MLM for Dummies is another common name for the book “Network Marketing for Dummies” by Zig Ziglar and John Hayes. I first learned about this book when I joined the MLM Industry in 2002. In fact, it was one of the first network marketing books I ever read. At the time, I found the information very helpful.
Several months ago, I re-read the book (after nearly 10 years in the industry) and I must admit that this book is definitely for new and inexperienced network marketers, not for anyone with extensive experience in the industry. So if you have been in the network marketing industry more than 6 months now, this book won’t be as beneficial.
Even though I don’t love the book, I still think it’s okay. I’d also like to tell you that I am a HUGE Zig Ziglar fan. I’ve studied most of his sales training materials and have enjoyed them immensely. But for some reason, this book falls short compared to his other products (just my opinion).
All things aside, the book does have some merits. One aspect of the book I really enjoyed is that it provides lots of great information about how to sell your products to retail customers. This is one area that is often neglected by most network marketers.
He also provided some great tips about the tax rules and regulations, to include tax deductions. This can be a very complex subject and Mr. Ziglar kept it fairly simple. So if you don’t know much about those two areas, the information in the book will help you considerably.
What will you learn in the book, “MLM for Dummies?” Here are a few key points:
• How to get started as a distributor
• How to find the right company
• How to develop a marketing and business plan
• How to retail products
• How to build a team, motivate them and retain them
• How to maximize your tax deductions
• Common mistakes of network marketers
These are all important aspects of the network marketing industry.
My favorite things about the book were the “tips” and golden nuggets shared by successful distributors. The book has a bunch of stories and interviews with successful network marketers and what they did to be successful. They talked about what worked, what didn’t work, and what they recommend people do. That is probably the most valuable information in the book.
The little “tips” and “landmines” were good, because you can skim through the book and pick up on some good tips rather quickly.
My biggest gripe with the book is that it is written more like a manual. It is pretty boring and doesn’t include a lot of good success stories or pictures. In addition, it’s a beast with more than 400+ pages.
Overall, I give it a 6 of 10. I think you would be much better off reading “Your First Year in Network Marketing” by Mark Yarnell or “The 45-Second Presentation” by Don Failla. I believe these books would be more beneficial to new network marketers.
The book was first published in 2001 by the “For Dummies” publishing company. It features 408-pages. It can be purchased anywhere books are sold. On Amazon it averages a 4 of 5 stars review and has 25 customer reviews.
On a side note, if you’ve ever read Network Marketing for Dummies by Zig Ziglar, I would love to hear from you. Please tell us what you liked or disliked about the book. Just leave a comment below to share your thoughts.
Chuck Holmes
20+ Year Network Marketing Professional
Top Earner & Top Recruiter
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
P.S. Learn how to grow a successful network marketing business. Secret tips, training, and practical ideas. Free training delivered by email.
I am a big fan of Zig Ziglar and the [what ever] for dummies books. They are always good, and I feel like they are usually written on my level. I have to say that I like the fact that the books do not usually include a bunch of success stories. I feel that everyone has a different experience, and success stories are just filler. I am glad that this book (and the other ‘dummy’ books) read more like manuals. I just want the facts, and then I would like to write my own success story.
Zig Ziglar is the man!
I actually had read Zig Ziglar’s book MLM for Dummies (Network Marketing for Dummies) not too long ago. I agree that if someone has network marketing experience, this book may be a little more basic than what that person is looking for in a resource. I did find it interesting, however, because my only ‘real’ forays into network marketing were years ago before I even knew what the term meant. I enjoyed learning about the MLM industry through this book. Your site, however, has also given me a wealth of information, and it has all been right at my fingertips. Thank you!
I’m glad you enjoyed the book and I’m glad you enjoyed my website. All the best.
As a person who is seriously considering finding a network marketing opportunity that is right for me (and where I live: Puerto Rico), I believe I will be purchasing this book. Zig Ziglar has always been a huge idol of mine. When I worked in sales for Pacesetter windows and doors in Omaha, Nebraska, I found myself consistently listening to Zig Ziglar tapes and videos. I also found that when I was, I was always at the top of the leader-boards in sales and income.
Zig showed me techniques I had never considered. He gave me that outlook that no matter what I was selling, if the person liked me, they would buy. It is true, if an Eskimo likes you they will buy a block of ice from you.
At first I felt dejected that you didn’t feel this book was up to Zig’s best, but that will not stop me. I will find the best he has to give in this book written especially for me–a dummy. Can I get a laugh?
Great post.
His book is still good, it’s just not the best book out there for network marketers. It’s still loaded with great tips.