Why we are so scared of network marketing!

It's a pyramid scheme! Oh one of those things! Don't open friend requests through messenger, it's probably a pitch!

Many of us have been there, heard that, said no or avoided the situation, and moved on. 

I never thought in a million years that I would ever join the network marketing industry. I didn't think it was a real business or a real profession and I generally felt bad for people who were in it. 

I’m from an insurance family. My dad worked in the industry for 42 years and all 5 of my brothers are all very successful at it so it was natural for me to do insurance too. I worked as a commercial broker for more than 10 years. It was safe, I had any kind of support or advice and connections I ever needed within it, but I didn’t love it. 

The problem was I was always running on adrenaline, super stressed out, spinning in a wheel going faster and faster, trying to numb that nagging feeling that I wasn’t happy. I kept thinking if I just do more, make more, earn another designation.....

I needed a change. I always wanted to build my own business so I looked into many different ventures. I got into real estate investing which is super interesting and we still have ownership in a couple of long term commercial investments. I looked at franchises and opening my own brokerages but now I was also in a new stage of life with a 2 year old and another one on the way and I knew I wanted to build a better situation for myself but didn’t want to be away from my babies 60 hours a week. Plus part time just doesn’t pay!

A colleague’s wife asked me years ago if I would join a network marketing company with her and I said absolutely no way, felt really sorry for her and moved on with my ‘real’ job. Ironically the problem was with that same ‘real’ job.  I found myself totally unhappy and unfulfilled 8 years later. I was re-introduced to network marketing again in the summer of 2016 and did a ton of reading about the industry and decided to evaluate a few different companies to see which might be a fit for me. I chose a health and wellness company that sells a ton of products I already had in my house. It is the right mix for me. I get to be my own boss, attract my own clients, work with people I like and choose to work with, and the income potential is unlimited. Plus it totally fits around my schedule.

When done right, network marketing is a profession. Like any other industry there are people who do it well and people who are, let's say less than competent at it. It requires skills just like any other gig, and it takes time. It is not a get rich quick scheme and you likely won't make all your dreams come true this year. If you treat it like a business, it is a real business. You get to chose who you are in any profession. 

A business like this is effort based which I love and the company I work with does not allow anyone to ride someone else’s coat tails on the way up. If someone works harder than you, they will pass you. We all have to work to build our sales and our organizations.

I started out the traditional way with home parties (which I definitely don't knock! It is still a legitimate way to build a network marketing business) but I quickly learned that I was passionate about wanting to do it a different way, so I set out to find others who had done it mostly online in different companies and industries before me. As a result, I learned how to brand myself first and build my business in partnership with a network marketing company, mainly using virtual tools and an online presence which was a perfect fit for me. 

More and more professionals are joining it these days (roughly 45% of the industry), and I believe it's because we already understand business and know how to work our butts off, we just needed a better way to do it so we can have balance in our lives. I think many of us want choices with our time, our focused and strategic efforts, and to create a life for us and our families that we love. Ultimately it is a business that gives us choices in how we live and work so we can be happier.

If you're interested in learning more, I encourage you to get educated and reach out if you have questions.

Here's to a happier, healthier you!

Mara


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