Owning your own business is definitely the most preferable course of action everyone wants to take as soon as possible. Entrepreneurship is definitely more glorified in our society today than ever, and for good reasons.
Statistically speaking, there are about half a million new businesses started each month in the United States alone. Check out the details on these statics by Business Insider here. This number, of course, includes startups across all industries.
But, Statistics Are Not Always Exciting
However, isn’t it another interesting fact that 7 out of 10 businesses shut down in their first new years of operation?
Now, I don’t know about you but I have seen more people than I can count in just the last 2-3 years who started a business (all kinds of businesses) and they didn’t last very long.
Many people got inspired looking at my blog and started out to become a blogger, an online entrepreneur and what not. They came seeking my guidance which they received every step of the way. Yet, they didn’t last very long either.
Why Do People Start Businesses But Don’t Succeed?
Building a business isn’t that hard, but it does require discipline and focus. People do get started in a business or two but can’t keep their focus or do not have enough discipline to stay the course.
Many others get started because of excitement or because it’s a popular choice these days. However, they do not have the knowledge or experience. Many such people eventually give up because they don’t get proper guidance and support.
Many entrepreneurs started a business (like some of my friends) because of their shiny object syndrome and then got distracted and moved on to the next one and then the next one. They just can’t stay focused on one thing for very long.
Not Everyone Can Become A Successful Entrepreneur
Let’s get real. The thought of starting your own business is cool. But you must know the ugly aspects of getting into business for yourself as well.
As a matter of fact, not everyone is meant to be a successful doctor, an astronaut, an actor, a singer and so on. Nothing in this world is good for everyone and, certainly, not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur. That is a hard, cold fact of life.
However, many of these people would have probably stayed a little longer in their ventures or even succeeded if they would have had some of these things:
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If they would have received mentorship from somebody sincere who has walked the path before them and succeeded.
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If they would have received the support from people who were in the same pursuit of success.
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If they would have been part of a positive supportive mastermind group that would lift them up one more time when they fell.
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If they would have sincerely followed a success system that would have guided them forward every step of the way.
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If they would have not given up on their dreams and goals which caused them to start their business in the first place.
Where Network Marketing Can Be A Life Saver
Several years ago, when I started my first business, I didn’t think I could ever made a dime in it. But as the legend has it, since a friend showed me, I said ‘Yes’ and decided to give it a shot.
Today, looking back, I think that was the best decision I ever made and that also because of my beautiful wife, Snigdha, who persuaded me to say ‘Yes’ to the opportunity at the time it presented itself to us.
All of the above features that I described above, were provided to me as a bonus of starting my business with one of the world’s largest network marketing companies. Well, it wasn’t just the company, it was the team which attracted me and we made it big.
Today, my network marketing business spans across multiple subcontinents. Again, it was the power of the system and the power of association that I attribute my success to. That is the real cause of my success.
A network marketing business, with a good leadership team can provide the environment to anybody with a big dream to eliminate distractions, to stay focused and to stay the course.
It is the result of that teaching, that power of association that I was able to keep myself motivated when things didn’t look so good. It kept me going in all my other businesses because it consistently reminded me that success comes only after struggle.
The teachings, the motivation which I received (and continue to receive even today), keeps me going every day of my life, in every aspect of my life. It is the fuel that drives me to do it just one more time when it feels like things aren’t going to work.
I think that everybody deserves to enjoy the same power of association, that power of business mentorship which can be a life saver for so many solo entrepreneurs whose dreams die because they couldn’t keep up alone with their struggles otherwise.
Harsh Truths Of Entrepreneurship And Network Marketing
Now, being an entrepreneur is usually hard. Not so much because it takes a lot of money or a lot of time. But, there are more important issues to deal with when you are an entrepreneur.
I am going to share some of the most difficult aspects of being an entrepreneur and why I think that network marketing is the best antidote for each of them:
1. As An Entrepreneur, You Are On Your Own
To be alone is a scary thought for many of us. That is why we always find fun in doing things that most other people are doing so we can make friends, we can have a sense of belonging.
Students have classmates. Employees have colleagues. And have you realized that most of us get involved in one or the other form of community activities so we can meet new people and make friends? When you are part of any organization, you have members to interact with.
But, in most cases, when you start a business of your own, you are truly on your own. You have what they call ‘cut-throat’ competition, but mostly nobody to help you. And, if at all, you have somebody to support you; a family member (if you get lucky) or your business partner (if you are luckier.)
Can you imagine facing the challenges of running a business by yourself, all alone? Yes, you can do it, but not everybody can endure for long. That is why many people quit on their dreams after a while.
I know that feeling because I have a few businesses and that is why I challenge you to consider network marketing if being a lone ranger bothers you (I know it does me).
Network Marketing Antidote
There have been days when I was frustrated because things didn’t go so well in business. A client cancelled a big order, I lost some prospects, website traffic fell down for some reason day after day and so on.
Yes, there are days when things don’t look very positive. That’s the nature (and also the beauty) of being in business.
But I go to my weekly network marketing business meetings, meet other entrepreneurs, get to hear their stories of overcoming to becoming, learn from them, catch the excitement and come back home all fired up to give it my all one more time.
The power of association is one of the biggest blessings of being in a network marketing business with real people, real leaders and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. It has saved me from being a quitter in my other businesses more than once!
2. Most Entrepreneurs Just Own Your Their Jobs
A friend of mine owns a restaurant. Another friend of mine owns a grocery store. Some of my friends are online entrepreneurs blogging and selling their online services. Some others in my network are into medical distribution and so on.
One thing I have noticed after talking to each of these people is, they all work long hours. They are early to the office and late to come home. They work weekends and can’t take leaves like their employees.
In fact, one of my friends who owns a multimillion dollar IT company has an even more interesting story to tell. He recalls the days when he was struggling to turn his company around in the 2000-2001 recession. He was living in a 2 bedroom apartment while his employees were buying new houses working normal 9 to 5 jobs for him.
Of course, he was able to turn his company around. Today he is very successful at it, and he still works very long hours all year long.
That is why most people call themselves as ‘self-employed’. They can’t be fired because they own their jobs. But their incomes are still limited by their ability to perform on a daily basis.
Isn’t it sad that you still have to perform every day to keep your business alive even after 10, 15, 20 years of running a business?
Network Marketing Antidote
The very idea behind the concept of the network marketing industry itself is to build a business that will endure. It is about building a business that will outlive you once established.
Yes, there is hard work needed. So is the case with any business. You can’t build a business and succeed at it by being lukewarm.
It takes extraordinary work to build anything extraordinary and having a business that you build once and reap the rewards over and over again for life, is an extraordinary expectation, don’t you think?
But, the point is, once you commit to it and build it right, the rewards are truly amazing!
The greatest blessing of participating in this extraordinary industry has been its impact on my mindset. In all my other endeavors, the knowledge and experience gained through my network marketing business has helped me think of and focus upon long-term success.
It helps me evaluate every opportunity, every new business idea, in terms of its ability to endure without me, and develop a process so I can remain free. This realization itself is priceless.
3. It Takes Years Of Hard Work To Become Successful
Depending on the industry and nature of your business, any business takes at least a couple of years to establish to make consistent profits.
Some of the tremendously successful businesses like Amazon and Facebook took at least 5 years to see profits in their accounts. How about the latest buzz, WhatsApp? They were founded in 2009 as a free messaging platform. Yes, they just sold themselves for $19 billion to Facebook. But, are they overnight success?
Taking any business to a significant level of success takes time no matter how fast you want to build it. That means you need to remain focused, excited, disciplined and persevere for a prolonged period of time.
Especially when you are a small business owner with very few or no employees, your need for these qualities is even more because you can easily close and walk away without losing much when the challenges arise (which is bound to happen).
Network Marketing Antidote
To endure for such a long time, you need a system in place that you can follow every day consistently until you realize your dreams. It is one of the biggest challenges of solo entrepreneurs because discipline is a hard thing to achieve when you are all alone in the game.
Network marketing businesses (especially when you are with a good leadership team) are all about creating simple rituals.
Robin Sharma says it well when he says this:
Will power doesn’t work always while rituals do! [tweet this]
Have big goals but you take a few little actions consistently every single day. You submit yourself to the process, follow the path along with your other peers, enjoy the power of association while having fun and you will endure much longer than you could otherwise.
Reading everyday becomes a ritual. Going to business meetings, investing in self-education becomes a ritual. Talking to prospects, handling objections and making new connections becomes a ritual. And then, how long it takes to make it happen, just becomes a matter of success catching up with you.
And do you think a person with such a mentality will succeed in anything they start? You bet!
4. As An Entrepreneur, You Have To Sell
Oops! But unfortunately, there is no way around it.
I have many friends who want to build businesses. They have great ideas of creating awesome products and tremendously powerful services. They also have skills to deliver.
But what they don’t really get is, if they don’t have customers, those ideas are worth not much.
If you want to become successful as an entrepreneur (which you should) and you are afraid of selling, it’s not the end of the world. Sales is just a skill you can hone just like you learnt reading, writing, programming or playing soccer. You can learn it.
But, if you think that you can succeed without skills in sales, I have a news for you – nobody succeeds until they sell. Nobody!
This is what some entrepreneurs discover along the way and when they do, having no support group, having no mentorship, it becomes easy for them to quit. They quit because they hit a roadblock after which they don’t see themselves succeeding.
