Legit Opportunities and Scams
Well, I started looking for home based make money programs as far back as 1995. This was prior to even buying my first computer. The very first program that got my attention, was something I received in the mail. (snail mail). I opened up this 3 page document from someone I had never heard of, and the bold headlines proclaimed: Make $90,000 in 60 days!! Or some variation of that. Being as naïve as I was back then naturally that headline got my attention! So I began to read about this guy who said he was an attorney and how he stumbled upon this goldmine opportunity to make more money than he ever imagined!
He went on to say that he had received the same letter just like the one I was reading and it changed his life and it could change mine as well. (Not I was getting pumped). Any ways I scrolled down the page to see five names and addresses all numbered 1-5.
I was instructed to put my name and address in the number 5 position, and move every ones name up one position. Then purchase 4 money orders for $10 each and send them out to the 4 names and addresses above mine.( sounding familiar)? Then make at least 500 copies of this, purchase a mailing list of 500 opportunity seekers names and addresses then mail them out. After buying 500 .30cent stamps ( cost of postage at the time), $60 for the list of names, $40 in money orders I spent a total of $250. Then waited for my $90,000. I waited for some time. You know the rest. I think I made $20 back.
Since then I have lost money in so many online programs I truly have lost count. Most of the money lost has been in marketing costs for these programs. I have made some money but lost a ton.
Scams on the internet are abundant and the websites have become very slick so you need a discerning eye to know the difference. And frankly, even with legitimate programs, if you are relying on building a downline, you need to know how to market to recruit people That is not easy to do! Most often when I was involved in multi-level marketing I relied heavily on solo ad email marketing. It can be expensive and there are no guarantee's what response you will get.
Investigating an online business opportunity, or offline, the program should have a valid product or service. Wealthy Affiliate is a perfect example of an online business with both. WA offers a platform and in depth detailed courses in how to find a niche product, then how to take that idea and build a website around your dream. Kyle and Carson also teach on ways to drive traffic to your site. This is just a brief overview of WA. Whether a newbie at this or a seasoned veteran of working a business online, WA has longevity, a sustainable working model and has become one of the most informative and reliable programs that has helped hundreds if not thousands to become successful working online.
So that is just one element of what to do when researching a home based business. You should always Google the name of the business or program to find reviews and make sure the website your researching has contact information to customer support. Test that info to see if you receive a response. You should always try to find information about the owner of the business as well! I could go on but my post is already too long!
Please feel free to leave me comments!!!
Ed Reilly
Recent Comments
12
Great post Ed. There are so many scams out there. I am thankful to have found WA, now to help others do the same! Thanks.
Deb
Ed, your willingness to persevere and search until you found what you were looking for proves that you have the character for the race that wins the game, that game we are constantly engaged in, staying focused on our goal.
You will 100 percent, reach success that way!
Best Regards
Therese
Hey Therese, I appreciate your feedback. Was it you that said your computer crashed last week? Mine did too last Wednesday. Had to go and buy a new one. Anyways keep in touch ok? Thanks!
Hi Ed,
My experience and yours (dealing with IM & MLM are almost identical, except I made very little $$. But I have learned a lot in the past year about Internet Marketing through WA. What a blessing they are. By the way Scam-x-poser.com (which the "Snoops" of IM & MLM) recommended WA, as that is how I found Kyle & Carson. Have a great week Ed!.
Bill
Hi Bill and thanks for your reply. Yes I have checkd Sam-x-poser many times. Great service to have online!!
You're right Ed. It's a shame how many scams are available online. I too was very skeptical and had to research WA before going premium.
I learned that research is KEY and that it saved me money if I took time to properly conduct research about a company and their so-called claims. If lots of people from different backgrounds express positive reviews then I consider it as an option. I'll still do more research on my options but at least I know they are solid "options."
Then after analyzing all options I choose what can work best for me.
I'm glad you found what works best for you!
Thank you Jude! By the way, I always enjoy reading your blogs!! They are very interesting!!
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Yep. Google "(program name) + scam". Anyway, I literally don't have time to be anywhere other than WA. I mean, there's so much here to learn. Thanks for the advice.