BookWise: An Interesting Model

Thanks to Steve Weber's recent post blog post I just discovered a new bookclub service.   Actually, to call it a "bookclub" is somewhat misleading.  BookWise is a bookclub that has loads of other "perks and goodies", as their website explains...all that, rolled up into an affiliate program that looks and smells a lot like Amway (for better or worse).

I find this to be an interesting model, mostly because they're creating a broader experience around the book.  When you buy a book from Amazon or a brick-and-mortar shop, that's pretty much the end of the transaction.  With BookWise, you're buying into future information streams as well as the prospects of a lucrative affiliate program.  Will it work?  Hard to tell, but I like the fact that someone is experimenting with it.  It also makes me wonder how long it will take before Amazon offers something similar...

Comments

[Kent Larsen]

We looked at Bookwise on A Motley Vision, and I have to admit that the Multi-level Marketing (i.e., Amway) features make me a little uncomfortable. I can certainly understand allowing a couple "levels" in the distribution, but I don't understand allowing as many as 8, as this and many other Multi-level Marketing "businesses" do.

I'm also uncomfortable with the cost of participating. Really, a $30 a month fee plus $35 a year is rather steep for most people, even if you do get 12 free hardcovers out of it. I might as well pay a premium over list price to get these books.

I suspect that in the end Bookwise won't be all that successful because the basic price keeps out those who are only interested in being consumers. Without those, all you have is those interested in making money, who buy just to keep up their participation.

That doesn't add up to a successful business model in my view.

[Michael A. Banks]

Any endeavor with "downline" in its description makes me shudder.
--Mike
http://www.michaelabanks.com

[Dave Johnson]

As a BookWise independent distributor, I would like to weigh in on this topic. First, I don't understand why everyone is so negative about network marketing...surely the likes of Enron, Tyco and WorldCom along with the outrageous pay and benefit packages CEOs are receiving would encourage those disillusioned with the traditional business model to look elsewhere. I sense the negativity comes from the legions of people who have failed at Network Marketing. The questions I ask, is Network Marketing to blame as a business model or are most people unwilling or unable to put in the work required to make it the model work? Network Marketing is not unlike any other brick and mortar business...millions of brick and mortar businesses fail every year but no one seems to be questioning that model. The reality of Network Marketing is the same as anything else...some will succeed and most will fail but they will not fail because the model is flawed…they will fail because they do not have the desire or the skills to succeed.

BookWise is a concept whose time has come. For those who can't afford the annual and monthly membership fees or don't see the value, there are other places to buy books. However, with the BookWise's compensation plan being structured as it is, it only takes sponsoring three new members per month before you are in the green. With the resources that BookWise has made available to its distributors, this is very doable, but again is not going to happen by osmosis. You can't open a traditional brick and mortar store, hang an 'open' shingle and do nothing else and expect it to be successful. Network Marketing is a business opportunity...not a get rich quick scheme or a lottery...and, no one is going to compensate you for doing nothing. In other words, you reap what you sew.

I have been exposed to hundreds of network marketing opportunities and have found BookWise to be the most thought out of them all. If you love to read, want to build your personal library and want to work hard, you can achieve a level of success not available to most in the traditional brick and mortar world. If, on the other hand, you just want to read a book, buy them on eBay, Amazon or half.com.

The moral of my story is...don't criticize something because you don't understand it. I am not sure how electricity works but I know it works and I know it can cook a man's dinner as easily as it can cook a man.

Network Marketing isn't for everyone...but, then too, neither is electricity. If you are satisfied with where you are in life and are OK with someone else controlling your destiny, network marketing is not for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a legitimate business opportunity that can provide you with executive level pay and the freedom of owning your own business, I would encourage you to look at BookWise. And, I would be more than happy to sponsor and train you so that you can see, first hand, the real power of network marketing.

[Joe Wikert]

Hi Dave. Thanks for weighing in on Bookwise. It's good to hear from critics *and* supporters on things like this. You make some good points and I plan to keep a close eye on Bookwise in the coming months/years.

[Bookwise Ben]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for sharing about Bookwise.

Regarding Mike's comment about any business with a downline in it, makes him shudder.

Mike you're right. Most of the times this could scare you away. However Bookwise has done something really awesome. They offer a ONE YEAR money back guarantee.

So up to 12 months after you join if you decide it isn't right for you, you can get your $35 monthly fee refunded AND get to keep all the books, audio books, ebooks, and mp3 downloads.

So you have nothing to lose because you can keep the books and get your money back if it doesn't work right for you.

- Ben Fitts

[Leisa Watkins]

If BookWise was just about a monthly book, then perhaps BookWise wouldn't be such a great deal. However, the BookWise bundle of benefits include much more than just a monthly hard cover book.

The BookWise monthly membership includes a hard-cover book, monthly author training by a New York Times bestselling author, agents, and publishers, two tickets to an author's Book Seminar (valued at over $1,000.00), wealth training by several experts on many different aspects of financial management, an audio book, an e-book, tax training, and much more. Plus the opportunity to earn additional income in an industry I can truly feel good about - books.

