1,569 Comments on Fortune High Tech Marketing (FHTM) Secrets You Should Know

Barb on Sat, 19th Jan 2008 2:06 pm


I agree with some of your comments. Fortune is not a business for everyone, and not everyone will be driving a Lexus. But I do know several people locally who are making very good money after just a few months in Fortune. And I know the guy who started the movement here (he has been driving the Lexus for a little over a year now), and he is always available to help us get started and keep going. But I also know some who made good money for a few months, then dropped out because they lost interest and did not want to do the work any more.

I think like any kind of MLM, Fortune is built on relationship marketing. Those who are the most successful are those who are able to relate well to people. That does not come naturally for most of us, and that’s what makes it hard work. Some don’t want to do the work necessary to improve themselves in this way.

As to the products, not all have to be sold. Some go well in this area; some do not. Reps just have to have a total of 10 customer points from among them all, which includes any the rep may use himself. They are the same products and prices you will find everywhere, but the benefit from this is that the rep receives a payback from these companies for using their products. Plus, the rep then qualifies to receive a percentage of all products sold by their downline.

The real income is not the residuals from the products, though, but the recruiting. Every rep hopes to find a few recruits who become very successful, and the rep benefits from that as the downline grows. That is apparently true of all MLM. It is not quick and easy money, but it does work.

As to your comments about affiliate marketing, that does sound like a good way to make extra money if you have a website, but how long will it take before you actually see any? It requires a website that many will not only visit, but will use to access the affiliate link provided. Eventually you will make good money, I’m sure. Maybe there’s a way to combine Fortune for the immediate income, and build up the affiliate marketing for a later income. Which leads to the next questions – what is the future of this technology? How long will affiliate marketing be possible?

William Richard on Fri, 25th Jan 2008 7:13 pm


The upfront money is kinda steep… How does this work when all (most) of these services are done on contracts???? That is rather puzzling to me. Do I break my contract to get another one? Or just renew my contract. Suppose folks are dissatisfied with the services? Also, that breakaway commission plan will probably break your bank. If you have successful people in your organization, they will probably fall off (BREAK AWAY) and you will have to rebuild. It sounds rather risky to me. I know of many other mlm companies. And this company is so young and there is not much success there. If I want to joing a business opportunity, I would rather see a little more success than two handfuls of people. What about sales projections vs. sales history? All of these products that are not services are just the same thing bottled in a different container. I know I am putting myself out there but this seems like a big risk. I will check back in a few years to see what is going on. Until then, I will be faithful to my company!
Will

William Richard on Sat, 26th Jan 2008 1:25 am


Maybe I can get you on my team?????

William Richard on Sat, 26th Jan 2008 8:48 am


If anybody is interested in FHTM, email me at creoleme@yahoo.com. I have lots of information.

Jerry Thomas on Wed, 30th Jan 2008 9:13 am


Imagine!! Starting a business and having the nerve to ask someone to invest in that business. Imagine!! Asking the investor to tell people about the business he/she invested in. Imagine!! Telling people that invest that you expect them to make a lot of money. Description of an MLM or Networking company? Yes, it is.

IBM, Microsoft, Ford, Chevrolet. These are ALL examples of networking companies. Why? Because they initially went to friends, family, co-workers and asked for a small investment to get the company started. THEN, they had the nerve to promise those that invested that they would make a lot of money, but with no guarantee it would happen. They EVEN had the nerve to ask those investors to tell others about the company in the HOPE the other people would buy the products and make the company, and investors (friends, family, co-workers) richer in the days and years to come.

Some businesses are for some people and some aren’t. Before we condemn a company, we need to reflect on the history of the companies we know and deal with every day. When we do this, we realize that EVERY business out there is a networking (or MLM) company.

Decide for yourselves what is right for YOU, folks. Don’t let others tell you how to think about YOUR future.
Pastor Jerry

William Richard on Wed, 30th Jan 2008 10:13 am


Pastor Jerry,
I was not trying to bash the business. I was simply stating my reservations AT THAT POINT IN TIME. After some research, conversations, and calls I have found this to be a very VIABLE business and an awesome opportunity. Some people will get it, some will not. I am glad I opened my mind to the facts and possibility. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Poople simply go on what has been handed down throughout the generations. There are several MLM companies out there…you just have to think outside the box and see the blessing that is there. The rocket is launched, just have the faith and determination to get in and stay in until you get to the top. Take this in for thought…Every corporation and the government only has one top person and fans out more as the ranks go down. PYRAMID!!!!! Turn the pyramid upside down and know that in MLM there is room for more at the top than just one!

Chris on Wed, 30th Jan 2008 10:49 am


OK…well you guys have fun and I hope you make a million or two.

Jerry Thomas on Thu, 31st Jan 2008 6:03 pm


My brother and I have researched many networking companies over the last two years looking for one that actually did what it promised. We have been screwed several times and we were determined that we would find an honest networking company that actually paid as promised.

Well, we were introduced several weeks ago to FHTM and, between the two of us, we spent about 160 hours doing due diligence on FHTM. We found that everyone we talked to had received what they had been promised. Some more than others because some worked harder at the business. And that is the secret to succeeding in network marketing. You HAVE to treat it as a regular job to make it work.

Well, we both joined and, in just 2 weeks, I will be getting my first check from FHTM this week. Granted, it will only be about 250.00, but that returns most of my startup fee. I would urge anyone wanting a true home business to consider FHTM. You can find a local rep by typing FHTM into Google or you can join at my site: fhtmus.com/jerrythomas

William Richard on Thu, 31st Jan 2008 6:57 pm


Once I found out about FHTM I did my own research. All of the pertinent information was out there and available. I have held conversations with a couple of IR’s and been on a call or two and have found that everyone shoots straight from the hip about this business. The same information cones from everybody. Plus, it is a very spiritual business which is an added plus for me. I am definitely joining FHTM. At the low cost to start up, the only question is “What if this actually works?” As an added incentive, everything you pay into or buy for your business is tax deductible – most things at 100%. So , you get most of your money back the following year as a worse case scenario and you do not talk to a soul(but who would do that?). It just makes sense. If you still have any doubts,leave a comment on my page by clicking on my name and I will be open to answer questions or get them answered for you and, most of all, to help you to launch, in my estimation, one of the best networking organizations of the 21st century. Try it and see the power of faith and perserverance. Anything with God in has got to be good! The only way to get ahead and grow is to do something that you are not used to doing or doing something that is uncomfortable.
Will
wfrichard@yahoo.com

Chris on Thu, 31st Jan 2008 8:57 pm


Wow Pastor Jerry…truly an amazing story of success you’ve got going there! Sounds very similar to the story I heard from 7 friends of mine who joined FHTM about a year ago.

Unfortunately, none of them are still with FHTM. Seems that after a few months, when the contacts dried up and all the glamour and “hoo-haa” was worn off, the business wasn’t quite what it seemed to be? Now thats 7 people that I know personally, all OUT now. 100% dropout. But…I’m sure some die hard FHTM’ers will will jump in and say those people were just “lazy” or that they weren’t “trained properly”. Well…I can tell you these people aren’t lazy at all. They’re great people who got caught up in the FHTM propaganda!

Hey…don’t take my word for it. Join…give them your money and try it for yourself. Please feel free to come back in 6 months or a year and tell us about all the money your making.

Oh…and Will Richard….don’t let Pastor Jerry get ahead of you…feel free to add the link to your FHTM website so that those interested in joining can sign up through your link. (It’s really odd how yours and Pastor Jerry’s posts always seem to come in about the same time? The two of you wouldn’t be one in the same, would you?) I have an equal opportunity blog here, but if you start spamming it, I’ll simply delete your comments. I’m open to discussion, but I won’t allow my blog to become an advertising medium for your FHTM sign up. If thats what you want, go get your own blog.

Oh…and let me quote Pastor Jerry for a moment from his last comment:

“My brother and I have researched many networking companies over the last two years looking for one that actually did what it promised. We have been screwed several times and we were determined that we would find an honest networking company that actually paid as promised”

Now that is a testimonial you can take to the bank! Lets see…you’ve “researched many networking companies” and were “screwed several times, and we were determined that we would find an honest networking company that actually paid as promised”. Yep…you prove my point. I’m not sure I even have to expand on that?!?!?

So…all you would-be fhtm’ers…here are a couple of folks that would love for you to sign up with them, (so they can make money off your sign up of course). Just hook up with them, give them $299 and you too, will have the opportunity to start spamming blogs and trying to get others to sign up under you! Doesn’t that sound like a great job? When you wake up each morning, your goal in life is to get someone to sign on the dotted line so you can make money off their sign up! I know that sounds like a worthwhile profession to me! Oh yes…don’t forget the valuable products you’ll get to try and sell. (Of course…the real money will be in the next person you sign up…so screw trying to push the products and services…just get someone to sign up!!!!!)

This is a lot of fun, isn’t it?!?!

William Richard on Thu, 31st Jan 2008 10:36 pm


Now Chris, that’s not very nice…It is funny how people go to the same job everyday for a few measly dollars an hour with the promise of “promotion” and “increases” to keep you coming everyday. It works just enough to keep you coming and, after some time, miserably to the same old glass ceiling and dead end job. Not to mention that Uncle Sam takes some 20 – 25 percent before you get yours and then you have to “file” in the hopes of getting some of it back. “Sounds pretty dirty to me!” Maybe your friends lost interest, or did not apply themselves, or were not happy mastering the mundane things…like they do in a 9 – 5. It seems to me that 95% of the population has been bamboozled and cannot take a clear and neutral look at what society has created. Our employers “screw” us out of our time with our families, tell us when and when not to go to the bathroom, get sick, eat lunch, etc. and give us a pitiful handful of dollar bills at the end of the week. And please do not go against the grain! Then they fire you and slander your name and call you a bad person because you buck the system. I would rather have a shot, based on a possibility, at financial and time freedom than to be susceptible to being a slave in a job for the next 20 – 30 years to find that the less than substantial retirement “plan” and mecicare, if they do not do away with that too, is all I have left. What a dismal picture.
You believe in the propoganda that society has force fed us for more than 300 years to work ultimately for the government’s benefit and not yours and I will take a chance on something that might work if I apply myself to it and stick with it! It sounds like what so many people have done over the years and wind up in retirement homes or on the streets or in substandard housing with not enough money to buy food and medicine because the government is in control and want to remain in control and brainwash this generation and all generations following. It sounds like a free enterprise of slave labor to me. Now isn’t that a “screwy” picture. I respect Pastor Jerry and everyone else, like myself, who have the common sense to see and realize that something is wrong with what is normal and different is not wrong or bad. I just hope and pray that you close minded, brain-washed, and system dependent people can see past what is being given to you. If I am going to make someone believe in my abilities being an asset to their company, why don’t I help someone to see that the system is , for lack of a better term, very screwed up!
Will

Chris on Thu, 31st Jan 2008 11:16 pm


Actually Will, if you’ve read through any of my other posts on this blog, you’ll see that I don’t disagree with you in that I believe we all should dream and act upon those dreams, of something greater than spending our lives being a slave to corporate America. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been there for pretty much all my working life to this point. But at the same time I write this, I’m also making changes to a website for a small company out of California that wanted to grow their internet business and grow their presence on the web. I’m doing this because it’s what I enjoy doing. I’m not doing it for the money…because I know the money will come if I help someone solve their problem.

Lets face it…you’re not going to change the way I feel about FHTM and I’m not going to change the way you feel about it. I feel pretty confident that about 95% or more of the people that read this blog, and who are in FHTM or plan to join the organization, will drop out within the first 6 months to 1 year. I can’t prove that, and you can’t prove it otherwise. I know that 100% of the people that I’ve known who were in it…dropped out. Not good percentages…even if it’s a small group.

“Maybe your friends lost interest, or did not apply themselves, or were not happy mastering the mundane things…”

Again…you’re right on the money here. They handed FHTM $299, (or more in some cases to be a “trainer”), then realized that this wasn’t what they enjoyed doing. This wasn’t what they “thought” they were getting into. This wasn’t as exciting as sitting in that big room, listening to all those motivational speakers telling them how great everything is going to be! If you don’t enjoy your job…lets face it, you’re going to hate going to work every day! But most of us keep going because it’s what pays the bills. When you realize that true happiness comes from doing something you love doing, then work isn’t really “work” anymore.

So…you have fun with fhtm or prepaid legal or whatever you do, and visit us from time to time and let us know just how great things are. I’ll continue to ask people to find something they love doing and build on that.

Chris

Jerry Thomas on Thu, 31st Jan 2008 11:19 pm


Well, I am not trying to get into a shouting match with anyone, Chris. I just wanted to express my feelings. If your friends got out of the business, I feel they probably had their reasons and we don’t know what those reasons are.Whatever those reasons were (or are), your 7 friends stepped out of the fold and attempted to make a difference in their lifestyles.

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is that many of those residuals continue even after you stop promoting the business. Many people get residuals built up and then just sit back and cash the checks. So, I can’t make a judgement on your 7 friends without knowing their story. Apparently you can.

As for using your blog for promoting my business, that is the farthest thing from my mind. I put it in there once to allow people to see it and contact me if they have other questions. It won’t be published here again.

I met William through your blog. I know nothing more about him, other than that he lives in the Atlanta area.

Fortune, and any other reputable networking companies, are not businesses that are for everyone. Everyone has a different business style they are cut out for. I would never presume to tell anyone that any business was right for them. Only that person and God can determine that. I simply feel that if something works for me, I am going to tell people how good (or bad) it worked for me and allow them to make the decision themselves. I share things that seem to work but I really don’t need to recruit. Once I share knowledge, people come along because they want to. Not because Jerry or Chris is able to tell them how to decide. Liking something or not liking it is up to each individual and is not worth arguing about.

This world needs to learn to respect one another’s opinions and quit arguing about everything. I, for one vote to work together for the good of humanity. Not to work to discredit things that are not to my liking. I will defend forever your right to your opinion, but ask that you simply return the favor. I hope yopu have a great life, Chris. Just remember I am there to stand up for your rights, whether I agree with them or not.

Pastor Jerry

William Richard on Fri, 1st Feb 2008 12:03 am


Thanks for thatPastor Jerry. I was not trying to discredit Chris. I was only trying to state my opinion. It is not like I do not believe in the normal, I just believe there is more out there and people who have nor personal experience with any one thing should not be a CRITIC, CYNIC, OR A JUDGE. I do not criticize people for what they believe in, so Chris I respect you for stating your opinion. You should simply stry not to challenge or judge other polple’s aspirations and dreams. If I offended you, Chris, I wholeheartedly apologize. That is not my “modus operandi”. I can get people to see differently not by what I say or do, but my tact in doing so. I live to allow others to entrust and respect me because that is what I do for others. I believe that anything that your have a sincerely believe in and want to happen will eventually happen. If the things that I take on do not work for me, I am the common denominator and I am the blame–not the system. The biggest lesson in all of this is just to encourage others in their endeavors, whether you agree or not, and simpley let what happens just do that – happen. Because people you have personal relationships failed, quit, or decided to go a different way does not mean that it does not work. You have to look above what your see or may have seen to get a total picture. I guess the general concensus or majority of those who are successful far outweigh the ones who turned away, left, or are simply naysayers and dream stealers. I hope that this sheds so me light on my vantage point and lets you know that I am not contesting or going back and forth, but this is a blog, of course. I believe that is what it is designed for. Even after those friends of yours pulled out did they realize that they were able to write their business expenses off, so they really lost nothing but a little time.
Respectfully,

Will

Also, I cannot recruit becauseI am not yet a representative. I just like to get people talking so they can express their thoughts. I guess you can call it more research on my part.

Just remember, faith with works is dead. Nothing beats a failure, but a try. Slow and steady wins the race…the operative word being “steady”.

What you put out is indicative of what you get back. You reap what you sow, in due season. It’s the law of the universe and the law of God.

Frances Johnson on Sun, 3rd Feb 2008 1:59 pm


Wow! Lots of talk about Fortune. I recentley joined a great team, he’s has the third fastest growing team in the company. He is a great leader. If you are wondering how I’m doing. My husband and I own a business so I can’t be out there as much as I would like, so It’s going to take me a little longer, but that’s ok.If anyone wants to join this awsome team my E-Mail is FrankieJ@dc.rr.com. Good luck to all of you. Don’t give up!

Frances on Sun, 3rd Feb 2008 2:07 pm


Sorry! I don’t want to be mis-leading. I’m in the 3rd fastest growing REGIONAL team

Atlanta Luxury Homes on Mon, 4th Feb 2008 12:57 pm


Good review. I agree with a lot of your comments. I tried doing something similar to this in the past and it didn’t work out well for me. It’s true that once you have contacted/talked to most of the people in your social/networking group, it’s hard to find other people to contact. The problem is, friends and family rarely like being put into situations where they feel pressured to help you out/buy something from you. You can only go so far before you start becoming the person they don’t want to answer phone calls from…

TigerTom on Sat, 16th Feb 2008 2:53 pm


“Here is one of my big problems with [INSERT NAME OF HUCKSTER HERE]. I personally feel like [INSERT NAME] preys on those people that are sick and tired of their current job, and dream of being their own boss and independently wealthy.”

I stop reading there. That about says it all. For all Marketing Gurus.

Karen on Sat, 16th Feb 2008 9:04 pm


What I found interesting when I watched the sales pitch today was the number of high profile ministries represented in the movie. Although the ministries were not specifically mentioned, I clearly saw a prominent member of Kenneth Copland’s ministries on the DVD. I found it more interesting that the presentation mirrored the teaching of the current up and coming churches, and that several people from our prominent TV ministry were at this meeting. FHTM’s DVD sure seemed like it was made for a televangelist more than a marketing scheme. All MLM marketing schemes have flaws. They ALL REQUIRE members to sign up and fail. Not every one can succeed, the formula won’t work out. I believe that these guys may honestly wish everyone well, but they still make money whether you succeed or not.

AJ on Sat, 16th Feb 2008 9:35 pm


I think that the last lady summed it up. Not everyone makes it. When I was thinking about signing up, I was told that I better hurry, so that 2-3 people coming in would be placed under me and that I would be taken care of. Yes, I signed up.So here we are a month later and I have nobody. I don’t know many people so now I’ve put hundreds of dollars into advertising. It’s not working yet. Then I find out that the TEAM is giving other Reps. people left and right. Did I mention that they happen to be good friends. Anyways, I’m pretty upset. I hope to make my money back. So be careful!!!!!!!!

bubba on Wed, 20th Feb 2008 2:45 pm


FHTMers who have already drank the kool-aid all have the same arguments:
Why would these companies be associated with a scam?(because it’s actually legal and they want any sales they can get?)

You’re just a loser, you can’t cut it, you don’t understand, you won’t get the Lexus (yeah right, see you in six months).

Oh, and there’s the “all companies are pyramids” and “you’re a sucker for working for someone else” arguments.

Look, I’ve been pitched and almost suckered until I did my research. If it can’t be explained in a phone call – I mean completely explained – then it’s BS. They try to get you in person and overwhelm you with $$$ signs and then get your $300 and the few immediate people you can sign up. They’re very sketchy on what it takes to make money. It’s subterfuge.
Sure a very few people can make money off this. In my opinion it’s not worth sacrificing friendships over. Notice how bitter and defensive the FHTM defenders are. Perhaps they’re starting to see the light and it hurts. Sorry, no lexus.

Chris on Fri, 22nd Feb 2008 8:49 am


Thanks everyone for your comments. Sorry for those of you that joined in the “heat of the moment” and now regret your actions. Hopefully you can get your money back.

I’ll go back to the old saying, “if it sounds too good to be true…it probably is”

Good luck all!

Mary Sanchez on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 2:10 pm


First of all whoever wrote this article obviously has not done their research! Magazines.com does not do an affiliate program like they advertise on their site I tried it and they sent me to CJ and it is NetMagazines.com and not Magazines.com
I also have tried many affiliate programs which never worked even Amazon which gives you a measely 2-3% of each sale and if someone decides to cancel they take your commission back! Yes I am a rep for Fortune and let me tell you before I ever joined and plunked the money down(the best investment of my life) I researched for over 6 months. Finding very few cons and definitely more pros. I find it absolutely crazy that people relish in bashing legitimate companies when most Fortune reps never bash the competition. Fortune is for the rep 100% I have never seen a program more supportive or helpful than this one. And I have done many programs that left you behind. Another thing I like to laugh at is people who say this will go down like Excel. People think that Excel sank because of Kenny. This is so not true Kenny retired and sold the company to Vartec who bankrupted it and left the reps out in the cold. Also Excel did not evolve with the times. Kenny always said he wanted to make enough money to retire and never work again and that’s exactly what he did. This will never happen with Fortune for one thing Paul is passionate about this company and it’s reps. This is why he started this company he certainly didn’t need the money! I find it actually quite amusing and disgusting when people bash other companies. People just don’t have anything else better to do and it must make them feel better for their shortcomings. I for one am very proud of Fortune and will continue to watch the people who wished they would have joined years ago (just like me that’s what I am thinking now) but I am happy I decided to and I will ride the wave. You either bring your board or you don’t it’s up to you! Mary Sanchez maxmarfortune@fhtm.us

Chris on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 3:24 pm


Well…actually the person that wrote the article would be me, the person that publishes this blog.

Now before you go off telling people I haven’t done my research, maybe you should try again. You are correct in that Magazines.com does not have an affiliate program of their own. It is managed through Linkshare as it clearly says when you click on the “Affiliate” link, not CJ. And there are two magazine companies doing business through Linkshare…one being Magazines.com and the other being NetMagazines.com. So I don’t think that “I’m” the one that hasn’t done enough research?

Sorry you weren’t able to make any money with affiliate marketing. Anyone who is serious about it wouldn’t waste their time as an Amazon affiliate anyway. I’m actually doing quite well in my affiliate marketing business. I project that my affiliate income will pass my “day job” income within the next 2 to 4 months. Thats passive income being generated day or night, weekends or holidays. No need to call or sign-up anyone. No wave to have to ride here…just steadily increasing profits.

So tell me Mary…how long have you been a rep with FHTM?

Mary Sanchez on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 4:42 pm


A little over a year now. I am so glad that you have made your mark with affiliate marketing.(no bashing) I just feel that people should be able to decide on their own what company is right for them. There are reliable sources to do this as well. People who go into business usually have a plan and an idea of how to go about researching and most usually don’t walk into it blindly. And yes it was my mistake it is Linkshare and not CJ which I am a member of both as well and have yet to see any results after working diligently to promote sites on both of these programs. I realy do wish you the best of luck and if you surpass your day job income that’s great.

Mark on Mon, 10th Mar 2008 11:12 pm


This is all good feedback I’m glad I found this site. Can someone who is with FHTM help and explain why the website (travel site) is a required item you must sign up for? This is what I’m being told. Also, what is the objective of FHTM? Is it to sign up more people or to sell the products that FHTM represents? I’m told I’ll need to make up a list of prospects, and I understand this is the “network” part of it, but is this for me to try and recruit these people to join FHTM or to sell them the products that FHTM represents?
Thanks, I appreciate any feedback.

Frances on Tue, 11th Mar 2008 10:38 am


The travel site is powered by Travelocity, but you do not have to have it. What you would want is to sign people up and they become there own customer, because they are already doing it but not getting paid.
Our team is growing so quickly out here. Be sure that you have a highly motivated upline, because we need all the support we can get. I would be more than happy to have someone from my upline call you. My email is hosadmin@dc.rr.com
I hope this helps!

Jeff Thompson on Wed, 12th Mar 2008 10:06 pm


I am glad so many people are discussing FHTM. I am glad that people are raising questions as they should before they invest thier money. I have been in FHTM for a year now and have not done very well. It is not due to FHTM, but it is due to me not spending anytime working on this business. So often people see what someone else is doing and they see what someone else has and they want the same things but they don’t understand what that person has done to get where they are. I have not put in anytime in this business and I have a limited downline at this point. 90% of the people who are in my downline have been put there by someone in my upline. I feel for those of you that have struggled and have not had good support. I am going to try and spend some legitimate time on my business over the next few months and see how it goes. I will report back then to let you know how I am doing. If anyone else is in the same boat and looking to discuss please email Jeff at jeffandheatherthompson@yahoo.com Good luck to all and God Bless!!

Ralph Remington on Mon, 17th Mar 2008 11:24 am


Well there are plenty of comments on this site I have been a Fortune member for only a short time and am very happy I have a very supportive upline and believe that is very important. I would also like to say the nothing come without some risk and that as with everything you only get out what you put in in effort and time. So good luck to all weather you are in Fortune we only hope the best for you but if you would like to know more contact me and will make sur all your questions are answered! ralphsells@sbcglobal.net

Doug D on Wed, 19th Mar 2008 9:15 am


New FHTM rep here….Mike Meisenheimer (probably spelled his name wrong) signed me up as my immediate upline watched. Its been a month and yes, I’m now skeptical. My wife and I both work in religious ministries so our circle of friends is limited to church people. Our church is big but still, the other 10 FHTM reps in our church have asked most everyone to sign up. We’ve made about 30 contacts and got 30 “no’s” so far. We’ve tried relatives too but to no avail. When Mike signed me up I point blank asked him, “If you are set for life as you say, why are you still out here going after people, traveling from town to town, etc. when you don’t have to?” His answer was, “I just want to help others succeed”. Was he honest or have alot of his downline dropped off? I don’t know that answer. I know if I was making $300,000 a month as he claims, I’d be fishing a river in the rocky mountains instead of doing conference calls twice a week at 10pm. Folks, I’m just not sure at this point. I don’t know any of you out there posting on this blog but you may email me your “pro’s and con’s” on FHTM at ofg30@yahoo.com. I have a good heart and I’m a hard worker. I want good income like everyone else. I’m also a realist who has either fallen for all the hype or is knee-deep in a great program but don’t realize it yet.

Chris on Wed, 19th Mar 2008 1:49 pm


Hi Doug – I have to admit that I have the same questions about those who claim to be making a ton of money, but are still working hard and chasing new recruits? I don’t know…maybe their motivation truly is to “help others succeed”?

Good luck with everything and hopefully you will get some good feedback from folks that visit this site for FHTM information.

Doug D on Wed, 19th Mar 2008 2:58 pm


Read the next two paragraphs copied from another site. Anyone know what is meant by “stair step breakaway plan”? What is “breakaway” and how does it affect me as their upline, good or bad?

“Even though the opportunity with Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing looks attractive to you there are a few things to consider. Such as the “Stair Step Breakaway Plan” employed by the compensation system. When people in your organization start performing as well as you, they “breakaway”.

Leaving you the only option which is to recruit more people or “new recruits” to fill in their place. You need to do this so that you can maintain your monthly checks. Its cruel yes but its this kind of work you will need to consider.”

J Martin on Wed, 19th Mar 2008 6:56 pm


Hey Chris I was wanting to know were to find info on fhtm I am not wanting to sign up but I know a good bit of people that are doing it And they really do not have any info. I can not seem to find really good info online. Thanks for any info ya would have. i would have to agree on about everything ya have said About it based on the little info I have The Real Money is not residuals from the products But from recruiting Just don’t seem right

Mary Sanchez on Mon, 24th Mar 2008 1:05 pm


To answer the question about the “stairstep breakaway plan” This is not a bad thing for you as a an upline because you still continue to receive money through them. Our upline has had several people “breakaway” and is still earning $6000 a month from them. So to answer that question is it is not a bad thing. I don’t know about you but I can live off of $6000 a month:)
http://www.fhtmus.com/maxmarfortune
Any program will work as long as you have the ever changing technology and new products which Fortune does. You just have to work and be committed to it! It is not a hobby but a way of living!

Margaret Mead on Mon, 24th Mar 2008 8:44 pm


I have been selling Real Estate in Toronto for 26 years. I am always looking for my next client and this will never change. With FHTM I am able to work towards building residual income WITH A TEAM. In 13 years putting in the same effort I will be able to retire with income that will continue on growing. I am confident that FHTM will be around for many years to come. If anyone has any questions feel free to email me mmead@sympatico.ca. I plan on being extremely successful with FHTM.

Lilly on Tue, 25th Mar 2008 12:46 pm


Hello Chris,

I Love the article. I to, would love to know the percentage that drop out of Fortune. I wouldn’t doubt it is in the ninety percent range. I was there and did Fortune for a year. One of my family members convinced me to join. Most everyone I brought in is no longer doing FHTM. My own family memeber is thinking of quiting and looking for something different.

I was so mad when Fortune started to take money back from me. The thing that most people don’t understand is Fortune can charge you back on people that drop out in their first couple of months. Very discouraging.

You make an excellent point about Fortune 500 companies contracted to Fortune. One of the most disappointing companies was Dish Network. If you already have Dish, most of my reps couldn’t set it back up under FHTM. Then the once that had Dish, had service issues, it was a hassle trying to correct it. It’s a serious issue and I sure would not be proud to support Dish Network as a customer advantage. Then, I was excited about MCI service, but MCI dropped their contract with FHTM. Talk about another disappointment. Another easy customer point taken away along with the residual income. It’s been awhile since doing FHTM, but I recently checked to see what type of contracts they do have today. It appears some companies have already dropped contracts with FHTM like Verizon, Nextel, US Cellular, Disney Mobile, UUNET, XM Radio and Powernet Global. I couldn’t find any of those companies on FHTM website. I bring this up because my old upline, which is a family member, is still in FHTM and I was thinking about getting the Disney Mobile service for my kids.

Thanks again for informing others, they need all the info they can before considering joining.

Mary Sanchez on Tue, 25th Mar 2008 1:44 pm


Hmmm, I would be interested in seeing the proof that Fortune charged you back for people that dropped their service or dropped out. I have had customers who have switched and I was never charged anything. I can guarantee you that the drop out rate is not 90% anyone can see Fortune has a lucrative comp plan and it simply a no brainer. As for us not being contracted with Veirzon no longer that is not true and is only temporary. As far as UUNET I have this service right now as we speak. I am very sorry that your experience with Fortune was a bad one,but Fortune is definitely not for everyone and it is not a hobby. We are adding new services all the time. And when you look at a business that is what you want someone who will keep up with the times and fads.

Mary Sanchez on Tue, 25th Mar 2008 1:45 pm


Nextel? Nextel is still on my website.

Doug D on Wed, 26th Mar 2008 4:08 pm


(See my previous post)

We pulled out of Fortune (FHTM). To those still in, keep paddling. Fortune is an MLM, plain and simple. If that is your choice of work in life, more power to you. It’s quasi-legal pyramid is legal but in my opinion, not ethical. If you want to be known in your church or community as the chaser of new recruits, then go for it. Here’s just a few facts to think about:
1. Fortune claims to have 54,000 reps. Reps pay $70 a month for two websites. Thats $45.3 million in revenue for FHTM without selling one vitamin or cell plan. No wonder they’re debt free.
2. Math doesn’t work with MLM’s. Lets say Mr. Super Upline has 1,000 under him and he makes “x” amount of money a month. For those 1,000 under him to duplicate his monthly income, they need a 1,000 under them. Thats a million people! We all want to make what Mr. Super Upline makes but the fact is, it won’t happen. Here is where MLM’s (Fortune) tell you to “focus on new recruits and don’t try to figure out the compensation plan”. Thats what Mike Misenheimer told the meeting I went to. (He’s one of the top earners)

I could go on, but those who have drank the kool-aid, carry on. For those of us “quiters” or “losers” as we’re branded, everything will work out just fine. My wife and I are committed to staying out of debt and building up our retirement through investing and mutual funds. We may not have a Lexus in 6 months but my car works just fine. Not to mention, relatives and friends don’t hide when you drop by to see them.

Mary Sanchez on Thu, 27th Mar 2008 12:05 am


Wow how long were you in for? Not to mention that you also recieved commission on your two sites that you have and I don’t know where else you are going to find a business to run for that little amount a month. Fortune is 100% Debt Free because Paul Orberson fronted his own money plain and simple and he had the money to do so. Not because of any money coming in from the reps. People just don’t really do their research and have they own opinions before they know that facts.I’m glad that you are doing so great now that you left Fortune I wish you all the luck in the world.

Doug D on Thu, 27th Mar 2008 8:15 am


Mary,
1.I did not receive one sigle commission from my two sites.
2. I was in for a month. Took an early exit after wising up on MLM’s.
3. Yes, Orberson did start the company w/ his own money. I’m talking about now. They have annual revenue in excess of $45 million dollars from the reps alone. Continue to pay for corporate’s golf games and trips to Tahiti…I’m sure they appreciate it.
4. Its not Fortune I’m against although, Mary, you defensively react like all MLMer’s do. I listened to the conference calls and they tell reps to avoid people like me. I chose to ask questions about MLM’s in general. Is that a crime?
5. My immediate upline signed up 3 people like they were taught. In last two months all 3 of us have dropped out even though none of us knew each other had dropped out until this week. All, not some, but all MLM’s have an average of 90% or higher drop out rate.
Mary, you will do well in Fortune. You are committed. That is your choice. I just hope I’m not one of your cousins cause sooner or later, you’ll be calling me about “an opportunity you won’t believe”.

Mary S. on Thu, 27th Mar 2008 10:17 am


Thanks for explaining Doug. To only be in for one month that is why you did not recieve any commission on your site had you stayed a few days after your month you would have recieved commission since commissions are paid monthly. You are right and I have done well with Fortune. You hit the nail right on the head when you said I was committed. That is what you need to be is committed this is not a hobby or a “I’ll try it to see how I do” thing. I honestly don’t feel this site is something that someone should measure whether they should get involved with a company or not. Seriously everyone on here needs to think about this: We have 10-20 people come her and say ” Oh Microsoft is a bad company don’t deal with them they are scammers” these are opinions that could sway someone the wrong way without knowing the real and true facts. And before it is said I appreciate that this is an opinion post and I appreciate everyone’s opinion. However, many people on here are misinformed about Fortune because of some people who had “bad experiences” etc. I am not saying Fortune is the end all MLM program or that it is the best I am simply saying do your research carefully and clearly then form your opinion. I have never sugar coated Fortune and never will. So I guess it all depends on people’s partner’s (yes partner’s we don’t call them our upline)I researched Fortune quite abit before I ever joined and I made the decisions I needed to. And for me personally it was the best one I have ever made.

