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Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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108 Responses to Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again

  1. JAMES LANGLEY May 4, 2013 at 3:22 pm #

    In answer to your figures Andrew, i will put it very simply. You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. In other words the system is in place to bring results. The problem with a lot of people is they think they can do it another way. The core steps given to new EN members are all you need to make a living. Those who fail to follow 8 easy steps don\\\’t earn. Simple.

  2. Donna.Merrill
    Twitter:
    May 2, 2013 at 4:27 pm #

    Hi Donald,

    Thanks for sharing your story. I don’t blame you. I rather do anything than be in corporate! I did the Wall St. Thing when I was young for a few years, but never could figure out how to fit in.

    I walked away and became an entrepreneur. With EN, compiled with Pure Leverage, EZ Money, and so much more that you mentioned, gives you a good “hedge” on many different income streams.

    I say Go Go Go! Good for you! I am sure you will find the success you need and enjoy the ride, because that is the most important part.

    Blessings,
    Donna
    Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?My Profile

  3. Donald May 1, 2013 at 8:46 pm #

    Hi Everyone,

    And to Donna Merrill I would like to say thank you for your openness and honesty. It is very rare and absolutely appreciated! Especially in this industry. You dealt with this with an even hand…much respect.

    To all that are here:

    I don’t see too many companies show their income numbers. So, if they’re not showing them…what does that tell you. You can analyze and pick a part anything to no end. At least with EN you have numbers to analyze not just disclaimer text and PURE speculation. I’m in MCA too and tons of people push the MONEY, the MONEY…flashing cold hard cash in the videos! MCA is also an awesome product with awesome BENEFITS. MCA has it’s cons too like chargebacks, right? But, that’s ok, we’re Entrepreneurs….ALL OF US…Some were attacking a young lady on her facebook wall last night tellng her she shouldn’t even call herself an Entrepreneur being in EN…they even went as fas to say that it’s disgusting to call yourself and entrepreneur and be in EN. I feel like people are just pickin’ on EN just because they’re doin’ it huge. I understand why they say you should be “ALL IN” and I’m not offended by “Don’t Be A Wussy” because I’m not “ALL IN” at this point and I should be…I’ve been in for 8 months. I got caught up chasin’ every opportunity under the sun. There were no income earning stats (numbers), just text disclaimers. No real live help. I have been focused the past 2 months and the Prosperity Team has developed and Mike Hobbs gives LIVE training every single day….the best I’ve seen hands down. They saw a problem and took ACTION to fix it. That’s what I like about EN…they take action. Almost everywhere I go on the internet EN folks are minding their own business and someone starts taking shots at what someone thought was best for them and their family. Personally, after my 35 year history in corporate america I’ll take my chances with EN income earnings stats. I have a better chance in EN than I ever did in corporate america. Furthermore, the EZ Money Formula system built by Mack Zidan is a great sales funnel with EN, GVO, & Pure Leverage. I can market ANY business with this. People want to get paid, like myself, and sometimes get sidetracked, like with any opportunity. Being “ALL IN” which includes getting to the events is an investment in oursleves (mindset)…Usually when you say that the person responds with you’ve been drinking the David Wood kool aid…LMBO! We think nothing of a 56k investment in tuition at an online college or brick and mortar college, right? It’s an investment in yourself not a debt…again MINDSET. I could choose to look at it as a debt. Ok, I’ll stop rambling…..the events not only pump you up and motivate but you get to build key relationships and friendships in this business. I have not made it to one but understand their purpose. Once I get to that point I will spend the money for it because it is worth its weight in gold……I’ll leave you with a comment I turned into a quote from the young lady they were giving a hard time on Facebook. “Just like college can’t guarantee a job, and a job can’t guarantee you won’t get fired. Your success is up to YOU!” ~ Jae Tracie (Leader of “The Colony” Empower Network Team)

    Peace & Blessings,
    Donald

  4. Mark Vejnar April 30, 2013 at 8:38 am #

    Donna,

    Thank you for posting this. Your experience with EN is an engaging read. I’m brand new to blogging but have found value in this system and hope others like me will do the same.

    In 2004 I took an interest in blogging but quickly gave up. I was too confused and felt my content sucked. I tried it again in 2008, 2009, and towards the end of 2012. Each time, I became overwhelmed by all the information regarding content creation, SEO, monetization and all the other stuff to help a blog earn some income. Late in 2012 I came across Dave Wood in one of my facebook friends list of friends.

    I began following Empower Network and reading blogs. What I took away was something you stated above – It is more about personal development that getting rich. Sure there are lots of spammers, but the emphasis on the site is developing the person.

    I decided to get in. I’m probably a “wussy” because anything more than basic is more than I have. However, the experience is already proving itself to me.

    Most blogging platforms are free; in my case, if I don’t pay a price for something, I don’t value it (I wish that were not so, but it is). Now, because I must pay to blog and use EN tools, I’m logging in daily and creating content every day (although I did miss yesterday).

    I also found that anything worth doing is worth doing poorly, and that it’s more important to get something done than to get it done to perfection. These two mantras keep me diligent about creating content. Having Dave and Dave, and other bloggers like Aki, keep me inspired because they have shown we how to polish my content, and how to search for answers to common frustrations faced by newbies.

    Thank you for posting this content and creating an interesting site. I’ve bookmarked it so I’ll be back. 🙂

  5. Laurie Kutil April 28, 2013 at 4:26 am #

    Hi Donna,
    I found your site and posts about EN a couple days ago through a google search. I joined EN last week at the $25 level. My sponsor found me via my WordPress blog. I have been blogging only since Feb 23 of this year.

    I have a steep learning curve since my career at this point has had nothing to do with network marketing. I’m computer literate though. I have been a cook for over 20 years. Since I can’t afford EN’s expensive tools, I just ordered “Web Marketing All-In-One For Dummies” 2nd Edition to teach me the ropes. Thanks for your blog post and Aki’s video. I decided to stick with it for now and work on learning this the frugal way. I will follow your blog to keep learning from you too.
    Have a good weekend, Laurie

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 2, 2013 at 4:18 pm #

      Hey Laurie,

      Thanks for sharing! I would say if you joined in this soon, keep on learning! One thing about business is that it is a constant learning curve and EN will support so much for you.

      There are so many ways to learn and I hope you enjoy that book. Hey, the best part of being a blogger to me is that I learn so much every day!

      As long as we apply it, we can grow!

      Blessings,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?My Profile

  6. Steve Pifer April 24, 2013 at 12:22 pm #

    I am on the verge of joining EN and had been doing a bit of research to learn a bit before i do. I will be joining under or through my brother in law, who lives in florida. Hes a wonderful, positive, generous man who has tried many mlm venues over the years with marginal success at bests. he is a health care professional, as is his wife, so they do make a good living. but he recently told me that he finally found the right company, and he is contacting me in the next day or 2 to get started.
    i live in a remote area,am an ex-health care professional who burned out and now work for the state in a low paying, but secure position. i have not found the right avenue yet for wealth production, though back in the 80’s i began to have some success in NuSkin. I was also a part time minister at the time, and was conflicted about selling my talents to my friends, alongside the gospel.
    Anyhow. I know that i have a talent to write. my brother in law does not, but i am committed to joining under/through him so that he can have the credit.
    i guess i just wanted to touch base and ask if there are any suggestions you may have. After leaving NuSkin, i adapted my life to be simple and obviously a struggle. I now want to pour myself into a business venture, and if it also includes writing, idea sharing and not just vitamins and lotions, all the better.
    Any thoughts?
    Thank you for your valuable time in advance.
    : )
    Steve

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 2, 2013 at 5:03 pm #

      Hi Steve,

      Sorry for taking so long to answer you. You won’t believe all that comes in to this post I need to approve or not.

      Anyway, I was also part of Nuskin at one time. I loved the product but didn’t do much selling. It was too annoying for me.

      But to answer your question: If you like writing, go for it. It seems to me that you have a lot to blog about. Use your talent of writing. If you decide to join, learn everything you can about marketing. It is all up to you. No matter what business we choose, we are responsible to make it or break it. I think you know that!

      By being on a blogging platform there are many niches you can choose to engage with. It is so fascinating to me….I’ve been at it for three years and love not only writing, but reading other people’s blogs.

      Also, I know many ministers that are in internet marketing so don’t let that stand in your way.

      It is all about engagement. You can find groups on Facebook, Google+ Communities, and also on twitter. I use Triberr and have met tons of people there.

      Blessings to you

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?My Profile

  7. Ron Brown April 15, 2013 at 2:56 pm #

    I really enjoyed reading all of the posts and comments here. I joined EN 3 weeks ago having NEVER blogged before and not being in any MLM’s or home based businesses in 10+ years.

    I came to EN through a friend of mine that has been in property management for 11 years and has been able to put in her notice and is moving to Bali due to EN in 9 months. She had NO list, didn’t sell to friends and family.
    I will say she and I have been involved in personal development for years.

    After I joined I found I have a friend from HS that been in EN for 6 months and was in construction his whole life and has now quit his job….
    So there ARE regular people with no background in this or a like industry that ARE COACHABLE that are succeeding.

    I believe MOST of the people that join then quit, I understand this isn’t your position, think they’re supposed to be given everything to make millions for $25….
    I signed up for the basic $25 blogged twice my first week and generated 3 random leads, two of which signed up. I have zero prior experience mind you. To top it off I’m getting next to no support from the people above me. Maybe it’s luck, maybe it’s a BELIEF I’m going to be successful.
    I think when the end is crystal clear and your WHY is big enough things tend to fall into place to get you there.

    I’ll finish with this, I heard one of the leaders in EN, Tony Rush, give THE BEST analogy EVER for goal setting on an inner circle audio. He said take any movie you haven’t seen before and go watch the last chapter of the DVD. Watch the Earth get saved from the Asteroid at the 11th hour, or the boy get the girl and they marry and live happily ever after, NOW go back and watch the movie from the start. If the acting is good you’ll still get invested in the plot and the characters, HOWEVER you won’t be sitting on the edge of your seat when all the drama is happening because you already KNOW it all works out in the end.
    Like I said before when you’re crystal clear about your goals and your WHY is big enough you won’t get all caught up in the daily drama of your business, you won’t/CAN’T be deterred from achieving that goal. There will always be set backs and false starts, big deal.

