MLM - Network Marketing Blog

Efusjon Scam Hype and Lies?

I am getting a little tired of the apparent hype and lies surrounding Efusjon

Here is an example from a Hubpage written by an Efusjon rep:

Derek Broes, colleague of Bill Gates and inventor of SKYPE became a VP at Paramount Pictures.

Colleague of Bill Gates? The guy was a director level at Microsoft and Microsoft has over 90,000 employees.  Was Derek Broes really a colleague of Bill Gates?

Maybe Broes was a colleague of Gates.  Good for him.  However the second piece of information about SKYPE appears to be a lie.

Here is information on the founders/inventors of SKYPE (from Wikipedia):

Skype was written by Estonia-based developers Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu and Jaan Tallinn, who had also originally developed Kazaa.[1] The Skype Group, founded by Swedish-born entrepreneur Niklas Zennström and the Dane Janus Friis, has its headquarters in Luxembourg, with offices in London, Tallinn, Tartu, Stockholm, Prague,[2] and San Jose.

No mention of Broes.  In fact the SKYPE entry on Wikipedia makes absolutely no mention of Derek Broes.  

Kind of odd that the "inventor of SKYPE" is not even listed on the SKYPE entry on Wikipedia, don't you think?

Folks, it is not hard to become a fast growing business when you build on hype and lies. 

Like my boys from Public Enemy always say: Don't Believe The (Efusjon) Hype.

Social Media Training for Network Marketers

By Dan Mitchell, MLM Blog Correspondent

Are you ready to take the Social Media Challenge?

If you've been wondering what Social Media is and wondering how to harness the power of Social Media to build your network marketing business...Kristen Darkenwald offers a Social Media Rescue challenge for the 90 days of Summer 2009... at no charge. So don't spend thousands on Social Media training...Kristen is giving it away.

And check out Kristen's videos here...

Go to Social Media Rescue and sign-up and take the challenge!

iJango and Steve Smith Launch iJango in Vegas

By Dan Mitchell, MLM Blog Correspondent

 Here's an update on the alleged iJango pyramid scheme...they are launching Saturday, August 1, 2009 in Las Vegas at the Encore Hotel. Steve Smith of Excel Communications fame has partnered with the guy who started The Relationship Company.

iJango claims they will be the center of the online universe and that this will be the most powerful event in the history of network marketing.

Hype and hyperbole. Hype and hyperbole. Why has someone in China registered over 650 domains that have the word iJango?

You have been warned.

Avon Calling and Calling and Calling

By Dan Mitchell, MLM Blog Correspondent

Here's an inspiring story about an Avon rep who's been at it for 45 years. That's dedication!

From Farsley Today:

Meet a Farsley woman who has been Avon calling for almost half a century. When Mollie Bradley sold her first Avon lipsticks she was a mum with a young son trying to earn a bit of extra cash – and the Beatles were beginning to take the world by storm.

Today she is 79 years old, her son Paul is aged 50 and the Beatles have long become history – but Mollie is still selling Avon cosmetics. Mollie has been Avon calling for forty five years and is one of the company's longest-serving representatives.

Avon, an American company, was introduced into the UK 50 years ago in 1959 and has become an iconic brand with the catchphrase "Ding-Dong Avon calling" becoming its signature.

At the beginning, it was seen as the very essence of American culture but soon became part of British life and the Swinging Sixties – helped by women like Mollie.

In her 45 years in the job, there have been massive changes in the world: seven different prime ministers have led the country, the internet has linked the world globally and the mobile phone has become part of life.

But Mollie's job has remained basically unchanged – except that where once she did it in hat and gloves, now she dresses more casually.

She said: "In the early days we would really dress up, especially for our monthly meetings when al the representatives got together. We would all meet at Pudsey Civic Hall, or at a hotel and discuss the latest products."

Read more...