Thor on Thu, 27th Mar 2008 3:02 pm


Mary,

Frome your earlier post: Kenny did make a huge mistake with Excel, He went Public with it, which he promised he would never do. There is only one reason a MLM company would go public, not enough revenue for Excel. A downward trend happened once Excel hit a billion in sales. Then Kenny merged with Telaglobe for 3.5 billion in 1998, another mistake from a rep stand point. Then Bell Canada bought Telaglobe/Excel for 250 million and demoted Excel separately to a private company. Bell Canada sold Excel to VarTec in 2001, not Kenny selling Excel. Kenny left Excel in 2000, he had to step down as CEO in 1999 and left a year later. Mary it appears you was misinformed and it appears you are very defensive on this post making false statements which I see you admitted to on one of them.

I don’t doubt Fortune is a great company with a great owner, however if your new to the industry which is sounds like, then you don’t really know of all the other great leaders in all the other great companies. I admire Paul for what he is doing and allowing others to have a better opportunity to succeed with a home base business than what most MLMs can do. Paul had a drive to succeed, but It appears everyone in Fortune only knows of Paul from his Excel days just because he made a million for a couple of months in a row with Excel. Paul did come up with a great company to market everything, instead of marketing a trend, like Excel was.

Mary the only thing I question about Fortune is the training you are receiving. You are too defensive about Fortune, I almost wonder if you have much of a team or leadership. You should spend your time finding that elusive recruit, instead of worry about what others post. The internet is the worst tool to use with cold market.

Chris on Thu, 27th Mar 2008 3:30 pm


Mary,

In an earlier comment, you stated that you had been in FHTM, “a little over a year now”, which is pretty impressive longevity for someone in FHTM. There aren’t many that stick with it that long. So I did some quick Google searches for “maxmarfortune”, and I found several posts you’ve made in various places. Whats odd is that none of the posts were dated before February of 2008? I’m curious why you waited so long to begin promoting your business on the internet?

You know, you come here and say people are “misinformed” because they come to this site and read about people who’ve had “bad experiences” with FHTM. Yet you tell everyone they should do their research and form their own opinions? I think that if someone has a bad experience, then that should weigh into their decision whether to join or not…don’t you?

I’m letting everyone post their experiences here…both good and bad, to help others form their own opinions as you suggest they should.

Mary S. on Thu, 27th Mar 2008 10:18 pm


LOL I guess I am a silent FHTMer. Wow maybe I never felt the need to post anything before until I came across this site. I agree their should be opinions and people should be able to express them but some of the posts on here of people who are very misinformed. I am not saying everyone just some. I am not defensive and I don’t know where you get that. I have a lot of friends and perhaps I just don’t need the internet to promote my business as many do. You do what you feel I am just stating as I have said that maybe Fortune isn’t the best for everyone but it the best for me and the thousands of other people who are in it for the opportunity. And by the way no I am not new to network marketing I have done many network marketing and direct marketing companies. And by the way my training has been awesome and I have not been trained to be defensive as you suggest it’s just that FHTM is my bread and butter and I stand by it 100%

Carol on Fri, 28th Mar 2008 1:03 am


I’m pretty new to fortune and believe that it does work. Just because one signs on the dotted line does not make money magically appear. It’s a job and the more time you invest, the more money you make. The people involved in fortune are fantastic. I’ve received tons of support from my upline and it is very much appreciated. For those that are concerned about the 299…you have to remember what that includes…your 1099, all the back office maintenance, customer support, the privelage of having all those copyright logos on your own website. The start up cost is incredibly low for everything that’s included. Fortune rocks! cams61@verizon.net

Shane on Mon, 31st Mar 2008 3:29 pm


I would just like to add to the last post. There are three reasons why someone would fail in any MLM Business..1..you don’t join..and..2..you don’t do anything…3…you quit. Remember.. you go to that 40hrs or more job for 40yrs to grow someone else’s Business..it just make perfect sense to work a few hours a week for yourself.
Educate yourself..check out my site )

Shane on Mon, 31st Mar 2008 3:31 pm


Oops..forgot my site..lol .. http://www.myosn.com/qualityoflife

Paul Dean on Mon, 31st Mar 2008 8:46 pm


FHTM rated A.3.1 by Dun and Bradstreet. Forbes recommended. Is it such a bad thing to offer people their own company for $299.00? No employees to hire, no inventory to stock, no billing or collection to perform, no customer service to self provide. It pays exactly as it says it will. Whats the risk? 299 I guess, although I made mine back in one week. What a horrible company to offer people this at this price. Oh, and it also is a tax deductible home based business where you can write off an incredible amount of home and family expenditures. Its a great company and you are an idiot. One hundred percent idiot.

Chris on Mon, 31st Mar 2008 9:25 pm


I doubt that FHTM would want those that represent their company, cruising around blogs and calling people “idiots” just because they have a different view than you do. Good luck with that approach Paul.

Shane on Mon, 31st Mar 2008 9:27 pm


I take it Paul is not any MLM Business’s?

Carol on Mon, 31st Mar 2008 11:48 pm


As a Fortune rep, you have to understand that just because it’s “right” for us, doesn’t mean it’s “right” for everybody. It takes many different people to make this big ol’ world go round. Fortune reps who work it see rewards, plain and simple. Fortune reps that don’t work it, see no rewards. Those are the people who back out. People who don’t see the opportunity will not involve themselves. Please don’t pass judgement on others for how they choose to make their living, fortune rep or not.

Mary S. on Tue, 1st Apr 2008 8:10 am


Exactly Carol! you hit the nail on the head. Fortune is not just for anyone it takes dedication and hard work. But the rewards pay off:)

Michael L. on Wed, 2nd Apr 2008 5:05 pm


Dang Cris you should of got your services and been of good enough character to bring a couple of your freinds in and if they were of good caracter to do the same. BECAUSE negitive pepole will not make it in any business that is proven.
The negitivity just seem to follow groups ever notice that no gets rich doing nothing and you cant exspect to. Bottom line no one gets there first on the caboos you have to be out front thats why this company FHTM is first in its league
Mike

Janice on Thu, 3rd Apr 2008 8:56 am


Great Info- I detest MLM. I had dropped by my son’s classmates house last evening…BIG mistake. If I had a spray bottle w/Anti-MLM vultures, I would have used it. My advice to you prospectors..BREATH! You appear to be foaming at the mouth. You’d probably become more successful playing the lottery! Just b/c someone doesnt want in your business DOES NOT make them LAZY or untrainable..that’s called BRAINWASHING! This man that was giving his pitch, was spitting on me due to his excitement about FHTM,… insisted that I take the CD and do myself a favor and watch it! Although I said no thanks, many times, he still insisted. Nope, I havent watched it.. not going too. I’ve been in MLM,. Do yourself’s a favor if you are considering FHTM, put the $299 in St.Judes or a charity of your choice. See how that would feel. Hardwork doesnt make you successful, saving money doesnt make you rich, but how wise you are with your money will.

Doug on Thu, 3rd Apr 2008 9:02 am


Ever since I posted about being in FHTM for a month and deciding to get out because MLM’s are not what I want to do with my life, I am amazed at how many people have emailed me to say they too were getting out or have gotten out.

Here’s a few refresher facts about us then a “copy and paste” response I gave to someone who emailed me.

1. Mike Misenheimer himself signed my wife and I up.
2. We paid $410 ($299 plus fees) and also $70 a month for two websites.
3. We were in for one month.
4. My immediate upline signed up 3, including me. All of us are out after a month.
5. There were 10 families in our church in FHTM but several have dropped out recently.

And now for my response to an email sent to me from a guy who just got out of FHTM. His name is withheld:

“John Doe”,

We did get out. My wife and I were in for one month. Mike Miseheimer, the main man on the FHTM video, signed us up himself. We signed up as managers so we paid a total of $410 ($299 plus fees) to get started then we paid $70 a month for two websites.

FHTM is an MLM (multi level marketing) company, plain and simple. There are plenty of good articles out there that warn people about mlm’s. http://www.mlmsurvivor.com is a good website for sources. Also, on chris hoyt’s blog there is a place to click on a lengthy but great article entitled “What’s Wrong With Multi Level Marketing”.

We cut our losses but also know that in our church there are about 10 families still trying to do FHTM. One “family” is two older sisters living together who think FHTM will help them since they barely make it on social security. Only 1% of all people in MLM’s make good money. I’ve never heard of the “pastor jerry” guy who signed you up but lets take Mike Misenheimer as an example. For illustration purposes, lets say to make his money (he makes $300,000 a month) he has to have 1,000 people under him. Well, you know all 1,000 under him want to make what Mike makes so they need 1,000 under each of them. Thats a million people. The math is simply not possible! Thats why so many bottom feeders (new recruits) go around begging for other recruits, hoping, just hoping, that they too will find financial freedom. A very small few get a few rungs up the ladder but most drop out in frustration. FHTM will tell you they just didn’t work hard enough or want it bad enough. That is always the answer from the top of MLM companies. There also really is no freedom in FHTM because new recruits drop off daily, requiring you to continue to recruit more for your team. Mike Misenheimer literally left our meeting at 9pm at night and drove through the night to get to another town so he could sign more people up. He does several conference calls a week at 9pm too. But watch the video and everyone has smiles on as they relax in hammocks with their spouse and kids. FHTM is a slick mirage with only the top earners on the videos.

And so……yep, we dropped out. We don’t have to wake up every day wondering who we can recruit next. Grandpa wasn’t flashy but he was right: work hard, stay out of debt, save your money (we do it in mutual funds), and get a good nights sleep. You won’t be rolling in money overnight but you’ll be more content and less stressed.

Have a great day, “John Doe”! Email anytime.

Michael on Thu, 3rd Apr 2008 11:33 pm


I was with FHTM for several months and personally, it’s not for me. Any business where you have to recruit and recruit and acquire customers by going to family and friends (why do the “top sales trainers” still teach this BS?) I do not recommend for the masses. How many times have you been shot down by your friends and family for your new found venture? Is it any wonder so many newbies just give up and quit. If that isn’t bad enough their customer service is absolutely deplorable! Twice they messed up my True Essentials shipments when I moved to my new address and refused to credit me for THEIR mistake. If you’re not making minimum 35 to 45 sales a week I can tell you right now you’re hanging out with the wrong people.

Connie McDonald on Fri, 4th Apr 2008 4:26 pm


I have just recently signed up with FHTM and know this business not for all people but if you you are willing to promote some time and energy to this endeavor I think it’s going to be a booming success.I am based in Canada and will do my best to answer your questions as honestly and quickly as i can.I have a great team behind me and we are always looking for more great representatives.My email address is micmac_leafs@yahoo.ca.I look very forward to hearing from you.

Michael on Sat, 5th Apr 2008 10:47 pm


Questions? Agreements? Disagreements? Feel free to contact me at michaeljc976@comcast.net

Jeff on Thu, 10th Apr 2008 12:05 pm


My wife and I joined FHTM on April 1 and are in the process of cancelling (still within the 10 days so I believe we can get our $299 back). I believe there are people in FHTM who probably will make a lot of money but we just don;t want to be the people trying to get friends and strangers signed up for the next big “business opportunity.” We also feel that FHTM hides a lot of information about the costs involved (first month set up fees, monthly charges for additional custoemr points like True Essentials).

Crysh on Thu, 10th Apr 2008 11:52 pm


Im glad I came across this site. I was approached about FHTM by a close friend just the other day and attended a meeting tonight. I dont really know what to think now. I am now even more overwhelmed with all the information. And I was overwhelmed at the meeting because of all the numbers being thrown around. I have alot of questions and I would have no idea where to begin! I appreciate this blog.. Its deffinately helped me see both sides of FHTM. I certainly dont want my friends and family avoiding me or to have to try and find new people every day for the next ten years. I thought it sounded interesting and a possible way for me as a single mom to make money. Now im hesitant and think Ill take some more time to think about this one. Thanks for all the posts!!

Mary S. on Fri, 11th Apr 2008 10:45 am


Jeff,
Could you please clarify what you mean by “buying” customer points? I’m curious as to what type of presentation that you attended to motivate you to join? It has always been clear that there are set ups and monthly fees which you also recieve a commission back on. I am looking forward to hearing about the customer points thing. Thanks, Mary

Jeff on Fri, 11th Apr 2008 11:18 am


Mary
What I’m referring to is the need to buy 7 addtl points once you hit regional manager (Dish, cell phones, Lamas). It was never made clear to us until after we joined that most of these had recurring monthly charges although obviously we knew Dish and cell phones do). Also the need to sign 18 month contracts. The other part that wasn;t clear the 1st month setup fees on the Back Office and Travelocity websites. The commissions are pretty small compared tot he monthly charges. Clearly the money to be made is in signing up others people. We are just frustrated that until we got our binder, etc. after signing up, we couldn’t get our questions answered. In fact we were told that if we had people asking this many questions of us, we should just move on.

Jerry Thomas on Fri, 11th Apr 2008 11:55 am


Sounds to me like your upline needs more training before signing people. Most of these points are explained at our business presentations. We make sure people understand how customer points work and how much it costs to set up the websites. Keep in mind that Travelocity is NOT a required customer point. It is used, generally, to generate an immediate 3 customer points so your sponsor can get their bonus and so you can get your bonuses sooner on managers you sign up.

The additional customer points do not have to be all yours. I get my customer points through people that tell me they are buying a cell, Dish, etc. People can get the same service through you as through the companies. Buying through you just serves to build up your residual (recurring) commissions. The initial income is dreived from signing up managers, but this all addds up to your residual income from all your combined customers and managers.

Jerry Thomas
fhtmus.com/jerrythomas
815-298-3199

Mary S. on Fri, 11th Apr 2008 1:26 pm


I agree Jerry their training was not a “true” training obviously. I don’t really understand why it is referred to as “buying” your customer points. In my organization I don’t know about yours you can work with this business as fast or as slow as you want. Their really is no “time limit” on obtaining customer points. And you personally are not required to buy your own products if you don’t want to. The travel site is an optional addition but it just makes sense to have it because it is the one that gives the most commissions. Up to 60% on travel etc. Plus you recieve commission on having it. The only contracts that I am aware of are the Dish and Cell the others you can cancel at anytime. If you would to go to Dish or Cell on your own it would be the same requirement. I am sorry that you are frustrated Jeff but someone was not honest with you or left some key points out. Fortune is a great company but you must have a great team to work with in order for you to suceed. You also must have the drive to achieve success. It is certainly not a hobby or a get rich quick scheme.

Mary S. on Fri, 11th Apr 2008 1:32 pm


Jeff,
Wow I was looking again at your last sentence.”that if people were asking that many questions you should just move on.” Geez that is not what Fortune is about. If people have questions and are skeptical most normal Fortune teams embrace this. I researched intensively before I joined. This is afterall some hard earned money you put into it. And if I am going to spend it I sure want to know where it is going and what it is going for. I am really sorry that you are having such a tough time Jeff but let me assure you that, that is not what Fortune is about.

Penny on Mon, 14th Apr 2008 4:11 pm


Chris,

Great blogs on Fortune and I enjoy how informative the information is about one company. I really enjoy “Secrets you should know” blog the most. I was approached by my cousin about a year ago and I told her if it’s that great of a business why are you bugging me to get in. I told her I would not involve myself that is defined as a true scheme. Today she is no longer involved, but she did make enough to get her a new car, paid for. The reason she’s not in the business anymore, is because Fortune is a recruiting business, not a leverage your money business. She ran out of people to recruit in her area, so the money stopped. My cousin is close to me, so I never held this business against her or for trying to recruit me. I did watch the amount of people she enrolled, the only thing is, the business couldn’t sustain a steady income and everyone dropped out. I own my own business and have people work for me, so I know what it is like to leverage your time and money. She was putting more effort into Fortune than I would put into my business and it wouldn’t pay off for her.

Mary S…. are you sure you don’t work for Fortune’s corporate office the way you comment after every posting someone makes on this blog. I bet everyone is getting a kick out of your defensive answers. I am ?. If you don’t work for Fortune, then I would question your business behavior since your spending most of your time on the computer instead of doing what my cousin did…Recruit!

I have to admit, I have several friends of mine doing very well in these kinds of businesses, so I know enough to understand Fortune is not a fail-safe business to quit a job over.

Mary S. on Mon, 14th Apr 2008 4:36 pm


Wow last time I checked I didn’t work for corporate LOL. I really don’t spend all my time on the computer responding to people on this blog. And the reason why I respond to people is because some of the answers that are given on here are incorrect. I find it interesting that after your cousin quit recruiting people that her income stopped. Does that mean that all her customers stopped to? Because Fortune provides a residual income the “recruitment” are just immediate bonuses. I have time to respond because my team is in place and doing quite well I might add.

Penny on Tue, 15th Apr 2008 11:38 am


Mary,

In response to “did the customers stop”: I called my cousin up lastnight after reading your post and asked her about her residual income and customers, since that is the key part to the network marketing businesses according to my other friends in the industry. Needless to say, she was very discouraged by the efforts of building her business of almost 400 people and the residual never cracked the $1000 a month mark. Here is how it worked out: 400 Reps * $300 in services per person to qualify your Regional title = $120,000 in Revenue for Fortune, then you make ¼% to 5% on residual, but most of her revenue fell into 1% on the average of most reps spending about $150 a month. She would be making about $1200 a month in residual, but with the average of $150 a month in P&S she was making about $600 a month. Not bad for the average person looking to pay a few bills, but the thing is a chain reaction or wave occurred when Reps didn’t make enough to offset their expenses. Most of the business owners in Fortune are the customers, just as my cousin was on all these P&S offered by Fortune. So of course, the customers stopped with the money when people can’t find new recruits. You start to cut back on expenses instead of keep spending for unnecessary P&S. Like I said, Fortune is not for the long haul, you can make money for awhile with recruiting, but that is it.

From what I have seen in other Network Marketing Businesses presented to me, the residual payout is anywhere from 5% – 12% in their 8-10 level pay plan, imagine making the medium of 6% on 400 Reps spending $150 a month, that would be $3600 a month in steady residual. Now lets increase the amount of Reps and Expenses. What if it’s $300 a month in services or products at 6% and you have 800 people in your business, that would be $14,400 a month and that is on the low end for most companies and not including the Upfront Income. That is more attractive to me being a business owner than ¼% – 1% my cousin was making from customers. Seems to me, just like what Chris wrote on Fortune websites, that Fortune is making a killing on not only the website but other products and services offered. You can see why your focus is on recruiting in Fortune, since the residual is not for someone with less than a thousand recruits in your business.

Mary S. on Tue, 15th Apr 2008 2:02 pm


Hmmm, that must be why my upline only has sponsored around 8 people personally and is making great money without only having to help build their team. Good analysis. Fortune isn’t for everyone as I have said before but I think it is a great vehicle and a generous way to earn some good money:)

Michael on Tue, 15th Apr 2008 3:27 pm


Mary, you my friend have far too much time on your hands to post replies on this sight so frequently…go get yourself a hobby!

Fortune may have a robust comp plan, but if you are still building your downlines using old-fashioned, outdated, manual labor gruntwork such as most MLMs teach you are violating every trend, which means you are wasting huge amounts of time and money antagonizing potential customers and missing out on turnkey systems. If you want to build your customer base by going to family and friends, and lie to your new recruits telling them to do the same, that is your prerogative. These people who still teach this BS are Mickey Mouse trainers, no offense, but I am really sick and tired of it all.

Have you ever wondered why the big dogs don’t teach the really good stuff? It’s their egos, they love their power and control, and the love a following of people underneath them. If they really did teach you how to build your business efficiently and be one of them…you wouldn’t follow them anymore! You become your own success story and thus…you become their competition! Learn to be a LEADER, not a FOLLOWER! Leaders don’t follow leaders – people (or “sheeple” as I like to think of them) follow leaders. We can them sheeple, everybody’s looking for a leader to lead them to the promised land. Everybody left Excel thinking “Paul Orberson is a biggie who made millions in Excel, and I made nothing. I want to work with Paul because he’s awesome!” Right? WRONG! Paul doesn’t teach, the Mickey Mouse trainers he places in charge teach. They teach duplication. Everything must be duplicated in order to succeed. Here’s what they forgot to tell you (deliberately) – the only thing ever duplicated successfully in the history of marketing is failure!

If you’re struggling to build your FHTM business or any other MLM business this is your reality check: the constant resistance from customers, the rejection felt by sales people, the EXTRAORDINARY levels of mental and positive attitude required just to survive, the difficulty in recruiting and keeping distributors? All of these things should tell you something. They should tell you that if you have to push, press, fight, struggle, pound, manipulate, sneak up and attack prospects, then your sales formula is totally outdated, and you need to reinvent it or get into another business. I repeat if this describes the business you are in now then you need to reinvent it with pull-based marketing rather than pushed-based selling and if you absolutely cannot figure out how to do it – THEN GET OUT OF THERE! Get into another business! Get into a business where you know what people want and where you CAN deliver to them.

Michael C.
swashbuckler120@gmail.com

walter on Tue, 15th Apr 2008 7:47 pm


with fhtm’s “structure” of one rep gets three and those three get…………….aaaaaand every single man woman and child in
the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Puerto Rico signed
up and became an fhtm rep. there are not enough people for the
20th level. Paul Orberson being level 1 and the companies incep-
tion being in 2001. what level are the people getting in now on
and how many potential floors exist underneath them?…………
its like buying shares in the Stardust casino a month before they
demolished it…….some made millions, it just wasn’t YOU

Lynn on Wed, 16th Apr 2008 5:39 pm


Very interesting converations. I would love the writer of this article to review Reliv International’s business.
Micheal C. can you define your “where you know what people want and where you can deliver to them” comment? I thought your response was great and I’d love to hear more from you.

Michael on Sun, 20th Apr 2008 6:02 pm


In response to my recent replies…

“with fhtm’s “structure” of one rep gets three and those three get…………….aaaaaand every single man woman and child in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Puerto Rico signed up and became an fhtm rep. there are not enough people for the 20th level. Paul Orberson being level 1 and the companies inception being in 2001.”

….precisely! They all follow the same compensation structure. “3 by 10 and do it again” – that’s a PYRAMID SCHEME no matter what name you want to put on it!

“some made millions, it just wasn’t YOU”

…HA! HA! HA! You remember that next time you recruit an average newbie with no MLM experience whatsoever, tell them to get their customers by harassing their family & friends, co-workers, follow church members, etc., to acquire customers and watch how fast they will give up and quit!

“can you define your “where you know what people want and where you can deliver to them” comment? I thought your response was great and I’d love to hear more from you”

…Lynn, isn’t it obvious? Don’t do what the masses are doing! The masses follow the traditional business model: 1) find, create, or acquire a product or service, 2) go out into the world and find someone to sell it to. This is why most business models either fail or at best get mediocre. I endorse the opposite: 1) find a HOT hungry tarket market, 2) find out EXACTLY what they ALREADY want to buy, 3) sell them EXACTLY what they ALREADY want to buy…if you can tweak so it’s a better bargain, so be it.

Send me an email if you wish to continue this discussion. It’s better we talk privately there.

If you want to succeed with flying colors…”It’s not what you know – it’s WHO you know!”

Doug on Thu, 1st May 2008 11:01 am


Ever since we left FHTM and posted it on here, I’ve received several emails of others getting out or deciding not to get in. I want to “copy and paste” a blog from another site that gives one person’s story from Missouri. The “little cowboy” they refer to is Mike Miseheimer. He personally signed me up. He also used to work for Excel which went belly-up. Please read:

I would love to leave a comment about what happened in my little town of 12,000 people with this little Fortune Scheme. I live in West Plains, MO and at the beginning of 2006 our little town was hit by this scam. I’m not sure when it was introduced, but almost half the town was involved. This little cowboy from the NW part of Arkansas came to our town for almost a year signing people up and helping them build their business. It was exciting at first, but became saturated and frustrating. You had to keep recruiting friends and family or complete strangers to keep making money. If the recruiting stopped, so did the money. That little cowboy doesn’t even come to our town anymore. This business is like a virus, it will infect you for awhile, but make a mess of things when it’s done. We still have people on 2 year contracts from the services we signed up on just to get our 10 customer points. We don’t even need the services, but we did it just to get paid. Everyone in our town hates this scam, except for about four people who are at the top of the pyramid in our town. They quit their job, so they have to keep making this scam work, otherwise they will be on the streets. I will tell you this, it’s spreading all over the mid-west hitting other towns. This little cowboy is taking advantage of lower to middle class families so watch out.
I would highly advise not to quit your job even if you make money with it, because you will run out of people and money. The way the country is going right now with jobs and prices going up on everything that it would be tough to get your job back once you run out of people.

carl jackson on Sun, 11th May 2008 1:58 pm


what are you selling ? do you actually know what a pyramid scheme really is ? why havn’t the government closed shop on fortune yet ? do you really know for sure what you are talking about ? i’m a fortune rep. and say to you all, don’t knock it until you try it. i’m making money and let me show you how you can as well with fortune.
visit http://www.researchfortune.com and contact me at hosea13four@hotmail.com

Joe on Mon, 12th May 2008 3:09 pm


The problem with every MLM I have ever seen including this one is the cost of the products or services. If you can not go up to a freind or relative and say hay I can get this item your currently paying so much for for this price saving you this much money. Most MLM products cost much more than you can buy on the street and it becomes all about trying to sucker people in to by products or services for a higher price than they should be paying so the few people at the top of the pyramid can become rich. Personally I have a problem doing that to other people as I would detest it if someone did it to me.

California Beauty Salon Insurance on Tue, 13th May 2008 11:22 am


Impressive post. I think seeing nearly 100 comments is the best in my findings.

ankara nakliyat on Fri, 16th May 2008 10:14 am


very good information.

R.M. on Tue, 20th May 2008 11:50 pm


Hello All,
this scam has recently hit Kaufman County and surrounding areas in Texas. What they are targeting here are churches. Our own Pastor of the Little Flock Baptist Church in Forney has gotten involved, and through some of the things he said he has been involved since last year. Now, Our Pastor has let Pastor Gilmore( A Regional Sales Person) out of Ennis Texas come to our church with this sales pitch, and our Pastor is saying it is so the church can receive residuals checks to buy land to build a new church. When he first announced this he said a man was coming to talk about Grants, but it was nothing but a sales pitch for FHTM through Pastor Gilmore. Our first meeting was on this past Sat. and as I was taking notes, the first thing that came to mind was a pyramid, and yes it is built on a pyramid prototype. Tonite(Tues.) I went to a second meeting to get more info. I heard our Pastor say he already has six willing to sign up, I know it is a scam, but I feel for those that are falling for our Pastor’s pitch and it is a shame that A Pastor of a church, a man of God that is suppose to take care of the sheep, but he is just a man, I am glad I depend on the GOOD SHEPERD, THE LIVING GOD, JESUS CHRIST…Feel free to comment

Margaret on Thu, 22nd May 2008 9:56 am


To R.M.
Wake up and smell the roses. Name one company that is not based on a Pyramid type structure. Fhtm is based on an inverted Pyramid, everyone pays the same ammount to start their “Own” business. Then has the opportunity to earn back their initial investment and from there through doing the work (as would anyone starting their own business)have the support of a Multinterational Marketing Company with a very generous payment plan to do what the wealthy do ‘Leverage their time’ and how do we do this? By using the products and services of companies that we know and trust. By the way, name me one “conventional” business that practically pays the owner back after their first 3 customers walk through their door and utilize their services.

R.M. on Thu, 22nd May 2008 1:10 pm


Margaret,
You would respond that way since you are in the company, but who would bash where they work especially if it is cheating people out of their money, and you are making more money then they would ever get back on their investment, so I do not really care what response you give you are still a THEIF…..

Frances on Thu, 22nd May 2008 6:50 pm


Money! Were? Let’s be real. The only way too make money is by signing PEOPLE up. I’ve been doing this for about 6 months. I signed up for the travel site. I purchased a ticket for 250+ and got a HUGE check for 1.27. Fortune wireless is a joke. Their customer service is horrible. I’ve signed up three phones. One was 100 dollars MORE than Nextel. The others order was totally wrong. It took 3 calls to fix. 2 months later I still haven’t got paid my whole 7%. Oh! FHTM doesn’t tell you that there is a 3 phone limit per household and businesses So it’s actually a bunch of crud to say that your business willl benifit. You will also here that GE Security is so great. All companies have a central station that dispatches the Police. Most of them do not charge 35.00 a month. How do I know? MY husband has been in the business for 13 years and has been in business for himself for 5 of them. How about the online mall. You’ll earn about .87 cents per 200 dollars or so. So in reality SIGN! SIGN PEOPLE UP! At least with Avon you actually make money off products. I know some of you are just waiting to tell me off, but there is no need to lie. Sure you can make money, but you have to get your friends and familly to sign on the dotted line.

Jenny on Thu, 22nd May 2008 7:11 pm


I have read through all the posts. Wow! The good, the bad and the ugly. Chris your writings come across to me as rather bitter. You appear to be a sad lonely man with not anything else better to do with your time except to get people upset. I think there is a place for everything. I also believe there is a market for everything. Once upon a time people told me that The Pampered Chef was a scam and that I would never succeed and that no one really makes any money from those type of companies. Warren Buffet now owns that company and I believe he owns 2 or 3 other MLM companies. Warren Buffet is a smart man. Do you think he might know a tad bit more about these business models than you? Also Paul Orberson the founder of FHTM company has been rated in Forbes Magazine as Martha Stuart would say “A very good thing.” Anyway you all can chat till the cows come home. I think it is so ridiculous that I am even responding to any of this! I am off to do more important things.

Chris on Thu, 22nd May 2008 9:59 pm


Thats me…sad and lonely with nothing better to do…

The post is about FHTM…not Pampered Chef. In my opinion…two entirely different business models. My guess is that Warren Buffet wouldn’t touch FHTM with a 10ft pole.

Martha Stuart? Didn’t she spend some time in the pokey? Yes…very credible.

It’s funny how you don’t mind advertising your Pampered Chef link here? Looking to pick up a few ex-FHTM folks? Guess we’ll never know since you’ll probably never read this because you’re “off to do more important things”.

Margaret on Thu, 22nd May 2008 10:10 pm


R.M. have you heard the nursery rhyme “sticks and stones……” well if you have to resort to name calling, I rest my case. Too funny.

R.M. on Fri, 23rd May 2008 9:41 pm


What case exactly have you made Margaret? When I was a child I did childish things, and nursery rhymes are not as much apart of my vocabulary. I am an adult now, and I still say that you are a THEIF, IN AN ADULT WAY OF COURSE….

Shawn on Mon, 26th May 2008 9:56 pm


The article was so true. I was in Fortune and did well. My entire upline was fired for unethical practices. Do the math, when you are promoted to ESM or higher you make money buying recruits. Some of the “Michigan” guys who spoke at Fortunefest in Lexington were fired, as a result of these type of unethical practices as well as recruiting for another MLM “Full Thottle RPM”, you may notice some similar names if you tune into their webinars (I sure did.)
Why do you think the vitamins are pushed so hard???? I wonder who is a majority shareholder of powernet global???? You would have to be insane to think that fortune is just so caring they pay out 98% of their profit. Call a Verizon salesman and ask him what he gets paid per contract, its not $.28 per sale.
Read the fine print on the Lexus, its a lease, if you don’t do the numbers you make the $600 payment.
It may help you to check into how many guys started at the bottom as a rep. The only one I know of is Todd Rowland. The rest are former Excel reps who were brought in at a level below where they were at with Excel. Not exactly public knowledge, but nonetheless the truth. A cool thing for Paul to do, but pretty unethical to lead new reps to believe that all the reps have fought the same “Fortune Battle”.
If your looking for a real residual income, go sell insurance or investments part time. You get to keep all of your friends, and build a true residual income.

Public Shells on Wed, 28th May 2008 7:07 pm


Well, great advices anyway. I like the comments as well.

Bob Hacket on Tue, 3rd Jun 2008 1:12 am


The first minute I heard of this FHTM I thought of the scams I get in my e-mail daily. People trying to scam other people in order to make a buck. Sure it might work and continue to work as long as you can scam enough people to keep the money flowing in. People I know are getting wrapped up in this “company” and some of them are completely charmed by the idea of not working and just make money. Unfortunately many of these people are just regular every day, good honest people who have no idea what they are getting into and will most likely waste the $300 and will probably waste hundreds more on products in the very near future.

The only problem with this is that I can’t warn them because they don’t listen. They act like this is the comming of the lord and this millionare has just created this company in order to help the little guy. I am very worried about them (my family) and don’t know how to approach them about it without pushing them or myself away. Constructive help would be appreciated. Thank you.

carl jackson on Tue, 3rd Jun 2008 9:13 pm


i thought it was a scam also bob until i checked it out. all i can say is come aboard or get out of the way because this fortune thing is going places with or without u and ur family. if one work it they can make it happen, i know because i’m making it happen. support them or just watch them make it happen and then u will regret u didn’t come aboard.

Carol on Tue, 3rd Jun 2008 9:14 pm


I don’t understand why this seems to be a FHTM bash site. Nobody said you can sit on your rump, not do a thing and earn money. You need to work and the people you recruit need to work also. I’d say if you’re family is excited about FHTM and want to have their own business, you should support that. I’m sure they are adults, they know the risks and they are entitled to make their own decisions. If they do make a mistake, it’s not going to be your problem, it’s theirs. Can we move on to the next company now?

California Fast Food Insurance on Wed, 4th Jun 2008 2:40 pm


Those secrets are really helpful. Thanks!

Skeptical in Los Angeles on Thu, 5th Jun 2008 5:52 pm


Pastor Jerry,

Just wanted to respond to your comment from January 30th (I just found this website today…). Do you understand anything about capitalism or economics? When Ford, IBM, etc. all asked people to invest in them when they started, they actually gave away % of the stock/ownership in return for $$. FHTM is NOT doing this. You basically become an UNPAID independent sales rep for them, being paid a commission of the sales generated by you and your network. This is NOTHING like a startup company… If FHTM is good for you, that is nice to hear, but, please, you and others need to stop comparing FHTM to other real companies which have public investors and on-payroll employees. If you were to be in a court of law, and you stated on the stand, any new-grad attorney would simply eat you up legally for false advertising.

So, in conclusion, if this type of MLM works for you, great… but, do not compare it to real businesses which actually make real things (and just not re-sell others services via another service provider, which skims most of the proceeds before they actually pay you). And, it is quite apparent that most of the money comes from recruiting new sales people, and not in the services actually sold.

Skeptical in Los Angeles on Thu, 5th Jun 2008 6:03 pm


After skimming thru more of the comments above… I simply have to comment again…

In regards to: Jenny on May 22nd, 2008 7:11 pm

Jenny Dear, in regards to your comment on Warren Buffett, are you completely ignorant? Warren is not out there recruiting his friends to become part of a MLM structure… he BOUGHT THE COMPANIES. This is not the same as you joining as one of the sales (recruiting) army. He bought them since these firms seem to keep most of the profits for themselves, and pay you LESS than what they would pay for an on-payroll employee (with benefits, S.S. taxes, vacation/sick pay, etc.), which is why these firms are usually private (since they do not need to publish their finances publicly… for obvious reasons – their network of recruiters would revolt if they saw how much FHTM and other are actually profiting).