    That’s all I have, thanks for all your hard work and due diligence
    I’m OUT!

    Ron A. Brown

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 2, 2013 at 4:15 pm #

      Hi Ron,

      Thank you for your awesome comment!

      I love that story by Tony Rush (love that guy). There are so many people, like you have mentioned that wanted to get away from their J.O.B.s and can.

      With this platform, it makes it so easy for the “newbie” to get in and start rock’n a business.

      As for people who jump in for 25 bucks and expect to get rich quick overnight, that does not exist anywhere in life.

      Any business requires a goal, steps to that goal, learning, and never stop learning. And of course, persistence.

      I wish you well,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?My Profile

  8. Lowell April 9, 2013 at 10:32 am #

    Guess what I was searching for when I came across this discussion? – “How to get traffic to your EN blog’!! 🙂

    First of all, what a breath of fresh air to land on a space where there is mutual respect for everyone’s viewpoint, and no mudslinging etc.

    My take on all this, for what it is worth: My learning curve has GONE THROUGH THE ROOF since joining EN – why, you may ask? Because now my learning is costing me money – I have been wanting to get into blogging for some time now, and signing up on Blogger and WordPress was all well and good, but I had all the time in the world to learn – and I took all the time in the world. I do still have a day J.O.B., so there has been no particular pressure, but that is changing…

    Now, with some cost involved, my learning curve has gone almost vertical! Will I make big bucks at EN – sure intend giving it my best shot!! Am I GROWING in this space? LIKE NEVER BEFORE – enough value right there already!

    I get that it is not for everyone, but I’m warm and fuzzy here at EN (man, I hate picking up the phone – I prefer picking up paychecks!!)

    Love your site, Donna, and if you don’t mind, will be popping in from time to time 🙂

    Hope to see you all on the beaches of the world – one way or another!

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 2, 2013 at 4:11 pm #

      Hi Lowell,

      Sorry for the late reply. Love your comment! It is so refreshing to hear that someone is doing well.

      There are so many ways to run a business and if EN is working for you, I wish you all the success in the world.

      They are a good team whereby you can learn so much. I always feel like you can take the horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.

      When someone finds a place where it is a good fit, you will succeed! At the end of the day it is up to the individual to make it or break it.

      Keep on learning, there is so much in EN.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?My Profile

  9. Deacon Marica April 3, 2013 at 2:50 pm #

    Hi Donna and everyone else,

    I am a member at EN. I have been an online marketer for sometime now. Your first post on this subject was correct. Most people do not understand the concept of empower network. At it’s fundamental basics it is an authority blogging platform. What does that mean to us? It means that you can rank a blog post within your EN blog pretty easy on google for some competitive keywords! Trust me when I tell you that this is huge. I also have several blogs of my own and it took me years to finally rank on page 1 in google.

    The part that is missing and what most people are missing is that you need to have a team that will support you, because this blogging concept is new to most people, and if you don’t know as someone else said how to get traffic to your site and how to position yourself you will fail.

    So what to do? Join a team that understands this concept. I am part of one of the best teams in EN and I can tell you it makes all the difference in the world. There are several teams within EN who truly understand and put to action team building structure and support.

    And just because somebody else is misusing the system doesn’t reflect on me. I keep providing value, which is my focus and which should be any body’s focus if they want to succeed online and in life in general. Help enough people to become successful and the money will come, but always remember the goal. Helping others.

    Be Blessed,

    Deac

    P.S. There are so many ways to get around the Facebook slap. I post my EN post on FB without any problems.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 6, 2013 at 1:02 am #

      Hey Deac,

      Thanks for your wonderful input! Good to hear you are doing well with EN. You are spot on when you say most people don’t understand the concept of Empower Network.

      I believe those are the one’s that jump to conclusions instead of knowing what it is all about. I was all in when I spent time there and went through all the trainings which were absolutely fantastic.

      For me, it was a step off of my own journey so I had to get back on track with my business. It was something that distracted me from my personal goals.

      And that’s OK! It was a personal choice to the grand plan I have and that is all. But EN is a marketing platform. And there are many others out there too.

      Plus there are loners in the field of marketing, but they have their own “teams” by groups and masterminds and such.

      I believe we ALL need one another in the internet marketing business. It doesn’t matter what company we are in, or own our own. We need to respect one another and reach out and help one another. That’s it in a nutshell! We are all here for one purpose: Financial Freedom!

      If someone is putting a system or company down, they are doing it for a self serving purpose only. It’s transparent to marketers.

      If one feels like they don’t like a particular system, so be it. Move on and focus on the journey!

      Thanks for your input,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  10. Linmayu March 28, 2013 at 1:41 am #

    THANK YOU Donna and Aki. You guys played a huge part in showing me enough to feel safe to join EN. I don’t think I’ll regret it. And I admire you guys’ transparency here. Best of awesomeness!
    Linmayu recently posted..The Customer Is Not Always RightMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 6, 2013 at 12:45 am #

      Hi Linmayu,

      I am so happy you came by! Enjoy EN and remember to learn as much as you can along the way. There is so much available to you my friend. Heed Aki’s advice, and rock on!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  11. Michelle Reynolds March 20, 2013 at 10:21 am #

    Donna,

    Thank you for this post. I’d like to chime in here. I joined EN on Jan 3rd. Have been fully immersed in the training at least 10 hours per day including weekends. I have no prior experience or list through network marketing. My background is 18 years working in a traditional ad agency. It has been hard, VERY HARD. Yes, Inner Circle and Monday night calls are all all RAH RAH to keep us inspired and motivated. The ladies group led by Layla Black is awesome. All this motivation and inspiration is what has kept me going to be honest. BUT not a single sale yet. Yes, I get leads most days but no sales. And I’ve spent a lot of extra money on tools, advertising and other affiliate products to help me get on the fast track. It’s only cost me more money and no results. The rah rah motivation is not enough without money coming in. I’m definitely losing hope. I went to Austin too. There was absolutely no training in Austin. It’s all about the top producers sharing their success stories, check presentations with a big close to get “all in” before the event ends on Sunday. Yes, it’s all high energy and inspiration. I loved it but was very naive back then. If I knew then what I know now about EN, I would NOT join unless money was no object and I wanted to bask in the feel good stuff all day because it takes a long time for a newbie to get results if you’re not chasing friends and family.

    What I’ve found very sad is some of the people who joined are in dire situations and have unrealistic expectations. One woman said she had to be profitable or would be homeless in three weeks. EN was her saving grace. What a joke! Another couple maxed out their credit cards to join. Another sold their vehicle to join, and on and on. Oh, yeah it would make for a good story IF they become top earners but earnings disclosures prove most will never reach that level. I didn’t join in desperation or go into debt. I joined because I could afford it in terms of time and money. I’m willing to bet that every person on that stage in Austin had prior experience and a list. That’s huge in this business.

    There’s a headline on one of the pre-designed blog pages created by EN that reads: “A Marketing System for people who like to be LAZY :-D”

    What a bunch of BS!!! Lazy people are wussies in my book. EN is NOT easy. It takes consistent hard work and more money than the initial “all in” investment. I removed that bogus headline from my blog it made me so sick.

    That’s my five cents on Empower Network. If you’re going to join, please do so with your eyes wide open and know what you’re getting in to. Don’t get carried away with the down and out stories of how D&D were homeless and living in a van, etc. and think that you could be rich like them next year. You know the odds of that happening.

    Keepin it real,

    Michelle

    • Aki Wood March 25, 2013 at 10:31 pm #

      My guess Michelle(and I could be wrong) is that you are trying to over-complicate the process, and spending a lot of time on non-income producing activities.

      I don’t know anyone that spends 10 hours per day focusing on income producing activities, with a good follow up in place that has not made 1 sale.

      The internet can be REALLY distracting when it comes to making money. This may or may not be you, but I know that a lot of people think they are working all day, but if they really look at what they are doing, all of the efforts are focused on going through trainings and playing around on facebook.

      I know that from experience because I had to take an honest look at my business at one point, and I realized that I was spending a whole bunch of time doing nothing.
      Aki Wood recently posted..Facebook Post Magic Review – Honest “Insider’s” InsightMy Profile

  12. Mike March 19, 2013 at 1:14 am #

    Donna.. I’ve been blogging since the late 90’s and from time to time I to get in the spammy mind set but I’ve never given in to the pressure out there to make money. I’ve always tried to help people achive something good in their lives even though at times I’ve gone the wrong way about it. (my site is a freebie site) BUT, I’m not sure why you left EN, I mean they need someone like you to steer them on the right path, heck if you were to ever get back in I’d follow you in a heart beat but that’s beside the point. I hope that you re-consider but that’s up to you. I have not joined yet even though the ‘Furry Hat Guy’ keeps beating down my door every day, yet I like to listen to what he and his team have to say about EN.. We need people such as yourself to keep the right focus. I’ve even wanted to put my business on there, it’s a business loan company that help those who can’t get help amd I know there’s alot of folks out thre that need help.. I’m just at a loss right now after coming across your post because I was getting ready to join and now I’ve got questions because I too belong to Facebook and I don’t want to be banned or anything like that. So give me your thoughts on my situation and let me know if you’ll ever go back.. take care and all the best your way! Mike (maybe I’ll just go ahead and stay independent)

  13. Rachel Lavern
    Twitter:
    March 15, 2013 at 3:58 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    You did a lovely job on this post. Gotta love Aki too (I wish I had selected him as my sponsor).

    The numbers that Andrew cites does not surprise me at all. Often I speak of the three percent of people who are happy, healthy and wealthy in ALL areas of life. Moreover, my work moves people from the 97 percent toward and to the 3 percent. While not difficult and truly just a few steps away, even the smallest amount of discipline it takes to be accountable in developing ourselves into the 3 percent leadership of the world seems overwhelming to most. 97 percent of the population allow their old, habitual beliefs to prevent them from taking risks and keep them playing small. 97 percent of people focus on barriers, what they cannot do, what they do not have, or what is not going fast enough.

