Check out www.rickross.com/groups/equinox.html if you haven't done so already. You might want to consider adding it to your site. Real good anti-Christ, oops, I mean anti-Equinox stuff.
Re: Primerica
To Whom It may Concern,
I have a son who is totally immersed in Primerica Financial Services. He is 23 years old quite college and gave up his goals to be a music teacher and musician to go into this"business". He is becoming more and more distant from his mother and I. I have tried to help him financially when he needed it but he is not paying his bills or willing to admit he even has a problem. He has been at this for several years and is not(as far as I can see) getting anywhere. They have filled his head with the idea that he will be rich, He looks down on people who work hard for a living(including myself) and is not open to anything we say. I am SO frustrated with this company he is involved with. He has health problems and no benifits, money problems and only promises to be rich. If I here one more time about how much money so and so is making in this business I will explode. Can you offer any help or advice?
Sincerely,
Hi, I was wondering if you have any info about a company called International Teamworks Inc. I recently got involved and seem to be having a problem finding a valid e-mail address related to anyone affiliated, let alone a direct number that will answer my questions. Their address is www.internationalteamworksincorporated.com. Any info would be appreciated. Thank You
Please attempt to move to a higher paradigm.
Unfortunately, your prior E-mail response validated my observations.
Have a great holiday season and upcoming new year (and please not "one day at a time").
I am not even sure how I happened to find your site but I really did enjoy it!
I never fell for the Amway pitch but boy how the story sounds familiar! I decided to go full time, head first into network marketing a few years ago - mainly because of my disgust of "Corporate America"! I had some success from being in the right place at the right time but so much of it really went "against my grain". You can look at it on paper and know there is something to it - but the games that you can get drawn into are almost sickening! I did however stick it out. After climbing the corporate ladder I reached the top position, but you KNOW there is no answer there either! So my commitment to this entrepreneurial enterprise was solid. I rode the roller coaster for many years just allowing myself to focus on the positive - What I gained instead of what I lost. Today, it is all worth it! There are real opportunities out there (especially with the Internet). You just have to separate the BS!
Your dreams are real! You have the ability to make them come true! Success is within you. It will NEVER come from some outside source. Seek the opportunity - Evaluate it realistically (without the HYPE!) and you will find what you are looking for! You DESERVE to have it all - and you will pay the price to get it!
Good luck and God Bless you for having the spirit, the passion and the "guts" to seek your dreams!
"Every challenge is an opportunity to succeed at another level"
Re: Quixtar
Really- Really like your pages.
Forwarded the URL to all the Disillusioned IBO's I Know. In August a friend and her Quixtar Sponsor came to my office with this great deal.
For lack of a better word I'm an Internet Marketer. In addition to this I get about 5000 hits a day on other sites I control. Search AOL or Infoseek for Quixtar. The Banner at the top is mine. I Buy keywords and resell space on my portal pages. Seach for Myrtle Beach on Yahoo. Now am I in a good position or not to tear up Quixtar. Like you I also got myself in the first 10 to 20 positions of the Search Engines.
I am going to have a downline in a hurry
Then it started.
You can't do this -- You can't do that -- Take that down or Else
They just did not want you to use Legitimate Internet Marketing Techniques. The straw that broke the camels back was this. I was using a URL that did not have quixtar in it, and my IBO# was not on the page http://www.yourpasswordtosavings.com Guess what ???? I was told to take quixtar out of the Meta Tags. I told them to shove it. Reactivated all my URL's with quixtar in them and redirected them to the password page above.
All this grief and a terrible site also.
Have a good day.
Re: LifeTronix and MLM
MLM just doesn't work! Even Tom Mudry gave it a try. He started with a HUGE downline, was making just over a million bucks...AND QUIT! He wasn't making any money!!! T.E. Mudry is a mail-order king ( you probably know this )...anyway, if you'd like the article he wrote on MLM and WHY it doesn't work, let me know.
Let's see...if you had about a BILLION close friends that trusted you...MLM would probably work...FOR YOU!!!
Thanks for your site to alert everyone!
I got involved with LifeTronix...boy what a waste of time and money. I only lost $2,500 though...not bad. I won't go into all the others I've been involved with. LifeTronix was one of the perfect examples of MLM failure! Everybody believed in Larry because he was a honcho from Herbalife and boy would this one work because you could get in on the ground floor etc. well...after about a little over a year...they close shop and disappeared!! ALL that work by so many. All that money...GONE!
Sure surprised the hell out of the novices!!
Anyway... oh! I hear the doorbell, I think it's an Amway salesperson. I've got to go now. I need to get my gun!! Man...they JUST won't leave you alone...and I even changed my birth certificate, had plastic surgery and moved into a cave!