Look, as I said earlier, if this type of work appeals to you, do it. But, please, do not publish complete bullshit and ignorant statements.

Skeptical in Los Angeles on Thu, 5th Jun 2008 6:12 pm


In response to:
William Richard on January 31st, 2008 10:36 pm

William, I must say that you sound a bit, well, you drank too much of the kool-aid that offered at the last FTHM meeting. If your entire argument is built on that capitalist society is bad, since most of us have to work… well, so be it. If every factory worker quit building things, every construction worker stopped building roads/buildings/bridges/etc, and so on and so on… and they all become MLM reps that re-sold services from others, well, society would simply cease to exist, would it not? And what is so bad about doing an honest days work doing something TANGIBLE? Why should everyone bug their friends/neighbors/people-in-line-at-the-grocery-store to join a network of independent salespeople? I find your arguments, well, childish and misinformed. You sound like a leech on society, hoping that others will build your Lexus, fix your streets, build your home, as you do nothing but berate the society which provides this for you.

Good luck with your dreamy Never Never Land.

Carol on Thu, 5th Jun 2008 9:46 pm


Skeptical,

I’m just curious…how did you learn about FHTM? Why does what others choose to do for work seem to bother you so much?

Skeptical in Los Angeles on Thu, 5th Jun 2008 11:47 pm


Carol,

Very fair (and introspective) question. I had a neighbor/friend try and recruit me, and listened to the pitch (and also researched FHTM heavily prior to coming to the meeting), and could not believe how much they misrepresented many key facts. While it would be unfair to say that all FHTM members do so (I make no such accusation), after reading thru many of the websites from FHTM members, I cannot believe the level of misrepresentation. Many key statements are simply untrue that you hear from many of these people.

But, with that said, I find that I often react in this manner when my ‘BS’ radar goes off, and when I hear people from FHTM claiming that anyone who works for anyone else is a foolish since we are not working for ourselves… well, this is a very short-sighted and ignorant viewpoint. Also, many of the comparisons of FHTM to bricks-and-mortar companies are simply, well, completely incorrect.

So, as I stated in my first post (before I ranted a bit on the next two sets of posts), I really have no issue with FHTM or any other MLM, since everyone has different motivations in life. My issue is when simple minded people make ignorant statements to qualify their decision to be part of FHTM (or some other similar venture). Such people taint the venture they are associated with (which is not always fair… but, human nature is thus so…), and also make others question the credibility of that venture, if the basis for it’s existence in qualified in fallacies.

I trust that I did not offend anyone… am just trying to introduce a level of neutral logic to some of the incorrect statements above.

Northern Virginia Wedding Photography on Thu, 12th Jun 2008 11:28 am


Looks like FHTM is the next thing I’m signing up with considering it could actually make me some money.

Matt D on Thu, 12th Jun 2008 11:44 am


I see your frustration but i disagree with your opinions, It sounds like you had a bad experiance with mlms in the past. But is classified as a bad experiance, you paying the $299 and doing your part, FHTM is a business just like the one you are part of now, you have to treat it that way, you have to invest time and effort into the business. Yes networking is not for every body, but if just 5% of th U.S population can see the way it works then thats all we need to stay successful, You are right 95% of the people who join will never see the massive income return, but there is a reason for this. once you hit the first level and make $1000 plus dollars and you have a $50 th 200 dollar a month commision check coming many people just stop or forget that it can be bigger.
And their happy. The ones who quit usualy only approach one or two people and then get scared.
FHTM is not for broke people or scared people.
It is geared for people who can see and understand the pay structures. You are correct the commissions in the begining are small 1/2% to 5% but as you progress the company pays you more up to 20 and 25% they keep the other 10% for operating cost. Also with FHTM you get paid bonuses when you sign people up, unlike many of the other mlms out there that require you to move a ton of product points before you are qualified for a commission.

Fhtm does own a few of the products they offer and they are great products that you actualy pay more for retail any way. The services that people contract is where the real residual is.
Lets say 95% of the people quite in 6 months but 75% purchased their cellular service and satelite service through the company and are on contract for x number of years do you realy think they are going to run out and cancel that no, They dont have time, people are habit forming, they get the bill they pay it. Yes you do have to keep generating reps and customers but essentially you have to do that in any business. I have to do that everyday in my business or i would go broke. The problem is broke minded people join not understanding that running a business is hard in the begining, and the job they perform is not that hard so they quit, thats fine but dont say it doesent work or it is a scam, becuase it is not. It will only work if you want it to work. It will only get as big as you want it to.
It is funny people join these things and they fail the system doesnt fail, but they will put out twice the effort to discredit the company then they did trying to build it.

You have to have three things to be successful in fhtm
1. Willingness to do what ever it takes
2. Faith in your self that you can do it
3. A dream

Razorjack on Thu, 12th Jun 2008 12:56 pm


Matt,

You my friend are brainwashed and have been given the delusion of life from the devil himself.

All I can say is: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after,
they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows.” Timothy 6:10

You have proven many peoples points, that FHTM is centered and focused on making money, simply by recruiting. Plain and simple! Then, badmouth everyone who does not have your same viewpoint. Not Good when representing a business that your a shell to.

Carol on Sat, 14th Jun 2008 7:47 pm


I don’t think Matt was bad mouthing anybody. I think the point that he was trying to make is…work the business and be successful. Sit back, do nothing and it won’t be successful. The point is, no matter what you choose to do for a living, you should always work hard and try your best. By the way, it’s alright to disagree with someone else’s opinions. God made us all unique individuals. It would be a pretty boring place if we all had the exact same mindset. Please stop judging everybody and leave that one up the guy upstairs. Have a blessed day!

Matt on Sat, 14th Jun 2008 9:56 pm


So I’ve been reading every single post, and trying to get as much information as i can. I have been recruited by a friend and i’ve seriously spent a good 8 hours doing research and i was recruited only a day ago. I still haven’t paid because i’m not sure i want in…quite yet. There is money to be had but i think it might be kind of difficult to sell these products, in order to get your points, i’m still not 100% on the point system but i’m learning. I see that each product is a monthly subscription, which i believe hurts because most people such as your family will buy a product just out of courtesy but they don’t want to buy a montly subscription, but it is to my knowledge that you can cancel that subscription as long as it isn’t an item with a contract such as cell phone or dish, and still get your “point” I think i might go for it with the attitude like gambling…I’m a big poker player and with risk comes reward so maybe i’ll see what happens eh?

Scott on Mon, 16th Jun 2008 12:03 pm


I had a friend of mine invite my wife and I to his house for a get-together in the evening this past week. It was nice of him to invite us since it has been a while when we last got together. Little did we know, that we were not the only ones being invited, so we begun to feel mislead and out of place with people we didn’t know. We went along with it and enjoyed ourselves with an entertaining evening of food and meeting new people. Something strange happened after two hours of socializing; my friend called all of us into his living room and began to tell us the main purpose of his invite to all of us, was to share a new business venture he is involved with. We began to laugh and think, Ok, go on and lets here what you have to say. He showed us a DVD presentation of a MLM business. After it was over with, I thought to myself, not another one of those deals, since we was mislead on our invite. No one questioned it or became involved, as the DVD would suggest. My friend that did the invite, was the only one involved with this Fortune business except for his sponsor. In fact, everyone there was saying to be careful with that deal and let us know how it works out. The next day I did my research on the internet to see what I could find out about this company, just in case my friend was involved with a scam. From what I have read I don’t see any good that can come from this business and that a lot of unfortunate mishaps are represented from peoples experience. It’s just like one of those deals. It boils down to getting your family and close friends involved, just to make money off of them and signing them up on expensive services and products they would never need or use. Most people don’t feel comfortable about making money off their family and friends. The ones currently involved in FHTM do, and they defend it with an unusual mindset that would make someone question their business ethics and public relations in operating a business. Bluntly put, SCAMLESS!!! The other thing that caught my guard when surfing the internet, was the BBB report on FHTM. Sure any major corporate business can have complaints, but what about a MLM privately held business? It’s enough that it’s a shady business, but the complaints are high for a MLM privately held business. Corporate businesses do not have a section in their report that talks about pyramid scheme like the BBB report has on Fortune, very ironic to say the least. This is just my experience with Fortune and it will be the last. I’m a business owner myself and very successful at it, but a MLM business like Fortune is just another one of those deals that people get wrapped up in to, just make money by recruiting others to join. With the amount of complaints on the internet, if people went to the BBB website to file a complaint, this company would be shut down.

Michael C. on Mon, 16th Jun 2008 6:11 pm


Scott,
Always remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Choose an online business that is not MLM, and where you don’t have to build your empires by doing all that silly stuff Fortune teaches (and many others, including Excel). If you don’t know how to effectively market your business you will not make a dime – period! That’s why most people fail, when it comes to effective marketing on and off the internet they have not a clue how to do it correctly, it’s all the blind leading hte blind. Next time someone tells you to write out a list of 100 names of people you know, go to your family and friends and try to convince them to be your clientele – tell them to take a shower. Going to family and friends is one of the worst things you can do starting your own business coming out of the gates. One of Fortune’s top trainers (I won’t say his name here, I don’t want to humiliate him) made a quote on one of his calls “The average person who joins Fortune gets 13 to 36 customer points, and makes 6 figures within a mere 6 months time.” I don’t take too kindly to a little white lie, but that one made me bust up laughing. Another great quote, “Let me tell you a little bit about Fortune HiTech Marketing, and why you need to be excited. It is the easiest business to manage in the whole wide world!”, from my personal experience, it was anything but that.

Julie on Thu, 19th Jun 2008 3:48 am


Chris, what a great blog and terrific discussions. I read all of the posts and I agree with both sides of the FHTM argument on many points…and I am an FHTM rep. The thing that baffles me — about FHTM or any business opportunity, for that matter — is why people would lie or misrepresent the company, the products, the compensation plan or the possibilities. Ok, ok, before you all jump on that…I know that people lie and I know that they do it for a lot of self-serving reasons. But, at the end of the day, if you lie to people about an opportunity, you’re just going to end up with a lot of disappointed, angry friends, family, co-workers, etc. who think of you as having zero credibility! I signed up for FHTM knowing that the only person who can make it work is me. What I saw was an opportunity. Nobody told me I was going to get rich overnight or by doing nothing…and nobody tried to force me to sign up or sign others up. Maybe I got lucky and joined a good team. If they had told me I was going to be able to quit my job, lay on a beach and cash endless checks, I would have felt I had a better chance “investing” $299 in lottery tickets! I was just happy when I found out that joining FHTM will immediately help me lose 20 pounds and make my skin smoother…that part is true, right? Lololol…if something sounds to good to be true, it usually is…but if something is true and sounds good, a lot of times it is too.

Hamilton on Thu, 19th Jun 2008 12:19 pm


Excellent Post! Here is my problem with this whole Fortune business, since I’ve been approached numerous times. It’s a Pyramid Scheme, plain and simple or also known as a Quasi-Legal Pyramid. Pyramid schemes are not commercially sustainable because they essentially assume an inexhaustible flow of recruits – all willing to pay to enter the scheme and to be enriched by subsequent recruits doing the same thing. As the number of available recruits is finite, however, successive recruits have arithmetically less chance of enrichment than the schemes’ promoters. Consequently, such schemes are usually short-lived and those who enter last have virtually no chance of recovering their entry fee much less benefiting from the scheme. FHTM entry fee is only 10 days refundable, when the industry average is 30-60 days in the MLM realm. Some schemes, like FHTM, may purport to sell a product or service, but they often simply use the product or service to hide their pyramid structure.

Doug D said, “It’s quasi-legal pyramid is legal but in my opinion, not ethical. If you want to be known in your church or community as the chaser of new recruits, then go for it.” Quasi-legal pyramid is simply a pyramid business made barely legal because Fortune offers a product or service attached to it recruiting pay-plan to hide the pyramid break-away plan structure. Very Unethical! That is why the FTC or the Attorney General has yet to shut them down. But if enough complaints are filed with BBB of Lexington, Kentucky or the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney Generals office, then FHTM can be shut down or forced to take other actions. Tanisha on another post wrote “There is a swift change in the air taking place already and it’s not good for Fortune Reps. The FTC is starting to crack down on MLM companies like FHTM measuring the amount of sales to distributors compared to the dollar amount generated by sales to end consumers. Basically FHTM Reps cannot be all of their own customer in order to profit in the commissions. Purchasing product or services solely for the purpose of collecting bonuses is prohibited. A minimum of 50% commissions must come from end consumers, customers that do not belong to FHTM marketing pay plan. The sad thing is, the top money earners tech you in their presentations and meetings to become 10 of your own customers points with products and services you would never need or use. Then, the first 3 customer points will trigger a payout instantly to the people at the top of the pyramid.” Some of FHTM products and services have 2 year contacts tied to them. Ouch…

Shawn, excellent post on the inside info you have on FHTM! That is why FHTM is a doomed business.

Chris on Thu, 19th Jun 2008 12:47 pm


Thanks to EVERYONE, (both pro & con), for your insight, comments and advice.

DJ on Fri, 20th Jun 2008 11:51 pm


I just want to sincerely thank you Chris for facillitating this discussion. My first instinct was that this (FHTM)was not for me, and the attitude that comes from most of the FHTMers is repulsive. Sure some of the REPS who have posted on here sound like normal people who know they have to work hard in an ethical manner to benefit, so good for them. but i think the comments from the pro FHTMers speaks VOLUMES about the inherent distastefulness of MLM’s and the type of people they attract. no thanks.

andy on Fri, 27th Jun 2008 12:52 am


I just signed up for this and was told i would be a “regional manager” right away because they said they would recruit for me apparently. Also, what about the tax write off aspect of it? Can i claim for these meals if i “talk shop” with someone over lunch? It’s been less that 10 days since i signed up, how do i quit and get my money back? I think i want out before even got started lol

Michael C. on Fri, 27th Jun 2008 10:43 pm


Andy,
Yes you can claim “talk shop” and other meetings on your income tax return, however as I’m sure you’re aware any business expenditures or other related excursions you claim, you need to provide some sort of proof that it was in fact business related, and you need to itemize them.

“How do I get my money back and quick?” Assuming that comp plan is still based around recruiting and gathering customers and having known the facts you will need a fresh database of people to talk to especially if you’re going to go to your warm market – which I do not recommend to anyone (unless you’re wealthy and have a lot of credibility behind you), always come prepared and be ready to give them compelling reasons why they should buy from you vs. Michael Jordan and Carrot Top. More importantly whether it’s being a customer or selling them on the idea of being a distributor, you will need to come up with some sort of guarantee with a great story and a hook.

If, by contrast, your efforts to gather your customer points are unsuccessful near your 30 days, if that’s still the deadline they give you…my advice? BAIL OUT AND FAST!

andy on Sat, 28th Jun 2008 3:28 am


im out. lol, i bailed on it today. just want to make sure i dont get any charges though. I’ve done this well within my 10 day limit, it’s only been 2 days, so i should be okay right? I’m sick i even considered this..

Gary Schonne on Sun, 29th Jun 2008 11:23 am


Just a quick note about my FHTM Experience.
1) Yes I am a member, and do get regular checks. I made my money back, and now get my residuals, although small, but I have not invested much of my time in the last year to me FHTM business.
2) I am a small business owner, so I know what kind of hard work it is being self employed.
3) I do personally know several people who live entirely off their FHTM income, and live VERY WELL.
If you want to sit back and get e free ride to easy street, then FHTM or any other MLM is not for you.
If you want to invest some time and effort into a small business, with very little start up capital, then in my opinion FHTM is a good choice if you like MLM’s.
Before you start any business or join any MLM you must go in convinced you will will succeed at it, or you will fail at it every time.
Most of the people I know in FHTM are educated professionals or successful business people.
Bottom line, if you want to succeed in MLM you can, but your worst enemy, the one that will lead you to failure is yourself.
Good luck in what ever road you choose.

Gary Schonne on Sun, 29th Jun 2008 12:44 pm


One last comment.
If FHTM is such a scam, why does the mainstream media, such as Fox Business News, Forbes, and others always have such positive reviews and news reports of the company? Just food for thought.

Matt (offshore outsourcing consultant) on Tue, 1st Jul 2008 10:53 am


Gary – maybe there is some (not so secret) conspiracy occuring here?

Jason on Tue, 1st Jul 2008 12:39 pm


Of course not everyone is going to be successful in MLM, in fact, more than 90% are going to fail… that’s the nature of the beast, and it’s a really difficult business to do well in. You have to be totally committed to achieving your goals and what you set out to do… and you have to take action!

I’m not in the business, but I know some people who have had a good amount of success with it… they were really gung-ho about it and didn’t give up when it got difficult.

Movie Gift Baskets Info on Sat, 5th Jul 2008 2:56 am


You have provided some very detailed information on FHTM. I was not aware of such opportunity and will look into further to be better informed.

Branded Bottled Water on Sat, 12th Jul 2008 3:05 am


Wow! nice post buddy!

I’ll will in touch with you …on the Blog

Stumbled you ! cheers

Salary Calculator - A Tool for Checking your Salary at MySalary.co.uk on Mon, 14th Jul 2008 1:16 am


WoW! this is the great job make for best carreer

I’ll will Accept This…..on the Blog :

Stumbled you ! cheers

Timothy Burdette on Mon, 14th Jul 2008 10:53 pm


Ok, the success of any person in any MLM company isn’t guaranteed so whoever actually believes the old line that “if you join with me you’ll get rich” is crazy. Also this business is for some people and not for others. It is very legit and legal so there’s no worries there. Now Chris you said in some previous posts that you weren’t trying to convince people not to join with fortune and then some other posts you post some very biased comments. Why is that? I even read where you were asking the question of what if these companies just pull out of fortune? Or what if they breach their contracts and leave fortune. Well, what if you had a blowout while driving down the interstate? What if the current company you work for went bankrupt? What if your identity was stolen and you lost everything that you have to your name? We can all ask what if about everything in life. The question is are you willing to take an opportunity and step out on faith to try and do better for your family or not. It’s perfectly fine if you want to work for your current company and yes I am in fortune and doing quite well so we don’t need you here unless you really want to do better. Everybody else on here was bashing FHTM because of the old what are you going to do when you run out of friends. Well, I’m part of the fastest growing downline in the company right now and it’s not slowing down for me. That’s because I was taught the proper way to build a business here and everyone else wasn’t. And I’m not here to promote fortune or myself because I’m doing great without you. However, Chris, don’t base all your knowledge of the company on your experience, or should I say lack of knowledge because cleary you have none, and then try to bias everyone else’s opinions because you have failed.

Swords on Tue, 29th Jul 2008 5:37 am


Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing is a team of highly motivated and dedicated individuals … FHTM has allowed thousands of individuals, regardless of education,

Passive Harry on Thu, 31st Jul 2008 3:24 pm


Thanks for all thoughtful points and your opinions. I think it worth a lot for me if someone experienced give me some instruction. Blogs are great because you are talking with me.us via this source. Rather than FHTM, I shall like to try several different affiliates directly because I can earn more than that.

Rawhead on Fri, 1st Aug 2008 7:44 pm


What’s funny… is so many of you people seem to understand how MLM works, yet can’t comprehend why it cannot be sustained. The ‘few’ thrive on the ‘many’ that drop out. I don’t see how any of you can say that the drop outs are not getting ‘ripped off.’ MLM works… by ripping people off. Why can’t you understand that?

Gary Schonne on Fri, 1st Aug 2008 8:42 pm


If MLM’s can not be sustained, why do companies like Mary Kay, AmsOil, Avon, and so many others thrive? The people who drop out are only cheating themselves. If you ran a business, and did nothing, it would not succeed. I run a business, and not only do I check up on my sales people every day, I call customers EVERY DAY. I follow up on orders EVERY DAY. If you are in a successful MLM, you need to work with the people above and below you and follow up so that everyone works together toward success. If you want to sit back and do nothing you will reap what you sow. The problem is that everyone wants to be rich, and no one wants to work for it. Failure is the point where we quit prior to achieving success.

Timothy Burdette on Fri, 1st Aug 2008 9:36 pm


Exactly, you said it perfectly. Every MLM companie will work and make money, that is if you are willing to do what it takes.

grihur on Tue, 12th Aug 2008 7:07 am


thanks for sharing this !

Love Messages on Tue, 12th Aug 2008 9:38 am


Thanks for sharing your research on Fortune High Tech Marketing.

Carole Leffler on Sat, 16th Aug 2008 5:19 pm


I am very happy to say I just joined the Fortune program, and looking forward to a long prosperous journey for us both.

One story that really stood out for me was the one where a young man’s boss offered him a ride in his brand new shiny sports car, the employee’s dream car. The boss took him for a drive, going through a gated drive to see a beautiful mansion on two acres with a pool and tennis court. The employee was puzzled as to why he was being shown all of this. When he asked his boss why he was here, the boss replied, “Well, young man, if you keep doing what you are doing, working hard, making progress, some day this will all be mine.”

I don’t know about about you, but I am tired of working 60 hours a week to make someone else rich. I don’t plan on quitting my job any time soon, but I will work hard to make this business work, encouraging my friends, family, and acquaintances to start taking a proactive role in their financial future and not wait for their 3% salary increase every year.

Donald Trump, guesting on David Letterman was asked what he would do if he lost everything he had and had to start all over again. Trump said he would go into MLM. The audience burst out in laughter, until they realized he was serious. Trump looked at the crowd and said, “that’s why you are sitting where you are and why I am sittin where I am.”

It’s not for everyone, nothing is. But my days of sitting around griping about my job with the other 90% of the population are over. If you don’t love what you are doing, do something else.

I wish you all health, happiness and prosperity.

Motorcycle Jackets on Wed, 20th Aug 2008 7:49 am


Its the company that has it all. There are a lot of companies that make all types of claims and promises that just don’t add up for some people. There generally pushing some lotion, potion, energy drink, nutritional supplement, or software package that just doesn’t fit everyone.

Phillies Tickets on Fri, 22nd Aug 2008 11:58 am


Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing is a team of highly motivated and dedicated individuals working together toward a common goal; achieving success with integrity. FHTM has allowed thousands of individuals, regardless of education, experience or current financial situation, to reach their financial goals by becoming FHTM business owners

Wedding Fort Lauderdale on Sat, 23rd Aug 2008 4:11 am


Great article talking about fortune marketing.
Thanks for sharing.

Lorna Quidley on Mon, 25th Aug 2008 10:45 pm


I just signed up with FHTM and like it has been said many times here, you MUST be willing to do the job! Unless other teams out there in Fortune are not working together there is no reason for every single rep not to get their money back. My upline has helped me every step of the way! And this company has the BEST bonus plan I have EVER seen! Almost all of the money coming into the company goes right back to the reps NOT the TOP! The president of FHTM wants to make as many millionaires as he can! If you are willing to put hard work into this company for 2-5 yrs you will succeed in it. If you are not going to be a team member and do everything possible to help your team then do not waste $299! I am going to be one of the millionaires because I am not going to give up. I live in an area that no one knows about this yet and most everyone I have talked to is either signing up or wants to. Be skeptical but DONT be stupid! Give everything a chance before knocking it. Many people in these comments have talked about the company and an FHTM rep can assure you quickly that they dont know what they are talking about. I believe in this company and what the president is doing.

Chris on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 2:43 pm


I wish you well in your venture and hope you become one of those millionaires you talk about.

I can only say that the majority that have come before you and had a similar attitude, don’t come around anymore. They joined, realized it wasn’t working like they anticipated and dropped out.

There’s nothing I could say that would change your mind, so I’m certainly not going to try to. All I would ask is that you come back to this site in 6 months or so and let us know how things are working for you. If you’re well on your way to success, I’ll be the first to congratulate you. If you’re not…I don’t expect you’ll come back around.

FHTM blew through our city/county over a period of about 9 months. There were huge meetings with tons of people signing up and every one of them was going to be a millionaire. I know of several people that quit their “real” jobs because things started out hot and heavy. Now they’ve dumped FHTM and they’ve had to look for work elsewhere.

So I could offer the same advice you’ve given us, “be skeptical but DON’T be stupid”.
Best of luck,
Chris

poquer schools on Tue, 2nd Sep 2008 4:59 am


poquer schools…

herewith crystals Joan chime lighter …

Gary Winnick on Tue, 2nd Sep 2008 9:05 pm


Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing is a team of highly motivated and dedicated individuals working together toward a common goal; achieving success with integrity. FHTM has allowed thousands of individuals, regardless of education, experience or current financial situation, to reach their financial goals by becoming FHTM business owners. Through support, encouragement and guidance, our Independent Representatives work together to become the best possible advocates of our quality, name brand products and services.

Richard Wolff on Wed, 3rd Sep 2008 2:37 pm


I went to a meeting for fortune

I am very analytical and mathemitical and the numbers just do not make sense.I think the only way you make money is by recruiting others and earning the $100 or $200 or $250 per recruit. Here is why I think that. If you look at the numbers below, you do not make any money at all on residuals from the commissions on the bills.

The most successful people at the meeting said they had 1500 people under them, lets say all 1500 had 10 customer points, that’s 15,000 customers (which I am sure not all of them have ten customers but for argument sake we will go with that). They said the average customer spends $25.00 for services they signed up for (so for argument sake lets double that and say they spend $50.00) $50 times 15,000 customers is $750,000 a month. That is a huge number, I agree, but now take your commission which is only 1/4 of a % or .0025. That only comes up to $1875.00 a month, and that is if you are doubling what they said the average customer spends and if every recruit has ten customer points.. If you do not double it is less then 950.00 per month when your bringing in $750,000 a month. And this was the most successful people in the room! It just does not make sense to me. Maybe I am looking at it wrong or do not completely understand, but it seems the only way to make the money they are talking about is by recruiting others and you actually do not make anything of the residual’s from customer bills. If I am wrong on these numbers, please explain them to me.

Do I think you can make some money with fortune, yes. Do I think you can make the kind of money they are telling you, no. Like I said, the only way I see making money with this is by recruiting people and earning the bonuses for recruiting people!

John on Sun, 7th Sep 2008 12:35 am


Richard, Many thanks for running those numbers for the gang (I had similar, less-exacting estimates). One of my neighbors got me to a meeting, and I felt like everyone there seemingly drank too much of the kool-aid… the numbers do not add up at all.

After listening to many of the pro-FHTM comments up above, I must say that I still amazed at the level of ignorance. I keep hearing people saying that all of their bosses are getting ‘rich’ off of them. Well, most companies generate only handfuls of VERY well-paid personnel, and many other generate a layer of well-compensated mid-upper management. And, besides, do we really need a country of brainwashed people running around harassing their family, friends and neighbors into paying over $300 to join a resale program which pays out pennies? And, dont forget the monthly website fee (I cannot remember the exact price quoted, but, does $50 sounds right? I can get a website on a top-end hosting company for about $4/m). And, the extra fee for the travel site from Travelocity (?), which, anyone who has a website can get for free, and earn the same commission… Incredible, FHTM is playing on people’s ignorance.

And, someone earlier commented that other pyramid-scheme companies were peddling nutrition products, etc. and FHTM ONLY markets high-quality name-brand stuff… well, if you check into it a bit further (Google truly is a wonderful thing…), one of the founders of FHTM OWNS the herbal company that FHTM is marketing products for… VERY high quality stuff, I am sure.

Basically, the more you learn about this company and it’s practices, and the ’supposed’ millionaires, the more is sounds like a sham. Chris made a wonderful point about those of you deluded into wasting your time/money on this to let the rest of us know in a few months about your financial conquests.

Good luck maintaining those family relationships and friendships…

Tosh on Tue, 9th Sep 2008 12:53 am


I also went to a meeting last week. Everyone here is mentioning $299 to buy in they are asking $399 here. The monthly website is almost $70.00. and then the extra charge for business cards on top of that. I believe if you wanted to be a trainer there was another charge down the line for that too. But no worries everything would come easy. My alarms went off when it was mentioned if we did not have the money that night next payday to forego a bill to beable to buy in. Hurry up as other people were going to buy in ahead of us and we would miss out on sharing! I make good money at my job and I am glad I found this site for the pros and cons. Now I can make my decision. Positive Thoughts Always. Tosh

Tosh on Tue, 9th Sep 2008 1:01 am


After reading what I wrote I want to clarify it is my Other job I make good money:) Also want to say my phone has been ringing off the hook by friends and not so friends begging me to go to meetings but cant tell me what it is until I get there All have been upset because they found out I had just ordered two new phones with contracts. Lol so this is going like a prairie fire here in just the last 2 to 3 weeks. Positive Thoughts Always Tosh

Alex Lordrin on Tue, 9th Sep 2008 3:31 pm


I’m relatively new to FHTM (3 months now) and was referred to this article and the forum discussion by someone in my downline that was hoping to have 3 new people join our team, but they backed out at the last minute after reading all these opinions.

I myself used Google to try and learn as much as I could about FHTM (good and bad) before commiting myself to recommending its products, services and the opportunity itself as a busines to any of my friends and relatives. At the same time, I watched the training DVD’s, asked lots of questions of my uplines and read the policies and procedures guides in the FHTM handbook. It took a few times going over the math, but I now “almost” completely understand the compensation plan.

I ordered most of the products and set about trying them out. Again, I don’t recommend anything to anyone unless I’ve personally experienced it and know first hand the pros and cons. I further encourage and invite anyone who is thinking of joining our team to come to my home (or meat wherever it’s more convenient for them) to check out the products and learn about the services first hand.

At some point, we all run out of people we know well enough to want to approach with this opportunity and it is then that we start working more closely with the people in our teams to help them build their business and present/recommend the products/services and business opportunity to others. This is a relationship marketing business and we all know people who know people who know people. Some people on my team don’t know too many people. Some don’t feel they have very outgoing social skills. Some have other doubts about themselves or reasons they feel they wouldn’t be as successful. That’s okay. We all know someone else who may have those complementary skills in our team that we may ourselves be lacking.

My experience so far after 3 months has been very positive. I feel very confident recommending the products and services as I have tried them myself. I feel very confident inviting people I care about to check out the business presentation and learn about the opportunity. I’m making enough in my spare time through FHTM that I can confidently endorse and recommend the opportunity to others who are not making as much as they need in their full-time jobs or self-emplyed small businesses. Better yet, I can recommend this business opportunity to others because (even though it’s only been 3 months so far), I already have quite a few members in my team who are already replacing/exceeding their own full-time incomes from their current jobs.

The way I see it, this is no different than a gym membership or fitness program, except that instead of building wealth, a gym membership is a means towards getting back in shape and (hopefully) then staying in shape (and thereby making yourself healthier in the process). However, if you don’t go to the gym, use the machines, excercise and sweat a little (or more than a little), then you will not reap any benefits from the membership fee. If you don’t go to the gym, you won’t notice the coaches and trainers who are there to help you learn to excercise properly and who can help you succeed in achieving your fitness goals.

I personally won’t recommend something I haven’t “experienced” for myself, nor will I criticize or bash anything I don’t understand or haven’t taken the time to fully explore (both pros and cons). It’s easy to sit on a couch and give advise and opinions to others. It’s a different thing to actually go to the gym or the track and commit to doing the deal and then to coach and lead others to achieve their own goals.

Some people do things, some people just comment on them from the couch.

Donald Trump isn’t on some beach 365 days a year even though he doesn’t have to work to make more money anymore. Same with Robert Kiyosaki or any of the famous financial “athletes”. They still go to the “gym” and they still encourage others to do the same.

Personally I’d rather listen to the recommendations of the experts when I make decisions and then I set out to make myself as much of an “expert” myself before I recommend anything to others. That’s network marketing. It works for both pros and cons. Someone can easily caution others not to go to a certain restaurant because they heard they had health standards violations. People will listen. Accurate or not, whatever the details.

FHTM is not some Nigerian mail scam where you’re fooled into thinking you stand to claim an inheritance from some distant newly-deceased relative IF you send thousands of dollars and/or your banking info to some “lawyer” in Africa to help you with the government clearances, etc. to get you your millions.

FHTM is a means for regular people to have access to a financial fitness vehicle that can create another stream of income. Just like the gym, some effort and some sweat will be required. How much “weight” you lose and how much “fitter” you get is up to you. There are coaches and trainers and others willing to help you achieve your goals. Use them or not. Listen to them or not. Excercise or not. It’s up to the individual.

Some people quit. Some people quit everything. Others achieve. Others achieve more than others. I simply encourage others to make an “informed” decision and then gain experience with something before they recommend or bash the opportunity to others.

Timothy on Tue, 9th Sep 2008 9:57 pm


Thank you Alex for sticking up for something that everyone else wants to tear down and yet everyone else is broke. Let me ask a question. When you ask for advice about something, you will ask someone who is an expert in the area right? So if I’m asking financial advice, I’m gonna ask a person who has money and has succeeded in their finances. So I did that and took some advice and then completed my own research and got into fortune about three months. I am doing great and it get’s better everyday. Everyone that has got on here talking about the price of the website and all of that are completely wrong about the pricing. It’s ok if you don’t want in the business but no one can tell me that it doesn’t work. I don’t think you can explain how the entire pay plan works but I know it does work. And about the residual. I have a personal friend who just made national manager in less than a year. He got me involved and I know what his residual is and it is very sweet. I looked at it as an opportunity to do something better for my family than working everyday for someone else’s dream. Because when you work for someone else all you’re doing is building a future for their kids and not your own. So I’m building my own and my family’s future and it’s great.

Hands on on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 3:33 pm


Sorry, but I have a successful business and WAS involved with FHTM for almost 1 year. I can give advice about FHTM. The ONLY way to make money is by signing people up.I was paying 49.95 for the travel site and I got a whole 1.37 for a flight my sister bought from Florida to Palm Springs plus more change for rental cars. The money for the travel site is a joke. I purchased a Nextel phone from my site for 100.00 MORE than Nextel’s cost. The wireless site is not good for business owners, because you can’t even sign up as a business and if you could it’s only 7%. Right now I get 20% off. Instead of switching to GE for 35.00 and getting what 10%. I could sign up with a different company for 20-25.00 a month. Now that’s savings. By the way I took the Joint Solutions for a few months. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Don’t get me wrong, I know money can be made, but by signing people up. Oh! Don’t forget about the break-aways.

