Recently, a video went viral in the Deaf community. A Deaf person shared their personal story about being involved in an MLM (multi-level marketing) business and strongly discouraged others from joining one.
I want to offer a different perspective — not to dismiss anyone’s experience, but to clarify what many people are actually talking about when they say “MLM.” Because here’s the truth: what most people are calling MLM is really a pyramid scheme in disguise.
And that difference matters. A lot.
Let’s Start With the Basics: What’s the Difference?
A pyramid scheme is an illegal and unethical business model. It focuses solely (or mostly) on recruiting others, with little to no real product being sold. These kinds of schemes are built like a house of cards — as soon as people stop recruiting, the entire structure collapses.
On the other hand, a legitimate MLM or network marketing company is product-driven. The income comes from selling products, and while recruiting is an option, it is not required to make money. A true MLM allows someone to earn commissions purely from product sales.
What Went Wrong for Many People
The truth is, many people feel burned not because of MLM itself, but because of how they were introduced to it. Some common issues:
- They joined something that was unsustainable from the start
- They were pressured with hype and emotional manipulation
- They didn’t receive proper support, mentorship, or training
- They were promised “easy money” with no real effort or skill building
That’s not ethical. And I don’t support that kind of approach.
In fact, one of the worst things I’ve seen is people pressuring others to join — especially when they know the person is already in a financially stressful situation. That’s not only unethical, it’s predatory.
But Let’s Also Be Honest About This…
Yes, there are people out there who know how to press all the right buttons to make you sign up.
But at the end of the day, we all have to own our decisions.
That person said what you wanted to hear. They gave you hope, desire, possibility — and maybe, in that moment, you didn’t stop to ask the hard questions. You didn’t let yourself be skeptical.
And I get it. You were looking for a way out. A way forward. But blaming “MLM” as a whole might be the wrong target.
There Is a Right Way to Do This
I’ve been in the world of high-ticket sales and network marketing for a while. And when done right, there’s so much value that can come from it — especially if you’re Deaf and want more control over your time and income.
Through a legitimate MLM or sales mentorship program, you can learn:
- How to persuade and influence ethically
- How to sell with confidence
- How to speak clearly and communicate value
- How to build an online business from anywhere
These aren’t just business skills — these are life skills. Whether you stay in MLM or move on to something else, those skills stay with you.
So What Should You Do Next?
Be smart. Be cautious. Do your research. Ask questions before jumping in. Make sure it’s product-based. Make sure there’s mentorship and training. And make sure you’re not being pressured into something that doesn’t feel right.
But don’t let one bad experience (yours or someone else’s) block you from building a better future on your terms.
Ready to Build an Online Business Your Way?
If you’re Deaf and want to build an online business your way — with the right guidance, without pressure, and based on real skills — I’d love to connect.
Fill out the form below to book a call with me: