https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 10:35:24 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend/page/2#post-2593509 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 10:09:37 +0000 tlcbaby 2593509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have an issue with MLMs in general-I am happy to support friends if it is a product I truly love. I do have a problem with being approached by near strangers (Facebook friends, new friends, etc) to try and sell their product.</p> <p>Someone I've never met, but I think we go to the same gym, messaged me recently and told me I am "beautiful and take great selfies so I would be great at what she does." I was really turned off and tried to shut it down by saying I have a few part time jobs and another little one due pretty soon and she kept at it by saying that she thought she wouldn't have enough time either, but it's been great with her schedule. I finally had to come right out and say "no" to put an end to it.</p> <p>I have had a couple other bad encounters that I won't go into. I actually fell in love with doTERRA essential oils and held some classes and tried selling them for a while, but I felt so icky about being associated with all of the "wrong" ways that people go about it that I quit doing it pretty quickly. I still use my oils, though, and if there were other products I was interested in I would happily turn to my real friends who aren't pushy about it to purchase them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend/page/2#post-2593494 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 09:48:53 +0000 MrsBucky 2593494@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I struggle with MLM sales too. I feel for the women who feel that is their only option, but most of them feel scammy to me, and like they alienate you from your social network, which is so important to have, especially when you SAH FT. LLR does seem to have a cult following and due to their imposed scarcity, I get that there is supposed to be less competition between consultants since people want to seek out certain pieces. But that annoys me too! I don't want to have to work that hard to spend my money, and the idea of "social buying" is not my jam. And being spammed by friends for give aways that require ME to harass MY network... no, just no. Overall, I really do hope that people get what they want out of it, but the up front cost to join makes me nervous for them. And to the point of the OP, I agree that sales pitches should be 1) upfront and honest about what they are, and 2) should be done through a business page on FB so I can opt out of following that without opting out of your friendship. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend/page/2#post-2593466 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 09:27:44 +0000 Mrs D 2593466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1) I hate when you are blindsided by it...R+F is I believe the worst offender...I have had two college "friends" literally fake interest in my life to try to sell me an expensive regime...<br /> 2) People who are not educated trying to sell skincare, essential oils and dieting tools...you are not an expert please dont act like one - its reckless<br /> 3) Please dont presume I want to be a SAHM with a job on the side...If one more person suggests "dont you want this opportunity to stay home with the girls?"...no and shame on you for implying all women should want that!!!<br /> 4) I actually hate when they sell it as "support my small business"...news flash...there is a CEO making BANK on your "small business"...so ya - its not really a small business...call it what it is..."support my paycheck"...</p> <p>I can handle selling - in a low pressure way. I can handle the parties (I just dont go if I have no interest in the product)...but stop trying to recruit me or sell me something that implies I need to fix a component of my life (skin, weight, etc...).</p> <p>Full disclosure...I sell jewelry for a direct selling company - but it is not an MLM structure...so it feels way less icky and I only post things from my "business" page so that only people who want to see it can... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2593423 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:45:06 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2593423@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: I think it's because LLR's model is a bit different than other MLMs, given the uniqueness and almost intentional non-competition. LLR is the only company of this type I've bought stuff from because I like the product and it does feel less pushy, but a friend had to get me something first for me to even look at it, honestly. Like the others, I'm pretty much anti all things MLM. Whenever someone mentions something to me, I immediately Google it to see if it's an MLM company LOL </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2593415 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:42:45 +0000 snowjewelz 2593415@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree it kinda sucks to find out a NEW friend dose MLM... They'd really have to prove that they're not in it for that! </p> <p>I'm ok with existing friends doing it, esp if I know where they're coming from, their motivation, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2593403 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:36:07 +0000 looch 2593403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catomd00: Oh wow, that's borderline abusive! I mean, what could they possibly want to do, convert your thinking? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2593398 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:31:38 +0000 Maysprout 2593398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My worst was when I was getting ready to go to a funeral. I missed a call from an old friend - I'd recently moved a bit closer to her city so we'd sort of been reconnecting. I thought she was calling to offer condolences but then she started texting. . . she wanted to get together to offer me a business opportunity - blech. i deleted about 5 angry texts to her before settling on something moderately passive aggressive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2593380 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:23:39 +0000 mediagirl 2593380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agghhh. i'm so sorry. That sucks. I will admit, I laughed when I read that, though. Because, naturally, right?</p> <p>My favorite is when a neighbor, someone "friends" with your neighbors reaches out to you all buddy buddy, "Hey, how are you doing??" and then at the end, "Your daughter is 3...right? You should check out Usborne books..." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2593370 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:12:46 +0000 ElbieKay 2593370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>None of my actual friends have ever bought into an MLM scam.</p> <p>I was never really exposed to MLMs as an adult until I became a mom. They seem to be rampant in the mom community. Ugh. Yet another reason to stick with my original friends instead of trying to make "mom friends" in the name of convenience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2593334 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 07:11:16 +0000 ShootingStar 2593334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't support MLMs because I don't like going to "parties" where I'm expected to buy things. Luckily I don't have friends that do this stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2593329 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 07:04:00 +0000 regberadaisy 2593329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: I'm sorry that happened to you, that's not cool. :sad: </p> <p>But thanks for this post because I've recently joined LuLaRoe and this post is everything on NOT to do. LOL But I have to say, most of the consultants I've come across are NOT pushy like most other DS companies. I'm sure there are a lot/some that are. But a lot really aren't! Anyway, I'm not trying to convince anyone on anything, so I'll just leave it at that. :)</p> <p>@Mrs. Pen: LOL I have thought about messaging you because I do think you would like LuLaRoe! Good thing I didn't! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591455 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 14:38:45 +0000 periwinklebee 2591455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: Yeah, it's pretty sad...ugh...and that's absolutely horrible about the new "friend" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591453 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 14:29:33 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2591453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sapphire: same! I never really heard about it until HB! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591449 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 14:16:30 +0000 YogiRunner 2591449@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: listening to the TAL episode now, so fascinating. Don't people realize that get rich quick schemes never actually work!? </p> <p>When I was new to my town I got coffee with someone who I ended up confided my fertility problems to. She responded by trying to sell me Juice Plus. :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591422 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 13:18:47 +0000 catomd00 2591422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: after I had my first, I got bombarded by Instagram requests for those body wrap things. I think because of the types of pages k follow on IG (eg.,baby pages). Anyways, I got so fed up one time I posted a comment on one about how disgusting it was for them to target moms at their most vulnerable time. Big mistake. I started getting an influx of requests from people - upwards of 10+ a day! I assumed from her team members/up line? It was awful and blocking them did no good, I eventually created a new IG because of it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591406 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 13:02:46 +0000 sapphire 2591406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thankfully I've never had this happen and don't have any friends that sell these types of products. Most of my friends WOH though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591400 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 12:53:51 +0000 simplyfelicity 2591400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Confession: I like Lularoe (not their crazy prints tho) </p> <p>It's fine is people want to sell stuff-- whatever but be upfront about it. Say it's a such and such party, not a "girls night out." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591380 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 11:26:08 +0000 808love 2591380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have friends who are into MLMs. I unfollow their posts. They were either friends before MLM or I work with them in an outside setting. They just keep rotating from :shocked: business to business. I actually own one thing from a few MLMs but I hate MLMs in general so I always buy conflicted. I can't help occasionally liking a product even though I have such a disdain for the business structure. Ugh. I feel like a friendsumer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591363 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 10:05:16 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2591363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah this is really tough for me. I have some family members that do MLM and while it's great for them, it's not for me at all. It makes social media a little awkward at times.</p> <p>The worst is when old friends consistently comment on my pictures of statuses, "oh xx has helped me with this!" over and over again. and I'm like shut.up.<br /> I'm actually really nice and replied "I'm so glad this company is working out so great for you! I'm happy you found something to do that you love." and then I leave it at that. Because it's the truth, if they love it, I'm happy for them. But that doesn't mean that I need to be pushed in buying sales.<br /> I actually created a personal rule for myself and refuse to buy from friends. ever. if there was ever a time I would want or need something from a direct sales company (not really ever, though), I would find someone I don't know, honestly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591326 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 08:16:40 +0000 rachiecakes 2591326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When J turned 1 I was in pretty good shape and had all the Beachbody folks reach out to me. Friends I hadn't talked to since high school. I already work full time and feel like I don't have enough time in the day, I don't want to add anything else to it.</p> <p>However I've met some great new friends at trunkshow parties, and it's never pushy-salesy. Just hanging out and oh yeah a rack of clothes/jewelry over there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591309 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 06:41:43 +0000 avivoca 2591309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pretty much don't get involved. I try for family (a cousin sells Jamberry which I actually like), but other than that, NOPE. I was invited to a Norwex party and the title was "C knows how to keep a clean house, do you?" And it was so infuriating. </p> <p>@youboots: This is my mom. A few years ago she was all about Pampered Chef, now it's the essential oils. I don't buy the hype and I just want to tell her to get an actual job. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591301 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 06:17:11 +0000 looch 2591301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Awww, this is one of those things that makes me really infuriated at the whole process for MLMs. I mean, I don't really care what a person does to earn their livelihood, but what bothers me is that they target a person's vulnerability to get there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591254 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 22:27:16 +0000 MoonMoon 2591254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh that's heartbreaking! Especially because making new friends/mom friends is hard! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591235 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 21:32:55 +0000 Truth Bombs 2591235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@charlotte: ugh the "make lots of money while getting to stay home" infuriates me. Because it turns in to the sales pitch "help this mama give my kids a great Christmas by buying the crap I'm selling". NO. It's not my responsibility to buy your MLM shit because you want to have money but not have a real job. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591171 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 19:17:24 +0000 BrandNewMom 2591171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@fuzzypeaches: The exact same thing happened to me with an Advocare sales rep! :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591108 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 15:09:08 +0000 charlotte 2591108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>YES. I'm in a new city and met a "friend" who was also from my old city here. She suggested coffee and when I got there it turned out to be a rodan and fields pitch. Horribly awkward. I've told approx 20 people I can't join them because I'm still making friends here and don't want to start a friendship with a sales pitch. And I'm busy because of the kids. "But don't you want to make money and get a free Lexus while staying at home!!!???" No. No I do not. Go away! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591102 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:52:54 +0000 OldpuebloJenn 2591102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This thread cracks me up. Yes to it all! :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591098 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:28:04 +0000 periwinklebee 2591098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh... I would be totally bummed too. It's so hard to make new friends :sad: </p> <p>I feel like to be really persistent about pushing that stuff on your friends, you either have to be a sociopath like @ScarletBegonia: said, or you have to really believe you have a product that answers a major life problem (despite a potential absence of evidence!), hence the cult-like feeling that some MLMs have. I'm sure a lot of people end up losing money by joining because they feel awkward pushing stuff on people and don't buy into some of the more cult-like aspects. There was a really interesting TAL piece on network marketing: <a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/543/wake-up-now" rel="nofollow">http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/543/wake-up-now</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591097 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:27:00 +0000 youboots 2591097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Or when people you actually like become essential oil fanatics and start MLM 🙄 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-think-youve-found-a-new-friend#post-2591093 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:17:44 +0000 pachamama 2591093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ScarletBegonia: that perspective is actually fascinating and makes total sense! </p>