Alex Lordrin on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 5:36 pm


Thank you for your informed and experienced comments “Hands-on”. Your own factual experiences add value to these discussions. Again, everyone’s results differ. There are in its simplest form 3 main ways to make money in FHTM. One is through the commissions on your own personal consumption of products or services or those of your friends, families or actual ‘customers’. These are relatively low amounts (from 2% to 20%). As with any business, there may be others out there who would pay more or save you more (depending on how you think about it).

For the most part, FHTM’s procuts and services are of equal or greater quality as others in the market and are of equal or lower price (usually, though again, there may be sales from others or occasional times when someone may offer a lesser option). While you could expect to make some money this way, you won’t make as much as the other two methods.

The second way FHTM pays its reps is through residuals or commissions on everyone already in their team and from the monthly recurring bills being paid each and every month. This amount is a small percentage, but as the team grows over a period of 2 to 5 years, this amount quickly becomes staggering.

The third way FHTM pays fills the gap in the meantime as we all work to build our teams (yes, “recruit” others to help leverage all of our combined efforts). FHTM pays out the most generous compensation in this method that I’ve ever seen. As new reps join our organization, the person who invited them to consider the opportunity gets paid $100/$125 (depending on the country) to as much as $595.

Both the second and third way pay to unlimited levels (once you’ve built your first team of 12 and promoted past the first “orientation and learning” stage).

FHTM pays first and second generation breakaways in its unique compensation plan. As a Regional Manager (and again, now only 3 months in FHTM) I have already been paid for my first generation breakways. For August, I have earned more than most people get paid at their jobs in a month just from the first and second generation breakways in referral bonuses and overides.

FHTM’s compensation plan is truly the most unique and most generous I’ve ever seen. The fact that we get paid more money than any one individual puts in from their initial sign-up fee (which is in effect their license to do business in multiple countries) is unique. Obviously, the money must come from somewhere if not from the sign-up fees.

The fact that we get paid to unlimited levels is also another reason this compensation plan is unique.

The fact that we do get paid (and very generously) on breakaways and not just to one generation but even to breakaways on breakaways makes this compensation plan the most unique and the most generous.

Once you reach the next promotion level of “Executive”, then you have an even larger “canvas” to build a huge team and not be concerned about “Regional” level breakaways as everyone is still within your Executive level. Only newly promoted Executives “breakaway”, but even then only their new Executive team breaks away, their Regional and Manager teams stay with you and continue to grow and pay you still and to UNLIMITED levels. Even the new Executive breakways STILL PAY YOU.

It’s all in the policies and procedures guide and again, I’ve already been paid for my breakways in the 3 short months I’ve been in FHTM.

So yes, you get paid small amounts for your own consumption.

Yes, you get paid relatively small percentage residuals on yours and your team’s monthly bills (so the bigger your team, the more staggeringly large this amount gets to be over time)

And yes, you do need to refer others to the opportunity in order to grow the size of your team and the number of reps all consuming or recommending the products and services (and in turn, the business opportunity itself). FHTM however pays you very generously from its marketing revenues to compensate you while you build the biggest team that is within your own talent.

Yes, you can probably shop around and save a few bucks here or there, now and then.

You could also work a little more at building your business and set yourself free from needing to shop around for the cheapest of everything in life.

Timothy on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 9:01 pm


Well first off, we can’t really get into a numbers battle here because it’s against companie policy. Now, since you aren’t doing fortune anymore. Just how many people did you have under you? This business isn’t for everyone. Honestly, it really doesn’t work for most people. Simply because it’s very easy to get discouraged. So with that said, maybe it wasn’t for you but you can’t deny proof. Like I said before, I have personal friends in this business that are in the top of the company and have only been in a year. The residual that he is getting would make anyone very happy. And yes I’m speaking RESIDUAL and not BONUSES. I think a lot of the success you have with the company s directly related to the team or people your involved with. As for your other thoughts. Did you get into the business to save money or make money?

Hands on on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 9:46 pm


My point exactly. You can’t get into numbers and that’s how they get people. I do by the way have a successful business. And in less than 1 year my friend also has more than 800 people. That’s not my point. My point is you have to sign people up.

Alex Lordrin on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 10:39 pm


Actually “Hands-On/Frances”, if the company allowed us to show our actual numbers, our business overview presentations would be so much easier. It’s harder to argue with successful results and factual figures. Too bad it’s not considered fair practices to “lead” others with what may not be typical of their own results.

Again, just like fitness and weight loss. Everyone’s results will vary depending on how much sweat and commitment they want to put in.

I’ve added my two cents only in response to the unfortunate turn of decision in one of my friend’s 3 friends that she referred to look at this business. From reading so much misinformation, opinion and 3rd-party dribble, all 3 changed their minds about giving this opportunity a shot. That’s too bad because we know this is one that’s definitely worth a shot.

Those new on our team, we take the time to offer training and support and we truly coach and mentor them. We also show them how we are each doing and work with those who need additional help (we’re allowed to share our “numbers” within those already in our teams as they are no longer at the point of influence to make the decision as they’ve already made it — pretty fair really).

Sure there are other ways to make money. Work for someone else, own your own business, invest for part-ownership/shares/interest/dividends/etc or even through non-MLM’s as has been suggested in these forums… such as direct “affiliate” programs, etc. But, how many of these keep paying you once you stop “selling”; once you stop going to work (unless you have thousands or millions to risk in passive long-term investments)? There’re only so many hours in a day and only so much product you can sell yourself and by yourself.

FHTM simply offers regular people a chance to build something that will duplicate and duplicate and duplicate and build residuals over time while paying you immediate referral bonuses on the efforts of those who you helped get started and helped train and helped become leaders who would then do the same and help get others started and so on and so on. In the process, people are trying a few quality products and services of their choosing and those companies that we’re marketing for (by word-of-mouth) gain new loyal customers and compensate FHTM who in turn compensates our teams of representatives with 95-98% of this marketing revenue).

Ironically, the 3 people who backed out after reading these opinions are themselves personal trainers at a local gym.

This is the power of word-of-mouth. Often the source is not even considered, nor the facts actually researched. You hear someone say that the food is bad at some restaurant and you won’t bother going there and seeing for yourself. Doesn’t matter that the professional reviewers all rave about the restaurant and their actual customers love the food. Worse yet, you heard it and assume it’s so and are all too happy to think you’re doing others a big favour by steering them away from that restaurant by spreading what you think you heard (again without even knowing if it’s true yourself or not).

So yes, this is not a business for everyone. There have been too many poor MLM’s and Network Marketing businesses that did not do good things for the people who tried them.

This is not like those at all, but the biggest problem for any of us is that there are too many people with entirely the wrong misconception based on their past experience with those old ones or from the opinions they heard of others about MLM’s of past.

So try convincing any of them and you see why this is not the easiest business. So in the interest of balance and fairness… these are my two cents. If you decide this is worth a shot and you have what it takes to START and NOT TO QUIT, then you will succeed.

If you don’t, save your money, but don’t ruin it for others who do.

I now return to my regular life, my wife, my kids, our dogs, our two traditional businesses, our rental streams of income and to this new but already very lucrative additional stream of income (FHTM) that is soon becoming entirely life-changing.

Live long and prosper!

Country Boy on Wed, 10th Sep 2008 11:06 pm


Where do all the 90%-95% failure statistics come from? Can ANYONE tell me. Dont tell me you had a couple of buddies that “tried” FHTM and quit, and try and prove something. Where does everyone get these numbers from? It remind me of that commercial about smoking. The one with the fabricated results. FHTM uses the 95% of the population scenario and all the bashers here are using the same statistics for the failure rate. Gee-Whiz. Sounds like it is breaking even.

Alex Lordrin on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 1:10 am


Someone said there’s lies, damn lies, and then there’s statistics.

As I said, I started 3 months ago. I, as of this moment, have 131 people in my team and only 2 of which excercised their right to cancel within the 10 days specified to get a full “no-questions-asked” refund.

2 out of 131 is not 90-95%. However, if you are counting from the person who referred them and that person only had this one person who joined their team, then suddenly that 1 person who quits out of 1 person in that person’s team is 100%. One out of one in the one person’s team is 100%. From my perspective though, that’s one out of 131 in my team.

Okay, gotta go for real now. Do your own real research people. It’s not that hard. Look up the pros too, not just the rumours and “opinions” of people who claim they know, but obviously don’t. Google “FHTM presentation”. There’s no secrets. If you ask nicely, someone can even give you a copy of the policies and procedures guide. Look up the Dun&Bradstreet report. Look up the Better Business Bureau report and take a look at the actual details in the report. Check out articles by Fox News, Millionaire Blueprints, Success From Home. Listen to the real experts. Who are you going to listen to, a professor or a drop-out? A financial expert or a broke know-it-all?

The lady running operations for FHTM in Canada, Shannon Hewitson sits on the BOD of the Better Business Bureau.

Wanna lose weight? Eat less, excercise more. Simple. No secret.

Wanna succeed in FHTM? START, DON’T QUIT.
Simple. No secret. No secrets.

Bye for good. Good luck and good fortune to you all!

Chris on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 8:15 am


Gotta chime in…why is it that everyone who is “pro fhtm” thinks that everyone else is “broke”, a loser and hasn’t checked the facts??? Why is it that they always say, “do your research”? People ARE doing research, thats why they come here and share their experiences…both good and bad.

Alex mentions the 3 people that didn’t join…I think we all agree that fhtm is “not for everyone”. The fact that 3 people looked at it and decided it wasn’t for them, shouldn’t be a big shock to anyone.

As for the 90% to 95% dropout claims…I don’t know that there would be any way to prove this statistic, but I can certainly tell you that I saw a 100% dropout rate with the group that I know personally who joined. It was a relatively small group…8 or 10. But guess what…every one of them told me what a great opportunity I was missing out on when they were trying to recruit me. 6 months later it was all over and everyone swept it under the rug like dirt. I’m not bashing…thats just a fact.

If people want to go to a meeting and give it a shot…more power to them. I hope they’re as successful as I’m sure some of you are. But please don’t come around saying that everyone here is just an unhappy, poor looser thats doing nothing but bashing and that we don’t now what we’re talking about. There are plenty of comments from folks that “were” in fhtm and are now sharing their experience. Everyone that is considering joining “should” hear the good and the bad.

I offered the challenge to someone else recently. Come back here after 6 months in the business and let us know how your doing. Come back at a year in the business and let us know how your doing. If you’ve stuck with it that long, and are making good money, then we’ll throw a party for you or something. But my guess is that we won’t have to dig out the party favors….

Cat on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 8:39 am


Fortune is a BIG Joke! You should never have to pay a startup fee to help other companies advertise their products! If the the Fortune people only looked at the websites they are endorsing a majority of them have a “Be and affiliate” link on them in which you pay nothing! The ONLY way you make money with this company is when you get people to sign up! Plain and simple, have you seen the commissions you get from Fortune? they tell you, you get a certain % but you actually don’t the company does and then they dole out to you what they think you should get! Most people don’t have the $299 to shell out to start this and then have your coach tell you that those people aren’t serious and if they were they would find a way to get the money. That’s not true! The only people who are making it in Fortune is the ones who know Paul or have a close connection to him. If you want to know how to really make money without spending a dime then contact me! cattitude1992@aol.com

Gary Schonne on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 10:17 am


Cat
You are looking at FHTM from the wrong perspective.
First of all, yes, you need people in your down line to make money, plain and simple, but once you make regional manager, it doesn’t matter who signed them up, just that they are in your down line, and you make money. These are not just your business partners, if you care to look at it this way as I do, but they are also your customers, and the more customers you have the more income you can generate. I am a business owner, and I understand that. Getting customers is why my phone bills are so high, but with FHTM, it’s no different. It is a Network Marketing Business, that you run, that you pay $299.00 to start up, that you promote, and if you quit, then you just threw your money away. Now if you keep your business and want to make it grow, then you must bring in others to your business, this is the very principal in which ALL network marketing companies are built. If you don’t make the effort, then you fail. And your statement that the people who are making it in Fortune know Paul or have close contact to him, well let me just say that I know several people making good money in Fortune, and none of us has met Paul personally. Last but not least. send me you info on how to make money without spending a dime, and I’ll look at it with an open mind.
Gary
gschonne@wcste.com

Richard Wolff on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 11:40 am


This is in response to a post from Alex

Alex, you wrote in on your post:

“The second way FHTM pays its reps is through residuals or commissions on everyone already in their team and from the monthly recurring bills being paid each and every month. This amount is a small percentage, but as the team grows over a period of 2 to 5 years, this amount quickly becomes staggering.”

Please read my post on Sept 3rd and explain to me how these numbers can ever be staggering. It just does not compute. In the meeting they threw up some big numbers very quickly and moved on, but if you sit down and actually crunch the numbers, you will never make a lot of money off the commisions from the bills, do the numbers yourself!

Alex Lordrin on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 3:59 pm


Okay Mr. Wolff, but this is really my final bow-out… but since I liked your original post from Sept 3rd and you’re clearly open-minded and analytical.

The business overview presentation is only as long (or as brief) as people are willing to sit the first time to learn about what FHTM is all about.

When people join our team, we give them copies of the presentation on DVD and recommend that they watch it a few times to make sure they understand how the math works in the entire compensation plan (not just the residuals). It usually takes people 4 or 5 times watching it before they realize that we can get paid to unlimited levels (both in referral bonuses as well as in residuals). Also, it becomes clearer that we also get paid consecutively from each team as we progress and get promoted so as each team continues to grow (Manager, Regional, Executive, National), each team is paying you bonuses, breakaways AND residuals.

So taking the one example of ONE team only from the business overview (again Google “FHTM presentation” and pick one to see for yourself), looking at the RESIDUALS example only (and again only ONE team), in what is referred to as “a perfect world scenario” assuming you refer 3 people and they refer 3 people and so on and so on down to 8 levels only. The company pays out 5% residual on the 8th level only. Assuming 10 customer service points (again, “perfect world”), then the example from one team only, shows 6,561 reps x 10 points each x $25/month (“average” bill) x 5% commission at this level only.

Assuming it’s not a perfect world (good assumption, cause it isn’t), the business overview also shows what happens when you only have 10% of these numbers and even only 1% success.

Well, it’s not a perfect world and these numbers are actually simplistic. It only looks at the 8th level. Levels 1 to 7 still exist and they do pay out one quarter to one and a half percent residuals and levels 9 to infinity also pay you (assuming you’re past the “orientation and learning stage we call “Manager”). Also, as you promote in the company, you have other new teams also paying you consecutively.

So after 2 to 5 years, having 6,561 reps in your team and each one with whatever number of service points is more typical of real life, the numbers are “staggering”. Remember, unlimited levels and each team is paying you consecutively.

I personally really like the blog entry from Penny back in April 15th where she details her cousins experience having stopped “recruiting” people into her FHTM business after “running out of people to recruit after she built a team of only 400. She was disappointed that she never cracked the $1,000 a month barrier in residuals from these 400 people. In fact, it bottomed at $600 per month passive residual income.

Well, this is only 400 people. This is someone’s real-world experience. I don’t think I would mind making $600 a month every month whether I work get out of bed all day or not month after month after month after having only invested $299 up front and personally referred a few people who then referred others who referred others who referred others.

Do you know how much money one would need in the bank to get $600 a month every month in interest?

Not to mention that in the process of building a team of 400 people, Penny’s cousin would have been earning a minimum average of several thousand dollars each month in the referral bonuses that the company pays out for its marketing revenues (which is separate from customer’s bills being paid each month).

Only 400 people. 6,561 people on her team would probably pay even more. Remember, she’s not working for these “residuals” anymore. It’s just still coming in month after month after month.

Some people quit after 1 month. Some people quit after 6 months. Some people take a year to realize they’ve procastinated and made excuses and never once went to the “gym”.

Some people get discouraged after trying to convince their best friends to get involved and realize that it’s too heart-breaking to share something with others who think they know better.

So Chris. Great blog. Hopefully you’ll keep attracting people willing to share facts and not just take personal shots at each other and incite others to naturally get defensive.

This truly is a great forum. Debate, democracy, tolerance towards others and freedom of choice.

As I said before, live long and prosper!

Elvis has now really, really left the building.

Bye!

Alex

Timothy on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 9:07 pm


To Chris:
I really liked your post Chris. I know you are not pro FHTM and I am but I agree with you and I think we all would have to agree. Fortune isn’t for everyone. If a person is looking for something for an extra income or whatever else then forstune is worth a start. Everyone will not succeed and anyone that tells you that is crazy. It’s just that simple. I wish we could all become millionaires but only some of us will. Also, the fact that you aren’t doing forune or dropped it after a while doesn’t make you worthless or broke. It just means that it wasn’t for you. To succeed in the business it really does take a special person. Everyone can be that person and 299 isn’t bad to try and find out if you’re that person. As for me, I’m doing well with it and it does take work but I’m enjoying the income. Good luck

Chris on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 9:57 pm


Timothy,
Thank you…a breath of fresh air! See…you’re the type of person that I would predict will actually do well with fhtm! You tell it like it is! Some will do well and some won’t. Some are cut out for it and some aren’t… That doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with those that decide it’s not for them.

I think that there are people in FHTM that have and will make a ton of money…I don’t doubt that.

So many people jump into it, hot and heavy. Naturally…if you’re at the head of the pack in a new city, then you’re going to pick up a lot of new sign ups. It’s almost inevitable that the guy at the top is going to be somewhat successful.

Unfortunately, that “well” of new recruits “must” dwindle down to a point where there is very little if nothing left. At that point…one has to move on or get out. A lot of folks come to the blog, full of “piss and vinegar” as they say. Then after a month or so…you never hear from them again.

When you think about it…there is a finite amount of people that can join fhtm in any given community, right? We can talk about products and residuals all we want…but the real money is in signing up a new recruit. When that resource has been tapped…what then? You move on to another location. What else can you do really?

I say this coming from a community of around 70k to 80k. We’re not a large city or anything. There is just so many people that you can contact and then a few months later…everyone has either heard about it or been approached.

So Timothy…I noticed that you didn’t offer your email address? Feel free to send it to me or post it and for those that are interested in FHTM, I will ask that they contact you for more info.

Thanks
Chris

Gary Winnick on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 9:59 pm


Is Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing a scam? I believe that FHTM is not a scam and that it is a legitimate income producing business opportunity. However, the work that is involved to create a substantial residual income is much more difficult than many other opportunities out there. If you don’t mind spending most of your time recruiting people, then FHTM might be right for you.

Timothy on Thu, 11th Sep 2008 10:31 pm


Yeah Chris here’s my email. burdettejustin@yahoo.com
Thanks

Scott on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 7:43 am


FHTM is a cleverly disguised pyramid scheme because they own a few products, which they sell to mainly reps in the business, no end-users and then market services they do not own. If your asked to be all 10 customer points or (products and services) in order to be rewarded in the marketing scheme, then your jeopardizing FHTM for being in violation of the FTC regulation act on pyramiding and should be investigated.

Pyramid schemes
A pyramid is an investment scheme in which a participant primarily makes money by recruiting members who, in turn, make money primarily by enticing others to join. Check!
Pyramid schemes and member recruiting
The focus is on recruiting participants, not on selling a product. Products that are sold are overpriced or nearly worthless. Check!
If you are considering a product-selling investment, be cautious. If the opportunity for income is primarily derived by recruiting more investors or salespersons rather than by selling a product, the plan probably is illegal. Check!
Claims that a promoter makes concerning the investment opportunity often are exaggerated and misleading. Since few products are sold, most of the money generated is through recruitment of members. Check!
When recruitment slows, the marketing system collapses, leaving most participants with losses. Big Time Check!…… just check neighboring towns where the wildfires stopped burning months ago or years ago.
Again, if you don’t want to take the time to research the facts on why these things fail, then give it a shot, but don’t quit your job over it, just because of that last point that was made from a state Attorney Generals website.

Elvis (still making residuals even though I'm dead) on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 10:59 am


FHTM has been in business for 7 and a half years. The FTC consumer alert website you provided gives guidelines for evaluating a multi-level marketing opportunity and for representing yourself ethically should you decide to join one. It does not mention anything about FHTM.

If FHTM was an illegal pyramid as you suggest, then it would have been shut down years ago and AT&T, GE, Verizon, XM Satellite Radio, Disney Mobile would not be marketing their products through such a company. Third party wealth and home business magazines would not be recommending FHTM so highly if there was anything illegal about it.

FHTM pays residuals/commissions strictly from the service sales. You get no residuals and no commissions from anybody’s sign-up fee. The products are not overpriced or useless.

FHTM pays referral bonuses, not residuals, not commissions, as new members join someone’s team. This money comes from marketing revenues from the companies offering products and services through FHTM, not from the sign-up fees. Add up all these bonuses and you see that they far surpass the $299 it costs for the initial business license to join FHTM.

Costco charges a yearly membership fee. Insurance companies charge a deductible when you have a claim. Banks now see that it is a good idea to demand at least 5% down on a mortgage.

So even though there is a sign-up fee of $299 for FHTM, none of the residuals come from this fee and the referal bonuses come from the marketing revenues.

FHTM is not an investment scheme. It’s more like a replicating micro-franchise opportunity where you can leverage people times people.

So check, check, check, big time check??? More like dimpled chads on the wrong check box.

Sorry Florida.

Cat on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 11:39 am


I can’t believe that people don’t get it. People in Fortune have you not looked at your commissions? I am not trying to be rude here but The company gets the majority of the commission paid to Fortune and the reps (the ones who actually do the work) are getting just a very small part of that. Why not get your own website and be an affiliate to recieved the whole commission? Fortune hides a lot of what it does and any company that tells you to forego a bill or don’t pay your house payment this month. Oh I like this one to “If you tell someone that you have a Ferrari or lexus and you can have it for $299 what would you do?” You can guarantee that someone is going to come up with that money. Fortune is all about relationship marketing but there are so many more opportunities out there to do this without spending a dime! Wake up and smell the coffee!

Scott on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 12:45 pm


The reps are very deceptive on income claims. Another Violation with the state Attorney General. Mike Miesenhimer would flash his check around to sign people up. When you learn from the top dog, what makes you think it won’t trickle down to other incompetent reps.

Why would these companies be associated with a scam? Because it’s actually legal and they want any sales they can get? They are only paying a small commission for the chance to earn a few more customers. They are not out any money up front just when you get lucky and make a sale. They do the EXACT same thing with independent contractor stores throughout the company. They are not promoting the scam portion, just the legit portion.

The Federal Trade Commission cannot tell you whether a particular multilevel marketing plan is legal. Nor can it give you advice about whether to join such a plan. You must make that decision yourself. However, the FTC suggests that you use common sense, and consider these seven tips when you make your decision:

Avoid any plan that includes commissions for recruiting additional distributors. It may be an illegal pyramid. FHTM check!

Beware of plans that ask new distributors to purchase expensive inventory. These plans can collapse quickly — and also may be thinly-disguised pyramids. FHTM 10 services check!

Be cautious of plans that claim you will make money through continued growth of your “downline” — the commissions on sales made by new distributors you recruit — rather than through sales of products you make yourself. WOW FHTM check!

Beware of plans that claim to sell miracle products or promise enormous earnings. Just because a promoter of a plan makes a claim doesn’t mean it’s true! Ask the promoter of the plan to substantiate claims with hard evidence. FHTM N/A!

Beware of shills — “decoy” references paid by a plan’s promoter to describe their fictional success in earning money through the plan. Mike M. big time check!

Don’t pay or sign any contracts in an “opportunity meeting” or any other high-pressure situation. Insist on taking your time to think over a decision to join. Talk it over with your spouse, a knowledgeable friend, an accountant or lawyer. FHTM reps encourage you to sign up on the spot because they have others to put in the pyramid link, BIG TIME CHECK!

Do your homework! Check with your local Better Business Bureau and state Attorney General about any plan you’re considering. It’s on BBB website with a section that talks about pyramids, Check!

Research your State Attorney Generals website, BBB website, SEC website and FTC website. You will find all the warning signs that FHTM falls into. If your invited to a FHTM meeting make a print out of the warning signs to check off anything that resembles what is described on these sites at the meeting. You will be amazed that most are a Red Flag!!!!

Elvis (nursing a cold otherwise I wouldn't have time to do this) on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 2:12 pm


Thanks Scott for this additional website. Here’s what it says:

“Pyramid Schemes —
In the classic “pyramid” scheme, participants attempt to make money solely by recruiting new participants into the program. The hallmark of these schemes is the promise of sky-high returns in a short period of time for doing nothing other than handing over your money and getting others to do the same.

The fraudsters behind a pyramid scheme may go to great lengths to make the program look like a legitimate multi-level marketing program. But despite their claims to have legitimate products or services to sell, these fraudsters simply use money coming in from new recruits to pay off early stage investors. But eventually the pyramid will collapse. At some point the schemes get too big, the promoter cannot raise enough money from new investors to pay earlier investors, and many people lose their money”

So Scott, if one of these structures made its money solely through the sign-up fees paid by new people joining in then eventually the money would run out when the people run out.

FHTM makes money from commissions on sales of products and services such as Lamas certified-organic, salon-quality hair and skin care lines, cell-phones and plans, satellite services, internet services, etc. etc.

It also makes money by saving these companies (such as Disney, AT&T, etc) from paying huge advertising dollars up front to gather a customer and then a fair share of marketing dollars for FHTM bringing them loyal recurring-charge customers.

It is this marketing revenue that sustains the compensation plan as the network grows and grows.

As more and more people join, then they simply try whatever products and services they wish to consume and become customers for and then gather additional outside customers if they wish to increase their points to 10 or more. If they don’t, they can still participate in the compensation plan with as little as 3 points. Due to the nature of the products and services (being of recurring monthly charge), then there’s virtually no need to “purchase expensive inventory” (as you put it). In fact, how can you keep a closet full of long-distance, or satellite services?

I’ve been to many, many FHTM presentations and I can’t say I’ve ever seen any “high-pressure sales tactics” employed. Every who attends is invited to learn about a business opportunity. At the end of the presentation everyone is asked if they’re a “1″ (meaning it’s not for them, so we simply ask them to thank the person who invited them before leaving as they cared enough to want to share something they’re willing to recommend to you), or a “2″ (meaning they’re interested, but have some questions first), or “3″ (meaning they’re ready to get started and want our help right away). No pressure and no-one ever tries to “sell” anything at any of these business overviews.

Remember Penny’s cousin and her team of 400. Even after she felt she ran out of people in her area to keep on the opportunity to, she was still making $600 minimum each month in residuals. Where is this money continuing to come from if this is an unsustainable and illegal pyramid structure?

If anything, this is an inverted micro-fractal that vaguely resembles a funnel-tree (where the leaves branch off as individuals promote and start earning more than the people above them).

For example (and sorry, but I’m going to use Canadian numbers as I’m more familiar with them), you recommend a friend to join (kindof like all of us have recommended someone to get their own membership at Costco for instance)then YOU get $125 from your share of the marketing revenue when your guest activates 3 service points from the companies supplying the marketing revenue (again, not from the sign-up fee). The person who invited you into the business gets $6. The person “above” themm gets $6 and so on up to 7 levels. Then the 8th gets $12. When you’re a Regional Manager and you personally invite someone to join, you get $250, but the person who invited you gets a “breakaway” at this point of $60 (plus possibly and “overide” of $12. Your Executive Manager makes $200. Of course, depending on performance, the company also pays “doubling bonuses”.

Once you’re an Executive yourself, you get $375 when you personally invite someone and the person above you gets a breakaway bonus (I believe it’s $12).

So as you can see, as you progress within the compensation plan, the immediate bonuses from the marketing revenue from the various companies supplying legitimate products and services through FHTM pay you more and more than those “above” you. It is not some person or persons at the top collecting all the money.

Everyone has a chance to make more and more money over time regardless of when they start.

So not only do you get paid from the marketing revenues while you build your team, but after 2 to 5 years, your residuals start to catch up and become significant enough that you no longer need to actively keep building your team yourself. Through the power of leverage and as everyone wants to also build their own biggest team they can, your team still continues to grow anyway (even if it has to go to neighbouring towns or another country).

So while the residuals (monthly commissions on products and services) are indeed a small percentage compared to selling directly as an affiliate or some other program, that small percentage is being paid to a lot of people on the team and not just to you. As someone said, I’d rather get paid 1% of 100 people’s efforts than 100% of my own.

FHTM is designed to build wealth over 2 to 5 years. This is not a get-rich quick scheme or an illegal pyramid of any kind. It pays. It pays generously and it pays fairly. The more you work, the more you make. The longer you work, the more you make. If you quit after 1 month, 6 months, or 12 months, you sold yourself short.

Bottom line is the revenues are coming from commissions on legitimate product sales and from the marketing money from the companies supplying these products and services. There’s simply not enough money from the sign-up fee that it could possibly sustain the compensation plan.

When Penny’s cousin stopped personally growing her team of 400 she wasn’t left with a closet full of unsold “inventory” and out a huge initial investment fee. She earned thousands and thousands while building her team, enjoyed products and services she was already consuming anyway (or did she not have a cell-phone or internet in her home?) and when she decided to sit back, she still continues to receive $600 each month from the work she started in the beginning with $299.

This is why the FTC, the FCC, the SEC or anything ending with a “C” has not, nor will they ever think about shutting down FHTM cause it simply is not a pyramid.

FHTM is unique in its compensation plan and in its structure. The “stair-case” breakaways make it an even fairer structure.

The glove don’t fit and the DNA doesn’t even come close.

Sorry O.J., but this time it’s true.

Scott on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 2:58 pm


As you can see Elvis uses clever tactics to try and justify if FHTM is legit or not. It won’t work Elvis, MLM 101 won’t help you. That is a sign of a slick sells rep. Reminds me of one of those old vacuum sales people that come knocking at your door. Elvis, why don’t you try some more research besides websites I post, by looking at the FTC website, SEC website and A.G. website of your state, you will have a lot of Red Flags FHTM falls into. I can keep copying and pasting the info and let the readers decide as they print out the points made and bring it to a FHTM meeting, but I sure don’t want to overwhelm people with FACTS. This blog is avery informative blog on Secrets you should Know on FHTM. The content on the blog by Chris, justifies a lot of valid points! It should be a enough to know that there is always a sucker who will buy into these pyramid schemes.

THE FIVE RED FLAGS of product and service type pyramid schemes, or recruiting MLM’s

1. Each person recruited is empowered and given incentives to recruit other participants, who are empowered and motivated to recruit still other participants, etc. – in an endless chain of empowered and motivated recruiters recruiting recruiters – without regard to (de facto) market saturation. FHTM Check

2. Advancement in a hierarchy of multiple levels of “distributors” is achieved by recruitment, rather than by appointment. FHTM Check

3. “Pay to play” requirements are met by ongoing “incentivized purchases,” with participants the primary buyers. FHTM big time Check

4. The MLM company pays commissions and bonuses on more “distributor” levels than are functionally justified; i.e., more than five levels. Check

5. Company payout (in commissions, bonuses, etc.) per sale for the total of all upline participants together equals or exceeds that for the person selling the product – resulting in inadequate incentive to retail and excessive incentive to recruit. Big time check

Slick Elvis (still nursing a cold) on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 3:55 pm


Actually Scott, my dad used to sell vacuum cleaners. Only he wasn’t very slick at all. He barely spoke English then. He simply did what jobs he could to help us get by. As a kid I used to go on calls with him from time to time and help him translate.

I saw how hard he worked. Yet he did honest work and he has always been an honest man.

Not all vacuum sales people are “slick” and out to scam you into buying something you don’t need.

My dad honestly believed in the product he was representing and felt it would not only keep your house clean, but help minimize allergies and reactions to mites, pet dander and dust particles.

My dad was not a sheister (however you spell that word). You could wave red flags about vacuum salesmen, but he was not one of “those”.

As for me, I thought I was responding and communicating experienced facts and inside details of the unique marketing-revenue-dependent compensation plan of FHTM and why it doesn’t fit the “pyramid” structure in any way shape or form.

“Slick tactics”? Red flag, red flag, check, check, big check.

The facts are the facts. It’s not about me or my dad.

Tom Spinks is the editor of Millionaire Blueprints magazine. He spent 20 years dissecting over 200 network marketing companies. He spent 2 months dissecting FHTM inside and out. His report and conclusion on FHTM?…: “if I ever made the decision to get involved with any network marketing company, I would join this man and his company. The concept of the company is unique, it is financially strong because it is backed by Paul himself and he has major dollars. Major national companies are lining up trying to get his company and distributors to sell their products. His compensation plan is like no other in its generosity and millions of dollars have been spent on the support and technology for the distributors”… he further says: “Is this that ‘make money working from home’ company that comes along every 30 years that changes an industry and really changes lives? I don’t know. But after spending two months educating myself on this man and his company, it very well may be.”

Note, that a man with 20 years experience dissecting MLM’s (and so-called “pyramids”, legal or otherwise) did not devote his article to “why FHTM is full of red flags and vacuum sales people suck”

Quite the opposite. Free for Googling. Look it up, there’s a whole 12-page article on FHTM in Millionaire Blueprints magazine.

Your turn Holmes. I won’t dis yo momma if you lay off my daddy. Fair?



Gary Schonne on Fri, 12th Sep 2008 4:12 pm


I have a simple question for all the FHTM bashers.
Why has the business media, from Forbes, to Fox Business News, and many others had so much good to say about FHTM if FHTM is such a bad company?
I did a lot of research before joining, a found that I liked what I saw. I was recruited by a friend who is business owner like me.
He also did a lot of research before joining.
Did I quit my day job after joining FHTM? No.
Why you might ask?
Because I run a successful company of my own.
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, if you want to get rich quick, without any effort on your part, then buy a lottery ticket, but if you want to earn some good money, FHTM might be for you, but you got to be willing to devote some time to it.
These people you recruit for your down line in FHTM are not just your business partners, but the are your customers too, and if you don’t have customers, your business will fail, as would mine.
So, check with your BBB, the FTC, the business media, and you will find that this business is all above board.
Enough Said.

