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“Network Marketing Is...”
American Thought Leaders on the
Network Marketing Profession
L
ast fall, as Wall Street blew up and the economy melted down, a number of large network mar-
keting corporations posted some of the largest sales figures in their history. Even as millions of
people saw their savings evaporate and stock portfolios disintegrate, network marketers world-
wide were quietly taking stock of their businesses and asking, “Are we okay?”
In the main, the answer appears to be a cautious yes: network marketing historically has been to
some extent countercyclical, faring relatively well at times when the economy at large does poorly. Still,
to find adequate comparisons to the economic panic of today one has to look back to the 1930s—a time
when network marketing had not yet been invented. So how are we doing?
For this issue, we assembled a panel of American thought leaders to give us their thoughts on the
state of the profession. The consensus: our current economic woes may well bring about a historic up-
surge in the popularity of the network marketing model. — J.D.M.
John assaraf Bob Burg
Many people have the wrong What I admire most about the
idea of what network market- noble profession of network
ing is; the truth is that the busi- marketing is that one succeeds
ness has evolved significantly in only by helping others, by add-
the last twenty years. There are ing value to their lives—and for
those who will shy away from that matter, adding value to the
network marketing because of lives of many. I also love the fact
its past, and then there are those smart ones that anyone with a big enough desire to better
who will make their fortunes because they can their lot can succeed in the business if they are
forget the past and see the future. willing to work hard, and be consistent and per-
In network marketing, the power of your sistent.
connections and determination allows you to The network marketing model in conjunc-
build a highly successful business without the tion with a high-quality product or service pres-
traditional costs of going into business on your ents an unparalleled opportunity for people to
own. The products, systems and ability to gener- thrive. In this economy? Perhaps especially in
ate a great income and lifestyle make a power- this economy.
ful combination for those who want their share Bob Burg is coauthor of the
of the American dream. Wall Street Journal bestseller The Go-Giver
John Assaraf is coauthor of the
New York Times bestseller The Answer
2 Networking Times
seth godin Michael gerber
Network marketing works Network marketing [provides
when it’s not about you. It a] purely democratic, highly
works when it is about the entrepreneurial, deeply au-
customer. Not sort of about the thentic and simple model for
customer as a way of helping successful living. In network
you, not kinda about the cus- marketing, your success or
tomer when you imagine how your failure is completely up
they could act like you and become part of your to you. . . . [In network marketing,] you’re not
downline. No, it works when it is generous and in the business of simply selling products or a
transparent and true. business opportunity, you’re in the transforma-
If someone buys from you because they are tion business.
a friend or because it’s easier than avoiding you, Michael Gerber is author of the
that’s not about the customer. New York Times bestseller The E-Myth
Here’s my dream for you: find a product and
a price and a story that people choose to seek dc cordova
out. Discover a niche that people would miss if Network marketing is the most
it disappeared. Offer an experience that’s about innovative system for the twen-
more than money, more than making a living ty-first century of connectiv-
and more than recruiting a new salesperson. ity, networks and relationships.
When you bring joy and utility and trust to peo- Obviously the marketplace is
ple (at a fair price), they’ll embrace you. ready for it. Done correctly, it’s
Seth Godin is author of the a win-win for all concerned.
New York Times bestsellers The Dip and Tribes DC Cordova is CEO of Excellerated Business Schools
Ivan Misner
Though we cannot control
stephen M. R. covey the economy, we can control
To me, the most interesting di- our response to the economy.
mension of network market- Networking can keep your busi-
ing is the focus on building re- ness alive and well during an
lationships of trust. All parties economic downturn; you should
must be able to trust one an- never let a bad economy be your
other, or nothing moves forward. excuse for failure.
Accountability, transparency During the last recession, I watched thou-
and other high-trust behaviors clearly flow out sands of businesspeople grow and prosper, be-
of your character and competence, which in turn cause they made a conscious decision to refuse
help to improve, solidify and create better re- to participate in a recession. They succeeded by
lationships. Those relationships are powerful developing their networking skills and learning
fruits that enable you to enjoy greater collabo- how to build their businesses through word of
ration, a better reputation and shared accom- mouth—an important key to success and the
plishment. most cost-effective form of advertising there is.