So, they make an impulsive decision and quit on their dreams and go back into their reliable rut.
Network Marketing Antidote
Just as Robert Kiyosaki says in his incredible Business School: For People Who Like Helping People and in many other forums, network marketing is the best way for people to learn business 101.
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You don’t have a boss and yet you have accountability.
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You don’t have to lose an arm and a leg to learn sales skills.
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You don’t need to be ashamed of failing because you have a team cheering for you, guiding you, supporting you while you are getting up one more time after you fall.
I come from an engineering background. I didn’t ever have a subject in sales. I never had anybody in my family who ever did any business, let alone succeeding at it. What were my chances of learning sales skills if not for my network marketing business?
Network marketing allows you to learn these invaluable skills at your own pace. The team allows you not just in getting educated on the concepts but helps you practice what you learn so you can master those skills over time. What an incredible opportunity to learn and grow through a proven system!
5. As An Entrepreneur, You Need To Deal With People
I remember talking to a friend of mine years ago when I was showing him my network marketing opportunity. He was doing pretty good in his career as an IT professional at the time, although he wanted to start a business.
At the end of everything, he took a deep breath and said to me, “This would have been a great business if I didn’t have to deal with people or sell these products.”
I don't remember now exactly what I said or how I handled this objection. But, now when I look back, the only thing that comes to my mind is, “How dumb people can be!”
Many people want to start their own business but they don’t want to sell anything (or at least they don’t like to) and deal with people (I wonder who buys products or services?)
When you’re running a business, depending on the size of your industry and size of your business, you are constantly dealing with employees, vendors and customers.
Dealing with people is not easy and it doesn’t come naturally to many (me included). However, it is the most critical part of being a successful business leader and entrepreneur. You can’t avoid people and become successful.
Many people start investing money in building infrastructure, stock products, build websites and then hope that people will just come to them and start buying. But actually, it works the other way. For your initial set of customers, you have to go out and find one customer at a time.
This is the realization that solo entrepreneurs do not realize in the beginning and when they realize, they decide that business is not for them. My question is, is it really that hard to learn to deal with people? And even if it is, isn’t it worth the effort?
Network Marketing Antidote
Just as selling, dealing with people has much to do with your own learning about yourself and about people. It is a skill that you need to learn.
Not feeling comfortable in front of others is natural. Everybody begins their journey from that place and they gradually overcome that fear to become good at people skills through training and practice.
And I got that training, that practice for almost free and I love it. In fact, for a person like me, it was a much needed training, whether or not I wanted to build a business, just so I could have some friends.
It was because of network marketing that I ever got to introduced to some of the most incredible books in the area of people skills such as:
- How To Have Confidence And Power In Dealing With People
- How To Win Friends And Influence People
- Endless Referrals: Network Everyday Contacts Into Sales
…and many more.
It’s not just the books but the power that comes to you when you are reading the same book along with many others, sharing your knowledge with others, learning from others about it and then putting that learning to work in the field. This is the whole package which makes network marketing such an incredible way to personal development.
Over To You – Share Your Thoughts
I would love to know what are some of the reasons you think most people start their business and then fade away. You may have seen bloggers doing it for a while and then they are not to be found as well.
What do you think is the cause and do you think working with a network helps? What is your experience?
Click here to go to the comments section and share your insights, please. Thank you kindly!
Hello; I love this post. Its one of the most thorough I’v read on the subject. It made me almost want to join your network marketing group. I have two concerns. One, how accessible would the system b to a blind person. But more importantly how would it fit into what I’ve already established with my website, blog, and growing podcasts. I’m looking forward to your replies. Thanks again and take care, Max
Hi Max,
First of all congratulations on your success with Google Hangouts last week 🙂
To answer your question, it’s very simple. The system is available to everyone blind or not. And if you are talking about yourself, you are already doing the toughest of the task I can imagine by being able to read my blog, write your comments, participate on social networks and also write your own blog posts. Network marketing system can only be an aid to what you are already doing which is the point of my article.
As a blind person, not only you build your business like anybody else but you also become an inspiration, a great example for so people who think they can’t do it.
Regarding your second part of the question, your situation is not different than mine. As an entrepreneur, I have more than one business. My blogs, my Krishna World Wide web development, web hosting businesses along with a couple of traditional businesses in India are already in motion. My social media marketing for small businesses is going on while I am writing my first book to come out this year as well.
While all this is going on, I have my network marketing business thriving in many national and international locations. It’s just another business with many intangibles that any other business doesn’t offer. Starting a network marketing business alongside of everything else that you are doing is really a matter of prioritizing and setting up an strategy to work things out.
