Entrepreneurs, Networking, and MLM, Oh My!

I've been immersed in the self-employment world for several months, I've attended Chamber of Commerce events, networking groups, seminars, etc. I can't decide if I've become energized or disillusioned. I  try to find value in everyone I meet. Unfortunately there are a lot of "entrepreneurs" out there, following some proven method for instant success, they are quite articulate, I see them gain following, and it's so frustrating. 

I'm not saying that all of these folks are charlatans, though I am sure there are some, just that they do not have the experience  to be pitching what they are pitching, nor do they really believe in the value or have researched the ethics of the stuff they are pitching. They start to drink their own Kool-aid about wealth, and encourage others to join in. 
 
I've seen small business owners taken in for thousands upon thousands of dollars, with nothing of value provided. I've seen 6 hour "seminars" that are nothing but a money makers for the host.  I've seen folks lured into "free seminars" only to endure a sales pitch that manipulates them into spending $395 for photocopies in a binder and en empty promise of success. Or they spend $399 to recruit other people to spend $399 to be millionaires at just 8 levels!  There are all the "methods" for getting business, closing the deal. Frankly it makes me feel dirty just watching.

What's worse is when you try to use a method of marketing that has been exploited by those people, you get lumped into the same bucket and you have to work twice as hard to gain trust. 

I've done so much work at no charge because they either don't have the money or have been taken so many times they just won't trust anyone. It's frustrating when really all you want to do is help people using what you know, you're not out to create some money generating retire at 40 scheme, you just want to make a living and feel good about how you do it. I'm not saying I know everything, but I've seen and done a lot, through sheer effort, trial and error, I found a lot of ways to tackle problems and find creative ways to get things done. 

Some folks believe business savvy is finding techniques to make more with less, create reoccurring income and those people are revered as icons and role models. They focus on quarterly goals and stock prices, etc.  I'm not against making a lot of money, lots and lots of money. I just want to do it by providing a solution, treating people well, and sharing the success with the people who help make it happen. Until recently I didn't feel that was rare. If I could convey anything to business owners it is follow your heart, respect your customers, and try to do right by them and your employees. Be fiscally responsible and charge enough so you can continue to do that into the future. That's what it's about, and I don't know about other people out there but if I can't be successful doing that, I'd rather fail miserably.