I was just presented with 2 get-rich-quick “opportunities” in one day. Wow. People must think I’m either really poor or really gullible. Call me skeptical, but I’m one of those people who thinks that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The first opportunity was presented to me by a friend with whom I have very similar interests. He’s emailed me things he thought I might find interesting before, but this was the first time he’s tried to recruit me or sell me anything. He knows I’m incredibly devoted to good health, so he tried to sell me on the idea of a company that sells “all-natural chemicals and other good stuff”.
The word “chemicals” was an instant turn-off, but he sent 2 messages, so I looked at the site to humor him, even though someone else had already beat him to me with the “opportunity”. There were tons of supposedly natural cleaning products shown side by side with un-natural competitors, but I don’t use any of them. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe and healthy, but it does usually mean “you could make this yourself for alot cheaper”.
I emailed him back and told him that I was familiar with the company and have seen the products and heard the phone stuff, but that I checked out the link anyway to see if there was anything new or interesting. I then told him that there was nothing there that I really buy. Soap nuts work for laundry when I don’t feel like making my own detergent or buying ecos brand, and I clean with vinegar, baking soda, salt, lemon juice, and vodka so I don’t buy “cleaners”. Maybe I’m cheap, maybe I’m lazy (probably both), but it works for me. I hope I didn’t offend him, but I haven’t heard from him since.
The second “opportunity” really shocked me. It came from a published author and public speaker. Although I was skeptical, I checked it out because I trusted him. After all, his book and speaking engagements are all about getting out of debt. As soon as I clicked the link though, I knew it wasn’t at all what I was expecting it to be. It was an “opportunity” to join a company (for hundreds of dollars, plus a monthly fee) to sell vacations.
I myself don’t travel, nor am I comfortable trying to sell anything. Why in the world would someone both email and call me about this opportunity that couldn’t be more wrong for me? Maybe he doesn’t know me very well, or maybe it was because he himself joined and was trying to make money by recruiting others. After all, that is how multi-level marketing works.
I did an online search for information about the travel company only to find out that it has numerous complaints against it, members are complaining about supposed false information, and it admittedly has a 70% failure rate. I understand that not everyone can succeed, but some of the information I read solidified my gut feeling that that particular “opportunity” would cost me alot more that it would earn me. I emailed a respectful message declining the invitation for that “opportunity” as well. Again, I haven’t heard from him since either.
I probably sound too skeptical, but I’ve already tried various money-making ventures that ended up costing me more than they’ve earned me, so I know a little about what to look for in a supposed opportunity. I’d love to find one that would truly generate an income, but I quit looking for one long ago. There may be some legitimate opportunities out there, but in my opinion, they’re few and far between.
It’s so tempting to just try it, especially if it’s presented by a friend or acquaintance, but I’ve fallen into that trap before. I doubt the person that introduced me to the opportunity suspected that it would end up being what some would call a scam. He or she probably lost as much money as I did. But I’ve learned from those experiences, and I hope that others will learn from them as well should they choose to take the risk.
Like I said, there may be some legitimate opportunities out there. If you think you’ve found one, make sure to check it out really well before spending any money on it. Do an internet search. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Talk with someone else who has tried it. Putting forth the effort first may save you alot of money.
If you’re looking to earn some extra money, besides looking online, you could also check out my book “100 Income Streams for Full-time Moms”. It’s even got the “look inside” feature on Amazon.com if you’d like to check it out for free. (See, I told you I’m no good at selling things!) But no matter where you find a potential income opportunity or who it’s presented to you by, do yourself a favor and check it out before you shell out any cash for it.
Article by Randi Millward
Comment With Facebook: