As you may have read, David (my husband) and I are joining forces to better educate people about Blogging.
David had looked into The Empower Network (EN) and thought it was a great idea to have newbies that come to us go into because of the simple to use platform, and the trainings that Dave Wood and Dave Sharpe had. Both were superb. I was a bit hesitant, because it just didn’t feel right, but made the rational decision to check it out.
So we bought into it at the top level, hey why not right?
I went through all the trainings… excellent! And the platform was so user-friendly… good for any newbie or even a seasoned pro for that matter. So, I started to blog every day, following the trainings. As a good little triber that I am, I was an admin on one Empower Facebook group and made friends in others.
What I found, though, was that people weren’t fully listening to what Dave and Dave were telling them in their trainings. Blog about anything – true. A good way to get people started. But blog about things in their business and life, not turn their blog into nothing more than a sales vehicle for Empower.
Instead, I was finding so many blogs about all the money people were making with EN, all the recruits they were picking up every day… that’s all fine and well, but really, blog posts are NOT the place to go on and on about the particulars of your business, especially when your business IS your blogging platform.
So, like an idiot, I reached out to a certain number of people telling how and why there is a better way to blog than the “buy buy buy” idea. I also tried to help them syndicate. But most of them just dropped and ran. Hmmmm So I found a select few that were good bloggers and buddied up with them.
Then…The big Facebook Slap.
Well, that was inevitable. With all the spamming going on, everybody just crashing in on groups and telling everyone to join EN… well, of course Facebook was bound to step in. Everyone was syndicating as Facebook comments, since the EN blog format was totally connected to Facebook and there was no other way to post comments.
Then on Mondays, there was the big weekly inspiration call. Dave Sharpe was on the call. He is very good at rallying people. He explained they were going to talk to Facebook. But in the midst of the pep rally was a never-ending “call to action”: “Everyone get to San Diego” … for the EN live event in September.(thank God I didn’t buy a ticket lol). I gave it a shot and listened to the entire call which was “Lets fight the forces of Evil” cry. Well… I’m a pacifist. I don’t fight, and I don’t like this sort of group mentality.
Meanwhile, Facebook warned me that I was making too many friends (which I was not) Then another warning. For all the years I have been on line this never happened. I am no way blaming the Empower Network, but I ask you… isn’t that a bit strange that just 2 weeks after I started using the EN platform, Facebook was all over my case?
Back to Monday night call. Dave Sharpe explained that there would probably be another call on Wednesday. No call, just an email. Some of the people that I had met in the EN network were messaging me what to do. I told them to hang tight and just wait until the problem was settled. Mind you, these are the people that came in at the basic, beginner level and had no idea how to blog. Hmmmm
Just before the big Facebook slap, David (my husband) and I sent out a solo ad promoting EN. I got 20 people interested. I ask you my fellow business people, what would YOU do with these 20 people if your faith in a company was dwindling down? I told them this was not the time to jump in… to wait and see how things progress and resolve… or don’t. I will contact them later. It is bad Karma to sell someone something you don’t want to use or are losing faith in isn’t it? I think it is.
Some EN people were pretty annoyed with me because of this. But it is my reputation that I have always upheld, and that was clearly at stake. Yes, I affiliate products I use myself and will pass on the info if it has value.
But my friends answer me this: How could I go for a few dollars and have this on my conscience? No Way…Bad Business.
So I have opted out of this system. Yes, they will call me a “wussy” as they say, but my business decision came from this.
1. The platform is great, but a lot of people are mis-using and/or misunderstanding it.
2. There is no administration to police all the spamming going on with people’s posts.
3. The eggs were all put in one basket – Facebook –
4. I was not updated by the company of another back door plan. Working with a business, I do deserve that much.
5. I am not a follower, but a leader. I make my own business decisions.
6. I know what the hell I’m doing! I’m doing fine with my own blog and lists.
7. We will create a WordPress blog together (David and I) so we can have control of it.
8. Why am I being pushed to go to San Diego to high-five people? I have personally worked with people in many industries, and have never had allowed myself to be forced into cheer-leading rallies. Just not my style.
9. Seems to me like EN people are scrambling right now with no direction for how to market while overcoming this hump.
So there you have it a word (or more). This is why I made my business decision. Nothing against the program, but I do not want my online reputation that I have worked so hard to build, to be cheapened.
For all you Empower Network peeps: Hang tight. They will fix the problem eventually, but hear this message loud and clear: don’t be a spammer. You look desperate. And…if you listened carefully to your trainings, D & D told you that. They clearly teach you to let them do the selling, while you offer great and VALUE-based content. So blog on, go for Quality and Value in your posts, and good luck to you all.
Blessings,
Donna
As always, your comments are greatly appreciated!
Hi Donna
I too am a EN newbie.I have learnt a lot through the training but there are times when frustration kicks in. I have only been blogging for 9 days. The biggest frustration is that there is no explanation in the $25 sign up about how you get traffic to your blog. This is the biggest learner you need for your blog to start making you any income This comes further down the line when you buy into another level.I have another wp blog but put it on hold as I wasn’t getting traffic to it and the company I signed upto then weren’t as helpful as I have found EN. However the knowledge I have gained in such a short time, I feel I could use my other blog page that way as you say I would have something that is mine. Is there a way I can connect the two.I am really passionate about my businessas a wellness couch helping people through my knowledge of nutrition I would prefer that to be my main focus with EN as a sideline. Could you share any advise how to have both.
Thanks Debbie
Hi Debbie
I would say to work on your your own blog and keep an opt-in page on the side bar for EN. You can do this in 2 ways. Have the opt-in showing it is EN…OR..create a squeeze page of your own possibly with a video of you saying something about the benefits. Have the folks sign in thereby giving you permission to email them.
Then you can build a relationship via your emails on your list about EN! That’s what comes to me at this time.
Sorry that the company you were working with on your blog wasn’t helpful. Sometimes it is so difficult to find a good person. I’m blessed with mine lol.
And yes, I can understand the frustration on the $25 level. But, the good news is that there are many groups on Facebook or Google+ Communities that you might want to search to find others to mastermind with.
