There are many routes to success when it comes to MLM and all have their merits. However, refining one single strategy and using it for your own gain isn’t always possible. Finding the strategies that work for you and your particular brand is crucial, but we think there is one marketing option that virtually anyone can utilize. Although risky and something that needs to be handled with care, an outspoken attitude is one that can generate a big audience and, therefore, lead to a larger following.

Essentially, your goal as an MLM’er is to get as many people as possible to listen to what you have to say and once you’ve courted their attention, you can then use it to sell your products. Of course, being controversial and blogging about topics that might alienate various factions of the social media spectrum can be a dangerous tactic. However, if done correctly, it can be a highly valuable marketing tool.

To give you an insight into the power of a divisive voice, let’s take a look at three social marketing success stories from the last 12 months.

It’s Just Joe Rogan

Although his time as the host of Fear Factor undoubtedly helped his kudos in the virtual world, Joe Rogan’s popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, has skyrocketed up Apple’s rankings because of his willingness to talk openly about a broad range of topics. During his shows, Rogan has been known to openly discuss political grievances, hunting and religion. Although not inherently divisive, these topics can often spark debates between opposing factions. In some circumstances this can be bad; however, when it comes to MLM, debate can often mean interest and that, in turn, leads to sales.

Of course, keeping the topic of conversation away from negativity and towards the side of healthy debate should always be your goal. However, there is certainly value to being somewhat candid with your subject matter. In fact, Joe Rogan’s approach to podcasting has earned him a legion of fans and, therefore, allowed him to become a middleman for various high-quality products (each of which he personally vets).

Learn to Tackle like Daniel Negreanu

Another celebrity from a different medium that’s found a niche in the online blogosphere is Daniel Negreanu. After finding fame as a Texas Hold’em expert who has amassed roughly $30 million in career earnings, Negreanu has since parlayed his success into a lucrative media career. One of the keys that has unlocked Negreanu’s social media profile is his desire to become a spokesman for the poker community.

Over the last few years Negreanu has released vlogs and written blog posts on topics that poker players feel passionately about but don’t have a platform to express their views. In fact, Negreanu has often been willing to discuss issues other professionals prefer to ignore, and this is something that’s helped the Canadian poker star win a legion of fans.

Essentially, Negreanu has used his platform to tackle the issues other poker players can’t or won’t. This boldness has won him a slew of followers that are all now prepared to do as he does and, more importantly, as he says.

Do it like Dana

The UFC’s Dana White is one of the best salesmen in the world without even trying. Serving as the front man for the world’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, White has used his brash persona to sell fights, fighters and the sport as a whole.

One of the reasons for White’s success is his willingness to give fans a clear window into his life. Through his post-fight scrums (where he fields questions from a scrum of journalists), to his Instagram posts and Embedded videos on Fox, White has established himself as an open book.

This is something MMA fans have found extremely refreshing and highly addictive. Whenever White makes an announcement, people listen and that’s given him the ability to leverage his position and market his company. This relationship between being open in one hand and subtly selling something on the other is a fantastic skill and something White has perfected.

Of course, becoming an MLM’er who is as successful as White isn’t easy. However, if you’re able take some inspiration from his approach to marketing, you’ll find your ability to sell improves dramatically.

Each of the figures mentioned in the article have used the internet for its true purpose: free speech. Unlike mainstream media, the internet isn’t censored and that makes it possible for savvy marketers to get themselves noticed by becoming open book.

Obviously we aren’t advocating that you become controversial. However, if you feel strongly about something, say it. Don’t limit yourself. Push the boundaries and you’ll quickly find that new followers seep into your plot of cyberspace and take note of what you have to say and sell.