Who came up with the idea of videos in MLM?

This isnt a take the p**s thread, but a serious one

Personally, Im sick of reading of hearing 'watch the video to find out more'. Who started this off, and why?

I dont buy from youtube, vimeo, etc, I buy from people. Video promotion has all but had its day

Probably Paul they are not being used now as first intended. Unfortunately in my opinion, some distributors choose to promote the video/webinar as a time when some secret product/service will be unveiled. The original use of the video/DVD/webinar was to ensure that prospects who were interested, and who wished to see a business presentation, all saw the same material presented professionally, and also made sure that no false claims of earnings or "cures" were made by inexperienced new distributors.

It meant that a distributor could use the presentation in a 1:1 situation or in a meeting and distributors in other parts of the country (or the world) could send guests/prospects along and know exactly what they would see.

Actually, the use of videos is not restricted to MLM. There are a lot of other threads even on this forum where the first thing I have to do is get my headphones and watch a clip. It may just be over-use of the technology we have available to us.

Paul whats the problem with looking at a video??? seriously what is the problem?? Having said that I know there are some out there that dont really tell you much in the video! Isnt it just another way of gathering information, or not as the case may be!! Giving out the dvds is part of the process in the UW business,and if someone who is earning a very nice residual income tells me thats one of the things I need to do , I will do it.

The group that I am with within Herbalife, were using Video's over 10 years ago as part of a full business presentation to people that were already interested & wanted more info, that's what I looked at before I joined.

I dont know who came up with it, but I actually think they are a good idea when used correctly. It helps with the time leverage, In my company I do use pre recorded tools and it works fine and it also duplicates well which is best for all concerned. I Still give it the personal touch and I am one that does enjoy meeting face to face with people either in 1 to 1s or live presentations.

Maybe its a sign of the times, some of the biggest growth areas are online, just look at the likes of google/facebook/amazon/ebay/skype/4Networking Forums etc, so its probably a natural route for more information to go online relating to business. Its really helped my business in the international markets also, where its hard to do face to face. My business is in 11 countries that I know about - it will be more in reallity - The videos and webcasts have been great help in that area.

Like anything it will not suit 100% of the people 100% of the time

regards

To put a bit of perspective on this all, we're sitting on an MLM message board - and 4N attracts Network Marketing distributors among other businesses.

In the real world you don't get asked to watch a video very often at all - so if someone you know asks you to review a business presentation for a new venture they're involved in, and you're curious and care in any way about the person who gave you it, you're far more likely to watch it.

4N has attracted so many people from the different business backgrounds, that when a new MLMer comes on an online message board specifically targetted to MLM, the easiest way - they think - of pitching everyone online is to simply post an online video. Little do they know.

They don't think about how we would react as they haven't had time to guage this messageboard's history and wouldn't have gone through the pages to find out. It's a lazy slap-dash approach which cost them nothing except maybe a little of their reputation.

MLKT - Peace

I actually think videos are really good as an additional tool. The problem a lot (again, not all) of MLM people seem to have is that they will direct to a video of someone else explaining the product rather then sell it in their own words (if of course product is the priority).

Are there any UW reps on the forum who have done their own video talking about the service?

My problem is that as I said in the opening post, I buy from people, not videos

If a lot of people in MLM use videos, just imagine how much more successful your marketing could be if you started to break the mould!

Hi Paul

MLM is based on duplication. If a lot of new distributors were let loose to do their own presentations, it would be like Chinese Whispers. A major benefit of use of a tool is that the presentation is professional and consistent. Distributors in the past in various companies have done just what you are suggesting and this has caused a risk to their companies in false claims, misrepresentation etc. But I agree with you, MLM is a relationships business - people buy from people so it's not just a question of putting the DVD's out like confetti. There is a skill involved.

Hi Caroline

I totally agree with your last point - There are skills involved, One thing I try to instill in people I work with is that it is a professional business and that it does take some time to develop the skills,i.e inviting/.Presenting/getting questions answered/understanding the model and the company etc. Some people come in with a lottery mentality, Ive joined, 2 weeks later wheres the cash, Like any business people need time to improve and develop. My original background was Architecture, I never thought when i got started after 4 weeks I would be designing houses to all the correct regs and standards and would earn big money at the start, I accepted it would take years of study and practice, Just like mlm those who stick with it and develop often succeed but some also quit before payday.

Re this post again, sometimes the videos do help whilst the new person is developing the skills. One of the top mlm guys, Eric Worrie fully endorses the use of 3rd party tools to help with duplication, hes been around for decades and knows what works and duplicates

regards

Has anyone seen a positive response in a thread within the 4N forum when people have been told 'all you have to do is go look at this video'?

Personally, I havent

Hi

It does depend on how its placed, if I am not face to face, I call people first, I help them get to the site, say, if its a 14 minute video, They press play and I call them back 15 minutes later to help get questions answered, I very rarely just email links ( hard to know when to follow up) If its say a 7 minute call/video I will stay on line and help them through the process. In My current company I have introduced 70 licence sales/distributors, in the past 6 months, the vast majority with 3rd party tools - They work and even though I could sit in front of anyone and explain the company/comp plan etc not all can especially when they first start, - It does not matter if it works for me, it matters if it duplicates.

So I do give a positive responce to videos, placed in a respectful way. I saw a trailer for a film the other day, Its created an interest in me to want to see the whole picture, visuals can be powerful.

Some people play the percentage game get many links out, some will view but most wont.

Regards

Hi Phil

The UW team that i'm part of were making their own video's before UW came up with one, the guy behind it was/is very inivitive, he grew a large team by training new distributors to show the video to their prospects to see if it was something they wanted to get more info on, it was and still is a great way to "qualify" people.

There are plenty of people who would never get involved with MLM . It would make no odds if they were shown the opportunity on a video or by a verbal presentation. Of course choice is everyones to make,but I do feel there are plenty of people who like to knock MLM , but have never actually seen a business presentation, or really understand what makes a good MLM business tick.