Hope this helps,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Basic Blogging
Hi Debbie; Just wanted to note that EN has made repeated attempts to contact Facebook, however, the Facebook gurus are not listening. There were some developments in regards to go arounds so that you could still use facebook as a marketing platform. The biggest change has been with google+ and hangouts. This has exploded and has proven to be a very lucrative platform for marketers in any business. They have also picked up on detailed training seminars on placing ads etc. but that is for those that have purchased the 15k formula training… the hangouts and call ins are basically the same, the successful ones sharing their ‘stories’ as the training is the product so there’s no training on these calls, just ra-ra’s. I have maintained a “blog” mentality since day one and use it to share and write about anything I want, but have many cohorts who use it to write about their marketing business which is their choice, right? I too only affiliate products that I use or have used. There’s some integrity and authenticity that goes along with being a business owner.
G’Day Debbie,
It is much slower building an Empower Network Viral Blogging Business at the $25 entry point, which is OK if you are a real beginner.
You must learn certain things and be very focused when one starts an online business. So obviously at this level it is meant for you to learn and make some core commitments.
You have enough info in the Fast Start program to get you over your current frustrations…Sorry, but you do not sound as if you are completely following this, or are you?
Debbii, you do not sound like a beginner, as you already have another blog that you have set up.
Maybe it is time to see what the video on the next level has, and see if this will help you?
I also suggest you find out what extra FREE services and programs some of the leaders in you group have to offer!
Many people do give up after reaching their pain threshold. This is not only in Empower Network, but the figures for retention for EN are much, much better than this industry in general…..This should tell you something.
Hope to hear from you soon.
In the meantime……
…..enjoy many good things!
Michael Alvanos
Unique Results
Sydney, Australia
Michael Alvanos recently posted..Bipolar and My First Social Outing
Hi Donna,
Somehow I came across your post, thank GOD!! I was brought to the EN site by someone else, which was pretty odd I thought. She connected with me on another website, then reached out, wanted to correspond, then forwarded me to her EN site!?!. I was considering looking into EN, however, with a little trepidation. Then, I read your blogg and knew my gut was right….stay away from EN. Thank you for your post. Wishing you the best of luck!!
Linda
Hi Linda,
As with anything, you always have to go with your gut! If it was for you, I am sure you would have opted in. Following your “gut” is actually called your intuition.
Most people dismiss that feeling, but it is usually correct. Best of luck to you too.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Basic Blogging
G’Day Donna,
Sometime the gut feeling is anxiety and fear of the unknown…Not that there is anything wrong with that, however you are trying to make a decision about something…….And it may be prudent to find out more.
Especially if you ask yourself….What is the most I can lose if I go ahead?… Verses what is the most I can lose if I do not go ahead?
All things being equal, people today still think 70 year old Amway is a scam!
The most important though, is what you have said on another one of your posts…..That is ‘be true to yourself’ and do only what fits in with your plans.
Hope to hear from you soon.
In the meantime……
…..enjoy many good things!
Michael Alvanos
Unique Results
Sydney, Australia
Michael Alvanos recently posted..Bipolar and My First Social Outing
Whoops Michael, I missed your comment and I’m late in my reply…Sorry!
I like that example of our “gut” feeling. We do have to weigh our decisions by asking ourselves these questions.
I did chuckle to myself when you mentioned that people still think 70 year old Amway is a scam.
People have their opinions. As long as they are respectful to one another, that’s OK.
I believe that anything you set your mind out to do with passion and persistence can be successful. As long as we are “true to ourselves” and that is a whole other issue I can write a book on!
Thanks again Michael for your refreshing comment!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting Beliefs
Hello Donna,
Kudos to you for “telling it like it is”. Yes, I too was an EN member but quit my membership also. I guess, like to many others, II was attracted by the real possibility of earning some revenue from home. I have recently become disabled (with MS) and I am no longer able to work outside my home. I maintain a professional degree (masters level) and have worked with some of the largest/multi-million dollar companies in the US. I say this not to brag in any way, nor looking for any pity, I just believed that EN would be a good vehicle in order to generate some revenue for myself & my family. Well, it became quite obvious that utilizing the EN was NOT going to accomplish this. As some of your other commenters said, not going “all in” as their only means of success, is a poor strategy for anyone just starting out. Your chances of even getting your investment back via commissions is pretty poor/slim. Although, they do offer some decent training at the beginning level ($25.00 level), that in reality is really all you going to get. I have to generally agree with your poster who stated that attempting to propagate/increase you downline is very difficult, as they also can’t really envision where they are going to make any money either. The two Dave’s seem to be honest, but not so much “up front” on their business. I also have to really agree with you, that my reputation is to important to me & my family to risk it on “possibly” getting a few hundred dollars, if even that. Being a “wussie” is trying to stiff arm, trick, manipulate your contacts on this system. In my opinion, as we say In the real business world, EN is really NVA or no value added. Thanks again, keep up the excellent work?
Well, Steven, you’ve obviously done a lot of soul searching on this and made the decision that you are comfortable with.
That’s the place to be… as long as “comfort” doesn’t translated into “complacency”. I’m not saying it does for you, I’m just saying too often, people will hide behind comfort and familiarity as a way to avoid growth. I know, I do it all the time
As far as not being able to get your “team” to make money, that’s a different issue and one that doesn’t get enough attention, I believe.
In fact, building a downline or team is altogether different that properly training and motivating you team.
I think you’ll get a good sense of this if you watch the video on the follow-up post I did on this subject… just put it up and I think you’ll like it. Tell me what you think! It’s called “Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again”. Link to it right here: http://donnamerrilltribe.com/2013/03/empower-network-review/
Oh contrare! No one is ever a “wussie” when they stand for the truth despite what “they” say; and when they look out for others who are not as seasoned. You’ve got inner strength – it’s better than a sociopathic montage any day!
Kudos to you and your double strength!
Thanks for your comment Magdalena
So much has changed since I wrote this blog, so look out for my part two coming up soon.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Nice honest point, have been in almost since start and get what your saying, have not made any sales and do not want to give up, will stick to leading with value and no spam, thanks again.
Keep it up Stephen,
There are so many modules to learn from in Empower Network. Seek and you shall find. The great part I like about Empower is their personal development strategies.
Look within my friend and see which way you want to use this business to make an income. Sometimes it takes a little time, but never give up!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Hey Donna I loved this post. I would love to chat with you about blogging I am new to blogging and find myself becoming a spammer it’s all I see on the Internet it just seems like the way it’s supposed to be done. I personally have more interesting things to blog about than that. At least in my mind lol. I don’t really know where to start or the proper protocol about blogging. I would love to hear from you. Thank You so much!
Hey Allen, I’m always happy to talk with folks about blogging.
