Late one night, bleary-eyed and drained from caring for my newborn, I found myself scrolling through my phone when I stumbled upon an irresistible opportunity. They framed it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dive into a groundbreaking venture. The promise? I would own my own business, unlock unlimited income potential, and manage it all from my phone. It sounded too good to be true, and I was instantly captivated.
Curiosity got the better of me, so I did some research. The company was brand new and seemed perfect for a busy mom like me, eager to stay home with her kids. With a small investment, I could run my own business without needing to stock inventory or host parties in people’s living rooms. It felt like a dream come true, and I rushed to sign up.
I was drawn in by videos of the company’s top performers showcasing the products and convincing me of their incredible benefits. It didn’t matter that these items were priced five times higher than similar products at Target; it was magic in a bottle, and I felt I had to be part of it.
Naturally, I thought my family and friends would want in on this too. Surely they would cheer me on in my “side hustle” and support my quest for financial freedom. Plus, many of them could potentially benefit from this ground-floor opportunity and become millionaires themselves. It seemed like a win-win for everyone involved!
I diligently followed the advice from my team. Social media was heralded as the best platform for selling the products, allowing me to post enticing pictures and link to my website for purchases. I created a group and added every single person from my friends list. I didn’t ask for consent—who wouldn’t want to be part of something thrilling? Once they were in, I was encouraged to send direct messages to everyone about the products and the remarkable opportunity I was offering. So what if I hadn’t spoken to some of them in years? They would definitely want to hear about the chance to be their own boss and secure their families financially!
At first, I genuinely believed in what I was promoting. I loved the products, even though they were pricey, but my discount helped. People were buying from me; they loved the items too. I was earning extra money and building my own team. It felt like I was on the right path, with trips and rewards within reach.
However, the initial excitement soon faded, and I realized that the real beneficiaries were those above me in the hierarchy. While I worked tirelessly selling a few products each day, the higher-ups were raking in profits. I began to feel desperate, wanting to be among the top earners. But to achieve that, I realized I would have to exploit others—either by selling them overpriced products or recruiting them to do the same. It felt increasingly unethical.
The market was saturated; everyone seemed to know a representative, making it difficult to find new customers. Initially, I climbed the ranks quickly but hit a plateau where I could barely make any money. Looking back, I see that this is how the system is designed—only a select few make substantial profits, while most earn little to nothing. It’s a predatory scheme targeting young mothers, the unemployed, and the undereducated, selling them a dream that’s nearly impossible to reach. In fact, most participants in MLMs end up losing money.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, as many people seek alternative income sources amid job losses. Unfortunately, these companies exploit fear and the desire for financial stability. The FTC has started cracking down on misleading claims made by some of these organizations, especially those suggesting that their products can help prevent COVID-19, which is simply untrue. It’s disheartening to witness the manipulation of vulnerable individuals.
While I don’t regret my foray into the MLM world, it opened my eyes to its darker side. Those at the top are indeed fortunate, having figured out the system before it became oversaturated. They profit from the efforts of those beneath them, while I realized I’d rather forgo any side hustle than ever send out another “Hey girl!” message again.
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