Hope it helps? If you have any other question in mind, please let me know 🙂
Regards,
Kumar
Hi Kumar; well, you nevr know whether another companies site or other systems will be accessible with a screen reader until you start using them and many opportunities like this require th investment of cash up front. and i would prefer to find a product that wouldn’t require me to start a whole new website and blog along with new social media accounts. I would appreciate it if you could email me at [email protected] to discuss it further. I definitely need to generate more income to tai the business where I believe it can go. and thanks for the kind words about the google hangouts. if it weren’t for google’s decision to update th circles section of their site i could now do the hangouts completely by myself. Hope you will submit a question for me. take care, max
It would be very lonely to start a business without having a supportive network. I also think it is important to have a mentor. Delegating chores you don’t love to an assistant lets an entrepreneur have an actual life.
Great thoughts Beth. Thank you!
I agree with Beth, Having a supportive network is key. A mentor can always stir you toward your goals while avoiding the pitfalls along the way.
Network marketing is one of the best way to lead my success on my website not only I suggest you try network marketing for your website or business.
Hi Parthjeepan,
What do you mean by trying network marketing for my website/business?
Can you elaborate on the idea?
Cheers!
Network marketing lounge prepaid legal is hard work and requires a lot of time to build a network that will bring you income in and can be fulfilling. But network marketing of your own brand or product makes you want to put in the long hours and you appreciate it so much more when you succeed because you built it from the grounds floor up. Great and insightful post
Hello Jay,
Success is mostly difficult because it requires hard work, discipline and focus for a prolonged period of time. That is the whole idea behind this post 🙂
No matter what business you do, you can’t escape investing a lot of time, a lot of energy, face disappointments and still keep going for a stretch of time. So yes, entrepreneurs need to have a way to sustain until success starts to show up.
Cheers!
The startup entrepreneurs fail because they are not able to get over the dip which comes into play after some time when the euphoria has subsided and harsh truth comes to play in form of extended working hours and non ability to spend more time with the near and dear ones. During the dip period one may find struggling as one is not getting the requisite results. One need to tide over this dip period to become a successful entrepreneur.
Hi Kumar
I am a senior who is a blogger which meant I was blogging away at home by myself and not getting anywhere. Then I discovered BHB and it has made a tremendous difference in the way I feel about blogging, having the opportunity to learn new things and thereby expand on what I’m doing. So you;re absolutely right that networking is tremendously important. Thanks for a great post.
Lenie
Hey Kumar!
Very intresting take on the MLM world and how it would mesh with entrepenuers! When I first started in my network marketing biz I knew I wanted to own my own biz and like you said it solves so many common issues that peopl run into!
I agree 100%, even if you want to own your own company, MLM is a great way to get your feet wet and learn more about your leadership and entrepenuer style!
Awesome Job
Zach
Hi Kumar,
You’ve written a very thorough article on the entrepreneurial lifestyle as it pertains to network marketing.
I like how you wrote the antidote to each problem. You’re right… it’s all about the power of association.
What may also help others to realize that they are not alone in their endeavors is to have a business coach, which is different than having a mentor.
Kind Regards,
Bill
Thanks for the insights, Bill. You are right, business coach is different from mentor. It is a tactical thing and thanks for bringing it up.
And yes, power of association is the key and for entrepreneurs, if they are not able to associate with a mastermind group or something of that nature (which is easily accessible to people in network marketing industry), they don’t even know what they are missing.
That is the beauty I wanted to share in this post. It is so amazing how we ignore obvious things and wonder why we are not succeeding. Right?
Have a great day.
Regards,
Kumar
Good Morning Kumar! What a great article,, I have learned that it is virtually impossible to succeed online alone. It is so nice to have someone to talk to when you are frustrated and overwhelmed. Oh Yeh believe me this is going to happen, and if you have someone to talk to before you go and put your credit card information into buy that next shiny object chances are together you will figure out this isn’t something you really need anyways and you will get back to doing what you need to do in the first place.
I think this is the biggest reason people quit. Information overload.. Thanks for sharing.. Chery :))
You are very welcome Chery! I am glad you enjoyed the article.
When we are not around a system, we are always living on the edge. That is why so many people get started in one thing only to quit and to start another. they do it because they know not what they are doing and they don’t have anybody in their lives to tell them what they are doing wrong.
This is where networking businesses with strong education systems become a blessing, a life saver (sure, it has been for me many many times).
Thank you for dropping by and sharing your thoughts.
Regards,
Kumar
Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely business, and indeed unsuccessful unless you network. It’s absolutely essential from the myriad of aspects that you list. Excellent post in solving actual problems by network marketing. ever entrepreneur should read this post.!
Thank you Andrew! Appreciate your insightful comment. Sort but powerful.
Have a great rest of the week!