When done well, network marketing is the While others are looking at problems, those
speed of trust in action. of us looking for opportunities will not only get
Stephen M.R. Covey is author of the through a bad economy but will prosper.
New York Times bestseller The Speed of Trust Ivan Misner is author of the New York Times
bestseller Truth or Delusion? and founder of BNI
3
sen. orrin hatch
Vic conant
During these difficult economic
As good as the products are in network
times, there is no doubt that
marketing, they are really secondary
the entrepreneurial spirit of to the personal development. Go to
network marketing companies any network marketing convention:
and its sellers helps keep the what are they talking about? They
American dream alive. It is this talk about the freedom they’re enjoying, the fabulous
same spirit that will lift our growth they’re experiencing, how wonderful their rela-
country out of our current economic crisis. The tionships are, how much they’re learning about life and
hard work, tenacity and boundless energy of our about themselves.
country’s direct sellers never cease to amaze me. It’s not the supplement or the skin cream that did
We need you now more than ever. that. Sure, in many cases, you do have life-changing
Orrin Hatch is a six-term (and current) Republican products. But what’s really changed is their entire life.
Senator from Utah and former Chairman of the Senate (Oct 02)
Labor and Human Resources Committee Vic Conant is President and CEO of
Nightingale-Conant Corp.
nido Qubein Robert kiyosaki
Network marketing rewards Network marketing teaches basic, crit-
ical life skills. It teaches people how to
human potential, individual ef-
overcome their fears, how to communi-
fort, collective support and posi-
cate, and how to handle rejection and
tive action. It is a magnificent maintain persistence. This kind of edu-
form of living free enterprise, of cation is absolutely priceless.
experiencing success and signif- Here’s what I tell people: “Even if you don’t like it,
icance, and of enjoying the fruits stay with it for five years and you’ll be better equipped
of victory. It is also a way of growing as you pros- to survive in the real world of business. And you’ll be
per, a way of learning as you serve, and a way of a better person.”
sustaining recurring income as you live. The people who are successful in network mar-
Nido Qubein is president of High Point University keting have a spiritual cause. They genuinely want to
and chairman of the Great Harvest Bread Co. help better others’ lives. If you don’t have that, if you
just want a paycheck, then work for the post office!
(Mar 05)
chris widener Robert Kiyosaki is author of the
#1 New York Times bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad
In today’s economic uncertainty
and turmoil, network market-
ing has become an even more sharon wilson
People who are attracted to network mar-
viable option for those who
keting tend to be more open; they’re al-
want to be their own boss, earn
ready “outside the box” thinkers, looking
a substantial full- or part-time for a better way … a way that gives them
income, and find more time free- a better sense of balance. This goes hand
dom to pursue the things they really love in in hand with an inquiry into more spiritual values.
life. Now more than ever, you can take your fu- I think network marketing provides a fertile
ture into your own hands by starting your own ground for spirituality. The concept of network market-
business and earning substantial profits rather ing itself is all about creating an opportunity for col-
than relying on traditional wages determined laboration, for win-wins, for everyone achieving their
by someone else. dreams. (Aug 03)
Chris Widener is author of the Sharon Wilson is founder of the
New York Times bestseller The Angel Inside Coaching from Spirit Foundation
4 Networking Times
Mark Victor hansen Josephine gross, Ph.d.
Network marketing is the most Today our awareness is evolving,
giving form of business model as is our economy. While standard
in existence. Somebody who economic theory states that people
owns the right to give away are interested only in their own
work, which is what network material gain, new insights from
marketing does, owns the gift of gifts. behavioral economics show that our primary mo-
There ought to be a mission in their tivator is not greed but compassion.
commission, because networkers are paid Science is confirming what world religions
in direct proportion for what they give. So, have pointed to for thousands of years: that ev-
they offer it to somebody, and whether that erything around us is part of a living universe,
particular person accepts it or not, somebody and we are only stewards of whatever we think
will accept it. we “own.”