[George]

I absolutely understand anyone's concern over an MLM. The business model itself is a brilliant concept. However, thanks to Amway and about 10,000 other similar companies the whole industry is tainted. And rightly so. Most MLM business models simply make it to difficult to achieve success or quite frankly steal your money, hopes and business dreams right from the start. I have been a BookWise associate for 2 months, I have received commission checks to cover all my expenses as well as a profit. There are no charge backs, you actually do not need to sponsor anyone to receive commissions. The bottom-line on MLMs is attrition, which equals value. If BookWise is a value people will join and stay. Part of the value is the business opportunity. My group has several members content to experience the value without selling anything. The fact remains I have members above and below us continually sponsoring people which in turn leads to a commission for all of us. I do not know what else to say. I have two great books, no cleaning supplies, vitamins, lotions, candles, baskets, etc. gathering at my home. There are no volume requirements. I have never been involved in an MLM. But, I own a successful business. If I were not already deducting all of my home office and vehicle usage it would be of further value. All the best, George http://www.mybookclubwise.com

[Natalie Becker]

I just noticed this has not been updated since BookWise made a whole bunch of new changes Dec. 1st. 2007.
See what you think of it now!

BookWise is a powerful way to build wealthwhile building a wealth of knowledge:
through mentoring,reading, writing and absorbing wisdom from the greatest minds.

What do I get for my $39.95 BookWise monthly fee?
By being a part of the BookWise family, you join hands with thousands of other BookWise Associates who not only love books, but whose intention is transforming their lives and making their highest potential become a reality. There is so much more to BookWise than books. In fact, your low monthly fee is your ticket to accessing more than 10 times that in actual value.

1. Your Very Own BookWise Bookstore.
In your personalized BookWise bookstore, you’ll
not only carry books, but also music, movies
and the hottest games—to the tune of 1.5 million
titles. BookWise is the fastest growing bookstore
chain in America, with huge discounts and no
membership fee.

2. Book, DVD, CD, or Game.
Each month you will have the opportunity to
choose a new book, DVD, CD or game, to qualify
for monthly commissions. Happy shopping! If
you forget to place your order, BookWise will
automatically send you that month’s
BookWise Best BookTM.

3. Huge Discounts on Additional Products.
You and your bookstore customers will
enjoy membership prices with no membership
fee—and savings of up to 42% off bestsellers!
You’re going to love buying for yourself and
loved ones, while creating wealth for yourself
in the process.

4. BookWise ClassicsTM.
Associates and Preferred Customer will receive
BookWise Classic selected from the 100 Greatest
Literary Works Ever Written, each month
they make a purchase. This literary classic is
available in three ways; a fully downloadable
eBook, an audio book, and a two page summary
from the famous Compact Classic library.

5. Virtual Office.
BookWise provides you with an Internet
dashboard to manage your online bookstore,
track your team and customer sales, access
marketing tools and enjoy your
BookWise benefits.

6.Presidents Club.
As you grow your BookWise business, you may
qualify for the Presidents Club. As a member of
Presidents club, you are entitled to benefits
available to others in the organization.
Benefi ts include reserved seating at conventions
meetings, a lapel pin, direct communication
with the founders of the company and
enhancing the BookWise experience. Presidents
not only have advance notice of improvements
and strategic advancements; they help
formulate them.

7. Weekly Communication.
This Week at BookWiseTM, our weekly
BookWise email, keeps your finger on the pulse of
book industry. It also offers updates on
Associate benefits and provides you with tips on
to build a successful BookWise business.

8. FREE Speed Reading Lesson.
How would you like to learn to read an extra
hundred words a minute, while comprehending
and retaining more? With this speed reading
lesson, you will discover how countless people
have learned to do just that.

9. Author Interviews.
Have you ever wondered how an author
developed the idea for their latest book? What
have they learned since writing it? Do they have
another book in the works? If you love books,
you’ll love this up close and personal
perspective into how bestselling authors
develop, write, publish and market their books.

10. Weekly Webcasts.
Learning to run a successful business is so
much easier when you are provided with the
training and skills that have already proven
successful. Each week you’ll have access to a
live webcast where you’ll learn how to build
your BookWise team, market your bookstore
and become a strong leader.

11. Wisdom Link.
With BookWise, you have unlimited access
to the same online research resource used
by such universities as Stanford and Yale—
and Presidential speech writers at the White
House! There are more than 4,000 eBooks and
100,000 source documents at your fi ngertips
anytime you want them. Imagine instant access
to the discoveries of history’s greatest minds,
recorded in their own words. Enlightening.

12. WealthWin.
BookWise is about growth in every area of your
life, including an expanding fi nancial portfolio.
Each week, Richard Paul Evans and/or Robert
G. Allen provide you with valuable, interactive
personal mentoring, which guides you on your
path toward ultimate fi nancial freedom. It’s here
you’ll learn the techniques that
millionaires use.

13. TaxWin.
Not only does BookWise provide you with the
basis for a home-based business, we show you
how to set up that business in the most
By participating in a live, monthly mentoring
call with top experts, you’ll learn how to take
advantage of every possible tax break.

