h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Is there a significant difference between Multi-Level Marketing and Network Marketing I ask the Universe. Network Marketing seems to be the genuine article as opposed to the con, always with a particularly good product that sells itself and is available no other way. Or is this the same con with an expensive nose job?

Multi-level Marketing and Network Marketing are phrases that are often used interchangably. However they are both completely different to Pyramid selling which is really what this entry describes.

A lot of MLM operations are quite legit, Avon is probably one of the best know. There are others (Virgin Cosmetics, Tupperware, DKFL (my employers)). The important thing, at least in the UK, is to look for companies that are members of the Direct Selling Association, they have a code of conduct and stuff to work to.

Neil.
IT Manager, Dorling Kindersley Family Learning Limited.
The direct selling arm of book publisher Dorling Kindersley.
Speaking in a purely personal capacity

The chance of getting rich in MLM is approximately the same as becoming the star player of your local major league sports team. So given a billion people in western civilization, there are many who actually do get rich. It's hard to predict who will be successful though. Some people think leadership is required - getting people to do what you want. Others think it's more to do with persistence. Probably a lot less work and expense just to buy lottery tickets.