Advocare Business Team,
Please allow me to share some perspective regarding terminogy that gets thrown around out there...
This training will help you be more proud of who we are & what we do as Advocare distributors...
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When you share Advocare, some people might assume or say "Oh ya this is one of those "MLM things"... my sister does "Jungle Juice XYZ" company so I know what this is all about..."
"MLM" = Multi-Level Marketing Company (aka: pyramid deal)
I've come to understand 2 things over time:
1. Most everything you & I purchase has a "multi-level" pay structure
2. There is a difference between an "MLM" & a solid Direct Sales Opportunity
1. Most everything you & I purchase has a "multi-level" pay structure
When you buy groceries, there are "multiple levels" of people getting paid:
1. Farmer
2. Wholesaler
3. Distributor
4. Trucking Companies
5. Grocery Store Owner
6. Grocery Store Employees
So does that make your local grocery store an "MLM" or pyramid deal - clearly not - it's just the way distribution works...
And let's face it, all of the following products & services have a "multi-level" pay structure:
- Gasoline
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Financial Products & Services
- Gym Memberships
- Gas, Electric, & Cell Phone Bills
Bottom line: In a world of specialization & convenience, it takes
SEVERAL LAYERS OF DISTRIBUTION TO EFFICIENTLY GET A
PRODUCT FROM FACTORY TO CONSUMER
But with most products & services, the layers remain "faceless" to us so we don't really think about it...
2. There is a difference between an "MLM" & a solid Direct Sales Opportunity
How I'd define a typical "MLM":
A relatively unproven company (less than 10 years old) who is NOT a member of the DSA (Direct Sales Association), distributing a marginally effective, over priced product into the market place, which often times is a front for a money making scheme. These companies often attract distributors who've "jumped ship" from their last "MLM" deal and essentially are "career MLM hoppers". There is a very "salesy" feel in their meetings, with a strong emphasis on the business, likely promoting a high roller lifestyle of the 3 J's: Jaguars, Jamaica, & Jewelry.
Essentially, these companies take advantage of the laws which allow a product to be distributed via the "Direct Sales Model" - they often have rogue leadership and are typically shut down, out of business, or merged with other companies within 2-5 years.
Obviously, Advocare is very different than what I described above.
How I'd define Advocare:
Advocare is an 18 year old Direct Selling Company who delivers it's products to the market place through distributors instead of retail outlets (GNC, etc). Advocare is a member of the DSA (the governing body who ensures that high ethics & standards are being met by all members) and features elite science based nutritionals which have a true market demand & value. Advocare allows distributors to be compensated by both retailing the products and building teams which help Advocare expand into the market place.
So, does Advocare have a pay structure that compensates through multiple levels of distributors - absolutely - just like your groceries, gas, & insurance.
Is Advocare even remotely close to the typical MLM deal your friend or brother referred to? No.
In Summary:
Thinking objectively & differently is a major part of living a life different from the masses.
Be proud of what you represent; you are a special person, & Advocare is a special company.
EDUCATING & RE-EDUCATING people is sometimes a part of our job description.
We can't control everyone's perception, but we can control how we respond, how we live our lives, and how we run our businesses.
Your sharpest future teammates will likely be the biggest skeptics; love them regardless, and live a life that's attractive to them - eventually their faith in you will likely allow them to open their eyes to what Advocare is about.