Giving the gift of freedom, the gift of As the old economy of fear and greed is crum-
employment and the gift of a future oppor- bling, a new economy of partnership is being
tunity is the greatest gift ever. Opportunity born.
is the greatest charity. I feel blessed to serve a profession whose lead-
[...] ers are frontrunners in this global shift. Network
I believe network marketing is the key marketing offers a unique context, vehicle and
to solving the economic problems of our structure for doing business based on the aware-
time. Not, “it may be the key”—it is the key. ness of our unity, through servant leadership,
Everybody should be in a network market- cooperation, community involvement and chari-
ing company. Because even if they’re inac- table giving. (Nov/Dec 09)
tive and just use the product, when they Josephine Gross, Ph.D. is cofounder
lose their job or have a problem with their and editor in chief of Networking Times
employer, they can immediately go to this
business, turn on the spigot, and a month frank Maguire
later be making money—and sometimes I believe America’s economic fu-
faster than that, because some companies ture, the health of its commerce
pay weekly. The point is that everybody can and service, is rooted in effective
do it, and you can do it as young as 18 and network marketing. People are
up to any age. (Nov/Dec 09) sick and tired of the deprivation
Mark Victor Hansen is co-creator of the Chicken of human dignity they experience at the hands
Soup for the Soul publishing phenomenon and of so many of today’s corporations, which in the
author of dozens of other popular books past ten years have scooped up all the quid for the
guys on top, leaving behind some very talented
t. harv eker people without a future.
The unusual and wonderful Network marketing is turning off the spotlight
thing about network marketing of working for a corporation, and turning on the
is that everyone around you is floodlight of the greatness that we all have within
working to help you grow, instead us. I love what you’re doing in network market-
of trying to keep you down! In ing, because you’re creating an opportunity to af-
what other business do you have people mak- fect the self-esteem of many, many people. You’re
ing $50,000 and more a month—and they’re giving people hope and providing a launching pad
willing to tell you exactly how they did it? for them to discover their own greatness.
(May 05) I think network marketing is potentially the
T. Harv Eker is author of the #1 New York Times greatest economic opportunity that has ever ex-
bestseller Secrets of the Millionaire Mind isted. (Sep 06)
Frank Maguire is former senior executive for
FedEx, KFC, ABC and American Airlines
5
Lead Story
denis waitley, Ph.d. david Bach
Network marketing is a tremen- The simplicity of network market-
dous way to cross boundaries and ing is that you find something you
eliminate prejudice. This business deeply believe in, then use it your-
offers an opportunity to transcend self and tell other people about it.
cultures, geography and even be- I believe God put each one of
lief systems. It gives you the opportunity to deal us here to do something special. Most of us aren’t
with your global neighbors around the common doing whatever it is we were put here to do, be-
idea of being more self-determined. It gives you cause we’re living paycheck to paycheck. Network
the opportunity to eliminate or at least sidestep marketing is a chance for you to make a little ex-
hierarchies—politics, ethnicity, culture, any bar- tra money, and with that, to buy your freedom. Do
riers—and do business with one another, directly that, and you’ll spend the rest of your life doing
and globally. It doesn’t really matter whether you what you were put here to do. (Mar 05)
speak the language or whether you eat differently David Bach is author of six consecutive New York Times
or pray differently. (Jan 04) bestsellers, including The Automatic Millionaire
Denis Waitley is author of the New York Times
bestseller Seeds of Greatness Jim turner
The significant thing that people
Brian Biro often miss about network market-
The beauty of network market- ing is that it’s in the vanguard of
ing is that if you are an effective a major consumer movement, in
coach, if you really do build people which consumers and producers
and help them break through their are merging and becoming the same thing.
fears, it becomes a complete circle In a way, multilevel marketing companies
of success. You feel great, they’re going to do bet- are the first generation of what Alvin Toffler calls
ter, that feeds your business and your income— prosumers [producer-consumers], because the
and you’re also providing a model for this person, marketing network is also the customer network.
who’s now also going to become a coach. Every individual produces and consumes; it’s like
You don’t have to be the most articulate; you breathing—exhale, inhale. The more balanced you
don’t have to be the most educated; you don’t can be in production and consumption, the better
have to be the greatest speaker. (Apr 04) your life is. And the more people who are balanced
Brian Biro is author of Beyond Success that way, the better the society is.