Re: Amway
Sorry for the delay in responding, but now that I am no longer with Amway I have time for worthwhile projects ... like visiting the women's prison here in ** and taking a craft to them with my FCE Club. Since the prison is located in northern New Mexico and I am located in southern **, that took a couple of days.
My husband actually believes our total debt was higher than $8,000 because we have already paid some of that off.
We went to free enterprise in ** and made numerous trips to ** where our upline diamond lives. But it seems like we went credit card crazy. First, there was the computer (what we consider a good thing), then AMVOX, the Future of Business.Com, etc. We had been on measured serv ice with the telephone company and went one month with numerous calls before discovering that fact, which caused us to run up telephone bills of $200 a month for two months not just one. There was purchase of a cellular telephone because we had the idea to promote Amway to ranchers. Some have had success with that but not us. On and on, it went.
It reminds me how easily all of us can be deceived under the right circumstances.
You may use my comments without identifying locations, without n ame and without my e-mail address.
Occasionally, we still receive a message from TFOB.Com about a potential prospect. Now we reply with the web address of one of the Amway websites and tip them off to the Truth about Amway, if you will!!! Thanks again, for the guts to write your book. I think both you and your husband are admirable.
Re: Equinox
Hi, my name is * and i've been recruited by 2 executive directors in Equinox international... i have sooo many questions about their validity and more... and i feel i've been suckered and pesuaded into a seminar this weekend... i didn't have the money for it but they convinced me to do it anyways... i'm so confused about how i'm suppose to make money in this thing and yet i've already wasted so much on this seminar... does is work at all... right now i just want to make enough money to get back my 300 for spending on this seminar... i'm a very hard worker, made a 4.0 all my life and this seemed to be true... and after looking at your site... i guess it is. when i went to my first briefing i found it to be too focused on money... after all, that's way to materialistic right? but then they kept talking and talking and persuading and pressuring that it was like, well, we all depend on money anyways... why not make a whole hell of lot to take care of my entire family. what appealed to me the most was that my father has been out of work and i've been supporting myself here at school for the past 3 months...and this would be a way to help out both w/ my bills and my parents... could you just send me more info on Equinox good and bad??? thank you.
if there's any way... i've got to find out if i can get my money back for the second half of the seminar, which is tomorrow... i just feel like i've jumped into it w/ both feet and w/o really thinking it through... the only way i had to pay for this was through activating a credit card that i've had but have been afraid to activate it for a year now. i felt pressured into activating it and using it to pay for the seminar... and i ask that you don't post this e-mail... i guess i'm just too swayed by opo and opm and ope and opi... lol i feel like i'm just a money hound when i with the company... after all, isn't that what they are??? yeah, i think so.
Hello, I hope someone can help me or send more information.
Yesterday my friend took me to a Saturday meeting for Primerica. It wasn't a hard sell meeting but you knew...they wanted to recruit people a Marketing Rep's.
I know they are backed by CitiCorp...but it stills feels wrong to me. The meeting wasn't even in an office...it was in a rented room.
I would appreciate any pro's or con's I can get. I can't seem to find much about them on the internet. (Except their main homepage and other individually run Primerica sites.)
Oh another thing that struck me funny....was at their homepage, http://www.psfnet.com, there weren't alot of links and No email addresses or contacts listed! Are they hiding?
Any thoughts, links...suggestions, whatever...would be appreciated.
Thanks
I got involved based upon the hype of getting out of the JOB=BROKE mentality. I got into the system completely and was loyal to the core product line, ie, spent a lot of money that I didn't have. I was working two jobs so my wife could stay home with our children, then 3 yrs and 3 months, and never saw my family. Now I was taking any little time/money I had left and was plowing it into the business. It got to the point where my wife had to start watching childern in our home to pay for tools and functions. Life got a little stressful because it took me 3 months to sponsor our first distributors. We were starting to question our sanity. That all began in 1995.
Let me take you to today - that's four years later. I still buy a lot of business tools, and attend all functions, and recommend them highly to everyone we sponsor or work with in our organization. We're working on going direct, so we're not about to retire, nor are we making a ton of money from the business - to add to it, we got audited by the IRS. I don't get any direct profits from the tools, either. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I was also "brainwashed" by the system as well.
The results of all this effort, this year we moved into a house 3 times the size of the house we lived in for 6 years prior to getting involved in the business, We just bought a Cadillac Sedan DeVille and my wife (who used to have to watch other chilren during the day) has been totally retired for 2 years now and doesn't even have to do laundry or iron shirts any more (we take them to a laundry service). I will make approximately 4 times what I made our first year in the business (total income). The best thing is that there is a lot less stress in our lives and we're able to help people financially (parents, church, etc) that we could not before. Admittedly, the majority of that income is coming from my 9-5 JOB, but, I would have never made that if I were not plugged into the system.