    The top 3 percent of the population has a “no-excuse” mindset. They complete the job regardless of what it takes. They are diligent, go the extra mile, are self-motivated and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. They will overcome all barriers is in front of them, because their mindset is completely different than the 97 percent.
    Rachel Lavern recently posted..10 Steps to GreatnessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 15, 2013 at 7:16 pm #

      Awesome Rachel!

      Aki is a wonderful person. I enjoyed our chats and working with him on this blog. It is so true that the 3 percent has that “no-excuse” mindset.

      No matter what platform they are on, the keep chipping away until they reach their goals.

      Our journey in this market is a unique one. We may take turns in the road, hit a bump or so, but as long as we stay on it, success comes!

      Thanks
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  14. Steve Borgman March 15, 2013 at 11:38 am #

    I’m not going to comment on pros or cons of Empower Network, because I’ve never been a member. Like many other similar systems, they provide a service to new internet marketers. If a newbie wants to opt in, they need to do their research. I’ve been part of systems like this, and I will say I learned quite a bit. This was part of the price of obtaining education. But I never made much money off of systems like this. In the end, there’s nothing like learning to do business on your own.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 15, 2013 at 7:11 pm #

      Hi Steve,

      I feel the same way. The learning curve is great in EN and other systems. But at the end of the day, what fits with me is having my own business too!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  15. Lydia Brown March 14, 2013 at 2:30 pm #

    Wow Donna this was an interesting post to read. The numbers I read regarding successes and failures I saw recently on an mlsp webinar about mlm. So I don’t think they represent something is wrong with EN. I just hope that leaders in our profession look at these types of numbers and put something in place to help people really be successful. It really is needed with this economy. People have lost jobs they don’t need to have something else fail them. I have my own reasons for not joining EN but they are based on personal preferences. However, I have several business associates who are in EN and they are happy and most are not making enough money to pay a bill yet. It is a fact that the top earners came in with massive downlines that helped them make big bucks but doesn’t that happen with any other business system. People follow you when they trust you. I wish all success with whatever he/she chooses to join and that all leaders be honest about income projections. Time will tell!

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 15, 2013 at 7:07 pm #

      Hi Lydia!

      I know people in EN also. Some are making money, some are not. I believe when it comes down to it all, it is not the system itself, but the person.

      If I had a list of 30,000 people, I would join every system out there and make a pretty penny. That’s how the big boys play lol.

      But, talking to many people, besides Aki Wood, I know that EN is trying their best to keep things going.

      Who knows what will happen next?

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  16. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    March 14, 2013 at 11:47 am #

    Hi Donna,

    That’s a great review from a trusted source.

    I have been approached by so many people and just yesterday I was approached by someone from the prosperity team and he got me interested but I am just scared I won’t have the time besides the other things which I have on my plate. It looks like it is a great program though.

    Thanks Donna for sharing this review and update about Empower Network and if I ever think about joining, I will keep this post as a resource.

    Also, thanks Aki so much for the review and clarification.

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 14, 2013 at 4:55 pm #

      Hi Neamat,

      Yes that Prosperity Team is a hot issue right now. Lots of my buddies are in it.

      For me, I have to stick to my path. When I made my 2013 goals, I have to stick to them no matter what. But that’s my journey. I have learned that If I step off my path nothing gets accomplished.

      Hey, you never know if re visiting these opportunities will “fit” in the future.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  17. Dee Ann Rice
    Twitter:
    March 13, 2013 at 8:12 pm #

    Donna,

    I am not really aware of what the Empowering Network is but am assuming it is a MLM. Interesting that they consider themselves mainly for personal development and not making money.

    I am sorry your video did not work when you were in HangOut. That is to bad. I always hate it when technology does not work like it is supposed to. At lease Aki bailed you out. That was very nice of him.

    Dee Ann Rice
    Dee Ann Rice recently posted..Blogging CommunitiesMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 14, 2013 at 4:51 pm #

      Hi Dee Ann

      Well it is not a Personal Development system, but there is so much personal development within. It is a blogging platform network. There has been too much controversy about it and that is why I wrote this post.

      Although I am not part of it, there are many people who I know that are. They are doing well and are making a nice chunk of change with it.

      If it fits go for it.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  18. Lisa Magoulas March 13, 2013 at 6:21 pm #

    Hi Donna and Aki,
    Thanks so much for the thorough explanation of EP. I had first heard of it several months ago in the (believe it or not) Costco Connection. I had looked it up, but was skeptical on the whole commission plan and also the customer service – how you have to pay for calls if you have questions. But, I really think the company and people seem to care about helping others. Thanks for the clarification.
    Lisa Magoulas recently posted..What is Herbology?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 14, 2013 at 4:38 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Welcome to my blog! I am glad you enjoyed it. I am a blogger and marketer and had first done a blog about this months ago. There were so many questions people had, that I just had to do a follow-up to clear the air so to speak.

      I am grateful to Aki for making this video. There is a lot of bashing about EN as well as other systems out there.

      I just don’t like it when people bash another’s hard work, so this is just another reason why I wrote the post.

      As for hearing about people paying for calls? To my knowledge I have never heard that one!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

      • Norman Tay May 2, 2013 at 1:37 am #

        Hi Donna, Thank You for your effort to review EN again. Honestly, you did not have to do it. So I really appreciate it. I just wanted to reply the thing about paying for calls to Empower Network Support. I am from Singapore so I don’t use international call option to contact EN Support desk. I use the FREE option “Skype”. It has been working out pretty well. Just like to share this tip to hopefully save you guys some money.

        • Donna.Merrill
          Twitter:
          May 2, 2013 at 5:09 pm #

          Thanks for stopping by and giving great input Norman.

          Oh I did have to do it again. I received so many comments and emails, that I wanted to keep people up to date of the many changes.

          Thanks to Aki Wood doing a great job with his video, I am sure things could be clarified.

          You see Norman, I take my blog seriously and there were so many people with the same question, and others that were confused, I wanted to update that old post of mine to clarify things for them.

          I thank you for answering Lisa’s question! It is much appreciated.

          Donna
          Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?My Profile

  19. Corina Ramos March 12, 2013 at 2:33 pm #

    Hello Donna,

    This was an interesting post and the comments have been very interesting to say the least :). Bottom line EN isn’t for everyone but you’ve given a great review for people to make the best decision for them.

    I personally don’t think this is something for me but I wish members and future members alike the best of luck.
    Corina Ramos recently posted..iPad Mini 32GB WiFi With Cellular Give-awayMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 14, 2013 at 4:20 pm #

      Thank you for your kind reply Corina!

      It is not for everyone, but I do have many friends in this and also in other systems out there.

      I wanted to do this “part two” because so many questions were raised that I could not answer not being part of EN.

      Aki did a great job in his video giving people advice in EN how to get the help they require.

      Thanks again,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  20. Tonya Stephens March 11, 2013 at 3:48 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    I like you joined EN at the very beginning when there were a lot of bugs to work out. I quickly left EN and I’m glad I did. Here are a few of the reasons I left.
    I think if you want to blog you should have you own blog and not be tied to a network that could one day go away.
    If that happens you’ve lost your work.
    I’ve sat in on some of the training and the members were told to simply copy the leaders content and post it to their blog. This is the EZ button approach to blogging IMHO.
    Another point is on Facebook the memebers cannot post a link from EN blog they have to go through a 3rd party posting site that cloakes their link.
    You cannot do PPC on Facebook with EN in the wording or use the links from EN.
    On You Tube some of the channels are getting shut down that mention EN.
    I personally don’t want to run my internet business or align myself with a company that has so many restrictions. I’m sure Dave and Dave are charismatic business men but
    I talked to a lead the other day who told me he watched David Woods videos for a coupld of days and finally opted in only to find out you had to buy up in order to make an money from being an affiliate. He said he came to his senses but felt like DW had hynotized him…go figure.
    That’s all I know about EN. I wish them well.
    Thanks,
    Tonya

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 14, 2013 at 4:17 pm #

      Hi Tonya,

      Thanks for your input. I had to laugh at your friend saying David Wood hypnotized him!

      As with many systems, a person does have to “buy up” so they can receive the appropriate commissions if someone under them buys at a higher price. But you don’t necessarily have to do this. Maybe it was a misunderstanding.

      I do see your point of view with this system. I think there are people who love to be in systems (there are others besides EN) and others that like to fly solo.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  21. Joyce Edwards March 10, 2013 at 9:54 pm #

    Hi Donna
    Just wanted to put my 2 cent in on this controversy. As you know, I do have a blog which I have tried for awhile to get it up an running. I spent a lot on money trying to get things right on my site. I tried guru’s programs to learn how to make a sales funnel to no avail. There was never any guidance. I joined Empowered Network through another marketer who had met online when we were trying to build a static website (which never work out well for myself and her). So,eventhough I joined EN, I never really did anything with it for 3 months.
    Let me say that since I have joined EN I have learned so much about the inner workings of internt marketing, more than I have learned since I started my quest back in 2007. People say that you need to brand yourself and that is something that will come in time. What Empower Network brings to the market is a platform that a newbie can learn the ropes. The cost is minimal in comparison to what I have spent. And with EN I have finally made some money. Let’s not kid ourselves that we are not doing this for some financial gain.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 10, 2013 at 11:56 pm #

      Hey Joyce,

      Good to see you again old friend!

      I love your two cents! Yes, if one is new and hasn’t branded themselves, it does come in time. Also Empower has so much training for newbies.

      I know how long you were on and met you blogging a while back. Correct me if I’m wrong, but to my memory you were a loyal blogger and trying to find your way for a good conversion rate.

      Joining EN and making money was great for you. Horray! It is not an easy task to do things solo. Plus If I calculate all the money I spent on trainings it is crazy. I have a thing about mentioning money, but I can tell you it was thousands of dollars along the way.

      I just cannot understand people complaining about the money they are spending on EN when they get trainings, a blog, etc. And as Aki mentioned in his video, there are many ways to find good training.

      If I didn’t have my “vision” and goals in place, my opt-in rates and ROI, EN would be a good platform.

      Currently there is another popular program out there getting bashed too.

      What the heck do people expect? I wonder about that. There are those who work the plan and those who don’t. It is really up to the individual. You my friend have been around a long time and have learned so much. I am so happy you are doing well on EN. And more happy that we have connected once again!

