If you are curious about starting a business, full-time or part-time, you are in good company. Millions of people start small businesses every year. In fact, 2021 had a record number of people start their own business in order to gain control of their schedule and financial security. The Great Resignation in the US saw 4.3 million people leave their jobs in August 2021, and the same trend is seen globally.

Many of the people starting their own business turned to the “gig” industry, which is also known as “side hustle” jobs like ride share, vacation rentals, freelance performers, and direct sales. 

A recent survey of working Americans indicated that 93% have a side job primarily to supplement their income. Over 40% actually have two side jobs. The survey also indicated that almost half the 93% would quit their full-time job if they made enough money off their side “gig”.

93% of Working Americans Have A Side Hustle in 2022 (insuranks.com)

What is it that a Social Seller does?

Social selling, aka Network Marketing (NWM), is a form of Direct Sales. As is Multilevel Marketing (MLM, the most widely known) and affiliate marketing. It’s a concept of simplifying the supply chain by removing the retailer, and the marketer does the selling of products for the manufacturer instead. 

Guess what. The Girl and Boy Scouts use the same sales model when they “market” their cookies and popcorn to their “network”. So are farmers markets. And yard sales. They all use the same concept of sharing goods and services to friends and family. 

If worked properly, the model expands beyond friends and family, who may be buying out of polite support, to a network of customers that seek you out and truly want the products.

Here’s another way to look at social selling. Have you ever recommended a movie or new restaurant to friends, family, or on social media that you think people will like? Well, that’s what Network Marketers do….. Only we get paid to do it. We share products and services to our “network” that we believe will enhance people’s life.

Aren’t NWM companies pyramid schemes?

No. That’s fake news. Usually promoted by someone not educated on the topic. Haters can also come from people who tried social selling and didn’t get the “easy money” they unrealistically expected. Look, it’s a business. 

If you don’t work the business, you won’t make money at it. You also need to keep earnings expectations reasonable especially if working it part time. Realistically, any side-gig could bring in an average of $500-1000 per month as long as the effort is invested.

The direct sales industry is monitored closely, both internally and externally, and watched for anything nefarious. The FDA specifically watches for any unfounded health claims. The Direct Selling Association (DSA) maintains a strict code of ethics for its member companies involving earnings claims, product claims, sales and marketing tactics, and consumer transactions. Most companies have internal compliance departments that make sure all affiliates/distributors/social sellers are abiding by the DSA’s code of ethics.

The simple litmus test if a company is legit: money is exchanged for a product or service. If money is exchanged for nothing or the product is sub-par, then THAT is a pyramid scheme and is illegal. Scams are usually ran on a short-term timeline of less than 5 years because people figure out the scam. So companies that have been around for decades are legit.

Why would you want to buy from a Social Seller?

This baffles me that it’s even a question. Now, I know that you aren’t supposed to answer a question with another question, but I think it’s important to ask some questions of you first.

1) Why wouldn’t you support someone you know?

2) Why would you prefer to give your money to a big box corporation rather than a small business?

3) Why wouldn’t you want to buy superior products that could be made in the USA?

Ok, that last question was misleading. Not all NWM products are superior and made in the USA, but many are. There are some really great home and personal products that are way better than retail brands that don’t contain nasty additives. If I’m going to spend money on something regardless (ex food, laundry soap, shampoo, etc.), I’m going to spend as much of it supporting small business, my neighbors, and American workers. Period.

Why start a Social Seller business

Most people could use some extra money to offset inflation. The average American needs to earn $5200 more than they did last year to live the same quality of life, and that amount is increasing every day. The good news is that amount is achievable with a part-time side gig.  

NWM companies typically have a low startup cost of less than $500 (my companies are way less than this) rather than a brick-and-mortar startup cost that’s tens of thousands of dollars. Reduced investment means reduced risk. Resources like training, sales tools, mentorship, and websites are provided as part of signup packages. Home-based businesses have great tax benefits. There are perks like bonuses, car allowance, trips, and gifts that can be earned by working hard. 

Flexible schedules and being able to work for yourself is a concept that most people find appealing. It’s easy to fit network marketing business into to the nooks and crannies of life. There is a sense of accomplishment when a person’s efforts are reflected in the income they receive, where a standard 9-5 job may not reward someone for putting in extra effort. The additional control in their lives gives people peace of mind.

Not all reasons are financial. The friendships and connections people gain can be more rewarding than anything else. Many develop a new level of confidence and sense of self-worth never experienced before. Leadership and business skills can develop in a fun, low pressure environment. The recognition programs celebrate wins and accomplishments, big and small. The truly ambitious can work through the rank structure to “promote” themselves. No negotiation with the boss needed since you’re the boss! Customizable schedules can fit into the nooks and crannies of life.

My challenge to you is:

If you’re interested in starting your business, give Social Selling/Network Marketing a chance.

Do some research. See what companies and products are out there. If someone you know is in NWM, reach out to them to learn more about the industry or their company specifically. The NWM company culture is as important as the product. I would be happy to help by answering questions that I can and provide research resources.

Support someone in NWM.

Switch out something you use daily to a NWM product. If someone you know is in NWM, be their customer once. Just once. Offer to host a demo/presentation for them. Provide referrals so they can grow their network and business. Ask them directly how you can help or support them. Another way to put it, if your friend opened up a restaurant, would you support them by eating there and recommending it to others?

Don’t judge people in Social Selling.

Remember the non-financial benefits of personal growth?The industry has changed millions of lives for the better in many, many ways that don’t include money.You don’t know what you don’t know about their lives.