My Own Boss
A few months back I made the BIG decision to step forward as my own boss. My family is full of entrepreneurs, so I knew it was only a matter of time before I’d get the nerve to go for it!
I will tell you this, one year ago, I didn’t have the confidence to even consider being my own boss. All that negative, limiting self-talk told me I couldn’t do it.
A few of my friends are successful bloggers and gave me some great advice, but I knew a successful blog would take time to grow and I was very motivated to make a change in my life. I am working on my blog but that’s a work in progress and I’m learning every day.
I love launching and coaching my fitness plans because it really helps me get to know the ladies and help them them with their specific goals. However, I have found a great way to earn a living from home and more importantly, offer it to other people who value the same things I do: time and financial freedom.
JOIN MY BUSINESS TEAM or FIND OUT MORE! Email ilivemyway@outlook.com
My Story
Frustrated and Unfulfilled
I was working in marketing and I loved the job. I have always loved writing, so here I was in the job of my dreams: editing articles, typing newsletters, coaching women online – and getting paid! But it wasn’t my own brand…and I had little time to devote to my own “voice” and message. I should have felt on top of the world, but instead I felt like I was playing small and neglecting the community I care so much about.
Ladies were emailing me for new content and plans, but between working and being with my baby girl, I had no time to develop new ideas. To sum it all up, I felt unfulfilled and exhausted. The last thing on my mind was being creative. I was on autopilot and going through the motions.
Have you ever felt that way?
To add to that, I had no motivation to prep my meals with my busy schedule and I was reverting back to old habits like going out to eat a few nights a week. I was working out at home for the most part because when my husband got off work in the afternoon, my “work” day started when he could help me out with our little girl. That schedule left me very little freedom for family-time in the evenings. I was struggling and had very few people I could talk to about it.
I thought to myself, “this is not what I signed up for.”
My husband works in education so we would have a hard time making it on just his salary. Plus, I love to work and I love to contribute.
I wondered if I should go back to working a full time job (like before I had Brinkley) so I could work all day and be free to be with my family in the evenings. But then I would have to put Brinkley in daycare. To add to that, when I decided to stay with Brinkley and work from home, I took a huge pay cut (working part time) and we were not getting ahead and meeting our financial goals to be debt free. I was so torn because I love fitness so much and there is nothing more fulfilling than helping others meet their goals.
If I went back into the business world, how would I find time for helping people and contribute to the fitness industry? I knew in my heart something would take the back burner and it wasn’t going to be my family. But how could I motivate people and follow through with the calling God placed in my heart if I were not focusing on being the best ME possible?
Okay, enough of the depressing stuff. This is when my life changed and I found hope.
The Turning Point and a Simple Referral
My sweet friend, Angelike, reached out to me to simply ask, “how are you doing?” I spared her the details of my frustrating schedule (at first) and just told her I was still working to lose my last bit of baby weight.
She recommended I try her favorite meal replacement shake and substitute them for two meals per day. I had used meal replacement shakes before pregnancy, but my doctor recommended I avoid artificial sweeteners while pregnant and breastfeeding. The product line Angelike recommended is all-natural and just what I was looking for quality-wise.
My Results
I started the shakes I lost my last 5 pounds of baby weight! I was so excited! I really loved the taste of the shakes and found that they helped with sugar cravings. The most important part was that it took me 30 seconds to blend the shake and it gave me “no excuses” for missing meals. Plus, it was super cheap and the products pretty much cut our grocery bill in half.
My husband got started on their energy and performance line and started feeling great as well. Before long, we felt like we were back to normal. As in, “before baby” normal. No longer zombies with zero energy. Our energy levels lit us up inside and people on social media were starting to notice a difference in my attitude, skin and body.
We were hooked on the meal replacement shakes and bars – and vitamins! They just made us feel so great and made our lives as new parents so much easier!
Convenience was the key!
After using the products a few months, my husband and I referred a few close friends and family members. They noticed a change in us as well and wanted to know what was up.
A week or two later, I noticed an email from the company telling me I made over $150.
I was like, “for what?” All I did was refer products that I loved and worked for my family. Kinda like the way I refer people to my hair stylist or a good restaurant.
More Than a Shake
Mind you, this whole time I was using the products, Angelike never reached out to “push or pressure” me to pursue any business. Months went by and she was simply happy she made my life easier.
However, I knew that she and her husband were very successful with their business center and this was their full time job.
I contacted Angelike to ask about the business and that’s when she informed me about the company’s referral program. She explained to me how I made $150 plus and showed me how I could make more.
I was familiar with affiliate programs in the fitness industry, but I never made much money because I wasn’t a “product pusher.”
