Review - Amway Global - Is Amway the Right Choice for You?

 
Amway Corporation began in 1959 with a small range of products to sell along with a unique business model that enabled a workforce of independent distributors to move the products for them. This business platform is known today as MLM (Multi Level Marketing) and is still in practice a half century later. Now known as Amway Global, they have over 3 million distributors and their product list has grown immensely. According to Wiki, earnings are reported to be in the 8 billion dollar range per year.

The founders, Jay Van Andel and Richard DeVos, had a vision for their company and through hard work and dedication they succeeded far beyond what I'm sure even they envisioned. Amway is now one of the largest private companies within the United States and has become a colossal, worldwide retailer.

About twenty years ago I was introduced to a woman who was an independent distributor for Amway which soon became the dominant topic in each of our conversations. She boasted of her successes and often commented on how she could teach me to attain success as well. Being both broke and a bit of a dreamer, she maintained that even with my lack of business knowledge and capital I could become an entrepreneur. Early retirement seem achievable within a few years, maybe sooner if I worked really hard. The prospect of owning my own business actually seemed feasible!? Each question or concern I had, she negated with good but vague answers and hence I became an Amway rep!

Within two weeks I'd forked over a few hundred dollars which enabled me to join and purchase products. My new upline suggested that sampling various items will make them easier to sell and the learning tools would assist by giving me the necessary knowledge, so I believed them. Although difficult to scrape up the money it seemed like a small investment for the long term benefits that would be gained in the future.

By the end of my fourth month I'd found becoming involved with Amway was a huge mistake. I'd discovered that the products themselves were okay but not so easy to sell which meant my options were being limited to recruiting. Of course this is what you are encouraged to do because you and everyone else earns income based on what those new recruits sell. Once my initial sales pitch was spoken  again and again from all angles people's reactions to my new venture went from slight interest to huge irritant. The meetings I needed to attend felt obligatory to my success according to my sponsor and once in attendance I was bombarded by my overly aggressive upline in a way that actually made me uncomfortable (hence the 'cult' like comparisons of today). At that time there was no internet so my own personal contacts, including family and friends became my target. In the end I sold nothing, pissed off a couple of people, lost about five hundred dollars and had lots of unused product that I never really needed in the first place.


Is Amway a Scam?

Honestly no, they are not a scam and are even accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Not to say they don't have their issues, in 1979 they were actually taken to court but found to be a legitimate, multi level marketing operation not a Pyramid Scheme. Strangely enough, Amway still has to validate themselves and prove their legitimacy to their potential distributors most likely on a daily basis. As well, the Federal Trade Commission has implemented mandatory public acknowledgement of basic earnings and the division of these earnings to be depicted on their product labels.
Unlike illegal schemes, Amway Global does not charge a substantial fee to join, have an required investment, require you to purchase or maintain inventory, pay bonuses unless actual products are sold, pay bonuses for recruiting nor have minimum orders.

In one section of Amway's website they want to ensure you are aware of the facts. They want you to know what it means to be an Independent Business Owner (IBO) for Amway. They summarize it as follows as being the CEO of your own business and therefore you can have opinions and make important decisions. They then discuss upline's, downline's, sponsoring, achievement levels such as Diamond & Crown Ambassador, bonuses, products...

... In my opinion, none of these terms constitute what an actual independent business owner really is or does, the titles are fluff and Amway's goals seem obvious, recruitment then sales! For the most part I wanted to shout the word 'So what?' after reading each point they reference. They also remind us of how everyone measures success differently which in hindsight I find ironic because a) it's true b) because it's also very vague and c) I ought to have thought of this cliche myself before I signed up. The reputation of Amway Global's success speaks for itself but the individual successes of those who are hoping to benefit are not so evident.

Remember to do your homework and if Amway is the right fit for you, go for it and good luck!!  

Review of GDI - Global Domains International, Inc.

If you are an avid online surfer within the 'work from home' community, then you've probably come across Global Domains International, Inc., otherwise known as GDI. Due to my experience with this company I've written a review that hopefully assists future investors in making an informed choice before committing.

According to GDI and their affiliates, this business opportunity has apparently become an amazing way to earn income from home, or has it?

Quite awhile back, while on my journey to find 'legitimate' income earning opportunities, I came across GDI. Their promotional sales pitch video had myself driving off into the sunset in a red Ferrari and it actually tweeked my interest! Throughout my own research process I read available literature and testimonials, videos on youtube.com , write ups and reviews etc. Within a very short period I found myself wanting to know more and decided to sign up for their free 7 day trial.

With access to all of GDI's learning materials, how to's, tips ect,. I was overwhelmed with information. Enough so that I couldn't read it all, nor utilize it, within the free trial period. At that point I chose to invest my $10 which enabled me to keep moving forward without time restraints. With the pressures removed I was able to see what GDI truly offered by way of an income opportunity.

