Let common sense and common honesty have fair play, and they will soon set things to rights.
–Thomas Jefferson
I KNOW THAT THIS WILL COME AS A SHOCK TO MANY OF YOU,
BUT EVEN MENTOR MAMA IS NOT A SAINT.
In a home based business opportunity, we all fudge the truth. . . . “How’s business?” “Fantastic! Never better!” (You just lost your biggest account.) “Are you enjoying the conference?” “Oh, I love it!” (You thought it was a rip off and a pitch fest.)
We all take leave of our common sense at times, too. . . . “This is the VERY LAST TIME this webinar will be offered!!!” “Man . . . I had better sign up NOW!” (You never attend or listen to the webinar.)
Don’t worry, Mentor Mama understands! We are only human. Well, at least you are. Mentor Mama, on the other hand DOES possess many saintly qualities . . . . Ah, yes, I digress. YOU are only human, so you might tell the occasional white lie or yield to a well-played marketing strategy. Not to worry. Such foibles are part of human nature.
In the Internet Marketing World, however, your propensity to such nasty qualities as human nature, will land you straight into the realm of false and mis-leading advertising. It is a very scary place to be. The Federal Trade Commission is watching and so are consumers and Google and Facebook and Youtube. This is not a chat at a networking social. Your slip-ups are documented for all the world to see and ultimately blast across the WORLD-WIDE web.
So, tidy-up your honesty and fluff-up your common sense, because Mentor Mama is gonna “Set You Straight”.
I would love to hear what you think! Are Common Sense and Honesty Enough?
“Leave your comment below!” If you got some value from this video, be sure to tell your friends and followers by clicking on the share buttons at the top of this post!
Mentor Mama
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:31 am
Mentor Mama,
We definitely need your expert knowledge on these important issues related to the law and how it affects us as network marketers. We have to know what our limitations are and how to stay within them on a consistent basis.
You are so right that even though the chance of the FTC coming after us personally is very small, we have to set our standards at a compliant level for our own protection and to protect our industry as a whole.
Also as you eluded to, we are all intelligent enough to evaluate what we learn from top internet gurus and make our own decisions that keep us within our set standards.
Thanks for addressing this important issue for us!
(Dave) and Dawn
Dave and Dawn´s last blog ..Don’t You Just Love Your Company’s Convention
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November 5th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Hi Nancy,
This is a great post, you know why? Because folks don’t think about this. When the whole blog thing came down where people had to have a disclosure statement on their blog about what they were advertising I could see how important the honesty factor is becoming. Why lie? It only catches up with you! My son said the other day, I stopped lying mom cause you always catch me – to him I am the government! LOL! But, so true, why do it in business. Thanks for sharing that video Mentor Mama!
Lesly Federici´s last blog ..What Is This Really Saying
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November 5th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Mentor Mama,
What does one do when no one is watching – is that the question to ask to determine who has character? No doubt we all make mistakes, however, in the world we are living with instantaneous exchange of information — I ask the question, is it worth it to try and mislead someone?
The points you are making are making makes the answer unquestionably NO – so we should all practice the golden rule and answer the first question – what do you do when no one is watching?
Ziz´s last blog ..Being perfect
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November 5th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
The cyber world is moving at a fast pace and I don’t know if anyone can keep up. Money is being made over night and guru’s are being revered as professionals, yet they are newbies in so many ways too.
As people continue to make incomes and fast cash you can be sure laws and enforcement will start being applied. Governments want their taxes and entrepreneurs are not exempt.
If you plan to earn an income online (that is the reason we are building businesses, is it not?), then you better treat your blogs and websites like store fronts. Good professional advice prior to regulations being enforced is the way to go, and priceless in the long run.
Wendy macKay´s last blog ..Business Planning – Part 3
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November 5th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Hi Mentor Mama,
Just saw you in video on Dawn and Dave Cooks’ blog.
I agree we should never a network marketers make false claims about what our company products or services do. We are only offering help to make our prospects lives better.
Look forward to more info,
rebecca
rebecca russell´s last blog ..DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM!!!!!!!
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November 7th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Hello Mentor Mama,
All I can say here is that I love your blog. I stopped by here a few times before and read your post few times. As a network marketer myself, I always believe in promoting our products in a way that we do not over promise what the products can deliver.
