Up there near the top of my list right now is multi-level marketing.  Just a hair of a step below pyramid schemes and just this side of being illegal. Usually.  Let’s start by getting on the same page – or better yet, Wikipedia’s page.

The main things to take away:

[Distributors] are awarded a commission based upon the volume of product sold through their own sales efforts as well as that of their downline organization.

and

Independent distributors develop their organizations by either building an active customer base, who buy direct from the company, or by recruiting a downline of independent distributors who also build a customer base, thereby expanding the overall organization

So, the thing about this: it’s a marketing scheme.  The actual thing sold may be a legitimate product, but it’s the distribution scheme that’s I despise. Mainly, I hate the pressure tactics that are generally used. I hate the dishonesty that has to come with it.  I mean, Marketing is inherently dishonest already – pushing one’s viewpoint on the masses.  But they take it to a new level: “you can make millions” – “you can quit your job” – “we have the best/highest rated/awesomest widget on the market” – “only available now”.

No, definitely not a fan. This comes from experience: when I was younger and (most importantly) more desperate, I was suckered into joining one of these organizations.  It lasted about a month, until I realized that it was a huge amount of work for selling your soul (ethically speaking), taking advantage of friends/family, and very much like a cult.

So I’m peeved about this right now.  The reason being that I was suckered into (well, felt obligated into) sitting through another sales pitch. A trusted friend of the family who we’ve watched grow up – a young man now – has entered the world of finance.  But not with the reputable companies – no, with a company that exclusively uses the multi-level marketing approach.

When I was at the same point in my life many people sat through my attempts at sales, even though they had no desire or care. They gave me the time because they were nice, and they were willing to help out a little.  Now I’m in their position.

So the experience wasn’t that bad, but it was definitely nothing I’d go through for any other reason. Attempts to “inform” about finance (basic stuff, too) and investments.  Talking about stuff that I have known since high school (I suppose not everyone is so lucky).  That was pretty quick, and it was pretty obvious I didn’t care. Then came the push: “if you know of anyone who might need our service and refer them on, why not get paid?”  Bang, it went from basic product information to multi-level marketing.

For those who know my in my real life, you know that I’m pretty busy.  Two blogs, an impossible-to-kick photography habit, a full-time job, a business, a young child.  I had budgeted thirty minutes for this, expecting about half an hour on top of that spent in traffic.  This is a significant part of my evening, especially since I had to stay late at the full-time job due to this (no sense leaving early to go home to turn around & drive to this).

So in thirty minutes, what did they cover? About twenty minutes were spent on their products.  Another fifteen on describing sales (it felt quicker, but the watch doesn’t lie).

Now it’s over, and this is good.  Stress levels are returning to normal, and irritation is slowly subsiding. I still feel obligated to help out people like this, but I’m not sure that I have the strength to put up with more sales BS.

OK, enough griping.  Tomorrow: back to photography.