Feel free to contact me anytime on Skype. My Skype name is “donnamerrilltribe”. I tried to stick close to it… when I can…
Meanwhile, you’ll probably learn quite a bit more about blogging on another post I wrote called “Blogging Basics”. Click here for that: http://donnamerrilltribe.com/2013/02/basic-blogging/
Hi Donna,
I would like to ask you some questions.Few days before I got conntacted by one person about EN,she wanted me to work for EN.But I am not enough informed what is it about,and my english is not so good,because I am from Europe.Can you please answer what is it about?What they exactly do? What is their mission? Is it good or bad idea to deal with them?Can I really make more money? Please give some informations.Beacuse you allready have experions in bussines with them and I would like if you shared it with me.Thank you so much
Tough questions, Matete.
You CAN make money… doesn’t mean you will. But the opportunity is there if it’s the right thing for you.
I’d say the best answer to your questions is contained in the article I just posted today. It’s called “Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again” and you can see it right here: http://donnamerrilltribe.com/2013/03/empower-network-review/
Lots of real good points in your article, but as of today Feb 2013 do you have any regrets leaving or do you ever think of signing back up? Did you sign back up?
Hey Al,
I know this is an oldie, but stay tuned for part 2 coming up soon with a special “surprise” guest.
As for me, no regrets at all. No, I didn’t sign back up lol. What I can tell you is that I’m working on my own products.
Things are going swell at my end.
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..How To Tribe
Has EN fixed the problem? and at what range would have to buy in, at to make some money? I like your honesty. Like you I will not rip somebody off to make a buck. Whats the point you reap what you sow. Look forward to hearing from you. God bless James
Hi James,
These are the exact questions I have too. Please stand by and look for part 2 coming soon.
I will answer loads of questions for you. I think this will come out some time next week – Early March 2013.
So many changes have happened since this writing, that I feel responsible to do a part two to answer them all.
Be well,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Yes, I’m finding that a lot of the blog info that I’m supposed to write is just stuff I should be putting on my own Internet Marketing blog. Honestly, I don’t see why people would pay $25.00 per month for a blog as a retail customer–because we have to have those, right?–and not get what is needed to really run a WordPress blog. You can’t put in your own plugins. You can’t have your own domain name as far as I know. I’m a bit apprehensive about keeping the account.
I was very dismayed about the facebook deal. Yes, there are other ways to put links on facebook, but you know what? Once you’re flagged on a social network it’s hard to get back on. I have a lot of facebook friends and some facebook fans. I would lose ALL of that is I was banned on facebook. I have twitter followers who would all be gone if twitter canned me thinking my empower link was spam.
I don’t think it’s worth it. My members and followers are worth more than a $1000 commission that may or may not last.
geekmom recently posted..How to Get Facebook Subscribers to Your Mail List
Hold on before you make a decision.
Look for my part 2 in this series. It’s been such a long time since I wrote this and I am interviewing someone special to keep you and many others posted on new changes since this writing.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..How To Tribe
Hi, I have to admit I got frustrated with EN myself. After blogging for about 4 months with no sales, I was going to just cancel my subscription. But something told me to stick with it one more month. So I paid that months sub fee and submitted a couple more post. About three days later i made my first $25 sale. I came in at the $25 level and that is where I still am. I want to do the next level up because i want the knowledge –that’s $100 but…I would like to make at least that much first. I have several blogs and they get lots of hits..Donna I will take your advice and put some EN opt in boxes on them. My main website gets lots of views and comments i just wish i could get the same with my Empower blog, They both use Word Press but it just seems that EN is not attracting the traffic. My other WP blog gets butt loads of traffic without me even trying or syndicating it. Donna any idea why EN would not get traffic even though it still uses WP?
I’m already gone. I did some research and the amount of duplicate content on one domain and the social networking issue is a major concern for me. I found a few articles that are blatantly copied from other sites. I’m sure Empower would frown upon this sort of thing, but there is no control structure to protect all of us from google just completely killing it. I’ve worked for companies where google kills the market and it isn’t pretty.
geekmom recently posted..Why I Left the Empower Network
Hi Geekmom!
Many systems out there do have “duplicate content.” I just am comfortable having my own blog and going from there.
Marketing is another strategy…one that I work on via my email opt-ins.
I am sure Empower would frown on duplicate content, but it is such a large company, it is hard to control.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting Beliefs
Hi Ruth,
Unfortunately lots of folks keep far away from EN blogs because of backlinks. They don’t want comments from EN Blogs because those back links can de-rank your blog. Now, I don’t know if this is true, but that is what I’m reading all the time.
Who knows? Google has all its robots de ranking too much SEO, Facebok has their restrictions and things are always changing.
Even though EN uses Word Press, it is still under EN. I don’t understand why this is going on. It would be a great thing for you to Google and blog about lol.
Meanwhile, I have done an update on this old post and you can find it below on the commentluv.
Be blessed,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Great insight. I too joined then quickly exited EN. I’ve heard David Wood on some training sessions – seems like a really decent guy, but the structure of the plan as well as the “foreign” transaction exchange worried me.
Thanks again for your post. I would appreciate any critique of my blog site (I believe you have the url)
Hey Joe,
Stay tuned to part 2 coming up soon. I went over and checked your blog and it looks great. You are giving good content and I can’t find a spam in there lol.
It is clean and neat also and I like the way your sidebar works.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Hi Donna thanks for the review , i’m a member of Empower network also when i saw your post on google my thinking was another one that will destroy the EN name.Well i must agree with you .Not only facebook but also google ,nowhere really you can post your EN blog URL unless you used socialmediabar for facebook or your own URL to cover the EN one .I must say that 97% of people are not there to blog but make money, and really that was my case too,lol.But the thing that i hate the most about the all make money online deal even with EN is that people are becoming just a bunch of spammers and somehow it’s not there fault because the selling point of all those companies is to tell people how they can get rich quick and really that is all they have in there mind and they are been thought to sell sell and sell .I even stop listening to the people that i joined because the only message you hear from them is “you need to be all in” ,nobody is guiding you or teaching you how to get traffic,you just get told to buy all the products so you can learn.My goal is to succeed big time , my way, so i can show those leaders that they are a lot of people that are been turned off by there messages and if i can do it the right way may be i can change some mind .Waw i did not know that i was writing a book ,lol, i guess i have a lot on my chest lately.Good job !i bookmarked your blog and i will check it out time to time whenever i’m not fighting the forces of evil,lol.
