In today’s post, I’d like to cover what I believe are the top 10 MLM Benefits. Think of these as the advantages of what network marketing has to offer.
No, our industry is not perfect. But, if you can look at it objectively and do your due diligence, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find. What you will see below are the top 10 things that really stand out to me, when comparing our industry to a job or traditional business.
Top 10 MLM Benefits
Keep in mind these MLM Benefits are listed in no particular order. Enjoy!
# 1: Discount on Products
The first benefit, and the reason most people join our industry, is to get wholesale pricing on the products. In most companies, this is a savings of ten to thirty percent on your product purchases. Over the course of a lifetime that is a lot of money you can save by being a wholesale customer or distributor. Plus, many network marketing companies have “perks” or “rewards programs” for their loyal shoppers, where they can earn free products or cash back.
# 2: Personal Development
One of my favorite things about our industry is the personal development. This industry taught me the importance of personal development, to include things such as reading books, attending events, talking with mentors, listening to tapes, setting goals and associating with positive, uplifting people. The personal development has helped me develop my potential and become a 100% better person. Most top leaders I’ve talked with credit personal development as their # 1 favorite thing about the industry.
Growing a team and your income in network marketing is all about personal growth. The more you grow as a person the bigger your income becomes. Most all network marketing companies are huge proponents of personal growth and building people up and helping them become better people.
Source: Sculpt Movement
# 3: Business Training
You could go out and spend $50,000 to $100,000 and earn your MBA. Or, you could do network marketing for a few years and learn even more about business than what you would have learned while studying for your MBA. I have a Master’s Degree in Management and never received even one hour of training on how to start and grow a business of my own. Instead, I was taught how to be an employee.
The valuable business, social and leadership skills that representatives working with these business models gain are priceless; abilities such as sales, networking, and general business practices are valuable rewards you can take forward with you into any future job opportunities or business ventures, proving that in many ways, joining a network marketing company isn’t just a financially smart decision, it is a personal investment as well.
Source: CEOWorld Magazine
# 4: Time Freedom
We are a lifestyle business. No, most people don’t succeed in our industry. However, the people who do succeed live the ultimate lifestyles. They have the time and money freedom and live better than most millionaires because they are not stuck to a set location and they don’t need to worry about employees or traditional business headaches, such as accounts receivable.
With traditional business models, employees are often forced to choose between their career and their personal life, forcing valuable aspects such as family time, self-care, and relaxation to the back burner.
Meanwhile, the self-driven, independent nature of network marketing structures allows for a richer, more flexible day-to-day schedule and work balance. Those who opt to pursue careers with these companies are not forced to choose between their personal and professional lives; they are afforded both on their own terms.
Source: CEOWorld Magazine
# 5: Leverage without Employees or Money
Leverage is a powerful thing. Most entrepreneurs become an entrepreneur because they understand the power of leverage. What most businesses do is hire lots of employees. They earn a small profit from each employee, so to grow their business larger, they keep hiring more employees.
With network marketing, you can have leverage without hiring employees or paying a lot of money to start a business. This is a significant benefit as I see it.
# 6: Tax Benefits
Network marketers enjoy the same tax benefits that traditional business owners have. Our tax laws in the USA are designed for entrepreneurs. As an employee, you are really limited with your tax deductions. However, once you start your own business, even a network marketing business, you have immediate access to the same tax advantages that traditional business owners have.
Having a part-time or full-time home business gives you great tax incentives that are used by the rich. All of a sudden, all your transport, rent, computer, phone, office equipment, coffee shop visits, meals out, as well as many other things all become a tax-deductible expense. You too can have access to tax incentives that rich people get to use.
Source: Network Marketing HQ
# 7: No Financial Risk
Starting a traditional business can easily cost you six or seven figures, just to get started. With network marketing, you can normally get started for less than a few hundred dollars. Plus, the ongoing monthly overhead is normally only $100 to $200 (the cost of your auto-ship). This is substantially cheaper than the start-up and monthly overhead cost of just about any other type of business. Even better, this business is designed to do part-time while you keep your day job and bills paid! Plus, the income potential is unlimited.
