Let’s talk honestly about MLMs – multi-level marketing companies. You’ve probably come across one, even if you didn’t realise it at first. They go by all sorts of names now – social selling, network marketing, direct sales – but the idea is always the same.
Someone you know (maybe even trust) messages you out of the blue, full of excitement about a new “business opportunity”. You can earn money from home, set your own hours, and be your own boss. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? I know – I fell for the promise myself a few years ago.
But here’s the truth: MLMs are not a real way to make money. Not for most people. And when you start to ask questions or say you’re struggling, they’ll often turn it back on you using something called the law of attraction.
Let’s break this all down.
What is an MLM?
A multi-level marketing company sells products or services, but instead of paying shops or ads, they rely on regular people to sell directly to friends, family, and followers. You’re told you can earn from your own sales and from recruiting others underneath you – your “downline”.
The more people you recruit, the more money you might make. But there’s a catch: most people don’t make any money at all. In fact, many lose it.
Why MLMs Are Bad For Your Wallet (and Your Confidence)
The numbers speak for themselves. Most studies show that 99% of people who join MLMs lose money. You have to pay to join, buy starter kits, keep buying products to stay active, and pay for training, events, and marketing materials.
You’re told it’s an investment in yourself. But really, you’re the customer. The money flows up, not down.
The structure is designed to benefit the people at the very top. That’s not an opinion – it’s how the business model works. Unless you’re one of the first in, with a huge network and years of manipulation under your belt, you’re unlikely to see more than a few pounds trickle in (if anything at all).
But What About the “Mindset” Stuff?
This is where it gets darker. MLMs often borrow ideas from something called the law of attraction – the belief that if you think positively and focus on success, you’ll get what you want.
In theory, there’s nothing wrong with being positive. But in MLM culture, this idea gets twisted.
If you start to struggle – if you question why you’re not making money, or why your upline keeps telling you to “push through” even though your bills are piling up – they won’t look at the business model.
They’ll look at you.
“You’re not manifesting hard enough.”
“Your mindset is off.”
“You’re attracting negativity.”
You end up blaming yourself for a broken system. It’s toxic. And it’s eerily similar to how cults work. You’re love-bombed at first, told you’re part of a “family” or “tribe”, and slowly conditioned to ignore red flags.
It’s Not Your Fault
If you’ve been part of an MLM or are still in one and wondering why it’s not working, it’s not because you’re lazy or negative. It’s not because you didn’t dream big enough. It’s not because you didn’t “vibe” with abundance.
It’s because MLMs are not designed for people like you to win.
They rely on hope, guilt, and shame to keep people locked in. And they often use personal development language to cover up what’s really going on.
A Better Way Forward
If you’re looking for ways to earn from home, there are better options. Things that don’t involve recruiting your mates, buying expensive stock, or pretending a £40 bottle of shampoo is life-changing.
Start with your skills. Sell things you make, help others with what you know, or build something online that grows over time. It won’t make you rich overnight, but at least it’s real.
MLMs feed on good people who want a better life. Don’t let anyone use the law of attraction to make you feel guilty for seeing through the hype.
You don’t need to “vibrate higher”. You just need the truth and a better plan.
