MLMs are everywhere on social media, but how do you tell a legitimate multi-level marketing business from an illegal pyramid scheme? In this episode, Aisling is joined by Máire O'Sullivan, lecturer in marketing at Munster Technological University and an MLM expert cited by The New York Times, to unpack the murky legal grey area and the marketing tactics that make MLMs so persuasive.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:What actually defines an MLM, and how it legally differs from a pyramid schemeReal-world cases: Advocare, LuLaRoe, and Amway's run-ins with regulatorsWhy MLMs disproportionately target women, especially new and stay-at-home mothersThe two-track marketing machine: polished corporate advertising vs. distributor-generated "UGC"The psychological hooks, hope, flexibility, and a sense of sisterhood, that make MLM messaging so effectiveThe "hon-zoning" phenomenon and how recruitment pitches strain friendshipsHow to read an income disclosure statement before joining anythingIf you're new here, make sure to hit follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app, and if you're watching on YouTube, hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode.Make sure to check out our YouTube!YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: [email protected] is by Amanda FitzgeraldConnect with Aisling:Website Email InstagramLinkedInConnect with Máire:LinkedInWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related