14. PresidentWise.
As a BookWise Associate, you are the president
of your own company. During this weekly
mentoring call, you’ll be taught how to build an
extraordinary BookWise business.
Be presidential!

15. Bestseller Seminar.
Have you ever wanted to write your own
bestselling book? Do you know someone who
does? Spend two days with bestselling authors
as they intimately share their experiences in the
book industry. You’ll also enjoy absorbing the
knowledge of top agents, publishing house
representatives, publicists and others who know
the tricks to becoming a successful author. Four
tickets, each valued at $995, are FREE to
BookWise Associates.

16. Successful People Seminars.
BookWise invites you to attend a 2-day,
LIVE seminar taught by the world’s experts
in HeartWinTM, WealthWinTM and YouWinTM.
These events, valued at $495 per ticket, will be
FREE for BookWise Associates. Associates also
receive additional FREE tickets so their
bookstore customers can experience their own
transformation. Four events, in four different
regions of the country, are provided each year.

17. Transformation with Successful People Mentoring.
With BookWise and Successful People, you
can transform your relationships, fi nances and
achieve inner-wealth. This invaluable training is
three-fold. HeartWin, provides you with
mentors who will help improve your
relationships. WealthWin, introduces you to the
best fi nancial advisors who will give insight into
wealth creation. And YouWin, which puts you in
touch with experts who will help you improve the
quality of your life.

18. Global Leadership Bonus.
$1 of every BookWise membership fee will be
directed into a quarterly “Leadership Bonus”,
rewarding the company’s top Associates.

19. QuickWise Online Training.
BookWise offers you FREE online BookWise
training! QuickWiseTM walks you through the
fundamentals of building your BookWise
business, including teaching you how to
promote and maintain a successful
online bookstore.

20. BookWise Marketing Center.
The BookWise Marketing CenterTM
provides the marketing tools to promote your
new bookstore and build your team. Customize
your materials and then email them and/
or print them on demand. BookWise offers the
variety and fl exibility you need to build a successful
home-based business.

21. Multiple Streams of Residual Income.
As a BookWise Associate, you can read your
way to wealth. Invite your friends, family and
absolute strangers to take a look at BookWise
and its amazing Bundle of Benefi ts. Welcome the
same people to shop at your bookstore. When
you enroll someone in BookWise, you’ll earn a
share of their BookWise business. Imagine
people you’ve never met joining BookWise,
buying books, CDs, DVDs and games in cities
you’ve never heard of, and sending you streams of
income, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take
advantage of additional programs like
WriteWiseTM and earn even more. If you work
smart enough and long enough, those little
streams could turn into a raging river.

22. Incentive Trips.
BookWise Associates, who meet sales goals,
are rewarded with extraordinary vacations. We
enjoy combining your love of reading with travel!
If you qualify, you will enjoy such excursions as a
Dan Brown, Angels and Demons, tour of Rome.
Our Associates are also looking forward to trips
centered around literary greats, Jane Austen,
Emily Bronte and Jack London.

23. Giving Back.
$1 of your $39.95 monthly membership fee
goes directly to children’s charities. BookWise
is extremely motivated in behalf of children.
We invite you to join with us in creating a safer
world, full of book-reading children—regardless
of the circumstances that surround their lives.
The ability to read leads to the ability to learn,
and the ability to learn is not only a major
purpose of life, but the path to empowerment.
Therefore, in addition to your $1, BookWise
contributes 10% of corporate profi ts to
BookWise approved charities, such as
The Christmas Box International and
Operation Kids.

24. Become an Author.
AuthorWiseTM teaches you the basics for
FREE on a monthly teleconference call. For
writers who are passionate and motivated,
BookWise has developed WriteWiseTM, a
division in BookWise PublishingTM. WriteWise
is a step-by-step program to assist writers in
editing, publishing and marketing their books.
This program is not for everyone. It requires
fi nancial investment and the willingness to
devote substantial time and energy to the
process. Valued at $20,000, tuition is only
$4995, (of which, over 20% is commissionable).

1 year 100% Money Back Guarantee

Stay with us as an active Associate for 12 months, and if, at the end of that time period you are not fully satisfied, we will return 100% of your membership fees ($39.95 per month).

No questions asked.

You can even keep all the books you purchased.

You have so much to gain and absolutely nothing to lose...

Thanks for reading..Natalie Becker

BookWise...
The most intelligent Home Based Business in the World
Pass Key bookdreams
https://www.winninginthemargins.com/

Book Store website
http://www.MoreThanJustBooks.com

[Natalie Becker]

Don't know who George is and why it said he posted that long post of mine back in sept.

It was Me Natalie
I have 2 FREE gifts for you if you hurry. Offer good till the end of the year that's tomorrow. Visit my Bookstore and register as a preferred customer to get your ID # and password then go download your Free ebook and audio book of The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn, on the bottom of the web site. No purchase necessary. Read the ebook on your computer. Listen to the audio via the computer or an ipod on the go. A great new classic each month. Visit now. http://www.MoreThanJustBooks.com

Happy New Year!
Natalie Becker