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Introduction - Why I as a busy mum ditch MLM and choose Affilialte!
Hi, my name is Marianne. In this article, I will share my experiences with MLM (multi-level marketing, even called network marketing) and Affiliate Marketing. After reading this, you will have a better understanding of what it is, the pros and cons, and what I recommend. Buckle up! This is crucial to know if you are considering starting any of these business modules.
I remember how desperate I was, totally exhausted and unfulfilled from working all day in the city. I know I had to find another way to support myself and my children, but I had no idea how...
I was dreaming of this digital lifestyle, where I could have more freedom and live my life as I chose to. I wanted to work from home so I could be present when my children came home from school.
A friend of mine had started an MLM business and told me how I could work from home and be financially self-sufficient within a couple of years. And that I could build my business in my free time (which wasn’t much as a single mum of two). Anyway, I bought the start-up package and started to promote it on social media. However, I felt so uncomfortable chasing customers on social media among family and friends.
- I couldn’t sleep, I had terrible anxiety…
I actually liked the products I was promoting, but I got totally exhausted from chasing customers and posting content all over the internet. And the pressure from my uplines made me sleepless.
I felt so bad. I was spending all my free time on this MLM, and I felt like the worst mum in the world. I did this because I wanted a better life for my children, but it just got worse.
One day, when I was watching YouTube, I saw an ad about affiliate marketing. I had never heard about it, but I got curious and kept listening. When I understood how I could create an automated business online, I could literally let the computer do the work for me - it totally amazed me!
If you want to know more about how you can create an automated business online, register for our free video series.
What is MLM?
MLM is a business model where individuals, often referred to as distributors or participants, earn money not only through their own sales of a company's products or services but also by recruiting new distributors into the network.
Participants typically start at a lower level within the organization, and as they recruit new members, they move up the hierarchy. They earn commissions not only from their direct sales but also from the sales made by the distributors they've recruited (referred to as their downline) and even from the downlines of their downlines, creating multiple levels of earning potential.
While MLM companies may claim to provide opportunities for individuals to run their own businesses and generate income, critics argue that many MLMs resemble pyramid schemes, where the emphasis is placed more on recruitment than on actual product sales. Pyramid schemes are illegal in many countries because they are unsustainable and often lead to financial losses for most participants. But you can find good MLM companies. It's essential to thoroughly research any MLM opportunity before getting involved, as success rates can be low, and the structure of such businesses can be complex and potentially misleading.
What I like and don't like about MLM
Pros
Low Start-up Costs: MLM allows individuals to start their businesses with relatively low start-up costs. Usually, you need to buy the products and services you will sell, so it depends on that cost.
Flexible Work Schedule: MLM often offers flexibility regarding working hours and location. Distributors can work from home or anywhere, which can be particularly advantageous for those seeking a more flexible work-life balance.
Potential for High Earnings: MLM compensation plans often include the opportunity to earn commissions not only from direct sales but also from the sales made by recruits in your downline. This can create the potential for significant income if the business grows successfully.
Training and Support: MLM companies typically provide training and support to their distributors. This can include product training, sales techniques, and business-building strategies. For individuals new to business, this support can be valuable.
Personal Development: MLM advocates often emphasize the personal growth and development opportunities of running an MLM business. Distributors can learn valuable skills such as sales, communication, and leadership, which can be applied to other areas of life and work.
Cons
Tough Odds for Success: Here's the thing, when it comes to MLM, the reality is that most folks who dive in don't end up raking in the big bucks. It's like trying to hit a bullseye in a crowded dart game – not impossible, but not exactly easy either.
Recruitment Pressure: Some folks slam MLM for feeling like a never-ending recruitment drive. Instead of focusing on selling products, it can sometimes feel like you're in a race to rope in more people, which isn't everyone's cup of tea.
Dodgy Products and Prices: You might've heard whispers about MLM products being overpriced or not all that great. And let's be real, it's hard to sell stuff that people aren't exactly itching to buy, especially if it's costing them more than it should.
The Mystery Act: Ever been lured in by a deal that sounds too good to be true? That's what some folks say about MLM income promises. The info they put out isn't always crystal clear, and that can make you feel like you're signing up for a game with hidden rules.
Shady Territory: It's like this – some MLM setups have been put in the hot seat legally. There's a line between a legit business model and a pyramid scheme, and some folks say MLM companies dance a bit too close to that line. This has given MLM a bad reputation, and many people don't even want to listen to what you have to sell. They just take for granted that it's a scam.