There are now some fifteen million people in
Bob Proctor network marketing [in the U.S.], and this is mak-
The beautiful thing about net- ing a huge difference in the maturation of what it
work marketing is that it is the means to be a consumer, because you are by defi-
most moral form of compensation nition playing a more involved role in the produc-
there is. And it follows the very tion / consumption cycle.
best income-earning strategy: If you made this the leading story of what
you’re leveraging yourself and you’re providing multilevel marketers are doing, it would really
great service. You’re waking people up. You’re help fuel the further growth of the community.
showing people how to spend their days doing And in doing so, you could easily become a sig-
what they love to do, while at the same time nificant part of the majority of households in
earning an excellent income. America. (Nov 06)
Properly executed, network marketing gives Jim Turner, Esq. is cofounder of Swankin & Turner and
people time and money freedom. It gives them Chairman of the Board of Citizens for Health
liberty, which is their birthright. (Mar 07)
Bob Proctor is author of You Were Born Rich
6 Networking Times
Brad sugars stephen R. covey
The reason I think network mar- Network marketing, is an in-
keting is the best business for so spiring business model amidst a
many people is that you don’t have stream of corruption and scandal
to learn everything about business that has been so rife in corporate
to start. You don’t have to learn America. As you help lift others to
production, shipping and so many other aspects higher levels, the profession rewards you.
of business. You’ve got to learn sales, marketing In addition to financial benefits, network
and team-building. If you can get those three marketing offers a crash course in human rela-
things down, you’ll be all right. tionships, so needed in our faceless digital world.
Your first year in network marketing is your Most importantly, network marketing is a prov-
apprenticeship. If you don’t make any money in en vehicle that can allow you to Put First Things
your first year, who cares? You’ve spent a year First® and create a life of balance.
learning the trade. (Jul 07) Stephen R. Covey is author of
Brad Sugars is author of Billionaire in Training The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Barbara Marx hubbard gregg Braden
I like network marketing because, Every species in nature ben-
at least to some degree, it tran- efits from cooperation. When
scends the current competitive they behave cooperatively, they
system. It’s about synergistic lead- consistently produce more off-
ership, that is, leadership that fa- spring, live longer and live more
cilitates and empowers rather than dominates successfully. And [researchers have] found the
and controls. same thing within indigenous human popula-
I don’t think we’re going to have peace if we tions throughout the world: longevity and qual-
don’t piece together the emergent potentials of ity of life increases when they cooperate in the
our system. The pieces need to be networked— gathering and sharing of food, water and other
and that brings us back around to network mar- resources.
keting. I think it is prefiguring global intelligence. The same principles apply in business: the
(May 08) more we can cooperate, the better we’ll do. That’s
Barbara Marx Hubbard is author of
what network marketing is all about. (Jul 08)
Conscious Evolution
Gregg Braden is author of the
dr. leonard laskow New York Times bestseller The Isaiah Effect
Network marketing is really
about love. What makes network Paul Zane Pilzer
marketing more successful and More than any other business,
in many ways more efficient than network marketing starts with
many other forms of marketing, is the core: not with the product or
that it’s based on one-to-one relationships. the service, but with helping other
Most successful network marketers sooner people by teaching them how to
or later recognize the role of connectedness or succeed, regardless of their education or what
relatedness—which is to say, love—in network business or field they’ve been in.
marketing. The top people in networking are very What’s so exciting about network marketing
much in touch with their hearts. is that you can offer this opportunity to anyone,
The heart’s intelligence is the recognition of and people can maximize the value of their life ex-
the oneness and the unity of all. If a business is periences instead of having those life experiences
going to be successful, it’s ultimately going to have limit their opportunity. (Aug 03)
to come down to a recognition of unity. (Nov 08) Paul Zane Pilzer is author of the New York Times
Dr. Leonard Laskow is author of Healing with Love bestseller God Wants You to Be Rich
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