Both Dibs and I have been asked this question too many times to ignore it any longer.
So, there we were, minding our own business, when Nicole, our darling daughter, decided to put us through the wringer. “So, are you involved in multi-level marketing, or is it a primed scheme?” she barked, catching us off guard with her interrogation skills. (Note to self: never play poker with Nicole.)
Now, let me tell you a bit about Nicole. She’s not just any ordinary kid (small adult, now at 28); she’s a question machine. You start explaining one thing, and she’s already loading up the next inquiry like she’s gearing up for rapid-fire mode. Trying to keep up with her is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle – entertaining for bystanders, but slightly terrifying for those involved.
So, there we were, attempting to enlighten Nicole about our online ventures, only to be met with the classic blank stare and nod combo. It’s like talking to a statue with a side hustle in interrogation techniques.
Then, just to keep things interesting, we ventured out into the wild territory of a lunchtime gathering with our old Rotarian pals. And lo and behold, the question du jour was, “What exactly are you doing?” It seems the concept of affiliate marketing still eludes many, much like trying to explain why cats plot world domination from the comfort of their cardboard box forts.
So, to shed some light on this enigma wrapped in a mystery, we decided to pen an article for our affiliate business website. It’s a side-by-side comparison of multi-level marketing, which everyone and their grandma seems to understand, and online affiliate marketing, which might as well be quantum physics to some. And hey, it’s going up on the blog – not as a sneaky marketing ploy, of course. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. But hey, a little humor never hurt anyone, right?
I am hoping this article below brings some clarity to those who are still in the dark. We would love to hear your comments, please. And while you there, why not sign up to our mailing list (only to remind you every now and again to comeback to the site to catch up on our doings, Oh and by the by, we do have an email privacy policy in place)
Why busy folks should kick MLM to the curb and dive into Affiliate Marketing!! (even if you’re about as clueless as a goldfish in a bowl right now)
Ever find yourself dodging people like an Olympic athlete at the shopping center, the bar, or coffee shop? You know the ones—the moment you say “hi,” you’re hit with a sales pitch for their MLM products faster than you can say “latte.”
Maybe you’re even guilty of being that overly enthusiastic “partner” who can’t seem to have a regular chat without slipping into sales mode. Been there, done that, got the awkward conversation tee.
But fear not! There’s a shining beacon of hope amidst the chaos: Affiliate Marketing. It’s the secret sauce that blew my mind and made me realize there’s a better way and so much simpler than you would think (and it all started with some free workshops, no less).
Now, we are proudly juggling not one but two awesome businesses that is busy changing our lifestyle. Who knew dodging sales pitches could lead us to such an awesome opportunity…here’s to working on your laptop, becoming that Digital Nomadic Entrepreneur.
What exactly is MLM?
The Multi-Level Marketing business model (also referred to as MLM, Network Marketing, Referral Marketing, or Direct Selling) involves selling products and services while recruiting others into your team to do the same. You earn commissions on your sales and, as a recruiter, on the sales made by your recruits.
You may also receive bonuses and incentives based on your team’s performance. Typically, this entails purchasing stock yourself, and you’ll often see people selling such stock at market stalls, school fairs, events, and directly to friends every time you meet!
So Then, what the heck is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate Marketing, on the other hand, is a different approach to earning income from home and is favored by the ‘Modern Wealthy.‘ In this model, you promote other people’s products or services and earn a commission on the resulting sales. There’s no need to buy stock, sell to friends, or rely on a pyramid-style commission structure or team building.
Affiliate marketing allows you to leverage the vast potential of the online world by promoting highly desirable and relevant products you love, potentially leading to significant commissions.
>>CLICK HERE FOR FREE TRAINING VIDEOS<<
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly…
MLM – The Good
- Flexibility: MLM offers a flexible schedule, making it suitable for part-time or side hustle work.
- Low start-up costs: Compared to other business opportunities, MLM typically requires low initial investment.
- Potential for high income: MLM provides the potential for high earnings through personal sales and team commissions.
- Personal development: MLM often offers training and support for personal and entrepreneurial growth.
- Social networking: MLM opportunities allow for networking and relationship building.
MLM – The Bad
- Over promise, under deliver: Many MLMs promise substantial rewards but often deliver minimal earnings.
- Pressure to recruit: Success in MLM often requires constant recruitment efforts, straining personal relationships.
- Costly inventory: MLMs may require purchasing inventory, leading to potential financial strain.
- Limited control: MLM distributors have limited control over products, marketing, and pricing.
- Reputation: MLM has a negative reputation due to fraudulent practices by some companies.
- Dropout rate: Many participants leave MLM due to difficulties in making sales or recruiting.
- Pyramid structure: Only a few at the top of the MLM pyramid earn significant income.
MLM – The Ugly
- The constant pressure to meet targets, compete, recruit, and sell to personal networks can be overwhelming.
Affiliate Marketing – The Good
- Low risk, high reward: Affiliate marketing requires minimal investment and offers high earning potential.
- No pressure to recruit: Affiliate marketers can focus on promoting products they believe in without recruitment pressure.
- No inventory: There’s no need to purchase inventory, reducing financial risk.
- More control: Affiliate marketers have control over the products they promote and their marketing strategies.
- The digital gold rush: With billions of online shoppers, affiliate marketing leverages the booming digital market.
- Skillset: Online skills learned in affiliate marketing are highly desirable and can be applied in various contexts.
- Digital nomad: Affiliate marketing allows for remote work from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Earn passive income: Affiliate marketers can earn income 24/7 once marketing systems are set up.
Affiliate Marketing – The Bad
- Competition: Increasing popularity means more competition in some niches.
- No control over the product: Affiliate marketers have no control over the products they promote.
- Commission cuts: Some companies may reduce commission rates over time.
- Fluctuating income: Affiliate income can vary based on product performance and market changes.
- Need for consistent effort: Success requires consistent promotion and audience building.
Affiliate Marketing – The Ugly
- Some affiliate programs offer poor returns, lack resources, community, or support. Many scams promise quick riches in affiliate marketing, which isn’t realistic.
In conclusion…
Your time is valuable, and it’s essential to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision. While MLM offers flexibility and income potential, it comes with drawbacks like pressure to recruit and limited control.
On the other hand, affiliate marketing presents low risk, high reward opportunities without the need for recruitment or inventory. Ultimately, finding success in either model requires dedication and effort.
Personally, I’ve found affiliate marketing to be a more lucrative and fulfilling path, allowing me to build my dream business and achieve financial freedom. If you’re ready to explore affiliate marketing,
I highly recommend the Affiliate Marketing training that helped me make the transition from MLM. Click the link below to access the free training and embark on your own exciting journey!
>>CLICK HERE FOR FREE TRAINING VIDEOS<<
A big thank you to Jennie Edmondson, a fellow affiliate marketer for all the advice, support and contributing to the above article.