Hi Mamadou,
I know that Empower has been “banned” from some social media sites. I always tell people, no matter what business they are in to have their own blog! Then sell at the side bar. Create a free offer, then have a squeeze page of YOU first, then lead into the sales page of EN.
This way people are following YOU and take it more seriously. However, due to all these comments, and most of them, I have not approved yet, I am doing a part 2 on this because I believe it is needed.
So many changes since I wrote this post. As a fellow marketer, I do believe that I have the responsibility to help my readers get to the best possible learning curves they need.
I have been keeping my eye on EN and there are places one can go to get the education the need in marketing. Each marketer needs to learn the proper way of marketing.
Not a simple task! But I want to steer them to EN learning modules that will give them more knowledge.
Thanks for your comment,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Hi Donna,
Interesting post. I’m still not entirely clear why you left EN. I understand your frustration with the growing pains EN is going through. All rapidly growing companies go through this. Some make it, some don’t. My hunch is EN will survive this.
That said, had you remained in EN, that would have given you an interesting platform to role model appropriate bolgging process and etiquite. As you may have sensed I am in EN (www.jwgblog.com) and do share some of your concerns.
There is a fixation at EN with Facebook. For that reason, I have opted to not go with the masses and instead have selected alternate avenues to market EN; some online & some off line. Moderate success thus far. I look forward to your part two sequel to the above post.
Hi John,
Here is my sequel to this blog and I hope you enjoy it. As for me getting back in? Hmmmm Sometimes I do think about it.
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Hi Donna,
Posted this comment before not sure it went through.
I joined EN in Sept 2012 and even though i was new to internet marketing I picked it up pretty quickly and started to get leads and sales almost immediately. I was initially capitvated by Dave Woods selling style, and thought this product is great. It wasn’t until I took a closer look at the success of my downline that I realised the product is not as great as it first appears.
Having quickly signed up 6 people to my team I would say no wrong about EN , this is until I realised that my team were not having the same success as me. I offered my help and instructed my team to get ‘all in’ as that is where the bulk of the training lies really with the higher cost products. Some of them couldnt afford it and then i realised they wouldnt really make any more at the $25 level product as there is simply not enough training there.
After initially being very enthusiastic about signing up new members, I started to become doubtful that anyone I signed up would make any real money.
I spoke to my downteam regularly and realised they were hard working sinbgle mothers , unemployed people etc, and they simply did not have the money to spend on getting all in, or to spend on marketing and advertising such as buying solo ads or facebook ppc advertising.
The bottom line is the majority of people WILL NEVER make money from Empower Network. I think it has been said on here before- the idea that people like Lawrence Tam is aking $100,000 a month is misleading as Tam is a very experienced internet marketer with links to other products such as My lead system pro, and other paid traffic sources. These success stories are great, but unfortunately will not translate to Joe Public who is just starting out and wants to make significant additional income.
When you get started with Empower Network you see that EN members are everywhere!! The internet is simply saturated with EN promotion all the time= you buy a banner ad on a website and soon see 5 other people promoting EN with you. Over saturation is clearly occuring here in my opinion.
Dave Wood seems like a decent guy, but calling people ‘wussies’ who question the system isnt really the most helpful way to approach the company. I worked very closely with my downline for ages, but could not justify telling them to buy all the products if they could not afford it- especially as I had not yet made back my investment.
I know it has been said a million times before but the truth is, if you really want to make money online or in life- over people something of value. Sit down and think about what you are good at and how this can benefit them and how you can make money from it. Selling a blogging platform to people in the hopes they will make you money, who then have to sell the same blogging platform to someone else, and so on, is not a viable business model- not long term. It will work for a few and for a while but is simply not sustainable.
Hey DJ
Thank you for your comment. I did a second blog on this post to keep folks up to date. http://donnamerrilltribe.com/2013/03/empower-network-review/
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Sounds like Sour Grapes. When we are working with or for other people,it is a great asset to exhibit a little humility.Warm regards,Marian Simpson,
Humility is a wonderful thing to cultivate in our approach to others… at all times.
I try to never denigrate anyone for choices they make… they are theirs and they have a right to them if they’re not infringing on others.
I think you might be interested in seeing the sequel to this post, Marian…
It’s called “Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again” at http://donnamerrilltribe.com/2013/03/empower-network-review/ – It’s got a “surprise guest” video that I think you’ll find quite interesting.
Donna, Thank you for your insight. I too, had signed up for EN, however, I did not continue due to the fact that initially my credit card company would not automatically authorize the international charges, and calling to approve them every month would be difficult, to say the least. It did, thankfully, give me a chance to look at other blogging platforms, and although I wonder about how much “valuable training” I might have missed out on by not continuing, I never felt comfortable with the forced, sell or “be a wussy” feel to the program. Instead I have opted to explore other ways to expand my internet/affiliate marketing business. Its a slow road, but I really don’t think EN was the right road for me. Thanks again.
Joann
I completely understand, Joann.
I think most of what you were feeling was my experience, too.
I really got a better understanding of EN as a personal development platform from my conversation with Aki Wood… I think you’ll really enjoy his video on my updated article: Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again – http://donnamerrilltribe.com/2013/03/empower-network-review/
But I agree, it’s a bit strong with the “wussy” intimidation thing. But clearly, some EN folks are over the top with it, while others are far more respectful of our individuality.
I heard from a very reliable source that Empower Network is in big trouble. I also have a big problem with Empower Networkites shaming people into coming up with $5,000 or “They aren’t serious.” Too many people have heard the same hardcore sales pitches, and they all stink.
I agree, Don.
Many people are abusive and misguided in their approach to others.
Just like many folks are spamming like crazy while others are marketing responsibly.
I’m pretty convinced that these shortcomings are strongly discouraged by EN leaders. Unfortunately, they probably can’t control the actions of others in their organization in the ways they might like to.
Hello Donna,Thanks for the very informative post!I agree with what you said. Have you ever been in Amway or similar MLM? You see I have and as soon as I saw some of their videos I realized that the leaders in EN are mostly ex MLMers. Their is no way I would get involved in that type of behavior again.Just like you I like the products and the program. EN is ideal for beginners. One of the reasons I want to get into an online business is so I can work it anytime, from anywhere.To me EN is not just blogging, but an entire success system. Step1, step2, step3, repeat step1…So easy to replicate and teach it to beginners, as they tend to copy what the people above tend to do. And that is a problem if some at the top are behaving in way that the beginners find hard to replicate. Or they do not follow the system themselves, beginners will follow bad habits easier than good.Anyway, I heard on the grapevine that there is a competitor to EN out there……Maybe this will be a wake up call.In the meantime…..….enjoy many good things!Michael AlvanosUnique ResultsSydney, Australia+61403120462
Hi Michael,
I can see your point! In the past I have joined MLM groups and Network Marketing companies. Truth be told I stink at it. It is not where my heart is.