Well, you will probably choose no to publish this as one of those "you don't know anything about MLM get a life" type of e-mails, but maybe I'm wrong. The fact is, there are no people or money in the tools. I apologize to everyone who has been scammed into thinking that, but if you're really honest with yourself, a little common sense would have told you that in the first place. The fact that someone makes money on the tools should not be shocking either (do you really think it costs $6 to produce the tape?). Incidentally, I am working on a project for Time Warner in a compact disc manufacturing plant - for the record, the cds we pay $12 and $14 dollars for in the store cost $0.60 (yes, 60 cents) to make. The CDs I've bought have never taught me how to quadruple my income in 4 years.
Please, if you think that spending a couple thousand dollars a year on tools and seminars is going to get you a $60,000 to $150,000 income without a lot of work, DO NOT GET INVOLVED IN THIS BUSINESS !!!! If you're looking for an opportunity to change the way you think and behave, which was what got me to where I was in life at the time, sell your car, get a second or third job, whatever, to buy tools and get to the functions.
I really hope you publish this on your site - I have a lot of sympathy for people who succumb to unscrupulous business tactics, and I am sure that there are distributors out there (just like in any business) who lack morals, I just find that the AMWAY business has a much lower percentage.
I have included an email address, and will respond to anyone who wishes to interrogate me on my facts or opinions. Business ownership is not for everyone, but it can be for anyone !!
Re: USANA and Coding Bonus
Hello,
I am a Network Marketing professional with USANA and I have been studying the industry for quite some time now. I have been with USANA for 3 years. I have just finished listening to Kevin Grimes (Network Marketing attorney) tape series "What To Look For and What To Look Out For In MLM. I found it to be quite interesting and educational.
I am very confused about how companies such as Excel Communications can pay distributors on training other distributors. I have heard the term "coding bonus" on Kevin's tapes. Would you please explain this to me and if this is something that is legal to do and if so how can that be? It doesn't make sense to me.
I would appreciate any feedback you could offer.
My husband and I were just presented with the so called "great opportunity" of Quixtar by his seldom seen or heard from cousin. I was suspicious from the beginning as he was so vague about what it was, (why are they always so sneaky and evasive about getting you to these presentations?) My husband's cousin got us there by telling him only that it was a way to make money on the Internet. After listening to the presentation, done not be the cousin, but some guy who drove in from Chicago, (two and a half hours away) We said "N ot interested!" and headed for the door as fast as possible. In the car we said to each other "Been there, Done that! Smarter & wiser this time!" We were snagged by these shysters twice before in our poor and naive early married years, once with Amway and then with Shaklee. It is too bad it takes some so long to get out and then when you do you feel like a failure! I can't believe we fell for it twice! Luckily we were smarter this time! What you say makes sense now. We were always told to buy more tapes and come hear this speaker or go to this meeting order to see more success.We did not like that lifestlyle and really did not have the money. And the people were all rather odd and goofy. My husband and I both have always been what I would call truth seekers. We are open to new ideas but are wary of any one or any thing that tries to control us! We are of that rebellious ''70s era.
Thanks for putting the truth out there and saving a few guppies from the sharks!
Re: MLM Downline Building
Our Apologies! OFFICIAL RETRACTION NOTICE:
Between the dates of August 1, 1999 and October 17, 1999 Web Marketing Network was partially paid to promote PDI INC. Available at http://www.freemlmdownline.com It has been brought to our attention that PDI INC. is NOT and was NEVER in any way associated with Terra Forma Health on a corporate level and that the administration for Terra Forma Health has received SEVERAL fraud complaints from consumers in regard to Free MLM Downline and PDI INC. We are contacting you because you have received information on freemlmdownline.com and it is our duty to inform you that not only has freemlmdownline.com fraudulently promoted itself to Web Marketing Network in order to gain our authorization to facilitate advertising for it, but also they have failed to be honest with us in regard to the value of the position gained by Web Marketing Network as payment for services. Upon realization that FREE MLM DOWNLINE is illegitimate we must regret to inform you so. In contrast it should be hereby noted that Terra Forma Health has been professional and maintains a direct code of ethics and business practices. If you used FREE MLM DOWNLINE to jump into TFH congratulations at least you have gained something from this madness. For all others this notice will serve as a retraction for any and all promotions facilitated by Web Marketing Network on behalf of http://www.freemlmdownline.com
Re: ACN
Do you have any information on ACN, that sells telephone, gas and pager services?
Thanks,
I am interested in the craft activity of making scrapbook style photo albums. There are two companies that sell these through home party sales - Creative Memories and Dozens of Terrific Stamps/ Close to My Heart. Some people on the scrapbook message boards told me that CM and CTMH are not MLM but direct sales - what does this distinction mean and are they telling the truth ? Thanks for your time.