What I discovered was that GDI's program involves the 'distributor' having to approach everything with a pulse in order to earn money! Whether it be search engine optimization, online ads, adding links and urls, forums, chats, face to face or even cold calling, you needed to get people involved. This is when I began having difficulties. For one, I was under the impression that no selling was involved. Secondly, when formatting my own sales pitch this opportunity was suddenly difficult to summarize into words because I wasn't exactly clear on what it was I was trying to sell??

- Was it the fully hosted web package with your own registered domain name, email services, forwarding, hosting and templates for $10 per month that was exceptionally inadequate?

or

- Was it the opportunity to recruit other people?

Neither seemed like a viable option when it came down to pitching the idea. By this time, warning signs of a Pyramid Scheme loomed in my mind. In an effort to prove myself wrong I proceeded to advertise my new venture but found it very difficult. The words didn't come easy when attempting to describe, talk about and even write about GDI in a way that sounded appealing, not without lying. Hence, no one ever signed up to join my downline nor did I have any enquiries. My second payment was automatically withdrawn from my account before I'd had a chance to cancel, so they dinged me for that one too.


Review of my GDI experience...

- the registered domain name you receive and try to promote ends in .ws not .com (or other)
- the product itself isn't tangible and is low quality, meaning you'll only earn money by recruiting
- they say 'no selling' is involved yet advertising is a form of selling, no ads no earnings!
- they imply a time crunch using limited offers and terms such as 'ground floor opportunity'
- Inc500 (not Fortune500) listed GDI back in 2002, since then?
- they tweek greed; encouraging you to imagine impossible, residual number$ over a global market
- automated, free standing webpages exist but they're not indexed nor advertised web addresses
- this is a multi-level affiliate program with revenue sharing down 5 levels
- the leads GDI offers cost money with no guaranteed sign-ups
- payments are automatically withdrawn, cancellation is by phone only and they do not pro-rate
- current members often offer newbies to their members to entice a sign-up, don't count on receiving!

Getting involved with GDI cost me $20 and 2 long distance phone calls to cancel my membership. Along with my time and a teeny weeny bit of self respect for getting involved with this business venture in the first place. Learning from this experience was invaluable.

Is Global Domains International, Inc a scam? Well, in my opinion all the signs point in that direction yet they seem to function legally worldwide. If GDI isn't considered a scam, I still considered myself scum. Temporarily of course ;) but more than a good enough answer for me!
When the red Ferrari comes to pick you up, run the other way!

Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in the United States or Canada for more specific information in regards to your next business venture and always do your research! If you are interested, within the US branch of the BBB, there are right ups on both Global Domains International, Inc., GDI and website.ws.

What is a Pyramid Scheme?

When searching for legitimate opportunities that will enable you to either work from home or start your own home business you will encounter numerous options. One path could lead you to future successes over time with hard work and dedication while the other path promises immense wealth over a short period of time with very little effort on your part. Which do you prefer? If you chose the second path you could easily fall victim to the fraudulent Pyramid Scheme. Once involved you are risking the possibility of committing fraud yourself, without even realizing it.


What is a Pyramid Scheme?

A Pyramid Scheme is an illegitimate Multi Level Marketing or MLM business model that involves joining a club or program for money upfront in exchange for the ability to sell the product or service but as well to recruit new members. Because the products or services are either very low quality or far too expensive and unattainable the main focus becomes recruitment. If you cannot convince people to fall for the same sales pitch (scam) you just fell for, you won't generate any income. The deception that's involved between the operators and their victims in order to extract money is what makes the Pyramid Scheme illegal.

The whole concept of the Pyramid Scheme relies heavily on the potential victim's wishful thinking, high hopes and desire to get rich quick! Human greed speaks volumes on the sidelines while the operator manipulates the victim into believing the simplicity of the system. They show you as the 'investor' and how you will soon have your very own empire of distributors that will eventually do most of the work for you. The operators tend to show the new recruits how they are positioned at the top of the pyramid so they see the potential for immense wealth right at their fingertips. In reality, the new recruit is somewhere near the very bottom of the pyramid and the speculated numbers of available sign-ups are embarrassingly inflated and exaggerated. Pyramid Scheme runs their full course when someone tells the authorities or there aren't anymore new victims to sign up.  

Why are Pyramid Schemes compared to Multi Level Marketing and Network Marketing?

Pyramid Schemes are compared to both MLM and Network Marketing due to some of the major components being similar which is why doing your homework is necessary to enable you to spot the differences. With legitimate MLM and Network Marketing there is no deception involved. Documents are legitimate and traceable with notable information. Recruitment is secondary, if it exists at all. The products and/or services are highly desirable where customers make multiple, repeat purchases at fair market value.