      Blessings,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  22. Michael Shook March 10, 2013 at 6:14 pm #

    Being in any program, doing anything in life is a choice. We can certainly choose to be a part of the Empower Network or choose to do something else.

    There are some due diligence issue with anything online. It is very difficult to find any information on anything to buy without it being to one side or the other. It seems that many of the articles and reviews are written by people who have had a polarizing experience.

    Can you make money with EN? Probably, if you promote it and people sign up under you. Will you? The large numbers indicate, “No”. But that situation isn’t any different than doing almost anything else in business. Many people do not make money in anything they do; but a lot of people do.

    Like any choice, you have to decide whether what you are choosing works for you, and you can only do that after you decide to begin. If your goal is to have some extra money or replace your income or just to have some more money to buy shoes with, you can get those things in a staggering variety of ways. And EN is just one of those.
    Michael Shook recently posted..How To Get Positive Thinking TipsMy Profile

  23. Melanie Young
    Twitter:
    March 10, 2013 at 4:09 pm #

    There are quite a few of these programs popping up these days. I know people on the system and they get tons of personal develop information. I say if it inspires people to get involved in blogging then so be it. If they can make money doing then great. Those who make the most money are the ones that truly believe in the message and will go above and beyond what it takes to succeed.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 10, 2013 at 5:47 pm #

      You got it Melanie!

      If anyone wants to make money online they do have to go above and beyond what it takes to succeed.

      There is no “get rich quick” solutions. We need to take responsibility for ourselves. There are programs popping up and I think they are all great! Whatever it is, it has to “fit” in with the person.

      I research almost every day of what’s going on business wise. To me it is fun. I like learning. There is tons of information anyone can get via a Google Search or a Youtube one.

      And this is what I love about blogging. A I reciprocate to comments on my blog, I am always learning something new. Plus connecting with people. Hey that’s how we met lol

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  24. Beth Hewitt
    Twitter:
    March 10, 2013 at 4:06 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks for sharing this, and your honesty in all of this. You have made it really easy for people to get the facts, to understand and then to make a choice.

    I know a lot of people will get much value from this.

    Thanks for sharing your updated position once again,

    Beth 🙂
    Beth Hewitt recently posted..Finding Influences for your blogs brandMy Profile

  25. Donna.Merrill
    Twitter:
    March 10, 2013 at 1:16 pm #

    Andrew Flanagan

    I’m sorry but I had to trash your many comments on my blog. You are NOT my guest blogger, so please do not try to comment again.

    I have to protect my reader’s interest level. No body is interested in this on going diatribe.

    If you are so passionate about this topic I suggest you find a more appropriate platform to vent your concerns.

    Aki suggested you go to his blog, so please do so. Thanks, Donna
    Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  26. Chery Schmidt March 9, 2013 at 10:57 pm #

    Hi Donna, Great video and as the others have stated here it is to bad that yours did not turn out. As for the Empower Network I did join when they first started out last spring I did only come in at the $25 level, after a 3 months of blogging I decided it was time for me to start branding me this is when I started CherysOnlineGamePlan, I was curious so I did go and check out my site It is still Live even though I am not part of Empower Network anymore. Now this is weird to me because I do have 3 months worth of blog posts there, so where do these people go if they do join from my empower blog? HUM! I am sure I am not the oly one to drop out so there must be quite a few just sitting ther doing nothing I suppose?? Anyways I was not happy with my sponsor all the hype about training and help, but only if you joined with them at the top level, which was something I was not going to do.. Great post Donna. Chery 🙂

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 10, 2013 at 12:34 am #

      Hi Chery,

      I wonder if you would still be in EN if you had this information available to you? I’ve talked to many that dropped out because they didn’t like the leadership of their sponsor.

      It is not only EN but many other businesses. So here’s the thing.

      If anyone joins a platform like this, and doesn’t like their sponsor (maybe because it is a personality thing or maybe it is because the sponsor doesn’t have good leadership skills) It is the person’s responsibility to go out them selves and find out as much information as possible. There is Youtube, Google, Groups of a certain platform to learn.

      Whatever we do in business the very FIRST THING we must realize that we are responsible for ourselves.

      Now, on a business where someone is sponsoring you, there is the leadership issue. A Leader must take more responsibility and get every question answered for people under them. They may not know themselves, but to be a good leader, one must reach out any way they possibly can to answer that question.

      This is the dilemma I faced with my first blog post. It hung around Google’s first page for months. People were coming to me for “answers.”

      Yikes! It really took a lot of time for me to dig up answers for them. Why? Because this is my blog, which I take as a serious part of my business.

      I’m grateful Aki helped me out with this so questions could be answered.

      Oh…as far as leaving and where people go? I don’t have that answer but “assume” it went to your upline.

      I do love your new blog and I’m seeing your grow. Blessings to you,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  27. nick catricala March 9, 2013 at 10:15 pm #

    Donna,
    thanks so much for going the extra mile to get this post about EN published and for getting Aki to record this video for you and I guess for every one else who was interested to know all this stuff.

    I never joined EN.. I had hundreds of offers to join, but I did not.

    You may know the story of me joining everything and every one who would come across till last year.. and that was the time I “woke up” from the trance of believing any programs like EN would happiness in my life (with great financial gains).. well my dear friend, my wake up call was an immediate call to stop doing what I was doing for more than 10 years and change directions which I did and LOVE IT…

    Wish you and Aki and every one else who follows EN or any other similar program and believe that is what bring them that inner happiness what we all love to have. Everyone deserve it and everyone have the choice to chose the way they want to achieve.

    I enjoyed reading your post very much… I could sense your inner feelings and being a loving person, I could sense that you truly wanted to get this clear once and for all since you wrote the post that you wrote earlier when you quit EN… BUT I must say the truth.. listening to Aki sale pitch did not go to far and had to shot it off after a few minutes… sorry but that is what I had to do since I just could not keep listening even so I really wanted to hear the whole thing!!!

    Great way to awaken some inner feelings Donna… Thanks so much again.
    nickc
    nick catricala recently posted..How do you handle life when a turn for the worse appear?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 10, 2013 at 12:24 am #

      Thank you Nick for expressing your honesty.

      It happens to a lot of us. We join everything until something “clicks” and we find out our purpose. It could be our own path, or a system like EN. It doesn’t matter in the long run.

      As long as we find our true happiness and enjoy each and every moment each day what we do, that is the true purpose of life.

      I enjoyed talking to Aki because he found his passion. He is a young man with a family and I admire that.

      In my psychic business I talk to many young men and woman. Here in New York, there are not many jobs available for them. It just breaks my heart seeing this young generation trying so hard to find a job.

      But it does my heart good to see people like Aki and many more in the internet business doing something on their own. Having a vision and living it.

      Thanks Nick,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  28. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    March 9, 2013 at 12:47 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    Well I’m glad you’re taking another look at it. I know there are reasons people are attracted to it, but I’ve personally had no interest, I think because people were pushing me too hard almost to obsessive behavior. I agree with one of your commenters thought – it is good (maybe) for newbies, but people who have their own setups, blogs, sales funnel would probably not need EN. I do hear you when you say they are about personal development, but that is not how it is promoted. Everyone who approaches – approaches from a MLM standpoint and how to make money using the same old ‘bad’ marketing techniques. I think that is the major reason people got turned off from EN. This is actually the first time I’ve heard anything about their ‘personal development’ training and I’ve been hearing about this for over a year now. Interesting thread though still rehashing the same old things…but you know I respect your opinions
    Barbara Charles recently posted..Host Duplex – One Of The Best Hosting SitesMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 9, 2013 at 1:10 pm #

      I understand, Barbara, that you were put off by all the “make money” chatter surrounding the launch and subsequent promotion of EN.

      I think of it like this.

      You know that I’ve been in private practice as a psychic for many years.

      When I first started that business, I actually did it from a little retail shop in Nyack, New York where, in addition to psychic consultations (readings), I sold people what I called “psychic stuff”. That “stuff” consisted of incense, candles, oils and other things people might use to focus on a particular intention, like finding love or making money or whatever.

      I found, though, that people were often thinking that the main focus of their meditations or prayers was not their larger intention, but the objects themselves. So, for instance, a person might freak out on me because I ran out of a 7-day candle annointed with oils and herbs concocted to help them in their relationship.

      I found myself frequently stepping people back to the reality that the “magic” or “power” they were seeking did not come from the candle or any other object they chose to use as a focusing mechanism. In fact, they could substitute the candle for a stone from the street and have the same effect. The real POWER came from their actualization of their inner power to effect change in their lives.

      People being people, they often prefer to think that the object will do everything for them, but no… they must do the real work, the object only helps eliminate distractions for them as they get down to the business of personal growth. That’s why I named the business “Mind Over Matter.” The objects are cool and fun, but they’re just “stuff”.

      I guess that’s a long way of saying that I believe EN shows people a credible way (not perfect, but what is?)… a credible way to make money online. But that’s not what empowers them. The personal growth they must achieve, and that is taught in EN on a daily basis and is one of their “core commitments”… that is the greatest thing people will come away from EN with. Money, yes, but an empowered self that can create prosperity and happiness with or without EN or anything else… that is the core of EN as I have come to understand it.
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  29. Shawn March 8, 2013 at 4:41 pm #

    Hello Donna,

    Thank you for the update on this business. I am still researching the company and this type of unbiased information certainly helps.
    Shawn recently posted..Comment on Attention Single Ladies: 7 Guys You Should Not Date-The Manipulator by Shawn HillMy Profile

  30. Babanature March 8, 2013 at 8:08 am #

    Hello Donna,
    Aki really did break it down to clear the air.
    I would say that he said a lot about a lot and would have loved it even more if the video has interaction between both 😉
    This information will surely be great for people who want to join the empower network… Thanks Donna for this great article.
    Babanature recently posted..10 Killer Ways Of Getting 2000 Visitors Per Day: Traffic Study 2My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 9, 2013 at 1:34 am #

      Thank you Babanature,

      Yes, Aki surely did a great job on this one and answered so many of the questions I had on my last blog.

