Fast forward to the other day when I was reading an article about the pitfalls of Multi-Level Marketing Companies, commonly known as MLMs. It occurred to me that the article might have been more memorable if it had been written in the Jeff Foxworthy format. For example, you might be involved in a MLM if… those hyped-up promises aren’t really coming true!

Of all the home businesses out there, old-fashioned MLMs are the most problematic. If you get sucked into one, you risk losing lots of time and money. Of course, someone is always making money in one of these operations but usually those few souls at the top of the organization rely on a fresh supply of people willing to invest time and money in the business.

You might be involved in a MLM if … you feel pressured to increase your own personal volume in order to qualify yourself or your team for bonuses. In other words, are you buying more stuff than you need or want?

You might be involved in a MLM if… you feel pressured to attend meetings that spend more time on cultish team building activities than teaching sound business strategies.

You might be involved in a MLM if…you must carry inventory.

You might be involved in a MLM if…you are ashamed to show anyone your earnings.

You might be involved in a MLM if…you feel guilty about getting people you care about involved in your business.

What should you do if you realize you’re stuck in a MLM?

1. Appreciate that it is never too late to change horses!

2. Understand that your sales background and contacts are worth a fortune.

3. Recognize that there is a home business out there that will compensate you on introducing real products to real people who have a real need. No fluff. No hype. No empty promises.