If you had just landed on this planet and you had no prejudices about network marketing, and you asked someone successful in this industry to explain their business, they might say something like this:

* We share an amazing product and give the client the opportunity to profit share
* We have no overheads, staff or running costs
* We work from where and when we want
* There are no limits to what I can earn
* I am my own boss
* I have no risk, nor have I made any investment... and yet I earn a six figure income, that grows even when I don't show up.

When you look at it objectively, it really seems like an ideal business.  Certainly much better than running a small business, where the risks are high and the returns often low.  It also measures up far better than a job, where the income is limited and your freedom non-existent.

In 2015, the direct sales industry grossed $36.2 Billion in the USA alone.  Of all the women earning over $100,000 last year, 82% of them made their money from network marketing. Despite the negative opinion of some, the industry is thriving.  To be fair, when someone has formed a negative opinion of the industry, it usually is not a result of an objective evaluation of the model.  It usually is a result of having had a negative experience with an individual.  

Yes it's true.  There are people in our industry that misrepresent us.  That unfortunately, is the same for most industries. We all know a dodgy mechanic, a lawyer with poor ethics, a contractor who ripped you off.  It's part of life and it shouldn't impact our opinion of the entire industry.  When you spend time around a successful network marketing professional, you would gain a very different picture:

1. They are great with people.  You cannot succeed in this industry if you have a selfish agenda.  Contrary to the belief that you need to 'use your friends', you in fact have to helpyour friends be successful if you want to see success.  In reality most of the people in your organisation will be people you didn't previously know- and the more of them you help, the greater you will grow.

2. They have worked hard.  Not everybody in network marketing makes money, but anybody can.  The 2-10% that make big incomes, are generally the same 2-10% that work consistently on their business.  This principle is the same in any endeavour. You just need to chose which percentage you'd like to belong to.  Beware of people who expect network marketing to be a Get Rich Quick Scheme.  It's a business, like any other... although you do Get Rich Faster.

3.  They are not motivated by money, but by lifestyle.  Sure there are plenty of great ways to make a good incomes out there, but very few careers offer an individual the chance to make a large income that is residual (is earned whether you show up or not) and leveraged (grows without you).  Families are drawn to this industry because they want to have time to enjoy the money, and the money to enjoy the time.

So be proud of the industry you're in and the opportunity you have in your hands.  I very rarely hear any negative about the industry; and perhaps that is because people can see that I'm proud of what we have to offer and grateful that we are on such an exciting path.