Should I accept the proposal from a company that approached me for education in obtaining leads?
I have decided to get into a MLM (multi level marketing) with Nerium and I have had little success, so I was approached by a company that educates people on how to create a "leads base website". Has anyone heard of Home Business Academy? Has it worked? The price is high and the webinar makes a lot of sense but, I wonder how effective it is. Thanks for your Ideas.
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Dec 3, 2014
My advice: Stay far away from multilevel marketing. Almost all are snake-oil scams bilking the innocent or unsuspecting out of big bucks in multiple ways -- including these "training" programs for people like you. Ultimately, virtually all the money goes to a couple of owners of the company, not to the middle- or even higher level field people. And their promotional materials are always excellent, by the way, making everything sound so easy, anyone could make millions with virtually no effort one afternoon a week!
Just say no. If you want, go find a legitimate franchise in a business sector you're interested in. But whatever you do, never believe all the company hype -- go talk to real franchisees who have been working their businesses for several YEARS, and see what lessons they've learned.
Dec 3, 2014
I agree with Myrtle and Al.
The website link below has compiled a great deal of verified research and well worth a read. Over 400 MLMs studied including audits, lawsuits and pesonal testimonies. The stats at the bottom of the page are just the tip of the iceberg.
http://www.mlm-thetruth.com/research/mlm-statistics/shocking-stats/
There are simply too many stakeholder margins for MLM to be a sustainable business model. The best definition I ever heard is, selling MLMs are like selling seats on a flight that has already left the ground.
Dec 3, 2014
If you have not make much money we can help you boost your income 100% you will receive all the education you need for $1 trial. You can try the system for seven days. You will love it. Please go to www.IAmABusinessOwner.com you will be very happy to find such a plethora of knowledge. ( Please see entire video to understand the power of the system) Hope This helps.
Dec 2, 2014
knowledge / guidance is very important to succeed. It is not necessary that it should be Institutionalised. You can pick tips even from those who are in the field. You can work as support and/or junior. Learn their approach, implement in your activity.
Further you should see the viability of the product you sell.. whether it has any market or not.
Dec 3, 2014
It is important that you conduct research about this company before taking this step.
Dec 3, 2014
I think further investigation is definitely warranted as Myrtle mentions. If this company is asking you to pay in order to learn how to create leads, it sounds more like they're asking you to spend a lot of money for something that may not work. If the company is an accredited educator, then it may make sense to consider it, but if not, then, like me a few years ago, you may find yourself getting burned paying for education that you may be able to find for free or very low cost elsewhere.
Several years ago, I paid a large sum of money to a company that said they could help me build an online presence that would generate residual income through blogging and other posting techniques. I did what I thought was the proper research and still got burned. However, it was a good lesson in the old adage of, "if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is".
Do your research and ask for referrals from both satisfied and unsatisfied clients so that you get a balance picture.
On a side note, one book I read a couple of years ago, call E-Myths Revisited by Michael Gerber, that helped me do a better job of systematizing my business processes so that I can be a better business owner and identify the work that I can delegate and the work which I want or need to control and perform. You can do a web search for the book.
Good luck!
Dec 3, 2014
Noelle: You have already been given good advice. The MLM company should, as part of their fee for the "privilege" of your participating, provide you with marketing materials, support and guidance. And, yes, talk to a number of others who have become participants to understand why they have succeeded and others who have failed. Just for your information, the average net revenue for similar businesses is less than $8 per hour. Fast food may look better.
Dec 3, 2014
Noelle,
You got a lot of good responses already. But MLM is not easy you can end up spending a ton of money chasing the reward. Unfortunately in most cases it does not work. There are lots of free places to get "expert" help with MLM programs if you think you are cut out for it.
Dec 3, 2014
I just did a quick search on Home Business Academy. Sounds like another variant of an MLM venture. I would run, not walk, away from the proposal.
Dec 3, 2014
Online marketing is not a secret and the general "blueprints" for different schemes are everywhere if you Google a bit.
If you already have a product or service, then you are looking for a traffic and conversion funnel. If you don't then you will need to do product creation. If you aren't into that then you will have to sell someone else's product - like something at ClickBank or Amazon.
It's not rocket science and it isn't hard to learn - I wouldn't spend a lot learning it...I suspect what you will find is, that once you understand how it's done, you'll be looking for VAs (Virtual Assistants) to do the work for you.
Good luck and have fun!
Dec 3, 2014
I am usually very gentle with my responses on forums, but I am going to make an exception in this case and call a spade a spade, in the hopes of saving you from falling down a rabbit hole . . . Virtually every person and/or business I have personally known (even many people in religious circles) who are into MLM are gullible, desperate, and have delusions of getting rich quick. Don't fall for any of it.
Dec 3, 2014
If the goal is to get leads you might consider trying one of the mailing list plug-ins for a wordpress site. Ultimately as long as the article or blog is written in a way that pitches what you are selling, and refers them to the mailing list link, (failing that just an email address) you don't really need to attend a pricey seminar.
As for getting people to sign up consider a rewards system.
