Dear Uncle Russ: "I just graduated from College and have massive loans to pay off. Would it make more sense for me to do something in network marketing or go get a conventional job with a company in my field?"  Liam N. ___ Saratoga Springs, NY

What a FABULOUS question, Liam!

Not knowing your area of study and how specialized it is, this is a little tricky to answer. But here's some good news: Network Marketing, when done correctly, is not "time-intensive" and can provide an income rivaled only by the top incomes in any field. Assuming you are a millennial, your generation has a distinct advantage with a built-in, learned mastery of social media and the latest technology for contacting and connecting .... this isn't  "your Mother's MLM business" anymore. If you are passionate about your major and positions are readily available, you could still do BOTH.

Doing and learning network marketing in place of a job or steady income for survival, however, is NOT something I generally recommend. If you are unsure or a little skittish based on your lack of knowledge or experience, take heart; there is no shortage of amazing leaders who will guide and teach you, and your tuition will be free. I say investigate the possibilities and make an informed decision that is right for you.

Dear Uncle Russ: "Is it possible to be successful at more than one network marketing company at a time?" B.J. ___ Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear B.J.,

I believe that it depends on how you define success. There are some people who have been working with the same network marketing company for years and have very little to show for it financially....but what they have gained in terms of close lifelong relationships and personal growth that they may not have had without an MLM culture, has made their journey not only "successful," but well worthwhile. That being said, I have a wonderful friend named Robert Butwin, who has been known to be a distributor in four to five diverse companies at the same time and earn a check of more than $20,000 and no less than $5000 in every one of them.

You see, BJ, I don't believe that success is found in a company or a system of distribution. It "lives" inside of us and is defined by who and what values we are most committed to. So I guess the "short" answer: would be: "Yes!"

Dear Uncle Russ: "What is the difference between a "pyramid," a "Ponzi scheme," and a network marketing opportunity?" Robert H. ____ San Francisco, CA

Dear Robert,

Most people don't know Robert, and that's a real problem for someone trying to build an income with what is, in my opinion, the most innovative, cost-effective, and value-oriented/relationship-based system of distribution known to man.  First, let's talk about "pyramids." By themselves, they are not illegal. If they were, the Egyptians, the Mayans,  the U.S. Government, and most company flow charts would be in big trouble! Aside from the physical structures we know as pyramids, that shape can also represent a system for the distribution and exchange of value for power. Generally in a legal or legitimate pyramid, "value" flows down from the top, and "power" flows up.

For example; let's take General Motors. A Detroit manufacturer makes the automotive products but then distributes them through a franchise system of dealerships, that employ salespeople. The product is the value. The power is in the consumer dollar. The power buys/is exchanged for the value and everyone is happy. This is also known as capitalism. lol

But what then, is an "illegal pyramid?" An illegal pyramid can be defined as money/power changing hands in the absence of a product or service that has value to the consumer being sold. In an illegal pyramid you "invest" in a "position." You "advance" by having other people "invest" in a position "under" you. There is no value, product, or service for the money. Your income relies entirely on how many people you can recruit to act as irresponsibly and naively as you did! Ultimately? IT MUST FAIL!

If a network company has a product or service that is merely an excuse for a compensation plan, and distributor commissions are based solely on recruiting people to buy, and not sell the product to the ultimate end user, they are likely to be deemed an illegal pyramid. Are you getting the "shape?" Unfortunately, the public, after many years of bad behavior and out-and-out greed on the part of both unethical distributors and less than honest companies, has collapsed "legal" and "illegal" pyramids together, and don't investigate thoroughly enough to discern between the two. "If it looks like a duck...."

Legitimate companies that utilize network marketing are characterized by putting their product and customers FIRST. Many have a culture that nurtures company and distributor relations. Their compensation plan pays well, and is ON TIME. They encourage and incentivize leadership and independence....not dependents. Are there "bad apples?" Of course. However, there seems to be a growing number of fine "up and comers" and many excellent proven ones that are safe bets for building income, if you know what you're doing.

Finally, a Ponzi Scheme was named after the infamous Charles Ponzi in 1920. Considered a form of fraud, a Ponzi disguises itself as an investment opportunity and lures victims to earn on what is represented as some legal business activity, when in reality, the "return: on their investment is actually being funded by the participation of new investors. Eventually, the promised returns cease, the new investors dry up, and it's "Good Night, Irene!"

Love, Uncle Russ

BONUS: How to tell a legitimate MLM Opportunity from a "questionable" one.

1. Does the product have a true retail value to the consumer?

2. Would you or others buy the products without the benefit of a business opportunity?

3. Are you promised a higher percentage of commission based on what you BUY vs. what you build?

4. Are you ever told to "Quick, get in before it ends!?"

5. Does the company emphasize customer acquisition over the recruiting of recruiters?