The Controversial World of MLM's... And What Nobody is Talking About.

In this video, we delve into the world of MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing Companies) and explore their allure and controversy. And let me tell you... MLMs can be one of the strangest and most intriguing phenomena in the business world. I never intended this video to be as long as it did. But the more research I did, the more I decided that I needed to cover. It took me many, many hours and almost 2 months to do this research.
I have yet to see MLMs addressed from a Christian perspective. The real fuel for why I did this deep dive has to do with my background in New Thought and what I started noticing hidden within MLMs that needs to be talked about. (And it's not New Age.) I'm calling this the "dirty secret of MLMs."
My goal is to approach this with fairness but also firmness. I think there’s generally a lot of (understandable) anger and bitterness with some of the anti-MLM crowd, and I wanted to approach this from a different angle. I made this video with no resentments but with a genuine interest in the topic, your stories, and a love for people and truth. I actually had a really wholesome experience doing this research.
My view on MLMs might evolve as time goes on. But this is where I currently stand with MLMs. Thank you all for your help with this.
And thank you to my friend Phoenix Hayes for helping edit, especially the parts where I had to do a voiceover 🫶
Former MLM Leaders Share Why They Left it All: • Former MLM Leaders Sha...
Timestamps:
Part 1: Definitions. What is an MLM?- 06:06
Part 2: Finances. Are MLM's Pyramid Schemes?- 21:01
Part 3: Mental and Emotional. Are MLM's Cults? - 49:10
Part 4: Spiritual. MLM's Dirty Little Secret- 01:23:10
Final Thoughts- 01:47:10
👀WATCH👀
Video References for this video:
●Jani James: • The Multilevel Marketi...
●Multilevel Marketing: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO): • Multilevel Marketing: ...
●In depth video about Amway according to a historian: • The Tools Cult: Histor...
●MLM’s are not Pyramid Schemes. They are WORSE: • Multi-Level Marketing ...
●I got Rich Working for an MLM: www.huffpost.com/entry/multi-...
●Leaving LuLaroe: • Why Women Are Quitting...
●Interview with Robert FitzPatrick, an MLM expert: • MLM's Want To Steal Yo...
●How MLM’s are Legal- MLM Expert explains the History of MLM’s and How They Bought out the Government: • The History of MLM and...
●How MLM’s and Amway have cheated the system: • How Two Families Shape...
●How MLM’s protect themselves: • How Do MLM Companies D...
●MLM Expert: www.pyramidschemealert.org/ab...
●Cult Expert and MLMs: • How To Protect Loved O...
●Article about MLM’s and cultish behavior from Cult Expert: www.psychologytoday.com/us/bl...
●Direct Selling vs MLM’s: www.pyramidschemealert.org/up...
●MLM’s are Modern Corporate Slavery: • Multilevel Marketing F...
●Concerns about John C. Maxwell: midwestoutreach.org/2016/04/1...
●Videos about Mormonism: • Videos About Mormonism
●Video about Mind Control and Cults: • The Dark Secrets of Mi...
📚RESOURCES📚:
www.amazon.com/shop/melissado...
🤗DONATE🤗:
If you are led, consider donating:
paypal.me/MelissaDougherty77
📲FOLLOW📲:
Facebook: / newagetochristianity
Instagram: @melissaldougherty
Twitter: / meldougherty77
My Website: www.melissadougherty.co/
💡SEMINARY💡:
Looking for a solid theological education? Look at Southern Evangelical Seminary: ses.edu/melissa/

[@brown_recidivist]

If someone messages you that you haven't seen since high school asking you to go for coffee you are probably being recruited into a pyramid scheme lol

[@merrygrammarian1591]

It was such an awful stereotype I had to fight when my family joined missions and started reaching out to people to build our prayer and financial support support team. Had to start every conversation with "don't worry, it's not an MLM."

[@mikenixon2401]

Yes. Watch out for obvious red flags.

[@sackettfamily4685]

Or being flirted with for a possible affair lol.

[@kelly91313]

This happened to me! I don’t think it was intended to be hurtful but it was.

[@chrisknoblock]

This is so bad over the last few years. I was surprised recently when I was contacted by an old friend for coffee and DIDN'T get a sales pitch. For once. Sheesh.

[@ukulele4worship]

Years ago I had two different times I was "invited to a party", eager to make friends in a new community, only to be sold overpriced junk be women who really didn't have an interest in being friends after all. The third such party invite came, and I told my husband I didn't really want to go but these ladies don't take no for an answer. He gave me carte blanche forever after to tell people "my husband won't let me go to these parties or buy these products". He actually doesn't care about them. But he cares about me, and how hurt I was by these fake friendships. A+ husband. Still married 30 yrs later.

[@xanthemartin8822]

Yay husband!!! My husband days God gave us to each other so that he could be my buffer. I've taken so much abuse. He won't tolerate it!!! ❤️

[@erisunflower]

That is so sweet 🥲 God bless you both

[@ari3lz3pp]

❤ My husband says that too about stuff. 😅 I don't really feel like putting the blame on him because I want people to know it's my choice but it's nice he is willing to be the scape goat. 😊

[@BillTony2]

Feminism and woke cu.ture are so strong now that people would now tell you that your bowing to the patriarchy.

[@bjbalva]

He is awesome😂

[@sharifuller7882]

These are a disaster for friendships because you end up turning friends into customers. The relationship is changed - damaged- sometimes irreparably.

[@arunamy362]

I agree. And cheapened 😒

[@Gamer-wd3sj]

So true

[@lauriedarling2143]

Yes. I had a friend who only reached out to me when she wanted to discuss her products. Long story short...we are no longer friends.

[@thecatalysm5658]

The last time my brother-in-law hit me up for one of these I said, "Look, here's the initial membership money - just take it." But, I don't want to hear another word about it - I'm not a networker, I will never make a dime off this, and you should know that by now. Just take the money and leave me alone about it. That was a long time ago, and he hasn't bothered me again. I guess he got the message?

[@kamarwashington]

Spot on. My wife had a similar thing happen very recently.

[@Waterlily1998]

Update: We left. Thank you to anyone who prayed for us. God made things clear regarding this matter in our lives. You know, I was one that messaged you with a pretty positive view on mlms and how it changed my life for the better. However lately, I feel myself being pulled away from it the closer I get to God. My heart is currently on fire for apologetics and I’ve stopped listening to the resources supplied by upline and my eyes have been opened to the new thought teachings that are taught there. I’ve started speaking against some of the things they say and have been feeling upset when I hear people twisting the Bible all out of context to make it fit the business. Yes it has been a great experience and that’s only because it’s where I found God in. Lately, things just feel wrong. I’m going to keep praying on it and see where God pulls us. I fully submit to His will. Definitely pray for us.

[@watchwomandebrajesusistheway]

Wow yes... Pray to not believe lies. Pray for wisdom.

[@masteringfibromyalgia]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cheerfulmouse]

God Bless You 💜🔥🙏 Seek only His Spirit ❤😊

[@NotEasyButSimple]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@lilkimmie7322]

God pulled me out...follow His lead. He will give you "God-pportunities" instead. I'm more present at home and I dogsit now which I get more income from. Praying for you! Side note I learned and grew and utilized the mlm to fundraise and pray for others so not all was wasted!

[@scottgriffith7759]

I was invited to an MLM sales pitch. The speaker compared getting people to join with sharing the gospel. "How can you say you love your neighbor and yet not invite them join up? It's like not telling them about the gospel." I knew, right then, this was a scam.

[@ghhtdesfh]

Yes, that’s the problem. It replaces the gospel.

[@bont7948]

Yep that was the angle I heard a lot… “you’re not selling something, if you love someone you need to tell them about this product, it’ll help/heal them, if you use a competitors brand you could actually hurt them because they’re unsafe…” etc. manipulating to say the least

[@ejc1956]

Wow, that’s especially scammy and borderline rude to many of the Christian faith, like myself

[@cathy2142]

Mormans are told they must be housewives and mlms dont count as a real job. Many of the men dont make enough for the many kids they have Also i am a non morman happy housewife of 21 yrs for context

[@DaveGme]

@@ghhtdesfhwrong.

[@malhumoradosinnombre]

I watched Mike Winger's entire Benny Hinn video. I can watch this, let's Go😅

[@MelissaDougherty]

He prepared y'all.

[@lorindadods2549]

I was laughing when I saw the length and thought “girl is taking notes from Mike Winger!” 😂 Great content though

[@TheEldersHomestead]

I watch a lot of his videos. Even the 11 hour one. Lol.

[@Ro19303]

I thought the exact same thing 😂 they are my favorite youtubers!

[@kimwilliams6674]

Same! Love both Mike and Melissa. I put in the air pods and clean, garden, etc. So thankful for the TRUTH they bring to the table. My mom listened to Benny and Kenneth Copeland while I was growing up, so it’s been so good to learn the truth and even feel vindicated by it as a bonus.

[@SuzanneMerrow]

The major life skill I learned being in an MLM is to use the word NO.

[@bethann0808]

I was in MK for years. Loved the products. Didn't like asking people for money or to join so that they could spend more of their money. So, I was very low producing for my upline. The thing that broke it for me was when my director (who I really didn't like personally) was giving a pep talk and told us that if we wanted to succeed, we needed to be just like her (perfect hair, nails, dressed to the nines driving a company Cadillac). I realized that I didn't want to be her, I wanted to be me (far from perfect!).

[@socruelu2]

I also was with MK. My leader expected me to do a certain amount of MK parties a week just to make a certain amount of money for her. She also showed me how to do vision boards and such. And I had to keep ordering inventory even though I was not making enough money. I realized it was definitely not for me. Also I came to find out that the person who recruited me (and the leader) possibly created fake MK accounts to make it look like they have more recruits. That’s how they won their pink MK cars. I was so happy to get out of that!!!! But I was left with so much inventory that I sold to people and used myself Until it was gone!

[@andreabateman5096]

I often heard from my upline “we are just so much alike , or can’t you see the similarities?? So if I can do this so can you”

[@youaregodspursuit]

Why would I not want to sell a magic oil that costs $25 for an amount that would not equal a patty of butter! Sounds great to me! Except... it will require me to convert everyone I meet and or know into a sales hound which they are not... and if they cannot be one they are ignored and considered as less than... just someone I used to know. Sounds like a bad romance... got along without you before I met you, gonna get along without you know. And yes I can get a new girl friend for the price of a reasonable dinner. I'll have some of that! So, I think I will go to that meeting, what could I lose? Run away! There is no free lunch.

[@dreambodyfit]

I would've quit right away.

[@nonaccount4684]

THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER - THANK YOU! I am so sick and tired of Christian women who reach out of the blue to "get together" and it's clear I'm just a marketing scheme for them. It's demeaning when you thought it was going to be about our mutual relationship in Jesus. It's wrong. At the least ladies, please tell people UPFRONT why you are reaching out to them. STOP FAKING IT just to get a meeting. Secondly, so many MLM's are New Age schemes. You are so spot on with the other issues. The core issue I have is how it changes their view of people - especially at church. They no longer see people as a fellow follower of Christ but as a "business opportunity". If you are in a MLM - PLEASE BE CAREFUL IN HOW YOU START TREATING OTHER LADIES!!!

[@kathyd456]

Great comment. Agreed. The feeling of this church's 'gals oils club' and this 'gals towels club' etc. only engaging with me for their benefit and not mine became more apparent when, I left an abusive husband and felt kinda ignored. I noticed only one MLMer and many non-MLMers stood up and helped me out, and that helped me see the church being the church.

[@ParksLover]

It's gross. A few years ago, I seemingly randomly got a message on Facebook from a woman who had been the leader of a Bible study I was in with Cru during college. I hadn't talked to her in years. She asked me if I was still living in that city and what I was doing for work and then asked if she could call me to "run something by me." I was wondering what the heck it could be, but I said sure. She called and again asked some personal questions about my life, and I even shared about some struggles I was having.... But instead of really caring about what I was going through, she launched into a Scamway pitch. To make it worse, she said she thought of me specifically for her stupid product because she knew I had struggled with acne during college. That's a very sore spot because acne has very much crushed my self-esteem and made me feel hideous and undesirable. It was just very gross, and to have a professing Christian do it is even more gross. Needless to say, I don't think we've communicated since then, though we are still Facebook friends.

[@chelseastamer5443]

Yes yes yes. Thank you. It's so disingenuous to act like you're interested in catching up with someone, but your real motive is to make money off of them. This has happened to me and has gone too far - a fellow young mom approached me in Target and reached out to me for play dates before dropping her pitch on me, and when I said I wasn't interested, she stopped reaching out. Also, today, someone who's a very passionate "business coach" on social media whom I haven't talked to in a long time messaged me saying, "It's been so long! How can I pray for you?!" I need to practice patience in my heart because my frustration has reached a new level when someone uses prayer in their sales strategy. Not okay! Prayer should be kept within the context of honoring the Lord and others - not squeezed into an opportunity to make money.

[@sophiefoss6153]

100%

[@GinaLaughed]

This 💯!!! I've been hurt by a few ladies who led me to believe they were interested in friendship when it was really about selling me on their MLM. Once they realized I wasn't going to bite the dumped me so fast and moved on. It happened at a time I was very vulnerable and I was devastated. If it happened to me today I wouldn't care. These MLM's are so damaging!

[@CynthiaFuller_]

Whenever I see the MLM acronym, I think of: Many Losing Money Peace and Blessings my brothers and sisters! Great topic Melissa❤

[@Courterfly]

That’s a good one. Sadly so true.

[@LuvnLemons]

Majority Lose Money is another one

[@jenicarter4190]

😂😂😂😂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@CountessRatsazz]

Mormans Losing Money

[@tvtreasurechest6155]

Aside from the fact that very very few people ever make any money and in fact usually lose money, these MLM's tend to prey on Christians. But yet I haven't heard anyone besides yourself in Christendom speaking about this! Thank you for speaking out about this.

[@estie1850]

Sheologians and Cultish released a podcast about MLMs about a year ago

[@jobrown8146]

Steve Kozar and his wife of Messed Up Church channel used to belong to one and often talk about it on their show. But I don't think he has ever done a video on it specifcally.

[@daraharvey4519]

The fact that MLM’s seem so manipulative is the biggest red flag for me. Any company that needs to control how you think in order to thrive is suspect, to say the least.

[@emilyolson5624]

Boy. Do I have some stories for you. I was in the "pink bubble" for awhile. Until my director repeatedly called me as I was IN THE PROCESSION TO MY GRANDMOTHER"S FUNERAL, because if I didn't place MY order, she didn't get HER bonus. She even begged me for my credit card number so she could do it for me. It was awful.

[@Kattykat9104]

YES!!! Been here too. One Christian "friend" from church had me sign up and pretended to be a friendship until I told her I wanted out... Anyway, while I was in it she once pressured me hard to call the DOCTORS I worked for, at 10:00pm, and pitch to them. I was appalled at how disrespectful she wanted me to be just to get a sale. Another MLM "friend" that I didn't sign up under but did purchase from her, once begged me repeatedly to purchase $400 of stuff I didn't want or need because she was up against a deadline and needed just one more sale to earn a trip to Hawaii. I'm sorry, why are you pressuring ME to pay for YOUR vacation??? I told her no, later ended my membership and she hasn't talked to me since.

[@chelsmaria]

That's so morally gross that I don't know how to respond...I am so sorry 😢 greed is a terrible and blinding evil

[@reinelantz3304]

Oh. my. gosh. If I did that within my NWM, I’d get canned immediately. If someone within our NWM were to experience a chronic or catastrophic illness or injury or death within his or her family, folks from the owners/corporate officers on down would drop everything and do anything and everything possible to assist and to support the sick/injured or bereaved person with whatever he or she needed to get through the situation (“production” and “sales” expectations take the very last back seat or “get shoved off of the bus”, and fall off of the priority list altogether, in other words). In addition, others would (and do) assist the sick or injured or bereaved person to maintain his or her business by temporarily taking care of customers and downline distributors (without expecting anything in return), so the sick or injured or bereaved person can tend to himself or herself or his or her family member(s). Not all NWMs are cult-like or predatory. In our NWM, people are human beings, not numbers or dollar signs. We also insist on “organic growth”, and forbid pressuring our customers and downlines to make purchases so that we qualify for bonuses or perks. That’s forbidden. Just last week, I missed a multi-hundred-dollar “bonus” by $5 of production. It happens. I didn’t ask nor did I pressure a single person on my customer list nor a single one of my downline distributors to do a single thing. Doing such a thing would make my skin crawl. Ewwwww.

