Book Review - Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America by Bridget Read

 

Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America by Bridget Read, follows journalist Bridget Read as she investigates how multilevel marketing schemes have exploited the American dream of entrepreneurship. It sheds light on a system that enriches a select few while financially harming many, especially women.

People who hear about pyramids or Ponzi schemes generally understand that these systems are scams. There are numerous pop culture references to individuals being taken advantage of and losing money in such businesses. Some Multilevel Marketing (MLM) companies resemble pyramid and Ponzi schemes closely. They provide people with the chance to be their own boss. MLM companies claim to offer unlimited earning potential, suggesting that the only barrier to becoming wealthy is oneself. The book examines the history of MLMs and their impact not only on individuals' lives but also their role in U.S. politics.

I found the book to be an intriguing read. I was curious about how companies that thrive on their sellers' failures manage to exist for so long. Years ago, a friend approached me, wanting me to sell products for Amway. I wasn’t familiar with the brand, but I did some research and spoke to friends who knew about it. The more I learned about the company and the pitch I was given, the more it seemed nearly impossible to make actual money. Instead, it appeared I would be spending money purchasing products from them and taking expensive educational classes to enhance my selling skills, all while needing to recruit others to sell Amway products—most of whom also had never even heard of the brand. From the various sales pitches I encountered, very little focused on attracting customers to buy products or on how to sell those products.

As I read the book, many stories from former MLM sellers resonated with me. It’s easy to see how someone can get drawn into a system that is fundamentally working against them. The book offers compelling insights into how MLM companies have evolved over the years and the new schemes they employ to profit from recruits. Toward the end, the narrative takes a more political turn, which many readers might find off-putting. My favorite part of the book was the personal accounts from individuals who have been in or continue to be involved in MLM companies. I found that section to be the most engaging and entertaining, as it illustrated the various reasons why people joined and remained in a company that was costing them money. If you're interested in MLM companies or have ever been asked to join one, you might enjoy this book.