Dec 3, 2014
Noelle, You seem have gotten a lot of advice, but I do not see you receiving an answer to the simple question about the Home Business Academy, To answer your question I have to ask questions? What is it that you are really trying to accomplish? Are you wanting to focus on social media presence to get increased leads? What platform are you wanting to work from (assuming of course that you know who your ideal customer is and what platform they are found on) I am aware of Home Business Academy, but whether you should join or not is going to be up to those answers to those questions. The Academy has many good features, but again it is dependent on what you are really wanting. You can go to my profile and get my phone # or you can email me @ Chris@chrismcdonaldnc.com. I am not offering my services for a fee, or even to try and steal you from the Academy..just help you make that decision. (I am a free Academy member)
Dec 3, 2014
Yes. It is not uncommon for business to learn of another businesses weakness, Many business collaborate for suitability, growth and development. It also sounds as thought they are implemented a a plan to enter into that market. So, you may be looking at your direct or indirect competitor. If you can not compete then join them especially if you were approached by the company. Perhaps you should use this to negotiation a opportunity for yourself or company. Nevertheless, it sounds like you are moving your business in the right direction, but you will have to make the executive discussion of what is best for yourself of your company, but you should create a strategy to position your company correctly should you decide to move forward independently.
Dec 3, 2014
Noelle,
it apears that you ar desperatly seeking opportunities, unfortunatly ther are a lot of companies offering what appears to be a great package . From experience MLM only works if one can quickly build a a team this take a lot of time and effort.
As for home based businesses I advise you carry out through "Due Dilligence " before committing and seek advice from sucessful trusted friends friends.
If you truly desire to run a home based business list your strengths and weaknesses. (Knowing and understanding weakness is a strength) look and seek and evaluate opportunities, compile a buisiness plan, attend networking events , exibitions etc. re tune your buisness plan, then invit a few trusted freinds who are in business over for cofee present your plan and listen to their advice.
Good luck. Rember "It is better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all. "
Dec 3, 2014
There are lots and lots of MLM companies out there. But, their impact on many individual lives have not been anything to write home about. "Leads-based websites'' are great places to get started. The question is, 'are they reliable?' I suggest SFI for you. I have tried them and satisfied to be real and long lasting for the past 17 years. Try them and see the difference.
Dec 4, 2014
Weigh that against having a really good marketing firm help you. Someone who will be with you through all your future marketing campaigns. Education is not enough. You have to live it to learn it,
Dec 4, 2014
If your 'upline' team are not helping you with this then you are with the wrong upline. You should not have to pay for the experience that they, if they are genuine, already have.
I would suggest you go further upline to find someone who does help you.
Terry George
Dec 4, 2014
Hi, Noelle
You should do your own research into the company and the industry first before you make a decision. Is the company a member of a chamber of commerce, are there any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, any lawsuits, who are their customers, etc.? The very name of the company sounds a little shady to me; that's my opinion. In the end you have to decide and the very fact that you are asking for advice means you have some reservations.
Dr. Pinkey
Dec 4, 2014
Rather like Google and other search engines these can be very hit or miss. Many of these courses tell you the obvious. As an example I went to a firm to "show me" how to build a web sitem have yet to complete their service, with the site alledgedly set up, but no Search Engine can find it.
I have never used Home Business Academy so cannot comment on their effectiveness, however anything withe a high price needs serious consideration before entering in to a contract. Have they given you a syllabus relating to the course and what it will include, and preferably in depth. Glibb answers like "we will teach you how to market yourself" but not clarify how and which products they will recommend, and basic accoutancy can be learned from sources which are far cheaper.
I set up my (Dormant) Company from scratch with a "WH Smith special" which cost a nominal amount of money.
I would suggest that you find a branch of the Federation of Small Business (FOSB- Federation of Small Businesses
Sir Frank Whittle Way
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 2FE
They have a specialists and those who have been in small business for some time and often you have access to solicitors as well. They have regular local meetings where information can be exchanged, and frequently have "teach-ins" which can be more useful than a course, particularly if that course is "distance learning".
Distance learning requires a lot of discipline, and you do not have a "live" tutor which you would get in a college which runs a course in Business Studies, even if that was a part time or night class.
You are likely to get a grant from the Government, or at best a student loan; the price of both are going to be lower than the cost of the course you propose, even if the Government Student Loan has to be repaid, it does not have to be paid in one go, and installments can be made only when you have passed and the business you have set up is in profit.
I can't make decision for you, but I would certainly look at alternatives open to you and their costs. Does the course your are considering give you a recognised degree/certificate, or is it merely an exercise in how to look for leads and canvass people. Remember, despite the hype the internet is still very hit and miss and search engines pick up on certain words so you can not guarantee that a person searching for your type of business will use the correct word which would be in your "trigger list" and find your site.
The cost of setting up a web-site is not cheap, and although mine was done through a Government sponsored scheme and the site was created free of charge, I have yet to receive one response from a person searching the internet.
Direct marketing still seems to be the accepted method; the other thing is that in the current market people are not going to be too quick in offering recipricol ideas if you are likely to become one of their competitors. These courses, including the one proposed are more likely to be neutral, but I would read the syllabus very carefully. You cannot afford to spend a lot of money which gives you nothing in return.
I hope this helps.
KInd regards
Chris Richards
The Credit Consultancy Limited
If not, then it is unlikely that employers who do not recognise or know of the Course will take much notice. I carry a professional qualification through my governing body which is specific to my line of business, and I have to admit that it has not brought me much in terms of business, other than a meeting of like minds.
I think you would be best to find a part time course with the local college/polytechnic (university as they refer to themselves) as the cost is likely to be lower in the long run.
I would do your research carefully before you make a commitment.