Is Network Marketing The New Job?

First, let me say that I LOVE network marketing and that I myself am involved in various companies. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that network marketing is fully endorsed by financial powerhouses Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki in their book “Why We Want You To Be Rich.” This article is meant to be a little tongue-in-cheek, a little serious, and hopefully “a lot” revealing for those who want to get seriously into a network marketing business.

My personal recommendation is that one person can have up to three network marketing engagements. One strictly for fun or because it is something you are passionate about. If that’s the case, then you’re just enjoying the discount and you’re perfectly fine. The second can be for residual income. Once a person subscribes to your product or service, whether it’s $ 1, $ 10, or $ 100, the money keeps coming. There is nothing wrong with that either. The third is where you are not only making residual income, but you are also building a team. It’s the “sink your teeth” company where your goal is “unlimited income.”

It is this third that I will focus on because I believe it is the one that, as Christian entrepreneurs, we need to be most reflective of due to potential spiritual “landmines.”

In business for yourself but not alone?

Very often in network marketing we hear that “you are in business for yourself, but not alone.” A lot is done by replacing your current JOB with your particular network marketing company. Also, there is much talk about how you are simply “trading time for dollars” in your current position versus the “unlimited income” you could get from this or that company.

To be sure, network marketing has evolved considerably since the day people chased you into coming to meetings and signing up for something you didn’t really need or want, but felt compelled to join because your sponsor was a relative. , a friend. or suddenly “new friend”.

With modern technology, there are meetings with great titles, conference calls, flash presentations, webinars, and of course the almighty DVD (how do we live without those things?). Today, you don’t even need to personally meet or know someone to sign them up. Just buy some leads from the internet and you are ready to expand to Antarctica, for God’s sake!

Network marketing today is slick and sophisticated. Even Magic Johnson and Warren Buffet have big interests in network marketing.

Your upline probably calls himself a coach (hey, he probably calls himself a coach). The information packages after registration ask about your goals, how much you want to earn, how much time you are willing to spend on your business and other roadmap type questions. Then there are endless meetings and conference calls. There are even accountability partners, weekly and monthly checks. Whats Next? Performance reviews? 360 degree evaluations? Myers-Briggs?

Still trading time for dollars

As a result of all of this, it occurred to me that being in business for yourself, but not alone, it suddenly seems like the old JOB, except now, you have NO fixed income, NO benefits or vacations. On top of that, you are probably involved in some kind of autoship or monthly subscription. However, it is a known fact that most people in network marketing do not even earn enough to cover their monthly expenses associated with the business. These days, if you aren’t serious about hard work, you’re probably better off not even signing up with a network marketing company, no matter how dazzling the opportunity may seem.

From my own experience and observations, the people who are MOST successful in network marketing are those who practically eat, drink, sleep, dream, and USE network marketing, just like someone who is climbing the proverbial corporate ladder. I know people who may be making a lot of money in network marketing, but when do they really relax and enjoy the fruit of their labor when there is call after call, training after training and meeting after meeting, even on Sundays, presumably one day? Rest.

Simple brochures and easels have been replaced by LCD projectors and DVD players, so there is now gear to load up and fiddle with. Are these network marketing diamonds and bionic diamonds REALLY enjoying a better life outside of the physical workplace when they seem consumed by their network marketing breakthrough? It still sounds like “time for dollars” to me.

Business meeting or revival?

As Christians, we are reminded to keep our focus on God and not be distracted by other gods. Go to some network marketing meetings and you will wonder if you are in a business meeting or in a church. In my opinion, just as “The Secret” for all intents and purposes took “religion” out of the equation, the fact that religion is placed “in the equation” does not necessarily make it “sacred” either. “Unlike many, we do not sell the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak sincerely before God, as men sent from God.” (2 Corinthians 2:17)

When looking at various network marketing opportunities, especially the one where you will “sink your teeth,” remember to apply the same rules that you would apply to any other major investment.

1. Pray for it. There is no need to jump into anything, no matter how low it is. It has to be the right opportunity for YOU. Of course, you can’t beat a GOOD downstairs opportunity either, so don’t be the perpetual “hem” either. People make a lot of money in network marketing, but it was to be the right company and to be in the right position in the product life cycle.

2. Use your discernment about the people involved. Remember, actions speak words louder, no matter WHAT is being “preached.” Observe leaders and others in the organization and make sure their actions are consistent with what they say. It will be difficult to stay excited if you have a sponsor who is unresponsive or inspiring. Network marketing is about building relationships and they have to be good in every way.

3. Is the company in line with your own spiritual gifts? If it doesn’t align with what you’re good at or what you’re passionate about, then it’s probably not a good choice in the first place. And remember, just because it’s someone else’s passion doesn’t mean it has to be yours. No matter WHAT status Sally has attained in the XYZ company, if you’re not enthusiastic about “thing-a-ma-jigs,” you probably won’t do very well. Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, and Barbara Corcoran are just a few of the many people who advise on the importance of having a passion for your business.

4. Will the time commitment allow you enough free time for Bible study, prayer, and meditation, or will it be consumed with meetings five to seven days a week? What is your threshold? Will you be able to go to church and have meetings on Sundays? Remember, God wants us to have Him first. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

5. If you are a business owner, will the network marketing time commitment allow you to fully maintain, develop and nurture your own business? It’s very easy to skip over to network marketing and spend less time on your own business if you’re not careful. If that happens, then you are not even a business to yourself.

6. There are only 24 hours in a day and at least eight of them should be spent sleeping. The body really needs time to rejuvenate itself and it does so when we are sleeping. Make sure you get enough rest so that you can be a HEALTHY entrepreneur!

7. Have fun! Remember that the Lord said that He came so that “we may have life … more abundantly” (John 10:10) and not be stressed, tired and overworked.

In conclusion, using the guidelines above, I wish you the best of luck and that your network marketing business turns out to be everything you expect and much, much more. See you on the road each in our new Cadillac or Benz or Mustang!

© 2007 by Paula Quick. This article can be forwarded, copied or distributed to others only if it contains the title and author as shown above, along with the reference websites: The Faithpreneur and The Lemonade Coach.

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