There certainly is something stirring up network marketing of late. For the first time ever, the Chopra Center for Wellbeing™, cofounded by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon, is endorsing a third party product to be sold via multi level network marketing. Zrii™, a company owned by business mogul Bill Farley, is about to launch its star product, an ayurvedically formulated juice made from the amalaki Indian gooseberry. The Chopra Center™ seal of approval will undoubtedly surprise many who have in the past equated MLM opportunities with pyramid schemes benefiting the few at the expense of the many. It begs the question whether this company is somehow different, and whether MLM is about to embark on a spiritual journey.

Over time I have come to appreciate that network marketing can actually benefit its members. If set up ethically and fairly, it may provide great potential for the average person to share in the profits of a company and create a passive income over time. This in turn can allow conscientious consumers to make responsible choices in the marketplace, opting for more sustainable, environmentally friendly and socially responsible products. However, many MLM companies have in the past abused their position and created complicated systems which end up benefiting only a small percentage of those who sustain it. Perhaps we owe these companies our gratitude (and all of those who lost) for showing us what NOT to get involved with. As more and more of us become concerned with ethical use of our money, time, and energy, less and less of these companies will be able to operate in this manner.

The Chopra Center™ is known worldwide for its focus on the mind-body-spirit connection. For some of us who pursue a holistic lifestyle and spiritual path, the backing of such a well respected institution reflects positively on the integrity and ethics of Zrii™. As meditation, yoga, healthful eating, and spiritual (rather than "religious") contemplation go mainstream, one can only hope that emerging companies will rise to meet the challenge of appealing to a more aware and discerning public. Zrii™ finds itself in the interesting position of having a product which speaks to this mind-body-spirit conscious crowd. It will do well if it keeps in mind that this same demographic tends to care about environmental and social responsibility issues, as well as ethics in business. I, for one, am excited to see whether Zrii™, and through its endorsement, the Chopra Center for Wellbeing™, can herald in a new era for network marketing.

Zrii and The Original Amalaki are registered trademarks of Zrii LLC.

The Chopra Center is a registered trademark of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing.