About a week ago, a previous business associate contacted me and asked what I was up to nowadays & whether I might be open to a new “opportunity”. What he meant was a Network Marketing opportunity.
I get contacted about these a lot. My first business was with a direct sale network marketing company (in the Travel industry). I made more in my first month with that one than I used to make in six months as a computer programmer. But after the first year, that company went out of business due to some decisions the owner made along the way.
After that one closed its doors, I became one of about 12 people who started another direct sales company (this time in Personal Development).
I spent 5 years with that company. I was a top income earner, a company trainer, and a mentor to thousands of people. When the atmosphere began to change from what we originally founded the company on, and it became more about the money than the people… I left.
I spent the next few years living on savings, reading about different companies and their compensation plans, and looking for something I could start that I would have control over. Not total control mind you. But I wanted to know that any internal company changes would be MY choice so I wouldn’t be at the mercy of a company owner and what they wanted for THEIR company (which is their right…I just have different thoughts about honesty and integrity than *some* people. 🙂
So, here I am, six years later, learning again about the latest tools and marketing methods for Internet Marketing. Back when I first started researching it was all about email campaigns and fax blasts…boy we sure have come a long way…thank goodness!!
I have no intentions of going back to another networking business. It’s just more work than I care to put into a business nowadays. Besides, I like the Internet Marketing arena and what it has to offer.
I get to maintain my honesty and integrity in ALL that I do…no more “dog & pony” shows.
I get to work ANY hours I like because I don’t have to concern myself with whether I might wake someone up or interrupt their dinner when I call them.
I get to follow thru on my passions…teaching, mentoring, training.
I get to assist others in getting past their own limiting beliefs and show them what’s truly possible.
What more can a girl ask for?
Interesting post…
My mother was always in some MLM or other since the start of the 70’s but never achieved much in any of them.
In my experience it is too dependent on the efforts of other team members and if they all just sit around idly waiting for a cheque the mail, you are doomed!
And in IM I find that we are vulnerable to the unseen forces of search engines that can dry up our traffic and earnings
In my view, you need to combine the Product creation of Traditional business, with the Storefront of the IM & Website/blogs, with the Affiliate Marketing Team / recruiting of MLM, to create a sustainable business
So in my view, it is not one versus the other, it is actually necessary to combine all three to be successful in making money online!
Helene Malmsio recently posted..Try These 7 Ways in 7 Days to Naturally Reverse Wrinkles!
Great points! I hadn’t thought of that in regards to affiliate marketing, but it’s true that you’re building a team if you have products and are looking for affiliates right? Will have to add that to my thought process!
debij recently posted..There’s Always More to Learn