There are still a lot for me to learn and I am so glad that you are sharing great information with us here. Thank you very much, Mentor Mama.
Cheers
Pearly
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November 10th, 2010 at 3:21 am
Keeping it honest is the only way we really have success. When you are not honest and authentic, you are only hurting your business. People are drawn to others who are authentic.
Melodie Kantner´s last blog ..How Cows Make Me Smile And Motivate Me For Success
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November 10th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Thanks for the great reminder! There are so many examples of a few rotten apples spoiling things for the whole lot and in some ways, this could just as easily fall into that category. You make a great point, Nancy and I for one, don’t wish to see tons of regulations rain down upon us. Thanks so much for the reminder.
Linnea´s last blog ..Facebook Fun
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November 11th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
We as marketers should be honest not because we might get in trouble. Using deceptions can may cause our thoughts and actions to become confused and impure. Deceit can take a toll our our sense of integrity. Relationships in our business is very important, without integrity we have nothing. Addressing this issues is very important.
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City USA
Perry A Davis Jr´s last blog ..What can we learn from William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli about connecting with people
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November 12th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Hey Nancy: The internet world needs you to set us straight as to what the rules of biz is all about. If we are truly build a biz, we can’t be fined and shut down just because we did not follow the legal and accounting rules and laws. Imagine after 3 years of hard work building your biz only to find out that Uncle Sam want half of what you earned. That’s too late. Heed Mama Mentor, she knows!
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November 15th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Very well said there Mentor Mama!
Common sense is needed to appreciate and consider manners when using internet marketing techniques. Using social media correctly is very important.
Onwards and upwards!
Aidan Gibson
Aidan Gibson´s last blog ..How To Create A Facebook Page
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November 15th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Very important information! I’ve always prided myself in operating my business with the utmost integrity and now with the FTC, all of us better sit up, pay attention, and do the right thing with our marketing. Great message!
Eddie Espiritu´s last blog ..Network Marketing Tips – Never Quit!
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November 17th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Hello, Mama Mentor,
I love your name, your blog, and your blog post. I had a big smile on my face, as I saw your title. Love it. This is a pet peeve of mine. Let’s all be more truthful and authentic online. More and more, people are not falling for the hype. It’s harmful to everyone when you stretch the truth about your earnings … and anything else for that matter. Thanks for sharing.
Angela
Angela Arnold´s last blog ..10 Powerful Ways to Use LinkedIn
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November 20th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Nancy,
I am so glad to know you and be in partnership with you. I appreciate all the “mentoring” you do for us in the on-line marketing world. Your legal knowledge is a blessing and we thank you for sharing the truth and keeping it real for us. Let’s keep it real folks to keep the regulations to a minimum!!! Thanks for the reminders Mentor Mama!
Krista
Krista Abbott´s last blog ..How to Prioritize on Purpose
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November 23rd, 2010 at 6:57 pm
MM,
Too funny, playing that ominous music then giving advice on honesty at a bar! That being said, I totally respect your knowledge and your message. Keeping an eye on each other vis a vis self-regulation seems sensible (although trusting the banks to do that didn’t help the economy a whole lot). It IS a tough balancing act for us all and we DO have to be careful and use our “common sense” as you and my grandmother would say.
Have a great Thanksgiving,
Adam
Adam Sheck´s last blog ..Do You Think Marriage Is Obsolete
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November 25th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Hooray for this post! The internet provides such a cloak for people. It seems that everyone is making a six-figure income and YOU CAN TOO! My aim is to be honest and give good value to my customers. It’s too bad the government always has to get involved because people fail to be honest. Thank you for sharing.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Leslie @ Music With Miss Leslie.com
Leslie Denning´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving!
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November 26th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Very Interesting Mentor Mama!
It seems to me that the IRS and FTC would be much more concerned over big marketers out there who play at a higher level.
With that said though, we would not want to position ourselves and align ourselves with practices that would hurt anyone period.
The medical claims part, I always stay away from as I claim not to be a physician of any sort.
Andrew Gallagher´s last blog ..Have a Geo-Targeted Internet Business in Fort Lauderdale FL
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November 30th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Great points Mentor Mama! I see so many online marketers “stretching the truth” out there. They need to realize that everything is documented these days especially if you are out on the social media sites broadcasting. Great post and advice!
