Just incase you have never heard of it, the best selling book “Multiple Streams of Income” has been around a very long-time. In it the author, Robert Allan, discusses in a very positive way the importance of adding an MLM to your portfolio.
A lot of very smart and successful people are quite familiar with the book, but must have selective amnesia. I have found that referencing this book, and in particularly this chapter, is very useful in opening the minds of some individuals to the importance of finding a reputable MLM.
When Robert Allen coined the phrase "multiple streams of income", a lot of network marketers misunderstood the concept and thought it was a recommendation to join multiple MLM opportunities and try to build multiple downlines simultaneously.
On the contrary, the concept that Allen was putting forth was that -- of all your income streams -- he also recommended adding a network marketing company. There was never any advice for someone to become an MLM junkie.
I have multiple streams of income. But I am only involved in one direct sales/network marketing company. Why? Because joining multiple companies does not multiply your ability to earn.....it DIVIDES the amount of time and effort you have available on any one opportunity.
Simply put: go find any person earning a multiple six- or seven-figure income in network marekting and you will find that they are solely focused on building ONE network marketing business.
Every one of them.
With no exceptions.
So, YES...have multiple streams of income. But don't make the mistake of following poor advice and buy into the idea that having multiple MLMs is going to get you to the top!
And wouldn't you know he goes on to partner up with someone and start his own network marketing company, so yeah, I would say he really does "endorse" it. I happen to have 2 copies of that book here.
You see these folks all over the internet that are in 17 different opportunities. You cannot focus when you have that kind of mentality. You will lose.
See, I guess the term "primary business" is a bit of a non-sequitur for me: because I don't see any compelling reason why anyone would have a "secondary" business IF that business is another network marketing company.
And, yes, I know....I've heard all the arguments. How one product line is supposed to complement the other; how one company is going to be retail only and the other one is for building a downline; how if one prospect isn't interested in Company A then you've got a fallback position with Company B; and yes, I've heard the misplaced analogies that a networker with more ethan one MLM business is no different than a traditional business owner who has a dry-cleaning company and a restaurant. (Nevermind that is a completely absurd example.)
But here's the thing: those are the arguments usually made by people who are NOT making the kind of money you're aiming for. Most of them are making fewer than $500 a month in all their companies COMBINED.
Again, go find every top earner you can think of (someone who's earning $500,000+ per year or more)......and you won't find those arguments. You'll find people who are focused and committed to ONE network marketing business.
And this is as good a time as any to post this reminder: internet forums are FILLED with people who love to give advice. Make sure that you're taking your advice from someone who's actually earning the kind of income you want to earn.
As it applies to this discussion, there are plenty of people who will tell you why it's okay to work multiple businesses. But, would you really value his/her advice if you found out that they've never earned $5,000 a month in any business?
The pros and top earners agree: if you want to get rich in a network marketing company, focus on one business only.
Hi Adam, thanks for putting the chapter online, I am printing it and will read it tonight. I am new to network marketing and I am at a frustrating point right now. So I am happy to have any bit of information to help me.
Thank you again,
Nicki