The energy just is not compatible with mine. I do my own thing and am very happy every day with my work. That’s all that matters right?
But for the people who join EN and have no clue what to do, I recently did a follow up on this blog. Many of the questions people have are being answered there and it is right below on my commentluv if you want to take a peek.
Thanks for coming by and voicing your opinion,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Thank you for this info! It was very informative and answered some questions and concerns I had about EN.
Hi and I’m glad to be of help. If you need more “answers” just hit the comment luv below for my follow up to this blog.
I am sure you will find it interesting.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
HI Donna,
I appreciate your view on Empower and you made many valid pionts.I think a lot of people whether or not they are fans of EN, will agree that the mentoring and Training products are exceptional.
Thank you Siobhan!
Welcome to my blog. I am glad you appreciate my view on Empower. Weather we like it or not, we are all marketers.
We need to learn from one another and respect one another!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Wow, thankyou from a newbie, I appreciate your advice. I too care about my reputation and working with integrity.
I don’t have a website.
Hi Merepeka,
Thanks for stopping by. If you came across this blog, there is an updated version done in early March if you would like further information. Aki Wood was kind enough to do a video for my readers.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing
Hi Donna Merrill. I like your blog. I think this is a great post but I wanted to put my point of view with regard to the 9 reasons you left.
1. The platform is great, but a lot of people are mis-using and/or misunderstanding it.
1. My Response. I agree on both points.
2. There is no administration to police all the spamming going on with people’s posts.
2. My Response. I agree but I don’t think it’s the responsibility of Empower Network to police what people say. It is totally impractical.
3. The eggs were all put in one basket – Facebook –
3. My Response. This is completely INCORRECT. I have been getting leads and signups from Solo ads, Craiglist, Banner Advertising, SEO and other social media. It is
also still possible to recruit through conversations on facebook. I have recruited into my EN business by simply asking for an email address after a good relationship
building conversation with the prospect. There is also offline advertising as well. Dropcards, magazine advertising and other events. All you need is a business
card and good relationship building skills.
4. I was not updated by the company of another back door plan. Working with a business, I do deserve that much.
4. My Response. Back door plan? I have already listed other traffic and lead getting options. Losing facebook wasn’t the end of the world for people’s EN businesses.
5. I am not a follower, but a leader. I make my own business decisions.
5. My Response. In Network Marketing you are responsible for getting people into your business and making sure they can build their business as well. I do this with videos and training on my EN and personal blog. You have to been a leader.
6. I know what the hell I’m doing! I’m doing fine with my own blog and lists.
6. My Response. That’s great. With all due respect if you have the results to show for it good for you. If you can make $20,000 a month without EN excellent.
7. We will create a WordPress blog together (David and I) so we can have control of it.
7. My Response. Good. Nice Idea.
8. Why am I being pushed to go to San Diego to high-five people? I have personally worked with people in many industries, and have never had allowed myself to be
forced into cheer-leading rallies. Just not my style.
8. My Response. So many people don’t understand this. Going to the events is very important for several reasons. Success through association, be seen and learn from the people who are successful and make a lot of money. Also you need to network. You never know who you will meet to help you build your business. Take as many videos and pictures as possible.
9. Seems to me like EN people are scrambling right now with no direction for how to market while overcoming this hump.
9. My Response. Sorry you have lost me. The people I know in EN are doing fine. If they are totally lost they should have gone through all the training in the 15K formula. I did and I wasn’t disappointed.
While I respect everyones opinion I just think it’s a shame people have been leaving Empower Network because they either haven’t understood the training or were misguided by someone.
This reply wasn’t meant to be disrespectful. It just concerned me how miss guided this post is. All the best with your blog.
Wow Dan,
You have made such a great intelligent comment! No way are you being disrespectful. You have given intelligent answers to the problem. I won’t comment on all nine points here, but in short when this was written months ago, it was around the time of the Facebook slap.
There were many people not listening how to be effective on Facebook and others were turned off by it. Since this writing, I have learned that the San Diego event was more that just high fiving.
Also since this writing, there have been many changes in EN. I did a follow up post because many people were coming to this blog and also emailing me.
Aki Wood is my host on that blog that explains many of the changes and great ways to learn even on the $25 level (that is where many of my readers were getting lost)
As for me, I wrote this for my readers to keep them up to date of what I was doing. I am friends with many EN members and hold them in high regard.
I thank you again for your input to this blog. It is greatly appreciated.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing
Here is one question I would like answered:
Why do I see so many Empower Network affiliates/associates/salespeople creating really bad made-up reviews on other other MLM companies – and then quickly changing the subject on those reviews to signing up to EMP because it will help them promote the company that they are negatively targeting in their review?
They all appear to be just leeching of the search traffic of other MLM companies’ names to get people to sign up for Emp Network and to either pay for training or to sign up and sell EMP.
I have seen this done to the detriment of more than 1 company I do business with and I would like an explanation from somebody in the know. It almost seems like part of EMP’s blogging training is for people to target other MLM companies by bashing them thru SEO results, then to get them to sign up for the Empower Network opportunity. Your comments would be appreciated since you do seem like you are in the know
Hey Nick,
Yes, I see that often also. It is not a good way to do business in my book!
You will see this over and over again. One company will bash another just to try to get attention to their opportunity. Does it work? I have no idea!
I wouldn’t want to join anything that bashes another company. I don’t believe this is the training of Empower Network. I have been there and never seen anyone train to do that. I can only speak for EN.
When it gets down to it Nick, people are people. Some like to do business in an ethical way, some don’t. Some, even are mislead.
I would say when you come across these articles, ignore them. As for EN, there are plenty of good people there doing business correctly. Don’t let some rotten apples spoil the bunch!
