Advantages of MLM Over Traditional Business Ownership

In a previous article I explained the concept of leverage, and how both MLMers and traditional business owners can take advantage of it. So why choose MLM over a "brick and mortar" business like a fast food restaurant or a health food store?A traditional business owner must:
Hire, fire, and manage employees
Pay rent or a mortgage on the business space
Prepare the space before opening the business
Pay utilities and upkeep on the business
Choose certain hours to be open for business
Maintain proper licensing
Comply with all applicable codes for safety, health, zoning
Insure the business property and inventory
Keep inventory on hand
I am sure there are things I forgot!The first big advantage in MLM is "no employees." Of course, to be really successful you do need other distributors to join your team. That does mean talking to people, deciding who has potential, and inviting them to join. It also means training and mentoring them. But they ultimately do not answer to you, they >manage themselves. Your role is that of a coach, not a supervisor. You help those who want and need help. Those who choose not to work are on their own. You don't need to fire anyone, they just won't make money if they don't do the work! And you certainly don't have to spend 8 or more hours a day with them!And don't forget that when hiring and firing employees, you must be concerned with potential lawsuits over racial, sexual, or age discrimination. You also have to provide coverage if they call in sick or go on vacation. None of those worries in MLM! You might get a few extra phone calls if someone is on vacation, or do some duties for them. But you can do it from home.MLM businesses are run from your home, and sometimes your car. This means you can write off a portion of your mortgage or rent that you were already paying rather than incurring extra office space expenses.Preparing your MLM office probably isn't a big deal. I already had a desk and a computer because I was using the Internet for shopping and email. I did need to add 3-way calling to my phone service. When you open a store, restaurant or office you must usually do things to prepare the space and depending on what you started with, it could take months! Plus you must comply with the federal and state laws and local building and zoning codes that apply.I do believe you should set a schedule for yourself, as to what hours you will work and what hours you will be with family. You will make commitments to be on conference calls and 3-way calls and attend training. But you are not stuck with the long hours a store or restaurant owner normally has, and your schedule can be flexible! Your customers will usually order over the Internet or perhaps even get automatic shipments. Your distributors will be doing some things on their own and eventually be self-sufficient if you have a good system for them to use. If you have a family emergency or just want some time off, you can take it.Knowing what I know now, I would never consider starting a "traditional" business. Too much hassle!