Recruiting for an MLM Downline in a Recession

Recruiting for an MLM Downline in a Recession

Written by: Nicole Foxx

A recession by definition: is a period of reduced economic activity. Inevitably, in a recession there are less available jobs and job markets are highly competitive.  Currently, companies are down sizing and there have been layoffs from an array of corporations such as; General Motors, DHL and Fed Ex Kinko; just to name a few. However, there are always opportunities in Multi Level Marketing (mlm), even in a recession.

Individuals that are open-minded and are willing to pursue career paths outside of Corporate America are perhaps more likely to be successful in a mlm downline.  With that in mind, everyone isn’t suitable to be a recruiter for mlm downline.  There are numerous alleged success stories from individuals that have climbed the ladder in mlm and have become millionaires. Their stories often inspire others to sign-up to recruit. However, it is also true that many fail to carry out the commitment of recruiting.  It is one thing to be inspired by someone’s testimony but realizing the requirement for consistent dedication of the recruiting is another. 

The concept of mlm is relatively simple. Recruit a certain number of people to sign up with the program, those people then need to recruit others and so on and so forth. The idea behind mlm is that the chain reaction will continue thus; allowing one to acquire residual income. A selling point of mlm is that there are only a small number of people you need to recruit before you reap the benefits of residual income. Other ideas behind mlm is being an entrepreneur, building your own wealth and being able to retire sooner.

How is recruiting for mlm different in a recession? People are generally skeptical about mlm. Typically, because people were taught “if it sound too good to be true then it probably is”. More often then not, mlm programs are associated with pyramid schemes which are a red flag for many, especially when it comes to investing start-up money.  Nonetheless, as a result of a slowing economy and a 6.7% unemployment rate (November 2008), presumably more and more people will be receptive to the idea of mlm.  Clearly, people have a different mindset in a recession; many have a higher level of urgency and desperation.  The obvious is “bills” and other financial obligations that don’t stop coming in a recession.  We are all still responsible and most of us would like to enjoy the same type of lifestyle that we have grown accustom too.  Some may see mlm as light at the end of a dark tunnel; hope.  Many workers have received pay cuts as a result of their employers attempting to cut cost in an effort to stay afloat. To some mlm could be a means to gain more discretionary income. Controversy, for the most part in a recession discretionary income is less and this could prevent many from being able to invest financially in an mlm down line. There is a great deal of fear centering around the idea of mlm as well as the current recession. Will fear lead more people toward recruiting for mlm downlines or is there still much skeptiscm?