a great deal from the success of the church in spreading the message of Christ. Keep the basic message simple and duplicatible, and sincerely care about others. Its a powerful combination.