Even though hundreds of thousands of people join network-marketing programs every year, the industry is still plagued with numerous myths. Let's look at several of the top myths surrounding network marketing and dispel those myths. Then maybe we'll be a little closer to understanding how beneficial the network marketing business model can be for anyone looking to generate an income.



Myth #1: Only the people at "the top" make money at network marketing.

Fact: Many of my clients make a six-figure income from their MLM business. Many others make far less than that. In reality there is a range with regards to how much people are making in network marketing. As is the case with any other profession, fewer make the big bucks. However, most people in network marketing are making a decent income, one that is either supplementing another source of income, or is enabling them to live comfortably.

Myth #2: Network Marketing is a pyramid scheme.

Fact: Network marketing business programs are not the same thing as pyramid schemes. In fact, you want to avoid pyramid schemes all together because pyramid schemes are illegal. In contrast, MLM business programs are legitimate and provide a viable, lucrative way for a person to earn an income.

Myth #3: You have to be good at sales to make money at network marketing.

Fact: There's an old saying describing a person who is good at selling. It goes something like this: "He's such a good salesperson that he can sell ice to Eskimos." This saying feeds into a big misperception about sales in general. Many people think of sales as being good at convincing people to buy something. However, most people are savvy these days and know when they are being pitched or someone is trying to convince them of something.

While a person does not have to "be good at sales" to succeed in MLM, every successful network marketing does need to have the skills and abilities required to build a network marketing business. This is the case in any profession.

There are a lot of people out there trying to build network-marketing businesses without first developing the language, prospecting and recruiting skills necessary to build a stable, successful business. The necessary skills are easy to learn and with a little bit of effort even a 12 year old can develop them. So, it's not rocket science. However, some training and development does make a huge difference in a network marketer's ability to generate a stable, long-term income.

Myth #4: You have to bug your family and friends.

Fact: Simply put, you do not have to even mention your business or products to your family and friends. I've worked with thousands of MLMers over the years that have become successful without approaching people they know about their business, products or service.

Myth #5: You have to make cold calls.

Fact: Making cold calls can make the hair rise on the back of the neck of even the most confident, self-assured person. No one likes rejection, which can come with the territory when making cold calls. There are countless ways to generate leads. Cold calling is just one of those ways.

Myth #6: You have to spend a lot of money on an inventory.

Fact: Carrying an inventory to fulfill product orders is a thing of the past. Instead, most MLM business programs include the ability for customers and people in one's down line to order product directly from the company. The company ships the product to the person who placed the order.

Myth #7: You have to have a lot of money to get started.

Fact: There is little to no barrier to entry into MLM business programs, including how much money it takes to get started. Nowadays, start-up costs for some MLM programs are as little at $29. In addition, most MLM companies provide various enrollment packages to accommodate different needs and budgets.

Myth #8: Network Marketing is just another scam.

A scam is a scam. Scams exist in virtually every type of business. So, yes, be careful and avoid scams, but just because you're presented with a network marketing program doesn't mean it's a scam. Again, MLM business programs, in general, are viable ways to make an income. Know what to avoid in any type of business transaction you encounter so that you do not fall pry to a scam.