Today network marketing is an often misunderstood and maligned 50 year-old industry. It is also a very
high growth industry and one that is starting to attract professionals in large numbers. That's today, but
what will the future look like? Well, I don't have a crystal ball, but based on current trends, technological
predictions, and maybe a little of my own fantasy, here is my vision of the future of network marketing.
 
You drive into your driveway in your new Nexxus, which you purchased through the Virtual Shopping
Network, a network marketing company. Your perimeter security system, the latest technology from
Quantum Security turns on the outer and inner lights. Once inside your house, you first check tel-e-mail
messages (a combination of e-mail, telephone messages, voice mail, and regular mail), on your
MicroSoph internet messaging center (owned by the AnWeigh Corporation - the largest network
marketing company in the world). There you find several messages from friends, family members, and
of course all of your business messages. As a network marketer in the 21st century, you rely totally on
the internet to build your business.
 
A fantasy view of network marketing? Maybe, but probably not too far off. Based on the growth of
computer technology and increases in the use of the internet, by the year 2000 computers will be as
common place as VCR's and everyone who has a computer will be "surfin' the net." Because of the
natural networking capability of the internet, the match with network marketing is perfect. What better
way to build networks then on a network. In the 21st Century the power will no longer go to the rich,
the famous, or those with the information, but rather to those who have the largest networks.
 
I believe that with the power of network marketing combined with the power of the internet (and the
information highway), we will purchase nearly everything from network marketing companies. All things
will be available in virtual malls for you to view and purchase.
 
Instead of going down to the local grocery store, you will tap into the internet and shop in a virtual store
- select a basket, roll it down the aisles (which will look exactly like those in a real world store), select
products (you can even look at the labels) and place them in your basket, at the check out counter where
the virtual cashier will accept your PIN and automatically deduct the amount from your account at the
Virtual Bank of America. Your groceries will be delivered the same day from a local warehouse.
 
The grocery store will be operated by a network marketing company and you, as a member shopper, will
be assigned to another member. That member will receive a bonus on everything you purchase.
 
Whether you are purchasing groceries, clothing, automobiles, or airline tickets, each purchase you make
through the internet shopping system, will result in a network marketer getting credit and receiving a
bonus. Everything is simple and automatic, with delivery within a day or two and a 100% money back
guarantee.
 
As it is now, network marketers in the future will work from their home office. However, due to
advances in video conferencing, virtual reality, and the power/speed of computer systems, they will
rarely leave their homes to do business. Instead of weekly meetings in their home or a local hotel,
networkers will conduct massive meetings via video conferencing on the internet. Prospective
distributors will tap in from all over the world. It's efficient and effective, plus it eliminates traffic and
pollution.
 
Instead of having a job and working network marketing in your spare time, networking will be your
full-time occupation. You will build a network in a network marketing holding company that represents
hundreds of network marketing companies, which gives you access to many high quality products at
wholesale pricing and keeps your network diversified. This protects you from downturns and
fluctuations in the different markets. All purchases funnel back into the holding company's massive
computer system, which scans for group volumes each day and pays you a daily bonus. This bonus is
automatically placed in your electronic bank account.
 
Just think of the freedom you will have. Your downline distributors all buying different products from
themself and attracting new distributors through electronic marketing on the internet. Each distributor
will have his/her own electronic marketing piece with real time video, audio, and text. A true multi-media
show, which can be sent directly to prospective distributors through the internet or loaded on a web
page or autoresponder for easy access.
 
Network marketing will become the most efficient way to distribute products or services and will
dominate the world of distribution. Since the business can be started with very little upfront investment,
has a very low downside risk, can be operated efficiently from the home, and has unlimited residual
income potential, network marketing will become the business opportunity of choice throughout the
world. There will be two classes of people, those who have large networks and those who don't!
 
In the movie The Graduate, a young Dustin Hoffman was told that the future was in plastics. I'm here to
tell you that the future is in network marketing on the internet.
 
 
Rod Nichols is a 16 year veteran of the network marketing industry, as a distributor, consultant, trainer,
and author. He is the author of Successful Network Marketing for the 21st Century (175 page paperback
book), Would You Like to Dig In My Goldmine (24-page recruiting booklet), and publishes a monthly
subscription newsletter titled NETWORKER. He is also an active distributor with USANA and on the
Board of Directors for PANM (Professional Association for Network Marketing).