      It is too bad my recording didn’t work, but Aki came to my rescue!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

    • Aki Wood March 9, 2013 at 6:35 am #

      yeah, our two way conversation was actually pretty great; I wish it would have recorded, but that is just the way it goes sometimes.

      The good news is that both of us are here to answer questions if people still have them. 🙂
      Aki Wood recently posted..Revealing The Empower Network ScamMy Profile

  31. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    March 8, 2013 at 3:51 am #

    Well explained Donna!

    Though I’m not into marketing of any kinds to network marketing isn’t my cup of tea, but there are so many of our friends who are into it, and I guess Empowered network is a common place that I’ve seen a few of them put up their posts. Earlier it got me all puzzled, though later I realized what the site was all about.

    I’m glad that Aki came and explained everything so well through the video, which shows the power of networking and friend’s – isn’t it? I guess anyone wanting to make a start at networking should be a part of EN.

    Thanks for sharing this with us. And of course, a very Happy Women’s Day to you 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..Are You Living An Ideal LifestyleMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 9, 2013 at 12:16 am #

      Hey Harleena!

      You got it! This is a fine example of Networking friends. A point I really wanted to make on this follow up post.

      We are all in our own particular directions and niches. If we reach out and understand those platforms that we are not in, we can understand one another better.

      I strongly feel that we need to help one another in order to make better connections. Also, we can better understand different platforms when we visit our friends.

      Thank you for including me in your Blogger Women’s award! And Happy Women’s day to you!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  32. Julieanne van Zyl March 8, 2013 at 3:00 am #

    Hi Donna, I’ve heard great reports about the training provided in the Empower Network. However, what I don’t like is that by providing a completely duplicatable system, they’re not teaching people how to build their own sales funnel and become leaders in their own right. So, therefore, it’s really not much different from some of the other systems available. I suspect that might be the reason why you haven’t rejoined them Donna, because you do have your own funnel and you’re a leader in your own right.
    Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..Use Empower Network or Create Your Own Assets?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 8, 2013 at 6:02 pm #

      Hi Julieanne,

      The difference I see with Empower is all the Self Development going on. I know some Facebook friends that have grown in leaps and bounds with their self confidence on this platform.

      It takes a lot for someone to get the confidence to sell something and I do see them being successful.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

    • Michael Alvanos March 10, 2013 at 11:35 pm #

      G’day Julieanne,

      You are correct in what you say, but if I may share my experience, you will see that it is a good thing not a bad one!

      I have been in many MLM and Network marketing, associate programs in the last 31 years but have not been successful at it. Don’t think that I went from one to the other, I had rest and recuperation between each one.(depended on the emotional investment at the time)

      All I could see at the time was that it was a good business model.

      Now I understand better what my problems were. And if I was to get back into the ones that are still operating successfully today, I know that within 2 years I would be very successful my self!

      I did a lot of research….And I mean every day at least 4-5 hours on the net (I’m on a disability pension. Time I have, money I don’t) and on 27th day I joined Empower Network!

      3 things happened on the 23rd day

      First I had found https://www.donnamerrilltribe.com early in my research, but I did not dig to deep. When I did, things started to make sense too. Even the very negative comments of an ex Empower Network member;D

      Let me explain

      31 years ago I started in Amway, did it(just selling the products) and then quit after 6 months. I actually made a lot of money (It was more than my wages)

      Then 10 years later I needed some real money fast. I remembered Amway and decided to rejoin (this is called being a retread:)

      I was coached that if I wanted to have a huge business, I needed to sponsor as many people as I could and coach them to do what I was doing. And I did…I grew an organization to about 100 people in three months.

      Anything wrong with that? It was great and my business grew in leaps and bounds and at the end of 2 years I was making in excess of…….

      -$500 per month every month. Do you see the negative sign in front of the $. Yes that’s wright Julieanne, I was loosing money. And it was a lot back then. Heck it still is a lot today.

      That alone almost caused the break up of my family. The other was that my wife was embarrassed to be in Amway.

      So I quit. Is Amway a Scam? Heck no, but that is what some people are still saying today!!! Amway has been around for over 70 years. I don’t know what there sales turn over is but definitely in the BILLIONS.

      Julieanne, the problem was not Amway but me. The first time around I just sold the product and when I stopped the income stopped. Second time around I sponsored so many people and they sponsored so many as well. So what was the problem?

      Everyone was copying their leader….Me. The only thing I didn’t do was sell the product and everyone in my group copied me!!!

      So, what is the moral of this story…Follow the system the company provides and in 2 years you will be a huge success.

      Now the negative Ex Empower Network member on this blog was probably doing what I was above, or he had higher expectations.

      What I mean is he sees what results the big hitters in Empower Network are getting and he can not replicate it.

      REPLICATE….very important in this type of business.

      SIBKISS….See It Big Keep, It Simple Stupid

      But he is right about one thing. The big hitters are doing it very easily because they were in either another MLM and had several hundred people. Or they have huge lists and promoted it.

      Either way this means TRAFFIC.

      So they had an advantage. Does this mean it doesn’t work? the answer is yes. It won’t work unless YOU work TRAFFIC to YOUR business.

      Does Empower Network offer a solution Yes. Do exactly what they say in the $25/month program and I reckon that in two years you will be earning $15,000per month

      2 years too long, then upgrade to the $100/mth program, and I reckon you could do it in a year.

      YOU want it sooner, well you would not be getting into this business because you already have all the skill sets required. Heck You are that good, why not start up your own Empower Network. Competition is great

      I just had an ahaa moment…So quickly…When you see copycats out there it means people who really understand business models will try and copy. Just think eBay

      OK, back on track…There are more products in Empower Network. One off $500, one off $1000 etc. No need to get into it further, but in business today, up-sell is very important. Just think “do you want Fries with your Big Mac”

      Empower Network is not for everyone, but if you say yes to one of the following you should consider it as one of your options:

      1. Beginner who does’t know what to do, but knows they want an internet business.

      2. Beginner who knows what to do, but doesn’t have the training.

      3. Beginner who has an idea of their own, but do not have the experience or money to invest yet, and use this to get there.

      3. All who have an existing online or even offline business and use Empower Network to market their own

      4. All who have a marketing organisation that depends on beginners to grow their business.

      And finally Julieanne, one may need experience and money to build your own funnel. That’s another good reason to build Empower Network.

      OH! I almost forget….What were the 3 things that happened to me on the 23rd day of research…

      1.Donna’s site. Great unbiased, moderated blog on Empower Network

      2 Aki & others like him (In his story, his brother David forgot to inform Aki about EM. When he finally found out, just about every one on his list was already in EM or not interested, so he had to start with no list and he is succeeding )

      3. Would you believe the ex EM member on your blog played a big part in my decision. He proved to me that EM is not a scam…He quit because he couldn’t make any money. Scams always make money for those that get in early (he was in 9-11 months ago;) He just did not follow the system

      Hope to hear from you soon.

      In the meantime……
      …..enjoy many good things!

      Michael Alvanos
      Unique Results

      Sydney, Australia

      • Donna.Merrill
        Twitter:
        March 11, 2013 at 12:05 am #

        Michael,

        What can I say? This is such a stellar comment! I cannot even express my gratitude to you. You have carefully read through my comments and posted a very intelligent and insightful message.

        Many thanks,
        Donna
        Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

        • Michael Alvanos March 11, 2013 at 2:01 am #

          G’Day , Donna,

          I like what I wrote too! It just flowed quite easily.

          The thing is when I finished it, I clicked to post and got an error message. I did this twice……And thinking it had failed to post…….

          …went back to my blog, rewrote a bit and posted it there.

          Sorry Donna, I didn’t want to loose this info. I only realized that it did post on your blog just now. I was testing some links back to this post and here I am.

          I have put several links back to your blog and in particular to this post….I hope you do not mind (I was going to get your permission once I have finished;)

          Hope to hear from you soon.

          In the meantime……
          …..enjoy many good things!

          Michael Alvanos
          Unique Results

          Sydney, Australia
          +61403120462
          Michael Alvanos recently posted..How to evaluate if Empower Network is really an illegal scamMy Profile

        • Michael Alvanos March 11, 2013 at 2:07 am #

          G’day again Donna,

          Can you point me in the right direction..I need some help. How do you get your picture beside these posts?

          I just want you to see how handsome I am:)

          Hope to hear from you soon.

          In the meantime……
          …..enjoy many good things!

          Michael Alvanos
          Unique Results

          Sydney, Australia
          Michael Alvanos recently posted..Is Empower Network Just Like An Online Version Of AmwayMy Profile

          • Donna.Merrill
            Twitter:
            March 11, 2013 at 8:41 am #

            Hi Michael,

            It is always good to have your picture – gravatar when you comment on posts. I usually don’t accept any posts without one.

            But because there are many people who don’t know this on this particular blog, I let it slide he he.

            Anyway, I don’t know how it works on your blog, but I go to Gravatar.com and they walk you through the process. It works for a WordPress blog like this.

            Enjoy your day,
            Donna
            Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  33. Mayura
    Twitter:
    March 8, 2013 at 1:01 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Do you believe in second chance? 😉

    I’m not on Empire Network or Numis or such networks 🙂 I have friends who are on Empire Netowrk and they always talk about it. The success they had after joining in and the wonderful people they have met.

    Personally I have few factors why I don’t wanna go under EN unbrella 🙂 That’s my choice. It gives boost and the reputation flows among their members. So if someone had hard time doing blogging and all, they can go find some love there 🙂

    One of my friends was always pointing me out why EN would be the opportunity for me 🙂 She start recommending it to me after she got the results. She made business opportunities even outside the EN and built authority online. Also told me how she got more traffic by posting daily there. (I think it’s a rule or something at EN, but don’t know)

    I know her and she’s not talking with the obsession. She shared the experience of it and actually, I’m impressed with her results. Still it’s not where I wanna heading to Donna 🙂

    BUT I wanna tell you that even there are folks who are on EN and abuse the use of it. I really don’t like it 🙂

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..How to Pre-Format Your Posts in BloggerMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 8, 2013 at 1:29 am #

      Hi Mayura,

      I’m not part of EN, but as Aki pointed out in his video “it is not for everyone” and that is a great honest statement!

