How do you handle an acquaintance whose only motivation is to get you into networking marketing or MLM?

[Andre]

About 2 weeks ago, I met someone who worked in my building who recognized me from Facebook. He said he knew my fiancee so we chatted for a bit. I gave him my contact info and a few days later he called.

This morning he left a message on my voicemail wanting to have lunch with me. He also left me an e-mail a few hours later. Why is he so interested in my friendship?

My first instinct told me that he was trying to get me into "multi level marketing", similar to Amway and other pyramid schemes. I went to his Facebook page and saw a bunch of links to domains he created, and they were all selling/promoting a health product.

This situation is similar to experiences I've had with MLM types. It seems like they have this distorted view of reality and won't take no for an answer. They never answer skeptical questions and insist that you either listen to a DVD or attend a meeting at a hotel to find out.

I have always ignored them and they eventually give up.

[college_gal_83]

If you think he's a cool guy, then tell him you're not interested in any pyramid schemes/marketing things...he's probably not going to listen...but none the less, worth trying.

When people pull this type of stunt, I just ignore them. They are probably not the type of person I would want to acquaint myself with anyways....so no loss. Ignoring may be the best way to get rid of him.

[lisa]

This one is a piece of cake... when the person calls, just say fine... we can do lunch... but if you are going to give me the wanna be a millionaire speech I will walk as soon as you open your mouth. So long as they know the basis is friendship only, great. Then they can't say they were not warned.

Cheers

Lisa

[Lavetta B]

Personally, I would go to lunch. That other person may not want you to do anything other than hang out. I think it is wrong to assume someone wants something just because they try to cultivate your friendship. I recently casually met a woman who sells Home Interior. She indicated to my massage therapist that she would love to have coffee with me sometime because she thought I was an interesting person. My first thought was she wants to a: sell me home interior or b: have me sign up to sell home interior. Had I have not went to coffee with her I would have missed out on a great friend. She was merely looking for someone she could do things with. If he brings up the multi-level marketing, you can simply say, you know I wish you every success but that stuff is just not my thing and redirect the conversation. Then you'll find out if he wants to be "buds" or that was the only interest he had.

[Marcello]

Just tell this person you are not interested in getting involved in anything like this. In all likelihood, once they realise they can not get you in, they will not value your connection and will disappear.