You will see this in every company. It is a foolish way I think to attract business.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-Giving
Well i guess I’ll be the first to say I feel disappointed that I even wasted my time to even read blog after reading all these comments. From what I understand is you took what you learned from Empower Network. Wrote a blog to ” farm thru newbie” bashing empower Network to get attention. Because you know a a lot of people are marketing empower Network and that would result to people searching for information about empower Network. In the mist of your bashing parade your pretty much selling what you learned working with Empower Network thru your webinars or whatever. So how are you any better???/ Your not !!! I haven’t read.one blog from anyone in Empower Network bashing you even though your sweeping in on their hard work! You should be ashamed of yourself!!! I’m a member of Empower Network. I feel discussed to read this and see how many people you mislead and pushed away from making a amazing income to benefit yourself. Don’t say you haven’t. Read the comments from the people on here you turned away. To bad they over looked where u stated in your blog that you did turned people away that wanted to be apart of Empower Network. Is it Empower Network and the New people who wanted to join fault that you decided to cut off your nose despite your face because of your ego trip??? Your darn lucky Dave doesn’t take you to court for ruining future business and bashing his company with your lies >:( I’m done reading your bs!!!!
Hey Jaime, what article are you commenting on? I don’t think this one. If so, maybe you should do a quick re-read to get some of your facts straight.
BTW, I’d love to hear how you’re doing with Empower. Hope it’s working out for you… if you’re doing it the way it’s designed, I’m sure it will. Stick with it and best of luck.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting Beliefs
Thank you Donna I just joined them. What I don’t see in your blog is when you joined and when you left.
Hi Robert,
It has been so long since I wrote this article, I can hardly remember the dates lol!
I was there for two months I think. Took all the trainings that were great, but as I mentioned in my post, I had the AHA moment that it just didn’t fit into my plan.
Different strokes for different folks!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-Giving
Hi Donna I like your style very honest and upright, Hey I have a question about empower, since they changed payment processors from paypal to some other company, my bank charges an international fee 35 bucks! so that monthly mandatory ewallet payment of 19.95 is really 54.95, and no one is discussing this it seems deceptive in my book, what do you think?
Ricky,
I cannot honestly answer that question. I guess it depends on international fees and such. I have heard about this problem with an MLM company also.
I would contact your sponsor, or reach out to others in EN to have that question answered.
Deceptive? Hmmm is it the bank? I wonder.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting Beliefs
Hey, Donna,
Greeting to you
and your husband Dave,
My name is James Hilding, and i to was thinking very strongly about joining the Empower Network, on account of there low $25 price tag, but i too was starting to become very troubled with the marketing practices that so many members of this company are and have been doing for sometime now. And i must say that i have just read your article on why you left empower network, and i have to say that i strongly agree with your business decision. let me first tell you who i am like i explained in the start of my comment, my name is James Hilding and i am just now learning how to market on the internet, and social media, with sites like face book, twitter, ZNZ, Instant Rewards, 5 Minute Mogul, and now Click Bank. And i do really want to make a good first impression to all my customers, friends, family, and anyone else that visits my website’s or blog’s or fan pages etc. So i am taking the time to study everything that i can find on YouTube tutorials about target keywords, and best ways to market on social media sites and especially how to find market and place the best click bank products for a quick turn around profit and still i find the time to write a good experience that i might of had for that day that i was searching for these videos and maybe even the comments that i read from a subscriber but i too think and feel that its not a bad company and i can see and i know of a lot of real people that are making a ton of money with the EN but i still think if its God’s will then it will happen for me and if its not then i can still learn to make money with other income steams out there
and if you know of any tips that can help me to get started that not on you tube feel free to message me her jamshilding5@gmail.com
Thank you for your time….
Hey James,
There are so many ways you can go. From what I understand you want to use clickbank products to have a quick turn around.
If you have a list, work on engaging people there. If you don’t ….another story, you need one.
I don’t know if you have a blog, but if you do, you can write whatever your niche is, and then have an opt-in on the right side of your blog. It can be a free offer, or a “subscribe to my newsletter.”
As long as you are giving people good content, they will opt-in, and give them MORE good content. Follow the 80/20 rule. 80% good emails and 20% an offer.
Hope this helps,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting Beliefs
Hello Donna ,
Thank you for posting but I must tell you that most of the reasons of Facebook is a very small problem and in fact I don’t don’t even like to market on Facebook at all but that my opinion . As of spamming you are100% right in that. I believe EN is more then a business but rather a movement. I never seen more people make money like this in all 6 years of working online, and the people that share that are just excited . Why not share it right ? I also want to say that nobody forces anyone to go to the events and they just want peor to go to strengthen there belief in themselves I think…
Well thanks again and I wish you the best .
Hi Christopher,
Well it’s been a long time since I wrote this post. It has been updated with an interview I did with Aki Wood. You can see it below and click the link if you like.
Aki explains so much in this interview..he rocks!
At the time of this writing, there was much confusion about EN. Since then, quirks have been worked out. And yes, people are making money. My friends love it!
As for sharing on social sites…yes we can. The only problem I have and it is just a personal one, is that people are showing their checks. Maybe I’m paranoid, but I just don’t like sharing how much money I make for the world to see. But that’s just my quirk!
Best for your growing business,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Donna,
I am a newbie to EN and I have to thank you for your honesty. I didn’t know about the Facebook issue and did become a bit frustrated at the fact that they didn’t mention anything to us about it. However, as you mentioned, I began looking into ways of promoting my blog posts. I decided that I would blog about the passions in my life. I mention EN as to how they recommend blogging about what’s closest to your heart.
Hopefully, EN will resolve the issue with FB, but until that day arrives, I will continue to blog about what’s near and dear to my heart and hopefully, I will build a great following.
Again, thanks for your complete and total honesty.
Andres
Hi Andres,
As a blogger, I agree you must blog from your heart. Regarding the Facebook issue, it has been a while since that happened, but things are worked out now.
This was written ages ago, but you can click the link below for an updated post I did with Aki Wood.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
I have to agree that this spamming on EN blogs is cause for real concern. I am new to EN, but not to blogging. My experiences that made me cringe was trying to drive traffic with Facebook and Ezinearticles. Both denied my EN blog as spam. I was not spamming anyone with my EN posts.
I see this all over the place when new people come into Internet Marketing. They believe that they have to sell their wares in every
message.
If they understood Attraction Marketing, that EN blogs are optimized for conversions, and set up for SEO, they would concentrate on writing good informative posts.
I thinks this a issues like you said that needs to be address. Yes, there needs to be some training on the $25 level on “Attraction Marketing and Basic SEO.”
