Network marketing: My misgivings

In a follow up to my recent comment on Amway, and the concept of Network marketing it would seem that some Amway conscripts and managers got a little hot under the collar. So here is clarification of my position and why I have misgivings about, not just Amway, but network marketing in general.

My boyfriend was contacted by a business associate and invited to attend a presentation that would make him "fabulously wealthy for doing very little work", and I went along. No mention was made that this was an Amway presentation — during and after a one hour presentation that was the most boring and pointless diatribe that I have ever had to endure.

Moreover, no product or company was mentioned in the entire hour. Except though, the importance of buying some CDs and books was foisted on us with regular monotony.

'Idea of becoming wealthy'

After the presentation we were approached by a man who asked us what we thought of the "idea of becoming wealthy". I asked him whether he was with Amway. "Er, Network 21", he said. He did however admit that they sell Amway products.

This to me — and I told him as much — comes down to underhand tactics, by not telling people that it's an Amway presentation. The reason they do this is because anyone who is old enough to sign a contract has been solicited by an Amway convert, so given the choice most people would rather stay at home and cut their toe nails.

If you do a search on the internet you will see that there are scores of articles and books on the subject of Amway, some go as far as calling it a cult. I found three books written about the organisation from ex-high ranking members, and the blurbs made for interesting reading.

'24-7 work'

On Ruth Carter's book, 'Smoke and Mirrors', critics write: "Ruth Carter has written a clear, concise account based on her 15 years of experience as a distributor and five years of insider information as the employee of a Diamond. The book attacks head-on the accusations of deception, cultism, and greed which are so often leveled at the Amway business."

Another reviewer wrote: "I feel compelled to send this to you after having emerged from one of the Amway motivational cults... What I discovered at this level was widespread systematic deceit of the highest order. (It was a) non stop 24-7 work week with little or no time for family and friends. I hope and pray that your book spares many of the Amway/Quixtar cultish nightmare that we have endured."

So the comments I made about Network 21 previously, came from personal experience and no matter how upset the officials at Amway get, the truth is the truth.

My comments are based on my experience and research. If there are successful Amway representatives out there that run open, ethical and professional set ups: well done, and I am sure that there are some individuals that have the mettle to make it work.

However I reiterate: it is not a get rich scheme that requires no effort on the part of the member. It is very hard work, and requires a 7/11 commitment.

You can read Iona's original article, along with Amway's response to her article here.