The Road to Life My Way

Three years ago this month, I decided to go into business for myself as an Independent Arbonne Consultant.  It was not my first foray into network marketing.  I had tried the concept before - with other companies - but I had never found a company or a product line that appealed to me as much as Arbonne.  I had found my "tribe". 

But wait minute, I have a job.  A good job that pays a decent wage.  Why was I looking for something else?  Well, I want more from life than what my job can offer me.  I go to work everyday and use all of my talents to make the organization look good and I have to do it on their terms.  I want to live life on my terms - not 9 to 5 and on a per hour basis. 

Network Marketing, or Multi-level Marketing has been around for years.  Many established brands and companies are network marketing companies.  Arbonne has been in business for over 30 years - longer than many brick and mortar stores.  Donald Trump started his own network marketing company last year.  Robert Kiyosaki encourages people who work for him to pursue network marketing opportunities as part time jobs.  Warren Buffet owns Pampered Chef.  Network Marketing is taught in Harvard Business School. 

Network marketing removes the "middle men" and the associated expenses and allows consumers access to high quality products at a reasonable price.  Arbonne researches and develops botanical swiss skin care.  Swiss skin care is considered ultra-premium, is the best in the world, and is out of reach for the average consumer.  Selling the products through a network of consultants not only allows for consumer access but also for the development of many small businesses.  And small businesses give back to their communities - charitable donations, little league sponsorships, tax revenue, and the like. 

Many people don't realize that they network market every day.  When someone asks me where I bought my jeans, or shoes, or handbag and I tell them the name of the store, the store took advantage of my network.  But I am not getting paid for the referral. When they ask me why my skin looks so great and I introduce them to Arbonne, then my networking pays off for me.

Network Marketing allows people the opportunity to build their own businesses - personal franchises - without the financial investment of a traditional franchise.  Brick and mortar stores can require an investment of several hundred thousand dollars and intensive time and inventory.  And if they fail, there is the matter of the debt created to start the business.  I started my business for less than $100 and I have no debt and no inventory.  If I walked away tomorrow, I would be left with amazing products that I use everyday anyway. 

Building this business has not been easy. It is a simple concept and it requires time and attention.   You set your own pace for success.  I have had highs and lows.  Recently, my business slowed when I was dealing with some personal stress.  However, quitting was never an option - I believe in the network marketing model.  So this fall I redefined my goals and relaunched my business.  As I work to rebuild it, I will blog about the ups and downs of working to achieve the goals I set for myself.  

Peace.