What do you think of when you hear the term “network marketing“? Does it make you skeptical? Do you envision pyramid schemes?

Well, did you know that it’s actually a legitimate business model endorsed by people like Sir Richard Branson, Robert Kiyosaki, Warren Buffett, and even President Donald Trump?

Today, I’d like to provide you with a little more insight into what this model is about, but also why I believe that writers make great Network Marketers!

But first, a quick story…

For the past decade, or so, I have had the feeling that God would like me to become a Writer. I’ve fought against this, though (Jonah, anyone?) because I don’t like to write (or, so I’ve kept telling myself and others … journaling, yes; writing, no).

When I decided to join a network marketing company in April 2017, I thought I was off the hook, as far as writing goes.

One reason why I thought this was because it truly feels like everything in my life has led me here, to this point, with this particular company. My new role utilizes so many of my talents, skills, and passions, and over & over again, I keep finding that things I’d come across or researched for my previous business ideas are now fitting perfectly into my new business model! As such, it almost feels like this is what I was born to do.

As I’ve been studying how to be a better network marketing professional, I keep hearing the same message repeated in various places: “Facts tell, stories sell.” Apparently, to do this job well requires that you develop your copywriting skills. If you can weave the story about where you’ve been, where you are currently at, how the company’s products fit into your life and benefit you, as well as where you see yourself, moving forward, then you can be a great network marketer!

Of course, God’s got to be sitting back, chuckling to Himself, saying, “I’ll make a writer out of her, yet!” (so much for me thinking I’d “escaped”, huh?). God has such a great sense of humor!

WHAT IS NETWORK MARKETING?

According to Entrepreneur.com:

“Network Marketing is a type of business opportunity that is very popular with people looking for part-time, flexible businesses. Some of the best-known companies in America, including Avon, Mary-Kay Cosmetics, and Tupperware, fall under the Network Marketing umbrella.” {read more…}

Personally, I think it’s a great fit for anyone who has dreamed of starting their own business, but isn’t necessarily keen on learning about (or acquiring) the usual nitty-gritty bits, like distribution, marketing campaigns, hiring employees, etc. With the Network Marketing model, you are a “recommender” of products for the company you join. And the company itself deals with things like shipments, marketing campaigns, distribution, warehousing, inventory, etc.

And the awesome thing about the company that I chose to partner with is that there’s zero inventory that you have to purchase and keep on hand. There are products you’ll want to buy so that you can give your honest recommendations of them, sure. But you aren’t forking out a huge amount of money up front, with the hopes that you’ll sell off all of the stuff you bought.

{Still skeptical? Learn more, HERE.}

HOW CAN AUTHORS & WRITERS BENEFIT FROM THE NETWORK MARKETING MODEL?

Here are just a few of the ways…

(1) WORK FROM HOME, PART- (OR FULL-) TIME

Writing tends to be a solitary profession, one that a lot of writers do from the comforts of home. So, what better way to add extra income to your work-at-home pursuits than with something else that you can do from home?

For those who say they need human interaction, that’s okay, too! The beauty of network marketing is that it can be done from anywhere you have access to a Wi-Fi connection. Or, you can hit up people in your local area, and then direct them to your website.

(2) NO TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED

Yes, I just mentioned directing people to your website. But another perk of network marketing is that most companies will now give you a website that’s already all set up for you, and you just pay a small fee per month (with my company, it’s $15 USD per month — which is a lot cheaper than you’d normally pay for your own website set-up and hosting, not to mention you’d still have the hassles of having to pay a designer or set it all up yourself!).

(Note: You will need to use social media, but mainly Facebook and maybe one other. I find most writers are already on social media for their book’s reach, so this isn’t really an issue, in my opinion).

(3) USE YOUR WRITING SKILLS & EXPAND YOUR REACH

As I already mentioned, to be good at Network Marketing almost requires you to be a good writer (or, at least, to build up your writing skills). The better you are at using your words to persuade people [not in a sleazy way, but in the sense of helping to educate them on a better method], the bigger reach you’ll have.

As a side benefit, I really believe that your readership for your books will grow alongside your network marketing business, as those who are being introduced to you via the products you are promoting will also check you out and, in the process, learn more about your writing. Win-win!

(4) MINIMAL TIME COMMITMENT

We all wish there were more hours in the day. The great thing about network marketing — at least in the company I’m in — is that all of the “vital tasks” that are required for you to succeed can be completed in just one hour a day!  Many of the most successful network marketers are actually very busy people. They built their businesses either around their young children’s schedules, or around their full-time jobs.

What other job can you find that lets you set your own schedule, work part-time hours, be with your family more, and yet still have the opportunity to build a company that has the potential for financial freedom, time freedom, and more? Wouldn’t you love to change your family’s legacy?

(5) RADICAL INCOME OPPORTUNITY WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OTHERS’ LIVES

One of the things I love best about the company I’m partnered with is that I have the chance to help others transform their lives for the better. And the more people that I serve, the greater opportunity I have to become financially secure, myself. My own family benefits from me helping others to become better versions of themselves.

The caveat I need to add here is that –as with most businesses– your income will be a direct reflection of the work you are putting in. “You reap what you sow“. No income level is guaranteed. This is not some get-rich-quick scheme… it will take time and dedicated effort. However, the possibilities are there. It all depends on what you’re willing to put into it.

Again though, the beauty of it is that, the more you focus on serving the people you come into contact with through your network marketing business, the more likely it is that your income will also grow, and will far exceed what you may have ever imagined was possible for you.

(6) “SITTING IS THE NEW SMOKING”…

…according to multiple articles, including this one by the Globe & Mail. And writing is definitely a profession where one tends to sit for several hours at a time. As such, we could all use more movement in our lives. After all, our bodies were designed to move!

I, personally, chose to partner with a health & fitness company — despite  having never been “athletic” in my entire life — because I, myself, needed the motivation and accountability to move more, and to take better care of myself … to be a better steward of the life & body God’s given me.

Does this mean I have to become some “health nut” that exercises 7 days a week, and never eats another cheeseburger with fries? Absolutely not! Even our company’s CEO suggests that you find a workout schedule that best suits your lifestyle! And, as far as eating goes, I’m a huge fan of mindful (or intuitive) eating — listening to our bodies’ natural, God-given cues of “hunger” and “satisfaction”, and eating what we love in accordance with those cues (I teach more about this in my free community on Facebook, and you’re welcome to join us!).

So, which of these benefits most appeals to you?

Do you have any questions? Feel free to message me and ask. I’d be happy to answer. (You can also read some of the common objections, here).

Hopefully I’ve helped you to see some of the possibilities that are available to you through this business model of network marketing! IMHO, it really is the “best kept secret” in the world of entrepreneurship!