I’m sure by now, some of you have either been asked or have seen your friends advertise a product or service that is part of a company they just joined online. If you haven’t, let me clue you in.
Network Marketing, Direct Sales or Multi-Level Marketing {whatever way you call it} is a type of business opportunity for people wanting part-time work, a flexible schedule and the freedom of not reporting to a boss.
Most people who sign up as sales reps are doing so for a variety of reasons. It comes with the potential to give them financial freedom, the ability to make extra money on a flexible schedule, and the chance to create new friendships. Most importantly, it’s likely because they found a product they fell in love with and believe in it so much, they want to share it with everyone, especially friends and family.
Whether you agree or disagree with a friend’s decision to dive into this non-conventional way of generating income, you should still support them. That doesn’t necessarily mean buying their products, it could be as simple as “liking” their posts on Facebook or Instagram.
Why? Because at the end of the day, you should want your friends to succeed. If someone you know was to get a promotion in their career or at a more traditional job, you would be there to cheer them on without a second thought. You might even celebrate with them and go out for dinner or drinks to mark the occasion. So, why wouldn’t you celebrate and be their cheerleader if they were to get a comparable promotion in their network marketing job? Speaking on a personal level… we don’t want your money, we just want your support.
It doesn’t matter what job my best friend is doing; if she is happy and supporting her family, I let her do her thing. Those that choose to instead offer up negative feedback aren’t doing anyone, any favors. I just don’t get it, and maybe I never will. I will continue to encourage my friends and be happy for them knowing my role is to support their hustle for success. I may even take it a step further and buy their products if I legitimately like what they’re selling. But, let me be clear, if that friend does get a little carried away with posting too much on social media or starts spamming me with requests, I won’t hesitate to have a little chat with her about not being so excessive.
My advice to you is to remember that even with different interests, careers and goals, we can all still be friends and support each other in the quest for finding happiness. After all, treating each other with respect and kindness is what friendship is all about.
