Hi Julia,
You had mentioned in your post that you’d have some tips about how to kick start a business. I’m currently looking into possibly selling essential oils. I have been part of an mlm in the past, but wasn’t successful for one because I wasn’t passionate about the product (makeup), and two because I’m also not the type to solicit people until they run in the other direction. I’d love to hear some tips!
Thanks!
-Andrea
Hi Andrea,
You’re right, it’s important to find the products that make you feel passionate. What is equally important is being passionate about running a business.
Before I begin, let’s talk about business in general.
Network Marketing Business Models
Network marketing (or Multi-level marketing) companies are interesting beasts. There are common techniques that you’ll learn about in many different companies. Among them are:
- You’re not selling, you’re “sharing”.
- The “3 Foot Rule” where anyone within 3 feet of you is a ready target for your pitch.
- If you don’t succeed, you don’t have an abundance mindset.
- If you’re passionate about the products, they’ll sell themselves.
- Your target market is everyone because everyone can really use your product.
- All you need to do is find 3 who find 3. Or 5, or 6 or whatever number you company bases its compensation plan on.
- Duplication is key.
- Anyone can do it.
In my opinion, these are ideas are nonsense. Of course I can name people who have succeeded with them. And I know there are grains of truth in all of them. But as core business concepts, I think they mislead people.
And I think these ideas are why you worried about making people run in the opposite direction. Building a business based on shaky principles just increases the financial stress.
Real Business Models
The first key to building a business is to know that you are signing up to do work. There is no quick solution and no fast money. Building a business takes time and effort even if you already know about business. If you are a beginner, plan on even more time and effort.
Business basics:
- Business is a skill that needs to be learned like all others. Think years, not months. Over time you will get better and better but it takes practice.
- Business takes work. You are going to put in lots of hours to get the money coming in.
- Business takes risks. Prepare to be uncomfortable. You’re going to spend money that ends up wasted. You’ll invest time in projects that go nowhere. And most of all, you’ll be forced to do new things that feel uncomfortable.
- While starting a business is meant to relieve financial stress, it can increase it if it is not successful. If you want a stress-free way to bring in extra money, I recommend getting an extra part-time job.
- Business is lots and lots of fun. I love business and it has taught me a lot. Even if it is challenging, it is also exhilarating.
One key point is that starting a business can be scary and uncomfortable. You can avoid the icky feeling of making people run in the other direction, but you won’t avoid the scary feeling of having to sell. Think of the difference between being sore after a yoga class and being sore because you’ve pulled a muscle. One pain is healthy and the other is not.
Practical Tips Business Building Tips
I would love to give you specific examples on how to kick start your business, but I need more details from you about what you want to do. Leave more information in the comments and I’ll be happy to pass along some ideas.
In the meantime, the best place to start is by understanding who your customer is. What does she think about? What does she care about?
For example in my massage business, I sold essential oils because people liked how they smelled. I always talked about how healthy they were, but at the end of the day, my clients just wanted a pretty smell. If I had understood that better, it would have sold more oils.
Once you understand your customer, the rest of your business plan will follow.
Leave more details about in the comments and I’ll give you my 2 cents on how to start your specific business.
