The Vemma energy drink is gaining popularity on college campuses because it provides drinkers with the day’s essential vitamins and minerals.
A likelier reason is that students are learning more about the business opportunities Vemma may have for them. The energy drink’s means of advertising allow brand partners to encourage friends to sell its product.
“It’s a group of leaders continually adding people to a team or a family,” said Malcolm Perry, a student at Skidmore College and a brand partner for Vemma. “This is a business where your success depends on how many people you make successful.”
There are no papers or contracts to sign when becoming a brand partner. Those who wish to sign up simply make an account on the website. They then sign up under the brand partner who introduced them to the company. The only normal aspect of this self-employment is that the money made is taxable.
Unlike a normal job, brand partners create their own hours and set their own goals. There is no set income for being a brand partner. The amount of money they make depends on how much effort is put into selling the product-which is measured by how many other salespeople are added to their business.
Before working as a brand partner, Perry had doubts about Vemma’s reliability.
“My mentors worked with me, though, and once you see the money you make, it amazes you,” Perry said.
According to Nick Middlebrooks, a brand partner and Georgia Tech sophomore, about the same amount of money is spent on advertising through brand partners as traditional advertising would cost.
“People tend to trust more what their friends say,” Middlebrooks said. “Commercials aren’t very believable.”
Because of its uncommon methods, Vemma has a long way ahead to convince students that they are a valid company with legitimate opportunities.
“Total bullshit,” said Amirah Houry, a sophomore at Georgia State, “If I’m going to invest my time in something I need to see legitimate information about the company, not just word of mouth.”
