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Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a relatively new invention. It was created when a failed vitamin salesman named Carl Rehnborg was out of options. So his wife suggested that he attend a rally by Dale Carnegie, author of "How to Win Friends and Influence People". Once there, he formed a bond that created one of the most profitable predatory financial traps in modern history: multi-level marketing. One that found its legs... in the world of cemetery plots.

Our guest in this episode is Robert FitzPatrick. He's the founder of PyramidSchemeAlert.org, a non-profit that tells the truth about pyramid schemes. He's also the author of the excellent book Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing.

Discussion Questions:

Do you know someone who sells for an MLM?

Have you ever sold for an MLM?

Do you think they should be legal?

What is market saturation and how does it impact salespeople?

Have you ever bought an item that you didn't need just because the salesperson was so good?

What can you do to show MLMs for what they are?

Has anyone at your church ever tried to sell you on an MLM?

How can tying a bad business practice impact how people see Jesus?

Helpful Links:

PyramidSchemeAlert.org - Robert's Website about MLMs

Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing

A Consumer Reports article about vitamins

A fascinating history of cemetery plots

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