      I know you and how you blog. I just couldn’t imagine you in that platform. You are well established and well branded where you are. Plus, you are doing many other things in your life right now. It amazes me how you do it all!

      I have many friends in EN and there are many pros and cons. Here I want to make the point that no matter how we are doing our business, we must all respect one another.

      I know when I’m at your blog, I learn all the time and that is why I call you “the Mayura University” he he

      I see too many people having different systems and putting each other down. That is not good business and not good energy.

      When I did a blog post months ago so many people came to me for help with this company and I wasn’t in it. So for months, it has been tugging on my mind how do I help them.

      You recently asked on Google+ the question “Do you answer ever comment on your blog?” Well that was my dilemma. I couldn’t answer them all, so I invited Aki Wood on to help those that had questions and give them guidance.

      Thank you my friend,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

    • Aki Wood March 9, 2013 at 6:26 am #

      This conversation is smart, and it addresses the question that a lot of online marketers ask when looking at Empower…

      “I have my own brand, why would I use Empower?”

      That makes sense…

      Especially on the surface. If you will allow me to, I would like to play the devil’s advocate for just a moment.

      The Empower Network blogging product is simply the tip of the iceberg.

      I knew how to blog when I became a member of the Empower Network. However, when I started creating blogs, it took me forever to figure out how to format them well.

      Honestly, I’m still not very good at it. I learned a lot when I studied the layout behind the replicated Empower Network blog. If I could have had this platform when I first got online, I could have focused on dynamic content creation, driving traffic, and getting sales.

      Even more than that, the niche that I am in personally is to help other people make money from home, and have personal breakthroughs. Even though I can make blogs and get sales from the internet, it is hard to have other people do it right off the bat.

      I’m not sure what your niche is Mayura(beautiful name by the way), but I’m wondering if it wouldn’t have been easier for you if your sole focus was to drive traffic, and get money in the beginning.

      If you are teaching others, it is almost certain that it would be easier for most new people to take their mind off the tech stuff, and focus on getting traffic.

      Just my thoughts 😉

      -Aki
      Aki Wood recently posted..Revealing The Empower Network ScamMy Profile

  34. Milt Ferguson March 7, 2013 at 10:07 pm #

    Thanks Donna,

    Your response to Andrew is very helpful. EN, as you know, prominently displays its earnings breakdown. Also, I am impressed by the mutuality reflected in the “100% commissions” approach. Wary at first, I now see that the competetive dimension rewards everyone fairly, rather than “siphoning off” large percentages to “those at the top of a ‘down line'”. It appears that the more one helps others the more one helps him/her self.

    Again, thanks for your help with blogging. Just this week I started blogging and posted my first “story” about “Home – My Place at the Table” yesterday. (Inspired by your focus on “Your Blog is your Home”.)

    Milt in KC \\\\

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 8, 2013 at 12:07 am #

      Congratulations on getting your first blog post together, Milt.

      It all begins with that. You’d be amazed how many people do so much “work” on their blogs and never even write a single blog post.

      As to helping your downline, as with any business, the more you show the way, the stronger your team will be.

      One of the common issues with EN teams, as with MLM teams I’ve consulted, is that the “leader” gives no leadership… the team under-performs, and the “leader” ends up blaming his downline and the company itself. Now that’s not to say the would-be leader is “bad” or “misguided” or anything like that. It is to say that he/she would greatly benefit from developing better leadership skills, and I believe that EN is unique in its emphasis on leadership and other personal development training.

      • Milt Ferguson March 9, 2013 at 10:27 am #

        Hi Donna,

        Thank you very, very much.

        Based on prior experience with “normal MLM programs” I did not expect such a helpful, generous response from my comments.

        You are an effective leader. You practice what you advocate. I refer to the wrap-up emphasis in your BASIC BLOGGING comments. Something like, “Always respond to comments” and “Be Ethical!”.

        Make it a great day!

        Milt in KC
        [“2B-InTouch!”]

  35. ashley Porter March 7, 2013 at 9:58 pm #

    Glad you could review this company Donna and get a video with Aki to show us.

    I was introduced to Empower Network through a mentor of mine and gone to a couple events and really felt like this is a culture I could relate to.

    There are so many opportunities out there but focusing on 1 that you resonate with and sharing it with your team and following is the key.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 7, 2013 at 10:21 pm #

      Hi Ashley,

      Ah you went to the events..lucky you. I hear it is not that high five vision we get to see but rather a transformation.

      What I do like about Empower is it’s personal growth factor. Hey, that’s my thing!

      I’m glad you enjoyed it.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  36. Milt Ferguson March 7, 2013 at 9:45 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks. I found you and your earlier post at EN when checking on Empower Network. Also, I’ve benefited very much from your BASIC BLOGGING Post. In fact, I recently put up a post to share parts of your BASIC post — and I recommend my contacts to follow you.

    By the way, I also have found EN places a very strong emphasis on personal development….granting that the message sometimes arrives in unusual packaging.

    Mlt in KC [“B-InTouch”]

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 7, 2013 at 11:19 pm #

      Thanks for the follow, Milt!

      Glad you mentioned my prior article “Basic Blogging”. If others would like to read it, click here – https://www.donnamerrilltribe.com/2013/02/basic-blogging/

      I also put together some (usually) informal trainings on Skype chats, so if you’d like to add me to Skype my name there is “DonnaMerrillTribe”…

      Look forward to it, Milt. Thanks for your loyalty.

  37. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    March 7, 2013 at 9:12 pm #

    Empower Network really does take the hits doesn’t it. Let me share a quick story – I am regularly approached by people wanting to do guest posts on my blog. I normally just say thanks-but-no-thanks because I have not had a good experience with guest blogging. Last week I received one of these requests, but I was impressed by how professional the requested was written so I asked for a sample of writing and links to 3 published articles – which he provided within 24 hrs. I decided to give him a chance. When I got the article it seemed a little different in tone than the samples he’d given me, and when I checked the link he included it went right to a hard-core pitch page for joining Empower Network. Obviously I bounced the article back and terminated the arrangement. I have nothing personally against EN, but I do think that there’s a problem when their members have to resort to such underhanded tactics.
    marquita herald recently posted..Shift Your Perspective to Increase ProductivityMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 7, 2013 at 10:19 pm #

      Hey Marty,

      I think that is the reason why lots of people get turned off. As I dug deep into this platform, what I learned that even those folks on the $25 level do have many ways of learning correct ways of marketing.

      It is all there for them. In the video Aki takes them step by step to many ways they can do it. No one wants a sales pitch! What Empower does is tell you to blog. If there is an Empower Network on a person’s sidebar that is enough. Dave and Dave can sell better than a newbie or even a more seasoned marketer can do. That’s why they have the sales pages set up that way.

      It is people like you encountered that give EN a bad wrap! I’ve seen people on this platform do it ethically and responsibly. I have also seen the other side.

      In short, I did this blog to help those who are not doing it responsibly. Following Aki’s methodology will get them more mileage than trying to do it themselves.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  38. Cole Ikerd March 7, 2013 at 8:25 pm #

    Donna,

    I am an affiliate with Empower Network. I’ve noticed many of the problems you outlined in your first article. It has been a source of agitation in building up my own name and blog. Having little public reputation, I had been hesitant to start with Empower Network. Given a lot of consideration, and paying close attention to the messages within the training, I decided to do my best to be a beacon for my own messages and not worry about what people think because of other associations.

    Thank you for a great review in both cases! Hopefully this will help dispel some of the confusion both in and out of Empower Network.
    Cole Ikerd recently posted..Dear Sir/Madam Vol. 3My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 7, 2013 at 9:22 pm #

      When you determine to succeed, Cole, you will.

      You’ve taken an important step in making a decision to move forward despite what others may think about you.

      It’s great to hear you’ve overcome your hesitancy. Indecision and hesitancy are among the biggest detractors from us reaching our goals and living our dreams.

      Each of us has to find the path that is THE right path for ourselves.

      You sound like you’re on the right path… that is to say, the right path for you.

      Congratulations.

  39. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    March 7, 2013 at 8:23 pm #

    Well that turned out pretty good anyway. That was so nice of him to record that for you Donna. Just sorry we didn’t get to hear you both interacting.

    That’s great of him though to share all of this with your readers since your post was such a big hit and I know there are a lot of people either sitting on the fence or have heard some not so great stuff about it.

    I think that Aki explained everything very well and with an open mind. Hard to do when it’s your baby but he was honest and said it may not be for everyone.

    Another great review and great info you can now point people to if they have anymore questions. You know they’ll still be coming though.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..Change Your Thoughts By Playing The Prosperity GameMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 7, 2013 at 8:42 pm #

      Thanks Adrienne!

      Yes, when Aki said it may not be for everyone, that shows the honesty and integrity he has. That’s what I like about him!

      Because that darn post I did in August is hanging around the first page of Google for so long, there are so many people with questions.

      Aki gave the answers to all of them and I am so grateful. You understand how it is. You always answer a comment on your blog. I was struggling with this post for months. Trying to help out others and needed to get some value for them.

      Voila…Aki to the rescue!

      Thanks for stopping by my friend,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

    • Aki Wood March 9, 2013 at 6:11 am #

      It was my pleasure Donna; you are a lot of fun to talk to, and I wish our conversation would have recorded, but it must be that the universe wasn’t ready for the two of us in one video…

      …yet 😉

      -Aki
      Aki Wood recently posted..Revealing The Empower Network ScamMy Profile

  40. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    March 7, 2013 at 8:15 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    How cool it was that Aki Wood noticed your post and wanted to discuss this with you.

    I think that Empower Network is great for beginners that need that extra help or anyone who feel that they would do great with it.

    As he said in the video money is everywhere, but it’s about knowing how to attract it.

    That’s great that you’re sharing this with your readers and I’m sure it’s going to answer lots of their questions.
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..What Are The Benefits Of Spirituality?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 7, 2013 at 8:38 pm #

      Thank you Sylviane,

      Yes money is everywhere and that is true! But it is about knowing how to attract it.

      The reason why I like Empower Network is because it is based with tons of personal development learning.

      You, as a master of this could understand the importance of that. You are the subconscious master! You and I both know that to make things happen we must work on the “inside” of ourselves.