MLM or Multi Level Marketing is a business structure designed to create a marketing sales force. The typical Multi Level Marketing program works through recruitment. You are compensated for your sales along with additional compensation for new distributors and the sales they generate. This action creates a downline or network of distributors, on multiple levels, in the form of a pyramid.

Network Marketing is a method of marketing that utilizes independent representatives to reach potential customers that companies may otherwise not reach with traditional offline or online marketing methods or strategy. The term Network Marketing is not in reference to the structure of the company more how the marketing takes place via social networks and individuals. Companies utilize multiple marketing strategies in various degrees as part of their overall business plan, from tv & billboards to internet based ads and social networking.



Avoid being a Victim of the Pyramid Scheme

Learn to Watch for...

- opportunities that offer products and services of little or no value to the purchaser. They will be disguised as easy to sell yet are overpriced, poorly made and of low quality which makes them very difficult to sell. Hence, the focus falls back on recruitment.

- a payment plan designed to payout high commissions for recruiting and the opposite for selling product or service.

- operators who encourage you to push and pressure your family, friends, co-workers and current business associates using all forms of communication ie; E-mail, snail mail, face to face interactions, seminars, in home meetings, phone calls and online sign-ups.

- constant reassurance from the operator that their program is legal and not a fraudulent Pyramid Scheme.

- an operator describing the opportunity as an investment club, gift network, team, program or group along with promised or guaranteed earnings or winnings.

- a lack of written information; business documents, literature, statements, marketing plan, etc.

- a large up front cost to join and/or to purchase large quantities of goods. On the contrary, there may be no goods or services at all.

- a 'miracle' product or a 'be all end all' service.

- high pressure tactics from the operator by imposing a false sense of urgency to commit or loose out on the opportunity forever.

- operators using manipulative tactics such as their position of trust, authority, level of education, personal contacts, name dropping etc.


Remember to conduct your research before any money ever exchanges hands. Obtain a second opinion from a qualified professional and contact your local Better Business Bureau. Follow your instinct, if it sounds too good to be true it most likely is!


For current information regarding various schemes please visit Frauds & Schemes FBI within the US or Scams & Frauds RCMP within Canada.

What is the Ponzi Scheme?

The ideal financial investment will generate large sums of money from a small initial contribution in a short amount of time. However, earnings such as these are rare, unpredictable and quite often illegal! The more realistic, legal and proven successful approach is rather to invest in a safe, diverse portfolio enabling more consistent, predictable growth over a long period of time. With a Ponzi Scheme, named after Charles Ponzi, the ideal scenario is promised yet in the end one rarely recoups their initial investment and possibly never sees another penny ever again. In 2009, Bernard Madoff was charged and sentenced to 150 years in prison after pilfering billions of dollars!


What is a Ponzi Scheme?

A Ponzi Scheme is a fraudulent financial investment that guarantees high returns within a short period of time with unregistered securities for example. The problem is that when the operators do pay out, it's done the investors own money because the funds were never invested in the first place! Scammers promise immense growth potential with high returns over either a short term period or has payouts at intervals in the form of dividends over longer periods of time. The operator then uses your newly contributed funds to payout the victims who came on board before you. The scam continues on like this until either the operator flees with all of your money, they get busted or an insufficient amount of new investors can't be found and it crumbles.

Ponzi Schemes are often compared to Pyramid Schemes and Multi Level Marketing
 

Factors Required for a 'Successful' Ponzi Scheme

Ponzi schemes require a few elements to unfold in succession in order to survive. The first is for the operator to convince and encourage naive investors. They do this by behaving professionally and using complicated financial jargon to impress ,with most of it being bunk! For those people who take the bait and invest early enough they will yield on the returns as promised (so long as new investors continue to participate). This action in turn builds confidence in the scheme from an investors point of view thus the word continues to spread, quietly. Transactions occur on the down low so as not to encourage too much attention yet via word of mouth new investors continue to fall prey to this 'amazing' opportunity. Operators maintain the appearance of credibility by drawing up paperwork, sending false manufactured statements and even allowing the odd investor to completely withdraw with the profits they earned. All of which aide in solidifying potential investors and retaining current ones.


How to Invest Smart  

1) Develop a financial plan with realistic goals. Begin with your current financial position and then determine your financial goals for the future.

2) Be sure to conduct your research thoroughly, regarding all types of investments, before handing over your money! Pursue advice from an unassociated 3rd party who is a qualified financial consultant.

3) Keep in mind that a diverse portfolio is a strong, healthy portfolio.



The FBI provides information on various Fraudulent Scams so does the RCMP Scams and Fraud.

Other examples of how one can be ripped off, check out these two popular investment deals gone wrong, Enron and BRE-X.

DIY Organizational Tips for your Home Office

Are you overwhelmed with endless office clutter?