Scott on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 7:37 am


Elvis, that explains a lot. Thanks for bringing up the fact your dad is a vacuum sales person, supposably. Unintentionally or not you have learned a few tricks. Every industry you can think of will have their deceptive people trying their hardest to defend what they believe. FHTM is full of them and they will try any deceptive tactics to con people into their little pyramid business just to make it to the next level in the stair-step breakaway plan. Example, and this example happens all the time, because this is part of the training in FHTM…..You get this phone call from a friend or relative that will say… Hey Elvis you busy tonight? Your response; No, why what’s up! F or R; Will Elvis, if your not busy, I’m going to stop by for sec. Elvis, what is this all about? F or R; Will, I can’t really explain over the phone, but don’t worry I won’t take up too much of your time, when I come over. Then you agree and Bam 10-15 sec conversation and your F or R has a presentation. Any longer than 10-15 sec., you fall into what is called the Valley of Death and you will lose them with too much information. It will always end up being the new Rep and your sponsor that will present the business to a new sucker. However that is an unfair advantage, but it works because they will most likely trust the stranger talking to them about a business endeavor over the new rep, since the rep is inexperienced in these schemes and your friend or relative knows that.

Now, as far as you responding and communicating FHTM’s comp plan, I’m glad you brought that up. It is evident enough to know with the focus on a never ending recruitment process that FHTM requires their reps to do, that market saturation will always occur, especially in towns and small cities. The thing about the comp plan of FHTM, stair-step breakaway, it’s one of the worst kind of plans a MLM company could use. Reason: Fact is, when you get your first 12 people in to bump you up to the next level(Regional), your pretty much done with that dirty dozen on helping them further pursue your help. Your new focus now is to make the money in Regional since that is where the big bonuses are, but at what cost. The cost of finding more recruits and more recruits and more recruits and using people to help make you more money. Unethical, but it’s the design of FHTM comp plan. The residual is a flat out joke, so your true focus is to recruit. Just like a Pyramid Scheme. Now, you may not treat your team that way by abandoning your first 12 people, but this is how the people at the top of the pyramid did their business with FHTM or any Stair-step break-away businesses and it trickles down to other hopeful leaders still left in FHTM. Now, for this reason, if someone decides to signing up into FHTM, your best best is to not sign under another someone that is a Manager(beginner in FHTM). A Manager position would be the worst level for a newbie to sign up under, because your considered a stepping-stone for the sponsor to move up the pyramid. Ninety percent of the time, you will not get the help from your upline anymore, since their vested interest is the Regional or above positions. It’s a sick way to treat people, but people are greedy. But that is ok, because what goes around comes around. It’s funny because I see it through out a lot of town that the wildfire stops burning.

Oh yah, Millionaire Blueprints magazine deal. Nice selling tool, Good ol’ Tom writes that about many companies as a way to make money. Just google Millionaire Blueprints magazine and read the rest the monthly publications he puts out. If you can pay the man, he will just about write anything that sounds like good promotional material from the MLM industry. Work at Home magazine is another good example of publication on MLM companies. Great sales tool for Reps. Gary…. Unfortunately Millionaire Blueprints magazine is the only business media FHTM received, do you have a link to show the other business media material?

What value is there in FHTM products and services that you can’t get somewhere else without the pyramids scheme attracted to it? Honestly the services FHTM has are meaningless. Most of the services are unnecessary to have, but reps sign up on them just to they can get paid. I new several people who did the true essentials just to get paid, but they saw no use for it, so it piled up in their garage. Then I read these post about big complaints going through FHTM dish program to cell phone services to the alarm company services. It’s all a big hassle, but your making the person at the top of the pyramid RICH!!!!

In closing I will repeat this again. FHTM is a cleverly disguised pyramid scheme because they own a few products(True Essentials), which they sell to mainly reps in the business, no end-users and then market services they do not own. This will allow them to be barely legal. If your asked to be all 10 customer points or (products and services) in order to be rewarded in the marketing scheme, then your jeopardizing FHTM for being in violation of the FTC regulation act on pyramiding and should be investigated. That is the way FHTM sales people sign people up, to become your own customer.

Hands on on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 9:08 am


Wow! That was awsome! Well put!

Sick Elvis (from my cold) on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 11:24 am


Well, it “sounded” awesome. It’s all repetitive spin, name-calling, pretentious opinion trying to pass of for “intelligent” facts.

You’re still knocking my dad for some reason.

… Tom Spinks and Millionaire Blueprints magazine. How can you accuse the man of writing good things about everyone in his magazine and anyone who “pays him”? The magazine is called “Millionaire Blueprints”, not “Regular Folks Who Try But Don’t Succeed”. Just to be in the magazine is an honour and an accomplishment. It’s like a sports magazine spot-lighting the world’s best athletes. You think these athletes pay the editors of these magazines to write good things about them? Doesn’t matter about the closet full of gold medals and trophies?

What a way to think about life. Cynical. Someone never got breast-fed as a baby.

As for other third-party publications (or what you call good promotional tools) look on your newstand for the most recent issue of “Your Business At Home” magazine. There are many more as mentioned many times throughout this forum. Must be some kind of conspiracy among all these educated subject experts to put their integrity and credentials aside and help scam all their paying readers into getting into illegal pyramids.

As for your claim that FHTM “will try any deceptive tactics to con people into their little pyramid business just to make it to the next level”… well, by FHTM, don’t you mean your relative, or your friend or someone who thinks they care enough about you to share something they’re excited about? You do have friends don’t you? They do care about you don’t they? Why would they want to deceive you? It’s an invitation.

You know, some people see their glass as half full and others see their glass as half empty. Some go around and want to help fill others’ glasses. Others just smash everything because it’s all about them and they just have to make everyone think they’re smart.

Good luck with that.

So far, I don’t see any valid or factual information in your arguement that disproves any of the financial and business experts that endorse and highly recommend FHTM.

We’ve already established it is not for everyone. Not everyone can run a marathon and not everyone can swim for miles. Heck, not everyone can swim. Still, if you want to learn and are willing to start, there are some of us willing to help you and coach you as you get better.

You can knock the system and try to find faults in it and smash everyone’s glasses, but you’re not necessarily doing what’s right for them. Inform them, caution them, but don’t mislead them into thinking their dream or their talents won’t work. How else will we or they discover if they’re the next Michael Jordan or American Idol? FHTM offers a chance to try-out and to audition. Plain and simple.

As for the check, check, big check and ooohh, RED FLAG!!, well, it’s also called “profiling” and in the negative-option way you’re passing it off as a smart way to identify a “bad thing”, it’s academically and in so many other ways completely unsound. They used to call it witch-hunting way back. Let’s see, dark-skin, check, foreign-sounding name, check, flys a lot more than average, BIG CHECK… must be a TERRORIST!! Sorry Barack Obama, no White House for you… more like G-BAY, see ya.

Thing is, you can make everything sound bad with profiling. It’s easy cause it preys on people’s natural fear.

How about this checklist?:

Financially sound… check
Debt free… check
Major endorsements from business experts and third-party publications… check
Very low “investment”… check
Recession proof selection of products and services… check
Established nearly 8 years in the market… check
Growing industry… check
Going global… check
Provides training and support… check
No experience needed… check
Unequalled compensation plan… check
No employees… check
Little or no paperwork… check
a check list of recommended reasons that could go on forever… BIG CHECK!

As for anyone being “abandoned” as their immediate sponsor promotes to Regional and focuses on growing their more profitable team, not so. Doesn’t matter where you’re at, first, everyone starts the same and everyone has Regional Managers and Executive Managers and others on the team who still get paid handsomely for helping everyone. There is no position, place or time where anyone is in an “abandoned” mode.

It almost seems like one is trying to “analyse” and make sense of a board game, but by “researching” bits and pieces that they hear from others about the rules of the game or from hearing from a few who didn’t make it part way around the board. Some of us are actually on the board and winning. Some of us have actually read the rules manual. Some of us are helping others learn how to play and how to win the game.

Others are just waving red flags and spinning around what they hear and trying to sound smart.

Check, check, BIG CHECK bottle baby!

Told you to lay off my dad

Speaking of which, I said my dad used to be a vacuum sales man when I was a kid. He’s not still one. He was on the road so much, someone cut him off at an intersection. Luckily, he was wearing his seat belt and I was at band practice that night. The other driver wasn’t, so he didn’t fair so well. That’s when my dad decided he’d find another way to put food on the table even if it meant working even harder. My dad worked a lot. Too much.

Sick Elvis (from my cold) on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 12:48 pm


Oh yeah… sorry, the compensation plan. It’s obvious you’re still very confused and don’t understand it.

It’s designed so that you earn more as you progress and promote. You earn more for each individual than those above you. You earn more in immediate bonuses, the harder or the longer you work. Breakaways still pay you. Residuals grow and grow and grow until 2 to 5 years later they become more significant than the immediate referral bonuses (and they pay to unlimited levels, throughout multiple teams and they pay through and across breakaways). Re-read more carefully my earlier explanation so I don’t have to repeat all the details again.

This is, by every business expert who has analysed FHTM’s compensation plan, “the best compensation plan in the industry”.

How it is your opinion that it is the worst structure in MLM’s is beyond me. You must know something the experts don’t and must have some hidden genious the rest of us can only appreciate in an anonymous forum such as this. You should have your own blog or your own magazine.

I bow to your greatness.

Just dont tase me dude.

Scott on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 1:19 pm


I’ve seen your kind again and again, beating around the bush with your unprecedented tactics. But you know what 6 months to a year, they are no longing doing MLM anymore, especially after doing FHTM. You can try and use your slick sells tactics all you want to beat around the bush, but the fact still remains. FHTM is a cleverly disguised pyramid scheme because they own a few products(True Essentials), which they sell to mainly reps in the business, no end-users and then market services they do not own. This will allow them to be barely legal. If your asked to be all 10 customer points or (products and services) in order to be rewarded in the marketing scheme, then your jeopardizing FHTM for being in violation of the FTC regulation act on pyramiding and should be investigated. That is the way FHTM sales people sign people up, to become your own customer right off.

Millionaire Blueprints magazine is nothing more than a sales tool, you would be amazed what money can buy when you want a good article written to help rally up the drones to make you more money.

Friends and Relatives, warm market….. best approach on finding your first subjects to con into a scheme, even though I don’t think you should treat them as a mark for exploitation. Make your list of 100 names and numbers and start calling them MLM 101. What happens when people start to cut you short or avoid you every time you come around? Oh look, there is Elvis.. Oh Great, he’s going to try and sell us into one those deals he got into. Hurry lets go, maybe he didn’t see us. Every town has a slick sales rep like Elvis, never fails. Oh well, you can always find another sucker to con.

Highly recommends FHTM….lol Hardly. They are just using FHTM and their sales force as another means to gather a few more customers. No strings attached. Who endorses FHTM? A silly contract with FHTM is not an endorsement. They come and go!

Elvis, there is no profiling, just a fact that FHTM is a cleverly disguised quasi-pyramid scheme!

A privately held company does not disclose their debts or income earning, so how do you know they are financially sound. Paul’s word?

Where are these major endorsements? Millionaire Blueprint is far from it.

Low Investment? They keep changing their investment fee, when does it end? Right now they are not forcing people to be trainers, but eventually they will to keep the company legal. After the required investment and services and a trainer position that adds up. How mush does one pay on 10 services a month? It’s a heck of a lot more than most MLM companies would pay for products and services.

I agree it’s a growing industry, but FHTM has too many questionable problems with the way they operate.

The rest sounds a lot like Excel’s old comp plan on your check list.

Elvis you’re a lucky one for not being abandoned. Just ask anybody that has dropped out in the past 6-12 months or even past couple of years and you will see how it worked out for them. 95% drop out in FHTM should tell a lot about the integrity of a company. Most are so frustrated after the money they lose with FHTM. By the way, how long have you been in FHTM? Did you know a lot of leaders have left FHTM in the past 2 years? They are all tired of chasing that elusive recruit as Chris would say.

I’ll throw in another scenario that you deceptive reps have used, and used in order to benefit your means. $$$ Wally; “Yo Elvis you have any plans this evening?” Elvis; “No why, what’s up?” Wally; “if your not busy I’m going to swing by and pick you up, I would like to share something with you this evening.” Evlis; “Gee Wally I don’t know.” Wally; “it won’t take long I promise.” Elvis; “What is this all about?” Wally; “Don’t worry about, I have to show you because I can’t really explain it over the phone.” Elvis; “Ok I guess so, let me put by vacuums up and I’ll be waiting for you to arrive.”

Best compensation plan? Every company has a waked-out expert who is says they have the best plan in the industry, it is mumbo jumbo for possible attraction! I know FHTM plan extremely well. Again how long have you been in FHTM?

Watch Out For Pyramids (FHTM)
Steer clear of multilevel marketing plans that pay commissions for recruiting new distributors. They’re actually illegal pyramid schemes. FHTM barely legal with a product they own. “Check”

Why is pyramiding dangerous? Because plans that pay commissions for recruiting new distributors inevitably collapse when no new distributors can be recruited. And when a plan collapses, most people-except perhaps those at the very top of the pyramid-end up empty-handed. “This is what I’ve been saying all along. Check!”

How to Evaluate a Plan
If you’re thinking about joining what appears to be a legitimate multilevel marketing plan, take time to learn about the plan before signing on. “ Print out a check list to bring to a meeting to look for Red Flags. Check!”

What’s the company’s track record? What products does it sell? How does it back up claims it makes about its product? Is the product competitively priced? Is it likely to appeal to a large customer base? What up-front investment do you have to make to join the plan? Are you committed to making a minimum level of sales each month? Will you be required to recruit new distributors to be successful in the plan? “ Recruitment is the focus in FHTM not sales. Check!”

Use caution if a distributor tells you that for the price of a “start-up kit” of inventory and sales literature -and sometimes a commitment to sell a specific amount of the product or service each month-you’ll be on the road to riches. No matter how good a product and how solid a multilevel marketing plan may be, expect to invest sweat equity as well as dollars for your investment to pay off. “Ouch that explains FHTM Check!”

Your Responsibilities
If you decide to become a distributor, remember that you’re legally responsible for the claims you make about the company, its product and the business opportunities it offers. That applies even if you’re simply repeating claims you read in a company brochure or advertising flyer. “ Deceptive Income Claims. Check!”

When you promote the qualities of a product or service, you’re obligated to present those claims truthfully and to ensure there’s enough solid evidence to back them up. The Federal Trade Commission advises you to verify the research behind any claims about a product’s performance before repeating those claims to a potential customer. N/A focus is on recruiting!

Likewise, if you decide to solicit new distributors, be aware that you’re responsible for any claims you make about a distributor’s earnings potential. Be sure to represent the opportunity honestly and to avoid making unrealistic promises. If those promises fall through, remember that you could be held liable. “Another ouch…FHTM Check!”

For many, the real attraction of involvement in multi-level marketing like FHTM is the thinly veiled pyramid con-scheme made quasi-legal by the presence of a product or service. The ethical concessions necessary to be successful in FHTM are stark and difficult to deal with for most people. One can’t help but wish that the “neighborhood” could be like it once was. But an MLM storm has blown through, ruining valuable relationships with no regret or conscience. And brace yourself, another one is coming. Perhaps it is in that smiling face “Elvis” approaching you, or in that nice letter you just received from a “friend”?
What goes unnoticed to the MLMer is that when the neighborhood is turned into a marketplace, something precious is lost… which is not easily regained.
This aspect of the MLM experience should not be underestimated, you should think twice about the value of friends, family, community, and church fellowship before joining or continuing in the FHTM cult realm.

Sick Elvis (from my cold) on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 2:28 pm


Wow. That was even more awesome than your last one. Now pro-FHTM people are not only deceptive, but we’re in some “cult-realm”.

Wow.

The financial experts are all in our pockets and on FHTM’s payroll.

Wow.

Okay, here’s my final shot at “reason”…

You see an opportunity to maybe save a little money on your long-distance, or internet or satellite (but you don’t care about the True Essentials products, which is fine, no one is pushing them or forcing you to get them).

You also see an opportunity to make some income throuhg FHTM and have the option to give up the long hours or long commute of your regular job where if you get injured, down-sized, or can’t work anymore, your income completely stops.

You invite 3 friends (warm market as you put it, or people you care about and want to see do well too). They sign up and you get your $299 back.

You then activate 3 service points (satellite, or cell phone, or XM Satellite, or any of the other choices).

You can’t find any more “warm market” contacts and you quit. Well, you got your money back and you still continue to use the internet and your cell-phone, etc.

Bad deal? Think anyone can try and pry your cell-phone from your cold dead hands?

Let’s say you don’t quit and your team of 3 eventually gets 3 each of their own and your team is now 12, well, then you’re Regional and you should consider activating a few more points in order to get paid the most possible from this new area of the compensation plan. You don’t have to consume these additional points yourself, you can gather actual customers who would like to try Disney Mobile, GE Security or any of the various name-brand quality products and services (or do you still think these names are associated with “worthless” stuff?).

Again, you can quit at this point or you could invite a 4th person and build with them a new team of 16. From here on it all things get a little easier and a lot more rewarding.

Penny’s cousin went through this process and at some point called things done when she had 400 in her team. She earned thousands each month as she progressed and then enjoyed $600 each month in minimum residuals every month thereafter.

Good thing she didn’t quit too early on. But even if she had, how did she lose any of her original investment?

I know people who spend more than $299 A MONTH on cigarettes. Excellent financial investment that one.

As for the FTC, FTC, FTC, pyramid, pyramid, pyramid. You can say it as many times as you want, it doesn’t make it any more valid. FHTM is still in business going on 8 years now. In Canada, Puerto Rico, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and adding 7 new countries in the very near future. If FHTM was an illegal pyramid or pyramid of any kind, not only the FTC in the United States, but the equivalent federal agencies in each of these countries would have shut FHTM down or refused them a license to do business in those countries.

As for the common misconception that FHTM is a “pyramid” cause that’s what the old profile seems to visually bring to mind in people who don’t understand the compensation plan and where the money is actually coming from. Wrong. FHTM is not a pyramid in any way, shape, or form. Period. Your $299 is not making some guy at the top rich. Marketing revenues from the companies supplying the products and services are feeding the bonuses in the compensation plan and then the monthly bills being paid each month by consumers of these services are feeding the residuals. The ’stair-case’ breakway structure actually makes things even more fair so that as you progress in the business, you get paid more and more and the people above you get less and less. The breakaway structure prevents any one person “at the top” from earning all the money while everyone below scrambles for scraps. This simply doesn’t happen with FHTM’s structure. Again, it looks more like an inverted tree with new branches growing all the time (and the bulk of the revenues coming through the main ‘trunk’ from the marketing dollars and feeding all the ‘leaves’/reps. Not a pyramid.

So I’m done trying to educate.

You can call me slick if you want and call Tom Spinks (editor of Millionaire Blueprints) a corrupt sell-out if you want. You can wave red flags and try to sell people fear.

I don’t think you’re arguing from any point of credibility anymore.

I’ll now return to our “cult realm” and leave you to your flag holding.

Good luck “professor”.

Cindy on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 3:11 pm


Elvis, give it up. You and FHTM sound like a fraud. I find many valid points on this blog, but for you, you sound like lying Politian.

Scott on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 3:23 pm


This pretty much sums it up.

I. Market Saturation: An Inherent Problem
Back to the Basics
A tutorial on market saturation hardly seems necessary in most business discussions, but with MLM, unfortunately, it is. Common sense seems to get suspended when considering if MLMs are viable, even theoretically, as a profitable means of distribution for all parties involved. This suspension is created by a heightened expectation of “easy money,” but more on that later.

II. Pyramid Structure: An Organizational Problem
The Un-Pyramid
For most MLMs, the product is really a mere diversion from the real profit-making dynamic. To anyone familiar with MLMs, the previous discussion (which focused so much on the fact that MLMs are “doomed by design” to reach market saturation and thus put the people who are legitimately trying to sell the product into a difficult situation) may seem to miss the point. The product or service may well be good, and it might oversaturate at some point, but let’s get serious. The product is not the incentive to join an MLM. Otherwise people might have shown an interest in selling this particular product or service before in the real world. The product is the excuse to attempt to legitimate the real money-making engine. It’s “the cover.”

III. Morality and Ethics: A Problem of Greed
Moral Riddle: What is Ever Present but Universally Condemned?
While issues of morality and ethics can be tricky to discuss, materialism and greed are universally condemned by every major religion, and even by most of the irreligious. This does not mean people are not materialistic or greedy; in fact, the common ethical call to not be so is strong evidence that we are.
For most people, this means if we are going to be materialistic or greedy, we would rather not be obvious about it. Thus, Madison Avenue has subtle, highly polished ways of appealing to these vices without being heavy handed. We don’t mind so much… as long as it is “veiled.” This hypocrisy, while sad, is the status quo. So, Madison Avenue is trying to be ever more subtle in appearing not to be manipulating our immoral “bent” towards greed and materialism.

IV. Relationship Issues: An Experiential Problem
Learning the Hard Way
MLMs grow by exploiting people’s relationships. If you are going to be in an MLM, you swallow hard and accept this as part of “building your business.” This is “networking.” But to those not “in” the MLM, it seems as if friendship is merely a pretext for phoniness, friendliness is suspected as prospecting, and so on. There is no middle ground here, try as you might.
While this is the most difficult point to make, it is perhaps the most important. Anyone who has any experience with an MLM has strong feelings, either for or against, and this is the problem. Polarization runs deep.

Elvis, I know for a fact you’re arguing without any point of credibility. You have nothing to back up your claims of legitimacy with FHTM. It’s plain and simple, FHTM is a disguised quasi-pyramid scheme barely legal with the presence of a products or services. Most people see it for what it is after the first approach, one of those pyramid deals!

Peace out Bro!!!

Gary Schonne on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 4:47 pm


Elvis
They don’t get, and never will, so you’re beating a dead horse.
Apparently, Scott knows much more than the experts who investigate and write about this kind of stuff for a living.

Scott, if I may chime in to you, may I suggest you never try to go into business for yourself, for you don’t seem to understand that bringing in new customers is necessary to keep any business alive.
Doesn’t matter if they are new members in a MLM, or new customers for an existing business, no new people and the business won’t survive.
In a pyramid scheme, new people are necessary for their money to pay the existing investors, in FHTM’s network marketing business the new people generate income for the company through marketing funds paid by partner companies, research this if you don’t believe me, I did before I signed up.
In my own business I work as a master distributor for a body manufacturing company, and our company receives bonuses for signing up new distributors in the US, on top of the commissions we receive when they place orders. Same principal, only people signing up for FHTM don’t need to purchase a semi truck load of items, just those things they will use in their every day life. The bottom line is that FHTM is not for everyone, but it works for many. It’s not a scam, it’s not illegal, it’s not a ponzi scheme, and it’s all above board.
In business it takes years of hard work to develop a good reputation, but only a second to develop a bad one.
In business I have a very good reputation, and I would not waist my time with FHTM if I did not believe in it.
Being in the automotive industry, I am greatful to have had my FHTM to help weather the storm.
Gary.

Sick Elvis (but getting better now) on Sat, 13th Sep 2008 7:58 pm


Now that’s a breath of fresh air, Gary.

Well said… and you’re right, this horse is beat. All MLM’s look the same to these dead horses.

Just glad they’re not in charge of homeland security.

Pat Beausejour on Sun, 14th Sep 2008 4:13 pm


Most of my work experience has been with fortune 500 companies. They had great profit sharing plans and benefits. why aren’t people complaining that when then left for the 5 or 10 year vesting time they got none of the profit sharing the employeer contributed. My husband retired from the military and his retirement package keeps changes. He uses the VA hospital and has a co-pay. Some services as a dependant arean’t available to me at all. The medical benefits were supposed to be free. Now I can pick a HMO or PPO and pay for it. I can’t sue the govenment for changing the terms of his retirement. My first boss told be you get out of a job what you put in. It seems that there are more books on how to succeed, or buy my book to generate leads. No company can survice without keeping some of the profit. I already use a cell phone, satellite TV, internet service. The commission is more than what I would get if I walked into At&T or Verizon and signed up. I’ve had many of the cell phone companies available and have changed because of service problems. Just because one company didn’t work didn’t mean I wasn’t going to have a cell phone.
the only person that see fit to judge any MLM is someone that was in all of them. Looking in from the outside doesn’t give anyone expect experience. I’m already doing most of my shopping on the internet. A little back each month from what I do normally is more that I can spend another month.

Lastly, no job has a life time guarantee. Yes I’m with FHTM. Want to know more go to my site http://www.fhtmus.com/cnp

JP on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 11:36 am


Interesting points from both sides… but, still, I am amazed to keep reading (from some of the earlier posts) that the business model that FHTM has is ‘unique’, and that national retailers are lining up to do business via FHTM. Both claims are rather ignorant and untrue.

Paying commissions to someone who may be an independent reseller is NOT unique. In fact, FHTM pays a smaller level of commission than most web-based retailers do to third-parties.

Secondly, the national retailers that FHTM promotes (other than those owned by FHTM execs… giving these people incredible profits since they do not pay salaries, and only small commissions) do business with x,xxx’s of resellers and vendors. Do you really think that AT&T Wireless execs are sitting in their boardroom patting themselves on the backs that FHTM has agreed to resell their services? Doubtfully. This is just another resale outlet for them (and a majority of their sales are direct, or, via corporate sales to larger customers).

So, for those of you who are profitably doing business via FHTM, more power to you, but, please do not try and dress this up as ‘your own business’, it is just a low-paid resales position, which is part of a legal pyramid structure (since the primary revenue stream is new sign-ups, and not the pitiful small commissions paid out).

Scott on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 12:50 pm


New FHTM reps never pay attention and will never learn, they always try their slick kirby salesmen tatics to recruit people. They have one purpose and one purpose only, recruit others so they can make a go at it to make money. Creed!!! We hear the same ol’ speech when someone new gets in and is all pumped up about FHTM. They try their best to justify the reasons FHTM is ethical or legit, but fail!

I held out on posting the last 3 points because that sums it up about FHTM. The points are very strong about FHTM. I will go into detail on the first point. By design, 99% of the people that get involved in FHTM will fail and drop out. You have the market saturation situation, tongue twister, happen all the time in towns and small cities.

Examples of Market Saturation are pointed out all over this blog. I will cite a few of them as proof.

Penny’s cousin who posted on this blog about her cousin running out of people to recruit from where she lives, everyone heard about it and the market became saturated and the income could not sustain itself anymore because of the horrible residual pay plan does not outweigh the recruits. Sounds like reps use the word leverage as an illusion to con people into FHTM. Penny’s cousin tried to sucker her into this business, but new too well what was to come.

R.M. said :This scam has recently hit Kaufman County and surrounding areas in Texas targeting churches.” The reps used deceiving tactics saying someone is coming to talk about land grants that will help buy land to build a new church, but in reality it was a sales pitch by a Fortune Rep. Why would one lie in order to get people to hear what a Fortune Rep would have to say. Sounds like a Con artist. Even R.M. was thinking Pyramid prototype.

Doug D. said “ Our church is big but still, the other 10 FHTM reps in our church have asked most everyone to sign up. We’ve made about 30 contacts and got 30 “no’s” so far. “ “It’s quasi-legal pyramid is legal but in my opinion, not ethical. “ He also found another post from another site that said: “ This business is like a virus, it will infect you for awhile, but make a mess of things when it’s done. “ Now why would someone say that? Maybe because that person lives in a small town of 12,000 people and market saturation kicked in quick. Sounds like the little cowboy “Mike Misenheimer” no longer comes to that town after he milked them dry for his personal gains.

Chris also had a similar situation in his city, now everyone jumped ship. Market Saturation

It came sweeping through my area about a year ago and now the wildfire is long gone and it will never return. Since I’m well connected, and I have watched first hand of the ending results the market saturation is happening everywhere. This blog is proof enough.

Now a days if you mention FHTM in these towns, people don’t walk away, they will slap you in the face and run-away.

Once people get a whiff of this scam you hound dogs are off to another town/city. People use common sense and tend to stay clear of the FHTM scam. The only value to FHTM is to make money by recruiting people in the warm market “Friends and Family”! There is no value in the products or services FHTM offers.

Most people lose more money than what they make. If your not getting in first, then the rest of the 99% will loss out.
Most people will sign up on services that are unnecessary. Just read the post on this blog.
Most service FHTM offers, the FHTM reps or customers have a horrible time with the customer service and the service itself.
Most people don’t agree to the contracts on these services.
Most people, and I can vouch for what I’ve seen, will have unnecessary products (True Essentials) pile up in their garage, just so they can qualify for commission.
Most people have expressed their bad experience compared to any good ones.

Shawn said: Entire upline was fired for unethical practices. Interesting thing about what he says and I think this is happening to this very day. Buying peoples ways in to make your quota. Creed!!!! Shawn also brings inside information that unveils FHTMs true calling. Most of the people at the top of the pyramid in FHTM came from Excel Telecommunications and was granted a spot in FHTM if they meet their quota.

Look at bubba, he was being conned because it could not be explained over the phone and did not trust.

Skeptical in Los Angeles makes a valid point. Warren Buffet bought a few MLM companies because these firms seem to keep most of the profits themselves and pay out less than what they would pay for an on-payroll employee (with benefits, S.S. taxes, vacation/sick pa, etc.) Very interesting viewpoint, that clarifies why only the people at the top of FHTM pyramid that get in first of was granted a position if they meet their quota are the only ones that will make any money with FHTM, while thousands and thousands will lose and drop out, 99%. JP also justifies this interesting point.

Only a small percent come out with making any kind of decent money. Why? Because of the leverage of using others to justify their means of making money. Creed!!!

FHTM is a disguised quasi-pyramid scheme barely legal with the presence of a products or services. Most people see it for what it is after the first approach, one of those pyramid deals!

Gary Schonne on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 4:01 pm


One thing I don’t understand is why do you keep using the term “pyramid” when describing FHTM.
To be a pyramid or ponzi scheme it would require the money from new investors to repay the existing ones, only one problem, FTHM will give you back your sign up money if you sign up 3 more reps in a given time frame, so where does the money come from? When you sign up new people it also provides a bonus for your managers in each step above you, far more than the sign up fee.
You do the math, if you get up to $100.00, and you regional manager gets up to $200.00 and their national manager gets their $200.00 + etc…
Where does this money come from?
It must come from the partner companies. I sure don’t think Paul Oberson is using his pocket cash to pay everyone.
Another thing, if you have to sign people up to be paid, why do I receive a regular “commission” check, even on those months when I have signed no one new into my down line?
While it is true that most people will quit in most MLM’s, this is true in almost all sales type jobs too.
Remember, 90% of the sales come from 10% of the sales force.
Personally I feel FHTM is above board and a good source of income.
If my past year in FHTM is any indication, I plan to use my residual income from FHTM to suppliment my retirement.
So while I’m relaxing at my Horse Ranch in Calif, or on my 80 acres in Wyoming you can continue to bash MLM’s and it won’t bother me a bit, but when you do, please be truthful in you comments, and calling FHTM a pyramid is not correctly stating the facts.
Pyramid or Ponzi schemes are clearly illegal and the principals of such are regularly prosecuted.

Elvis (yeah, horse is dead and so am I, still...) on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 4:16 pm


FHTM’s compensation plan is unique because of how it pays from “outside” marketing revenues (paid by the companies supplying the products and services) and not from the sign-up fees while still paying as you build residuals (which pay from the product sales).

Small residuals compared to selling direct (like Avon, which my wife tried and enjoyed), but big residuals as a whole when you consider that you’re getting paid on the monthly bills from everyone who joined and continues to join your team (not just on your own sales) and to unlimited levels. So if you have 100 people, you’re getting paid on 100 people’s sales and not just on your own. This is what’s meant by “leverage”. Also, the longer you stay in FHTM and progress and promote, the more you get paid as you invite new people to become reps.

FHTM does not pay the 1% who join earliest and the other 99% fight for “scraps”. There is no such thing as a 95% or 99% drop-out rate. Whoever said that will never be able to prove it as it simply isn’t so. According to Forbes magazine, FHTM is one of the 25 fastest growing companies in the decade (and the only network marketing company on the list — again, FHTM is “unique”). How can you be acclaimed as one of the top 25 fastest growing companies in the last 10 years if you’re constantly losing 95% of your sales base?

Simply put, FHTM pays the most to those who stay in the longest (not the ones who got in earliest).

You join, you work, you don’t quit, FHTM works very handsomely for you. You quit too soon, then you have no way of enjoying the residuals that build “to unlimited levels” through the compensation plan and you’ve thrown all leverage out the window.

As MLM’s go, FHTM is truly unique. It is not like any of the others. The structure, the compensation plan, its purpose and the leadership are all unique. It may look (to some) like it fits old profiles of what a “pyramid” looks like, but when you understand how it works, you realize it isn’t even close in shape or form or function.

If you listen to the experts, look at its credit rating from Dun&Bradstreet and look at the actual “complaints” in the Better Business Bureau (and how the company resolved them or tried to), then you will see why this company still continues to grow and expand to other countries faster than any other network marketing company in the decade and faster than even traditional companies.

Microsoft took 22 years to reach the same level in sales as FHTM managed to accomplish in 7 years. Microsoft has thousands of employees and warehouses and R&D and a top-down pay plan (as with most traditional corporations). You may start at the bottom, but you’re never likely going to earn more than anyone else “at the top” at one of these traditional corporations. FHTM in contrast has only 48 people running the whole show. This is how FHTM can afford to pay out 95-98% of its marketing revenue back to the reps. Only 48 employees. Again, this is another reason FHTM’s compensation plan is unique in the industry. What other company gives most of its revenues back to the reps? Any one rep can work hard enough and work long enough to eventually become the top money-earner in the whole company.

Repeating tired old arguments and examples and twisting them to fit a profile does not make them true.

The bottom line on Penny’s cousin’s now classic example of what typically happens when someone “stops recruiting” (but after building a team of only 400) completely disproves all arguments that have been presented against FHTM in this forum. Even after running out of personal prospects, she’s still earning more in residuals each month than she could have possibly invested. How is she out a “huge investment like so many others in this forum”? $299? She’s not out anything. She’s got positive cash flow that is more than a lot of people’s retirement pension leaves them after working hard for someone else for 40 years. Why is she making these residuals still (even though she’s no longer personally recruiting anyone anymore)? Because FHTM’s unique compensation continues to pay to unlimited levels on residuals from people in her team who are still enjoying their cell-phones, internet, satellite and other products and services.

If FHTM was a pyramid and it had a 95-99% drop-out rate as this forum keeps regurgitating, then how does Penny’s cousin’s real-world experience make sense? Where are the residuals coming from if 95-99% of Penny’s team quits as it joins?

When you consider how difficult it is to educate someone even in a forum such as this, you can understand why FHTM reps do not make a productive habit of trying to explain what FHTM is over the phone. It’s too difficult and if they don’t understand it in the first few brief minutes, people feel defensive (and maybe embarrassed) and they come up with excuses why they don’t want to give you the chance to show them instead. They see you’re excited and they see you understand it and recommend it, but since they don’t get it, they’d rather avoid it altogether and avoid feeling stupid.