Mike Cleveland recently posted..Blog commenting tips, to build relationships, traffic, and your brand
Hi Mike,
Many changes have been made since I have written this post. I was concerned about those people that were on the $25 level and were complaining that there was no training.
So I had to dig deeper and did another post interviewing Aki Wood. So much is explained on the video he did on my blog.
You can click the comment luv below and see!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Hi Donna I\’m glad that I ran into your post about this with Empower Network. Everything you say in this post is true. I am not sure if you heard of as of march 26 2013 being that Empower Network is from wordpress software, wordpress is has changed their policy and not allowing any affiliate links in the post. Meaning that any link that is connected to a product or service for someone to get paid. you can Google it. I was doing some research and that\’s how I found you.Try Google \”Lambert Matias wordpress blocks wordpress\” There is a guy that posted it on his Empower blog about it. I can also email you the link for the policy. I am not sure why they had changed their policy but I think A lot of Empower Network people will not like that.Wow! And to think I was about to join EN 3 weeks ago until I saw this other Blogging Network that just launched called Level One Network and is claiming to be unlike any other blogging platform and He goes into details why. The owner Dan Miller is a computer programmer and developer that has been in the industry for 10 years.It\’s been 2 weeks since I\’ve been in, and the training every Tuesdays and Thursdays is awesome he really stresses the value of blogging and how to do it right. Well hopefully everything works out for EN.Thanks Donna
Hi Rodney,
Thanks for your input. There are so many “systems” out there. I feel it is a matter of your best fit.
There are many people in Empower that are doing well. I’m not referring to the “big guys” but the regular folks.
I have many blogging friends that use EN and they are doing well. There are other systems out there also like Dan, who you are training with.
As long as you find that perfect fit for you, you will be fine.
Good luck on your journey,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting Beliefs
Hi Donna,
It is always fun and entertaining to come to your site. and that is on top of the things I always seem to be learning from you and your members!!!
Well Done!
In Empower Network, the main thing they try and get you to understand is to copy the one who is getting the results you want. I really like your style, attitude and advice, so I hope it is alright if I can hang around and get involved with some of your discussions?
Hope to hear from you soon.
In the meantime…….
…..enjoy many good things!
Michael Alvanos
Sydney Australia
Michael Alvanos recently posted..Bipolar and My First Social Outing
Hey Michael,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Of course you can hang around lol
Empower works if you work it! I did another follow up post about this and you can click the Comment Luv below. Aki Wood explains so much on that blog.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
I’ve just joined a week ago. I have never network marketed and I am completely overwhelmed. It may sound simple…. just keep blogging, but I didn’t even know of the term ‘blog’! I have attempted to do the WordPress provided, but it is a silly feeling as I don’t even know where that ‘blog’ ends up?!?
I don’t know if I’m trying to sell to the converted, or where or who is going to see it!
I’m just about to pull the pin, but as I owe a fair bit of money (elsewhere), I was going to try and give it my best shot. Cheers
Hi Adele,
It takes some time to make money on line no matter where you start. It’s a business, and like any business, it takes time.
If you only joined a week ago, I would hang in there and learn as much as you can.
We all have to start somewhere. Just keep in mind that there is no such thing a get rich quick. Take your time and learn. If you hit the commentluv below, you will go to the next post of my part 2 of this. Aki Wood has done a great video for folks. He will help lead you in the right direction.
Be Blessed,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
With empower you have to go all in and buy all of the products. they show you everything you need to do. so the basic level is not enough to really get you anywhere in EN. you have to go all in and they show you everything. if you follow and apply what you learn then you will see results.
And for this spamming business, you have to use blocked links to your empower blog. go to socialmediabar.com you can promote and post all your en blogs here and share on FB.
Also its about the mindset and belief levels to make it happen for you. its all working for me, but i respect all your comments.
Hey Dani,
Great advice! Mind you this post was written months ago. There have been so many changes that I wrote a part two to this blog because people keep coming to it.
I wanted to provide more information for people that are in EN.
Click the commentluv below and you will get a blog post with my guest Aki Wood.
Thanks for stopping by,
Dona
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Hey Donna,
respect and congratulations to you for the way you have handled your ‘challenges’ (we don’t have ‘problems’, we have ‘challenges’) with EN. I have been in for a few months, blogged non-stop for the first three weeks – and then it hit me, as you said, everyone else was just big-noting themselves as to the size of their incomes, or where they had just come back from, or who they met while they were there.
The “Macho” gene is also very evident right from the word ‘go’. Like some others of your correspondents, I am hanging in there. I have switched my blogging to another avenue for the moment and I will also tag along (if I may) with your goodself for a while.
Sincerely
Chris Hooker
Wollongong NSW
Hello Cris,
Thanks for your comment and yes, by all means hang in there! Yes, we don’t have problems but “challenges.”
For me, it was the wrong place at the wrong time and I had to follow my path. I was merely side-tracked. I wrote this post so long ago, and did a follow up you may be interested in because it is FOR EN folks.
I interviewed Aki Wood and he has done an awesome video on my post. Just click the comment luv below.
Good luck to you Cris!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Hi Donna,I just became a member of EN…and i do agree with you about blogging about anything without content…I believe it should be something that will interest people,with substance…I like their idea but if i’m going to blog,i want it to be something with value and will benefit people…I’m new at this and never blogged,would you mind sharing some ideas to get me started or sites that will help me out…When i signed up for this i thought there would be more training about blogging…they tell me to just blog about anything…that doesn’t make any sense to me…I’m only on the first level for 25.00,the sponsor is very cooperative and even gave me a month free cause i had a problem with them at the beginning.I would very much appreciate any insight you can give.
Thanks,Gary
Hey Gary,
I know the pains of being new at blogging. I was there myself. I am in the middle of producing a product about it.
I have been coaching one on one for several months, but cannot humanly handle so many people.
So, I am creating a product getting down the the basics of blogging. You can sign in to my free procrastination video series on the right side of this blog OR email me that you are interested. Don’t worry, the product is going to be great and extremely affordable.
Meanwhile, I would suggest to click the CommentLuv below where I did a part two to this series with Aki Wood. Lots of questions will be answered there.
If you are blogging, write about what you know, what you have learned no matter how small it is. Keep in mind new people are coming into this business every day. So if you learned something write about it. From there you will find your way.
Ask yourself what are you passionate about. Then that would be your niche. Try that for starters.
