Who Stole the American Dream: The Book Your Boss Doesn't Want You to Read

Rating:
Summary: Sorry, MLM just is not ethical.
Review: All they hype and glory surrounding MLM (including the author's effusive attitude towards it) cover a very important piece of information: MLM, network marketing, or whatever name it goes by at present, is unethical.

I say "unethical" since most MLM corporations make sure to do their dance one step removed from "illegal," to keep themselves clear of charges of pyramiding, ponzi schemes, or racketeering.

The premise of your average MLM is this: the parent company manufactures, purchases, or makes available a certain quantity of resources. It hires "distributors," who are individuals working through a class-S or another form of single-individual company. These individuals, in the process of selling the resources, also recruit other distributors whose sales activity will be credited to the recruiting distributor in the form of commission.

Over time, it is supposed that the original distributor will have hired so many others and receive commission on their work, that it will no longer be necessary to sell resources themselves, and simply relax while collecting the commission reward for bringing on board the other distributors that individual recruited. Of course, it is expected that any new recruit "change their buying habits" to purchase resources from the company, rather than another source, in order to credit the people above them in the food chain.

The problems here are several:

* The original company has no territory policy to protect its distributors (i.e., you and your next-door neighbor could both end up selling the same AmWay products, competing against one another in close quarters). Under a normal sales practice, salespersons maintain either real or figurative "territories," in which either a geographical area or a portfolio of clients is managed by that salesperson - this originated from the recognition that it is tough enough competing against competitors, without having to worry about being stabbed in the back by co-workers.

* No one bothers to examine the economic reality of the system when in a "revival" recruiting meeting at the local Howard Johnson's. That reality being that there is only so much profit available on a single unit of resources, and the cut of the pie at the bottom tier is miniscule, if present at all. Instead, these companies focus on a hypothetical future where the new recruit will rake in money hand over fist because they managed to recruit distributors who themselves recruited distributors and so on. While distributors are enabled to sell product directly, the prime focus and the majority of activities directed, will be aimed at recruiting. By US law, hiring an endless succession of middlemen breaks the law, as a ponzi scheme.

* Often, "changing your buying habits," particularly in the case of AmWay, means buying practically *everything* from the distributor that recruited you. What is not mentioned is that the products in question are overpriced when compared to competitors or even other sources for identical items. Often these companies will tout their partnerships with such firms as "Coca Cola, GM Cars, Dell Computer" or other big-name vendors - who themselves couldn't care less who is selling their wares, so long as it moves more of their product out of the warehouse. Buying in this fashion cripples the new recruit's cash-flow further, and this can be particularly difficult if the individual is already cash-strapped and desperate to improve his or her situation.

There are better, and more successful, ways to spend your money and start your own business. MLMs are simply pyramid schemes waiting to prey on the greed and desperation of people who have not been educated about business. As a rule of thumb - if someone is unwilling or cagey about announcing whom it is that they represent, there is a good reason to avoid them. Another that might apply is that no job should ever COST you money up front - if the company is confident in its wares and its sales strategy, they will hire you and offer to pay you for your time.

If you really itch to start your own business, there are plenty of books that can help you do so - and ones that will steer you into choosing your market correctly.

Best of luck -

T

Rating:
Summary: MLM is not the only option!
Review: I went into this book (given as a gift) with an open mind, but my impressions quickly turned negative. It incessantly promotes materialism and money as a measure of success using mostly-unfounded claims and blatantly prejudicial statements against all other career paths than the one described and, it seems, anybody who has done Mr. Hedges wrong in the past. It appears to be a small-minded book aimed at easily impressionable people. My favorite passage: "How about happiness? They say it's the one thing money *can't* buy. We all know *that's* not true." Case closed.

Rating:
Summary: Wake up to the real American Dream!
Review: If you are looking for the reason why the average American worker is losing the American dream everyday, then read this book!! This book gives great facts about employment and traditional business ownership and how they are no longer helping Americans obtain their dreams. And, how to look at other options that help you retrieve the American dream. After reading this book, my eyes and mind were open to the realities of the American economy and how I fit into the free enterprise machine. If you want to learn how to get more time with family and friends, freedom, and money through proven tools and formulas, then get this book fast!

Rating:
Summary: Sorry, MLM is more than just ethical.
Review: In response to a post made by "Thomas J. Theobald" back on MArch 26, 2003 RE: Sorry, MLM just is not ethical. This individual refers to MLM as pure "hype and glory" and says it is "unethical."

He even goes on to suggest "that most MLM corporations to make sure to do their dance one step removed from "illegal," to keep themselves clear of charges of pyramiding, ponzi schemes, or racketerring."

What planet has this guy been living on for the last 25 years? Is he not aware that even the hardened FTC gave Amway, the great grandaddy of MLM corporations a clean bill of health regarding their marketing strategies way back in the late 70's?

