MLM: How a Pyramid Scheme Saved My Life

Don’t you love the cringe of that family member or friend? You know…that uncomfortable invitation to yet another one of those secret meetings to sell you on the next big money-making opportunity? Perhaps you’ve even started ignoring their calls because, well, they only talk about that business and how much money you can make if you sign up right now. 

 

I feel your pain. But I also know theirs.

This week, I’m reading “How Rich People Think,” by Steve Siebold. His thoughts about the world of multi-level marketing were remarkable and sent me on a 20-year quantum leap into memories of my own life in network marketing. He stated, "Network marketing is one of the greatest mental toughness training grounds on earth because of the constant rejection people face." And it’s true. In fact, multi-level marketing totally changed my life.

 

I was in my early 20’s when I was approached by a millionaire who lived in a beautiful high rise on the shoreline in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He and his lovely wife exposed me to the world of network marketing. This world was new, challenging, and full of learning. And it is the world that introduced me to many of the personal development classics like “Think and Grow Rich,” “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” “How to Make Friends and Influence People,” and many other resources which are foundational mindset material for the network marketer. 

Before being introduced to MLM, I had emotionally checked out from life because of chronic failure. I acquiesced to allowing my oldest son to relocate with his father because of my housing instability. In a moment of desperation, I abandoned my other son with his grandparents who could not afford another mouth to feed. I was starting and stopping my undergraduate course work. I was in a physically abusive relationship. I could only dream as far as my next paycheck as a Broward County substitute teacher. Even more, my last hooptie left me stranded on the side of the road with a busted engine.  I was left with only a motor scooter for transportation which maxed out at 40 miles per hour.

 

Simply put…life sucked. Horribly.

 

In a matter of months, my new friends in this world of commissions, levels and recruiting had pushed me onto the stages of small gatherings, city training events, and regional conferences. They saw in me a version of myself that was lost after teen pregnancy and an extended tour on the struggle bus. In fact, network marketing was the space where I reconnected with my dreams. This world contained the primary building material for a broken young woman who was afraid to introduce herself to strangers, or to even imagine herself attending law school one day. 

 

I appreciate Siebold’s thoughts about mental toughness and the connection to multi-level marketing. Rejection is painful. Most people will go the extra mile to avoid being rejected at all costs. But the network marketer is insane. Crazy enough to believe the impossible and go for it with all they have. I signed up for MLM desperately needing a big check.  But I earned very little money. Instead, I was rewarded with a winning mindset and courage to stop making excuses for giving up on life.

 

I left MLM far behind in a past life. But I’m reminded from this week’s reading how much I  owe to a culture that believes in building people, their confidence, and their hopes. So the next time you ever feel the onset of cringe from your loved one or friend inviting you to an “opportunity meeting,” remember the mental toughness it took for them to even add you to their list of prospects. Even if you reject the opportunity, say a prayer for them and support them in any way you can. 

 

MLM also stands for “Mastering Life’s Mysteries.” Network marketers, like all salespeople, have the stuff that superheroes are made of. They have unlocked the mystery of success by defying the gut-wrenching sting of rejection. And for their tenacity and consistency, they attract the reward of facing their fears, becoming the best version of themselves, and even contributing to solving some of the world’s biggest problems.

 

Be blessed and, 

Judge Char