With over 10,000 people out of work, the scammers are refining their tactics. Some companies are becoming quite crafty utilizing magazines, which only promotes their company or product. It looks like a magazine you would find at Borders or your local 7-11. But this is actually a propaganda piece. Most of the articles are about one company or group of products. There is little other advertising. That should raise a red flag. Magazines make their money by selling advertising. But you are unaware that this piece is a marketing tool. It does not need additional ad space because the featured company paid to have it printed. I call that deceptive and dishonest. If you find such a piece, disregard the information inside.

If a free website is provided, make sure it is fully Search Engine Optimized (SEO). To check, type in your company name into a Google Search. If you do not come up, it is not SEO compatible, which means it will be difficult for your customers to find you in the Internet. This site is designed to promote the main company, not your company.

Our politicians have coined the term “spin”, which is just a new way of presenting deceit. They are not interested in the truth, they are interested is looking good. Both politicians and marketers, who utilize these forms of deception, should be exposed and shunned. Watch your back if you choose to do business with these scoundrels. They have already proven to be deceptive. So, don’t be surprised when things don’t quite workout as they were explained to you.

Ken Bear Cole

A Second Look Business Consulting LLC

I recommend that you walk away from these deceptive companies who offer millions of dollars of income, while showing the top producers laying by the pool or playing with the kids. They are attempting to deceive you! You are entering the land of The Circle People. Yes it is true that some have made huge incomes in MLM companies, but most make very little. Here are some things to look for:

• A strong emphasis on recruiting other distributors rather then selling the product. If you cannot make a supplemental income by selling the products alone, you could be in trouble.
• Pressure to attend conventions and rallies. These are motivation sessions designed to fire you up to build your business. Beware of highly emotional presentations promising riches in exchange for only working a few hours each week. Sustainable businesses require a large amount of effort to get them going. Things become easier as you accumulate more customers, but I do not know of any businesses, which operate on their own. Management is required to keep thing working well.
• Little or no FREE formal training. Quality companies want their sales reps properly trained so they properly represent the products and services. Some MLM companies charge additional money for training. You could end up paying an additional $1,000 or more to learn how to sell the product and you still have not made any money.

Too often these companies play on your desires to get more and work less. It’s a nice dream, but it is seldom true. If it is true, they will not have any problem showing you copies of the checks they have received over the past six months. Also ask to see bank statements. Photocopies with bank accounts blacked out are acceptable. If they can’t produce proof, walk away. They are only after your money.

The buy-in fee should be $100 or less. That is a reasonable fee to cover administrative costs for establishing an account and processing the paperwork. Those requiring more are actually making money for signing up new sales reps. That is why they emphasis recruiting new people.

Be aware of the deceivers as you look for new business opportunities.

Ken Bear Cole

A Second Look Business Consulting LLC.