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There's another disturbing trend I've seen on Facebook. It's where these moms become "entrepreneurs" but when you dig into what their business actually is, they

by umvi 7y ago

There's another disturbing trend I've seen on Facebook. It's where these moms become "entrepreneurs" but when you dig into what their business actually is, they basically host these paid sessions on how to be an entrepreneur (setting up branding, etc.). As far I can tell, no actual product or value is generated, it's like a "business virus": "I'm an entrepreneur!" "Cool, what does your business do?" "Help people get started on their own businesses!" "And what do their businesses do?" "Help even more people get started on their businesses!"

plussed_reader 7y ago
I believe that is also the Amway.
hardbop200 7y ago
> As far I can tell, no actual product or value is generated, it's like a "business virus" I believe that is what the OP means by MLM (multi-level marketing)
- umvi 7y ago
  Well at least with MLM there is some sort of product changing hands (knives, essential oils, etc.) Here, as far as I can tell, the purpose of the business is to create more businesses that create more businesses, etc. (but there is no actual product).
- wongarsu 7y ago
  An MLM is a regular pyramid scheme with an actual product mixed in to lend legitimacy and to make it legal in the first place. The proposed business virus is different. Unlike a pyramid scheme most costs are on signup, and there are no multi-level incentive structures.
e_tm_ 7y ago
This sounds exactly like Twitter, and many email newsletters.
rchaud 7y ago
This is hardly restricted to MLM mom groups. What you've described is the cornerstone of every "motivational speaker" business model. You know, the types buying pre-roll ads on Youtube before any and all self improvement videos, promising they'll tell you all their secrets if you sign up for their $500 online course, but available for a limited time for $20. The same goes for "thought leaders" selling "masterclasses" on "building an online business" or "blogging from home". I won't even touch on the crypto space which is full of these charlatans.
Kalium 7y ago
The value, perhaps, is the positivity and empowerment that people feel. People will gloss over a lot of things to feel in control of their lives.

by umvi 7y ago

plussed_reader 7y ago

I believe that is also the Amway.

hardbop200 7y ago

> As far I can tell, no actual product or value is generated, it's like a "business virus" I believe that is what the OP means by MLM (multi-level marketing)

umvi 7y ago
Well at least with MLM there is some sort of product changing hands (knives, essential oils, etc.) Here, as far as I can tell, the purpose of the business is to create more businesses that create more businesses, etc. (but there is no actual product).
wongarsu 7y ago
An MLM is a regular pyramid scheme with an actual product mixed in to lend legitimacy and to make it legal in the first place. The proposed business virus is different. Unlike a pyramid scheme most costs are on signup, and there are no multi-level incentive structures.

e_tm_ 7y ago

This sounds exactly like Twitter, and many email newsletters.

rchaud 7y ago

This is hardly restricted to MLM mom groups. What you've described is the cornerstone of every "motivational speaker" business model. You know, the types buying pre-roll ads on Youtube before any and all self improvement videos, promising they'll tell you all their secrets if you sign up for their $500 online course, but available for a limited time for $20. The same goes for "thought leaders" selling "masterclasses" on "building an online business" or "blogging from home". I won't even touch on the crypto space which is full of these charlatans.

Kalium 7y ago

The value, perhaps, is the positivity and empowerment that people feel. People will gloss over a lot of things to feel in control of their lives.