What is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing strategy where businesses or individuals (affiliates) promote products or services of other companies through various digital channels. Affiliates earn a commission for each sale or lead.
When you sign up for an affiliate program, you will get unique links to use on your website, social media, or ad. Then, the company can see when a sale comes from your unique link, and you get paid.
It's a win-win arrangement where the affiliate and the company benefit from increased sales.
You can find affiliate programs within your interests or expertise to promote, making it easier and more fun to keep up the work in the long run.
If you want to learn more about Affiliate Marketing and how to get started as quickly as possible, click on the bottom below for our free video series.
What I like and don't like about Affiliate Marketing
Pros
You don’t need loads of money, thousands of followers on social media, or a unique business idea: Starting an affiliate marketing venture typically requires minimal upfront investment. It's usually free to join an affiliate program. This makes it accessible to anyone who wants to enter the online business world. Find your avatar and niche, and learn how to advertise online. Then, you don’t have to put out anything on social media. You can sell products and services you like and use yourself. You don't have to reinvent the wheel.
Flexibility and Scalability: Affiliate marketing offers flexibility regarding where and when you work. You can often create content and promote products from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. Once you've established successful campaigns, you can scale up by reaching a larger audience or promoting more products. The income potential is unlimited.
Passive Income Potential: Affiliate marketing allows you to earn passive income, meaning you can continue to make money even while you're not actively working. Once you set up your affiliate links and content, you can automate your campaigns and generate revenue as long as they continue to drive traffic and sales.
Diverse Monetization Options: There's a wide range of products and services you can choose to promote as an affiliate marketer. This diversity allows you to select niches that align with your interests and expertise, making it more likely that you'll enjoy the process of promoting these products. To be successful, you need to be consistent, and if you’re not aligned with the products you are selling, you most likely will get distracted and lose focus.
No Customer Support Hassles: You're not responsible for customer support when you're an affiliate marketer. If customers have questions, concerns, or issues with the products you're promoting, the responsibility falls on the product creator or vendor.
Cons
Uncertain Income: Affiliate marketing success is not guaranteed. It's all about the work you put in. It’s like everything else. You won’t get a fit body just by getting a gym membership. You need to take action and do the work!
Competition: Affiliate marketing can be highly competitive, especially in popular niches. Standing out and gaining the attention of your target audience can be challenging. Learn Authority Marketing to know how to stand out from all the noise. If you don’t know how to market online, it’s like having a shop in Sahara.
Dependency on Others' Products: Your earnings rely on the quality and performance of the products or services you're promoting. If the products disappoint customers, it can reflect poorly on you as the affiliate. That's why it's crucial to do your research before promoting anything.
To avoid making these mistakes, we have a free training you can register for.
Conclusion
While making money from all your downlines' sales may sound tempting, recruiting people into MLM is not as easy as it sounds. It's time-consuming, and as I'm an introvert, for me it's exhausting.
I just love affiliate marketing and the earning potential. Once you learn how to market and sell online, there are no limits on how much you can earn by scaling your campaigns. And when you understand the power of automation, you will understand why I love this business module so much.
You can create an automated business (passive income) around your interests, passion, or expertise. Totally from scratch, with no previous experience. And best of all - without needing to sell, convince, or post content all over the internet!
How would it feel to have more time for family and friends, travel and explore, and do the things you like with the people you love while living out your true purpose?
To succeed, you need to take action and invest in yourself and your business.
So, the first thing you need to do is - take action and register for our free video training below.
And the second thing you need to do is - invest some time to watch the video and learn how you can create a business and life you truly love.
THIS FREE TRAINING WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITH AFFILIATE MARKETING AND MUCH MORE...!
It doesn't matter if you have the best product in the world if you don't know how to market online - it's like having a store in Sahara!
Why I started my online business
I hated not having the time or energy to do what I loved. I was sucked into the office all day and had no energy left when I got home. I was exhausted, unhappy, and unfulfilled.
It all ended up with me getting burned out. I couldn't work for almost one year.
When I got back to work I knew I had to change my working situation. But I had no idea how. I was desperate and Googled passive income. I have to say, there are a lot of scams out there...
I love to be with family and friends and I love to exercise and be in nature. But I just didn't have enough time or energy...
But I was lucky to find the right people to guide me through the noise out there. I learned from professionals who are successful and dedicated to helping others to start and grow a successful digital business.
