I’m guessing if you’re reading this you’ve heard all the hullabaloo amongst online marketers and Twitter users over this thing called Third Tribe. Last I heard it was a mega MLM scam that grew out of an ideological scuffle between Brain Clark and Seth Godin.
Various online reviews of Third Tribe have called it a form of entertainment, a waste of time, and even a fad.
So are the allegations true? Is Third Tribe an MLM scam, sheer entertainment, a waste of time, and possibly a fad?
Third Tribe is an MLM scam.
I suppose I should start by saying that if you consider a genuine and legitimate affiliate program for members-only an MLM scam then, yes, Third Tribe is an MLM scam. Hurry up and sign up today to get in on the goods!
More likely than not, however, this allegation that Third Tribe is an MLM scam is based off of the promotion of this site. Let me be clear, I am not insinuating that that site is an MLM scam. I’m merely stating that they have generously adopted the name “Third Tribe” and attached MLM to the end of it. It also appears to be based on an ironically similar ideology regarding online marketing, just MLM style. As such, it’s very likely that this has caused some confusion and become a basis for the Third Tribe MLM scam rumor.
The Truth:
Third Tribe is not an MLM scam. Not even close. Third Tribe does offer a 33% commission through their affiliate marketing program for those members who refer friends to the community. So tell me, exactly what is wrong with helping your friend out when you purchase a product based on their recommendation?
Ethical and legitimate referral fees, kick-backs, benefits, or whatever you are comfortable calling them make the world go round people. Get real, get over it, and get the most that you can financially, professionally, and personally out of being part of an online community like Third Tribe.
Third Tribe is sheer entertainment.
I hate to say it, but they got this one kinda right. The Third Tribe IS entertaining! The Q&A calls will always give you an opportunity to LOL. The forums have amazing contributors like Mike Davenport of Not The Slightest Idea, Johnny B. Truant aka Johnny B. Truant, Hashim Warren of Career Green Light, and others who are certain to make you chuckle, smile, or make a funny-snarky remark.
And, the community’s conversations on Twitter are sure to be a place to engage in entertainment (or procrastination) if you wish. Third Tribe IS entertaining, but it IS NOT sheer entertainment.
The Truth:
Third Tribe is not sheer entertainment. Unless of course, you use it that way. Third Tribe is first and foremost a community where you can learn, connect, share, and improve your business and professional skills (whether your business is online, offline, both, or neither).
Within Third Tribe you can learn by listening and implementing the subject matter covered in the monthly seminars and Q&A calls. Seminars have covered topics like:
- Selecting and developing a profitable Internet business model that works for you
- How to create effective e-mail marketing and auto-responder campaigns (my personal fave)
- How to become a better writer and generate ideas for writing
- What goes into a product launch and what things should you be prepared for
- How to break free from analysis paralysis and actually start creating products that sell
- How to generate traffic for your website using tested and proven strategies
- Advanced affiliate marketing and SEO practices that generate income
- How to get referrals and make the most out of your current client base
- Which technologies and tools are the best for whatever you are trying to accomplish
I could go on, but the list would get annoyingly long. Each seminar is about an hour long and is paired with reference information (typically in the form of links) and PDF “action worksheets” that are designed to help you understand and implement the key concepts covered. Then, you have an opportunity to submit questions in the forum that are covered in-depth during the follow up Q&A call.
You can also learn by observing and participating in the forums. The active forum members within Third Tribe are always willing to provide feedback if you ask for it, share strategies and tactics they are using successfully, and band together to support and promote fellow Third Tribers who add value.
Most of all, the seasoned team of online marketers within Third Tribe actually participate in the forums regularly. This means you get off-the-cuff, honest advice and opinions (for FREE) from the very people who have achieved some level of success with online marketing. The “A-Listers” in Third Tribe are not ghosts or absentee members. They are live and active friends and partners.
Yes, it sound Kumbaya-ish…it is.
Third Tribe is a waste of time.
Yep. They are right again. Third Tribe is a waste of time…if you fail to use the tools, resources, and connections available to you as a member. If you let it, Third Tribe will just be a cyber-vacuum of time and money. That is, if YOU let it.
The Truth:
If you fail to put into action the things you learn, if you fail to participate in the forums on some level, and if you fail to make and nurture connections with people like you (who can help you), you are wasting your time in Third Tribe.
I’ve read some people complain about the Third Tribe community being too “loosely guided,” so they can’t get much out of the time they spend there. Or that it is “too large,” and they can’t get the value of contributing in the forums. That is bull honk!
That is their excuse for not being committed to gobbling up the all of the value that is presented on a silver platter inside the Third Tribe.
In reality, Third Tribe is a pretty small community. You know about the 80/20 rule. It applies to almost everything, and it applies to Third Tribe too. Twenty percent of the community provides 80 percent of the benefit.
This means that if the community has around 2000 members (I don’t know how many Third Tribe members there are for sure), only 400 members actually provide value. And based on my experience, I would say it’s less. Which, is even more impressive because the quality of the advice, feedback, and connections that I find in those smaller numbers is unbelievably beneficial to me!
What’s more, if you make a point to nurture the contacts you make inside Third Tribe you will make solid connections with people who will encourage, teach, and support what you are trying to do.
Third Tribe is a fad.
They’ve gotten this one half correct as well. You see according to dictionary.com, a fad is a temporary fashion, notion, manner of conduct, etc., esp. one followed enthusiastically by a group. And in one respect that definitely characterizes Third Tribe. Unfortunately for the naysayers, Third Tribe is not a temporarily existing community.
The Truth:
Third Tribe is full of enthusiastic supporters. People in Third Tribe are rooting for one another. And, if necessary they will call one another out – kindly. Third Tribe members are seeking their individual passions and find support in an enthusiastic community willing to share in successes, failures, and the boring stuff in between. Because of these factors, Third Tribe is here to stay. Members may come and go for various reasons, but the people truly benefitting from all that Third Tribe offers will be there to stay for a long time to come.
What the evidence suggests.
Here’s the deal. As in most things in life, with Third Tribe, you get what you give. Third Tribe is not a “system” or a “program,” and it’s not a surefire ticket to Internet riches. No one ever said it was.
Third Tribe is not a cult or clan of online marketers trying to create more division amongst online marketers and social media cool kids. Third Tribe is simply an online community that provides a realistic look at some of the intricacies involved in online marketing and entrepreneurship. The rest is up to you.
What you do within Third Tribe determines what you will do outside of Third Tribe with whatever you gain from the community.
What I see.
I’m watching people inside Third Tribe grow profitable and sustainable online businesses. I’m watching people inside Third Tribe get invaluable feedback on their ideas and current projects. I’m watching people inside Third Tribe establish friendships with people you’d probably consider a good friend to have. I’m watching people inside Third Tribe, and I’m learning a shit-ton that is helping me grow my business, my brand, and my bottom line every single day.
What are you doing? Need some feedback? Want some insight? Looking for a roadmap?
Come join me inside Third Tribe. I’d be happy to show you the ropes.
By the way, most if not all of the Third Tribe links in the post are affiliate links. Yes, you join and I get a cut. Thanks in advance for showing me some love by joining through my link. 
Oh! If you have a candid question you want to ask, leave a comment. I will candidly and honestly address whatever you post.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome post about #3t – it’s like most things in life – it’s what you choose to make it. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for you inside the third tribe “fun club”
Thanks for stopping by Jim. See you inside!
Thanks for this posting and clearing it up for people
The Third Tribe community is a great place to learn, be a part of a thriving and vibrant community.
The Third Tribe MLM is a completely DIFFERENT story!
Hey Rob! Thanks for stopping by. I couldn’t agree more.