Re: PRSI
Could anyone please comment on this PRSI Inc.(www.prsiinc.com) partnering with CitX (www.citx.net) Inc. in the setting up on E-commerce using VPN internet?
Any comments or references would be most appreciated. Thank you and have a nice day!
[see the news about Florida's legal action against PRSI.]
Re: Network Marketing
I appreciate the fact that you are taking your time to educate the public. However, I am concerned that some of your comments seem judgemental to an industry as a whole and it is obviously negatively biased by a few bad apples. All and every, should not be used to describe network marketing companies, or MLM companies. Just as it would be counter effective to describe a crime percentage in the ghetto by saying all people in this or that ethnic group are bad. Network marketing is simply word of mouth advertising. AT&T uses it, McDonalds, and all other franchise companies uses it, Jesus used it (12 apostles spread the gospel across the globe), and some companies are good. I heard somewhere that Amway has created more millionaires than any other company.
The reason I am writing this e-mail is because I feel that you are sincere in your quest to educate the general public and I would like to know what, if any opinion you hold about a company called Pre Paid Legal Services, Inc. I am not trying to recruit you or get you to recommend that I join or not. I really would just like to know if you have any facts that I might like to know about them. I am involved with that company but haven't been for long so if there is anything that I should know I would appreciate if you could pass the information along. (I guess that would be network marketing :) )
Here is my web-site it will give you more information about their company in case you have never heard about them.
I know plenty of good things about the company. But, as you are aware, that's about all I would know as a new addition to the ranks of their recruits. That's where you come in, Letting me know if you know something that I should.
Thanks very much for your time,
Thank you this was the only thing that I could find on Equinox. I know that something was not right when they asked me to put up money to get started. But I want to see what they were about. And like I said you were all I found. After reading your story... Well, they did and said all the things that you talked about in your story. So thank you again for saving me time and money.
Thank,
Good afternoon. Is the Primerica article going to be available anytime soon? I am researching the company for a friend who is dangerously close to both buying Primerica products and signing up to be a Primerica rep. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Hello, I just wanted to let you know that http://www.quixtar.com has changed their home page again. I believe that Quixtar is continuing to change, improve, in response to 3rd party reviews of the web site. A visitor to the site will clearly see, "New to Quixtar? Click here to see what's in it for you!"
If you continue to have problems click on "customer service", "contact us", "e-mail us", and then select the department and category your concern is in regards.
I am an IBO that works in the automotive industry quality control, QS9000, and greatly appreciate the feedback (positive/negative). The only way to improve is to know from knowledgeable individuals what's wrong in order to improve.
Have a great day,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience. you give me ammunition to fight off the wild eyed quixtar "friends" that are in my face now pushing for me to join in on this b.s. I did amyway about 18 years ago and found I almost lost my real friends. never want to go there again.
thanks so much for your time in putting this information up.
I am interested in talking through email with others who have been involved with the Quixtar/Amway program. My husband and I registered in October and have disagreed about this almost from the beginning. I see the value in the program...I like the fact that you can order things online and not purchase them at the grocery store and make money for yourself while doing it. I don't like the inferences that you are a 'loser' if you don't go to every meeting, every open, every conference and that the reason you aren't building your business is because you don't do everything your upline says. I have been keeping a diary of our progress with Quixtar since the beginning and am interested in sharing it with others to see how they got around the problems. Thanks for your help.
First of all I'd like to say thankyou for having this website. I'm sure it help's alot of people. My uncle was debating about getting into the Amway business, now I can tell him that's its not a great way to make money. I just wanted to give a small response to Penn's story that I read. First of all I'd like to say that I'm sorry that she had such a terrible experience. But I would like for her to know that a true child of God would in no way decieve people or represent something that would. I'm in no way saying that the people she met was or was not "saved". That's not my place but it does tell you in the Bible that you'll know them by their works. (the ones who are saved) bye the way the word saved means (to be set free, delivered, and healed.) and christian means (to be Christ like, walking in faith as Jesus did full of joy - He has not given us a sprit of fear but of love, joy and a sound mind. And that He(God) is rewarder of those who deligently seek Him.Able to do more that we ask or think if we trust in him. Seek God and trust him and he shall give you the desire of your heart.) All I have written is scriptures from the Bible I didn't mean to start preaching. I just wanted to let her know that god isn't a bunch of do's and don'ts. And that the experience she had was not I think people who really knew God. A true christian doesn't need schemes to get wealthy because we know that God is the one who gives us power to get wealth. Thanks for reading. Your site is a wonderful thing and a wealth of knowledge. thanks again
This page updated Jan-21-00