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July 3, 2003
What is Passport?
By QBlog in
Some MLM and anti-MLM circles have mentioned Passport (not to be confused with Passport, the Microsoft .NET initiative). I think I've made myself pretty clear about my position on Quixtar, Amway and other MLMs but I'd like to mention Passport specifically.
I know very little about Passport except that it was started by ex-Amway Diamond Bo Short. I believe that the basic business is pretty much like every MLM with the exception being that tools and promotional materials are not "forced" onto participants the way they are in Quixtar/Amway. I may be wrong but it seems that pretty much every other aspect of Passport is classic MLM.
Now, back when we were having some issues with our upline, by some odd set of circumstances I got in touch with Bo Short. I spoke with him on the phone for maybe 45 minutes about our situation and some of the perceived problems with Quixtar. He really is a nice guy, very friendly, genuine and straightforward. He only mentioned Passport briefly to illustrate why he left Amway. What I remember most from our conversation is that Bo never once hinted that I should join Passport nor did he try to push the business on me in any way.
So, what do I think of Passport? I've said this before. An MLM is an MLM. You can put lipstick on a pig but that don't make it a prom date. I believe that the MLM business model is fundamentally flawed for reasons I've stated here before. I also believe in human nature and while I hope for the best, I have a gnawing suspicion that if Passport hangs around for 40+ years like Amway, it will end up experiencing the same AMO and BSM problems that plague Amway. Money has a way of corrupting people and there is BIG money in motivational tools.
Anyway, if you're interested in joining Passport I suggest you do lots of research first. I make the same suggestion about Quixtar. Don't sign anything unless you know exactly what you are getting into. Ask lots of questions. Keep asking until you know the answers or someone in the organization refuses to answer them. If and when you start getting non-answers to your questions then I just suggest that you ask yourself if it's really worth getting in business with someone who doesn't want an informed partner.
That's all I got right now. It's really hard to find quality info about Quixtar on the Web and it's even harder to find anything out about Passport. If you know of some sources of info about this new MLM then please pass it along to me. Thanks.
Comments
I truly like the free exchange of information about mlms the internet has provided. I am involved in Passport (Bo Short's start-up) and have found everything I THOUGHT amway/quixtar would be. For about a year now, I have been virtually inactive (with passport) and have never experienced any pressure to change that. I am free to run my business however I see fit (within the law of course). I have LOST ABSOLUTELY NO MONEY due to tool programs or meetings. I live my life and Passport is kept in its place as a business (and not a God). Bo Short has really started something fair and equitable. It is really different. I am a little lery of stating that simply because it seems everyone says that about whatever their involved in. Understand though, I say it with absolutely no "tool programming." Besides that, its nice to purchase products at Walmart prices. ;)
How about all the materials and tools.( Of course mentoring and coaching) provided to you for free ( absoltely at no cost)?
I've found one.
TQ
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I really think that those who do not like MLM's that offer such "wonderful" motivational/personal development materials should just stay in their little worlds. Those of us who enjoy our business models and who are sucessful are very conent with the system. Our uplines to deserve to be compensated for the materials --which is our educational program. All successful marketing programs need a mentoring system and or training tools. If you do not like it, sit idle.
Posted by: kristee | November 8, 2003 11:51 PM