      In doing so we can overcome obstacles. And that is what Empower has to offer people. It is great for those Newbies that have a platform set up for them, but even greater because it helps them change their vision to remove blocks and become successful.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  41. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    March 7, 2013 at 7:53 pm #

    Hi Donna

    I have been so looking forward to seeing the hangout. Damn it did not record but great Aki did this recording.

    I love that saying “there are two types of people those in Empower Network and those who should be.” Of course it is not for everyone but I think people should at least take a look.

    I first saw it as just great training but I have come to see it differently as it is full on personal development. That is why I love it I guess given my background. I have done personal development all my life and I like being part of a movement of people who totally embrace that culture.

    You know Donna I joined in November 2011. I live in Australia and we did not even have a way to get paid. Then the servers crashed and most of us lost all our blog posts.

    I thought long and hard about leaving but something kept me in there. I did not promote just waited. I saw the heart of the Daves and that is what I loved most.

    Then I got to a place where I used Paypal to market it. Most of us outside the US were doing this. My Paypal got shut down. So once again I waited.

    Then Facebook! But one by one the problems were resolved and I saw the determination and perseverance of the Daves and of the other leaders like Aki.

    It was not until the beginning of this year I decided this is it. It is here to stay and I am in and going for it.

    I am part of the Prosperity team like Aki. The team offers awesome support and while it is great for beginners. It is also great for seasoned marketers as they can build a team knowing the people they bring in are being trained. I think that beats me having to train!

    Donna I so respect you as a marketer and understood why you left. Mostly though I respect your willingness to talk to Aki and bring updated information here.

    You are awesome Donna.

    And if you read this Aki thanks for doing such a great job here at Donna’s home. I love the daily videos you are doing thank you.

    Sue

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 7, 2013 at 8:34 pm #

      Thank you Sue for your wonderful comment.

      When I wrote that post back in August, it was in the middle of the Facebook thing. I was in the middle of a learning curve developing my products.

      I used Empower to help my newbies on my list. But it got all to much for me splitting myself in two.

      Now I come from the frame of mind that we are all marketers out here. We all have one goal in common and that is to make money. Pain and Simple.

      There are different platforms for different people. It is a personal choice and must be one that comes from strategy and not from “fear.”

      The problem I see online is the bashing of one platform or another. That will get you nowhere. As a personal development person yourself, you understand that energy Sue. So if we keep it all positive and help one another out, the energy is a positive one.

      The Law of Attraction just works that way!

      Most of all, I felt the responsibility of many people coming to my old blog post asking me how to’s and also those sitting on the fence. I do not want to discourage anyone on their personal journey. I cannot tell you how many emails I get a day about this.

      I consider myself blessed that I ran into Aki and he took the time to help.

      Well that is proof of the pudding that Empower Network has one big heart!

      I’m glad you enjoyed it.
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

    • Aki Wood March 9, 2013 at 6:07 am #

      Well said Sue. I can’t actually remember if I talked about the Empower Network being a ‘Personal Development Platform’ in the video I cut here for Donna, but it was a key part of the conversation we had in the hangout that got lost to the universe.

      A lot of people think that the Empower Network is all about the Blog.

      The Empower Network is actually all about personal development. The blog is simply something people can use to get started marketing online with a simple platform, rather than trying to figure everything out themselves.

      (and get 100% commissions)

      Drive Traffic ==> High Converting Offer ==> Get Money

      That is what makes money online.

      All the blogging platform is, is a means for people to focus on what is going to get them money.

      The goal of Empower is to empower.

      Someday, people will understand that.

      The Empower Network is more about people having breakthroughs than it will ever be about blogging.
      Aki Wood recently posted..Revealing The Empower Network ScamMy Profile

      • Donna.Merrill
        Twitter:
        March 9, 2013 at 12:50 pm #

        Aki,

        Yes, the personal development factor I stressed was from our conversation that got lost in space .. hee hee.

        But, because I am in that field, it “grabbed” my attention.

        When someone first comes online, it is quite intimidating. What do I write on my blog? How does this all work so I can make money from it?
        On and on the questions to oneself goes. It can get to the point that someone with a passion and desire to obtain financial freedom will just drop out of it altogether.

        I believe that the personal development part is so important because it helps that person get over fears. I’m a strong believer in growth.

        Then the factor of a “community” helps a person have a sense of belongingness. That is important too. They can relate to other newbies and emulate the more seasoned marketers.

        So, EN is a good place for many to start. They are not alone.
        Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

  42. Andrew Flanagan March 7, 2013 at 6:32 pm #

    “I was playing around with the top earners numbers found on David Wood’s facebook page. I put them into Excel & did some projections. Granted, other than the numbers he provided, it is pure speculation, but I’d be very surprised if the math was off by much. Based on the graph & the curve fit equation Excel generated, here’s some predicted earnings numbers for you future EN members:

    40 of the 70,000 make more than $100k/yr
    77 of the 70,000 make more than $50k/yr
    146 of the 70,000 make more than $25k/yr
    66,972 make less than $1,000/yr! 95.6% of the 70,000

    “Fact is way more than 95% are failing. You can’t necessarily count those people that were already doing well online (probably close to all that 5%) – they already had their knowledge, traffic sources and methods, lists and networks in place PRIOR to joining EN.

    EN just already had a high converting sales funnel in place and that, combined with the downline, means big $ for them. So you can’t credit EN with teaching even 5% of their members to make a good income online.

    Yeah, they created a high converting sales funnel, but they aren’t creating that many online incomes – most or all of them were already in place (just making more because of the downline).

    I’m sure there’s some good coaches in EN that do provide good training – but you can’t necessarily credit EN with that either.”

    “Good point/Very true!! I can only think of 2/3 of their Top 5% that weren’t successful online before EN launched about a year ago. Even then, 1 of those 2/3 has made significant/the majority of their income in another opportunity within the last year or so.

    Also, would be interesting for EN to confirm whether or not the current 70k Members include those who started but subsequently cancelled their membership.”

    “My readers have recently ‘forced’ me to do a thorough review on EN and here are my findings. Nothing pretty.

    Their training was the biggest disappointment. Charging an arm and a leg for a few hours of recorded webinars of “this is how you publish a blog post” kind of training is… well, it’s outrageous.

    Of course, Empower Network is more than happy to point fingers rather than addressing the real concerns from both their members and people who are “thinking about it”.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 7, 2013 at 9:31 pm #

      I understand why you don’t think EN is the best opportunity for everyone to get in on, Andrew.

      I’ve actually seen similar figures to the ones you calculated above. They came from an email from Dave & Dave last summer when I was in EN.

      So, I do believe that they are very transparent about this.

      Also, I’m not so sure that this sort of top heavy earnings snapshot is at all unusual in business. Any business. MLM, internet, brick and mortar, major corporations… even government and non-profit agencies are top heavy in this way.

      Seems to be the way of the world. It’s good to know, and a point of concern, but I’m not convinced it’s THE most important thing to consider.

      After all, whether you are a “top” earner or a disappointed wannabee is determined to some degree by your own vision, capabilities, confidence and determination to create your own outcome.

      One of the things I’ve come to learn more and more as I look carefully at the EN business model, is that it truly is BASED on personal development. So, while it’s important to “earn”, it’s absolutely critical to “learn”. And I’ve seen many people have great personal growth from their involvement with EN… growth that is altogether independent of whatever profits they have or have not derived.

      I personally know of personal development courses and events that are FAR more expensive than EN. That’s important to consider when you realize that EN is PRIMARILY a self-development platform.

      I think it’s unfortunate that so many folks have focused on the money because, really, I don’t think that EN is just about making money. And I think Aki made a real good point of this in the video on this post.

      Interesting points made, Andrew. Thanks for joining in.

      • Andrew Flanagan March 9, 2013 at 6:40 am #

        So, EN are now trying to reposition their business model as “truly BASED on personal development” & “PRIMARILY a self-development platform” – lolllllll

        “so many folks have focused on the money” because that is the way the VAST MAJORITY of EN Members promote it – lolllllll – i.e. “If you want to earn $X, like I did, join…” If I spent just 10 minutes looking onn FaceBook, I would find at least 10 screenshots of commission confirmation emails etc!

        • Aki Wood March 9, 2013 at 7:46 am #

          No, EN is not trying to reposition anything. The platform has always been focused around helping people have personal breakthroughs. Talking about the money is what people want to hear…

          …that is what marketing is.

          We are a company that teaches people marketing, and helps with personal breakthroughs. We talk about money upfront because we happen to have a lot of success stories where people can do that, and frankly, it sells well.

          If you were in business, wouldn’t you want to make more sales?

          What I am curious about Andrew is your personal motivation. Do you have any personal benefit connected to focusing your energy on Empower? If you have something you are selling on the backend, that in and of itself is revealing.

          If you do not…

          ?

          we teach people to make money,

          We teach people to have personal breakthroughs,

          We always have been, and always will be about all of the above.

          -Aki

          P.S. The fact that you see constant screen shots of commission emails on facebook should probably let you know that it is working. 😉
          Aki Wood recently posted..Revealing The Empower Network ScamMy Profile

        • Donna.Merrill
          Twitter:
          March 9, 2013 at 12:11 pm #

          Hey Andrew,

          I am doing a review here. You write: “So, EN are now trying to reposition their business model as “truly BASED on personal development” & “PRIMARILY a self-development platform”

          NO

          This is a review and I stressed that point myself because that is what I admire about this platform. In other words, it is my personal perception that EN is rooted in personal development. If you disagree with that perception… fine. End of story. We have a disagreement.

          It is a bit curious to me that you are so concerned about what EN is or is not. I assume that whatever its shortcoming are, you are striving to overcome in your own business.

          Its all about growth and learning.

          Good luck along your path.
          Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network AgainMy Profile

          • Andrew Flanagan March 10, 2013 at 3:19 am #

            Hey Donna,

            My only ‘concern’ about/interest in EN is exposing the Factual Truth – something their ‘ra ra/top leaders’ can’t/don’t want to address (Aki is at least giving it a go but still falling well short).

