Chain What?

I had a good chuckle yesterday. I was talking about my network opportunity via on-line service. I emailed what I thought was a very cogent explanation of the program. The reply I received indicated that the prospect thought my offering was "chain-letterish". This is one of two of my favorite misconceptions. The other one is "pyramid". This particular prospect seemed to be honestly confused. I contrast that with many that are simply closed minded to the entire idea of network marketing and revert to tossing about "pyramids" and other such babbling. Let us try and wade through the swamp of ignorance, misconception and the occasional honest error.

Let's start with pyramid. The connotation here is "illegal scheme to defraud individuals". Yes, such schemes do exist. But it is unfair to tar an entire industry with such a large, ugly brush simply because the structure of our organizations will, in many cases, be shaped like a pyramid. At the top of your downline is YOU. Below you are at least two (in most cases) or more people and the next layer contains more. Each succeeding layer gets larger. By George! I believe we are looking a pyramid, indeed! But then, consider the typical American company. You have a president (or owner) senior managers, middle managers, first line managers and shop floor employees. Behold, I think we have found another pyramid! How about the US military, the US government, many social organizations and even religious groups? Do you see any pyramid type structures in that group? Of course, you do! Because a "pyramid" is a natural way that society uses to organize people with the same or similar interests. The DIFFERENCE is that some pyramids are LEGAL and some are not. Network marketing is a legal, efficient, accepted method of doing business.

Let's suppose that if I send you a letter about my mlm. In this letter I tell you that I am offering you an opportunity to join my organization, market our product and make a profit. I also say that one marketing method is to send letters to other people offering the same option. I have not indulged in the heinous sin of "chain lettering". I have engaged in Direct Mailing, a large and entirely legal industry. What is the big difference between a chain letter and my direct mail? The most obvious one is that chain letters offer "no valid product."

You are only asking people to perpetuate a useless letter begging people for money. One might do better using a tin cup down at the bus station. However, if people are stuck on thinking about the "chain" concept, try this out. Tell them that a better comparison would be a "chain reaction". One distributor reaching others, who excite others. The process continues and grows until there are so many distributors that you reach critical mass and have a virtual EXPLOSION .......of network marketing!

And you never thought you would use your high school physics.