I'm about to be MLM-botted

[LucysSkyDiamonds]

My former boss (a man in his late 50s, MBA graduate) has messaged me asking if I'd be around for a zoom chat with some friends next week to hear about his new business opportunity, forever living 🤦‍♀️ He's a lovely guy and I know he got a rough deal being edged out of the job where I knew him and he's been a bit lost since, but crikey from CEO to MLM isn't one I expected. I'm going to politely decline but I'm torn about if I should say something cautioning him. All I can think of is "have you lost your fucking mind?"

Just tell him your sister does it, and you are swimming in the stuff.

My sister lives 200 miles away, very easy to throw her under that bus. But will he not come after me as a nearer supplier when I've "run out "?

Your next-door-neighbour then.

You're allergic to aloe vera, it brings you out in a rash and gives you appalling wind.

I got Shanghaied years ago by previous (highly talented) director-level colleague who left everything to join Amway. Holy fuck. It was like he had been abducted by aliens.

Someone I know of from work (but have never met or spoken) has tried to add me on Facebook. I had a look at her profile... She's involved in a weight-loss MLM, where she keeps looking for people to join her own. I can only assume if I accepted the request she's start trying to sign me up for this MLM.
Image having the balls to contact a virtual stranger and basically calling them fat!

@AmandaHoldensLips

I got Shanghaied years ago by previous (highly talented) director-level colleague who left everything to join Amway. Holy fuck. It was like he had been abducted by aliens.

That's what I'm thinking. I have a vague rubber necker sense of wanting to see what has happened but there's no way I'm opening the door to this. And it makes me wonder if I should say something. I'll absolutely have an iron clad reason for not being interested though.

@LucysSkyDiamonds

My sister lives 200 miles away, very easy to throw her under that bus. But will he not come after me as a nearer supplier when I've "run out "?

He won’t want to sell to you. He’ll want to recruit you to his team.

I’d go with the allergy!

Problem with being allergic is you could still sell it to others..

Just tell him straight that you don't support MLM 'businesses'. The more open people are about MLM the better.

I agree, if you try to be nice or let him down gently this will just drag on because he isn't going to quit.

Don't keep looking for clever answers or good excuses to avoid. Quite simply state the truth openly and honestly.
"Sorry I don't support MLM's I'm afraid" and leave it at that.

You will likely get a copy and pasted reply trying to reason with you, but just ignore.

Yes, I agree, the direct response is probably best. I was more torn about whether to ask wtf he's doing in an MLM but saying I don't support/want to be involved covers that to a degree.

I agree with the open approach - "I'm afraid I don't support mum schemes".

It is truthful and gives him a heads up about how it is coming across.

*mlm

I agree with sending the responses above. As to cautioning him, as a former CEO he will either think he's got this one or that at least it's worth a punt so I wouldn't get involved. You need to cut off the dialogue rather than give him an opportunity to explain his reasons.

I have to say that I found the "presentation" meeting totally fascinating from a macabre point of view. He and his wife with these kind of glazed-over expressions being so effusive about this clearly hair-brained "business opportunity".

Presuming he’s not daft he’s probably been told or seen that he can make money by recruiting a large downline (the only way to make money in MLM). Unfortunately for him his timing is shite and MLM is a dying scam and despite a bit of a boost from the recruitment of pandemic unemployed, the trend is downhill. FLP is full of “successes” who are obscuring insolvency or bankruptcy but who did briefly make money back around 2015.

One look at companies house for many of FLPs “successes” also reveals many surviving on huge directors loans. Those that have made money in the past represent a tiny portion of all the sign ups to FLP and most are losing money hand over fist, destined to make nothing.

I always give the direct response “sorry I don’t agree with pyramid schemes and deceptive trading schemes so I won’t get involved”.

Can I ask about one ( I think it's a MLM? )?

Tori Belle??

A friend has just signed up and all I'm hearing is how they're a business owner now...?!

@BedknobsNoBroomsticks

Just tell him straight that you don't support MLM 'businesses'. The more open people are about MLM the better.

This.

I went back to him saying I don't support mlms but best wishes. To be fair to him, he replied saying thanks for letting him know and hello to the family. Fingers crossed that it's over with 🤞 glad I was direct, thanks to those who said to be, I would have couched it to be nice and ended up on a never ending invitation list.

@PurpleFadesToGreen

Can I ask about one ( I think it's a MLM? )?

Tori Belle??

A friend has just signed up and all I'm hearing is how they're a business owner now...?!

Owner?

lol