by Dr. Keith B. Laggos

The network marketing industry consists of about 15 million distributors at any given time in the United States and is approaching 100 million distributors worldwide. Over the span of a year, double those numbers participated as a distributor for at least part of the year. This does not include all of those who purchase a product from a direct sales/network marketing distributor or company. To claim to have a plan to quadruple the number of distributors to 60 million distributors in United States surely sounds like an unrealistic, if not a fantastical, claim. That is not to even consider extending my strategy to its worldwide potential. Although, you might be ready to commit me to an asylum, there are those who not only share my vision, but are willing to help achieve it.

Any seasoned marketer or salesperson knows the secret to building great wealth is to find an unfulfilled want of a large number of people and fulfill it. What would you say if I told you that I have discovered such a want for the opportunities that the direct sales/network marketing industry offers in a huge market? This market has about 60 million people in it according to the last census and they often have a strong support circle. Most of those in this specialized market niche not only have a want for what direct sales/network marketing has to offer, but a real need. In fact, in many cases, we may be their best hope.

I am talking about the 60 million people who, according to the U.S. census survey, have some sort of disability. I realize that most people have no clue that there are so many people in the United States with disabilities. That is partially because they are seldom seen in large groups. Many occupy beds at home or hospitals or institutions or just don’t go out in public often. They are truly the silent populace. The vast majority of these individuals are unemployed or underemployed. They are often financial burdens on their families, taxpayers and the government. They have few employment opportunities, but are usually quite capable of working from home. They can use a phone, communicate over the Internet and do mailings. That means they can do what it takes to build a successful network marketing business.

Strong support groups behind them

They also have a strong support group that would often be willing to purchase products or join with them to help build a business as at least a gesture of support. Many disabled persons belong to associations and social support groups for the disabled. They have several realms of influence, which are eager and willing to help and support them. These circles of influence and support increase the size of this market niche to far greater than the 60 million disabled people in it in the United States. There are few other effective choices available to the disabled. Yet, direct sales/network marketing offers an affordable business opportunity that can be worked from even a bed. No formal prior training is required and most direct sales/network marketing opportunities have training calls and training that can be done over the Internet or by other electronic mediums. Many of the products we offer can actually help the disabled with their physical and mental needs.

Talk to most any disabled person and you will find out that their suffering extends past their disability. They often live a life of frustration and despair. They wake up each morning with little to do, little to look forward to and often feeling like a burden to those who they love and depend on. They fear that if they do find employment they will lose the little government benefits they currently receive. Network marketing can provide part-time income below that threshold, while creating a sense of accomplishment, self-edification and independence. Disabled people can achieve a sense of self-efficiency or at least a real contribution through direct sales. Their direct sales/network marketing business could offer a challenge, even excitement that makes each day worth living. Direct sales/network marketing can offer disabled people more than an income opportunity; it offers them an opportunity for a real life!

There are also many side benefits for the families of disabled persons, the network marketing industry and society as a whole. The obvious financial burdens would be reduced. In some cases, when the disabled person becomes successful in direct sales/network marketing, he or she could become the primary income earner or even lead the family to financial freedom. Direct sales/network marketing may not be able to help the disabled person to become physically whole again, but could help the inner person to become whole again. This could prove to be an uplifting experience for the entire family and circle of friends, as well as their upline who works with them.

Direct sales/network marketing could help millions of disabled people to be removed from being burdens on taxpayers – to become taxpayers themselves. Since much of the Social Security payments are made to disabled persons, this approach by itself could save our Social Security system. It would be wise for government officials, lawmakers and agencies to support the disabled by allowing them to continue with their health benefits while earning income via direct sales/network marketing. This would reduce the fear of loss of their most valuable benefit while helping to turn a tax burden into a tax resource.

Just imagine the benefits

Just imagine the benefit to everyone in the direct sales/network marketing industry. Not only could the sales, commissions and profits quadruple or more, the image of the industry would be greatly enhanced too. If the direct sales/network marketing became known as the industry that supports the disabled, that saved the Social Security program and lowered the tax burden for everyone, our image problem would be over. It may also become more difficult for the media and government agencies to take unwarranted pot shots at us. The disabled are the world’s largest minority!

By now I hope you are asking how can we reach these disabled people? How can we help? Although, there are already many disabled people who are distributors, there could be hundreds of times more. As I said earlier, there are those that share my vision. Dr. George Kerford, founder/chairman emeritus of the World Association of Persons with disAbilities (WAPD) has created a “Prosperity Team” to offer direct sales/network marketing opportunities through their association for the disabled. I am on the selection committee that helps screen and determine which direct sales/network marketing opportunities are appropriate for the “Prosperity Team.” You may have read a few articles in Network Marketing Business Journal (NMBJ) that Dr. Kerford has authored. The WAPD, in working with myself, has a long-term strategy for assisting disabled persons to become successful direct sales/network marketing distributors.

Recently, Ron Williams, CEO of ForeverGreen became vice president of corporate members of the Multi-Level Marketing International Association (MLMIA). His company has long supported and encouraged all of its distributors to take an active role in giving back to society on a monthly basis. He has pledged to do all he can through the MLMIA to support the WAPD. I believe the mutual support of the MLMIA and WAPD will help direct sales/network marketing companies to assist disabled people to join and become successful distributors. Any company that wishes to take an active, even aggressive, role in helping disabled persons to find fulfillment and financial support though direct sales/network marketing should apply to become an active member of the “Prosperity Team.” You can call myself at NMBJ, Ron Williams for the MLMIA or Dr. Kerford at the WAPD.

Yes it is possible to quadruple the direct sales/network marketing industry by helping disabled people create income and find personal fulfillment. But this will only be achieved, if we as an industry put the needs and well being of the disabled first. As Dr. Kerford and Mr. Williams will confirm, this has been my emphasis behind the “Prosperity Team.” Come join us and let’s make a difference in 60 million lives.

Keith Laggos has been in the direct sales industry for 36 years, half of that time as a successful distributor. He is one of only three people worldwide chosen for the Hall of Fame Award. He is president of a 22-year-old, multi-level company, which he founded. He is a board member of an industry association as well as other companies, an expert witness and an industry consultant.

His publishing company is the largest in the industry and produces Network Marketing Business Journal, formerly Money Maker’s Monthly, the first direct sales college textbook, Direct Sales – An Overview and Higher Than The Highest Mountain, an inspirational, warm and humorous fictional account of how a Christian family’s love and faith overcome all while facing everyday challenges in today’s society. It also provides a positive example of how network marketing helps families at various aspects and junctures of their lives. Most recently, he has published How to Recruit & Sell in an Over-commercialized Society, a how-to textbook on marketing. The Multi-Level Marketing International Association (MLMIA) has awarded Laggos and Network Marketing Business Journal’s predecessor Money Maker’s Monthly, several prestigious awards, including its Global Vision Award, Supplier of the Year and President’s Spirit Award, among others.

Laggos has also been published and quoted in other publications and academic journals around the world. Laggos has a bachelor’s degree in math and computer science, a master’s of business degree in management and marketing, a master’s degree in economics and a doctorate (abd) in public policy analysis and a doctorate in business economics.