Glyna Humm´s last blog ..Take The “Scary” Out Of Home Business Prospecting!
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December 4th, 2010 at 6:29 am
Hey Nancy can’t wait to get a chance to talk in person in the near future. I am personally making sure I adhere to all rules and regulations that exist and do my best to fight spam (partially because I get spammed so much it’s annoying).
Where do you host these live events I would love to participate.
Be Blessed and Have Success
Arthur Bernier Jr.
Arthur Bernier Jr.´s last blog ..Your Story The 1 Attraction Marketing Secret Mind Mastery
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December 4th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Hi “Mentor Mama”!!
What an overdue conversation and subject. Thanks for bringing this out into the light in the last month. We need to be protecting our precious industry, companies and livelihoods! For those of us that are full time, having the rug pulled out by a government agency can sting pretty bad..especially when the offense could have been prevented by education such as this.
I really enjoyed the time we spent on the Mastermind Video Interview I did with YOU on this topic, among other things we discussed! If anyone would like to see more of it they can go to TheMastermindInterviews.com and sign up for the free videos. You are one of the BEST!! Chock full of good stuff.
Thanks Nancy!
Laura Morris
Laura Morris´s last blog ..How Can Leading a Movement Help My Business
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December 4th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Hi “Mentor Mama”!!
What an overdue conversation and subject. Thanks for bringing this out into the light in the last month. We need to be protecting our precious industry, companies and livelihoods! For those of us that are full time, having the rug pulled out by a government agency can sting pretty bad..especially when the offense could have been prevented by education such as this.
I really enjoyed the time we spent on the Mastermind Video Interview I did with YOU on this topic, among other things we discussed! If anyone would like to see more of it they can go to TheMastermindvideos.com and sign up for the free videos. You are one of the BEST!! Chock full of good stuff.
Thanks Nancy!
Laura Morris
Laura Morris´s last blog ..How Can Leading a Movement Help My Business
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December 5th, 2010 at 7:08 am
Mentor Mama, you need to come to Tampa, You have hit several targets in this post and in your video. I am so fortunate to have connected with you. I do look forward to more of your wealth!
Ruth Mccrackin
Ruth McCrackin´s last blog ..Why Your Business Should Consider Reverse Mentorship
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December 8th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Hey Mentor Mamma,
In a world of snake oil salesman, I believe there are two types of marketers. there are those who just throw mud at the wall, knowing that some will stick, and others who work hard to get their head above all the hype and offer real value!
I can understand why people are so wary. In reality it is usually their inability to act that cuases them to fail, but overhyped sales letter make you feel you are useless if you don’t make $6,547.13 by noon the day after you purchase a course! I am not relistic, because that doesn’t work! I am putting huge effort to make sure my contribution to the world will add exceptional vale to people’s lives.
John Gaydon´s last blog ..An Inspiring Journey In Bryce Canyon
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December 9th, 2010 at 9:22 am
I can relate to people being untruthful and people get away with it all the time. I actually came across a blog posted on Linkedin and found one of my articles posted on someone elses blog word for word, except for the last resource area where my info was though. And she had a top ezine authors post on it too and he actually is trying to do something about it. She actually has only a certain amount of posts up and the posts only stay up for a few weeks but she promotes it as hers and has no name on the blog. The contact on the blog just says administrator.
If you do a Google search on most of these posts I’m sure you will see that somebody else is the author. The post she has right now is competing on Google with the author who actually created it. Yes it’s amazing what people will do. But some people think they know it all until they get caught. I’ve sent her messages and nothing works.Thanks for bringing this up Mentor Mama. I like all your posts. They always make you a little smarter.
Rick Salas´s last blog ..What Is A Good Network Marketing System A Network Marketing System That Always…
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December 10th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Mentor Mama, thanks for that important reminder. I agree and have become so tired of all the “hype” and lies that I am hyper aware of it. It’s a shame the government has to step in but maybe some of it can be kept at bay.
I have found a couple of honest groups and I so appreciate them. Thanks for the wisdom. I’m looking forward to learning much from you!
Jill
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December 11th, 2010 at 9:13 am
Hey Nancy,
Great piece of advice here, and something of great importance. We’re all taught by our MLM leaders to always put a positive spin on our businesses regardless of what’s going on. Even many of the online marketing gurus have taught us that it’s OK to use what could be considered by some to be questionable tactics in our marketing efforts.
