What is MultiLevel Marketing
People have asked after my post a few days ago: What is multilevel marketing and how did it help you?
Multilevel marketing (or MLM) is a type of direct marketing business where you sell products or services directly to a consumer (instead of stocking it in a store). You also have the option to bring on and train other business partners for a small stake in their company. The term network marketing is often used since people tend to reach out and market to their own circles and networks, though with social media this whole concept has evolved immensely.
I joined my Rodan+Fields team in 2015 - right after my job fiasco and when I got pregnant with my son. I actually did not know too much about the company, but I knew I needed a change. I had seen friends be successful in their R+F businesses, and I thought to myself, “If they can do it, so can I. Why not?”
I know an MLM is not for everyone - you have to be prepared to jump into marketing and possibly coach a team to do the same, and there are a lot of negative misconceptions about it - but having a side business ended up being invaluable to me.
It has given me an introduction to business (so different from medicine and motherhood!), provided me a creative outlet (it's the reason I dove into social media), connected me to some amazing people, and taught me about resilience and personal growth (you can imagine some of the negativity and doubt I have had to overcome) - and of course the additional income that has allowed me to go part time medicine and #liveVICTORIOUS on my own terms.
Do you have any other questions about this business model? I would love to answer them for you in future posts/stories!
You are Always One Decision Away…
One evening about 6 years ago I pulled into my garage and took a deep breath. It was around 6pm, and I knew I was late relieving the nanny. Ugh.
I had finished training about 2 years ago, was busting my butt as a per diem 5 days a week (plus weekend call) at a multispecialty ophthalmology clinic, and my daughter was 1. Earlier that day, the chief at my clinic had suggested that I not bother applying for the new full time position because I "should be focusing on [my] family." The comment made me feel angry, unappreciated, deflated, and guilty all at the same time... 😢
I had spent my lunch break therapy shopping and arrived home tired and emotionally exhausted. Even though I felt guilty for being away all day, I was about to walk into what I lovingly called the "dinnertime-bathtime-bedtime circus," so I sat in my car for an extra 10 minutes in the dark to regroup and dry my tears.
I have replayed and retold this story hundreds of times - to other tired working moms and burnt-out physicians. Because this was the moment I that made a decision. The decision that this was not the life I wanted. The decision that I would no longer rely on others for my happiness. The decision that I would have to make some changes to design a life of my dreams.
It would take me a few months to build up the nerve to actually take action (start a side business and change jobs) and another couple years to realize my updated, upgraded goals (go part time medicine and spend more time with my family)...
But it all began in that single decision...
Does this resonate with anyone? Do you know this feeling? What did you do/are you doing about it?
My secret to balancing it all…
I get asked all the time, "How do you manage to balance and do it all?"
Well, here's the secret 🤫: I don't.
I struggle and juggle. I lean on my supportive husband, nanny, and parents. I rely on the iPad and TV more often than I probably should. 😬
I get overwhelmed and frustrated. I yell and forget that the mute button is not on. 🤦🏻♀️
It's not always pretty - You may only see the good photos and videos (cuz it’s social media 📱), but there are a lot of retakes and bloopers and adjustments along the way. And sometimes you just have to throw up your hands and laugh. 😂
In the end, we are all just doing the best we can. Don’t forget to celebrate all the small wins, and give yourself grace for everything else.