The MLMIA
Posted on 14. Sep, 2009 by admin in Monavie
There are several professional associations in the MLM industry which help to support and promote MLM companies and direct sellers. The MLMIA (MLM International Association) is a strong international association whose direction is to support, promote, and protect individual and entrepreneurial opportunities in the MLM industry.
Early Beginnings
In 1985 a group of MLM professionals started the MLMIA. These professionals had many years of experience in MLMs and advanced knowledge of the industry and what was required to run successful and ethical MLM companies. They wanted the association to be a source of information and educational materials for MLM direct sellers and also an influential voice in the business world.
Connections
While the MLMIA is primarily an organization of and for the MLM industry, they do believe in making connections outside the industry with other companies and industries. They have worked to foster relationships with the press, regulatory agencies, and educators. One of their most important connections may be the one they have with the consuming public. Because the MLM industry’s reputation suffers every time a scam artist runs a fraudulent MLM business, the MLMIA believes in working to counteract the damage. They have high ethics standards and do not allow members who defraud consumers or potential recruits.
Resource Reputation
The MLMIA is considered to have the largest amount of industry data and their collection is considered the best and most unbiased. This is the place to go for clear, unfiltered information and data about the MLM industry and its practices. Many well-known media outlets regularly feature the MLMIA and the work it is doing, including among others Venture, Working Women, GQ, Success, and the Times of London. Many in the Asian business world consider the MLMIA the standard bearer for the MLM industry.
Commitments
The MLMIA has a set of ethics that they and their membership believe in and follow. One of the first commitments that each MLM direct seller pledges is to “…make the Golden Rule my ethic so those around me may also grow and profit”. Interestingly, Mary Kay Ash of Mary Kay fame also incorporated the Golden Rule in her business ethics. In an industry often hurt by frauds, many still believe and work by this rule. Another commitment is to only use “techniques and strategies that reflect positively on the MLM industry, my company and me”. This is a clear direction to all members to be a credit and asset to all.
The MLMIA is committed to supporting its members and promoting honest and ethical business practices throughout the MLM industry. While they are protecting the standards of ethical MLM businesses, they are educating consumers about unethical businesses. They are providing the MLM direct sellers opportunities for advanced training and to network with other MLM professionals. And they are building connections with those outside MLM who can influence the industry. These are the ways that they are supporting, promoting, and protecting the individual and entrepreneurial opportunities in the MLM industry today and in the future.
