Frank Marais
PASSIVE INCOMES MAGAZINE - Issue 6
Speaking to people from all walks of life, one soon realises that the people of this wonderful nation of ours, are all extremely stressed. The state of the economy and certain labour policies are playing havoc with people’s emotions, resulting in anger management becoming a science! Whoever heard of ‘road- rage’ ten years ago?
While holidaying in Mossel Bay in December, I was asked more than once why I “seemed so ‘un-phased’ by current events?” Apart from the fact that I learnt to not lean on my own
understanding but to ‘Father-filter’ everything that touches my life, I have also learnt that history is a great teacher!
When interest rates and inflation are on the rise, folks are more inclined to wake up and realise that their current ‘income vehicle’ is not very reliable or secure. This results in a more open- minded policy where people are more inclined to look at their options.
Interestingly enough if you look at the history of Network Marketing — which made its first appearance during the depression years in the last century (1930’s). It plodded along, not making many waves in the USA economy, until the second half of the 1950’s. That was when Networks like Shaklee, Neolife and Amway entered the market.
It is significant that in 1958, unemployment in the USA was at its highest since the great depression of the ‘30’s!
Again in the early 1980’s, there was a new upsurge in the popularity of Network Marketing (then more commonly known as MLM - Multi Level Marketing). If one looked at the economic indicators of the 1980’s, again, it is interesting to note that in 1982, USA unemployment was at it’s highest in 40 years!
It is significant that in 1958, unemployment in the USA was at its highest since the great depression of the ‘30’s!
Again in the early 1980’s, there was a new upsurge in the popularity of Network Marketing (then more commonly known as MLM - Multi Level Marketing). If one looked at the economic indicators of the 1980’s, again, it is interesting to note that in 1982, USA unemployment was at it’s highest in 40 years!
Turning our attention to South Africa, Network Marketing had a flurry in the mid 70’s — Golden Products was causing quite a stir - (at that time the world was experiencing the ‘oil embargo’, Rhodesia was on the verge of losing their war and Frelimo had ousted the Portuguese in Mocambique!)
Then again in the second half of the ‘90’s we saw the launch of a number of Networks (Balltron and Amway - to name just two - made their appearance at this time!) Unfortunately some did not make it and went belly-up!
Economically, during this period there was great uncertainty with the new government and its employment policies.
As more of these employment policies are being implemented, job security has become as extinct as the Dodo! Right now, unemployment is at an all time high!
Then again in the second half of the ‘90’s we saw the launch of a number of Networks (Balltron and Amway - to name just two - made their appearance at this time!) Unfortunately some did not make it and went belly-up!
Economically, during this period there was great uncertainty with the new government and its employment policies.
As more of these employment policies are being implemented, job security has become as extinct as the Dodo! Right now, unemployment is at an all time high!
We are living in exciting times, yes, but we need to recognise the responsibility we face. This industry has a solution. We must accept the responsibility of reaching out and providing hope! No-one is indispensable — even our President Thabo Mbeki no longer has job security! Now is the time to reach out and educate people about the vital importance of creating a passive income...
Looking at our economy and what history has taught us, I believe we are on the verge of seeing the most significant ‘growth period’ for Network Marketing in the history of this industry in South Africa, between now and 2010/2012.
"We are living in exciting times, yes,
but we need to recognise the responsibility we face.
This industry has a solution.
We must accept the responsibility of reaching out and providing hope!"
