I got a Bit.ly Pro account a little while ago for free and it really helps put a quick, easy custom branding for your URL links. Example, I have my main tennis blog at http://www.jctennis.com and my shortened bit.ly links are all at http://jc10s.com/

You can even get quick list of all your links (searchable) at http://jc10s.com/u/(bitly username)

“Hi!
Just started subscribing to your podcast and am catching up on old
episodes. Overall, I love the content and the fact that you are
spending the time researching these tools and sharing your
information!

I just finished listening to the Affiliate podcast from January and
have to bring up a couple of points.

You mentioned how impressed you were with the Juice Plus affiliate
marketing materials, but go on to talk about how Multi-Level or
Network Marketing is a pyramid or a scheme. You should be aware that
pyramids are illegal, Network Marketing in and of itself is not a
scheme or scam, and that Juice Plus is actually a full featured MLM
business, not an affiliate program.

I am not a Juice Plus distributor, but I respect them, and if your
wife is looking for a healthy product with a rock solid company, I'd
be happy to introduce her to the product I represent.

If you are interested in learning more about the Network Marketing
industry and why it benefits so many people, I'd be happy to chat with
you more, either via phone or email.

Thanks!
Dawn”

Brandon's reply:

“Hi Dawn,
Sorry to cause you dissappointment. We were saying that Juice Plus did a fantastic job supporting their “affiliates” with quality marketing material. Not necessarily bashing the Multi-Level Marketing industry.

That being said, I strongly discourage my close friends from getting involved in any multi-level marketing program because I think the income levels are low, and there is enough fraud in the industry to warrant a “stay clear” sign. Just read the Wikipedia entry for Multi-Level Marketing.

Although Multi-Level Marketing is also called “Pyramid Selling” (note above Wikipedia entry). gv4zqHGQ”

And, my reply:

“Hey Brandon,

Thanks for the super quick reply!

No disappointment, and no disrespect meant. Just trying to pass along some updated information to you.

Please keep in mind the wikipedia is crowdsourced and as such, is subject to inaccuracies. If you'd like wikipedia's entry on pyramid schemes, it is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme, which is really pretty humorous given that it compares Social Security to a “legal pyramid scheme”. And, if you want the SEC's definition, it is here: http://www.sec.gov/answers/pyramid.htm.

I totally agree that there are too many scammers out there, but that applies to all industries, not just multi-level marketing. There is a new breed of MLMers (like myself) that is working very hard to change the image of the industry, as it has the power to set you free from corporate bindings if you want to work hard. I also agree with you that too many people don't make money because they don't treat it like a business, or they don't get proper training, or ..many other reasons.

I also commend you for cautioning your friends against scams. If they are looking for genuine business opportunities, they can always check with the DSA (Direct Selling Alliance) and the BBB to see what claims have been filed against those companies. And, like you advised in one of your other podcasts – always know who you are getting into business with – don't answer a random ad about a business opportunity, go into business with someone you trust. Unfortunately, many of the Madoff investors would have still gotten scammed, but so did many Enron and Tyco investors, so some would say that there is no way to be completely safe.

I'm sorry, I seem to be off on a tirade. Again, I am working very hard with others in my industry to change the blanket reputation of network marketing being a bad industry and please do feel free to call upon any of us if you have any questions, even if just for your own curiosity. Keep up the good work with the engaging podcasts.

Thanks!

Dawn McGee
Bronze Executive
Independent MonaVie Distributor
dawn@theMVacai.com
http://www.theMVacai.com
twitter.com/freetobecnsltng
(781) 308-3071

Official juice of the Boston Red Sox!”