Organizing your home office needn't be the panic worthy task that you've been neglecting. It's simply about taking the time to create a productive, efficient work environment that will undeniably make your life easier.

Working smart, not hard begins and ends with you. So relish in the fact that you're that much smarter for finally realizing no one else is going to do it for you and get to work!


Here are a few tips...

- Time, do not begin organizing unless you have the time to start and finish this project!

- Sit back, analyze and visualize a clean, organized workspace. Write down and then purchase the necessary office supplies required to accomplish the desired end result. Be sure to purchase storage receptacles specifically designed for each item. You will most likely need cd holders, file folders, drawers, boxes, bins, boxes, shelves, a garbage receptacle and bags, a paper shredder and cleaning supplies including pressurized air.

- When you dive into the pile take baby steps. Begin with just one item at a time until you've gone through every single thing in your office. If you can multi-task the job will be completed that much faster trying not to handle objects no more than 3 times in this entire process, if not less. Don't go anywhere within your office empty handed, until you are finished the job, there will always be something that needs to go somewhere along route.

- Keep in mind that in the beginning of this process the mess will get a lot worse, before it gets better.

 - End the work day by taking 5 minutes to prepare your work station. Bring forward tomorrow's top priority projects, shred unwanted paperwork, clear any messages and remove the day's clutter.

- Begin you day by retrieving your voice mail messages, delete from the system and respond where and when required. Open your day planner, agenda or PDA and add all necessary information, check for appointments or other tasks.

- Reduce the amount of personal belongings and pictures within your office to a maximum of three items.

- Be sure to leave space on your desktop for hand writing tasks, spreading out paperwork and general office jobs that require an adequately sized, open area to complete.

- As items come into your office and across your desk, put them into their relative locations immediately. In the same spirit, if you take out an item, put it back once you are finished with it.


Take this quiz and find out What your desk says about you?



Step One

Pick up any one item and ask yourself...Is this item work related?

- If you answered 'Yes' then form a pile of similar items within reach. As you look around, start to form other groups of like items using these examples as category references; office supplies, office equipment, files, paperwork, reference materials, business contacts, knick knacks, garbage and other. Continue with basic sorting throughout your entire office remembering not to get carried away with the details, at this time.

- If you answered 'No' then place that item in the garbage or in a pile away from the main area of your workspace, to be removed later. For the future, try not to allow unnecessary clutter to find its way into your office.



Step Two

At this point, your office area probably looks worse than ever, just stay with me! You've already rid the area of unnecessary crap, clutter and garbage leaving you with a semi organized mess, see it's better already! Now your goal is too achieve smaller, more defined, functional piles of fully useable items. By downsizing that collection of broken calculators, dried up pens and old paperwork you are minimizing the potential for future clutter.

Again, pick up each item and ask yourself...Do I use this item at least once a year?

- If you answered 'Yes' then hold onto it, but not before checking its functionality. For example, keep dated paperwork within the current tax year, while putting aside past dated info to be sorted and filed later minimizing the potential for future clutter.

- If you answered 'No' then place these these items into a pile to either donate, give away, sell or recycle in some way.




Step Three

You're almost finished a huge chunk of the entire process, good for you! I know your space still looks crappy but I'm hoping you can see the potential! At this point your immediate working area ought to consist of numerous piles containing current, functioning items used to maintain and run your office, and that's it. Your desk, shelving, drawers and cabinets ought to be stripped naked and ready for cleaning, except for your computer, phone and other office equipment.

Once you've wiped everything down go underneath your desk and tackle the cord spaghetti. Begin with one plug at a time, securing long bulky pieces with velcro, plastic twisties or tape, unplugging if necessary. Place the office equipment you use every day closer to you than something you use only a few times a month. Your cable modem, wireless router, firewall, battery backup, etc.ought to be under your desk. Always keep in mind that performing your office tasks without having to stand up or even move your chair is best and then plan accordingly.

When filing paperwork into general categories keep dates in mind, removing all but the current tax year. Place your statements, bills and all correspondence in there appropriate categories such as the to do pile, file away pile, awaiting response, hold, refer, read, pay and paid are just some examples.


 
Step Four

It's time to begin replacing those now organized items and place them into their final resting place.
If you haven't already done so, it's now time to purchase organizational office supplies and then begin putting your items away. Remember to keep the most commonly used items well within reach while tucking away those items you rarely use. Once your organized piles of useable office related garb are put away, you are almost finished! Just take out the trash, put away that stray pile of stuff that doesn't belong in an office, piece off your recyclables and then vacuum those floors.

You've now officially hit bottom, which in the world of cleaning and organization, is a good thing.
Congratulations, you've accomplished the task of organizing your home office!

For those who have given up and returned to your 'old' ways may need to ask yourself one last question...Am I Messy or Am I A Hoarder?