Why I Do What I Do

I remember as a little girl I would dream of having lots of money and imagine all the things I would buy if I was a millionaire.  I had big dreams as most children do. I was going to become a famous actress and have all the money in the world.
As we grow up, little by little our dreams become just that... dreams. Reality sets in, and you realize it's a whole lot harder than you thought  to be  and do the things you REALLY want.  After graduating high school I got my first taste of independence.  I started to realize there was NO TIME for creativity, with working all day just to make enough money to pay my rent, car payment, gas, food, ect. I remember thinking, this can't be what life is all about. There's got to be a way I can make lots of money and work less so I could have the TIME to explore my creativity and find out what I'm good at.  Well guess what? I did find a way, and my dreams HAVE come true.  My husband and I are actually MILLIONAIRES. Seriously, I feel weird saying it, but we really are considered "millionaires".  We made our first million about 2 years ago, and have now made 3 million dollars.  I don't tell you this to brag and say, yah look at us, we're so amazing and have lots of money. I'm sharing this with you because what we do and what we DID is something anyone can do.  My husband and I both don't have any college education, we're just average people who found a great opportunity.  I grew up extremely poor, and to be on the complete opposite end financially just seems too good to be true. We have no debt, money in the bank, and a huge retirement waiting for us. It's such an incredible feeling to be financially free. I was once buried in debt and it was an awful CONSTANT feeling of stress.
Yes, we ARE network marketers.  I understand the stigma that comes with the word "network marketing" or "multi level marketing".  Most people have dabbled in it in some way or another, and because they either lost money or didn't see success, they've developed a negative opinion towards the idea. You steer clear of anyone involved in it, avoid their phone calls, and probably even run when you see them coming. Well, let me just tell you something.  First of all, not all network marketing companies are created equal. If you've been involved in a network marketing company, and didn't see success, you shouldn't think they're ALL bad.  Pyramid scams DO exist, but it's your job to do the research before jumping into something head first.

Because of the cynical judgement given to all mlm companies, I wanted to offer up my side of the story.  I have an insatiable desire to be heard and understood, hence the reason I blog.  I feel like blogging gives me a chance to explain why I do what I do, and say what I say.  Everyone deserves a chance to be heard right :).
So anyway, back to my childhood dreams.  Even though reality hit and I learned that life is a lot harder than I thought, it still didn't discourage me from really living my dreams.  There was so much I wanted to do and learn, but working for the majority of the day didn't seem to be ideal for me.  I wanted more out of life, and network marketing seemed to lead the way to achieving these things.  I'm not saying that joining a network marketing company is your only way to make dreams happen, all I'm saying is that if you tried at something before, and failed, don't give up. Contrary to what most people say about mlm, success doesn't come easy, it's NOT a "get rich quick" business, it requires dedication, commitment, and should be treated like a real profession.
 You have to ask yourself these questions.
  1. Is this something I'm EXTREMELY passionate about? Have I seen personal results with the product, do I have a story to share.
  2. Is this going to cost me a lot of money to get involved with? Can I afford it? (never go into debt when joining a company).
  3. Do I know the compensation plan? Is it lucrative?
  4. Do I have the TIME to devote to this, and am I WILLING to put forth the effort it requires? As a mom, I've seen success first hand by devoting just 10 hours a week.

When I first started up my blog, I made a list of things I wanted to write about. One of them included, "Business women- Success IS possible!"  I don't think I'm so great and have ALL the answers, but I do think I have a lot to offer.  I want to help you see success in your own business, what ever it may be.  Isagenix is the company I chose after considering all the questions above, but I understand that everyone is different, and you have to find what you're passionate about. My passion is health and weight loss.
We all know that money is tight these days, and I bet you've been considering going back to work, or trying to come up with a way you can contribute to the household income. Here's the first step, find what YOU are passionate about, ask yourself all the questions above, and get started. Forget about all the times you've failed in the past, keep your eye on the goal, pick yourself up and try again.
source: thank you google images
There have been many things I've tried in the past, and have failed miserably, but we just have to realize that it's all part of being successful.  We've got to keep moving forward towards our dreams. One of our greatest examples of someone who kept pushing through despite all his failures, was Abraham Lincoln.  Born into poverty, he was faced with defeat most of his life.  Here's his road to the White House.
  • 1831 - Lost his job
  • 1832 - Defeated in run for Illinois State Legislature
  • 1833 - Failed in business
  • 1834 - Elected to Illinois State Legislature (success)
  • 1835 - Sweetheart died
  • 1836 - Had nervous breakdown
  • 1838 - Defeated in run for Illinois House Speaker
  • 1843 - Defeated in run for nomination for U.S. Congress
  • 1846 - Elected to Congress (success)
  • 1848 - Lost re-nomination
  • 1849 - Rejected for land officer position
  • 1854 - Defeated in run for U.S. Senate
  • 1856 - Defeated in run for nomination for Vice President
  • 1858 - Again defeated in run for U.S. Senate
  • 1860 - Elected President (success)


It's all about balance ladies. You CAN make this happen. You've just got to get your priorities straight, figure out what's most important to you, and plan out your day.  If you find that you're overwhelmed and don't have enough time in the day to do it all, then it's time to reevaluate. Figure out what you can do without. It may mean cutting out you're favorite shows on the DVR, or spending less time on the computer. What are you doing today, that will get you where you want to be?

20 comments:

Kristina P. said...

Good for you! I would never be able to do this. I am literally the worst salesperson on the world. I only lasted with Avon like 2 months.

Taylor Family said...

