Chris Hoyt

140 Responses to “Fortune High Tech Marketing (FHTM) Secrets You Should Know”

1. » Fortune High Tech Marketing (FHTM) Secrets You Should Know on January 19th, 2008 12:39 pm

   […] Nancy E. Schwartz wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI ponder the question of whether I would ever post about FHTM, (Fortune High Tech Marketing), again…but I get so many emails and so many people asking for my thoughts, that I just couldn’t help it. Sometimes I wonder if this site … […]

2. Barb on January 19th, 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?

3. virtuozzo on January 22nd, 2008 3:23 am

   Fantastic article covering some points I really needed some good usability info for. Thanks for the legitimate post.

4. Lower Ab Workout on January 23rd, 2008 9:34 am

   Thank you very much for this review of Fortune. I have always wondered if this was a viable program.

5. Andrew on January 24th, 2008 5:50 am

   Nice review. Has settled a few questions i had about them. Im curious to invest and see how it goes in the short term.

   Andrew

6. JENNIFER DAZET on January 25th, 2008 1:36 pm

   Great information!

7. William Richard on January 25th, 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

8. Investment Banking Jobs on January 25th, 2008 8:23 pm

   Very true, and great article all around!

9. Find Recipes on January 26th, 2008 1:05 am

   Very in depth article. I will consider FHTM.

10. William Richard on January 26th, 2008 1:25 am

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

11. Daniel on January 26th, 2008 2:43 am

    FHTM certainly looks promising. the review was very into-it. it certainly made me understand the whole thing.

12. William Richard on January 26th, 2008 8:48 am

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

13. Jerry Thomas on January 30th, 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

14. William Richard on January 30th, 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!

15. Chris on January 30th, 2008 10:49 am

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

16. Wow Mining Guide on January 30th, 2008 1:26 pm

    What a great review of FHTM!

17. La Roche Posay on January 31st, 2008 2:50 pm

    After such a great review my only question is How did you learn so about FHTM? what introduced you to it?

18. creative strokes on January 31st, 2008 4:19 pm

    fantastic ! after reviewing this article i have learned lots of merketing secrets.

19. Jerry Thomas on January 31st, 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

20. William Richard on January 31st, 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

21. Chris on January 31st, 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?!?!

22. William Richard on January 31st, 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

23. Chris on January 31st, 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

24. Jerry Thomas on January 31st, 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

25. William Richard on February 1st, 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.

26. Weight Loss Wand on February 2nd, 2008 5:42 am

    Thank you very much for this great information.

27. Frances Johnson on February 3rd, 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!

28. Frances on February 3rd, 2008 2:07 pm

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

29. Atlanta Luxury Homes on February 4th, 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…

30. montblanc meisterstuck on February 16th, 2008 9:31 am

    Great reivew

31. TigerTom on February 16th, 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.

32. Karen on February 16th, 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.

33. AJ on February 16th, 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!!!!!!!!

34. bubba on February 20th, 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.

35. Chris on February 22nd, 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!

36. bob on February 23rd, 2008 9:22 pm

    Thanks for useful clause!

37. Mary Sanchez on February 25th, 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

38. Chris on February 25th, 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?

39. Mary Sanchez on February 25th, 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.

40. Living Infinitely on March 3rd, 2008 8:26 pm

    Great Post, I wanted to thank you for it.

41. Mark on March 10th, 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.

42. Frances on March 11th, 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!

43. Jeff Thompson on March 12th, 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!!

44. Ralph Remington on March 17th, 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

45. Jeff Gordon on March 18th, 2008 1:21 pm

    thanks for the post.

46. Doug D on March 19th, 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.

47. Chris on March 19th, 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.

48. Doug D on March 19th, 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.”

49. Jus 23 on March 19th, 2008 4:33 pm

    soooo many comments! do u actually read them all? good postage though
    -Jerry

50. J Martin on March 19th, 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

51. Apuestas Deportivas on March 24th, 2008 1:49 am

    Hmm………. thanks for sharing with us. we really needed the information

52. Mary Sanchez on March 24th, 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!

53. Margaret Mead on March 24th, 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.

54. Lilly on March 25th, 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.

55. Mary Sanchez on March 25th, 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.

56. Mary Sanchez on March 25th, 2008 1:45 pm

    Nextel? Nextel is still on my website.

57. Doug D on March 26th, 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.

58. Mary Sanchez on March 27th, 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.

59. Doug D on March 27th, 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”.

60. Mary S. on March 27th, 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.

61. Thor on March 27th, 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.

62. Chris on March 27th, 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.

63. Mary S. on March 27th, 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%

64. Carol on March 28th, 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

65. Shane on March 31st, 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 :o)

66. Shane on March 31st, 2008 3:31 pm

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

67. Paul Dean on March 31st, 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.

68. Chris on March 31st, 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.

69. Shane on March 31st, 2008 9:27 pm

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

70. Carol on March 31st, 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.

71. Mary S. on April 1st, 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:)

72. Michael L. on April 2nd, 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

73. Janice on April 3rd, 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.

74. Doug on April 3rd, 2008 9:02 am
    
    
75. Michael on April 3rd, 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.

76. Connie McDonald on April 4th, 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.

77. Michael on April 5th, 2008 10:47 pm

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

78. Jeff on April 10th, 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).

79. Crysh on April 10th, 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!!

80. Mary S. on April 11th, 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

81. Jeff on April 11th, 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.

82. Jerry Thomas on April 11th, 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

83. Mary S. on April 11th, 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.

84. Mary S. on April 11th, 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.

85. Penny on April 14th, 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.

86. Mary S. on April 14th, 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.

87. Penny on April 15th, 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.

88. Mary S. on April 15th, 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:)

89. Michael on April 15th, 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

90. walter on April 15th, 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

91. Lynn on April 16th, 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.

92. Michael on April 20th, 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!”

93. Doug on May 1st, 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.

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95. carl jackson on May 11th, 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

96. longaberger baskets collectibles on May 12th, 2008 9:13 am

    Wow the comments on this thread are just as interesting as the original post. Chris, I hope that you are going to continue to write articles. I think that your readers would love to see you start up again.

97. Joe on May 12th, 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.

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100. R.M. on May 20th, 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

101. Margaret on May 22nd, 2008 9:56 am

     To R.M.
     Wake up and