Scam Busting: Business opportunities that appeal to women
In my investigation of pyramid schemes and business opportunities, I had one particular interest. That interest was multi-level marketing (MLM) companies that sell skin care and cosmetics. These companies naturally appeal to women more so than to men.
Quite a few years ago, I became involved in one of the most well-known cosmetic MLMs, Mary Kay. The other major player in that market is Avon, and the much smaller and lesser-known players include Arbonne and Beauticontrol. There are many other extremely small players out there, as people realize how lucrative MLM can be for the owners of the companies (but not the participants, necessarily).
I first became aware of Mary Kay when I attended a party that a friend had in her home. Mary Kay operates on the typical in-home party model, something akin to the Tupperware parties that we all went to in the 80’s. We had several women get together to try the products, washing our faces and trying color cosmetics. I began to use some of the products, but wasn’t really committed to using them over any other brand.
A few years later, the same friend invited me to another Mary Kay party with a different representative. Again, I tried the products and liked the results. I went to a second party shortly thereafter, at which I was presented with Mary Kay’s “marketing plan”. A marketing plan is a fancy name for them telling you all the reasons why you should join their sales force and make zillions of dollars by selling the products.
At the time I heard the marketing plan, it sounded fun and it appealed to my entrepreneurial side. I was working in an auditor role, and thought that this might be a good way to supplement my income and build something of my own. I never intended to replace my career with Mary Kay, but I liked the benefits presented to me during this marketing session.
I have since discovered that my situation was not unlike most other women who sign up to become sales representatives with Mary Kay. The marketing plan promotes certain benefits that are designed to appeal to women, and it hit its mark with me.
