why I joined a multi-level marketing company

I’ve been asked A LOT recently about why in the world I’d get into the Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) business.  The truth is, I NEVER thought I’d actually be a Multi-Level Marketing Consultant, but I’ve always tried to be the one to support people in MLM businesses, at least if I was interested in the product.  I mean, think about it.  It takes guts to be a consultant and ask friends and family for business or referrals.  But, for some reason, multi-level marketing consultants don’t often get the praise they deserve. We, as consumers, support our friend who opens a new restaurant or fitness franchise.  We support our friend who opens up their own boutique or real estate agency, so why wouldn’t we support our friend who starts their own home “franchise” of a direct sales company?  
It was just a few months ago, when I decided to jump into this industry.  I chose Arbonne because I’ve used the products since 2003.  I know they work. I know the company is established and ethical, and I can go to sleep at night knowing that the products I recommend are pure, safe, and beneficial. Most people who become consultants decide to sell because they love the products and business that they plan to work for and truly believe that the products will make a difference in the lives of others.  So, if your girlfriend is telling you that she LOVES an eye cream enough to sell it, why wouldn’t you buy from her rather than some stranger at a store? 
I did a lot of research on the industry before I decided to join and realized it’s a smart move.  A recent article in Entrepreneur Magazine says that network marketing is the future of business.  One by one, brick and mortar stores continue to decline in sales and close. And if they are open, it’s a skeleton staff. I was at the mall recently, and I couldn’t find a single person to help me, so I left.  What did I do?  I did what most people do:  bought online.  Consumers now shop online , often blindly and without a sales person to help them.  So, slowly but surely, having a human, like your MLM Independent Consultant, to speak with about the benefits of a product will become more attractive.  And:  if you live near your Independent Consultant, there’s a good chance you can pop into his or her house to try out the products.  I have people stop by my home all the time when they want to try my nutrition, skincare, hair care, essential oils and makeup products.  It’s a comfortable space, they’re going to get an honest opinion from me, and the best customer service.
MLM companies also offer a positive, team-like atmosphere, reward people for their hard work, and often include incentives.  Forbes Magazine even wrote a few articles about multi-level marketing and retirement recently.  Social Security doesn’t exactly offer a big monthly check these days, so a little extra spending cash from an MLM is always helpful, but it’s more than that for retirees.  
The author says, “What I am telling you is that the average retiree is at least 25 pounds overweight, feels tired for some part of the day, may be moderately depressed about something, has low self-esteem in one or two areas of life, acknowledges they only kind of have a best friend, and overall lead pretty plain lives.”  
These businesses, especially health and weight loss businesses, create a community and positivity in individuals.  
The author continues, “When people start to lose weight, have more energy, or receive compliments on the way the look, it builds momentum.  They see, feel, and hear the benefits of their work paying off which encourages them to stick with the changes they are making. Second, there is a group effect. Many people struggle to develop and stick with a new health, diet, and exercise program on their own.  But when they do it in a supportive community with others, it’s much easier to get through the tough days and stay on track.”  
I can tell you that my husband said I’ve had more personal growth in the past few months since I joined Arbonne than I’ve had since he’s known me.  I’m more positive, passionate, motivated, and driven to help others.  I know without a doubt it’s because of my Arbonne team and upline.  My mentor believes that true leaders don’t create followers; they create other leaders.  
That brings me to my next point.  My goal is to create other leaders.  I want to go to the top of the business and bring as many people along with me, which means MLM is NOT a pyramid scheme.  In fact, pyramid schemes are illegal.  When doing my homework, I made sure Arbonne was part of the Direct Sales Association, and you should do your homework, too.  I did specific research before starting my business that I recommend you consider if you plan to enter the industry.   

Some questions to ask yourself:

• Is the company up to the times and trends?
• Is the product consumable, meaning will people reorder if they love it?
• Is there something for everyone?
• Is there a leverage of time?  Meaning, can you make your hours and can your income grow without working ridiculous hours?
• What are the sign-up fees?
• How will you make your income?  Is it by signing people up or is it by building a team and teaching others how to be successful?  

For me, I knew Arbonne checked every box.  

• Arbonne is definitely with the times and trends.  It’s entire line is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and bans 2,000 potentially harmful ingredients.  
• The products are consumable.  People will buy the products again and again if they love them.
• There is something for everyone.  With skincare, body care, hair care, essential oils, makeup, and nutrition products, everybody is a customer.
• Yep, there’s leverage of time. I work my schedule around my kids and other jobs. I will get paid the most on my individual sales, but as I grow my team, I get an override commission on my teams sales, too.  
• There were no astronomical sign-up fees.  It was $79, and I got 10 skincare samples and 10 catalogs along with a website.   
• I love how I’ll make my income.  I don’t make a penny off of signing people up, which I like, because my goal is to build quality. I get paid by teaching people how to do what I do and be successful.  When they make money, I make money.  Period!  

After I got my business kit, it was time to get to work.  I wanted to promote as quickly as possible *secretly* because I didn’t want anyone to say my TV platform helped me get to where I am.  I’m half way to the third of four levels of promotions with the company.  I did it by hard work.  For any direct sales company, there’s a high level of people who DON’T make it to the top.  And that’s okay.  It’s an opportunity some people stay focused on achieving and others don’t stay focused or aren’t interested in going to the top.  The company is the vehicle to success.  The consultant is the driver.  I’m ready to drive my family to a life that is debt-free, without the worry of finances, and filled with great adventures and memories because I’ll be present as a mom and wife.  
And the best part?  No product inventory.  No middle men to get the product to the consumer - it goes from the warehouse to my client’s house.  No employees.  No payroll.  No rent.  No salary cap.  I get to offer my clients amazing deals and free gifts that they get to choose.  When was the last time you went to a store and bought skincare, makeup, and nutrition at a ridiculous discount and got freebies, too?  Should I go on?  I will go on.  I change lives.  I help people lose weight, improve their skin, treat their hair, find makeup that won’t break out their skin, and even improve moods.  It’s an amazing feeling to make a difference in the lives of others.  It’s a gift worth sharing.
Finally, the industry is for both men and women.  However, this little nugget made me even more motivated.  Over 80% of women who make over six figures did it through direct sales.  
Do you get why I started my MLM business now?
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