Wishing you well,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..HuffPost Stress-Less Challenge
Hi Donna, appreciate the post here about EN.I\\\’m looking at it as a number of legitimate networkers and bloggers are joining. I have a littleexperience in blogging as I am part of the GVO family andlearned the basics through their training.Again… thanks for the information on EN without justbashing it.I think that anything can be bad if a bunch of people spamm it all over the place.thanksdave g.
You said it Dave!
Bashing is a no no! We may not agree with a system or product and we can give our opinion, but never bash. It does no good for anyone. People that do that are called Trolls in this business and marketers stay far away from them.
EN is a legitimate business and I have so many friends that are doing quite well with it. But they just love it.
We all have do do what we love. Whatever resonates works!
Thanks for your comment,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Donna I do think you have a valid point however the empowernetwork blog is authority site by being ranked in the the top 160 of the Alexa rank.it didnt get that way over night it took alot of hard work to get it that stage that’s 160 of all the websites in the world that\\\’s quite an accomplishment.As far as going to the events I think why would you not want to hang out with millionaires and rub shoulders with them and be in on special training\\\’s i think that is one of the best parts and the comradeship is amazing sorry you had a bad experience but I think the products are second to none the Dave\\\’s built the company with a vision to help people take control of their lives i think its the most amazing thing ever have a outrageous day thanksJack
I agree Jack.
The products are great and I like the personal development part of it. You need both to make a go of it!
It just didn’t fit me! Since this writing, so long ago, I have been hanging out on the first page of Google. People have been coming into this post so much ….ergo my late response ….. that it is difficult to keep up.
Therefore, I did a part two with Aki Wood as my guest. It is quite interesting if you would like to hop over and check out what Aki Wood has to say.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Thanks for your kind words Michael!
Well that’s good to hear. You joined after reading through these comments?
How awesome is that!
This is what I just love about blogging. This one in particular created quite the buzz didn’t it and I had no idea it would do so.
All I did was write to my readers at the time, explaining my choice and journey.
I find the comments quit interesting and try my best to give the best advice I can.
Hope you are doing well with this Michael. I know many people are!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..A Calm Voice Can Claim Power
Hi Donna, Thank you so much for taking the time to write this post and educate others. I am grateful I got to read your experience before I signed up. Although this may work for others, I am sure it is not the program for me. Thanks again!
A new follower, Sofia
Hi Sofia,
I have a follow up to this article that I did with Aki Wood. Maybe you would like to read that because so many things have changed since this writing.
I don’t want to deter anyone to join. Lots of people are doing well with EN, it just wasn’t a fit for me.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
I too left empower and nearly had my facebook account retracted. They settled for a 30 day block. Now I cannot post any of my custom domains that were once linked to empower and have now since been changed. The links work but my forwarding domain names are blocked due to previous affiliation with empower. Does anyone know how to remove the association with empower from my forwarding domain names?
Hi Cam,
I was blocked also, but it resolved itself. I had this blog going at the same time.
I really don’t know how to answer you, but from the little knowledge I have, if it is a WP blog, go to your back office and remove all the back links that you may have connected to Empower or Empower comments.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-Giving
Very well written blog and well thought out comments but I can\\\\\\\’t believe you left this amazing opportunity just because of a minor glitch with facebook. Very soon after that happened a work around was publicized so we are able to post our blogs on facebook. Although facebook is a great source of marketing, it is not the only source out there. And as you said- you should never put your eggs in one basket. I use a variety of free sources of marketing/advertising as well as some paid advertising. I\\\\\\\’m putting more and more into paid now since my EN income has grown significantly and I can afford to do so. I hope you give this a second look and come back to our EN family.
Hi Amy,
I didn’t leave just because of the Facebook glitch back then. If you read the post carefully, you would see that it was purely a business decision that I made.
I was looking for a place to send my “newbies” to instead of coaching them myself. Lesson learned: it was an AHA moment for me to take the coaching under my own wing. That’s all.
For a more updated version, check out the my newer post of this one see what Aki Wood and I have updated from this post.
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?
Online marketing can be very challenging for the newbie marketer. The marketing practices that you highlighted, Donna, were spot on in terms of excessive spamming and in this case Facebook for Empower Network biz opp owners, as well as, users, but in fact, this commom spamming practice seems to be systemic across many marketing outlets. Writing articles that you are passionate about that is rich in keywords that you want people to know about that offers value seems to not be in vouge with a majority of new marketers. Most will not make a dime and ultimately quit. I’ve met quite a few that have done just that and blamed EN for their failures. I was a member of EN, but chose to leave for a better platform in my opinion. Of, course I try to avoid spamming. Thanks for you timely post and candidness about why you left EN. You have educated many from it. Hopefully, they have learned from it.
Jimmie
Many thanks Jimmie,
Spamming will be everywhere in any company or service. It just comes down to people’s personalities. Well, as marketers, we know that will get them nowhere and people will avoid them like the plague!
We can be on our own, A part of EN, or any other network. And yes, we can make money. As long as we are keeping things ethical, we are OK
Thanks for your comment a all the best to you,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?
WOW, your post is great.
I’ve just joined EN in recent months and do agree with the ‘spamming’ aspect of things. I really don’t like it either and feel as though I must compete with all that as well. I’m also a very new to Blogging so was getting rather confused at times as to what i must blog about given all this. I joined in with EN as I’m a stay-home mum of 2 and happily married just wanting to make an extra income to help out at home. If more comes of it great!
Anyway, just wanted to say thank you again for being so honest and laying it all out.
Cheers
Grace
(I dont have a website as yet but just EN site)
Donna,
I’m a 20 year veteran of the Network Marketing & Direct Sales industry.
And I appreciate your stance that you took. I summed it by saying, you have Integrity and you were unwilling to just go along with the program just to Earn Money. Good for you!!
Way too many people in this industry are here for all the wrong reasons and Earl Nightingale said it best by saying (paraphrasing) ‘You can NEVER hope to achieve Real Success or become Wealthy by USING others to do it. It is ONLY by your SERVICE to others that Real, Lasting Wealth will come to you’ And that’s a fact!!
I remember walking away from at least 2 companies in my Networking career due to Ethical issues and in one of those programs I had a Nice residual income coming in monthly. But there are things that are more Important or Valuable than Money. My philosophy has and always will be if you chase money, it will Run from you but IF you CHASE the Dreams of others Money will Chase You!! Kudos to you for the stand you took. Take care!!
Because YOU Matter,
Ivan Harris, Sr. “The Value Creator”