Avon May Face Fines in China

By Dan Mitchell, MLM Blog Correspondent

From China CSR:

According to Chinese media, Avon (China) Heilongjiang Branch may face a fine of up to CNY2 million and even be asked to take criminal responsibility if it is found to be involved in multi-level marketing.

Avon claims itself to be the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products. However, it is reported by Chinese media that Avon (China) Heilongjiang Branch was under investigation by Harbin Municipal Department for Industry and Commerce for possible involvement in multi-level marketing. Meanwhile, Avon is asked by 12 retailers to recall outdated goods which were said to be mainly due to the company's bad business practice (luring or threatening the retailers to stock Avon products) and a messy layout in locating retailing outlets.

Under China's Regulations on Forbidding Pyramid Selling, parties who introduce, lure or force others to join in multi-level marketing shall have the relevant assets and illegal income confiscated and fined up to CNY500,000 and serious violators shall be punished by law.

Interestingly, Avon recently signed a self-discipline convention with five other direct marketing companies in Guangdong and declared that it would not only abide by China's laws and regulations, but also exercise self-discipline in doing business in China. The six companies also agreed to jointly crack down cross-province multi-level marketing activities and punish organizations involving in large scale multi-level marketing.

Read more...

10 Principles of Highly Ethical Network Marketers Redux

By Dan Mitchell, MLM Blog Correspondent

Over 5 years ago Ty posted a list of the 10 Principles of Highly Ethical Network Marketers to the MLM Blog. Here it is again if you missed it...or you can read the original post here...

1. Treat all downline and potential business partners as unique and valuable individuals

2. Support each downlines freedom, growth, and development

3. Communicate to downline by name with respect

4. Model and encourage a balanced life of good work and rest

5. Honor and respect downlines families

6. Protect downlines life, safety, finances, and health

7. Create an environment free of harassment

8. Be fair and just in financial matters

9. Communicate honestly and truthfully

10. Cultivate a positive attitude toward others and their accomplishments

*Principles patterned off of the Ten Principles of Highly Ethical Business Leaders - www.ethix.org

1. Treat all downline and potential business partners as unique and valuable individuals

2. Support each downlines freedom, growth, and development

3. Communicate to downline by name with respect

4. Model and encourage a balanced life of good work and rest

5. Honor and respect downlines families

6. Protect downlines life, safety, finances, and health

7. Create an environment free of harassment

8. Be fair and just in financial matters

9. Communicate honestly and truthfully

10. Cultivate a positive attitude toward others and their accomplishments

*Principles patterned off of the Ten Principles of Highly Ethical Business Leaders - www.ethix.org

Buzzirk Mobile from Global Verge Launches

By Dan Mitchell, MLM Blog Correspondent

Has anyone heard of this new mobile MLM?

From Global Verge:

Zer01 Mobile announced today that it has signed an agreement with Buzzirk Mobile, Inc. to provide unlimited voice and data mobile wireless services for Buzzirk Mobile subscribers starting in July 2009. The mobile service will also be marketed through Global Verge, a mobile virtual network operator for Buzzirk Mobile. Creating interconnect agreements throughout North America and the globe, Zer01 Mobile is the first mobile service to offer a true unlimited voice, data and Internet plan that is priced affordably with taxes and fees.

“This is a great way to kick-off our commercial launch this summer 2009 as Buzzirk Mobile and Global Verge will begin marketing our unlimited wireless service. Buzzirk Mobile customers will now be able to use voice, text and Web services without counting their monthly minutes for one low price,” said Ben Piiliani, CEO, Zer01 Mobile.  ”Global Verge has members and sales representatives throughout the United States, Canada and several other countries. By leveraging Global Verge’s expert services, Buzzirk Mobile has plans to significantly expand its customer base and dramatically enhance our customer mobile services as our exclusive direct, affiliate and multi-level marketing industry agreement with Zer01 Mobile develops,” explained Mark Petschel, CEO, Global Verge.