Is he not aware that major corporations, those who have a lot to lose by aligning themselves with less than desireable marketing plans or companies now utilize MLM or Network Marketing?

MLM or Network Marketing has come of age. It is the "Wave of the Future." It is the opportunity of the century and especially in times like now where we are entering into a jobless society.

MLM is way of marketing. Yes it has layers of management but don't all corporations also have layers of management?

Obviously Mr. Theobald did n ot take much time to truly investigate MLM or he would know that MLM is not an "illegal pyramid scheme." Also, he should know that MLM does not "hire" people. MLM offers business opportunities to independent contractors. This is not a "job" so the supposition that "you should not have to pay for a job" holds about as much weight as Mr. Theobalds other ridiculous charges.

As far as MLM products being "overpriced", MLM products are more expensive because they are of a better quality.

Since this individual mentions Amway repeatedly, I have to wonder if Mr. Theobald just has a gripe about Amway in particular in place of the overall MLM industry. I also have to wonder if he tried a "poke it with a stick method" in the MLM company that he obviously failed in.

Mr. Theobald also conveniently forgets to mention the wholesale discounts that MLM representives get so the accusation that "changing your buying habits" would put a strain on a new recruits cash flow is without basis. Also, I know of no good MLM company that "requires", as Mr. Theobald suggests to buy huge amounts of products. So once again, Mr. Theobald's comments are without basis.

MLM may very well be the last bastion for true financial freedom. Why knock it?

And Mr. Theobald, try reading the book with an open mind and get involved with a good MLM company that offers good products and a personal development program as well.

Although I am not an Amway distributor, I would suggest that Mr. Theobald enroll in Amway just for the personal development. It will clean out your mind of junk obviously from reading too many tabloids or even other supposed respectable publications that only print the "hype" against MLM.

Rating:
Summary: Sorry, MLM is more than just ethical.
Review: In response to a post made by "Thomas J. Theobald" back on MArch 26, 2003 RE: Sorry, MLM just is not ethical. This individual refers to MLM as pure "hype and glory" and says it is "unethical."

He even goes on to suggest "that most MLM corporations to make sure to do their dance one step removed from "illegal," to keep themselves clear of charges of pyramiding, ponzi schemes, or racketerring."

What planet has this guy been living on for the last 25 years? Is he not aware that even the hardened FTC gave Amway, the great grandaddy of MLM corporations a clean bill of health regarding their marketing strategies way back in the late 70's?

Is he not aware that major corporations, those who have a lot to lose by aligning themselves with less than desireable marketing plans or companies now utilize MLM or Network Marketing?

MLM or Network Marketing has come of age. It is the "Wave of the Future." It is the opportunity of the century and especially in times like now where we are entering into a jobless society.

MLM is way of marketing. Yes it has layers of management but don't all corporations also have layers of management?

Obviously Mr. Theobald did n ot take much time to truly investigate MLM or he would know that MLM is not an "illegal pyramid scheme." Also, he should know that MLM does not "hire" people. MLM offers business opportunities to independent contractors. This is not a "job" so the supposition that "you should not have to pay for a job" holds about as much weight as Mr. Theobalds other ridiculous charges.

As far as MLM products being "overpriced", MLM products are more expensive because they are of a better quality.

Since this individual mentions Amway repeatedly, I have to wonder if Mr. Theobald just has a gripe about Amway in particular in place of the overall MLM industry. I also have to wonder if he tried a "poke it with a stick method" in the MLM company that he obviously failed in.

Mr. Theobald also conveniently forgets to mention the wholesale discounts that MLM representives get so the accusation that "changing your buying habits" would put a strain on a new recruits cash flow is without basis. Also, I know of no good MLM company that "requires", as Mr. Theobald suggests to buy huge amounts of products. So once again, Mr. Theobald's comments are without basis.

MLM may very well be the last bastion for true financial freedom. Why knock it?

And Mr. Theobald, try reading the book with an open mind and get involved with a good MLM company that offers good products and a personal development program as well.

Although I am not an Amway distributor, I would suggest that Mr. Theobald enroll in Amway just for the personal development. It will clean out your mind of junk obviously from reading too many tabloids or even other supposed respectable publications that only print the "hype" against MLM.

