TNMM October 2024 "Ask Uncle Russ"

Dear Uncle Russ:

Will the network marketing industry still be here in the next 5-10 years?

Contemplating_____ Charlotte, NC

Dear Contemplating :

In all candor. I must disclose that I am uncertain whether I, or even the world as we now know it, will be here in the next 5-10 years. That being said, my opinion is that the answer to your question is yes.

Here are my thoughts as to why. Although our business model is often referred to as an "industry" I don't believe it is, and therefore not subject to the same influences. Industries are generally product-based.

If something happens to the product or the market for the same..." bye-bye." Kodak",, throw away cameras, and processing stations come to my mind.

"Network Marketing, however, is a method or system of distribution, the natural evolution of direct sales. I look back on 44 years of love, hate, and fascination with MLM with no small sense of amusement.

Business "experts" were throwing dirt on its grave into the early nineties....but guess what? When it comes to sales, advertising, or marketing, "Word Of Mouth" is still King. The only thing that changes, and I imagine always will is how, and how much an Independent Distributor gets paid.

I had a skeptical relative who once declined to become part of my enthusiasm for a particular opportunity/ He said: "That will never work!" After I made a million dollars he said: "That will never LAST!" Maybe he was right...but that was 40 years ago and so far so good! lol

________________________

Will the affiliate marketing model replace the traditional network marketing model?

Feeling Old and Out of Touch _____ Rockford. Illinois

Dear F.O.O.T. :

I feel your pain. "Replace...?" No, I don't think so. "Merge" is more like it, in my opinion. I have seen "Affiliate Marketing" defined and described as companies paying independent "affiliates" to be the "middleman" to broker their products directly to the general public, thereby saving millions in advertising, sales commissions, and marketing costs. Pretty much the same definition as Network Marketing, EXCEPT, that MLM generally finds a way to pay MANY individuals on a sale through merchandising commissions in a multi-level fashion compensation plan.

________________________

What's the secret to creating a winning team culture in network marketing?

Skeptical But Curious________ Hanover, PA

Dear "Skeptical" :

I am certain there is more than just one. A case can be made for : Courage, Consistency, Loving people, Creativity, Resilience, Heart, Enthusiasm....However one, in my experience, trumps them all, not only in network marketing, but in life itself: LISTENING .

Love, Uncle Russ