I was turned off when I saw other athletes constantly posting about products from their supplement sponsor. Even though the athlete made a small commission off those posts, the “normal” every day person had little chance of getting their own affiliate link to use to refer friends. In addition, I never knew if that athlete was actually using the product or just asked to to push it for sales purposes. Either way, it wasn’t “my thing.”
Network Marketing – I Was Skeptical
Over the last few years on social media, I’d see someone I know take up a new network marketing “hobby” and think, “oh man, they fell for it.” I call it a hobby because the people I knew doing it never treated network marketing like a business. They treated it like a thing they did on the side for extra money or discounts, but then they would quit a few months later. That was my observation of network marketing. I had no personal experience.
Possibility
However, with this particular opportunity, I suddenly saw the possibility of really helping families, physically and financially. Sure, it feels great to help people lose weight and get healthy, but what if families have the vision and dream of being debt free like we do?
No matter how much of your life you dedicate to health and fitness, I believe you are only truly healthy when your mind is not clouded with stress about your financial situation.
For the first time in years, I felt hopeful to REALLY make a significant difference in the lives of people I love and the people I was going to meet. After a few months of tons of research on network marketing, I decided I was interested in the business.
Some of the people I surrounded myself with spoke negatively about network marketing. However, I always like to do my research and experience things myself before I make my own informed, educated decisions and cast judgment.
I had always heard network marketing was “one of those pyramid things,” but when I really started educating myself on the different compensation plans, I found that this was the real deal IF your heart is in the right place, IF you find a great company and IF you stick with it.
I read articles on the industry and started reading books by successful network marketing professionals.
Here were a few articles I liked and found helpful:
- Forbes
- Inc. Magazine and even looked up the opinions of one of my role models, Dave Ramsey.
Here are a few things that attracted me the most about my company:
- They don’t pay for advertising, it’s all word of mouth
- Opportunity to create a passive and residual income
- In my company, you can out earn anyone in your upline (aka the people that started before you)
- You determine your bonuses and pay
- You can work from anywhere in the world
- More time freedom to be with your loved ones
- I don’t have to stock product in my garage; I am only responsible for my own monthly order
- I simply help people set up their own online nutrition store to order from
- I don’t have to micro-manage a process (love this!)
- I meet new wonderful people through launch parties and online
- The company I work with has such a tight-knit community and is like one big family!
- Lots of recognition that people don’t necessarily receive otherwise
- Simple ways to make fast cash
- I am paid on team building so I don’t have to push products all over the internet (HUGE PLUS)
- No big start-up fees, you just place an order and your business center is open if you choose to use it
- I eat my overhead costs – literally! Everyone has to eat. My company just offers healthy meal solutions
- We get paid every Monday! Now I love Monday’s!
- I was already using the products for months and would use them anyway- they just happen to offer a compensation plan.
What to Look Out For and Consider
There are bad seeds in every industry, but here are a few things I’d be wary of if you are being approached by someone in network marketing with deceptive intentions.
- A promise to get rich quick – no such thing!
- Make sure there is a valid product with the business – and make sure you believe in it 100%
- Make sure you have a successful upline who are motivated to help you grow. You don’t want to feel “dropped” and be just another enrollment to them.
- Communicate your goals to your upline so that they can meet you where you are- not everyone has the same goals.
- You will need to be able to easily explain the compensation plan to others- make sure your upline knows the compensation plan and take it upon yourself to learn it.
- Avoid someone who promises you a quick fix to weight loss; products only work to the extent you are willing to work (duh!)
Just like in any business, you start at the bottom and learn. Most of the people I know who have started network marketing have quit, just because they only treated it as a hobby and not a business. If you set an appointment or commitment, show up. Don’t be late. If you want to lead your team, lead by example. Be willing to take self-development classes and seminars to improve your leadership skills. If your team is not growing, you can only look at yourself.
What I DIDN’T do is post about it ALL over social media. I didn’t want to go from “non-product pusher” to filling your news feed full of products. That’s why most ladies say they follow me anyway – I don’t overwhelm them with salesy stuff. Also, I had my Kelsey Byers Fitness brand way before and I am convinced a network marketing business does not have to take over a brand you have already created. It’s simply a new business.
Also, I coach lots of ladies who don’t even know I use these products. It just hasn’t come up in conversation. I believe you have to really have a heart of a servant and know if your products/services are really going to benefit that person. It’s a case by case basis.
I love to see people get healthy whether the nutrition plan, workout plan, product, etc is one I recommend or not. The more healthy people we have, the happier the world will be and the better their quality of life.
Trust me, I have been approached by hundreds of people in network marketing through social media. Either they see my audience and see dollar signs OR they really want to help me. Who knows?