[@thebusinessstrategistbw816]

​@@reinelantz3304 give it time, and come back and tell us the story when you get to realize what a scam it is. The love bombing is very conditional, and ends the day you decide to call it quits.

[@ArtLenLa]

Oh I hope you didn’t give it to her! MLMs teach them to be brazen.

[@rsforchristjesus4181]

MLM people can only look at others as a means of their own gain, while telling themselves it is to help others. I was involved, thank God, no more.

[@inezaultman1850]

I have been witness to that when one of my dearest friends no longer had time for me because I was not a conduit for profit.

[@Gris00]

Its a rather opportunistic trend in today's culture

[@fnjesusfreak]

It requires a certain level of narcissism and sociopathy to work.

[@watchwomandebrajesusistheway]

That was the worst part for me

[@jess_athome2018]

You’re 100% correct! I was in one years ago and felt so icky every time I tried to get people to buy something. It was awful and I hated feeling like I was only after my friends money.

[@cheripatterson7246]

Kind of reminds me of being in an abusive/narcissistic marriage. Alot of manipulation, gaslighting, shaming, and blame shifting. It's a relationship that's hard to escape. The victim is left an empty shell of themself.

[@richandfrancescaarriola5965]

It’s so funny because their favorite quote is “you can own your own business.” Well if I own my own business how come I have to give a commission to someone else ?? That’s not my own business. Lol. 😂

[@Daviddaze]

Franchises have commission payments. McDonald's! LoL

[@EmP-2022]

Like David said, I think people compare it to franchises… I disagree being pretty familiar with how a franchise works.

[@richandfrancescaarriola5965]

I agree. Franchises are completely different than MLM.

[@AntonydenDulk]

? So Business Owners don't pay those who work for them? There are 3 ways I can think of that businesses pay those who produce income for them: - wage: fixed amount per hour worked - salary: fixed hours with a fixed amount paid - commission: an agreed amount paid based on achievement of specified goals Older network marketers did a lot more business related activities than modern day network marketers. Nowadays it tends to be more about marketing and training where in the past you also had to sort out distribution and commission payments.

[@philwalkercounselling]

Yes. It's not your business. You are legally a sales rep and you can be fired at any point eg just for saying something bad about it like you would for slagging off a business you work for. It's not your business.

[@harmshoney]

thank you for covering this so gracefully. my husband & i left amway a year & a half ago after 10 YEARS. we are healing from so much, there is a lot of cultic behavior, pride, idols, etc. it's incredibly isolating & we spent *thousands* of dollars on products (most never used), meetings, conferences, etc. the misuse of scripture is soooo insane & it mixes in a lot of new age & new thought in regards to manifestation, affirmations, & the power of words. God forbid you say you're sick or sad.. "stop being negative. your words prophecy your future!". we were *always* told that if you saw this business, it's because "it's God's will for your life!" & we definitely read all the books you mentioned.. our "team" was very big on olsteen, creflo dollar, kenneth hagin, the copelands, td jakes, terri savelle foy, todd white, jesse duplantis, joyce meyer, etc. "kingdom mindset" was *constantly* preached. & if you ever had a moment of sadness, doubt, etc.. you were living in fear. & yesssss so many false converts!! we've watched dozens of people leave the business & become insanely lost - new age, witchcraft, & a brutal hate for God. it's incredibly sad to see.. & you were definitely spot on with a lot of the key themes/words. so incredibly toxic. thank you for this!

[@SteveTaylorTheLocalLeadPro]

I still use the products I think most of them are great.

[@Waterlily1998]

Which training organization were you with? Would it happen to be the “dream builders”?

[@harmshoney]

@@Waterlily1998 no it wasn't, but they are definitely local to my area as well. we were part of LTD.

[@richandfrancescaarriola5965]

It’s crazy because about 15 + years ago a fellow college student tried to sign me up for amway after I started witnessing to him. He said since I’m a Christian I should want to sign up because it’s a Christian organization. He was not Christian

[@cryslaw100]

I am there with you on the Hamway 😂 I was only in it for about 4 years back in 2001. I remember being so enamored with my upline. I was in Britt World Wide back in the day. The dream boards and visualizing and then throw in the Christian aspect of it. I thought I was saved at the big conference in Portland. I was a false convert for nearly 18 years because of that mindset.

[@musicgirl_gwyn]

I grew up as a daughter with a mom who did an MLM, and watches her often support other MLM’s her “friends” are involved in. I watched when she finally made the decision to step down within the company and all of her friendships changed because she was no longer apart of the “group.” To this day, I can still see the prosperity gospel clouding her judgement at times. She has called herself out verbatim with using “Christianese” it’s so weird that you used that term. But what’s scariest to me after listening to this video and going through counseling is realizing that the “mlm positivity” is what often drives a wedge between me and my mom. It is so scary to think that she still looks up to prosperity gospel pastors and isn’t involved in a good Christian community anymore. I often worry about her faith but man, this gave me words I didn’t have. Thank you for the in depth deep dive. I pray that this changes lives and pushes others toward the real Gospel, reading it right out of the Bible and having good Bible literacy, not just “claiming pretty verses.”

[@sarahvilmain3770]

This is my mom too! She and my Dad were in Amway. They took us to conferences in Florida and Arizona. We would road-trip with bread bags filled with bologna sandwiches in the cooler. We were on a shoestring budget. I don’t believe they ever made money, but they got to rub shoulders with folks who had “made it.” Today my mom is no longer involved in an MLM but is always open to an “opportunity” to make money easily aka “get rich quick.” These almost never work. Spiritually she raised my sister and I to know the Lord. My sister and I have been involved in very solid, Bible-believing churches for decades. Meanwhile, my mom has no social circle outside of her sisters and children, and has no church home. She watches TBN all day and is a believer in the prosperity gospel. She will never allow herself to say she is sick. You know how that goes. Although I do believe she is saved, her judgment is definitely clouded, and I believe it all started to go off track with Amway in the 1980’s.

[@Kattykat9104]

My mom was also a serial recruitee for multiple MLM's, and if she wasn't in one she was trying hard to support her friends that were in them..."Oh I really want to help them out and be supportive, you should buy something too"... finally we both realized it's not helping them. We're spending $100 or more so they can make a few bucks commission. If they really needed "help" it would be better to gift them that money.

[@cryptfire3158]

would your momma watch this video? This video seems compelling to me, ... but.. i suppose i could understand people need to take a few layers of blinders off before a video like this can be understood.

[@nervotica7991]

​@@cryptfire3158- her Mom should start by turning off the TV.

[@millag93]

That's greed. Realistically speaking you cannot get rich quick in a ethical way. You can with selling drugs,maybe gambling, prostitution or other unethical ways, sure....​@@sarahvilmain3770

[@SheilaArkee]

Excellent, Melissa! One of my very first experiences with an MLM - and there have been many - was at a Mary Kay meeting. I was duped into thinking I was going to get a free facial, but didn’t realize I had to do the facial myself! I also went to a Mary Kay meeting for sales consultants, and I will never forget everyone danced in a circle to the song Pink Cadillac before the meeting even got started. There were also tearful testimonies. The saddest thing for me about MLM’s is how they’ve ruined social constructs. It’s impossible to tell when you meet someone new if they genuinely want to be your friend, or if they see you as their future downline.

[@couragedearheart2951]

Yes!!

[@BobbiGail]

They are still doing this, making it sound like you get some kind of gifted spa treatment when really you sit in front of everyone and try the products. Just call it what it is please. ❤

[@patrickcannell2258]

What put me off when I was taught at one of their conferences, "You have to convince your potential clients that they need something they actually don't need." I was disgusted at this deception.

[@mythbhavd]

That’s most advertising, though. I get especially suspicious when I’m told I deserve something in a commercial.

[@solly119119]

"they need something they actually don't need" Sorry, are you referring to MLMs or religions like Christianity? Because that's a great description for both.

[@Whydoyoubanothers]

​@@solly119119Do you think Christianity is monolithic in this regard?

[@solly119119]

@@Whydoyoubanothers Christianity monolithic? No, it most certainly is not. You do realize the fact it isn't doesn't help your case. What kind of God sucks so much at communication it allows all kinds of different interpretations of its message?

[@Gamer-wd3sj]

​@@solly119119Or what kind of sick twisted people exist who misinterpret the Word according to their own lustful hearts. Don't blame God for a problem man created

[@cathy2142]

**say NO to mind control!!**

[@AGAINSTHOPEBELIEVEINHOPE2.0]

And Yes To Freedom In Jesus Christ.