Some, even after seeing it don’t get it and rather than appear stupid at this point, they try and justify their “decision” by saying “it sounds like a pyramid” and then stubbornly defending their position instead of the actual facts or admitting they don’t get it or don’t believe in themselves enough to actually succeed.

I’m not knocking them or trying to be “slick”, I’m just saying that is human nature. People get defensive when they feel their self-esteem levels put them on the spot. Just look at any Jerry Springer episode and see how people react when they feel their intelligence, integrity, or “honour” are challenged.

This is why we learn quickly as FHTM reps that it’s best to keep the invitation quick and light. We’re recommending to those we care about enough to want to invite that they make time to see the actual business overview. We then try to keep the overview to a reasonable time to respect how busy we all are.

If that’s being “deceptive” then, wow. It’s an invitation to see a business overview where everything is spelled out. It’s not a phonecall to start a pointless debate or neverending forum.

As Gary put it, FHTM is not for everyone, but it works for many.

As has been previously said in this forum, if you want to get financially fit, then FHTM is a great GYM and a great coaching ground… recommended by top atheletes and top experts… and knocked by a few on the side-lines and a few who didn’t give themselves enough playing time or still don’t understand the game.

It’s not get rich quick. It’s 2-5 years of actual work while you get compensated nicely.

We all intend to “retire” from FHTM someday. Hopefully in only 2 to 5 years.

Penny on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 4:30 pm


Hello Elvis,

My cousin’s residual stopped just as it will for you. Like Scott pointed out Market Saturation. Everyone dropped out. We don’t even hear about it anymore except on blogs like this.

Scott,

You make some very valid points, that everyone must adhere by. Great Job!

Smiles

Gary Schonne on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 4:37 pm


Elvis
Scott and Penny have tried to make their point, but I’m going to continue to listen to media venues such Forbes and Fox Business News when researching my financial decisions.
My we all prosper in our endeavors.
Gary.

Elvis (yeah, horse is dead and so am I, still...) on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 5:39 pm


Scott:

Nice impersonation of Penny. Love these anonymous forums. You can call yourself any name you want.

Slick trick, or “tactics” as you put it.

I’d rather listen to the experts as Gary suggested. Whether you think they’re all corrupt and being paid by FHTM to “write nice things about them”…

Maybe Chris, if he is fair in the moderation of his own blog, could compare your IP signature with that of “Penny’s” latest entry and to her original entry from April 15th. Does it match yours, or is it really hers?

Either way, Scott, you still don’t understand the compensation or the revenue structure.

Costco charges a yearly membership fee. If everyone eventually ends up with a Costco membership in town, Costco doesn’t shut it’s doors because they can’t sell new memberships. They simply keep generating revenues from people buying their procuts and services month after month after month. They may also get bonuses and rebates from the suppliers of these products and services. Sometimes, they pass these on to their cstomers. Too bad they don’t pay us referal fees for new members though.

So again, how does “market saturation” work again, “Penny”? Last I looked, it’s going global and growing faster than almost every other company in existance in the last decade (according to Forbes magazine, provided their credibility is not still in question).

Look, bottom line is it’s $299 to join FHTM ($399 in Canada) for the yearly business license. If you only earn a “net” of only $1 each day in “savings” or in “commissions/residuals/referal bonuses”, you pretty much break even on your original investment.

What a pyramid scam that must be, eh?

Huge potential loss.

Again, listen to the experts.

This is now more and more looking like the Valley of Dead Horses. See, endless, unproductive debate and senseless argument… Valley of Death.

Some people get it, some people don’t. Next!

Penny on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 7:27 pm


Elvis:

I love your music.

You’re awesome.

Penny

Penny's cousin on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 7:29 pm


Yeah Elvis:

I made enough money to pay off my car and still get residuals, but my cousin Penny would rather earn a higher percentage residual for only 8 levels instead of a smaller percentage but to unlimited levels.



Real smilies.

See how this works?

Elvis flogging his last dead horse on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 7:38 pm


Thank you ladies, if I had a penny for ever Penny… wait wouldn’t that be an illegal pyramid?

What if the Penny’s run out and the market is saturated with people pretending to be Penny’s?

Oh the humanity!

Dead horse. Valley of Dead Horses.

Thank you very much…


Scott on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 9:35 pm


Gary,

It remains legal because of the fact they cleverly disguise themselves with the use of products and or services as you keep making money chasing that never-ending recruit. Fact!!!
You have a few things to learn on the funneling of money to take the lose up front to recoup on the back-end on how Paul pays their reps. Much like his former training grounds he learned from as a rep. Skeptical in Los Angeles paints a vivid picture as well.

Please come back and let us know how that Horse Ranch in Calif. Works out. I’m betting by the timeline you set to achieve your goal, most of your downline, which is not much of one at the moment, will be recovering from MLM therapy from deceptive lies.

Elvis, Elvis, Elvis,

You just won’t quit trying to defend something a new rep is all pumped up about. Preaching the same stuff we all heard before from a new rep. The 99% drop out is a fact unless you can prove otherwise. Market Saturation. The Drop out may not happen right away, but when the annual renewal of your entry fee comes up, most do not pay to renew.

You keep bringing up Forbes, but I haven’t seen proof of these claims of FHTM being the 25 fastest growing companies in the decade. Is there a way I can find this information? Maybe a link to Forbes back dated issues? Is this information that was told to you or did this happened in Fortunes infancy which can obscure earnings at first.

What is so morally and ethically right about asking a friend or family to sign up in Fortune and then turn around and tell them they need to be on at least 3 services to start their business right away or maybe 10 services to start their business, just so a check can be cut right away for yourself? That does not include the one time activation fees most of the services charge or the fact that most of the services are of no use, but you sign up on them anyways to start your business. Then some of the services have contracts to them. What about the reps who turn around and tell their new sponsor they need to be a trainer and spend another $300-$400. Don’t you feel bad about someone signing up just so you can make money off of them? You know they will drop out! Many reps do not have a clue about the services and activation fees, until after they sign up.

Then they tell you not to worry about the comp plan. From years of knowing Fortune I know the comp plan extremely well and the Stair-step break-away plain is one of the worst in the MLM network marketing industry. Your focus will always and forever be to recruit, chasing that never ending super rep to make money. If you never studied other comp plans you will never understand. That is why a lot of well known and respectable leaders left in the past few years. You have to have thousands of people in your downline to be able to reap any residual rewards and by that time, most the people have dropped out. How can you have walk-away income in a scheme like that?

Seems like FHTM reps need to read this post instead of jumping to the defense on the blog section to question some of the points made. You all sound too defensive and cannot back up what you say.

FHTM is a legalized quasi-pyramid -scheme barely legal with the presence of products or services they hide behind. Paul O. is taking advantage of it. From personal experience of where I live and from what I read it seems like the FHTM reps lie to get you to a meeting, they lie to church going people to get them to hear a sales pitch. They lie about expansion, when they haven’t gone anywhere for several years. They are willing to pay your way in to make their quota. They tell you they have a team of people ready to put under you but never follow through. They use tactics like chasing the rabbit – have a rep form filled out but not keyed into the system, so you can use that as leverage to go to the next person and say I have this person ready to get in and I will place them under you. I personally know a pastor from a small town that went through what R.M. went through, but he actually had most the town under him. Both him and his wife where gun-ho like you Elvis, but 2 years later not one single person is doing it. He even got into another business to lose weight with the lollipop deal. He’s not even doing that anymore, but he might still be using the product. I’m just basing my judgment from what I read and have seen. Everything justifies that Fortune is nothing more than a legalized quasi pyramid-scheme. Elvis, you are being too defensive about Fortune. None of what you say can clarify that FHTM is a legit business.

Using that same ol’ speech again about Microsoft that is passed down from 15 years ago used by another MLM companies.

Oh yah, nice try on the impersonation blame… you only wished impersonation is going on when too many people see what Fortune is, a legalized scam.

Once greed takes control, it doesn’t seem to matter how well off or intelligent people are, they just lose control of their faculties. I have no sympathy for these greedy people who only care about making money off friends and family. Very unethical and low.

Scott on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 9:50 pm


Interesting. I guess a scam artist such as yourself knows all kinds of computer tricks.

Shows a lot about how you represent your FHTM business.

Penny seems like an honest person, but then you turn around and degraded her as you do for anyone who is biased against FHTM.

Very unethical and low.

Timothy on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 10:44 pm


Hey everybody, haven’t been here in a few days and you guys have really heated up. Man ya’ll are thowing around some rough stuff. Does it really matter if one of you don’t like FHTM and one of you do. I mean it’s just not for everyone. Some people think everything is a scam when honestly my job is the only real scam because the top dog is making the money and I’m not making nearly enough. You see, just broaden your horizons and ask yourself, am I happy making what I’m making now? I don’t think you are. I’m not happy with what I’m making. So I joined fortune and have a great team that’s growing exponentially and it’s creating a really great income. Don’t join fortune because of me. Just re-evaluate your situation, if you’re not happy with your compensation then think of what you can do. Try and start your own company or work toward a better job. Do something because we all deserve a lot more than life throws at us. We all just need to remember that we are all trying to provide the best for our families and shouldn’t be fussing about the method that I use or some else uses to do that. Good luck

P.S. Just a note to ever who was saying that FHTM is a pyramid because you don’t have to sell anything. That’s the beauty isn’t is? I just switched the things that I was already doing and it works great for me. Seriously everbody, just calm down and do whatever you love. If you love going to work then go to work and if you love doing fortune then go do fortune. see ya

Jerry Springer on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 11:49 pm


Next on Jerry Springer, is Paul Orberson your baby’s daddy? We’ll ask some dead horses. Tune in and see some real fireworks…

Inquiring mind on Tue, 16th Sep 2008 12:29 am


Hey Scott:

How was Penny “degraded” exactly?

By implying she may actually like Elvis’ music?

How come you have to pass judgement and opinion on everything instead of providing some actual proof?

FHTM reps are all “scam artists” to you. All business and financial experts and 3rd-party publications that write about FHTM are corrupt and paid by FHTM to write only positive things.

FHTM’s stair-step breakaway is in your opinion the worst MLM compensation-type ever (despite the experts’ assurance of the opposite). If this is the worst, what’s the best exactly (in your experienced opinion)?

FHTM’s drop-out rate you insist is 99% and is “a fact unless someone can prove to you otherwise”. Guilty until proven innocent. Accuse someone by way of loose profiling and innuendo and send them to Guantanamo Bay unless they can prove somehow that they’re not a terrorist or a pyramid or a 99% sinkhole of a scam.

People have tried and tried and tried to explain to you Scott why none of what you claim is true, but it’s impossible and very clear now that there is no listening to reason. Instead, all efforts to provide detail, clarification to informa and to educate are labelled as “too defensive” scam tactics.

FHTM leaders whom you claim dropped-out you label as well-known and respectable. Yet, Tom Spinks (editor of Millionaire Blueprints) who could not possibly have recommended FHTM to its paying readers in any higher way, is to you a corrupt sell-out and we should all be amazed at how money can buy any expert’s praise. Convenient how you modify labels to make your opinion and innuendo
sound more ‘credible’.

It’s all baseless and doesn’t fit reality. You’re profiling the wrong cause. Whatever the “lollipop” thing was that you mentioned, maybe you should focus your ignorance on them.

This is fast becoming a waste of time, energy and intellectual effort.

It’s even losing it’s entertainment value.

Maybe we should start our own blogs instead “for fun and money” as it says on the top banner of this one. Start another stream of income. Wonder how much is the startup fee. Hmm…

Miticus on Tue, 16th Sep 2008 1:54 pm


i was looking for a long time something like this, i’m glad i found it here

Gary Schonne on Tue, 16th Sep 2008 4:08 pm


Scott
1. As a business owner I know enough to do my research before investing in anything, which I did prior to signing up for FHTM.
You see Scott, unlike the average individual, I looked long and hard into Fortune before signing up. I made an educated decision.
Your assumption that the company is based on lies and deception is just your opinion.
The pay compensation to those in the upper levels of the company does not bear out your theory that the money is coming from the new members.
If you understood business and sales you would see how it truly works.
2. As for the horse ranch east of LA, well sorry to burst your bubble, but my office is in my ranch house and that’s where I am now.

Pedro the lion on Wed, 17th Sep 2008 10:56 am


I have really enjoyed reading the comments on both sides of the argument. Scott seems like he hates anything that has to do with FHTM even the people. I can respect his opinion and think that he has written some good things.

I also think Gary has written some great things and seems to have done his research on FHTM. It has been a very interesting discussion and I am interested to see where it goes.

I have a question i used my friends FHTM website to buy a plane ticket and was not sent a confirmation email confirming when my flight was, flight number things of that nature. has anyone else tried to use travelocity and had problems?

Gary Schonne on Wed, 17th Sep 2008 4:36 pm


Pedro
I have used my FHTM to purchase travel accommodations and I did receive an email confirmation.
You should have a confirmation number, and that number is what will get you your ticket at the airport.
You can go back to the website and look up your info and print it just to be safe.
They have a toll free number if you have any problems.
I have noticed that my travel through FHTM has been at a lower cost than competing travel websites, I checked many of them.
My last business trip was for a week (5 days 4 nights) in Atlanta, air fare, hotel, (business room with a king at the Holiday Inn, Capitol Conference Center.) and ground transportation, all for $738.00 plus tax. The next best was Expedia for $1180.00, so I do reap other benefits from my FHTM business, plus I got an $11.00 commission check back for selling myself my travel package. Just the travel benifits alone have made my sign up fee at FHTM a good value, and now all my friends and business associates use my website to book their travel, and I get paid for it. Love my FHTM!
Gary.

I'm going to vote for Pedro on Wed, 17th Sep 2008 9:06 pm


Pedro:

First time I tried to use my FHTM travel website to go to Calgary, I experienced the same problem that you described. I assumed the e-ticket would be waiting for me at the airline counter, but they had no record of it when I went to check in. Problem was simply that I tried to book it at 1am the same morning as my flight which was at 7am. As I had no e-mail with a confirmation number, the flight was not confirmed. I don’t know what the lead time is for booking flights, but my hotel reservation was fine for that same trip. I did get a confirmation e-mail for my hotel.

In contrast, I booked our extended family (11 of us) hotel, flight and activities (KB Farm, Universal Studios, Park Hopper tickets, etc.) all through my FHTM travel website well in advance of our trip to Disneyland for the end of this month. I know we saved money as we checked with 3 separate travel agents AND we also did comparisons with Expedia’s and Excape.ca’s on-line travel websites as well. We like the fact that FHTM’s (powered by Travelocity website) would tell us when there were only a few seats left on a flight well in advance as we selected our flight details. With the others, you’d waste a lot of time going through various screens to the point of booking, only then to find out the flight was full. FHTM’s tells you the number of seats left before all that.

One thing, though, in all fairness, my brother-in-law discovered (after we already booked everything), that the airline’s own website offered a ’slightly’ better price on the flight itself PLUS the ability to choose your seat on the plane right at the time of booking on-line.

So, while we could have saved $5 each on the flight if we’d booked the flights directly through the airline’s website, through FHTM Travel, we saved even more than that on the hotels and we had the convenience of comparing all options on one screen and reading customer ratings and reviews all in one place. Picking our seats in advance was not a big deal to us.

I promptly received e-mails with confirmation numbers for our flights, hotel and activities tickets.

Our other relatives are now also starting to use my FHTM Travel website.

Still voting for Pedro on Wed, 17th Sep 2008 9:10 pm


Oops, sorry, mistyped Escapes.ca (it’s not spelled “Excape.ca”)

JP on Wed, 17th Sep 2008 9:49 pm


Great discussion… and I have to kick in with another set of points…

All of you who believe that FHTM gets the ‘good eal of approval’ since Fox News did a quickee report on them… jeez, do you ever watch the news? The news stations try to put in feel-good stories on something new all of time. And, the entrepreneur magazine which states this is the best MLM ever, well… for those of you a bit naive about this… if you buy ad space in most any magazine, they will write a feature article about you (and it will NOT be negative).

Someone else compared FHTM to Microsoft in an earlier post… my God, has your brain been that addled by the kool-aid? That FHTM took 7 years to reach the revenues that Microsoft did in 22 years? Are you claiming that FHTM is the size of Microsoft (revenue-wise)? Simply ludricous. Microsoft is one of the largest companies in the USA, and FHTM is also (now)?

And, lets say for example that is was… are you claiming that people who re-sell stuff, that others get a commission on, from an OEM/Service-Provider really pay out $XXB’s in commissions? I am not sure the total sales of all of the companies that FHTM serves as a small sales channel for add up to this amount for annual revenues!

You really need to learn how to read (real books and magazines) and think for yourselves.

Not voting for JP (sorry dude) on Wed, 17th Sep 2008 11:22 pm


Actually, we drink Energizer Tea (from FHTM’s True Essentials). Not Kool-Aid. Too much sugar. Not good if you want to keep your body Alkaline. Green Tea, White Tea, Black Tea and Stevia Extract all in one delicious energizing drink. Definitely not Kool-Aid.

I guess what JP is saying is that FHTM makes so much money so that they can afford to buy good reports from Forbes magazine, Fox Business News, Millionaire Blueprints magazine, Success From Home magazine, Your Business At Home magazine and the top “Triple-A-One” credit rating from Dun&Bradstreet as well as being able to afford to pay off corrupt government officials in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the UK so that they don’t get arrested or shut down.

All the business and financial experts are corrupt and in FHTM’s pocket. Don’t believe anything you read from them. All these documented facts are phooey.

Interviews done by executives with Dish Network, Peter Lamas himself and other companies praising their very valued relationships with FHTM and how pleased they are with the marketing results and the integrity and robustness of FHTM are all untrustworthy as well.

FHTM reps are lying, deceitful, slick-tacticking, unethical, lowest of the low.

Don’t bother researching any of these documented facts from the actual experts as you can’t trust their integrity in the first place.

Wow!

I guess everyone should just listen to Scott’s and JP’s unbiased professional opinions and trust them as gospel. After all, they haven’t drank the Kool-Aid. Certainly not the Energizer Tea.

All MLM’s look the same and must be the same.

So many pyramids everywhere you look. Watch out lest one bite you in the butt and make you lose your hard-earned $299 and turn you into someone who your friends want to avoid cause they know better than you.

… or maybe not, and it’s just their opinion despite the facts.

I’ll vote for Pedro.

I'm voting with Paula (definitely not with Simon) on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 12:18 am


Speaking of the corrupt experts, here’s a few things they’re actually saying about network marketing (forget FHTM for a minute):

“The old employment model is breaking apart. Only the foolish, complacent, or lazy refuse to see it and seize the opportunities to protect themselves and their families.” Dr. Charles King received his Doctorate in Business Administration from Harvard. Dr. King is the author of The New Professionals.

(hmmm… I wonder who he’s calling foolish?)…

Okay next:

Donald Trump says: Marketing is a powerful tool and network marketing can increase that power. Donald says network marketing is a great way to achieve wealth so long as you are self-motivated. Network Marketing is inherently social, so if you are not a social or outgoing person I’d think twice about going into it. Source Why We Want You To Be Rich.

Robert Kiyosaki says: Network Marketing will increase your big business skills. Network Marketing will help you overcome your self-doubt, shyness, and fear of rejection. Robert says to ask yourself several questions before entering into the big business world of Network Marketing. “Do I have what it takes? Am I willing to go beyond my comfort zones? Am I willing to be led and willing to learn to lead? If the answer is “YES,” start looking for a network-marketing business that has a great training program. I would focus less on the products or the compensation plans and more on the education and personal development program the company offers.

Donald Trump AND Robert Kiyosaki (from their new book co-authored together titled: “Why We Want You To Be Rich”):

“CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND NETWORK MARKETING?

Isn’t Network Marketing a Pyramid Scheme?

I am often asked if network Marketing is a pyramid scheme. My reply is that corporations are really pyramid schemes. A corporation has only one person at the top, generally the CEO, and everyone else below.
A true network-marketing business is the exact opposite of a traditional business model. A network-marketing business is designed to bring you up to the top, not keep you down at the bottom. A true network-marketing business does not succeed unless it brings people up to the top.”

Here’s also a link to what makes FHTM unique and apart from previous MLM’s:

http://researchfortune.com/uploads/What_makes_Fortune_Hi_Tech_Marketing_different.pdf

On the home page for this link, you can also find FHTM’s Dun&Bradstreet credit report plus the Better Business Report.

There’s also interviews with Peter Lamas and lots more.

It’s a starting point. Don’t stop there. Fill your boots and see for yourself whether you can trust these experts and what they’re saying (or not).

I'm voting with Paula (definitely not with Simon) on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 12:30 am


Here’s what a few of the real “experts” are saying about network marketing itself (forget about FHTM for a minute):

“The old employment model is breaking apart. Only the foolish, complacent, or lazy refuse to see it and seize the opportunities to protect themselves and their families.” Dr. Charles King received his Doctorate in Business Administration from Harvard. Dr. King is the author of The New Professionals

Donald Trump says: “Marketing is a powerful tool and network marketing can increase that power. Donald says network marketing is a great way to achieve wealth so long as you are self-motivated. Network Marketing is inherently social, so if you are not a social or outgoing person I’d think twice about going into it.” Source Why We Want You To Be Rich.

Robert Kiyosaki says: “Network Marketing will increase your big business skills. Network Marketing will help you overcome your self-doubt, shyness, and fear of rejection. Robert says to ask yourself several questions before entering into the big business world of Network Marketing. “Do I have what it takes? Am I willing to go beyond my comfort zones? Am I willing to be led and willing to learn to lead? If the answer is “YES,” start looking for a network-marketing business that has a great training program. I would focus less on the products or the compensation plans and more on the education and personal development program the company offers.”

Both Donald Trump AND Robert Kiyosaki (from their new book co-authored together titled: “Why We Want You To Be Rich”):

“CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENWHY DO YOU RECOMMEND NETWORK MARKETING?”

“Isn’t Network Marketing a Pyramid Scheme?”

“I am often asked if network Marketing is a pyramid scheme. My reply is that corporations are really pyramid schemes. A corporation has only one person at the top, generally the CEO, and everyone else below.
A true network-marketing business is the exact opposite of a traditional business model. A network-marketing business is designed to bring you up to the top, not keep you down at the bottom. A true network-marketing business does not succeed unless it brings people up to the top.”

Now back to FHTM, here’s a link summarizing why it is unique and different from any other MLM (past or present): http://researchfortune.com/uploads/What_makes_Fortune_Hi_Tech_Marketing_different.pdf

The home page for the above link is a good starting point for any research on FHTM and network marketing in general. You’ll find the Dun&Bradstreet credit report there as well as the Better Business Bureau report and many others. Do expand your research beyond this though and check the sources. Make up your own mind.

Napoleon Dynamite on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 12:44 am


Gosh.

Cookie Monster on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 12:51 am


Gotta love them cookies, eh Chris?

So, forgetting about FHTM itself for a minute, here’s what a few actual “experts” have to say about network marketing and how it’s changed now:

“The old employment model is breaking apart. Only the foolish, complacent, or lazy refuse to see it and seize the opportunities to protect themselves and their families.” Dr. Charles King received his Doctorate in Business Administration from Harvard. Dr. King is the author of The New Professionals

Donald Trump says: Marketing is a powerful tool and network marketing can increase that power. Donald says network marketing is a great way to achieve wealth so long as you are self-motivated. Network Marketing is inherently social, so if you are not a social or outgoing person I’d think twice about going into it. Source Why We Want You To Be Rich.

Robert Kiyosaki says: Network Marketing will increase your big business skills. Network Marketing will help you overcome your self-doubt, shyness, and fear of rejection. Robert says to ask yourself several questions before entering into the big business world of Network Marketing. “Do I have what it takes? Am I willing to go beyond my comfort zones? Am I willing to be led and willing to learn to lead? If the answer is “YES,” start looking for a network-marketing business that has a great training program. I would focus less on the products or the compensation plans and more on the education and personal development program the company offers.

Both Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki say in their new book titled: “Why We Want You To Be Rich”:

“CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND NETWORK MARKETING?

Isn’t Network Marketing a Pyramid Scheme?

I am often asked if network Marketing is a pyramid scheme. My reply is that corporations are really pyramid schemes. A corporation has only one person at the top, generally the CEO, and everyone else below.
A true network-marketing business is the exact opposite of a traditional business model. A network-marketing business is designed to bring you up to the top, not keep you down at the bottom. A true network-marketing business does not succeed unless it brings people up to the top.”

Back to FHTM, here’s a document explaining why FHTM is unique and different from any other MLM (past or present):

http://researchfortune.com/uploads/What_makes_Fortune_Hi_Tech_Marketing_different.pdf

Cookie Monster on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 1:04 am


Hmm, cookies.

At the home page of the above site, you can also find interviews with Peter Lamas and many others, plus the Dun&Bradstreet credit report on FHTM plus the Better Business Bureau’s report and lots of other stuff to start anyone’s research.

Don’t stop there though, try other sites and other blogs. Pros and Cons.

Helpful assistant, Mr. Paperclip on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 1:35 am


In case the link got “moderated”, here it is again:

w w w . r e s e a r c h f o r t u n e . c o m

(minus all the spaces between the letters of course).

Check out some real experts’ comments on “Why Network Marketing”. Also check out why FHTM is truly unique and so different from any other MLM (past or present).

Answering JP on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 2:04 am


Oh, JP, in answer to your question about Microsoft’s versus FHTM’s sales comparison, here are FHTM’s numbers:

COMPANY FACTS:
International Marketing Company
100% Debt-Free, US Owned
Founded January 2001
Home Office: Lexington, KY
Founder/President: Paul Orberson
3rd Year Revenue: $ 51 Million
4th Year Revenue: $ 72 Million
5th Year Revenue: $140 Million
6th Year Revenue: $210 Million
7th Year Revenue: $360 Million

Fast approaching $500 Million.

Still the answer was $800 million earned within 7 years. Microsoft took 22 years.

Remember, it’s not just “re-selling” commissions as you put it, but also from marketing revenues. Only 48 employees, so the company only keeps 2% to 5% for it’s head office and its “overhead”. The rest goes back to the reps.

Oh, and as for the theory that magazines write good things about those who pay them advertising $$$’s… what advertising exactly? FHTM is a network marketing company. Relationship marketing. Word of mouth. Not display ad advertising or TV ads (Fox Business News, for example). Ever seen an FHTM ad of any kind in Forbes magazine?

Just wondering.

Gary Schonne on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 10:42 am


Wow, I guess I wasn’t the only person who did some research on this.
Well Said.
If you have someone who is very cynical, it is often impossible to convince them otherwise. Companies such as D&B, the BBB, Forbes Magazine, etc are not so easily bought off.
While I value everyone’s opinion, I trust the facts.
Many have their opinion, Dunn & Bradstreet, BBB, and such report facts.
Gary

Scott on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 12:42 pm


Is there recent information on Dun & Bradstreet credit rating on FHTM that comes from D&B website. I found a copyrighted pdf file on a Fortune reps own website that is outdated. The date shows Oct. 2005 when the credit rating took place. I went to D&B website and they want $159.00 for their copyrighted Comprehensive Insight Plus Report. I also emailed D&B to clarify if the copyrighted report on the FHTM reps website is correct information. Still waiting for a response.

Another misconception about Microsoft from a FHTM rep! It took Microsoft 22 years in annual revenue in a fiscal year to reach a billion. FHTM is measuring that with their cumulative sales since they started in 2001. That would be an unfair comparison.

Also, why does the BBB reliability report on FHTM have an explanation at the bottom to justify Pyramid schemes? I have looked at several MLM companies on BBB and FHTM is the only one with that explanation. I’ve looked up companies that are half billion or more in cumulative sales for a fair comparison.

Gary Schonne on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 1:24 pm


Scott
You need to re-read the bottom of the BBB report.
It explains that FHTM is a network marketing company.
It goes on to explain lower in the page the difference between network marketing and pyramid schemes.

“Multi-level marketing is a legitimate method for promoting goods and services. Since representatives in such programs are usually independent, interested parties should consider such positions as a business opportunity. Learn all you can about the offer, the company itself, the products and services to be sold, and the potential market for products and/or services offered. Any contracts involved should include, but not be limited to: the responsibilities of the company and investor to each other; what the investment involves; money, products and services to be exchanged; any promises made by representatives or found in company literature, and terms and conditions for cancellation, exchanges and refunds. Be wary of any company which encourages or requires ‘frontloading’ where is defined as buying a large stock of items before sales call for them. It can be difficult if not impossible to sell frontloaded items. Before signing, discuss the offer with a trusted business advisor.

Although it is possible to build a successful multi-level business with comparatively little start-up money, keep in mind that it is not a means of getting rich quickly or easily. Successful distributors who recruit and train a large sales force also assume ongoing wholesaling and managing responsibilities as well as making sales to their own customers. Managing a large network can be lucrative, but it is hard work and can become a full-time job.

Pyramid schemes, on the other hand, concentrate mainly on the quick profits to be earned by selling the right to recruit others. The merchandise or service to be sold is largely ignored, and little or no mention is made regarding a market for those products and services. Pyramid scheme participants attempt to recoup their investments in products by recruiting from the ever decreasing number of potential investors. You may be tempted to become involved in a pyramid unless you recognize its tactics. These include: claims of ease in realizing a fabulous return on your investment; claims of being a shortcut to riches, easy living and early retirement; calls for a large initial investment fee; the plan focuses more on recruiting others than on selling products or services. While illegal, pyramid schemes tend to exploit those with limited means, and they are difficult to prosecute. Most often money invested is lost.”

Read the last line, “Most often money invested is lost”.
EVERYONE I know who has invested in Fortune has made their money back and then some!
Study Fortune a little harder, and you will see where the money is made.
While EVERY MLM requiers new recruits to keep going, I sell a lot of services from phone, to travel, to Dish, to security systems, mostly to people I know, and I get comissions from them.
I buy my gas from the rewards mall on my FHTM web site and make money back. (I buy gas cards, and some weeks go through $500.00 or more a week in gas.)
A friend of mine is a contractor and buys Home Depot cards from me.
All this makes me money.
So you can continue to sit back and complain, while I need to drive to Los Angeles to meet with a Manufacturer I rep for, who’s top management by the way, are FHTM reps too, including the companies president.
I’ve said it before, most of the people I know in FHTM are educated professionals.
One last thing Scott, there are lower price reports available from Dunn & Bradstreet, and yes I ran one before I signed up.
Open your mind and open your eye’s and do a little more DETAILED research, you may be surprised what you find.
Gary.

Scott on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 2:51 pm


You still haven’t answered my question Gary. Why does the explanation have to be on FHTM reliability report when other MLM companies do not have such explanations on their report? Don’t you find that interesting?

By the way thanks for posting that info Gary, now anyone looking at this post from FHTM, that is wondering why things aren’t going well has a way to reference their conclusion why they lost money.

I already know the comp far too well and how money is made. It’s no secret, just like any other mlm deal. You have to find other people (friends & family) willing to invest money into FHTM opportunity and the 10 products or services. Most people have a hard time seeing that as ethical. Just read what they are saying on this post,

Gary, can you provide the cheaper B&D report that you are talking about? Do you know if it is outdated as well?

Answering JP and Scott again on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 3:50 pm


A few quick facts from Microsoft’s own site:

Founded in 1975

2008 (35 years later), current numbers are:

$60.42Billion net revenue
$17.68Billion net income

Current Employment Headcount
Location Employees
Worldwide 91,259
USA 54,775
Puget Sound
(Washington State) 39,311

The numbers in 1999 (10 years ago) were:

$19.75Billion net revenue
$7.79Billion net income
31,575 employees worldwide

Whatever the numbers for Microsoft since inception (1975) up to the point they approached FHTM’s current numbers since its inception (2001), by any comparison, FHTM is simply solid, robust and continuing to grow at an amazing rate.

If it were a publicly traded company, it would rate a “great buy” by any financial analysis.

It is however, not publicly traded, nor will it ever be.

Also, only 48 employees and zero debt. 100% debt free. Triple-A-1 credit rating and look at it’s historical growth curve (from the numbers in the earlier post).

You think the current financial crisis affecting the DOW at the moment and the Fed’s bailout of AIG will ever affect or be necessary for a company such as FHTM? Impossible.

Zero debt. Financially solid. Private leadership and control. Global expansion (without acquiring debt). Continuing very rapid growth (compare with Microsoft’s first 7 years, first decade, first 2 decades or any other company’s, no matter what, FHTM’s performance is significant).

7 new countries are being announced shortly for expansion. I know some people in a few of those countries and I know some people who know people in the others.

Questioning Scott again on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 4:10 pm


Scott: You never answered the question put to you earlier: “if you’re such an expert on MLM compensation plans (and FHTM’s unique one most of all) and it is you opinion that FHTM’s is the worst possible compensation plan among the different types of MLM’s (despite the real experts’ dissection, analyses and subsequent conclusions and recommendations to the contrary), WHAT IN YOUR EXPERT OPINION IS THE BEST TYPE OF MLM COMPENSATION PLAN?”

… and if I may further impose: “why do you think so?”

Scott on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 4:16 pm


JP,

Triple-A-1 Dun & Bradstreet credit rating is outdated, is there a recent credit rating of FHTM? Outdated information is no longer valid.

Do you have the financial statement to back up your claim on FHTM being financially solid, debt free?

Your still making assumptions on Microsoft and cannot back up your claims that FHTM is outperforming Microsoft!

Questioning Scott again on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 4:41 pm


Not JP. JP was the one questioning the comparison in the first place.

Scott: if you think the credit report from D&B that you found is outdated, then get the newest one from D&B directly. You need to be right and you need to be sure of the integrity of the source. If this information comes from anyone else, you’ll simply accuse us of being deceitful and somehow manipulating the information anyway.

So get it yourself.

The claim by the way, was not that FHTM IS outperforming Microsoft, the premise was simply communicated in response to the unsubstantiated and ridiculous claims that FHTM has a 95-99% drop-out rate and that it has already reached “so-called” market saturation.

If either of these is true, then how can FHTM continue to grow at a rate faster than Microsoft did since its inception to the point of equal revenues?

Microsoft had virtually no competition back then and to assume FHTM could compare in performance DESPITE a 95-99% drop-out rate is totally ludicrous. No such drop-out rate exists.

If FHTM was a pyramid or illegal or “quasi-legal”, or “barely legal” or however you keep describing it, then why is it still operating and continuing to grow so rapidly even?

