Entrepreneurship with Roberta Blevins, Life After MLM
The theme of January is jobs and salaries. January is typically a time for change when companies are more likely to lay people off, and employees are more open to change and making a change, so I hope you'll find this content helpful no matter what stage you find yourself in. Many people think about making extra income in the new year and possibly starting their own company.
Unfortunately, for many people, especially women, the dreams of entrepreneurship are mired by the opportunities out there. Joining me today is Roberta Blevins, founder of Life After MLM, to talk about why you should be hesitant to start one of these businesses and how you can save time, money, and aggravation by learning what's a scam and what's not.
What are we drinking?
Roberta - Water
Shannon - Black Cherry Schweppes
Podcast Notes
Roberta’s Journey
After leaving LuLaRoe and participating in the documentary and lawsuit, she was thinking about what would be next. She enjoyed talking to fellow survivors of MLMs; it's cathartic, so she decided to start a podcast.
That was almost four years ago, and it has been a wonderful project. Roberta interviews different guests and highlights their stories. Her goal is to shed light on these 'companies' and help others get out.
MLMs are designed so the people at the bottom are working the hardest and losing money. The odds of success are similar to gambling. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Recruiters are preying on specific groups of vulnerable populations. People inside the MLMs are taught they are helping you and that this opportunity will be the answer to your needs or prayers. It's usually a friend or someone you distantly know.
Since January is a time when people are setting goals and looking to earn more money, it's the prime time for MLM recruiting season. You may start seeing more posts on social media and people reaching out directly about 'opportunities.'
MLMs will hide and use doublespeak. They'll call you a business owner, but you're not You can listen to Roberta's last episode for a full conversation about what to look out for.
How to get out of an MLM
Once you've signed up and paid, they will do everything they can to keep you in. The people at the top only get richer if those at the bottom fail. By design, the majority of people do not make money in MLMs. You are not a failure if you're in the majority.
They will constantly tell you how amazing the organization is and say that anyone who doesn't support you 100% is a hater. They will tell you to keep working harder, and success will come. It forces people into an echo chamber, making getting out challenging.
If you're thinking about leaving, seek other survivors' stories and listen to them. You can find podcasts or search anti-MLM hashtags. The hardest part is admitting you were duped, but give yourself grace. These are designed for you to fail, and you are not alone.
Think about all the skills you've learned that can be applied to other jobs. Reframe it as a learning experience and get a plan together to move forward. Drop any shame you feel, as it will only keep you stuck.
The best way to avoid an MLM is by not joining one, but if you are in one and want to get out, there is help and support. You don't have to go through it alone.
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is that there are so many opportunities now with remote work gaining popularity to earn income and stay flexible. I hope you would consider those other options before considering MLM as your work from home solution.
Resources Mentioned:
MAYM 463: Life After MLM with Roberta Blevins
LuLaRich: LuLaRich (TV Mini Series 2021)
Random Three Questions
If you were given $20k and told you had to spend it, what would you spend it on?
If you had to pick a word to describe 2023, what would you pick?
What is one big goal you have for 2024?
Connect with Roberta
Website: Roberta Blevins.com
Podcast: Life After MLM
Instagram: @lifeaftermlmpodcast
If you have any topics you would like me to cover on this podcast, or if you’d like to get in the financially naked hot seat, I encourage you to email me at Shannon@fingyms.com, or join the private Martinis and Your Money Facebook Page, and let me know what you want to hear.
In addition to hosting this show, I’m the founder and CEO of The Financial Gym. We are celebrating 10 years of this journey, and now, more than ever, I see the importance of the work we do every day. Rising inflation, the return of student loan debt, high interest rates on mortgages, and volatile stock markets make it a time when you need a best financial friend to help you make the best choices.
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