[@cathy2142]

@@AGAINSTHOPEBELIEVEINHOPE2.0 He alone is the way!🙌

[@mikam8801]

@@AGAINSTHOPEBELIEVEINHOPE2.0Ummm, that is also mind control.

[@babsdavis1228]

There’s also the huge contradiction of “work from home, flexibility, more time with kids” vs. once you’re in and it’s “you need to hustle and be working your business 12 hours a day if you want to be successful”

[@sylahjane]

its a bait and switch aka FRAUD

[@Kattykat9104]

That part. The social media posts about how passive and easy it is are very misleading, because it's exactly as you say... even if you reach a point where you're happy with the amount you're getting back, there's unending pressure to level up, contact / cold call people further out of your circle to get more sales because they don't care what you make, they care what they make as the level above you.

[@mrsimaniackerman]

💯💯💯

[@lizh1988]

Wow, that is scammy as all get out!

[@iamalphalim]

The ol’ bait and switch

[@karenburns4106]

I “sold” stampin up! For a few years. I say sold in quotations because I got into it to get the discount on products I loved. However I was often forced to buy the new product line to do demonstrations because you can not do them with older product. I had a great customer base for a couple years, women who were have a lot of fun with the craft tools and the draw for the “free” product when hosting. Then one of my consistent customers wanted to become a demonstrator and we were all set for her to be my first downline. I was a bit nervous about it because she would then be taking over all the home parties I was doing, taking my customer base. Guess what happened? My UPLINE got her to sign under HER behind my back!! I lost everything I had worked for three years plus my friendships with those women. And I had a craft room filled with current product I didn’t really want. Needless to say they went to garage sales for a tenth of their original cost. In retrospect, the best thing I got out of it is a wariness of other mlm traps and my desire to create beautiful cards with my own artwork.

[@silversilk8438]

Timestamps. Intro and rationale. 0:00-5:45 Part 1 starts at 6:10 Part 2 starts at 21:00 Part 3 starts at 49:15 Part 4 starts at 1:23:10

[@Kirbykracklegirl]

Thank you!

[@maxinef6654]

Thanks 🙏

[@cristinamathers4476]

The problem with a product in an MLM is that it's usually not the best quality and is overpriced. That little onion chopper that you love...guaranteed you could find one similar for less that isn't connected to such a predatory and deceptive industry. This especially applies to skincare and supplements.

[@MelissaDougherty]

Good point.

[@babsdavis1228]

Absolutely. Also, I know Mary Kay discontinues, rebrands, and/or repackages products on a regular basis which then pressures their sales reps to buy the new stuff even if they have a lot of the old still in stock.

[@KirstyE3]

Bought a generic - it broke. Went back to that chopper. It is the bomb!

[@cristinamathers4476]

@@KirstyE3 I still stand by my statement. There are dozens of companies that create quality products that do not participate in MLM. I have had the Cuisinart version for years and it is fantastic.

[@estie1850]

Yes, and regardless, I think we as Christian women can sacrifice some convenience for the sake of not supporting the industry.

[@moriahw3947]

I can't wait to watch this! I was telling my best friend the other day that one of the most disheartening things about MLMs is the way they're used to "look down on" other Christian women. I see so much content on social media about "I bought our new car/our fridge of groceries/our trip to the Maldives/my husband's retirement all from sitting on my couch and selling shampoo. I'M a good wife because I never left the house." and it makes me feel like I can't feel proud of having a freezer full good groceries that I bought by having a standard part time job....because I didn't do it "from my couch"

[@72586jejones]

Don't feel that way at all. Those trips are not fully paid for at all. These women spend all day online hoping to make money. Many leave their home in the evenings once their husbands are home so they can peddle their wares at parties. I am telling you, do not think you are less. I flat out told someone who tried to get me to do Perry Pay (😏) that I have a guaranteed salary, with benefits, on a promotion track that does not require me to wonder if I will have paycheck. She never even tried to sell to me again. She does okey with Perry Pay, but she and her husband have been building their dream home now for over 7 years only using her salary... They are well I to their 40s now, no kids. Trust me, it's is not all it seems. Might ha e their dream home, but children's laughter will never fill it.

[@katierucker2870]

Those people sound like scam artists.

[@Kattykat9104]

Never thought of it that way... you're right... very damaging to shame other women. Not every woman can stay home and shouldn't be shamed if they can't.

[@jpt610]

And they are also lying. More than 90% of distributors lose money. The ones on top of the pyramid who are making money from the rest underneath them, is because either they joined at the beginning or they were already some type of influencer with a huge following and they convinced their followers to join.

[@britzene]

Both of my parents worked full time, but had different hours so when I wasn't in school, someone was almost always home. When someone else watched me, it was usually an aunt or grandparent and I had a great childhood in that respect. There are lots of ways to be a good wife and you should feel proud that you support your family, and I'm sure your kids will be proud of you too.

[@Peachesandsunshine]

Thank you so much for addressing this topic and drawing the parallels between new thought in MLMs and church. My mom has been in a Word of Faith church for years but now she’s sick and it’s been so difficult communicating with her about her health care. She doesn’t want to talk about the cancer diagnosis or anything. She just walks around repeating her “healing” scriptures in her own world. I’m angry and sad all at the same time😞Pls keep us lifted in prayer.

[@MichaelCTruth]

Sorry friend. Prayers for you and your family.

[@JeremyCondez]

Thank you for this. You’re the first Christian KZbinr that I’ve come across to actually go in depth on this topic. I’ve wrestled with this for a few years, and this gave me more perspective and freedom to continue to grow as a barber/entrepreneur and build a business that serves the community. As you were going through all the different books/authors, I was surprised to hear John Maxwell and Rich Dad Poor Dad. From leadership to financial literacy, I’ve learned a lot from reading them. But it’s good reminder for me to continue to read the scripture in its context

[@MelissaDougherty]

Yes, and the thing is that I've learned a lot from these kinds of authors as well. A lot of people have. And that's what makes it so tricky. They throw in a Bible verse here or there about thinking things into existence and because the other things were good (and true) We just assume that this is good and true as well. This is why I repeatedly say that things need to be tested against reality and truth and That is done through critically thinking about them. This is why when people want to shut down your critical thinking capabilities, you're not able to do that.

[@sarahinacan84]

Apparently Robert Kiyosaki made that whole story up! Maybe I'm naive but I was shocked when I found out

[@wyomingsundays]

Melissa. Your statement “critical thinking is not negative thinking” is an outstanding point. Something I am definitely committing to my way of thinking, being objective about whatever it is I’m looking at. Very well said, and great video!

[@taniairivera453]

Been there done that. Swore that I could make the MLM work with both my faith and “build this business “ came across your page in 2020 and it changed my life , I was wrong , recognized my idolatry on many aspects , stopped in 2021 after 7 years in even relocated to another state to get away from it all . For anyone I had brought along I am truly sorry I really thought it was a great and healthy way to “help “ people I was fooled and became fooled Great job Melissa yet again on this . I pray that whom is involved can recognize the errors of being involved , for a Christian not something we should be a part of For those that have been a part of this pray for your healing and forgiveness on yourself . Life does go on without this industry

[@dawnmichelle4403]

I belong to an MLM, one known for its tea tree oil. I love the products, but never have even tried to recruit someone. The person above me checks in on me about once a year to see how I am personally, but once I made it clear I'm in only for the product, there's no pressure. I have no idea what goes on in conferences or meetings because I've never been. The website where I purchase the products doesn't push recruitment either. I feel about belonging to this organization like I do owning an Amazon Prime membership. I may or may not agree with the company, but I enjoy the benefits.

[@watchwomandebrajesusistheway]

Yea a lot of people get doTERRA products without joining up to be a "Consultant"

[@sarahkrell187]

I also buy from this company and do feel it is different than most others. No pressure and have never shared. Feels more like a Costco membership to me. HOWEVER, my late father saw it as the ticket out of poverty and chased the promise of financial security for 20+ years and damaged so many of his relationships and family members. I wonder what would have happened if he had just worked a real job as hard as he worked “the business”. Makes me sad that those were his choices, but I am still a happy customer nevertheless.

[@Orquet-qj2nf]

To me, that sounds like what MLMs should be. No pretense, no harrassment, just a way to buy something and sell a little if someone in your life wants it, too.