Really well done and thorough! Wonder how many folks missed your point…that not everyone can be an entrepreneur. Even with networking and assistants and the other essential tools, some folks just aren’t cut out for the work. My experience has been that in the end, it’s your responsibility and that is for the good and the bad. And dealing with people takes a skill set that, to my way of thinking, leans more to the empathetic side. Because it’s about knowing your audience and appealing to whatever trips their trigger in order to pull them towards your product or service. People are motivated towards the same thing, but often in different ways! Excellent post 🙂
Thank you Jacqueline!
I am glad you pointed that out. Yes, entrepreneurship is not for everyone just like becoming doctor, actor, sports person, engineer and so on.
But the point is, until you give it a shot you will never know what would have happened. So, I prefer to encourage people to be a bit adventurous, try new things, try entrepreneurship and if it’s not for you, you will know, right? Give it a shot, take a test drive. If it won’t kill you, it will only make you stronger. So go for it!
What do you say about that? 🙂
Have a great day!
Hi Kumar,
That’s true being entrepreneur is not all easy and many people couldn’t be entrepreneurs, but reading your post I couldn’t help about having the word “belief” reasoning in my head. The one and foremost reason why people can or cannot be an entrepreneur is all in their beliefs.
There’s another belief that I could feel here as I read this, is that success comes with great deal of hurdles and struggles, but that is also based on how much you believe this statement to be true. If it’s true to you, then it will be so. Now, I’m not saying that there isn’t any work involved, but some great deals and great money are made with no efforts at all. Now, think about that!
Remember, trees grow, rivers flow and the waves come an go with no efforts 🙂
Have a wonderful week ahead
Absolutely Sylviane! As Bob Burg says always. We make all our decisions emotionally based on oue own belief systems and then apply logic to rationalize it.
That is why he calls it as “Rational-lies”.
What is hard, what is easy, what we can do, what we can’t – are all based on our own self-image and belief system. The whole idea is to work on ourselves.
The better our self-image, the easier things look and become more achievable. On the other hand, the lower our self-image, the bigger the problems appear.
Thanks for adding value through a different angle 🙂
Regards,
Kumar
Hi Kumar,
Like you I’m a network marketer and I didn’t have any idea that you were. I like the subtle approach and developing relationships with people before it ever enters the conversation.
All you mentioned about network marketing is true. I’ve been involved for over 7 years and have never regretted it. I’m glad you wrote this article as it really gives people a great perspective on the truth.
Great job.
Thanks,
Barbara.
Kumar, good thorough post on entrepreneurship and the importance of network marketing. Keep it up !
Thank you Paul. Appreciate the appreciation 🙂
Hi Kumar,
I’m been doing a lot of research on network marketing. Most people I have read about all say the same. Networking really helped them to become the person they wanted to be. It really helped them with their businesses. ThAnk you for the great advice.
Absolutely Terrianne! Network marketing can become the life saver. I mean I can’t talk about someone else’s journey but I wouldn’t have even considered being an entrepreneur if I wasn’t exposed to the idea through my network marketing business and the principles of success that was instilled into me through the incredible system of education that I began participating in.
Hi Kumar
i love your post here. It is a topic close to my heart.
I have owned traditional businesses and I would never want to go back to the huge overheads we had. Mind you I have not created the success in network marketing yet that I want but I have jumped around a bit over recent years. Not all my own fault as I had a company pull out of Australia and another similar experience. Most of it though was my own lack of focus.
Every business needs sales and i get so annoyed when network marketers think they do not need to sell. There is no business without sales – but you know that 🙂
I could not agree with you more that many people who have a business have just created a job for themselves. That is not a business.
My great attraction to network marketing has always been about the residual income,. Not all businesses give you that.
Thanks for a great post Kumar.
Sue
Of course Sue, I completely agree with you.
I have been in the brick and mortar world and now, this place called cyber space…there is no way I would wish for the former!
And then again, what I sincerely feel is damn great about the online process is its ability to pay you even when you sleep – and snore loudly. If that isn’t the definition of passive, I have no idea what it is!
Always,
Terungwa
Hi Sue,
I am glaf you liked the idea behind the post. Thank you for the appreciation.
I still own traditional businesses and online businesses as you already know I launched my managed WordPress hosting company recently as well.
I don’t regret starting any of my businesses and with God’s grace, they are all doing good. But, probably, my success in all other ventures are connected to the things I learnt, the principles I got introduced to while building my network marketing business.
The idea of perseverance, consistency, integrity, accountability, teachability are hard to find these days and these are some of the cornerstones of building a successful network marketing business, isn’t it?
Thank you for sharing about your story. Wish you all the best in your business as well.
Regards,
Kumar
Hello Kumar,
Awesome entry for those of us who call ourselves entrepreneurs. While you have mentioned and clearly discussed great points, its just 2 (out of the 5) points that I want to comment on.
