Good afternoon! Josh Fuson here, and we're going to lay the smack down on one of the biggest, fattest, lines of flat-out B.S. that exists in the MLM and network marketing industry. I think you'll really enjoy this.
First, you have to know a few things about myself. I'm very honest, nearly blunt. I'm a real person. I'm here in my home office, typing away at this blog, and the sole reason I'm doing it is because I spent TONS of time, energy, and money trying to make it big in network marketing.
I wanted it so badly, I tried everything that anyone recommended. Motivation was never an issue. I was plenty motivated. Positive thinking was never a problem. I'm a pretty optimistic person. The problem, the bottom-line reason that I failed again, and again, and again, is because of the ka-ka I was spoon-fed when I first got involved in an MLM business.
I needed the real deal. I wanted a blue-print. I was willing to do whatever it takes, I just wanted to know that it what would actually work. Well, that's the reason I'm writing this, to help you get some insight into what works, and what doesn't. That said, let's look at this next myth:
MLM LIE # 3: "THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING LIKE OUR PRODUCT ON THE MARKET; IT TRULY IS ONE-OF-A-KIND, AND WE HAVE NO COMPETITION!"
Bull. At least you better hope that it's bull.
Why?
Because if you truly have a product so unique, so one-of-a-kind that there is honestly nothing else like it on the market, I would recommend that you seriously consider dumping it.
That's right, consider walking away.
The truth is that THE MARKETPLACE IS CROWDED WITH PRODUCTS, MANY OF THEM COMPARABLE TO YOUR PRODUCT. And this is a good thing.
For starters, the fact that you actually have competitors is a very obvious sign that you have a product or service that has a target market large enough that it can support all the different competitors vying for market-share.
Competition indicates that your particular product or service is in demand, and has probably maintained a demand for a substantial amount of time. This means that your product or service is not a fad; there is an established marketing niche associated with what you are attempting to sell, as well as an established consumer base that is capable of sustaining numerous competitors for long-term, repeated consumption.
Competition offers the opportunity for improvement, for introducing new and more effective solutions to an existing product. Competition is the catalyst for more viable and satisfying products, to offer people more for their money. It sparks innovation, and drives companies to constantly be improving and testing new and creative ideas.
If someone is telling you that they have a "brand new, competition-free" item, take a real hard look at what is being offered. Before you swallow that line of thinking, ask yourself a couple of questions. This process could save you a ton of money and time:
1) IS THIS ACTUALLY SOMETHING BRAND NEW, NEVER BEFORE SEEN? OR IS IT SIMPLY AN IMPROVEMENT TO AN EXISTING PRODUCT OR SERVICE?
The answer to this question will clarify if what you are dealing with is a product of innovation or if you are hearing some hype. Is this a knock-off, or is there some real value to this product. Does it offer some real value to the consumer, or is it just a way to make money.
After answering question #1, if you decide that it actually something brand new, ask yourself this question:
2) IS THERE REALLY ENOUGH MARKETING DEMAND TO SUPPORT THIS TYPE OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE?
This is where it pays to do your homework. If someone is offering an MLM or network marketing opportunity, and one of the key characteristics of the opportunity is the fact that there is no competition, take the time to figure out if the manufacturer has done enough research to substantiate the premise that what they have to offer can honestly be supported by the market of consumers outside of individuals looking for a business opportunity.
Be wary of products that are just cheapo rip-offs, but offer some sort of "killer comp plan" or the chance to generate huge money. The strength of the product will determine long-term growth and sustained profits, which are much more important than a quick buck.
If you come to the conclusion that what you are offering is an improvement to an existing industry, then figure out the primary benefits and values of that product, and what sets it apart in the marketplace. That difference is now your banner, and it is that difference that will drive consumption through your marketing campaign.
If you come to the conclusion that what you have truly is a one-of-a-kind, no-competition kind of item, then spend some time and energy to research if the product has a viable market. It is a lot easier to spend time doing homework than spending a bunch of money and losing it on some marketing hype.
Most of the time in the MLM and network marketing industry, the product or service will be an improvement, not a true stand-alone item. And this is great. Competition is a good thing, and the fact hat it exists in your industry simply shows that you have a real opportunity to profit.
Stop trying to find a market with no competition. Start competing.