[@TheHcjfctc]

This was my favorite one to be apart of. I likely will go back once I can afford to again.

[@sherrischroeder3217]

You are very gifted in sorting this out and presenting it in a comprehensible and interesting manner. Thank you for sharing.

[@hanichay1163]

When we were once Mormons some people we hardly knew in the ward called to invite us over. I said no thanks we don’t do those. She got annoyed and said but you don’t know what it is! I said exactly, because you aren’t telling me.

[@Kattykat9104]

Yep! Had MLM acquaintances do this to me too... never talk to me then randomly reach out and invite me to something. I was getting really tired of it so when one friend reached out and said, "are you free next Thursday night? " I replied "It depends, what is the event?" She wouldn't tell me what it was and got mad, "what does it matter?! You're free or you aren't!" Finally got it out of her that she wanted me to go to a MLM party because she got something free of she invited so many people. No thanks! Stupid sales tactics.

[@janelleg597]

Lop nice

[@TheBrettMizer]

I am lds. MLM would be the only thing I would let my (future) wife do.. because I would not want her out of the house to work I personally belive woman's job is at the house. I find it disgusting seeing a lot of pretty ladies at byu they are giving up too many years where they could. Be having children.

[@neilbrookins8428]

@@TheBrettMizerI hope this is a joke. But if you are actually serious I’m confused that you would allow your wife to get involved in a organization that has 99% chance of loosing money. And be exposed to theology that contradicts your own.

[@ryanbrown4053]

I feel like 80% of MLM income is from their "employees".

[@AbbaJoy1]

Oh, yeah! First we were told that the people under us and the people we attempt to recruit need to see us recognized for reaching a milestone quickly. The way to do that is to buy $1000 of products yourself. Since you need an inventory to be able to deliver a product within 24 hours, just take out a loan and buy it all immediately. Second, we were told that if the company made a product, we shouldn't use a similar product from a different brand because people who saw us wouldn't be convinced to buy our toothpaste, dish soap, laundry soap, etc. I do think their products are good, but we lost money. Thankfully, we got out right away for a few different reasons. We were young, starting our family, I was a SAHM, and not making much money. My husband fell for the bait. One day our up line'a adult son told me that his parents spent all their time on their business and never had time for family. All she said about it appearing Christian is true, but the only thing God was in was that warning from the son that I heard very early in our experience.

[@LForbesDeWild]

Yikes. I'm only halfway through this video. I hope to finish this soon. But dayum...I was recruited into a certain company in 1999 that rhymes with Harry Fay. I could never build my business despite trying a few different times over the years. Because of things you said here, the light bulb came on over my tired head & I realize that yeah, it's time I finally cut the cord. I'm done!

[@oddsandevans3431]

Hearing you mention Rich dad poor dad hit me like a ton of bricks. My own pastor recommended I read that because I want to learn how to start a business and handle my finances better. I started reading it and my alarm bells were going off but I couldn't tell why.

[@BeWellBrandon]

@oddsandevans3431 I think someone referred it to me when they were trying to recruit me. I never read it. Does the author use new thought concepts?

[@katierucker2870]

It’s unfortunate your pastor, out of all people, recommended that book.

[@goldmillennial576]

Pastors are people too 😮‍💨 I had to have a long apologetics conversation with mine after I realized he had been teaching the Enneagram to small groups in our church for years.

[@kwhopper1100]

I immediately tune out whenever I hear that authors name it’s like what scam is he selling today .

[@alyssamurphy2002]

I still think the principles are good, (thinking of money differently and being a little less consumeristic) but I keep watching the show and every time I think...this is useless, they never have any answers or real info. Thanks for pointing this out. I'll unsub from his channel.

[@josephbachota]

Part 2 and 3 were exactly correct, part 3 really resonated with me because, yes, you were not allowed to talk about your uplink or the company, and if you did your a negative person etc. same thing in word of faith prosperity gospel circles were they say “don’t touch gods anointed” which is just a silence tactic to not talk about the bishop/pastor or the church or your higher uplink that your tithing up to, same things!!! Great video Melissa

[@shevwheels]

When i was young and newly diagnosed with a chronic (permanent, non curable) illness, a friend of my moms asked to meet me, to "encourage" me... It was a pitch. I left feeling so violated, my mum hadnt had any idea thats what the "friend" intended.

[@101runaways]

That was so greasy! A bunch of sharks in the water these people are!

[@Steadfast_Steady_Strong]

I’m so sorry that happened. Something similar happened to me and it was like a punch in the gut. You deserved encouragement and prayer, not a greedy, ignorant person’s sales pitch.

[@melissamommyof3]

Gosh that is horrible. Our family serves as missionaries and we had a person say they wanted to support our ministry and then when I met with them, they gave their spiel. I was so mad, they thought I could sell this to those we minister to.....in a very poor country.

[@britzene]

I am so sorry. Hopefully you got the support you needed and are doing okay. I am not religious but have studied them academically and think they are important for society. That said, deceiving and preying upon the vulnerable goes against everything that Jesus talked about during his time on Earth. I am glad this message is being spread to the community that it effects the most.

[@alandraa5646]

As someone who experienced all of this I can say this video is extremely well done and absolutely true, thank you Melissa!

[@cheryll137]

I too was in a few MLM and I got out of it because I could no longer afford their monthly $$$ requirement. I had no clue how deep this deception is until your video. Thank you

[@cameronstolhand7149]

It’s very frustrating when your spouse gets caught up in one of these *schemes.* My wife was involved in one of these for a few years selling and using diet products. She was brainwashed that she had to have this specific product to lose weight. All it consisted of was cheap processed food with low quality vitamins added to it. She did lose weight, but it wasn’t because of the food. She could have just as well lost weight eating twinkies and Flintstone vitamins. People lost weight from reducing their calorie intake not the special weight loss bars which were super ridiculously expensive. Even with her selling the bars to other people, we still paid more for her diet than she made selling the bars to other people. With all the time she spent trying to sell her bars to other people I calculated her making about two dollars an hour. I was never able to convince her that it was a scam, but she ended up stopping because we just didn’t have the money for it anymore. I think I remember it costing about $700 a month.

[@karaa7595]

You're a good husband.

[@BobbiGail]

Optavia?

[@rozesarered54]

Just here to say I hope this goes viral. I like some MLM products and buy them and some of my best friends are involved in them. But I am not comfortable with the business model, recruitment process, or marketing strategies of MLMs.

[@user-zd3ti9vl8b]

Maybe that's why lots of "networkers" don't succeed. Waste time working. ( spending time with those that should gave never have gotten them involved. ) Work with a few and make sure they succeed. Not with many some how hoping that a few do succeed. Hey bought larger bottle for less money at health food store. Total waste of $ poduct didn't do anything. Lol. Hey good way for pharmistical co to discredit a good product. Hey this happens with other industrial/ commercial product too. The rich get richer by discrediting a true competitor. By false product and false promotion. Ask this utuber what her real income is from? This utube is quite one sided. Why is that? Take away from a religios organization to recruite. Watch the religious organization die too. Eventually only senior left. Who eventually die off lol. Cult like behavior. Lol. Nice little rich Americian gal. What's her real take. Lol.

[@michaelroberts3898]

When you went through the BITE acronym, all I could think of was my brother’s Mormon experience. He drifted off from a lot of his family for a while because of the isolation and information control

[@stormypurl]

My goodness. Thank you for exposing this. My friend worked for MKay. When they had their conventions, They would sing, " I've got the Mary Kay enthusiasm down my heart, up in my head down in my feet." Another friend worked for Amway, He said he was told, "Where there is soap, there is hope.". Twisted. And the prosperity gospel is a lie, I used to be in it, but I saw how delusional it was.

[@rosannadana2922]

And May Kay was a 'gueen' as in mtf..queen, not just makeup queen...but queen

[@missymurphy9996]

There is an MLM that starts with “M” but describe themselves as ‘the patriot store’. There is a mandatory amount to spend each month and it is $100. I almost did it, but the introvert in me said NO! By the way, great job on your research Melissa!

[@KirstyE3]

Yup, was stuck in that one for several years. Getting out was ugly.

[@missymurphy9996]

@@KirstyE3 oh really, I hadn’t heard of anyone getting out. I have been approached several times and they would never say the name just that it was an American company fighting against woke companies.

