The Future of Network Marketing and New Threats in 2026

Future of network marketing is still good despite shocking news in 2025 that Modere went out of business and shut down after 23 years.

Other companies such as Colored Street changed its compensation plan, and Epicure also shut down in 2025.

In 2024, we saw Rodan and Fields, Seint and BeachBody giving up on the MLM model and Tupperware declaring bankruptcy but succeeding in network marketing is going to be much harder because of our environment and the constant distractions.

Even though there has some big name companies that have struggled, there are hundreds of other companies that are still doing very well so overall the outlook is still bright.

One example of an “older company” (over 25 years old) doing well is USANA (supplements and skin care) which reported 10% earnings growth in the 1Q of 2025 as compared to 2024

LifeVantage (a publicly traded company) also reported on May 6, 2025 that their revenue jumped 21.1% in first quarter of 2025 as compared to same period in 2024.

Stuart Johnson, Founder and CEO of Direct Selling News in Feb. 2025 talked about how Amazon has changed the way people buy and how it impacts our industry.

Quick Action Steps for You

You can skip ahead to these 5 keys to success or continue to read or watch the video below

Podcast on The Future of Network Marketing

Future of MLM After Major Changes

The future of network marketing is changing.

Over the past year, some big companies have moved away from the MLM model, and this has left many leaders scrambling and dreams vanished.

Companies that were once seen as rock-solid have abandoned the network marketing structure, taking away downlines and residual incomes.

Fortunately, the outlook is still good, and here are 5 reasons why.

5️⃣ Reasons Why the Future of MLM Is Still Good

Despite the negative news, the profession is still strong and will last.

Here are reasons why.

1 ) New Network Marketing Companies are Launched Every Week

The industry has been in doubt for the last 50 years and numerous of books and people have talked about how it will die.

But MLM is still alive and doing well worldwide!

New companies are still being launched every month despite the current setbacks.

2 ) 💥Why Network Marketing Will Always Exist

People will always want more freedom, money, and more time with their families.

Network marketing gives everyday people a chance to dream bigger and people will always want more in life and that is why the outlook stays positive.

Human desire is the MAIN REASON why MLM will always exist.

3) The General Public is More Open to Alternative Ways to Earn Income

The benefit of the gig economy is that people are MORE open to doing something outside of a job.

They’re open minded and interested in other options such as network marketing.

A new survey said that the #1 dream job for a teenager today is to be an online influencer.

People 20 years ago would say you’re crazy and unrealistic if you told them you wanted to work for yourself from home.

All these trends make it more acceptable for people to join a network marketing business.

Advantages of MLM Over Affiliate Income or Other Side Hustles

If you read the news too much it may seem that affiliate income is the way to go but it has severe disadvantages compared to network marketing.

You basically have a job when you do affiliate income because you get paid when you promote but don’t get paid if you stop promoting.

It’s not a business and definitely not something you can pass to your kids.

The same applies for other side gigs like driving Uber, freelancer, etc.

Network marketing gives the average person with no startup money nor following a chance to build a business that can pay you even when you’re not working and is something you can pass to your next of kin.

That’s a HUGE advantage that no other job can offer.

If it wasn’t for network marketing, I would still be at a job and never have the chance to do the youth sports with my kids.

Network marketing allows us not only to dream but gives us a chance to make that dream a reality and that will never change.

4) Success Stories Are Everywhere

Social media has also made people aware that you can be successful in network marketing.

Everyone has seen or know of someone that has done well in our profession and this helps everyone in it.

20 years ago it was very difficult to know of someone that was successful outside your company.

The success stories are everywhere now online and make people more open to the profession.

5) Network Marketing Has Always Adapted and Thrived

People have been predicting the death of MLM forever.

They say the internet will destroy network marketing or the pandemic and the lack of face to face meetings will kill MLM.

But they have not.

Network marketing has adapted and grown… and it will adapt again

As long as humans have a dream to become and have more, the future of MLM is bright.

Why the Future of MLM Will Be Harder

Now that we talked about why MLM will never go away, let’s talk about the challenges.

Here is why it’s going to be harder.

1. More Distractions Than Ever

We have way more more tools to help you succeed in network marketing than 20 years ago but it’s has also made things harder.

For example, social media has made things easier if you know how to use social media for network marketing or it can create major distractions and and overwhelm.

That’s why staying focused and developing the right mindset is more important than ever in the near future.

2. The Instant Gratification Trap

We live in a world where everything is immediate but success in network marketing takes time.

If you’re looking for quick results, MLM will feel harder than ever.

3. Self-Doubt and Fear of the Wrong Choice

Many people switch strategies too soon because they think they’re doing something wrong.

The reality is that success comes from staying consistent, even when it feels like nothing is happening.

Amazon’s Effect on Network Marketing by Stuart Johnson

Stuart Johnson, a 40 year veteran of the direct selling profession recently shared on the Direct Selling News podcast on the upcoming challenges for direct selling.

One of the things he highlights in this interview is how as a leader, you must allow for people to do multiple things at once because network marketing is not the only thing people will focus on.

He also emphasizes that although some companies are struggling, most companies are still doing very well.

5 Keys to Your Future Success in Network Marketing

Here are some tips to help you grow your business, even when things get tough:

1. Focus on One Thing at a Time

Stop doing everything all at once.

Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or another platform, pick one and stick with it for at least six months otherwise you’ll never the momentum and experience to achieve success in network marketing.

2. Stick to the Income Producing Activities

Achieving success doesn’t require fancy tools but does require you to focus on The DMO (Daily Method of Operation) and list of income producing activities.

Post on social media, meet new people, send invitations, follow-up and do presentations.

Here are complete details of these 5 income producing activities

3. Lead Yourself First

The 1st step in the Simple Online System is to Lead Yourself.

Network marketing success starts with you!

Build habits that keep you consistent, like waking up earlier to work on your business or setting a timer to stay on track.

The more disciplined you are, the better results you’ll see.

4. Delay Gratification

Instead of looking for quick wins, focus on the long game and long term future.

Succeeding might take months or even years, but the rewards will be worth it.

5. Stay Connected to MLM Community

You’ll never be successful if you do network marketing alone because it can get very discouraging.

You must stay connected with others so make sure you attend every future team training, go to network marketing events, join coaching groups, read the books, listen to the podcasts, etc.

This business can feel isolating, but staying connected will keep you inspired and focused.

Secret to Network Marketing Success: A Winning Mindset

Most people fail in network marketing because they don’t have the right mindset.

They think success is about learning new skills, but it’s really about how you think and approach challenges.

Here are examples of how top leaders think.

Focus on Activity, Not Results

Instead of worrying about how many people say “yes,” in the future, track how many people you’re reaching out to. Celebrate your consistency and you’ll event get the results you want in the future.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Don’t let someone’s highlight reel on social media compare to your reality because what you see is just the highlights and not their real life!

Stay in your lane and focus on your own journey.

Embrace Mistakes

Making mistakes isn’t bad because it’s how you learn.

The more mistakes you make, the faster you grow.

Recap on The Future of Network Marketing

The future of network marketing is bright, but it’s going to be hard but so worth it.

Network marketing gives you the chance to build residual income, connect with amazing people, and change lives.

If you want to succeed, remember to stay focused on the income producing activities.

Keep it simple, stay focused and take consistent action!