It is hard to type these words (we’ll get into it):
I’m diving into network marketing.

We’ve all seen it…a friend catches a wild hare (what a weird phrase!) and all of a sudden their Facebook page is littered with products that make you scratch your head.

What happened to my friend? Why are they shilling off-brand products all the time? Don’t they know it’s a pyramid scheme and will all end in embarrassment, wasted time, and no money? How do I feel towards them now?

So, hi! As is true to my story so far, I’m learning more and understanding more as I go through life. And I now understand why people do network marketing. The reason it is hard to type “I’m diving into network marketing” is that I’ve been drawn to looking down at the profession. I have seen people be overly enthusiastic about bottles of liquid and goop. (Not just one brand/company…the whole concept).

This over-enthusiasm reminds me of my young evangelical days. (Ohmigosh I just triggered myself (not in the fun way). This would be a whole nother post. Going to put the brakes on it and hopefully link this part up in the future. Moving on…)

In this series of posts, I will explore why I’m diving into network marketing, the challenges I see, coming from corporate work throughout my career, and what I am learning.

The First Block

How do I find people to talk to?

I’ve spent my entire life trying not to upset people. Always putting the comfort of an interaction above all else. And now? I’m a man, getting into an industry that largely caters to women, because they are traditionally more receptive. And the advice I’ve heard so far about a cold market (sales terms are fun to learn) is to put on some oils, smell nice, and drum up conversation about how well the oils work. And they do! But oh my heckits, that sounds like a terrible idea.

In 2019, being a white male with conservative roots, who has grown into a liberal ally, and loves when people are free to be themselves, the thought of approaching people I don’t know and telling them I can help sounds like overreaching. It also feels like the proselytizing of my youth. Go up to strangers and tell them about Jesus! You’ll be saving them from Hell! Why wouldn’t you want to do that?! (I feel like I just started that future post I talked about. I need new brakes.)

So that’s where I am today. Everything else clicks and makes sense to me. Having never done sales before, and having worked my whole life to not make other people uncomfortable, I have a pretty big blocker set up.

I do have success with essential oils and natural healthcare. It is a great thing to have in my life and it honestly feels like we have leveled up, being able to live like this. I will move forward and engage with whatever I need to. I can’t see the path yet. I do know that, when it is time, I will.