[@trubyboo4072]

Yes, the constantly change their name too. To fool people. And there's many "Christian" people that sell this refuse to be transparent about the details of the mandatory membership they require. Won't even let you see the products unless you give over personal information. Alll the red flags!!!

[@BlancheNtrOy]

I got out twice just sending them an email stating you want to cancel the subscription. I love the make up products but yes so hard to keep buying the same stuff. And no I didn’t recruit anyone lol.

[@mwolfe7883]

And it’s so green washed. Not good products.

[@TheCultishShow]

Thanks for putting this together Melissa! Really appreciate the work you put into this as from our experience, this tends to be a polarizing & divisive subject.

[@RSmith-wm3vl]

If you are offered a "business opportunity" and it goes way beyond "business", something is wrong.

[@priscillamatus4313]

The sunk cost fallacy is exactly why I stayed in MLMs for so long

[@toolegittoquit_001]

That and the garageful of product

[@kenwardlaw5333]

My experience with one of these organizations, which has been around for decades and starts with an "A". It came through a coworker who was deeply involved. When we would travel for work, he would play cassette tapes from this organization. Now, having been raised in a home where Word of Faith nonsense was the order of the day, I immediately recognized the vast similarities with a Kenneth Copeland event. As a result I immediately came to the conclusion that these people must be Charlatans. The more my coworker talked it up, the more I was convinced that the claims made were to good to be true.

[@devinvanleeuwen1671]

Out of curiosity is it called Arbonne?

[@kenwardlaw5333]

No it was the other A

[@RockyTop85]

sAmway

[@Juniper333]

I believe everyone calls it ScAmway.😐

[@mcfarvo]

Charlatans* (not "Charletons")

[@gwenbrowne9900]

My dh & I are introverts, and having to present 'the plan' to others was way beyond what we could handle. We faked our way through for a year or so, but in the end, had to leave. Thanks Melissa---you're truly blessed with discernment.

[@lindawright9721]

We spent 6-ish yrs in Ham-Tray. The best thing that came out of it was we actually came to know the Lord at a conference Sunday svc! Praise God! 🙌 We had a theologocally sound pastor leading that Sunday Service. Also, hubby learned some people skills that translated to a legit sales career independent of Ham-Tray. The bad...we left our kids frequently for conferences, spent money on conferences that we didn't have, were too influenced by the motivational organization who was at the top of our sponsorship line, not Ham-tray itself. We were encouraged to buy books and listen to tapes in order to be sucessful. A lot of self-help theology was poured into us. We focused more on the "tools" and recruitment than the product itself, however we were shamed into changing all of our buying habits for more expensive, not necessarily better products. For a time, we valued people only for how they might enhance our business. This was from '92-'98. I asked forgiveness from God many times for how I treated people. It strained family relationships as well. Thanks for this thorough overview of MLMs, Melissa.

[@tvtreasurechest6155]

Glad you got out but God still used it for his Glory when you got saved. Just goes to show God can use ANYTHING to bring people to Himself.

[@lindawright9721]

@@tvtreasurechest6155 Amen!

[@kaykirby7957]

What is Ham-Tray? Just wondering

[@lindawright9721]

​@@kaykirby7957 Amway

[@jobrown8146]

@@kaykirby7957 "sc"amway

[@NotEasyButSimple]

She's gone on and did the winger!😅 Next, I want 4 hours! Then you team up with the Winger and do a videothon. Anything under 12 hours will be unacceptable!

[@mommiedearest5337]

What's a winger?

[@katerynavitel7739]

Mike Winger

[@funkmomma71]

I'm assuming they are referring to Mike Winger, who is known for his long, in-depth videos. 2 hours is a just a warm-up for some of his stuff.

[@arunamy362]

2 hours is just a warm up 🤣

[@camillewilliams3185]

Right on! 🤣

[@mikerobertson4041]

I looked into a couple of MLMs when I was a much younger man, and there were some things I noticed. First, to be successful, the MLM replaces your family, your friends, your church, and becomes THE #1 focus of your life. Every new acquaintance becomes a possible recruit. The people in the lower levels of the MLM seldom, if ever, see any real money. It's the people in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd levels who are getting rich. And those people in the lower levels have to buy large amounts of product themselves, to the point of sometimes losing money. Thankfully, I never joined one of these things, and when I hear the term MLM I walk away quickly!

[@jobrown8146]

" Every new acquaintance becomes a possible recruit." Yes it can spoil relationships.

[@reinelantz3304]

There actually are NWM’s that do not give the advantage to the early enrollers, that have affordably-priced products that do provide measurable effective benefits, and that do pay reasonable commissions and residual income. Those NWMs also do not demand huge monthly purchases but only a single inexpensive monthly purchase to maintain active commissionable status. In other words, there really are NWMs that do not demand all of a person’s time or resources (nor demand purchase of giant packs of products), nor do they set “sales quotas”, nor do they encourage or demand slavish cult-like behavior, nor do they tolerate any of the toxic/predatory behaviors common among other NWMs, nor do they make illegal or unsupportable claims, nor do they encourage “get-rich-quick” thinking, etc. They merely provide a reasonable, attainable, affordable opportunity to build a steady part-time additional income by offering genuine, affordable, effective products/services -which some folks manage to build into very large businesses-without sacrificing time with or relationships with family, friends, community, etc.

[@thebusinessstrategistbw816]

​@reinelantz3304 if they exist, they are the exception to the rule. The business model is fundamentally flawed, and it is a matter of time before they adopt the tactics of the biggest MLM companies.

[@KT-rl1dy]

​@@reinelantz3304And what company????

[@user-wo2pj6cm7e]

I care about people who are in this type of business they say they will have freedom to spend time with their family but they seem to be always busy and not with their family.

[@thenewagetojesusdiaries5830]

“Kind of looks like a pyramid but more about that later”

[@Jan-yz6pl]

You are so thorough, Melissa. Thank you for equipping the saints to discern. This is especially important where well meaning, God fearing Christians may be marketed to or recruited using deception.

[@EmunahFL]

Two hours, schmoo hours! I was ready, and you're not disappointing! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not to mention the fact that a lot of these companies want you to lie to potential customers about the quality, about the product's contents, about it's safety and about it being "clean" or cruelty-free.

[@katierucker2870]

The “clean” products remind me how some KZbinrs, some Conservative ones, will push their sponsors’ makeup or skincare products to say it has “clean” ingredients. And when you actually do your research, they’re not really clean at all. It’s so ridiculous how desperate these companies get, yet they’re so deceptive. Not all of them, but a lot.

[@josephbachota]

Just watched part 1 and everything you said was absolutely correct, I used to be an IBO in Quixtar (now Amway Global) and I heard all these sales pitches from them, secondly, when I saw the pyramid schemes in prosperity gospel churches, I was like, hey, I’ve seen this before 😢

[@Jessica_Jones]

It's so crazy to see it so plainly now. I've known for a while that so many religious leaders are false teachers, but in this light it makes it feel that much more messed up.

[@cryslaw100]

Same! I was involved early when they rebranded as Quixtar. I was involved in 2001-2004 ish.

[@kimwilliams6674]

Look at the mind control in our media, and how we were shamed if we researched the jab the last few years. Like, how DARE we think for ourselves or ask questions. It’s not just a problem among MLM, but in our society as a whole. We’ve been trained to trust the ‘experts’.

[@PeaceOfGrace]

I had this thought too, and it applies to many other ideologies.

[@erisunflower]

Exactly. We all have one enemy by the end of the day, and we know he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. It’s a hard battle, but we gotta keep on pressing on. Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

[@JesusSaviour4ALL]

@@erisunfloweramen!!!

[@daraharvey4519]

It’s no accident that the Bible compares us to sheep. We are sheep, we just need to make sure we follow the right Shepherd. There is only one.

[@valerier4308]

Great point!!!

[@watchwomandebrajesusistheway]

When I look back as my walk as a Christian... I look back at my time when I was still doing yoga and way into the oil company thing. Visualization, positive thinking, prosperity teaching - yep. The ladies who were my uplines we all about the self help, mindset...and what I call it now is *Christian Mysticism*. I now know better. But I look back at how I was still a baby Christian in that time. I was deceived.

[@mikam8801]

“Christian mythology” would be a better choice of words.

