I was shopping in Target the other day and was ready to head to the check out when I spotted HER.
“Oh no,” I thought to myself. But before I could make a getaway, she saw me.
“Hi,” she said moving swiftly in my direction, “How’ve you been?”
For the next few moments we chit chatted until she brought up the dreaded topic.
“The business is going great,” she said with a phony smile, “and I just found out I’m the top salesperson in my region.”
“Good for you,” I replied. But then she hit me with the dreaded sales pitch. Just like she’s done every time in the five years I have known her. And even though I’ve tried to tell her it’s not my thing, she still won’t let up.
“You know if you’d ever be interested in coming to a meeting or a demonstration, I think you’d really like it. And there are so many advantages to doing this.”
She then droned on and on about how easy it was to sell her product, how much fun it was, and all the things I could write off on my taxes if I decided to go into “the business.”

In case you haven’t guessed what “business” my acquaintance was talking about, it’s not important. There are many people like her selling a pyramid scheme so it doesn’t make a difference which one I’m referring to. You probably have had someone do the same thing to you. And if you haven’t, just wait. Sooner or later, they find everyone.

From my experience these people start out being pleasant and appear as if they want to help a “friend” get rich. They tell you all about “the business” and how if you join (for a sizeable fee) you’ll make more money than you know what to do with. You will also be able to make your own work schedule. And if you get other people to sign up, you will make money off of them. What they don’t tell you is they expect this new business to consume your life. Some will even tell you to disassociate yourself from friends and family if they don’t want to be involved in this great opportunity also. Another fib in their sales pitch is that if you aren’t interested in taking part then it’s okay. Not so. I had a former classmate who when I politely turned her down became very annoying. She called constantly to tell me about all the great things I’d be missing out on in life and sent a postcard from a southern state where she had attended a conference. I was not jealous. From what I understand of these “trips” you are in meetings from the early morning until dusk. And they keep you so busy you don’t get a chance to dip your toes into the hotel swimming pool let alone see the beach. Furthermore, the cost to get to these meetings comes out of your pocket and there is a fee to attend. And if you don’t go there are always several members who make it their concern to find out why you weren’t there.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to making money. I am against any industry that encourages you to pester friends, neighbors, and co-workers to host a party, purchase stuff they don’t need, or buy into a pyramid scheme. I don’t feel comfortable doing it, and I don’t want people to run when they see me or let the machine pick up when I call. And as far as writing off all the expenses on my taxes, you go into business to make money, not to write things off. My accountant has several clients who have gone into these ventures with visions of grandeur. He told me that at the end of the year all they really have is a hobby that earns them some extra pocket change.

In no way am I knocking the products. When I have made purchases at various “parties” I’ve been invited to, I haven’t had any issues with the quality of the merchandise. Whether it is kitchen knives, makeup, candles, baskets, or cooking utensils, I haven’t had anything not stand up to its name. And if it isn’t to my satisfaction I can return it for a full refund.
But what it really boils down to, aside from the fact that I like what I do for a living, I’m not buying into “the business” because I don’t want to and these people just can’t understand that.