The point is, I wasn’t even OPEN to hearing about a new opportunity until it came from someone I know and trust.
Having a Huge Social Media Following or Audience is Not a Necessity to Start and Does Not Guarantee You’ll Succeed
The thing about network marketing and the company I work with, I am not destined to make tons of money because I have a large audience on social media. It doesn’t work that way. For me to succeed and to help others on my team succeed, we have to co-create and build this business together. Just posting a random link to my website and say “buy this” will attract product users, but that doesn’t ensure I will build a business and generate long-term residual income.
I just want that to be clear in case you’re thinking, “I’m interested but I don’t have a social media following.”
Fact: there are people with 100 friends on Facebook that make WAY more money than me. It’s because they are so driven and are working their business more than me – they are treating this as a full time business and so determined! I love watching their success. I am getting there and have learned so much!
By no means did I start my business thinking this is some “get rich quick thing.” I simply want to work from home, be with my family and work to become debt-free. That simple.
My Personal Goals
Above all, I really just want to be debt-free. What can you do when you have ZERO payments? Anything you want! I started as a product user and now that I see the possibility of what this industry can do for people, I am committed to the long haul to see what God has in store for our team.
When you have positive intentions and truly care about helping others, you can’t go wrong. If your goal is only about you, it’s time to find a new goal.
Making Moves
Months ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to see Dave Ramsey speak in Houston. If you don’t follow his work on Financial Peace, look him up! He made mention that 7 of out 10 households live paycheck to paycheck. So, who do I know that needs more income? A lot of people!
I have been working to build a team of strong and motivated business builders who want the same things that I do. If these things are important to you, maybe network marketing is the right avenue for you:
- Financial freedom
- Time freedom
- Flexible schedule
- Extra income every month to pay off debt, save for vacation, kids’ college, etc.
Why My Company Was the Right Fit for Me
I started out as a product user but quickly found that I depended on the convenience of the products for healthy meals. I found that I couldn’t afford NOT to use them because they are cheaper than when I meal prep at home. That’s when I really knew I could help people save money and get healthy.
It’s like any other business you start, only you are eating your overhead. Literally.
What I love most about network marketing is that it allows a normal person to achieve financial freedom and time freedom to be with those they love. If you work hard, you can help your team build a residual income that will later work when you’re doing things like: working out, vacationing, spending time with friends and family, reading a book, writing a book, you name it!
I can’t tell you enough how this new business venture has changed our lives in so many ways, including the other families we work with.
What I Actually Do
I love that I don’t have to be a salesman and get online and push products. I have a passive stance and simply help people who need it. I help other people open their own online nutrition stores and make a recommendation of what products would help them achieve their specific goals. Then their store is available to a billion people all over the world. It’s pretty cool.
And they refer others if they CHOOSE to. Or, they can keep it to themselves.
There are some things in life you can’t “un-know” and the people I have seen who have changed their lives through network marketing is unbelievable.
What’s super inspiring is that most of the super successful people are stay-at-home moms with the same goals I have.
I do know people personally who make a substantial living after working 2-5 years in the industry. Those people are some of the most honest, Christian and loving people in my life. Guess what they do with their money? They GIVE more. Money only makes you a bigger version of what you already are.
I am grateful for the company I work with because their values center around family and helping others. I thank God every day for opening this door for us and I look forward to the future and new possibilities. It’s important to align yourself with a company that shares your values of helping others.
In Conclusion
If you are thinking of starting your own network marketing business, I recommend taking the time to really research the companies out there and take a look at their compensation plans. You have to be able to explain the compensation plan easily, so make sure it’s simple.
I am not here to convince you to love network marketing, or even the company I have partnered with. Several of my friends in network marketing are with other companies they love and trust.
I felt called to share my own experience with you because I know my opinion about network marketing wasn’t informed or very positive before I did my own research. I advise you to take the time to form your own educated opinion before just taking someone’s word who has no experience in the industry. Or, if they had a bad experience, did they seek out proper training to be successful? Consider all the factors.
It could be a blessing to your family and provide a bright future. I am thankful I was open to the opportunity.
Above all, understand there is no “quick fix” to fitness and nutrition. There is no product out there that will do the work for you. Focus on your goals and know yourself. Build a lifestyle that is realistic for you.
I am no expert on network marketing and am very new to the industry, but I am happy to answer any questions you may have or point you in the direction of someone who can.
I felt called to write this blog because just a few short years ago, I was sitting in a cubicle in an office, wishing the day away so I could pursue my dreams in the evening. Now I’m living that reality. The beauty is, anyone can have this. Not just me.
Email ILiveMyWay@outlook.com
Click here for more info on my company!
Sincerely,
Kelsey