[@lorindadods2549]

I’m so glad you did this! We were a part of “hamspray” for a few years. I never wanted to do it but my husband heard about earning more money, there were went. He had a beard, they made him shave it off and we had to invest in different clothes because they wanted him to wear a suit to all the meetings. My husband wanted the group meetings and conferences (because travel and we looked good), but I was the one who was supposed to set up all of the meetings and try to find the money to purchase the things they said we needed (weekly tapes to inspire and encourage). Loved the products, but we never made any money. And I HATED being away from my kids and hated being told they would thank me for it later. I appreciate you using the phrase “sacrificing your children on the altar of MLM because that’s exactly how I thought of it. Prosperity teaching was all through it and even though I did find encouragement in SOME of the teachings, most of it (the teachings, the concepts, the leaving the kids for someone else to raise) just didn’t set well with me and felt so unbiblical. When one of my uplines told me that I needed to get serious and bring in more money, I said no. She stopped working with me. And when I didn’t do our yearly renewal, my direct up line was strangely no longer my friend. There WERE a couple of good things that came out of it, but mostly I am so thankful that I said no.

[@lorindadods2549]

@@organictribe8363 Amway

[@camillewilliams3185]

Amway ​@@organictribe8363

[@lynndichon964]

Amyway 😂

[@KarinAllison]

You can't be in an MLM and "serious" if you don't recruit. When the product sales are so meager that you can't afford that vacation or you can't pay bills from it, that's when your up-line will say,"Well, what's your attitude? How badly do you want this? You need to apply yourself, you'll only get out of this what you pour in and recruiting is key because your downline is key." So there you are. The product, regardless of what it is and what quality it is, is marked up greatly BECAUSE everyone wants a cut from its sale. Most reps keep buying stuff so they don't lose their rank. So you are customer yourself first and foremost. I honestly question the moral clarity of those who defend these practices. It's not rocket science. The pyramid is obvious from the compensation plans. You also called the up-line "your boss" (mentor; it's correct). But earlier you stated (correctly) that one of the catch phrases is "be your own boss". See the contradiction? Which is it? Fact is, you won't be the CEO of your own company. You're a cog in the wheel of someone else's company.

[@katierucker2870]

Reminds me of Uber.

[@mdkelley100]

I belong to an MLM until I found out the leadership, who routinely give thanks to God, were all New Agers! I found out when the top leadership took me to a new age church, it woke me up! My wife belonged to an MLM, and when we went to a leadership meeting, we found out their leadership is deeply attached to the NAR. They are even close friends with the leaders of the NAR.

[@_derpderp]

Your experiences are quintessential of Christians participating in MLMs in the last couple centuries.

[@sandral34]

I’ve been involved with 4 MLMs and they all push New Age training seminars.

[@lilimccarthy8664]

Which ones are they? Call them out so that others aren’t deceived.

[@sandral34]

@@lilimccarthy8664after listening to the video, I should clarify that it’s more so New Thought being pushed in comparison to New Age, however, there is some of that also. The one I got involved the deepest in was R-Bon and it was very new thought and culty, next is Jews Plus (it was more so the upline than the business itself, although I didn’t listen to too much of their direct info), Bella & Bot has lots of New Agey pieces, and Rogano Boffee (didn’t get deeply involved whatsoever, but the starter kit came with advertising for LGAT meetings. All of these businesses take up all your time, you lose money to product, see lots of families split or struggle (I think lots of women get into them when I are already emotionally struggling), many quit the business and keep the mindset and train their families and friends how to think a New Though mindset. All of them try to send you to Large Group Awareness Training(LGAT) meetings that are basically New Thought mind control meetings and the founders of these meetings sometimes have ties to government, cults, and shady scientific organizations. I did a bunch of research into these meetings when a family member got deeply involved in one. They are actually basically an MLM in themselves…

[@endless3cho]

Expose them.

[@UnclePengy]

My late wife got into an MLM (which has since gone out of business). She was also an addictive shopaholic and hoarder and just needed to buy everything the company produced. Our finances started pouring into this like a sinkhole, and our house began to fill up with cr*p. It was very much an addiction.

[@adelegower834]

Must've been a party to throw it all out....lol

[@PillarOfGrace]

You nailed your opening about how people are introduced to MLMs.

[@TheRuckFarm]

As someone who has been involved with my fair share of MLM’s, virtually no one in these companies makes decent money unless they focus on recruiting. They can still be deemed a pyramid scheme even when selling product. There have been numerous lawsuits won against MLM companies who were then forced to restructure for this very reason. It’s important to remember that just because something is illegal doesn’t mean people are not participating in it. Drugs are illegal and yet people get away with buying and selling them every day.

[@TheologyMom]

Watching before it’s….reported. 👀

[@Slightly_Classy]

“The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”. No one should be looking at their friends and family (or any fellow human being) with dollar signs in their eyes. That’s the true evil of these MLMs.

[@ST52655]

This ⬆️

[@nervotica7991]

Aye mehn!

[@toolegittoquit_001]

WHAT ? 😳 Someone actually cited this verse correctly ? Inconceivable 😂

[@purposefullywholetv]

“New thought is a movement that is everywhere!” Honestly, this is so deep and dark and needs to be exposed!! I genuinely appreciate this so much! I was with Monat for 4 years and I’m surprised it didn’t completely destroy my life and family! I saw everything that you mentioned and questioned it in prayer! I’m thankful that the Lord saved me from this deceptive system. Thank you so much for this video… it’s so encouraging to see someone with a platform talk about it and to the degree you did! The spiritual element to it is SO Dark, but most people don’t see it or don’t care!

[@goldmillennial576]

Does Monat have a lot of new thought in it? I was just about to buy some of their products 😮

[@practic_ally_healthy4860]

Yes I agree!

[@purposefullywholetv]

@@goldmillennial576yes they do! That’s were I was first introduced to new thought techniques actually! The products are amazing but I personally couldn’t support it anymore!

[@billybowyer]

I was in Pampered Chef while I was a personal chef. I did 4 shows a month and made just over a $1000 a month. When I went back to a position in a restaurant I no longer had time and then I could not meet the sales quota. It's a true direct sells company. I also never recruited anyone, just sold and it was great sideline income.

[@bekamac4036]

Thank you so so much for addressing this! Several of my friends and cousins have been roped into Monat. Seeing all the fake lifestyle posts and empty promises is so frustrating! I am so very grateful that a prominent Christian is using her platform to inform and warn against these unethical companies!

[@RCGWho]

After rhe the essential oil thing (Young Living) faded, Monat popped up.

[@waitam5014]

Thank you for putting this together so that we can be informed and make informed decisions. I was in a few MLM before. Both only lasted for a few months and once I am in them, I could see that realistically, I just didn’t have the time needed to be successful in any of them. And thank you for explaining what a pyramid is and it’s loop hole because I always thought MLM looked like a pyramid but I didn’t understand how “it wasn’t” by the people involve it.

[@Maggie216_]

Thank you so much for doing this video, especially part 4! Coming out of an MLM myself, I watched a lot of anti-mlm content. I really appreciate the work they do, and some mention spiritual manipulation, but you hit the nail on the head! Being a Christian, I thought I was entering a safe space, but it did mess me up. Not just financially. I hope less people enter mlms and more people leave. Love your final thoughts too! 💥

[@12-thesongsofsteviejames21]

Thank you,...GREAT work,...I've always felt uneasy about these but was never able to firmly put my finger on it

[@aaronchef82]

Commenting and liking to boost the Algo-gog. Thanks for doing this, awareness of the predatory nature of MLMs are crucial.

[@sherrieasdon8766]

I cannot tell you what a relief this video teaching was for me. Long long ago I dabbled in two of these mlms, Ham-tray and Harry-stay. As a Christian since childhood, I knew something just didn't feel right. I left each with little investment, a bit baffled as to why I didn't want to do anything more than purchase the products, never really being able to put my finger on the problem. Aha! Clarity today. I thank God that I never recruited anyone. Otherwise I would be seeking those people out as having wronged them. You didn't say so, but I felt the need to repent of my time and energy and resources spent, even so so long ago. "When you realize you have sinned..." Thank you, Melissa. I'm so thankful for you.

