MLM, Pyramid Schemes, and MatricesWritten by Anna-Marie Stewart
Have you ever wondered what difference is? MLM operators claim they're not operating a pyramid scheme. Matrix and "forced matrix" operators claim that what they have is better than MLM. So what are differences?Pyramid Schemes: Pyramid Schemes are illegal in USA, and probably abroad. We all know how these schemes work, or at least get jist of idea. A person (the originator) starts by sending a message to several people. Usually people he/she knows. The message in some round about way, will tell everyone to send him $5 or so...and then send message to someone else. All while adding names to list, and each new recipient must send money to first person, second person...etc There are a million variations of Pyramid Scheme, but main attribute that define a pyramid scheme ( also known as chain letter) is that there is no product, it's just people sending money. The term "Pyramid Scheme" is derived from fact that it starts with one and size of those involved increases as you move towards bottom. On paper, it looks like shape of a triangle, or pyramid. Multi Level Marketing: How is MLM different from a pyramid scheme? After all, on paper any MLM looks like a pyramid in reality right? The differences are very simple. In MLM there is a product being sold. Income is generated from "commissions". It's actually a pyramid scheme, except that participants get something back...regardless of whether people they refer actually pay for something... In MLM, participant always gains from their investment. The catch is in value of product that participant receives. This is reason that MLM is so big on internet. Because, information can have a monetary value, and it cost distributor nothing. So ebooks, software, newsletters...etc... these are most common products used in MLM. MLMers have added tangible products as well, and home products were first to use MLM as a primary marketing strategy. The Forced Matrix: With so many MLM programs on market these days, originators have tried to make their programs more desirable than others. Hence forced matrix idea. In a regular MLM program, your monetary gains are based entirely on how good you are at marketing program. However, most people arent' very good. So it would benefit less talented if they had help from talented. Basically, if number of people who can join under you is limited in any way...then it's a forced matrix. The idea being, anyone else you refer extra..will go under someone else. The best implementations put extra person under one of people YOU have under YOU. Hence it helps person under you, which helps you too.
| | 10 Beer Budget Event Marketing TipsWritten by Sharron Senter
Are you planning an event or participating in a trade show any time soon? If so, consider following 10 low-cost marketing tactics before mailing your payment. Event Marketing Tactic #1 -- Is purchase decision-maker attending event? Are you certain? Let's say you sell gifts that help increase employee moral and you're considering exhibiting at National Association of Human Resources annual conference. Is your decision-maker attending? Who attends this event -- HR directors, managers or VPs? Perhaps all, or a small percentage of all three attend. If your decision-maker is a human resources director, then you'll want to make sure event management company can provide you statistics supporting what percentage of participants have director-level titles. You need to drill down to your target audience. It's not good enough to say that it's a human resources related event; rather, is job title you're targeting attending? And if so, what percentage of attendees hold this title? I recommend at least 50-60% before spending any money. Event Marketing Tactic #2 -- What value-added benefits is venue [trade show organizer] making available to your business? Will they allow you access to attendee mailing list so you can implement a premailing promoting your one-day trade show special, as well as location of your booth? Well organized events, at minimum, provide a list of attendees after event so exhibitors can follow up. More organized events provide participant contact information BEFORE event as well as after. Other value-added benefits to inquire about include: being included in participant email distributions promoting event, as well as an advertisement in event show guide. Event Marketing Tactic #3 -- Target your event qualifying questions around "who?," instead of "how many?." Event Marketing Tactic #4 -- Giveaways should be relevant to your business. Don't give something away for free just for heck of it. Who cares if you collect 10,000 names because you ran a really cool promotion giving away a free 48" TV. If you're a personal chef, what does a TV have to do with your business? Nothing! [Unless you're Emeril.] Therefore, you've just collected 10,000 NON-qualified leads. Instead, as a personal chef you could try, "Sign up to receive our special report, "How to Live Like Rich; Tips to Hire an Affordable Personal Chef." One can assume majority of business cards deposited in your fish bowl have an interest in personal chefs. Event Marketing Tactic #5 -- Location, location, location. If prospects can't see you, then you're wasting your time. Don't be fooled into purchasing a cheap booth at a last-minute special, such as "One booth remaining at 50% off." Chances are no one will be visiting you, since your booth will be tucked away hidden from all eyes. The most ideal locations are found at entryway to event and near pathway to food stations and restrooms. Corner booths between major walk-throughs are ideal.
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