First, for a business to succeed, it must be modeled like one from day one. I am not very pleased with folks who continue to work for 18 hours long after the businesses have taken (or are supposed) to take off! If after five years, you cannot take a nice vacation (and relax with absolute peace of mind), then what you are actually running is a job, not a business!
Second, if the idea of selling repulses you, you should not only run away from entrepreneurship – you also need to run away from life itself! Why? Every one needs to sell one thing or the other to exist. The college professor sells his knowledge so does the lawyer, accountant or doctor. Who would want to work for free after qualifying? Get the picture?
Do have a great day, Kumar. And once a again, I sincerely appreciate thought provoking entries like these!
Always,
Terungwa
Wow! I love the way you express clarity in your thoughts Akaahan!
Yes, you can’t escape selling and still succeed in anything. Everybody sells and if they think they don’t, they are lying or they don’t know what sales is.
Thank you for adding value through your awesome comments!
Regards,
Kumar
Hey Kumar,
I totally get what you’re saying here but the fact is that not everyone wants or cares to be an entrepreneur. They don’t have it in them to do the work or want to work harder in order to have a better life and more time on their hands. Heck, that’s really all of my friends and family if I’m honest. They could care less, they’re very happy with their lives and the direction it’s going.
Now I don’t exactly agree that everyone should do network marketing because I’ve actually been in three opportunities myself and did not get the right training or support. It was all about how much money the company could make and I had no clue how to do this at all and totally fell on my face. Even as outgoing as I am I was very uncomfortable with the way I was taught and strike three, I’m totally out.
Being online and building a business, any type of business, takes a lot of patience, dedication, desire, openness to learning and will to succeed. Some people will say they have all of that but when you get down to the bottom line they just don’t have it in them.
I think that if you’re online you definitely need to have some people skills. Those that want to hide behind their computers and never speak to anyone, I just don’t see how that’s possible unless you’re a faceless affiliate marketer. You can’t build a successful business like that because eventually you need to create your own product and come out from behind the shade.
Great share Kumar and you really did share everything that’s involved even if I don’t totally 100% agree. By the way, under the “Network Marketing Antidote” in #3, your tweet this link doesn’t work. Just FYI!
Thanks again and you enjoy your week.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne,
Wow! You really took time to share your thoughts on the subject. Thank you for doing that.
Howeve, I beg to differ with you when you say that you don’t think everybody should do network marketing because you tried 3 opportunities and it didn’t work for you because you didn’t get the right kind of training or support.
This is on contrary to what entrepreneurship is all about. I started 3 blogs and quit before I could get control on blogging. Imagine if I quit on blogging because I didn’t get any training or support on my first three blogs…
You not getting proper training/support or even joining a company that wasn’t good enough could not be held responsible for making the claim that network marketing isn’t for everybody, is it?
Speaking of ” It was all about how much money the company could make.”, how many internet marketers and so called guru’s we meet online who are fake only here to take your money and run away? The internet is full of takers. Now, if somebody falls into the hands of one of those fakers, should they give up on internet marketing and blogging and go do something else?
I wouldn’t do that. I will rather get up one more time and this time, be more cautius. Wouldn’t you agree?
However, in theory, I already claimed in the beginning that nothing is for everyone. Enterpreneurship is not for every one. Nothing in the world is for everyone. So, I didn’t even say that network marketing is for everyone 🙂
Thank you for pointing out about the [tweet this] link not working. I have fixed it now 🙂
You have a a wonderful rest of the week!
Regards,
Kumar
I have to say I’ve dabbled in the networking market thing but with not much success. I think it had to do with the group or organization. What I like about your post is how you outlined the whole of it very well and in terms that can be understood by all. I am, as are many, trying to build a passive income over time that would support me in some small way or at least cover the cost of running my site. At this point I’m actually starting to see the fruits of my labors… YAY!!!.
Awesome Susan! Glad to know things have started to work in your online business!
Hard work and consistency always pay and looks like you have paid your dues and therefore, rewards are beginning to show up!
Congratulations on all the growth and all the best going ahead!
Regards,
Kumar
When I started my online promotional products business back in the early nineties selling advertising specialties was unheard of. If I hadn’t starting networking I would have been out of business. I have been in sales all my life and realized one of the most important things I could offer was service, service and more service. I hear all the time that pricing is all that matters. If you base your business on pricing and not selling yourself then you will out of business. Today social media is taking over and if you do not network through social media your site will not be found. Google wants more than just seeing a website. The social media is starting to play a large factor in SEO.
You made some very good points for those starting out as well as being in business for years.
As a former teacher, I never imagined all that I would need to learn about marketing and good business practices to succeed as a freelancer. Networking has definitely proved extremely helpful, but I’ll be the first to say I still have a lot to learn. Entrepreneurship definitely doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but at least the basics can be learned and followed.