[@hope46sf]

Thank you for all the work you put into these videos. A few years ago, I was in a new church, trying to make sense out of a painful marriage. Vulnerable, for sure!! A few women befriended me, and before too long, I was invited to a Juice Plus "party". The invite said, "a salad in a jar party". Of course, the spcheel sounded good, and before the evening ended, I signed up to be a rep, forking over money I hadn't intended to part with. The women love-bombed me, and made me feel special. I was supposed to leave my phone on to be contacted by anyone from the company night or day!!! I politely told them "NO WAY". I had to drink my product, as no one would buy it. The shakes were tasty, but I NEVER would have purchased them on my own as they were expensive. I left after a few months. think it is beyond reprehensible to take advantage of a fellow believer, especially one in a weakened, vulnerable state. Why not simply come out and be honest about their business, and ask if you if "you might want to learn more." I would have flat out said "NO THANK YOU"", having gotten sucked into MK makeup years before. Wow!! Melissa, I didn't realize I had so much to share...thanks again. Being used by another Christian sure doesn't help the cause of Christ!

[@lauraschmuck5565]

This was such a good explanation. I was involved in an MLM "Hamtray" 20 years ago, and I ended up losing a lot of money by attending seminars, tapes and books to learn how to recruit others and sell the products. I was not a good recruiter and left.

[@ryanbrown4053]

What is Hamtray? Lol I got her Mary Kay reference, what is Hamtray supposed to represent?

[@DogDocLou]

@@ryanbrown4053possibly Amway??

[@lauraschmuck5565]

@@ryanbrown4053 Amway

[@davidwicklin9943]

@@ryanbrown4053 AmWay

[@lindawright9721]

Amway, Ryan. 😂

[@holliwilliams6468]

The way you said that extroverts are just "built different" had me giggle. 😂

[@crashmondojr]

I've participated in many MLMs (not currently in any). I've seen and experienced just about everything you mentioned 😅 both the positive (exceptions) and negative (rule, and in one instance both within the same company, but under 2 different teams, it was like night and day). You were still able to bring some enlightenment on my experiences that I hadn't thought of before (and certainly didn't pick up on at the time). Thanks for putting this together! If you do a part 2, I'll send you some stories.

[@watchwomandebrajesusistheway]

Same. If she wants to do another video on this... I can tell my experience as well

[@mam0la]

I 've been doing my own research on mlm for last 6 months, since my friend quit well paid job and joined mlm. I could never understand that. Part 4 of your video is the answer. Best video on mlm I've seen so far.

[@Bousedeus]

Wanted to comment first and then watch the video lol from new age to mlm, Melissa ain't gonna back down 🙌 keep up the awesome work!

[@Malevolentguppy]

Im sure someone else has mentiondd it already, but there is a youtuber named Hannah Alonzo who specializes in breaking down the MLM lie. There are a couple other ladies ive seen around as well. They dont come at it from a Christian perspective, but they are thorough and merciless in their dismantling of this stuff.

[@BYUIPolitico]

Always Marco is also great

[@alaska4939]

I love hearing all this from a Christian. I've been getting into anti mlm content and some videos I've heard use the anti mlm platform to attack Christians, conservatives, and people with traditional values. I appreciate all your research and efforts that went into making this video.

[@funkmomma71]

Heads up! As you are now in the homeschooling world, know that it is filthy with MLMs. So many of these families make it on one income and MLMs look good to these moms as a way make some money for their families.

[@SBots-xo2nn]

I did one for a while. It was fun until it wasn't fun. Haha. It started to get exhausting. I had to lug big, heavy crates of cookware to the parties so we could cook together, then I would lug them all back home and wash the cookware the next day, along with all of the dishes at my own house. I went to a different MLM party and she pulled cleaning cloths out of a small bag and I thought, "Dang! I picked the wrong business!" Lol I also got tired of seeing everyone with a dollar sign over their heads. I think ALL of these companies are cult like, especially the conferences.

[@rrjohn5]

Also, it’s shame based. Quitting the MLM because you are losing money or spending too much time away from family is heavily shamed. So awful of those up line “boss babes” to treat people like that.

[@jocelyn4981]

WOW - this was so detailed, well thought-out, well-organized, and just plain WELL DONE. Thank you for doing all this research and blessing us with the knowledge.

[@tammymoore859]

We thought we had made wonderful friends with our upline, until we left. True colors were shown 😕

[@watchwomandebrajesusistheway]

Yes... At least you know now.

[@YoSmitty55]

😅 my upline left before me.

[@rosannasauereisen2827]

I also thought I had friends. Once I left, I no longer did.

[@Thethriftpicker]

Thank you so much for making this video! I got saved out of new age/new thought/prosperity gospel/ MLM gospel and my whole life unraveled when I realized how controlled I was… people NEED to hear what you are saying!

[@ChristyG72]

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ I think of this when I hear about MLM’s

[@KirstyE3]

I've been in several MLMs. I started with being an Avon lady over 25 years ago (and worked hard at it, and enjoyed it.) Some were better than others. Your upline can really make or break your experiences. I didn't see the creepy, cult like stuff except with one - I'll call it Telamueca. Oddly, it was the hardest one to get out of as well. Don't you dare talk bad about one of the products or insinuate leaving. Eeek! Looking back gives me the shivers. Plus all the religious (and political) undertones.

[@thenewagetojesusdiaries5830]

I watched this entire video and must say this was very well done. 👏🏻

[@lynnk6550]

Melaleuca says the exact thing. They deny that they are an MLM and use direct sales company. Only thing is, compensation structure is the same, conventions are the same, same motivational books etc., Christianese, money money money focus. I have been in several MLMs and they are not pyramids but there are a lot of issues and there are a lot of positives as well. It’s not for me, but I have friends who do very well in them and are very happy.

[@rosannadana2922]

Yes, yes...owner is mormon...you'll see lot of masonic #'s...gotta get 35 pts month and blah blah

[@JesusIsTheOnlyWayTruthLife]

I'm glad you've covered this topic. Thank you. I've always hated how MLMs make any relationships a person has or enters into sources of income, which is not okay. It's distorting what relationships are supposed to be for. Anyone involved with MLMs needs to find legitimate forms of income that aren't unethical and spread awareness about what's wrong with MLMs, so less people are duped into giving the crooked companies their money.

[@savedbygrace5773]

Thank you for taking the time to research and put all of this together! I've been a wellness advocate with doterra since 2015. I joined because of their products, and I've stayed with them because of their products. I only have a few people "under" me, and they are friends an/or family who were interested in the products because they saw that I used them and wanted to learn more. I have never been pressured to sell or build my team. Honestly, I'm not trying to build a business, I just love doterra's supplements and EOs.

[@lizgreer6888]

This is probably the best deep dive into MLMs i've listened too. You touched on a part of mlms that I too think is the most overlooked and you did so in a way that was straight forward and fact-based. Amazing video and deserves a lot more recognition!

[@ejc1956]

I worked in the call center for Arbonne from 2002-2006. The company was great and did not have the problems associated with MLM’s UNTIL the original owners sold it in 2006. It went downhill from there.

[@flamingofan5411]

I sold it a bit. The products are way overpriced for the quality.

[@pmcmva]

Thanks for the hard work and balanced presentation, Melissa. I was involved with one of the major MLMs for five years in the early '90s. I was in my mid-20s and just starting a family. A couple observations on this topic. First, were the products more expensive? Yes. Were they better quality for that price? IMO, yes, for the most part. Most of my money was spent not on the products, but on the education. The books, tapes and conferences. I was told this was an investment just like running any business, not just an MLM. I have found that to be completely true. Additionally, some of the friendships begun (granted, just a few) while I was in have endured for over 30 years now. I was fortunate to have gotten to know and learn from very high-character, genuine and knowledgeable businessmen, and those relationships are of lifelong value. I know this is not typical, and that there are many with much different experiences. In the end, maybe oddly, I'm glad I DIDN'T make much money in it, because I was not beholden to it once the Word Faith/Prosperity Gospel aspects became more apparent to me. It was an interesting chapter in my life, a unique learning experience, both good and bad. Thanks again for the video.

[@ChicanaCuriousMama]

SO INTERESTING!!!!! I got a few friends in MLM (life insurance companies). Just a side note. Maybe I’m wrong, but REAL direct sales is like Tesla. They sell their cars directly to the customer. No pyramid scheme necessary!

[@cat-bg3rv]

Tesla? Really? 😆

[@Ms4truth]

Thank you for taking the time to research this. MLM’s have bothered me for years, although I couldn’t quite articulate why. Well, other than the fact that they seemed to exploit a lot of women looking for some income while they homeschooled or cared for their children. I started a business on my own and have kept it going partly out of a desire to show that it can be done without an MLM. It’s not easy, but it can be done.