Network Marketing~It's A Perspective

It is my guess that every person reading this post has been approached by a family member, friend, classmate, workmate, or someone else and asked to either host a party, buy products, or join a Network Marketing ~MLM~Direct Sales business. True? And everyone has an opinion about what these companies are about. You know~~pyramid scheme, scam, money pit, over-priced OR fantastic products, best thing that ever happened to me, my road to financial freedom. For most people they are somewhere in the middle of those two. They are happy to support a Scentsy or LuLaRoe party , or even buy some beauty products from an Avon or Mary Kay representative. Do you have Tupperware in your home? Is this your experience? Have you ever been involved with the business side of one of these companies?

My career path in direct sales started over 32 years ago as a Tupperware lady. I still have much of the Tupperware I acquired from that time. Gosh, I had not thought of that before. How old it is!!!! Wow. I guess it DOES last. A few other dips into some other companies followed through the years. I am actually one of those people that believe in the model of direct sales.

If you think of some of the larger companies such as Tupperware, Avon, and Mary Kay, and understand that they never advertised in magazines, on television, radio or any other form other than through their representatives word of mouth, it's a pretty big thing. These became multi-million dollar companies AND women drove them. I like that part.

 



Power to the women. In this day and age where women still are not paid the same wage as men, with direct sales/network marketing all bets are off. We can create our own paycheck. This is very inviting. It is also inviting because it can be done from home for a mom with small children. It can be done in the evening for those who want to start part time. It is very flexible.

Why it might not work. It takes work!!! Let me say that again. It takes work, and lots of it, at least to get to the $100,000 mark like in the image above. Some people are naturals at it. Others, like me have to 'go to school' to learn about the ins and outs of it. However, just like in my schooling to become an occupational therapist, there comes a time when you have to take all you have learned and put it into practice. Ahhhhhhhhh! Anyone out there willing to help me practice? Family need not answer this :)

You might be asking yourself, "Why would I become involved with this type of business while I am in the process of becoming (really almost there) an occupational therapist?" A career I say I love!!! Well, here is the answer. Student loans!!!! Student loans!!!! Student loans!!!! So, even though occupational therapists make a fairly good salary, the amount I will owe in student loans each month will take away any gains. Right now, without a job, and being out of school due to cancer, I am being charged $25.00 per DAY just in interest. That is $750.00 a month accumulating just in interest. My loan repayment right now is close to $2000. a month.

Some people choose to do this type of business to make an extra 400.00 a month for a car payment or to put money away for their children's college fund. Others just use it for fun money i.e. going out to dinners, movies, taking vacations. The key is to make more than you spend on the business and products. In the beginning, like in any business, it is a bit lopsided, you need to put in money to make money. But trust me it won't be the six figures that I have spent for my occupational therapy degree! And you won't have the FEDS over your head with student loans asking for payments.

As you can see, I am a believer. I have a WHY! I am not afraid to take a risk! Hell, I just went through cancer! Someone telling me no does not bother me! And best of all! I love the products and company I represent! Till tomorrow.....