Hey Kumar,
This was a great extensive post on why entrepreneurs should get into network marketing. I believe the reason why a lot of people want to become entrepreneurs because it’s the right thing to do, although it may not be right for them. They get the entrepreneur bug, see what it really takes to grow a home business, then decide to quit.
The one thing I hated before I got involved was the selling and dealing with people. Yes, it was stupid of me to think this way even though I deal with people in IT and recommend (sell) websites, tools, software and hardware to them. And I do have to say when I was in network marketing, i can tell how much I grew and matured with all the personal development books I read.
But I do believe that if you’re in network marketing, and you introduce someone to it, it’s our responsibility to summarize what it takes to build a NM business. If they still want to do it, then great, if not, then no worries. It’s all up to them and you did your part putting you best foot forward in presenting the opportunity to them!
Thanks for sharing Kumar and you have a great rest of the week!
I agree with all of the above. I started out writing a family oriented blog, and plodded away at it for about 4 years. In the second year, I started getting emails offering me $10 or $20 to write a post about some product. I was so flattered that someone wanted to pay me that I was saying yes to them all. I had no idea that you could make much more than that until I joined an online bloggers forum.
Now, I am a member of several blogging networks, and make much more for a post than I ever dreamed I would. I would have never learned how to go about getting paid without having joined and learned from others who are doing it, too.
Hey Kumar
Great post as always my friend.
I personally have to get a lot better at doing this, and figure out a way to do more networking for my business.
It takes time and effort as you point out, but helps with a support system and advice that you can only get from people doing the same things as you.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom
ashley
I will admit I’m straddling the fence here a bit Kumar. There is no question I agree with you about the value of “networking”, but that’s different than belonging to a network marketing group. I was associated with a “group” for about a decade and I’d rather chew on nails than go that route again. I know there are ethical companies and people in the business, and I have nothing against network marketing for others, it’s just not for me … ever ever again. 🙂
Hi Marquita, You have spent a decade and I can agree with you that it’s not for you.
And you are right. There is a difference between networking and being in network marketing business. And my reference is about network marketing business, not general networking everyone talks about.
My experience has been different than you and just like Robert Kiyosaki says, if I have to start my life over again, I will begin with building a network marketing with her speed one more time. To me, it is a lifestyle, it’s a sense if security and belonging that kept me going. All of the things I shared here are from my experience and I will not trade that for anything.
I guess it boils down to who you work with and how you do it. Obviously there are always right and wrong ways of doing everything in life, right? 🙂
Have a great day.
Regards,
Kumar
Great post. You would be surprised at how many “entrepreneurs” there are that don’t want to sell. If you don’t want to sell some how exactly will you make money?
For me, I’m not a business person. If I want to turn my photography blog into a “jobby” (job+hobby) then I have a pretty big learning curve. You provide relevant realities to be aware of.
Hi Kumar,
What wonderful words of wisdom! Being an entrepreneur is belief in yourself, yearning for your business to grow. It takes stamina and commitment. Also it does take time…you kind of live it.
Now I had an offline business (still have) for 30 years now. I had no idea how to start it, but I learned from others that were in the same business. I went the extra mile, read all I could. I never advertized a day in my life, but it grew from word of mouth. I think it is because I’m a people person and put others first. To this day, I’m still getting referrals. It was all because of my hunger to be my own boss. There were good days and bad ones. I rode the storm and never let those slow days get me down.
Taking business to the internet, I started off with Network marketing. But it just didn’t suit me no matter how hard I tried. Yes, money came in, but it just wasn’t in my heart.
So I went back to what I do best…servicing others. Teaching them the how-to’s. Yes, it was a slow start because I had to learn so much about it, and also learn the marketing curve. But here I am today and now instead of doing many one to one trainings, my product is doing that for me.
Why did I last so long? Because I believed this could be done. Because I know that there is no such thing as get rich quick. Because I know attraction marketing takes time.
I think people run because of their expectations. They “expect” too much too fast. And that my friend is unrealistic.
-Donna
That’s a great assessment Donna! We expect too much too soon by doing too little and that is what causes frustration.
I am not a sage either and I have had those feelings many many times in my career as an entrepreneur and I tell you the only reason I am still standing is because I had a support group, a group of positive, uplifting and people with integrity who I admire and who believed in my abilities when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank God for the blessing if network marketing that made me an entrepreneur who now can teach entrepreneurship to others 🙂 wow! Amazing journey!
Thank you for sharing your story. You have had a tremendous run yourself so far 🙂 and I wish you all the best in days and months to come!