            Firstly, I was actively involved in EN for 9+ months. Not Once did I pick up from any of their communications that I was partly paying for a personal development/growth experience – it was All about the money! (Ironically; if EN Had been somewhat positioned as such an experience, I would have been Even More initially interested in them)

            Aki states in his post that EN’s member retention rate is about 40%. So, 60% of members don’t see their so-called ‘personal development/growth experience’ as worth just $25 per month – loll Another ‘sad’ indictment on EN!

            Now, lets look at the EN Active Members Income Disclaimer figures for 02.07.2013 to 03.09.2013.

            The Average Weekly Income and corresponding % of members is as follows:
            54% – $27 32% – $82 4% – $208 7% – $615 1% – $1,638 >1% – $3,157 >1% – $5,998 >1% – $26,055

            As Aki, one of the Very Few Members who is Totally Transparent Upfront, states in his post the Theoretical ‘absolute minimum’ cost of an EN business is $64 per month.

            In Reality, the cost of a ‘Successful’ EN business is Considerably More!! For the purposes of this exercise, lets Just Conservatively add the Inner Circle at another $100 per month and (the All Important/Vital for Success) Lead Generation cost at another $200 per month.

            So – ignoring the costs of higher level training, attending the quarterly conferences etc – the Conservative True cost of a ‘Successful’ EN business is at least $364 per month.

            Assuming 4 weeks in a month, the above Income figures become:
            54% – $108 32% – $328 4% – $832 7% – $2.460 1% – $6,552 >1% – $12,628 >1% – $23,992 >1% – $104,220

            So, in this analysis, at least 86% of Active members operate their EN
            business at a financial loss!!

            Add in the ignored costs and that Many members will be spending Considerably More than $200 per month on Lead Generation and the result supports my ‘EN are financially failing 95% of their members’ claim!!!!

            In summary, we have a business in EN that:
            – 60% of members don’t see their ‘personal development/growth experience’ as worth just $25 per month
            – 86-95% of the remaining (40%) Active members are operating their EN business at a financial loss!!

            Regardless of how the EN ‘cake is cut’, these Facts are Appalling!! Congratulations to those in the top 5% – they’re making a lot of money and, as a result, transforming their lives. To the remaining 95% of EN members, there are Many Other online businesses that provide Far Superior Profit and True Personal Development/Growth!!

          • Pez Yagami April 17, 2013 at 6:43 am #

            Response to Andrew.. “Aki states in his post that EN’s member retention rate is about 40%. So, 60% of members don’t see their so-called ‘personal development/growth experience’ as worth just $25 per month – loll Another ‘sad’ indictment on EN!”

            40% retention rate is GREAT! (for IM niche) What do you think a gym membership retention rate is? Around 50%.. (google it)

            Your comment is invalid as I join empower at the basic level ($25) and within 2 weeks I had enough sales to upgrade.. After a couple of months I hit over $2000/m + getting $500 sales and 1 $1000 sale. (I missed the $1000 sale.. boo)

            I’ve not spent any money on paid traffic as you mentioned is needed (it’s not), and I’ve not had any direct support other than just following the training.

            Why do some people not see results? They don’t take action! They do NOTHING and get nothing in return.. I contact my team who don’t do anything and I try my best to incorage them and I’m always happy to help but I can’t make them do anything.. Also some people need devlopment with mindset and they don’t even know it.. I can read your words and see that your one sided and look at the negitive.. Even resulting in to making things up like the $200/m lead gen statement..

            You don’t need to spend $200 on “lead generation” BUT it makes sense to reinvest into paid traffic to scale up.. I start paid traffic soon and will be spending $100/day because I know empower converts and sells like hotcakes! I also believe in empower and it’s helped me learn key skills about marketing online.

            What I say is the truth and my own experance.. from turning $25 into a monthly income of over $2000 + “bonus” sales of training products with no prior success with online marketing. Woo Empower!

          • Jeff H. May 29, 2013 at 6:16 pm #

            Is Andrew still around?

            I respect everybody’s opinions on this. They all make sense to me, it’s just a matter of preference and how you want to look at things. It really is.

            I’m mostly curious about the “Many Other online businesses that provide Far Superior Profit and True Personal Development/Growth!!”

            I am trying to match myself up with the perfect program and I am definitely looking in a very hardcore fashion.

            If you see this Andrew (AND ANYONE ELSE), besides Empower Network what other programs offer an excellent Profit possibility, but are not as ‘we will say SKETCHY’ looking as Empower Network. Not that I think Empower Network looks SKETCHY, because I don’t. I just want to know what else is out there.

    • Aki Wood March 9, 2013 at 5:59 am #

      Andrew, I contacted you a while back and answered several of these questions. I told you then that I would the answers to a lot of the Empower Network “Scam Review” stuff in a blog post.

      Well, I’m a busy man; I meant to do it months ago, but it got lost in the vortex of my project compendium.

      So long as “comment Luv” is on this site, you will see it at the bottom of this comment, but either way, I will shoot you a message on Facebook with the link.

      Feel free to go to the blog post that I just wrote and comment on it. I do expect you to put a unique response there. If I find a “copy and paste” comment there, I may approve it, but my response may not be very nice.

      I actually have a feeling that underneath it all you are a pretty cool dude. I’ve been trying to figure out what your motives are though…

      …curious.

      -Aki
      Aki Wood recently posted..Revealing The Empower Network ScamMy Profile

      • Andrew Flanagan March 9, 2013 at 6:57 am #

        Aki, with respect, you – like several other EN leaders over the past past several months – Never answered Any of these ‘copy and paste’ questions.

        My motive, as previously expressed, is to be ‘enlightened’ as to what EN are doing to improve the performance of the 95% of members that they are ‘failing’. Hopefully, your “Scam” post will enlighten me.

        Likewise, you seem a pretty cool (logical and rational) dude – unlike 99% of EN members, Including your brother, who resort to personal abuse and/or running & hiding from my Factual comment.

        • Andrew Flanagan March 9, 2013 at 7:59 am #

          Aki, I read the “Most People Are Failing” section of your blog post. Appears the answer to my ‘What are EN doing to improve the performance of the 95% of members that they are failing’ question is “Nothing!” – lolll

          A ‘world best practice’ company would be constantly asking themselves “What can we do to improve the performance/retention of our members?”

          I Compliment you for being More Transparent than 99.9% of your EN colleagues i.e. the Total Getting Started cost. I gringe when I see ‘just $25 per month’ EN promotions.

          EN’s income disclosure, while technically correct, only tells half the story. As you know, Many EN members spend hundreds/thousands per annum of lead generation. Ultimately, profit – not just income – is the acid test.

          I suppose what ultimately ‘annoys’ me about EN is the almost Exclusive (Very Arrogant) ‘It’s All about the Money!’ promotional stance which isn’t supported by basic maths i.e. about 95% of members operate their EN business at a loss.

          Anyway, we probably agree to disagree. I wish you All the Very Best with your future endeavours – EN would benefit MASSIVELY if your ‘Positively Realistic’ approach.

          • Andrew Flanagan March 9, 2013 at 8:02 am #

            was Far More Evident in its culture

          • Aki Wood March 9, 2013 at 8:20 am #

            Andrew, I would prefer that you commented about my posts on the actual post. You will gain some insight as you read the entire thing. It is long, but that is because it was meant to answer questions like the ones you have.

            “What can we do to improve the performance/retention of our members?”

            We ask that question every day, and try and find new and innovative ways to help new people make money. The video on this post actually goes over that in pretty great detail. If you actually look at the recent numbers on the income disclosure(which is updated daily), you will see that over 44% of distributors make over $100/month, and a great deal of that 44% are making more.

            Compare those numbers to anything in the direct sales industry and find something better; they don’t exist anywhere else.

            97% of people “fail” in the direct sales industry any way you look at it. Even if we were at 95%, that would be 2% better than the norm, but our numbers surpass that.

            Virtually everyone that “fails” in this industry doesn’t do a whole lot. It doesn’t matter how good a product is, or how easy we make the process, we have not, and have never claimed to be selling the cure for “Lazy.”
            Aki Wood recently posted..Revealing The Empower Network ScamMy Profile

        • Aki Wood March 9, 2013 at 8:01 am #

          Andrew, I personally answered some of these questions in a comment thread where we talked back and forth a while back. The post I just wrote, and this video that Donna posted, was meant to answer them in more detail.

          The personal abuse is a two way street.

          Lets say someone walks into a gay bar and screams, “Gay People Suck.”

          What would the reaction be?

          The comments that you posted were in a space that most people seeing it were pro-EN…

          …at least when you were attacked back. The point is that it is good to know your audience when you are asking a question or making a statement.

          I think you’ll like the post I just wrote; as I said, I meant to post it sooner, but I’ve had a lot of projects on my hands. If you need some clarification, feel free to comment.
          Aki Wood recently posted..Revealing The Empower Network ScamMy Profile

          • Andrew Flanagan March 9, 2013 at 8:43 am #

            Aki, again, you – like several other EN leaders over the past past several months – Never answered, and Still Aren’t, Any of these ‘copy and paste’ questions.

            I find it ‘amusing’ that EN members find my initial comment ‘personal abuse’. It is Factually based on your brother’s own numbers – loll

            As you know, my ‘copy and paste’ was first posted on Omar Martin’s Facebook page in response to his ‘From what I’ve seen, EN’s training is far from first class’ comment.

            As you also know, your brother’s One & Only response to my Factual comment based on His Own numbers was “Flanagan, You Are a DUMBASS!”

            My mind boggles as to your brother’s and EN members abuse levels if I had said “EN is a scam, ClickBank is better than EN, EN is screwing you by selling a ‘free’ WordPress blog” etc.

            Ultimately, if I am such a ‘dumb ass’, EN members would be able to ‘easily’ refute my initial comments with Facts. You’ve got the closest to achieving that outcome.

            Well, it seems me and Many Others have missed the ‘real’ point about EN. Despite it being positioned/promoted as ‘All about the money’, , we were buying the opportunity for a ‘personal breakthrough’ as well – lolll. The ‘amusing’ plot thickens!

            Lets just agree to disagree! Basic maths shows about 95% of EN members operate their business at a loss. That’s ‘acceptable/excusable’ to EN because it’s their fault for not being ‘all in’ and that they’re partly paying for a ‘personal transformation’!!

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