Creating interconnect agreements throughout North America and the globe, Zer01 Mobile is the first mobile service to offer a true unlimited voice, data and Internet plan that is priced affordably with taxes and fees included. Priced also affordably, Zer01 Mobile’s international plan reaches out to the most popular calling countries around the world. The company has licensed patent pending proprietary Veritable Mobile Convergence (VMC) Technology that allows each smart phone user to make voice calls or transmit data by sending voice communications through a VoIP system.

Based in Missouri, Buzzirk Mobile is a worldwide mobile communications company supported by marketing and sales efforts by its parent company Global Verge.

Read more...

Direct Sales in Vietnam Booming

By Dan Mitchell, MLM Blog Correspondent

From VN Business News:

Euromonitor International Plc, a market researcher, said Viet Nam had high potential as a market for direct selling and cosmetic industries.

Avon also saw great potential here, so the company opened a plant in the Viet Nam - Singapore Industrial Zone in 2004 to make products domestically, according to Avon Viet Nam.

By 2008, 31 direct-selling companies nationwide had made a total revenue of VND1.2 trillion (US$67 million) and had 450,000 distributors. In 2007, they achieved an average sales growth rate of 16.8 per cent, according to the Viet Nam Competition Authority

"These figures are quite modest as opposed to the size of the Vietnamese population and the entrepreneurship of the Vietnamese people," said Looe Chee Seng, general director of Amway Viet Nam, acknowledging that the global economic crisis had affected consumer spending behaviour, not only in direct selling but throughout the retail sector.

"However, this is only a short-term trend and not expected to impact the evolution of consumer lifestyles, and we believe the market will soon recover. Moreover, our experience in other markets has shown that in difficult circumstance like this, Amway comes out even stronger," he added.

Read more...

herbusiness Inspires, Educates Australian Business Networkers

By Dan Mitchell, MLM Blog Correspondent

herBusiness is the official blog of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network "which provides business mentoring for women, information and business education for women business-owners across Australia and facilitates opportunities for them to engage in business networking, learn and be inspired by role models and by each other. Whether you have an idea for a business, are in start-up or emerging business, or you are well established, we are here to help you learn, grow and connect."

The ABN is headed up by Suzi Dafnis - read more about Suzi here. Read inspiring stories of women in business from ABN's blog here...

This from the berBusiness Blog:

Australian Businesswomen’s Network "supports thousands of women business-owners to increase their skills and their networks. ABN is the peak body representative for businesswomen in Australia. With over 20,000 community members, ABN caters to the largest community of women business-owners in Australia.ABN provides inspiration, education and networking opportunities for women business-owners and entrepreneurs."

And a quote from Suzi:

"I didn’t have any formal business training when I started my first business. Mentors have played a big part in my success. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others find mentors, resources and the information they need to grow and learn."

eXfuze Launches in Malaysia & Thailand

By Dan Mitchell, MLM Blog Correspondent

eXfuze is launching in Malaysia on July 7 and in Thailand July 8.

eXfuze  is based on the power of lucky number seven. They combine "the earth's seven most powerful botanicals" with a  compensation plan featuring seven ways to earn.

The eXfuze product description reads like an Indiana Jones style story...."Explorers and visionaries have always suspected that in exocitc locales, at the furthest reaches of the planet lie the secrets to vibrant health...Traversing the globe...scaling the mountainous regions and the fertile valleys...plumbing the depths of the sea....gleaning modern ruths from ancient folklore...pouring over the most advanced scientific studies..."

The eXfuze executive team is made up of the Cotton brothers: Rick Cotton (CEO) is a former missionary. and Don Cotton (COO) is a former Microsoft employee.

Paul Morris (EVP Sales), a former top Amway distributor and Peter Hammer (VP Ops), a former Executive VP at Mannatech round out the team.

Are there too many "juice" products being marketed by too many network marketing companies? If Xango was first to market - who'll be last?

Maybe eXfuze can "scale the mountainous regions" of success and longevity in the direct-sales industry. Or maybe not. We'll keep you posted.