Crystal that is so FANTASTIC! Congratulations on your and Seans success! MLM type works is not for me and as much as I would love to do it. I know myself I couldn't do it. Even with a story to tell. :) My best friend is doing Lifevantage(selling protandim) A fantastic product. And she is having great success with it also.I admire people that are dedicated to this kind of work and are successful. Hope to your continued success! : )

Chanel said...

You made a very good point about evaluating what you do everyday and planning things out. I have been trying to figure out what things I can do without. Also trying to make sure that my priorities are in order. I thank you for your printouts that you created; they have helped me to try to reorganize things.

JennRawks said...

My husband is a salesman. He can sell anything. Thanks for the advice. I always see the MLM and I wouldn't say it's a "negative" feeling but I feel like it's impossible. Happy for you and your hubby. I'm making him read this blog post.

Natalie | Make Today Great said...

This is such a motivational post, I love it. I am definitely one of those who is totally skeptical over MLM, but if it works for you and you are passionate about the product, then that is the secret for selling anything!

Theodora Ofosuhima said...

Thank you, thank you for this post.

It all started when I read an article, this morning, in which the writer wrote to achieve something you want in life one must "work [his or her] ass off". Once at home I saw your post title Why I do What I do and I read the words "You've just got to get your priorities straight, figure out what's most important to you, and plan out your day. If you find that you're overwhelmed and don't have enough time in the day to do it all, then it's time to re-evaluate. Figure out what you can do without. ...cutting out your favourite shows on the DVR, or spending less time on the computer." and you conclude with the question "What are you doing today, that will get you where you want to be?"

This question took me back to my lunch hour, during which I wrote down what I need to do to turn my dream into a goal. Then I handed in my resignation letter - because our move to Canada will be happening soon! So yes, I have started to do the things that will make me achieve my dreams, because after all, money should not be the option in the first place.

Then to put the cherry on the cake I watched Revolutionary Road and one of Leonardo Di Caprio's lines nailed it "... people are better off doing some kind of work they actually like."

One day I will write I do it because I love it: my work!

MommyLovesStilettos said...

Well I think it's awesome that you are telling your story. Hopefully those that have a negative view of MLM can read this and realize it's NOT all bad. There are scams, just like everything else - but there are also REAL legitimate companies that are making TONS of money! :)

Mammatalk said...

What a wonderful story. I have heard of many success stories with MLM. If you have the right personality and stick with it-ness, it can work. So happy for you!

Dani @ OKDani.com said...

Glad you found something that worked so well for you.

FourJedis said...

Crystal, this is one of the reasons I really like you and enjoy your blog. You are proud of your accomplishments, but are still humble and motivating to others at the same time. It's refreshing. Congrats to you and Sean for all the work you have put in and all the success it has brought you. And kudos to you for urging others to find something they are passionate and going for it.

I'm such a bad sales person that I could not sell $10 to someone for a $5 bill. I'm that bad. ;-)

alexis said...

This is so great, Crystal. I love your positive attitude and your desire to share success with others. So many people in this world are unwilling to help others achieve goals once they've achieved their own, and I think that'd be a really lonely life.

I hate sales (I worked in retail for a long time, and I was good at it, but I hated it), but I truly admire those who are able to make a living at it--I know it's not easy. No matter what you choose to do, business is business, and it's a hard road. But I'm trying right now to do what it is I really want to do (write), and your post made a difference in my day.

So thanks. :)

Sean Escobar said...

Crystal, I think this was a wonderful post, wonderful because I think women are the ones who build direct sales and the network marketing industry. Based on my perception of you, I would not say that you "sell" people. Your are excellent at sharing something you believe in, but leaving it completely optional. There is a difference between sharing and selling. Yuck, who wants to "sell," not me.
love you babe and you are making a difference!
Sean

Anonymous said...

Wait - what?!?

You had me til you said I had to give up some of my DVR time....

lol

Salt said...

Re: "Forget about all the times you've failed in the past, keep your eye on the goal, pick yourself up and try again."

This is such an important thing for EVERYONE to remember!

I have so much respect for anyone that can make it in sales. I've been in my career for 12 years now, but I've always been a very behind the scenes player in every company that I've worked for. Good for you for finding something that works so well for you! I think it's awesome. :)

Candace @ Candace Creations said...

This was a great post, thanks for being so open and honest. Many times people talk about the kind of money you can make in a certain business, but you never really know if they are just doing the 'fake it till you make it" lines or if it actually is working for them.
And it was great hearing about Ab Lincolns failures and successes. So many of us don't even try because we are afraid to fail!

KittyCat said...

I think that is awesome. It really requires someone to have a passion and drive to succeed to that level.

: )

Rachel Cotterill said...

I'm so glad you found something that was a perfect fit for you and your family :) And yeah, prioritising is the key...

Tara Cooper said...

Thank you Crystal...as a person who has been blessed to become a friend through this wonderful opportunity I am truly grateful. I am also very glad that your husband shared the fact that this isn't about sales, I can't sell either - but I CAN share my story with others and educate people. That is what MLM is about and the beauty of Isagneix is that it is so easy...amazing products=amazing results=amazing stories to share=helping many many people realize the life of their dreams that starts with a path to optimal health and grows from there! I love what you share with people. Thanks!

Heidi of Operation Organization said...

Congratulations on your success, Crystal. It's so apparent that you are passionate about your product and truly wanting to serve people with it. To me, that's a winning combination!

I also wanted to let you know that I linked to your blog in my post today about your new F.A.B friday feature!

Have a wonderful day!
~h

Amanda said...

LOVED this post!!!! I actually might need to write a post on my blog and link to this, because you nailed, girlfriend!

I LOVE NETWORK MARKETING! I love that it gives every person in this world a chance to accomplish their dreams... I love that it gives every personin this world a chance to reach for the stars ~

Thanks for posting this!

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