Forever Living
Date: July 04, 2007 04:31AM
I tried to go back but alas it was lost. I thought I'd write a quick reply in (word this time) and it turned out to be bigger than the first post! Sorry if you get bored.... ;-)
Hi Carioca, Lexy and everyone else.
I’ve been doing research on FLP as I’ve recently signed up to be a distributor – a bout 3 weeks ago.
I’ve been doing some research into the company and I’m hoping to offer a balanced opinion of what I’ve experienced so far.
Firstly, the products. There is no scientific research. This is still a concern for me although the number of success stories seem to be massive. That’s why I’m trying the products for myself, along with my very sceptical family to see what happens. That said, no-one seems to have an issue with the products, only the pricing so I’ll leave that there.
I was initially very sceptical that this was a pyramid scheme but am fairly sure FLP isn’t that as you have to sell the products to make any money (unlike a pyramid scheme where they want your investment). No product sales = no money. It seems they’re basically trying to get everyone to buy their products through recommendation instead of advertising. I’m still a little uncomfortable with it all, even though I can’t put my finger on why yet. Maybe because there isn’t any scientific research?
My experience differs from Lexy’s though in that a good friend of mine told me about the business and he is a man of integrity and honour – much like myself. We’re both life coaches which is an ethical business (although some idiots still let the side down).
Basically, he was honest about what the business entailed and I’m not your average distributor. I only joined because I’m training to be a fitness instructor and thought that the supplements and drinking gels can genuinely help people with their health. Sure, I’ll make some money on it but it is a business after all and quite simply, I don’t need that money so anything I earn is a bonus. Recruiting (sorry SPONSORING in company speak) is not something I actively intend to do with my friends and family, but mainly with clients who want a business opportunity or seem interested. If family friends want to join then clearly I’ll do it but I’m not up for hassling my friends and family because they won’t appreciate it. Basically, I’m not your average FLP distributor as the money has limited interest for me but getting good products to people does (once I’m convinced the products are good – not totally there yet).
Lexy – If your still doing this business then I’d suggest skipping your upline manager (who sounds like an A-hole) and talking to his manager, and if that doesn’t work then talk to his manager.
I’d hope that a good manager would help you expand your business and sell your products. I’m very sceptical of someone who just wants to recruit for profit and not actually sell the product. Surely the reason to do this is to sell as much product as possible – even if you’ve done your quota? If the products are as good as I’m led to believe then not offering it to someone who could be helped by a product such as an Asthma sufferer or an IBS sufferer is unethical?
I think my only problem with all MLM schemes including FLP is that there are unethical people in the business who are recruiting, passing on their bad habits and so on and so on.
I went to a training day recently and I have to say although it was a bit over the top, it was pretty much motivating people and giving them advice on both products (very good) and how to recruit (mixed bag on that one).
There were some genuinely nice, helpful and friendly people and one or two (including one of the speakers) who I got very bad vibes from. Basically, FLP is going to make you rich and if you don’t do it then more fool you kind of stuff. Really not my bag.
I think you just have to enter this business with open eyes. Yes, the plan is to recruit as many people as possible which to the company means they sell more of their products. You can always say no. I do. A lot. I certainly haven’t dressed in the company idea of business attire yet and I don’t intend to. Maybe if I was presenting, but to go to a training day with your peers and colleagues in a suit? No thanks.
Pretty much, my criticisms of FLP are much smaller than my old job anyway, where I was in a “pyramid” structure and never even got a chance to get promoted because I didn’t stick to company policy. At least at FLP I can run things exactly how I want to, even if that does mean I probably won’t make any significant money until 2009!
I think this business does take a lot of hard work, just like any other business and the rewards for some seem to be huge, but only if you stay in long enough and keep working. Fortunately for me, I only do it to help people actually take the products for their health so every time something comes up I’m not comfortable with, I just say no, and it really hasn’t caused any problems so far.
I think the hardcore elite FLP crowd might think I was being difficult but my advice is stick to your principles and you can probably do well in this business as you’ll be able to sleep at night.
Lexy – maybe if you do keep up this business you could be the type of person you’d liked to have been sponsored by – someone supportive, honest who actually wants their recruits to do well for themselves, and not just to make you money.
I hope that’s a balanced opinion of my experience so far. Yes I think MLM including FLP have their issues but then so have every other business I’ve ever worked for and FLP seem to have less (I used to work in Investment Banking and that really was a profits stay at the top business).
If anyone in FLP sees this then I’ll probably have my distributor status revoked but what the hell – I’m only telling the truth as I see it.
One last point on the balance issue – I think the top level manager dieing from cancer is a little unfair. No-one is immune from the lottery of cancer, be they taking every health product their company provides or the average Joe on the street. If Aloe Vera prevented all cancers then we probably wouldn’t be having this discussion. Not meant to be flippant, but the strongest, healthiest people in the world can and often do get cancer. I know you said it was disconcerting that he died, but I’d just say it’s unlucky. If all of the board died then that would be disconcerting.
Anyway, if anyone’s interested I’ll post again as get more acquainted with FLP.
I do believe your point about questioning everything, Lexy and that is what I intend to do. Fortunately for me, I don’t need the money so I can pretty much do as I please (I suppose we all have that free will, we might just believe we need that money).
Carioca – the person sponsoring you giving you people to sponsor makes sense to me. Although she won’t make as much money as sponsoring them herself, she may be more likely to qualify for a bonus trip away if you sponsor more people (playing the bonus system if I’m a little cynical) or she is actually a really nice person who wants to see you progress quicker because extra income could give you extra incentive at the critical early stages when you have just joined (the much nicer view). You decide which reason it is.
If anyone wants to repost or email me direct with any experiences, I’d be keen to hear them!
Oh – one last thing. I’ve actually been critical of a couple of things and although they didn’t go down too well, they certainly didn’t turn on me and some people actually started to think about it. Again, I think it’s the slight lottery of which area/team you’re in. Mine seem open-minded enough not to make me run away although I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out in case that sort of behaviour does happen.
Cheers, Steve