If market saturation had already taken place or is even remotely in the horizon, shouldn’t the financial numbers be in decline instead of growing exponentially?

So do yourself a favour and get your own most recent copy of the Dunn&Bradstreet report.

See for yourself.

Gary Schonne on Thu, 18th Sep 2008 4:42 pm


1. As for the BBB report, each BBB office is run a little different, I am listed with the LA BBB, and my report layout is nothing like Lexington’s BBB report.
2. I don’t know about where you are, but here in So Cal the FHTM reps are booming.
I’ve been making my money WITHOUT signing new people up. Just don’t have time right now.
3. D&B’s credit reports start at only $39.99.
https://smallbusiness.dnb.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductSelection?dunsNumber=0&busName=FORTUNE%20HI-TECH%20MARKETING%2C%20INC.&storeId=10001&catalogId=70001&productId=0&address=880%20CORPORATE%20DR%20STE%20300&city=LEXINGTON&state=KY&zip=405035400&country=US
Dun and Bradstreet reports are updated whenever they receive new info.
Seeing how the company is debt free, I can’t see where they would have anything less than a perfect credit score.
Gary.

Scott on Fri, 19th Sep 2008 8:56 am


I have no need to buy the D&B report, I’m not in the business. If your going to come on a blog and make claims that FHTM has a Triple-A-1 credit rating to build your business, don’t you want to back up your opinion with a recent copy-written Dun & Bradstreet credit report. Don’t you want to have some kind of earnings report on FHTM when making claims of their annual earnings being faster than Microsoft? Don’t you want to have some kind of ratio report on enrollments vs. drop-outs to prove if Fortune is really growing rapidly? FHTM has the reports, but will it reveal those numbers? When your making deceptive claims to build your business and have nothing to back it up, this will be another reason why people are being mislead with FHTM and call it a quasi-pyramid scheme. In the last decade all of the major FTC lawsuits against network marketing companies were initially instituted under the broad umbrella of deceptive trade practices. In the case of network marketing programs, regulators focus first and foremost on the conduct of the company and its sales force to determine if they are engaging in unfair or deceptive consumer practices in their sales and marketing techniques. Since this is what regulators look at first, network marketing companies are well advised to follow the regulators’ lead. Once regulators have the necessary evidence to make out the easy case of unfair or deceptive conduct, they will then proceed with the more difficult task of assembling a pyramid case against the defendant company and its principals. The thing is, your basing your information off of old data and hear say from unreliable sources and many occasions top leaders have flashed their checks to deceive a potential rep.

Questioning Scott again, can you prove otherwise on the drop out rate? The “Fact” that I’ve seen first hand in dozens of towns from where I live, where the FHTM business took off like a gold rush, but 2-3 years later, not one person is involved speaks volume on the drop-out rate. 100% drop out. Then people on this blog have proven the same thing, but in a much lesser time span. My friend who is a Pastor that had a decent size of a business, had his business fall out beneath him a year ago. He made money, but it was short term and he had to go through getting friends and family involved. Today he regrets the aftermath, as do many people. Even the editor on this blog knew of 8 to 10 friends who all dropped out 6 months later. 100% drop out! Then his city/town was booming with FHTM, but yet no one is doing it anymore except for a few. Can you prove there is not a 95-99% drop out rate, Questioning Scott again? I find it hard to believe from what I’ve witnessed and from what I’ve read that would convince me otherwise on the drop-out rate. FHTM is a privately held company and will not show their earnings/debts report. I know of another company just like FHTM, same comp plan, same people that was a privately held company and claiming debt free. Once it had to reveal their earnings to operate a brand new service in a few states, it became evident that the company was going to bust and the states would not allow the service to be available. It was in business for over a decade before the business finally went bankrupt, cutting off all the distribution force and keeping the customers for themselves, all the reps had no idea, and the company was spouting off, they was debt free! Devastated many leaders, since that was their only source of income and the leaders where very narrow minded on diversification. Why do you think FHTM is around today?

Questioning Scott again, your contradicting your self on Microsoft. How do you figure FHTM is growing faster than Microsoft?

“If FHTM was a pyramid or illegal or “quasi-legal”, or “barely legal” or however you keep describing it, then why is it still operating and continuing to grow so rapidly even?”
I already explained why FHTM is still operating, but you have yet to prove they are growing rapidly. .

Where do you base your numbers on, that FHTM is still growing? At your meetings?
Do you have the financial earnings report to reveal what Fortune is making? What bases are you making your judgment on? Why would someone fork over all that money, on reps deceptive claims?

Questioning Scott again, if your going to spout of deceptive tactics to build your business, I would suggest you better have something to back up your claims that FHTM is rapidly growing, making ludicrous earnings and have an outstanding credit rating. The FTC warns against such deceptive tactics!

Questioning Scott's reasoning on Fri, 19th Sep 2008 12:34 pm


Scott: you’ve seen the FHTM’s earnings as reported in the D&B report that you say is outdated.

Get the newest one directly from D&B and you’ll see what the most recent earnings are.

Are they not higher and as stated earlier in this forum just the other day?

FHTM has been in business for just under 8 years now. Compare their earnings with the same period of time for Microsoft since their inception in 1975. Compare it with Microsoft’s earnings in double that time (14 years) and again if you like until Microsoft’s matched FHTM’s earnings. How long did it take Microsoft?

You keep calling FHTM reps deceptive. You’re the one making all kinds of unsubstantiated claims with no evidence whatsoever. You’re full of opinion but no evidence. If you were a lawyer and this were a courtroom, you’d be laughed out of court. Heresay is not evidence. Your opinion is not evidence.

Oh and by the way, you’re the one who keeps contradicting yourself. On the one hand, you mistrust FHTM because they’re a private company and they don’t publicly report earnings the same way as a public company, yet to do business in other states and other countries, you must subject all financial records for audit and inspection. You said yourself: “I know of another company just like FHTM, same comp plan, same people that was a privately held company and claiming debt free. Once it had to reveal their earnings to operate a brand new service in a few states, it became evident that the company was going to bust and the states would not allow the service to be available.” So with FHTM being in 50 states and in Canada, Puerto Rico, Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland and soon announcing 7 new countries, how is it that they’re still in business?

You’re not listening to reason and you’re too stubborn or too cheap to get your own answers by way of the latest D&B report (which shows FHTM’s earnings by the way).

You’re no expert Scott. You still talk as if all network marketing companies are the same and as if FHTM is the worst instead of the best and most unique.

As for all your claims and rehashes about market saturation and 95-98% drop-out rates, totally ridiculous. Exaggerated, generalized, third-party heresay. Where’d you learn math?

FHTM is one of the 25 fastest growing companies in the decade (and the only network marketing company out of those 25).

Kinda hard to do so or to even stay afloat with a 95-99%-sized “hole” in your boat, wouldn’t you think?

Anyway, Scott, get the most recent D&B report and look at some real evidence for a change.

Questioning Scott's reasoning on Fri, 19th Sep 2008 1:53 pm


Oh yeah, Scott, I’ll have to agree with JP’s last comment on his post of September 17 at 9:49pm, where he says: “You really need to learn how to read (real books and magazines) and think for yourselves.”

Start with the D&B report (outdated, most-recent, heck, check them all). Look up the BBB reports in all areas. Read Forbes magazine’s expert evaluations. Read Times magazine’s. Watch the Fox Business News clip.

All “real” resources.

Quoting documented facts from these sources is hardly “deceitful practices”.

It’s an invitation to see for yourself.

Questioning Scott's reasoning on Fri, 19th Sep 2008 1:57 pm


Sorry, meant to type “Time magazine”, not “Times magazine”.

Scott on Fri, 19th Sep 2008 4:28 pm


Questioning Scott’s reasoning or is it Elvis, Your still not getting it. You beat around the bush on my questions and still claim FHTM is growing faster than Microsoft, but the numbers clearly do not reflect that off the report shown on a Fortune reps website. I bet your judging your numbers on cumulative sales since FHTM started, which would be a unfair comparison to Microsoft. If your going to make claims that way, you need to buy the report, otherwise quite making false claims. Then you have got to be kidding on the drop out rate again. If you don’t take my word for it, which is clear, or what other bloggers say about it, then you will experience it yourself as you start to enroll your first rep. But for other readers who read this blog, it’s evident enough that FHTM does have a 95-99% drop out rate. If someone is interested in joining this scheme, I would advise calling FHTM up to give you the percentage of people who drop out in a given month or year. I’m not sure if Fortune will, but if your willing to invest $300 – $1000, I think I would like to know why so many people drop out if FHTM is rapidly growing. Numbers speaks volume!

Response doing business in 50 states and other countries….Hum FHTM doesn’t own services, they market other services, so they do not have to be licensed to do business in the same manner, your comparison is ludicrous. FHTM’s only worry, about doing business in other countries would be their product line True Essentials, lots of regulations, unless FHTM can pick up a product or service from that country. Does FHTM offer True Essentials in Canada?

I’m no expert at all…. But with common sense anyone can tell what reps say about FHTM does not add up. Most everyone that has been approached by a FHTM rep can give a classic example of deception. Others have already wrote about it on this blog.

FHTM 25th fastest growing company… are you basing that off of FHTM infancy… that was like 6-7 years ago. Can you even back that statement up to this day? Who is laughing at you in court now. I see this is not going no were from an unethical, uneducated and clearly deceptive new FHTM rep. Good luck on building a business with that kind of mentality. You even hide behind my name and do not advertise like most reps do, are you not proud of your FHTM business?

This is why you can’t trust this company, fhtm reps who spout of deceptive lies and beat around the bush on direct questions. They make claims the company is one of the fastest 25 companies in the decade and have nothing to show for it. Your are starting to sound like a true networker.

Good Luck

Gary Schonne on Fri, 19th Sep 2008 6:52 pm


Scott
You have made a few errors in your last post.
Yes, FHTM DOES need to be licensed in many areas, including California, because it markets telecommunications.
And yes, FHTM DOES sell True Essentials in Canada, which means the items have passed CE scrutiny.
Another thing, don’t bash FHTM’s financial report unless you are willing to purchase a copy yourself, as I did last year. And no I will not share mine with you or on this posting as this is copyrighted material. $40.00 is less than you will spend on a nice meal in a decent restaurant.
Furthermore, I have been a rep for over a year, and have only had ONE person in my downline go inactive, but she did not drop out, and she only went inactive because she was moving due to a divorce, and didn’t have time to do anything during such and needed to stop most activity on her joint checking. She has now resettled in California and is about to get going again.
Scott, if you ever want to go into business, either tradition types of business, or MLM you will need to change your thought pattern. Being negative all the time will only lead you to failure. You need to have a positive outlook to succeed. The people you know who failed in FHTM failed because they did not believe in what they were doing. Faith is a powerful thing. It’s hard to sell something that you don’t believe in yourself.
You make a lot of claims, but let me ask you something… have you ever been a rep for FHTM?
Have you ever been self employed?
I’ll bet the answer to both is no.
If so let me make a suggestion to you.
Go get a union job, where someone else decides what your time is worth, when and how you will apply it, and will make most of the important financial decisions for you.
Without an open mind you can look right at the answers and never see them.
Remember, MLM’s are not for everyone, neither is being self employed.
But with the right attitude and a little hard work, many of us will enjoy great benefits from our MLM experience.
Gary.

Scott can't focus on a moving target on Sat, 20th Sep 2008 12:23 am


So, now it’s unethical, deceitful AND uneducated that you’re calling FHTM reps.

Yup. That’s evidence alright. Evidence you’re totally without any sense or credibility.

You’re no “expert” you now admit… but you have “common sense”… but the math still doesn’t add up for you. Who’s uneducated exactly?

Get the most recent D&B report and see what the revenues are for FHTM and confirm whether FHTM still has a triple-A-1 credit rating. Compare the revenues to Microsoft’s first 7 years, then 14, then see how long Microsoft took to match FHTM’s current revenues since inception.

Then check out the BBB reports.

Then search through Forbes, Time, Fox News, etc. and see who of them put FHTM among the 25 fastest growing companies of the last decade.

Don’t take our word for it Scott. Afterall, to you, we’re just unethical, deceitful, uneducated, lowest of the low and in some sort of “cult realm” as you put it.

Sigh. Dead, dead, dead horse.

Honestly Scott, you seem like a good man and I know your intentions are good. You’re simply trying to warn others to be careful when considering any business opportunity. Especially one that may sound “too good to be true” and one that at arm’s length may loosely resemble the stereo-typical profile of “pyramid”-type structures of old. The operative word, however, is “old”. The experts themselves are all calling FHTM unique and “the best Network Marketing company ever”, among their many praises.

FHTM is not a pyramid and it is growing beyond all expectations.

So while you have your heart in the right place and you in fact remind me of a few of my best friends (who each tried to “protect” me when I first approached them about FHTM – and literally broke my heart as they would not listen to reason and each thought they knew better than me and wouldn’t even see the presentation — well, suffice to say, it’s really too bad as I’ve made a heck of a lot of money already and they could have as well,… but then, they thought they knew better than me, right?).

So everyone has their preconceptions and some hold fast to them regardless of the evidence presented and the well-meaning efforts of a good friend. That’s okay. I still know my friends meant well even if they did not want to open their minds to the possibility that they could be wrong… they just wanted to protect me.

We all know people like that.

So Scott, I know you’re a good man and I hope I never gave you the impression that I disrespected your opinion at any point in this forum. Quite the opposite. I simply disagreed and tried my best to communicate facts and figures as I hoped to appeal to common sense and logic.

I’m sorry if I called you stubborn or cheap or anything else that seemed derogatory or inflammatory. Out of respect for Chris’ forum, we should not allow this venue to degrade to that of a typical show on Jerry Springer.

Still, I do encourage you to get your own copy of the D&B report. Hard facts and direct control over the source will speak more eloquently than anything any FHTM rep can ever say or show you.

Peace.

John on Sun, 21st Sep 2008 3:30 pm


I have a question. Ive been invited to join and i am super sceptical, ive been reading alot and thing is im in university and i dont have time to recruit ppl or sell stuff(is that what this is??)…. If i join, and i dont or barely do anything to recruit ppl, say i get like 1-2 ppl in like 4 months, is it possible for me to make any money in the long run?

Slow but steady on Sun, 21st Sep 2008 4:56 pm


John:

If you personally invite people at a rate of 1 every 4 months, then you will make back your original investment of $299 after 12 months. If you have any other income while going to university, you can write off the $299 against it.

While you do not have to “sell” anything, you are required to maintain 3 service points active in order to participate in the compensation plan. These 3 service points could be $0 per month (if you switch your long-distance to Convergia for example and help 2 others do the same and start saving money each month off your long-distance bills), or perhaps $19.95 per month for the FHTM Office Assistant website (plus a one-time setup fee of $19.95) and whatever 2 other services you feel comfortable consuming within your existing monthly budget (cell phone, high-speed internet, etc.).

So with your 3 service points active and working the bare minimum to invite 1 person every 4 months, then you should be in a position to start seeing positive income after you personally bring in your 4th and 5th person into your team (which would be around the 20th month at the rate you specified).

In the meantime, the people already in your team would also be inviting people into their own teams. Whatever personal rate they may each devote for time to grow their businesses, I think it should be safe to assume that by the time you add your 4th personally sponsored member to your team (at the 16th month) that the team that grew from your first 3 should each have at least 3 of their own and you would at this point become Regional Manager.

Your 4th and 5th personally sponsored newest team members would be in your new Regional team and as they grow their own teams, you start earning significant referral bonuses to unlimited levels and a small amount each month on residual payments from the monthly bills they’re each paying from each of their 3 active service points.

Once you start to see this significant positive income (around your 20th month, again at a rate of 1 every 4 months personally sponsored), you should shift focus from recruiting to promoting the products and services a little more in order to gather an additonal 7 customer service points (for a total of 10).

After that and with only 4 or 5 personally sponsored people and 10 active “customers”, you will start making significant positive income with minimal time or effort on your part.

So yes, it’s possible to make money in the long run based on your described conditions.

In the meantime, you’re also able to write-off portions of your ‘expenses’ against any other personal income and you have a chance to save money on your long-distance and on other services of your choosing.

Best advice I could give you though is to get promoted to Regional Manager as quickly as your busy schedule will allow. Put 1 or 2 people in your new Regional team who you know are more driven and have more time and let them build their own teams (and see your own income really take off).

Good luck whatever you decide.

Slow but steady on Sun, 21st Sep 2008 5:19 pm


Oh, one final thing, in the “long term” as you put it, say 4 or 5 years into the future, your monthly residuals should have grown significant based on the likely size of the team you started ever so slowly at the beginning. At this point, the income stream keeps simply coming in as people pay their bills each month (long-distance, cell phones, internet, satellite, etc. etc.) and you get a small percentage off a huge number of people.

Someone less than 3 years ago started one person in Canada. This person started 3 and today there’s close to 18,000 FHTM reps in all of Canada.

As your team continues to grow, your residuals start to add up to the point where you’re making more from the aggregate commissions on all the monthly bills being paid than from the referral bonuses from people continuing to join the team.

You are still getting paid both concurrently and to unlimited levels so even if you do nothing more after you personally invited your 4th and 5th person (but continue to keep your service points active, especially after promoting to Regional Manager), then the income will simply continue and continue to grow as your team grows and as more and more services and bills are being consumed and paid for each month.

Slow but steady on Sun, 21st Sep 2008 6:13 pm


Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, at your 12 month anniversary with FHTM, you need to renew your international business license. This $199 fee you can write-off and you earned it back anyway when you personally signed up your 4th and 5th team members at your 16th and 20th months. The key is to start off your Regional team as quickly as your schedule allows. From there it’s all positive and it’s like a snowball rolling down a snow-covered mountain.

Gary Schonne on Sun, 21st Sep 2008 8:22 pm


John
Personally, I feel you will find that if you find that you benefit from being a FHTM rep you will share this with your friends and family, which will arouse their interest.
If you apply one day a week to bringing in new reps, then you will see some income after a few months.
If you sit back and do nothing, then you will reap what you sow.
You need to look at your investment as an investment that requires your time as well as money, and if you only put in the money, but not the effort, then I feel you would be wasting your money.
Being a collage student, you have a large pool of customers and future reps, so take advantage of your surroundings.
Put some effort behind it, and joining FHTM could be the best thing you ever did.
Do nothing and you will get nothing in return, your choice.
Good Luck.

Dubai Hotel apartments on Tue, 23rd Sep 2008 12:53 am


oh ! really descriptive and very useful post with long long comments, nice to read it

JP on Tue, 23rd Sep 2008 7:00 pm


Heckova debate… am enjoying this.

Many good points all around. But, if you do not mind, let me clarify a few of my earlier points, which I am seeing some confusion on.

1) Do not compare EARNINGS with REVENUE. I keep seeing how much FHTM has earned (this is actually revenue… the earnings for FHTM are probably private since the company has no reqm’t to publish this). I do find it a bit silly to compare Microsoft to FHTM. Microsoft creates something, while FHTM re-sells stuff from others (primarily) as well as charging ‘reps’ for the privilege of selling the services it resells. So, the revenue of Microsoft (at the 7 year mark) is not exactly comparable to the revenue of FHTM at this point in time. Any finance person would agree that these are not the same.

2) Secondly, some of your critized my (critique) of some of the articles in magazines on FHTM. I do marketing for a large firm, and can tell you that if you buy advertising for most magazines (outside of the ‘news’ magazines’) they will publish an article/interview, which is usually rather favorable. Once again, this type of arrangement is decades old and happens in EVERY industry, and you always have to take all such articles with a grain of salt (they never lie, they just portray things in a very favorable light). And, of course the people who run the companies which you resell for (Dish, etc) are NOT going to say anything critical (why? they want you motivated to sell), so don’t quote them as backing the FHTM business model (they are just paying out x% per initial sale with up-front costs, a beautiful deal for them – and you are one of xxx’s of sales channels for them).

3) For those of you who are showing those quotes on how stupid it is to have one of the ‘old economy’ jobs, well, the gentleman who provided the quote UNDOUBTEDLY has a book to sell, so these type of authors love to make controversial statements… this is simply Marketing 101 (get on Oprah/CNN/etc so you can discuss your new theory… and sell some books, or, get paid to go on the lecture circuit – no one buys business books on OLD theories, only new ones sell). As I had mentioned much earlier, if the US economy become 200M+ resellers of FHTM, and no one worked, well, you understand the result…

My biggest contention with FHTM seems to be the people (not all of you, many people are just nice people who are trying to make some extra money – nothing wrong with that, or FHTM). The contention is the absolutely naive and just-plain-ignorant claims of how dumb people are working at a job to make their boss rich (huh? welcome to the ‘division of labor’ and other philosophical explanations of how a society evolves and functions on a daily basis – not every boss is rich… jeez), or, how FHTM it unique (it is not – being a little bit different is NOT unique), and, how you compare a company which does not create any physical product (or tangible service) can be compared in financial valuations to companies that have such assets. This is why FHTM could never go public, since you cannot place a tangible value upon, well, a set of contracts that can expire (or, a dependence on sign-up fees of new recruits as a measurable part of your revenue stream).

So, to conclude, I am not claiming that FHTM is a scam, scheme, etc., but, am merely saying that many of the claims made by the reps (as noted above, and even more so, in my earlier posts) are just plain wrong. So, if FHTM works for you, great. But do not claim that this is a unique business model, is changing the world (it is not), or, how the company you are rep’ing for compares to companies which create things/services. Which is why I said to read some real books/etc so you can truly understand how business is actually done (and the role that each of us plays in whatever enterprise employs us – and yes, if you are rep’ing for FHTM, you are basically an unpaid employee who gets paid on commission of sales (recruits or services) – which is OK, but, you have to understand that this it is what it is, and not what someone told you it is).

Ronald McDonald (loving that you're loving it) on Wed, 24th Sep 2008 3:53 am


Very good reasoning, points and etiquette on your part too JP.

1. The numbers as ‘known’ for FHTM, private company that it is, match D&B’s reported earnings. Point is simply that FHTM is growing at a very impressive rate. Forbes calls FHTM one of the top 25 fastest-growing/emerging companies of the decade. I doubt D&B or Forbes were influenced in their comments by any advertising considerations from FHTM. The amount being charged by FHTM to the reps for the “privilege” of reselling their products and services is less than $1 per day and is completely tax-deductible. I don’t see the difference between this $299/year fee and Costco’s yearly membership fee (for the right to shop at its stores and spend money buying stuff there anyway). Costco however, doesn’t pay referal bonuses for helping them gather new members, nor do they pay residual commissions from every new members’ monthly purchases. IN MY OPINION, this $299 is likely a ‘psychological’ motivator and something of a “sorting hat” (to borrow from the Harry Potter mythos) as it creates an environment where business-minded individuals are rewarded immediately for their forward-action efforts (when they build their first team of 3 and “earn” their money back) and it helps “sort out” or discourage those who are looking for something with almost zero investment on their part. As Gary pointed out recently to John, the university student, it’s not just money you invest, but as your own business, you must take it seriously and invest some time and effort in making it succeed. Again, in my opinion, the $299 fee is a psychological motivator. In my experience, I’ve seen how paying $299 then earning it back right away works better than paying nothing and having no vested “ownership” over the concept and the business opportunity itself.

2. Granted, your observations are plausible that in the magazine business, there are publications who will say favourable things about some of their advertisers (as the old saying goes: “why bite the hand that feeds you?)… however, it isn’t just advertising-dependent magazines who are writing great things about FHTM, it’s also Fox News, Forbes, D&B, Time magazine. Their reputations for impartiality and accurate reporting is everything. Their credibility is everything. Top heads roll when they get their stories wrong or don’t do enough diligence to vet their sources.

3. The gentlemen quoted (business experts/financial educators) are men like Robert Kiyosaki, Donald Trump, Robert Allen, Napoleon Hill. All authors of the best-selling financial help books. The very books you suggest we should all be reading when you said we should read some “real books so we can truly understand how business is done”. So what you’re suggesting is that we read these “real books” but that we should not quote them or the authors as they are unreliable sources because they are saying what they’re saying simply to sell said books. Hmm… kinda confusing premise.

Now, if I may quote you, following your contention, you say: “… This is why FHTM could never go public, since you cannot place a tangible value upon, well, a set of contracts that can expire (or, a dependence on sign-up fees of new recruits as a measurable part of your revenue stream)”. I seem to recall a company called Excel Telecommunications that had similar “intangible values” (as you described it) that did indeed end up being publicly traded. However, you’re right when you say FHTM could never go public, but the actual reason is simply that the founder of the company has simply vowed that he will never allow the company to go public. He foresaw and then saw what happened to Excel and resolved never to allow the same to happen to FHTM.

Returning to your contention that FHTM reps see people who work for others as “dumb” instead of working for their own dreams, well, if you love what you do, then it doesn’t matter if you’re doing it for someone else. That’s not dumb. Having the choice though to do what you love and still have another stream of income that allows you the freedom to do what you love is what FHTM reps are inviting others to consider. If you’re not doing what you love and you know continuing to work for someone else will never make you rich or offer you enough freedom, then perhaps you should seriously investigate other opportunities.

Finally, in response to your conclusion, the ‘claims’ being made in earlier posts by FHTM reps are for the most part quotes and figures, such as Tom Spinks’ (editor of Millionaire Blueprints magazine) who called FHTM unique among the 200+ MLM companies that he dissected during his 20 year career. While it was never claimed that FHTM is changing the world (as you put it), Tom Spinks did write in his article that FHTM seems like that company that comes along in 30 years and changes an industry. Again, quoting an arguably “expert” source. Other comparisons to companies which create “things/services” again quoted from “expert” sources such as Forbes, Time magazines, Fox News, etc. Perhaps Tom Spinks and the editors at Forbes and the others simply haven’t read “real books/etc” and don’t understand “how business is actually done” either (just like us FHTM reps who don’t know better, but who are getting paid fairly handsomely on commission of sales and on referral bonuses from marketing revenues from the companies that supply FHTM with its products and services). Oh and by the way, FHTM does actually produce its own line of health and nutrition (and weight-management) products through its True Essentials and Lifestyle Essentials divisions.

… and yes, this is a good debate and becoming a worthy forum once again.

John on Wed, 24th Sep 2008 6:59 pm


can anyone explain to me the “Power Team” like if i get a guy and hes #2, im #1 if he gets 11 more ppl under him, ppl i dont hire or whatever, that will give me(#1) 12 ppl and i become regional yeah?

lol. sry for the terrible writing, im le tired

Mighty Morphin Power Ranger (Red Ranger) on Wed, 24th Sep 2008 10:09 pm


Hmm… yes, you’re tired alright. You know, the time you’re spending reading these long, long comments from all of us you could be building your FHTM team and learning how it works as you start earning.

Okay, pedantic answer (if I understood your question, more or less):

If you “get a guy” and he “gets 11 more under him”… whatever you said next… then yes, that does give you 12, but unfortunately, you do not become Regional under this scenario.

You need 3 people that you “personally get” and 9 others that are brought into the team by those 3 or by the ones brought in by any of those original 3. In the United States, these 9 others must be on your 2nd and 3rd levels. In Canada they can be in any number of levels on any leg anywhere below the 3 on your first level.

Either way, you need 3 on your first level (meaning you personally “got them” yourself) and then 9 more below those for a total of 12.

Then you promote to Regional Manager.

Wow. I nearly bored myself with that answer.

JP on Sat, 27th Sep 2008 1:46 am


Ronald,

You make a number of good points, I must say, so, kudo’s to you for providing a good, well-thought out response. And, rather than have us go back on forth on details (that is no fun, we will degrade into a pair of politicians…), let me throw out some further observations/opinions.

One of my biggest contention points is how FHTM is sold to prospective recruits (having had this done to me…). I contend that you are NOT actually starting your own business, but are merely becoming an uncompensated sales rep for someone who keeps a lionshare of the profits. Seemingly, a majority of the revenue most FHTM members receive is from new recruit fee’s (via their networks), and not from actual residuals on products/services sold. The residual commissions are rather minor, since you can get MORE than what FHTM offers from most of the same vendors (if you have a website, you can receive a greater payout from Expedia/Travelocity/etc, Amazon.com, cellphone service resellers, etc.) and NOT pay FHTM their monthly website fee, as well as a separate fee for the travel website. Another gentleman had done the math in one of the earlier posts which had a very good financial estimate of the potential payout, which is not that much.

Which brings us back to the point that the main revenue generator is signing up new members. For many of us, we rather not approach family, friends, neighbors, etc to have them sign up for something like this, for various reasons. Which is probably why many of us do not consider this a business… but, a pyramid which eventually ‘burns out’ a geographic area and then moves on eventually.

And, to conclude, will say that most business deals are about relationships, and people tend to do business with people they like/trust/respect, and who are just like they are (or, someone they want to be). Hence, this is the reason that FHTM works, since people who are attracted by this tend to come together… and those who are not… find something else. I think some of the strong resentment you have heard in this blog is the judgmental statements you hear from some of the FHTM sales-pitches (…you are dumb to work for a boss, who you are just making rich…).

I do realize that many of you existing FHTM’ers out there do not see this the same way… and this is what makes America great… that we can discuss this, perhaps not convince one another, yet still be civil about it (and if you were nearby, would offer to buy you a glass of wine/beer/scotch).

THE Ronald (yes, but not the "THE" with the hair) on Sat, 27th Sep 2008 3:19 am


JP,

To understand how FHTM is indeed a business and is very different from anything resembling a pyramid of old, one must accept the fact that the compensation plan is not dependent on the $299 sign-up fee.

You are correct when you say that more money is made INITIALLY from new members joining the team than from the residuals/commissions on their monthly bills. However, this money is not coming from the signup fees, but is in fact injected by the various companies that supply FHTM’s reps and customers with the actual products and services

When you add up all the monies being paid out (at all levels simultaneously) as soon as a new rep activates their first 3 services, you realize that there’s no possible way that these bonuses are coming from the $299 sign-up fee. So why bother charging the $299 in the first place? Again, read my earlier theory on this, or simply ask yourself why Costco bothers to charge people a yearly membership fee for the privilege of spending more money shopping at their stores.

So yes, you initially start making more in these referral bonuses than on actual residuals. Again, big bonuses, small residuals. However, as your team grows over time, these small residuals add up to fairly significant amounts as you are not only earning commissions on your own personal consumption or sales, but also on that of your entire team down to unlimited levels (assuming you’ve promoted past the initial “Manager”/”trainee” stage). This is why once you’ve built your team over a period of 2 to 5 years, you no longer have to work FHTM anymore if you don’t want to, as you now have thousands of people all building new teams and all paying their bills each month for their cell-phones, internet, satellite, etc. etc. etc. Yes, you can setup your own website, affiliate program, etc. and earn more individual commission per sale, but what FHTM offers is an opportunity to earn a small commission per “sale”, but on unlimited numbers of people all “working” and all sharing a small piece of the overall pie. FHTM actually pays back 95-98% of its earnings back to the reps.

The #1 money earner in FHTM started with the company 3+ years ago. He now has 140,000 people on his team and makes $1 million every 2 or 3 months.

Our team’s Executive Manager has been with FHTM for almost 2 years and for the last 5 months he’s made (respectively): $18,600; $23,500; $53,200; $52,400; $72,000. He has roughly 1,800 people on his team currently. He got his free (3-year lease on a) Lexus at his 12th month.

In my case, I’ve made about $14,000 in 3+ months. I have 144 people on my immediate team and my residuals are now starting to get significant.

Now, unfortunately, you have no way of verifying any of these “claims” that I’ve just made, so take them with the proverbial “grain of salt” if you like. Results vary by individual and by the amount of effort you’re willing to put in. Note, I’m not trying to “recruit you” or anyone else through this forum, so I hope I’m not perceived as trying to “mislead” anyone or any such nonsense. We actually go to awkward lengths to avoid giving specifics about how much we actually make in FHTM when approaching new “prospects”, not to appear misleading, but rather the opposite, so that we don’t create a false impression as to how easy or how quick one can start making some serious money. It’s only fair to emphasize, it is completely dependent on the individual’s efforts.

Personally though, I do believe, that anyone can do this, even if they don’t feel they have the social skills or don’t think they know too many people or don’t feel they have much free time. As long as they’re willing to keep trying and learning and allow enough time, sooner or later you will get promoted to Regional and sooner or later you will have a (Regional) team of 16 each looking to grow each month. However long it takes you, it’s all good from there. Still, it’s not necessarily “easy” or “quick”, but sooner or later, everyone who sticks with it, will get there.

Returning to the contention, though, let’s simply say that I don’t feel like an uncompensated sales rep. Quite the opposite. I almost feel guilty earning as much as I have been (especially after slowing down my own personal efforts in August and through September). I kept earning referral bonuses, breakaway bonuses (and even ‘grandfather’ breakaways) as well as 25% commission on my True Essentials and Lamas sales, plus 60% (of the available commission) on my FHTM Travel website. Again, my residuals are now getting more and more significant as my team continues to grow (even though it’s a small half-percent to 2% or so, but on my entire team’s bills each month) .

Within my team, I now have 10 Regional Managers and many more within days of promoting as well. What this means is that they’re now at a level where their income starts to get fairly serious. A couple of them are already making enough that they’ve already replaced their full-time jobs.

What this also means is that I have a whole team of people who would be the farthest from agreeing with the contention that they feel they are somehow “uncompensated” sales reps for a company that keeps the bulk of the profits. Seriously, it’s the other way around. 95-98% goes back to the reps.

Finally, JP, I would like to thank you for the thought and for the very kind offer. If I were indeed near, I’d gladly accept and get the next round.

Cheers.

anonamys jhonson on Sun, 28th Sep 2008 4:53 pm


Yea, Yea sheep. I work for them. You know the guy that drives the lexus? yea, I’m one of them. I say one becouse They put so many in each area. The lexus is on lease, we play along and get all of you dumbasses to do the work. Oh, and just wait, this month we have a mag. with FHTM on the cover. Look at it good dumb asses, it’s published by us, advertizing our products. But it impresses people, and gets you sucked in.
the best line here at fhtm, “don’t over think it”.Can you really over think anything? It should be common sence.Someone is trying to get you into something, and they don’t want you to think about it?
come on!!We get paid to present this shit to you, and I’ts all bull.Can you make a little bit? Yea, we’ll throw you a scrap or two, but you don’t want to hear that, do you? If you make 100, the company is making MUCH more. Think about this, we give you a lump of money for each person you sign up. duh, we’re only pulling a little off they’re membership fee. so, we get in 300, pay out 100. 200 dollar profit, and snowballing.
Yea, all these fucks that are in it want to give you information, and act as if it’s SO great, but please keep in mind, they get paid to get you to join. thats 90% of the cash design!stupid, stupid sheep!