Rating:
Summary: Critical Mass: MLM headed for takeoff!!!
Review: Network Marketing (MLM) has reached the final stage of the concentration years---and entering the explosive Momentum years!Network Marketing has gained popular acceptance, and when that happens, it becomes market driven.Burke Hedges compares the growth in Network Marketing to the personal computer. In the 1960's personal computers didn't even exist. In the 70's, only "techies" owned them. But by the mid 80's, and well into the 90's, that industry hit critical mass.The same thing happened to microwaves and vcr's. Once they hit Critical Mass-BOOM!....sales go through the roof!Hedges also explains trend changes. For example, in the 1970's, 8 track tapes were popular as were vinyl records. But where are they now? They were displaced by audio cassettes which are now losing popularity to cd's. Video's are losing popularity to dvd's.In the same way, people are now going into mlm/network marketing instead of hanging their hopes on a J-O-B as a career and consumers are purchasing more and more products via this distribution channel every day. The system is growing...and rapidly.Hedges goes on to explain that eventually everyone will be involved in network marketing...either as a consumer or as a distributor/associate involved in a network marketing/mlm company. Hedges also blows away the misconcetion that MLM/NETWORK MARKETING is a illegal pyramid schemebut does expose some illegal pyramid schemes that did exist.Overall, a very good book. And as the subtital says; "This is the book that Your Boss Doesn't Want You To Read."I recommend this book to everyone who is uncertain as to WHY they need to get into MLM and Now.

Rating:
Summary: Opportunity of A Lifetime to get your piece of the American
Review: Since September 11, 2001, the American economy has been in a downward spiral. No job is safe any longer no matter how long you have worked there.

Enter PREPAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC. A 31 year young NYSE corporation that markets North American wide access to top lawfirms for less than a cup of coffee per day. You can start your own business for less than [dollar amount]. Never worry again about being unemployed. ...

Rating:
Summary: It's Kind of Dated!!!
Review: Sure, there are the defenders of MLM and the detractors. There are those who think that the "J-O-B" is a dirty word, and others who make their livelihood and support their families and build great careers with companies, because that's the conviction they have about their God-given calling.

Let's stop defending the MLM people. So what if the FTC gave AMWAY the great bill of health and it's the grand-daddy of them all. Big deal. We all know folks who have hoodwinked others in their network schemes. I was one who was encouraged to use half-truths and enlist others in a cause to buy books and tapes which contained many falsehoods, and it wasn't ethical then, nor is it ethical today.

This doesn't mean that the founders are crooks, it just means that those who peddle these kind of Hedges books are misleading others and promising things which they cannot deliver. Period.

Let's get smart and work smart. That is, find your calling and stick to it and give it your all, and thank God you have a job and can support a family. If you don't like your job, you can get into a business of your own. It's that simple. Just don't trample on the thousands of others who found satisfaction in the work force.

Rating:
Summary: Get out of the rat race and jump into Freedom
Review: Who stole the American dream is a book that was written a decade ago but is invaluable today. Network marketing is a form of business whose time has come.Is corporate America safe? Ask any former Compaq or Enron employee or anyone who has been downsized or outsized how "safe" their J-O-B was.When you work for someone else you fulfill their dreams, not yours. Companies need people more than people need companies and not knowing that is what has caused too many people to sell their soul to corporate America for a little cup of soup---untill they get downsized that is.Ask Enron, Compaq or Lucent employees how comfortable they feel about retirement with whats "left" in their 401 (k) plans.With MLM or Network marketing, you have the advantages of being your own boss and owning your own business only without the risk of traditional businesses. You also have the level of freedom that no job or traditional business can provide.With your MLM business, you can also enjoy tax benefits similiar to other businesses. After taxes, my Lincoln costs me less than my neighbors Chevy. My vacations are tax deductible. My cruises are tax deductible.All new MLM people should read this book along with Think & Grow Rich. Everyone who has a J-O-B (which stands for just over broke) should read this Sunday nights while they are thinking about going back to their J-O-B after a weekend release.MLM or Network Marketing also offers residual income similiar to what athletes, actors and authors recieve. You get paid continously for a one time effort.All college students should read this book before they graduate to see what really lies ahead in Corporate America.Excellent book. Get out of the rat race and jump into freedom. This book is a great first start.

Rating:
Summary: Get out of the rat race and jump into Freedom
Review: Who stole the American dream is a book that was written a decade ago but is invaluable today. Network marketing is a form of business whose time has come.Is corporate America safe? Ask any...anyone who has been downsized or outsized how "safe" their J-O-B was.When you work for someone else you fulfill their dreams, not yours. Companies need people more than people need companies and not knowing that is what has caused too many people to sell their soul to corporate America for a little cup of soup---untill they get downsized that is....With MLM or Network marketing, you have the advantages of being your own boss and owning your own business only without the risk of traditional businesses. You also have the level of freedom that no job or traditional business can provide.With your MLM business, you can also enjoy tax benefits similiar to other businesses.....All new MLM people should read this book along with Think & Grow Rich. Everyone who has a J-O-B (which stands for just over broke) should read this Sunday nights while they are thinking about going back to their J-O-B after a weekend release.MLM or Network Marketing also offers residual income similiar to what athletes, actors and authors recieve. You get paid continously for a one time effort.All college students should read this book before they graduate to see what really lies ahead in Corporate America.Excellent book. Get out of the rat race and jump into freedom. This book is a great first start.