The advantage of starting an MLM Program is that there is a small risk to get started. With a couple of hundred dollars, it is possible to get started with a company of your choice, marketing products that you consume already. The amount of financial commitment is insignificant compared to that of traditional business.
Source: Streetdirectory.com
# 8: Work from Anywhere in the World
As I mentioned earlier, MLM is the ultimate lifestyle business. As long as you have a cell phone and internet connection, you can run your business. You aren’t restricted to set location or country. You can work at the beach or while you travel the world.
You are not stuck in one location. You have the flexibility of working wherever you want with people all over the world. Many people get stuck owning a company or working in a job where you are stuck in one geographic location that limits your ability to take advantage of the global economy we live in. Network marketing gives you the flexibility of working anywhere with people all over the world.
Source: Sculpt Movement
# 9: Residual Income
Everyone needs residual income. People have residual bills, so why not have residual income? This is money that comes in month-after-month for something you did one time.
Many people invest in becoming consultants for multi-level marketing businesses because it offers them a chance to create extra income. Whether it’s a full-time job or side gig to help make ends meet, working as an independent retailer for an MLM company can help make end meet, provide retirement savings, or allow for greater overall financial flexibility.
Source: Tech Funnel
# 10: Free Mentor
One of the best MLM Benefits is that you get a FREE MENTOR. Your mentor wants you to succeed, outrank and out earn them. They never charge you a penny and they only make money if they help you make money. How awesome is that? Can you name even one other industry that offers that?
As a classical pianist, I understand that the best, fastest way to get anywhere in a career is by having a mentor. There’s no way I would be anywhere in my music career without my musical mentors. However, most companies will not provide one, for you, but network marketing companies will. They’re built so that EVERYONE receives a mentor. A FREE MENTOR!!!!! Actually, in the case of my MLM, MULTIPLE FREE MENTORS. I am regularly given access to materials presented by the top income earner in the company on how to become a better person (super important) and be successful in this field.
~ Christian McGee
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are lots of MLM Benefits. Although building a successful MLM business isn’t easy, or a walk in the park, there are many positive things about our industry. Sure, our industry isn’t perfect. But no business model is. However, we offer lots of benefits for anyone looking to start their own home-based business. My best advice to you is to explore your options, do your homework, and look for a company you are comfortable with.
What are your thoughts? What reasons do you think people should join the MLM Industry for? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.
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.
It is true: the income tax benefits of owning your own business are wonderful. You do need to report income so that you can pay appropriate taxes, but there are so many offsets to be considered: mileage for self-employment related travel, a portion of your mortgage or rent paid for your home office space in your residence, apparel with your company logo, and all self-employment related expenses. Just be sure to save those receipts and be able to document every single deduction that you claim, just in cause the IRS decides that your number comes up for an audit.
Even if people don’t do MLM, they are foolish NOT to have a home based business. The tax savings alone is substantial.
I am happy you chose to list the 5 benefits of having a MLM business, especially for people are interested in getting into the industry. Out of the 5 benefits, my favorites are the low startup costs and the ability to work from home. Both are good because most family have a budget and have a desire to spend more time with their families at home. This was an informative article.
I’m glad I could help. Working from home is huge, especially with the price of gas. And the fact that people who want a business have the opportunity to start a business, even if they are low on cash is a really good thing.
The product discount and low start-up cost are what drew us in to the MLM, direct-selling arena. Whenever I start to say I failed with the Pampered Chef (read, not getting a regular income established), my husband starts adding up what we would have spent furnishing our kitchen as newlyweds without it. And yes, working in your pajamas is DEFINITELY an added benefit when you have small children… 😉
Look at your experience as a valuable lesson in life and in business. Very few entrepreneurs (none that I know of) succeeded in their first business venture. Good things take time!