Independent Business Owner

Independent Business Owners (IBO) are the new official title given to Amway distributors (IBO's old name), otherwise known to the rest of the world as members of Amway. If you are not currently an IBO, IBOs are the people who try to recruit you under them into their network marketing pyramid.

According to a statement from the official website it states: 'To start your own Amway business, you need to know an existing "Independent Business Owner" (IBO). If you know an IBO, you should discuss with him or her how this business can help you achieve your personal goals.'

But if you do join Amway are you really independent, or a business owner?...



Why is it that you must join under someone else!? We should question why that is. Firstly, that is not at all independent, you have to join someone else's business.

Secondly, even if you joined directly you are still joining the Amway Global business. You pay them money, you buy their products, pay a premium on their Amway products, spend cash to join their members ranks and pay to attend their meetings and functions. You are dependent on them, and they can kick you out or cancel your membership at anytime. You are at their mercy.

The definition of dependent is a person who depends on or needs someone or something for aid, support, favor, etc.
The definition of owner is having full claim, authority, power, dominion, etc.

In both cases above you are dependent on your upline (and downline), and Amway is the true business owner, as they hold power and authority. Your role is more like a hard working employee.

Since you join underneath many existing members in the pyramid / pipeline system, and these people take a cut of all your earnings, you by definition are limiting your profits. The people above you are taking a cut of any money you make. On top of that Amway Corporation itself also takes another chunk of your money for membership fees and expensive products before you can even make a dollar, if you ever do. You are paying everyone else (that by their company rules you MUST depend on) all at your own cost before you get to make your own money.

Even the Independent Owners Association International (IBOAI) is run by a board of directors of high level Amway associates including Jim Dornan and Doyle Yager. There is no independence there either.

In no way are you independent or a true business owner in the practical sense. Only in the legal and tax sense is it your own business, perhaps so they can avoid paying taxes, so you do instead. Overall, this sounds much more like a franchise, and it would seem an IBO's business position would be better described as a franchisee, or a work from home employee. The exact 2 very business structures / ventures they claim as negative and for losers in Network Twentyone's own Amway seminar presentation plan.