Should You Show Income Checks in Your Network Marketing Business?
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Or any home based or online business?
It’s a big debate, for sure, and there is no cut and dried answer, for many.
When I first started in Network Marketing, wayyyyy back in 1994, the company “newsletter” published regularly showed incomes and pictures of top distributors on stage collecting those checks.
Actually, I used to pour over those articles and pictures on days when I was struggling with trying to find success in my own business.
I would read their stories, look at their picture…..
Look at their CHECK….
And, think to myself…if they can do it, so can I.
It really did keep me going.
Then, along came the internet, and Facebook and other Social Sites….
And, along came the FTC with new rules and regulations about income claims, and earnings disclaimers. Actually, much of this was not new, but the internet posed the challenge of being like the wild, wild west, and how do you police it? (And, no matter what, always be aware of what is and isn’t allowed by the FTC. There are some restrictions…)
Think about it – when you watch an infomercial, there are very often disclaimers, or commercials for weight loss products – results not typical.
Not a problem for me and you, right…..
We don’t want to be typical….
Or average…..
Save that spot for someone else, thank you very much.
So, about a year and a half ago, distributors from some of the new and up and coming companies started posting their pictures of big checks all over social media. And, there was a little challenge with some of them in that the income was not actually EARNED yet.
The distributor receiving the check had “qualified” and as long as they stayed qualified over the next 6 months or so, they would gt the check.
Hmmm….a little misleading, maybe? Especially with no income disclaimer or statement of such.
And, it probably did lure a number of struggling reps form other companies over….
Then, recently, a brand new company started popping big checks pretty quickly. And, those photos were everywhere….along with an income disclaimer.
And, a lot of reps from other companies cried “Foul!” “Bad taste…not good…bad for the profession…..”
And, it made me wonder – is it, really? Is it really bad for the profession?
I’m not sure what my opinion is, to be honest. I haven’t decided yet.
Because here is the thing for me – that glossy magazine/newsletter back in 1994 hooked me big time.
It gave me hope….
Made me believe…..
Inspired me….
And, ultimately, made me get to WORK because I realized that all of the hope, belief and inspiration was not going to get me a big paycheck without ACTION.
And, to be honest, even today, like right now, writing this article….
I’m in a good space and income is flowing in.
And, I see those checks and they make me feel the same way –
Hopeful, Inspired, Full of Belief!!!
Is that a bad thing for our profession?
Or, is it only a bad thing for those who are not earning the big checks….
Or, for those in companies where the checks are not big enough to flash?
So, what say you? Weigh in below, I would love to hear….
Do you have a business you love; one that will take you where you want to go? AWESOME! Work it hard and know what you are selling.
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This is something I’ve been seeing on FB at times too and curious about what other professionals think about it. Personally I learned a long time ago what the consequences of showing checks and making income claims can be when the FTC did come in and investigate a company I was associated with. Really, who does this besides MLMER’s? Do we see Robert Kiyosaki, Donald Trump or other successful entrepreneurs flashing their big checks on Facebook? And how many people really realistically earn that sort of income and what’s the real story about the ones who do? What are they really doing to earn that income and how long realistically did it take? In my opinion, it’s sort of lame, unprofessional and boastful. I don’t care how much I make, I’m certainly not snapping a picture of the entire check with the amount and posting it for the whole world to see especially the IRS!! How ignorant can someone really be? And it’s no one’s business. My husband feels the same way. He’s thinks it’s cheesy and he’s a professional that earns a good living. I can’t imagine him posting his checks on Facebook. 🙂 Besides, that money can be taken away within the blink of an eye..
i’m an independent distributor for some companies based here in the philippines.
where i’m from it’s common practice for those in MLM to post their commission cheques, deposit slips or sometimes wads of cash on social networks. they like to call it “attraction marketing” and it does serve it’s purpose. to entice potential prospects/downlines.
it’s sortof a gray area for me but i frown upon the practice because the marketeers conveniently forget to mention that commissions are not constant. like the previous comments it’s the lack of transparency that’s the root of the problem.
i try to be transparent and i get called on by my upline and sponsor for being a negative person and stick in the mud.
Good point Panda! You used the word “enticing” and that’s how the FTC in the US sees it. We have a great profession. No need for check flashing to prove that point!
I for one say what is, is. If Jordan makes X and Jackie Makes Y, why do we need to disclaim. Jordan and Jackie earned what they are making, and anyone who applies themselves and becomes a professional and works hard and smart and consistently and stays positive and relentless and is creative and ACTS can do the same. Now if they are negative and have a bad attitude, well then, that’s a different story.
Thanks for weighing in. It’s an interesting debate, for sure!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
I agree that flashing the checks can be OK as long as it’s done authentically and with transparency. It’s one thing to show that I earned this much and a whole different thing to show a check and making it look like you earned it when if fact you haven’t yet… and only will if you continue to maintain the level you’re at now.
Seeing checks, and the possibilities they represent, motivates me to achieve more, and that can’t be all bad. 🙂
Thanks Lynn, great insights as always!! It sure always motivates me, and I am aware that work has to be done, but that’s in everything, right?
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
If it’s genuine, why not? But there seem to be so many ways to scam that info, most is not very trustworthy. And most income anymore is not via check but automatic deposit. And those reports are easy to fake.
Authenticity and truthfulness, however, conveyed, is essential when making income claims.
That’s kind of what I think, too, John! Thanks for weighing in!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
Its important to show the truth the good the bad and the ugly… Total transparency… Hey if this person has a big check and wants to show it off , that rocks! It came with a learning curve… hard consistent persistent work. You can better believe when I get a check that big I will be hoisting that bad boy in the air loud and proud!
Its important to show the truth the good the bad and the ugly… Total transparency… Hey if this person has a big check and wants to show it off ,that rocks! It came with a learning curve… hard consistent persistent work. You can better believe when I get a check that big I will be hoisting that bad boy in the air loud and proud !