These practices are one of the root causes that many think online marketers and network marketers are scam artists. Those of us who lead with integrity and authenticity are penalized as a result. With the FTC getting involved on a more active level, hopefully this type of practice will soon be a thing of the past.
Thanks for sharing your professional expertise with us all. We love you….and yes, you are saint-like LOL!!!
Kathy Jodrey
Kathy Jodrey´s last blog ..A New World Economy – Getting Your Piece of The Pie
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December 23rd, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Hey Nancy, Great piece of advice here, and something of great importance. We’re all taught by our MLM leaders to always put a positive spin on our businesses regardless of what’s going on. Even many of the online marketing gurus have taught us that it’s OK to use what could be considered by some to be questionable tactics in our marketing efforts. These practices are one of the root causes that many think online marketers and network marketers are scam artists. Those of us who lead with integrity and authenticity are penalized as a result. With the FTC getting involved on a more active level, hopefully this type of practice will soon be a thing of the past. Thanks for sharing your professional expertise with us all. We love you….and yes, you are saint-like LOL!!! Kathy Jodrey
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January 6th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
That’s great stuff Mentor Mama. All business owners, should ask themselves the questions you raise. Thank you for a great post.
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January 8th, 2011 at 9:38 am
Mentor Mama,
Great information, I have run across alot of people who are not that honest but once your credibility is shot you have a very hard time getting people to trust you and what you say, much less buy from you.
Thanks
Lori
Lori Robertsonl´s last blog ..Have You Created Your 2011 Goals and Action Plan Yet
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January 14th, 2011 at 11:24 am
Hey Nancy,
You are hitting a great topic when it comes to internet marketing and ethics.
If I printed out all the emails I have received that had an offer from someone about a product with miss-leading sales copy I could wall paper my entire house.
I believe it basically comes down to CYA.
If you want to have longevity in this industry without having the hammer brought down on you for miss-conduct then following a strict guideline of honesty and integrity will definitely get you through.
In Success,
Howie Perks
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January 22nd, 2011 at 1:55 am
Mentor Mama,
Integrity should be something we have with or without the FTC. I think they are a little hard on the industry but I also believe at times it’s an necessary evil. Let’s face it they are in business because some of our peers are just bad people.
Steve
Steve Shoemaker´s last blog ..Mobile Phone Marketing Should We Dial In
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February 2nd, 2011 at 10:56 am
This is good information. We all need to speak the truth, not just because it is the law…. but because it is the right thing to to. The truth will set you free, lies may work for the moment but they will not bring you to the place that you are trying to get to by stretching the truth.
Speak the truth, if your product is not good enough to sell itself with out all the hype… get a new product!
Thanks,
Kathy
Personal Development a Journey
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February 2nd, 2011 at 11:13 am
Thanks for the great post Nancy. There is freedom that comes from keeping honesty and integrity as values to live by. They help to keep you on course.
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February 4th, 2011 at 2:01 am
Hey Mentor Mama, hows it going? I hope you are well! I just saw your 7 deadly sins opt-in page. Looks powerful and should pull a few people in
How did your interview series go with the guru’s?
It’s all about testing, tracking and tweaking until you find the right opt-in offer.
Looking forward to seeing you in the new look TSA community soon,
Thanks
Gavin
Gavin Mountford´s last blog ..Spend 2 Hours & Create Your Website Content Routine
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February 5th, 2011 at 7:30 am
MM,
Yes, honesty and integrity are really good qualities in a person, even a MARKETER!!! As a psychologist licensed in the State of California, we do have a strict ethics code and even more important, working with clients/patients really does require that integrity or we can’t really do good work and betraying their trust can be devastating! So, I definitely take my marketing integrity very seriously as well. Look forward to your new posts in 2011!
Take care,
Adam
Adam Sheck´s last blog ..3 Tools To Reignite Your Relationship By Valentine’s Day
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February 6th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
If we didn’t have so much dishonesty you wouldn’t even have to remind us about the FTC.Success should come from us all being honest.If everyone was honest and didn’t Stretch the truth so many times we wouldn’t have so many issues.Personally I am always honest because that is me. Network marketing is not for the weak,it is a business that you must work hard at to succeed.
Thanks for sharing!
Beverly Monical´s last blog ..Baby Bev Has An Announcement!
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