THE Johnson on Sun, 28th Sep 2008 7:28 pm


Hmmm… spelled anonymous wrong… that’s okay, but misspelled “Johnson”???

We… they… ??? Make up your mind, are you an FHTM rep or pretending to be a jerk, maybe?

Outside of all the profanity… do you even know what you’re saying?

If you were a rep, you would know that the referral bonuses do not come from the sign-up fees and certainly wouldn’t be trying to explain anything using the contrary.

Sigh… freedom of speech and all that as they say.

Truth, justice and the American way.

See you on Jerry Springer Mr. A.J.

THE Final Word on the comp plan on Sun, 28th Sep 2008 7:56 pm


In Canada (where we don’t do Jerry Springer… yet)…

… a new rep pays $399 for the international business license. As soon as that person activates 3 service points, the company pays out the following simultaneously:

Immediate sponsor: $125
6 people above the immediate sponsor: $6 each
7th person above the immediate sponsor: $12
Regional Sales Manager: $125 or $250 (if they double-bonus that month)
Regional Manager’s Regional Manager: $60 breakaway plus $12 override
Regional Manager’s Regional Manager’s Regional Manager: $12 “grandfather” breakaway
Executive Manager: $200 or $400 (if they double-bonus that month)
Executive Manager’s Executive Manager: $12
National Sales Manager: $235 to $470 (if they double-bonus that month)

All of these people are getting paid all those amounts above at the same time and for the same single person joining FHTM and activating 3 service points.

Add up even the minimums (without the double-bonus es) and you’ll see that they far exceed the $399 being paid by the new rep.

These referral bonuses come from the marketing revenues paid to FHTM by the companies supplying the services and products that the new rep will consume and will refer on to others.

It’s like a “bird-dog” fee or in lieu of frequent flyer reward miles, or “kick-back” or other type of reward or incentive from companies saving up-front advertising dollars (in the hope of maybe getting a few customers) and actually compensating FHTM and its reps from bringing them actual de facto customers (who will likely remain loyal over time as they typically save money and get to earn money at the same time).

So, please, understand this… FHTM does not make its money from the sign-up fees and FHTM does not keep the majority save $100 that it gives to the sponsor. It does not work this way. It simply does not work this way in any way, shape or form.

Look it up. Watch the presentation.

If FHTM pays out much more than it collects from each rep and FHTM pays residuals on actual product sales and monthly recurring-charge bills being paid by all team-members and if FHTM customers have the option to continue saving money each month on competitive products and services (even if they don’t decide to promote the business opportunity itself), then you can see how it could never be considered to even “resemble” the old stereotypical profile of past “pyramid” type structures.

There’s an old Chinese proverb: “If one doesn’t understand something from seeing it, then no-one can ever hope to explain it to that person”.

Here’s hoping you all see it and finally understand it.

Cheers.

Matt Donahue on Mon, 29th Sep 2008 9:08 pm


Hey guys,

I just want to address some of the issues in this review that are inaccurate. Complaint: FHTM preys on the people that are sick and tired of their job. Answer: FHTM doesn’t “prey” on anyone, but it is a sales business, and if the writer of this article knows anything about sales, he should tell you that people don’t buy products or business because of facts, they buy them because of their emotions and justify the purchase with facts…this is sales 101 no matter what business or product you are promoting. So to tell a prospect that there is an alternative to their 9-5 job that they don’t like is not “Preying upon an individual” it is just smart sales. Another Objection: FHTM’s products don’t have name brand recognition. Answer: I don’t what sand dune the writer has his head buried in because I should think he has hear of Sprint, ATT, Verizon, Alltel, Dish Network, GE, Ingrid, and more…all mainstream companies with great name brand recognition. Another objection: Magazines.com pays an affiliate referral commission. Answer: the author again has not done his homework. Magazines.com doesn’t even qualify as a customer point (FHTM wants you to have 10 customer points), it is provided not as if it were some FHTM exclusive bonus, but rather a convenient link to be able to receive the same referral commissions that as the rest of the general public. The 10 customer points that FHTM wants you to have can be obtained through cell phone contracts sold through your website (that FHTM provides with your back office for $20/mo…low overhead for a BUSINESS!!!) or dish network subscriptions or their nutritional products. It really helps to understand a company’s compensation plan before commenting on it. I WILL AGREE with the writer on this point though…not everyone will end up driving a Lexus therefore it is our responsibility as Reps in the network marketing industry to make it very clear what is required to obtain bonuses like Lexus’s. Network marketing is an industry that will pay you based on your efforts. If you don’t work the Business (and I emphasis business) it will not pay you, but if you apply yourself consistently and overcome your individual weakness (whatever that may be–for some presentations, for others cold calling, etc.) the business will reward you handsomely if you do your due diligence. I have examined several network marketing companies and I have found not one that has a compensation plan that matches FHTM’s and a product line that (thank you Jesus) is not made up of products that you have to stock up on in your closet and distribute, but rather marketing services that are sold and negotiated through your custom website (that FHTM provides). If you have any questions about FHTM at all, feel free to e-mail me at fhtm@livewealthy.ws One final point that I would like to agree with the author on is that FHTM is not for everyone, please do your homework, but if you would like more info about FHTM from someone who knows how the company actually works, please e-mail at fhtm@livewealthy.ws SEE YOU AT THE TOP!!!

Gary Schonne on Mon, 29th Sep 2008 9:14 pm


OK, here the bottom line, and this applies to everyone.
There are those of us who believe in this company, and we make it work, then there are those skeptics who don’t believe anything we tell them, and never will.
So I will continue to sit back and collect my checks every month, the non believers can go on bashing something because they don’t understand it and most of them DON’T WANT TO.
If you don’t believe in what your doing you will not succeed at it anyway.
Time to stop beating a dead horse.
As for me, as long as they send me checks every month, I’m a believer.

Matt Donahue on Mon, 29th Sep 2008 9:29 pm


Another quick point that I would like to address. Complaint: FHTM will not let you advertise. Answer: this is not entirely true. They won’t let you run certain types of adds. For instance you can’t put an add in the newspaper as if you are ATT using their logos and such. This is a quality control issue. Imagine if you were the CEO of ATT and you come across an add in the newspaper for your company but the add had a bunch of typos and didn’t properly represent the ATT product…this is the type of scenario that FHTM is trying to avoid. That does not mean however that you can’t run an add in the newspaper for your business to generate leads…you just can’t use companies copyrighted, trade market images and logos etc. Furthermore, running an add for a mainstream company as an individual isn’t profitable anyway because people reading the newspaper likely won’t buy a subscription service from some individual that they don’t know anyway…there is no credibility…it seems fishy. This type of advertising is costly, and for the most part ineffective. Network marketing has also been called relationship marketing because sales in general are more effective when you are selling to an individual who trusts you. Meet more people to sell to, don’t waste your money on adds that don’t work. If you do want to run an add you could run the following: Interested in earning a commission on your cell phone bill every month? This type of add is fine because you are not expressly using any trademarked logos in the add, you are just putting a teaser out in the marketplace to generate interest. For more information call xxx-xxx-xxxx.” If you would like more free , no obligation information regarding FHTM or network marketing, feel free to e-mail me at fhtm@livewealthy.ws

SEE YOU AT THE TOP!!!

Elvis (enjoying a week in Disneyland) on Mon, 29th Sep 2008 9:41 pm


Let’s hear it for the Cavalry! Welcome Matt. Welcome back Gary. Greetings from the Fairfield Marriott. Treating the family to a week in Disneyland while FHTM continues to pay me as my business continues to grow (even while I’m away — woo-hoo!!).

dave headapohl rsm/tc on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 7:28 pm


Paul orberson founder of fhtm its the best thing to come along since chevys and fords.. paul makes it possible for a regular joe like me to make the best money ive have ever seen in my lifetiime He is truley a miracle to me and for me and thousands just like me David headapohl.Get in now every day u dont is costig u money. watch the video massive1099.com

Nick Faith on Sat, 4th Oct 2008 11:50 am


Guys this is the BEST 299.00 I have ever spent! You get a chance to create a LUCRATIVE part time income or more, work with successful, positive people and help others achieve success! I have been involved in a few other home based business but nothing compares to FHTM. Great product offerings, excellent compensation plan and a low 299 start up (compared to what else is out there), and if that is too steep of a start up for you to start your own business you might want to just stay at the J.O.B. The business world probably isn’t for you If you have any questions about FHTM I would be glad to answer them for you feel free to email me me at nickfaith@buffalo.com

Carmichael on Fri, 17th Oct 2008 12:30 pm


Mary Sanchez, how is your FHTM business? Your website no longer works. Does that mean FHTM does not work as well? That only took six months before you dropped out.

Doris Trueheart on Fri, 17th Oct 2008 3:23 pm


I don’t think that owning a business or selling products is for everyone. With FHTM a customer can buy products that they already are using. A Rep can buy products that they are already using. The commissions are low compared to a job selling products, but you weren’t getting any commisiion on those products you were using prior to becoming a rep. I aree that it takes time to build up a customer base, even years, but because that residual income is paid to infinite levels it builds up over time and that is Residual income that is paid month after month after month for as long as those customers are customers.

I’m enjoying my stint with FHTM and I am happy to speak with anyone, contact me at doristrueheart@yahoo.com and my website is http://www.FHTMus.com/myresource.

Busmichael on Fri, 17th Oct 2008 4:37 pm


I think Mary Sanchez stopped posting on this forum loooong ago. Probably realized it’s a waste of time continuing to try to clarify others’ misconceptions when they’re convinced their generalized opinions have sacred value.

Webpages, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, operating names, things change from time to time. Sometimes for the better, sometimes maybe not. Maybe Mary incorporated her business and has a new website now, or maybe she married someone in her upline and is now growing the one more lucrative business together with her new life partner.

Or maybe she quit FHTM as has been suggested. It would be interesting to hear her comments if so given how strongly supportive she was of FHTM in all her earlier posts. I personally hope all is well in her life and nothing bad has happened to her or her family.

Considering what’s happening in real estate, the stock market, fuel costs, banking and lending, consumer confidence and the economy in general, I hope everyone is doing well these days.

mark jhonson on Mon, 20th Oct 2008 3:09 pm


Ok, everyone involved wants you to join. They get paid to have you join. Do the math. I’ve looked it over, been to a meeting, and I think It’s bull. If you are seriously thinking about doing this, don’t just listen to people who want you in. Ask questions, as many as you can, And don’t make any quick desisions.
Also, if this will keep making money for you, ask them what you have to do to earn all the “points” in order to keep money coming in.
Look on the net for people who hate it, and those who love it. Just remeber, those who are in it will get paid to have you take part, so take that into consiteration.

Joe on Fri, 24th Oct 2008 12:49 am


Couldn’t have said it better myself. I was in the trenches in the mid-90s when Paul Orberson was the Excel guru and yes, I too was enamored by the “good ole boy” that quit his job and then made millions with the company. They made it sound like anyone could do it.

To make a long story short, I was in Excel for 9 years (til the bitter end in Nov. of 2004), recruited 31 people and made about $15 bucks per month in residuals over most of those years. (I make more money now from a few Ebay affiliate sites ($450 this month last time I checked) and this money is from sites that I set up over a year ago.)

To me, the real wealth is made in internet marketing, building virtual real estate as an affiliate marketer. Screw the people who you recruit in MLM and don’t do a damn thing. I now rely just on myself and have set up income streams that pay me month in and month out without any effort but the original effort to get them going.

And that is what MLM proposes…do the work once and get paid forever. The problem is that you have to rely on other people to work too, and that is a dangerous proposition.

Let me tell you, i was a die hard Excel rep. I attended everything and worked hard. Paul Orberson was my idol. But in the end, it didn’t mean shit. Kenny Troutt and Steve Smith just sold the company, made hundreds of millions and walked away. I’m sure that was the plan, but in the meantime they screwed alot of people.

I don’t blame Kenny, he knew exactly what he was doing. Paul was a pawn in Kenny’s dream and it happened to work out well for him. but for millions of others it left a sour taste in their mouths.

So my advice…before you do any kind of network marketing, learn affiliate marketing on the internet for free and work for yourself. Once you start making some money, you’ll never fall for the MLM game again.

Chuck Sixpack on Fri, 24th Oct 2008 2:26 pm


Paul Orberson said that in his experience in Network Marketing, he found there were 3 types of people who did best in building their businesses, there were those who were: 1) people persons; 2) people of influence (like coaches, pastors, business leaders, etc.); and 3) people with a burning desire to earn more money for themselves or their families.

Robert Kiyosaki says in a few of his books (and some recent interviews) that to succeed in Network Marketing, you need to have 2 good reasons why you’re doing it in the first place. One is for your own financial freedom and the other is in order to help others change their lives and financial futures. He says that to only have one of these as the reason you’re doing network marketing is not enough. You must genuinely adopt both reasons if you truly want to succeed.

My experience thus far has been very very good as a relatively new FHTM rep. My first month, I made close to $5,000, then the next month $6,000, then (for personal/family reasons) could not work FHTM or my other business for the next 3 months. FHTM still earned me $3,000, $2,000 and $1,800 each of these last 3 months that I have not been able to “go to work”.

I’m looking forward to resuming personally growing my FHTM business even bigger as I now know that the residuals keep coming in and the referal bonuses do continue to unlimited levels as those on my team continue to grow their own teams anyway.

I started out very skeptical. I realized right away however, that the money wasn’t coming from the sign-up fees, but rather from advertising revenues. This helped me decide to give it a shot .

I did not think of myself as much of a people person, nor a person of influence, nor someone in great need to make extra money. However, I did find that I do like the idea of helping others to make extra money and seeing the impact it makes on their lives.

I’m no longer skeptical about FHTM. I won’t say the same about any other MLM or Network Marketing business, but FHTM so far has been very very good and has exceeded my expectations.

Curious about large REO's on Sat, 25th Oct 2008 1:31 am


Fascinating. Please tell us more.

Curious what happened to posts about REO's on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 10:58 am


What happened to the post about large REO’s???

… or the one about big pointy towers (and pigs and sheep and some guy named Orbison — wasn’t he a country singer?).

Please, tell us more of these “secrets”.

Chris on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 11:29 am


It’s really not that difficult for me to see where your posts are coming from.

If you would like to discuss the actual post about FHTM, feel free to do so.

If you’ve run out of new recruits to chase down and you’re sitting at home bored with nothing better to do then to spam my blog, then please go waste someone else’s time.

Or wait…maybe you’ve got so darn much of that residual income flowing in, that you don’t have to chase new recruits and you have a lot of extra time to spam blogs?

Either way, if you don’t care to contribute something of value, please move along.

Chris Almighty on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 2:54 pm


Since it’s not that difficult for you to see where the “spam”-type posts are coming from, then you no doubt must know they’re not coming from anyone pro-FHTM.

I wonder then why you make it seem like it’s an FHTM rep who is bespoiling the sanctity of your precious and impartial blog.

jakster on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 3:05 pm


Chris,

Your original posts on the subject were great – very informative and well worth reading.

The comments in response to your original posts however are almost as entertaining, especially the ones from folks trying to make the case for FHTM. As part of their amazing back office system the FHTM team must provide comment templates for them to cut and past into any web site that raises questions about the veracity of FHTM.

I hope you are getting ad revenue from all of the comments posted here.

Chris on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 3:29 pm


Hmmm…so now you’re not “pro-fhtm”? There are some 25 previous posts from this IP address, including the one from “Chuck Sixpack” on 10/24/08, where you state the following:

“My experience thus far has been very very good as a relatively new FHTM rep. My first month, I made close to $5,000, then the next month $6,000, then (for personal/family reasons) could not work FHTM or my other business for the next 3 months. FHTM still earned me $3,000, $2,000 and $1,800 each of these last 3 months that I have not been able to “go to work”.

But now you’re not “pro-fhtm”?

See…you’re attempting to be deceptive here…why? Are you an FHTM rep? Are you not? Why do you have to come here and use fictitious email addresses and names to post comments? (Just look for all the goofy names that have been used to post under). If you’re an FHTM rep…you’re giving your group a bad name.

Chris on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 4:19 pm


Hello Jakster,

Thanks…I was not aware of the comment templates? Thats interesting!

jakster on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 4:53 pm


Chris,

I do not know if that is the case, I might be giving the too much credit on the technology side.

I just find it amusing how they keep using the same basic arguments in response to any critical post made anywhere on the web.

Such as…

…you’re a quitter if you were once a member

…you didn’t give it enough time

…Tired of being Just Over Broke (huh?)

…references to articles in self-serving magazines (has anyone in Business Week or Fortune said anything positive abou FHTM?)

There are plenty of others just in these comments in response to your post. Me thinks they doth protest too much…

Chris the really almighty on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 5:01 pm


The spam comments that were deleted and not directly to do with FHTM (“REO’s”, “pigs, sheep, towers, etc.”) were not from an FHTM rep.

Those from Chuck Sixpack and others you say have silly names, clearly are pro-FHTM posts. It seems they’re on topic and they add value. Why would you call them spam and knock the contributor(s)???

Jackass 2 on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 5:05 pm


Hey Jakster, nice non-silly name you got there. Very original FHTM-bashing points too. Where did you not recycle those from?

Gary Schonne on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 8:40 pm


I find it amusing that so many people are so quick to bash something they don’t understand or are unwilling to understand.
Same old BS, just different day.
I’ll continue being a FHTM rep, and reaping the benefits, and you FHTM bashers can continue to call us names.
Bottom line, you can call us anything you like, as long as I’m cashing checks I don’t mind.

Elvis on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 11:14 pm


Dear “lol, …”

As much as you find this forum amusing, please consider the following:

a) your use of profanity and irresponsible choice of website will only result in Chris (rightfully) deleting your posts anyway so why bother

b) you do no service to either side of the argument as each side will assume you represent the other

c) worst of all… Chris will assume once more that you’re an FHTM rep and make generalizations and call us all deceptive again. Let’s not antagonize our host as he’s entitled to his opinion, right or wrong.

Matt on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 11:34 pm


I am responding to Jackster about his comment about the typical response of people in the business saying that “you’re a quitter, etc.” I would like to agree that in network marketing, success as Jackster points out is not in “how long you are in the business.” …..at least solely. If you practice an instrument, but practice the wrong notes, you may be able to say you’ve tried an instrument for a while, but if in the end you can’t play the instrument, that is not the instruments fault. Most people that fail at network marketing, do not “actively” …key word “actively” work their business, or if they do they are not becoming better at it. It is not the system that is the failure (at least in the case of FHTM), it is the people who do not grow in whatever area of the business that they are weak. Network marketing is nothing but a vehicle, some will learn to drive, others won’t.
I would like the Jackster to respond to this comment by telling us what better alternative he has to becoming financially independent because quite frankly I don’t take financial advice from people who are broke. Nor do I take advice from people who suffer from “stinkin’ thinking.”

Matt on Wed, 29th Oct 2008 12:00 am


Another quick note. I would also like to point out that the individuals who have grown big businesses are leaders. They got to the top by training and empowering their downline to duplicate (this is the key). Many people who have gotten into network marketing and have failed have failed because they sponsored a handful of reps into their business and then magically thought it would grow itself. Success is simple, but not easy. The reason many people don’t achieve success is because although it is easy to pick up the phone and make a call, it is just as easy not too…and many won’t count the cost. Sorry for being lengthy.

Build your business with integrity!!!
See you at the top!!!
Matt

Chris on Wed, 29th Oct 2008 9:38 am


Elvis,

You’re correct…I don’t like the profanity here so I have deleted the post.

I’m not making generalizations as you say. I’m being pretty specific…there are a lot of comments coming from ONE IP address, 70.69.52.208, and the comments have no valid email address, (oh…and I do have the real email address they’re coming from).

So…I guess I have to moderate all comments coming from the IP from now on.

Elvis on Wed, 29th Oct 2008 12:28 pm


Chris:

Just for the record, posts and contributions from this ONE IP address that you intend to “moderate” from now on have been within the terms of use for this site and I hope you’re not implying that any of the “spam”-type comments (or those that contained profanity and other such nonsense) came from this source or from an FHTM rep.

What exactly is your objection to the contributions from this source? Too many posts in response to questions about FHTM? Too many positive facts? Don’t like the use of witty names ? Way I started to see it, this forum should be about FHTM pros or cons. As soon as those contributing to the con side realized they were arguing from uninformed opinion and didn’t like being faced with actual facts and expert quotes, they started aiming their attacks at the debator rather than the topic itself.

At that point I figured it best not to give them a fixed target so that they would have to focus on the topic once more.

So Chris, unless your terms of use have been violated, what is there to moderate?

I took a moment to read your disclosure policy and your bits on your privacy policy.

So far so good.

Elvis on Wed, 29th Oct 2008 12:45 pm


Oh, and as long as you’re moderating for profanity, etc., you might want to re-read this one:

anonamys jhonson on September 28th, 2008 4:53 pm

jakster on Wed, 29th Oct 2008 1:45 pm


Matt,

First let me correct you, I never said that success in network marketing depends on “how long you are in the business”. In fact I never discussed what it takes to be successful in network marketing. I suspect hat there are network marketing companies that provide their members with the products and tools to build a successful business (Avon, Tupperware come to mind) but I haven’t seen how that is the case with FHTM.

I only heard about FHTM for the first time yesterday when a family friend approached my wife about attending a meeting. When she expressed skepticism about the program I decided to see what I could find.

Within 30 seconds I found Chris’s web site which seemed to provide a good overview of the program.

Within another 30 seconds I found numerous web sites that described FHTM as a “pyramid scheme” or “scam”. What really struck me about those other web sites was that every time FHTM was criticized numerous FHTM reps or supporters appeared out of the woodwork to provide reasons why it was not a “pyramid scheme” or “scam”. Unfortunately, most of their reasons lacked any specifics and consisted mostly of insults towards any on the non-believers.

Here’s a list of FHTM Supporters common responses to criticism (…these were found in the comments section related to a FHTM YouTube video, but you can just about look up any thread where FHTM is criticized and you will find the same basic responses):

“Why would legitimate companies like ATT, or Sprint, or Dish Network, or any of the other big names risk their reputation to be linked to FHTM”
(I don’t see ATT or Sprint on the list of companies. While the logos of other companies appear on the FHTM web site there is little evidence that these companies have anything other than a reseller or affiliate agreement with FHTM – try searching for any reference to FHTM on the DishNetwork web site. As Chris pointed out in his original post, anyone on the Internet can become a reseller for these companies – without having to share their income with FHTM. Some of the products such as Travel Services are being offered by a company (Ocenture) that is repackaging the services of another company (Travelocity). Doesn’t seem to leave a lot of money to share amongst the network. By the way, you can become a Travelocity affiliate for free).

“Think about it, everything in the world is a pyramid scheme ESPECIALLY when you get a normal job and start at the bottom of the pyramid and it’s basically impossible to make it to the top no matter how hard you work.”
(This sounds like a defeatist attitude. Most legitimate companies reward the employees who contribute and they will rise through the ranks faster than those that do not. There are countless stories of people who started at the bottom and worked their way up. A study in Business Horizons, May-June, 1990 by G.R. Bassiry, R. Hrair Dekmejian showed that within the top 50 U.S. corporations, 58 percent of the CEOs joined their respective companies as a first job and worked their way to the top through the ranks.)

“You have ZERO evidence for your comment. I know Paul Oberson and this is know scam!! Do some real research!”
(No one ever seems to provide any specifics – or seems to know how to spell. How did you make your money? What percentage of your earnings came from magazine sales, travel sales, cell phone products, etc? What percentage came from recruiting friends and family? All they ever say is do your research and when you do search on FHTM you see lot of people criticizing it as a pyramid scheme)

“Read the 11 page spread in Millionaire Blueprint magazine from Jan 2007 if you don’t believe those of us who are involved! ”
(Millionaire Blueprint is simply an advertisement for get-rich schemes so it is not surprising that FHTM is mentioned. Are there any mentions of FHTM in Business Week, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal or any other mainstream business publications?)

“You may find some negativity on Fortune from other web-sites. However, you will find that 100% of the time these web-sites have a financial interest in directing you to some other company or business venture. ”
(Not true for this site and many others that have posted concerns about FHTM’s business. Why are so many FHTM reps so defensive?)

From what I can see from reading the comments here and elsewhere, there seems to be a significant amount of doubt about FHTM as a viable business. Anyone expressing concern is quickly attacked as an un-believer by people who are unable to provide credible support for their claims. Why so defensive FHTMers? Attacking non-believers would seem to be a waste of your valuable time if you are truly as succesfull as many of you claim to be.

If you are trying to provide a more balanced view of FHTM then the insult/attack approach doesn’t seem like a good way to do business. Instead of insulting the people who are asking questions or expressing concern, a more effective approach might be to provide specifics of how the business has helped you become successful. What product is your best seller? How are you promoting your best sellers? These are reasonable business questions.

Finally, can someone share how much of the company’s revenue comes from product sales (those logos that appear on the web site) and how much comes form membership sign ups? Just curious. Simple question. Anyone?

Elvis on Thu, 30th Oct 2008 11:11 pm


Perhaps you should ask your wife’s family friend for help answering these questions personally.

I don’t know why everyone gets so passionate about defending either side.

It’s really ultimately a personal choice. You either see it as a worthwhile business opportunity or you don’t. If you try it and it doesn’t work for you, it’s not like you lost your life’s savings or the bank will repossess your house.

It’s a few hundred bucks and you can write off more than that when you do your taxes.

It’s not like we’re protecting anyone from imminent doom.

Do what you love.

Carmen on Sun, 2nd Nov 2008 3:40 pm


Great Blog Chris,

There are more legitimate ways to make money than scamming people you know to join Fortune. Fortune reps make the same arguments over and over and can’t seem to make any valid points that Fortune is a viable way to make money.

For the majority, fortune is a scam!

Elvis on Sun, 2nd Nov 2008 5:19 pm


You join, you gather a few customers, you invite others to check out the opportunity.

When you gather customers or become your own customer you earn commission up to 25% (or up to 60% of the available commissions on travel orders).

When others join your team you get paid generous bonuses from the marketing revenues provided by the companies that supply the products and services.

As you keep doing the two things above, and your team grows, over time your bonuses increase and your residuals start to become very significant.

In the meantime, you’re switching some services to those of equal or greater quality, but at equal or lower prices (so you end up with better value and savings).

Once your team attains a certain size over time (2 to 5 years typically), you no longer need to actively “work” your FHTM business if you don’t want to as leverage takes over and you benefit from the activity of hundreds or of thousands of people each paying their monthly bills and each generating “royalty”-type bonuses for what you helped get started with a few open-minded and desirous friends or family members a few years back.

This is how it works.

It does not work for everyone, but it works for many. Not everyone has enough desire and not everyone has enough faith to see the opportunity and some dismiss it as a “scam” out of sheer ignorance and uninformed third-party heresay.

Bottom line is that it isn’t fair to label FHTM a “scam” any more than it’s fair to label a gym a scam. If you work out, you lose weight. If not everyone who joins a gym loses weight or becomes fitter, then it’s not because of the gym, but most likely because they didn’t bother to ever use their membership and actually go work out.

FHTM works if you’re willing to work at it. There may be other ways to make money out there, but how many can you start with $299 (or even free), no experience at all, no inventories to maintain, no deliveries, no collections and can very easily and simply be started and maintained by just calling up a few friends, showing them a dvd and then asking them if they have any questions. There’s no “selling”, there’s no “high-pressure”. It’s an invitation. If they get it, great, welcome to the team and let’s help you get started. If they don’t get, then that’s okay, thanks for your time. Maybe they can be a customer for long-distance and we can help save them some money.

The sad reality about the “majority” is that 95% live pay-check to pay-check and many aren’t necessarily doing what they love in life.

CNN(dot)com just ran a few recent articles were they announced 150-year-old companies being wiped out in this economic time we’re facing and 39% flat-out drops in value of various markets. They also state over 700,000 jobs have been lost since the beginning of the year in the United States with no end in sight.

FHTM on the other hand continues to grow at a yearly rate of 59% over the same time last year.

What scam do you know of that outperforms 150-year-old companies and bucks recessionary market trends and can earn you 6 or 7 figure incomes within a matter of a few years of steady simple work?

This is not a get-rich-quick scheme or “too good to be true”. It totally depends on the individual.

YouHaveGotToBeKidding on Sun, 2nd Nov 2008 5:39 pm


Elvis,

With all due respect… please do not compare FHTM to companies which produce products/services. Your comment on how FHTM is growing at some incredible rate while the economy suffers and 150 year established companies are not doing well, is, well, naive.

FHTM is a RESELLER of the services/products of these 150-year old companies, so, if they are not doing well, well, FHTM will not do well if it’s revenue stream is dependent upon their output (simple economics). If the revenue of FHTM is primarily signup fees of new recruits who are paid a fraction of the services sold (which should also be in decline… per the overall economy slowing down), then the only growth in FHTM is signup fees. Make sense?

So, if people are NOT buying new cell phone plans, satellite TV subscriptions, etc, you can pretty much predict what will happen to FHTM commission fees for such services.

And, you are NOT being paid 60% commission on travel fees… you are being paid a small x% commission, which is a fraction of what is being paid out (with FHTM keeping a portion of this). Airlines and hotels margins in the x% range, and they typically pay a very small booking fee ($1 – $20), of which you receive a portion of this.

Look, as I had previously stated, if this works for you, great, good for you. But, PLEASE do not state ignorant facts about how 95% of Americans work paycheck-to-paycheck, and they could be making six figure salaries on FHTM. This is simply ignorant. If everyone stopped working at construction, finance, transportation, etc, and starting working on getting x% commission on selling various consumer services to each other, we would be living in the new stone age in a short amount of time.

I wish you FHTM’ers would simply stop using these naive and uninformed arguments to justify your choice. If it works for you, great, but what you are doing is nothing new, and a large majority of recruits will not make any type of significant money from this. You do NOT have your own business, you are simply independent re-sales agents for a company which keeps a portion of the revenue you generate for them, and does not pay you a salary, expenses, taxes, vacation, 401K, etc. Why dress this up as something else? It is what it is, nothing more, nothing less.

Elvis on Sun, 2nd Nov 2008 10:58 pm


Well, thanks for the lesson in economics. You might want to re-read what was actually being said and reconsider your premises.

First, FHTM reps get 60% of the available commission that is earned on travel. I think you misunderstood what this statement is saying. 60% of the available commissioin. Not 60% of the total travel order. Flights are very competitive and may not provide as great a margin as a hotel or a vacation package. So whatever the commission may be, out of the 100% of that commission, 60% gets paid to the rep.

As for your argument that it makes no sense that a company like FHTM should thrive in a recessionary climate, well, maybe you should take a closer look at the types of products and services that FHTM markets.

How many people do you know cancel their cell-phones or give up their satellite TV or switch back their long-distance to the more expensive plan offered by their land-line provider?

Naive and uninformed? FHTM is growing at an established rate of 59% year over year. This is an empirical fact, not some mindless arbitrary statement of claim.

We show the plan. Those who are looking for something extra and want to make a go of it see an opportunity and join. In times of financial challenges, more and more people are looking for that something extra. FHTM thus grows and grows. As it grows, the teams grow, the bonuses flow, the commissions pay and the residuals increase.

Again, thanks for the economics lesson. I think I’ll prefer to look at the real world instead and see what’s really happening.

Nice world you live in.

Elvis on Sun, 2nd Nov 2008 11:09 pm


Sorry, missed responding to one of your more important premises: (“If the revenue of FHTM is primarily signup fees of new recruits who are paid a fraction of the services sold (which should also be in decline… per the overall economy slowing down), then the only growth in FHTM is signup fees. Make sense??).

FHTM’s revenue does not come primarily from “sign-up” fees. FHTM saves the companies for which it markets their products and services (by word-of-mouth) the up-front advertising and marketing dollars that they would normally spend on TV commercials or radio or newspaper ads, etc. So when a new rep joins, these companies pay FHTM a “referral” or “gathering” bonus which then gets distributed into the various levels of the compensation plan.

The reps sign-up fee (the $299US or $399Cdn) is not FHTM’s primary source of revenue. The total amounts paid out at the various compensation levels add up to over $1,000 (depending on whether individual reps “double” in their bonus targets or not on any given calendar month).

So forgive me if I don’t agree that I should consider myself naive and uninformed.

Elvis on Sun, 2nd Nov 2008 11:22 pm


Sorry, me again…

as long as we’re talking economics… supply and demand and all that,…

… just heard something interesting on the news… did you know that during bad economic times, lipstick purchases go up?

There’s even a term for it, they call it the lipstick indicator.

Apparently, it’s a relatively inexpensive “luxury” that women give themselves when they can no longer afford the trips to the spa or the Gucci handbag.

Similarly, home renos go up, grocery purchases go up (as people eat out less and home-cook more, and… “home business” type opportunities see more and more people looking for that little extra.

Charles on Mon, 3rd Nov 2008 11:15 am


Looks like someone pushed Elvis’s button the informed way and now he can’t stop defending a scam.

“FHTM is growing at an established rate of 59% year over year. This is an empirical fact, not some mindless arbitrary statement of claim.”

Elvis,where is your empirical facts on this!!! Your just spitting out false claims.

I know for a fact Fortune is about signing people up to make the bonus money on the recruitment fee, nothing more, nothing less. The top leaders teach this and the mindset is greed.

Gary Schonne on Mon, 3rd Nov 2008 12:48 pm


Charles
Please explain to me your version of how FHTM’s compensation works, because your version, claiming it’s a scam doesn’t work.
If it relies on new people being signed up, why do I receive checks even when I don’t bring anyone new in, which as been some time now since I’ve been busy with year end orders and government bids with my regular business.
I suggest you do a little more research, as I did, before you make unsubstantiated claims, such as refering to the company as a scam.
I know a LOT of people in FHTM, and I know many who have made a LOT of money.
Majority of these people are educated professionals.
I know people who do FHTM full time with no other source of income.
It is not a get rich quick scheme, nor is it a pyramid scheme.
Being a business owner in wholesale distribution and sales, I understand how and why FHTM works, and why it doesn’t work for many people.
Don’t resort to name calling just because you don’t understand something.
What Elvis is saying is the truth.
FHTM earns its revenue from companies that pay them for marketing, just like Yahoo and Google earn their money.
Only difference is that FHTM uses network marketing to gather loyal customers rather than banner advertising that Yahoo and Google uses.
And their travel site does allow