Regards,
Kumar
No doubt, that’s all important network marketing sounds. As a newbie I appreciate your quite healthy reasons because I did little campaign and got huge response. Thanks! 😉
Kumar,
What an incredible blog post! I love the way you have started each concept with the way it is as a lone entrepreneur attempting to build a solitary business. And then you provide the network marketing antidote, the sense that you are part of a team, that once you build a solid business it keeps going and building and you don’t have to keep working so hard. And of course, you give that reminder that there is no way around it – we do have to sell if we are in business.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Networking is key to success in business. However, what is normally referred to as network marketing i.e. a pyramid like sales force I don’t believe in. It’s mainly lucrative for the person who starts it.
Hi Kumar,
You bring up some really interesting points in your blog post today. You’re so right about the time and effort it takes to be an entrepreneur. I’ve been heads down for just over a solid year trying to make things work. You see, I started doing network marketing years ago. I lost my corporate job Feb. 2013 and I thought I would focus on the network marketing. I spent a lot of time and money trying to self educate myself on how to grow that business and it just didn’t work. I agree with you that you need great mentors and a support team – especially with network marketing. The problem is, and I’ve been in several, most of them don’t truly care about you the network marketer or the end customer. They just want me to build my team. So after that focus, I started working on rebranding and I now focus on my personal service (with network marketing as an add on when it sees fit). But the thing is, it’s funny (not really) how many family and friends don’t understand what I do or why. People think that because I’m home, I can chat all day, drop by for unexpected visits, they think it’s all fluff. People don’t understand the technical pieces, marketing, networking, writing – posts, creating products and services. It’s so much and it’s so much to do alone. Getting together, as you said, with other mastermind groups are great for support, ideas and a good kick in the butt when one is needed. 🙂 Thanks for writing this. Lisa
Hi Kumar, I agree that it is hard to start something new on your own. To me, being only four months into blogging, I find alot of it is trial and error. I will slowly start to figure things out to help have better content. I will come back to your blog because you had alot of great tips. =)
It is never easy to be an entrepreneur.
If you have guidelines from some sincere person , It takes a lot of time , effort and hard work … one of my friend is struggling hard and taking a lot of courses about entrepreneurship.
As far networking is concerned , it helps some but not all… It depends on your team sometimes you are lucky to have a good team and sometimes you know it’s really hard to deal with them… You can be successful with support group …
I have learned a lot from your post and I am about to forward this to my friend and I hope she will learn a lot from this…
I wish you all the best…
Hi Kumar
Indeed an awesome post .It is too difficult to be a good Entrepreneur. To be a well reputed entrepreneur it take a lot of time as well as hard work.In this post there is too much things that we can learn and implement all these things in our life we should share this article among our friends and surroundings.
Thanks for sharing.
keep it up.
Magnet tape
I think that one of the biggest reasons why people start then give it up is that people let life get in the way and just think that it is too hard to do the business. Seeing as often you are by yourself, it is harder to stay motivated as you don’t have a boss giving you deadlines.
Thanks for the post, great read.
Great post and I agree with you and the comments on this page. It is never easy to be an entrepreneur otherwise almost everyone would do it. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, you can’t let life get in the way.
Interesting article, its made me think because although I love the idea of starting something that is just mine having that residual income build up is appealing for sure.
Kumar, this is an very thorough post on becoming an entrepreneur. I too started out my entrepreneurship in network marketing. And like you said, I had shiny object syndrome at the beginning. But then I found a great companies and like some of the comments above mentioned… being in the company helped me understand my leadership style and the type of entrepreneur I wanted to be. Now those skills are helping me build my own business. Thanks for the post.
Great article Kumar. I love the idea of starting something for myself and I would have to agree, networking marketing is a very positive contributor to any business. And as you say in your article, starting your own business is not for everyone, but it is far more rewarding in my opinion.
It can be difficult to market yourself but I feel like you make some really great points! Thanks for posting all of this!
I also agree, that the network marketing is the best method if you don’t have a huge marketing budget to start with. It can give you free exposure and sometimes even a unwanted exposure. Like everything else it should be done cheerfully. Thanks for sharing these facts.
I love this post. Its one of the most thorough I’v read on the subject. It made me almost want to join your network marketing group. Thank you a lot for posting all of this!
Great post. I also have an engineering background. It is no problem to enter the market as marketeer/strategist with only an engineering background. However I’ve got also a business background that helped a lot to gain marketing/strategy insights. I agree, a supportive network is a key factor to start a business and to succeed.
Thanks for sharing this article.
An interesting dialogue is worth comment. I think that you must write extra on this topic, it might not be a taboo topic however generally people are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Great tip i like article as you have given me the information about how to be an entrepreneur and as you have in your blog every can not become an entrepreneur for becoming an entrepreneur YOU have to be a hardworking as well as a smart working person . Thank you