Network marketing, otherwise referred to as multi-level marketing, or MLM, has been a global storm with promises of financial freedom, flexibility with great working hours, and passive financial income. The reality concerning network marketing can differ from such glamorous expectations. So, let us discuss the common expectations in opposition to experiences most people go through upon getting into the world of network marketing.
Expectation: Fast and Easy Money
Reality: Sweat and Patience
The greatest, most publicized attraction that network marketing offers is easy money earned fast. Definitely, one of the biggest sets of people who fall for the pyramid-shaped model of earning money are those who get lured by the success stories of top earners, with the expectation of earning substantial financial rewards quickly.
Reality Check: Network marketing is a business that calls for relentless exertion of effort, time, and patience. Success in the business just does not happen overnight. Development of a strong customer base and recruit network takes time, and most likely, problems and rejections will be met. High returns on investment are mostly the result of intensified, dedicated hard work and perseverance over some period and not an overnight sweep of luck.
Expectation: Flexible Working Hours
Reality: Time Management Challenges
The next best reason people get attracted to network marketing is the promise of flexible working hours. There is something totally captivating about being your own boss and making out your time schedules, more so for those seeking a better balance between work and life.
Reality Check: In network marketing, one can have all the flexibility he wants, but only if he is willing to efficiently and effectively manage his time. Business activities done consistently, meetings with prospects, and supporting downline calls are necessary for the job. Often, that flexibility can result in procrastination or a lack of discipline to do the work needed to see progress and success.
Expectation: Easy Recruitment
Reality: Building a Team is Challenging
The reason that recruiting is so critical to network marketing is that your income essentially depends on the size and productivity of your downline. So, many people get overexcited, anticipating that new members will join and building a big team easily.
Reality Check: More often than not, recruitment is the toughest area in network marketing. It requires confidence, persistence, and dealing with scepticism. Since a lot of people are known to be biased about MLMs, recruiting is even harder. Not everyone you recruit will turn out to be that motivated or committed, and so the process of team building becomes endless.
Expectation: Passive Income That Keeps Flowing
Reality: Ongoing Active Involvement is Necessary
Probably the most alluring feature of network marketing is the idea of earning continuous passive income. You should be able to step back with a good network in place and let the bucks flow in without much further involvement.
Reality Check: While the creation of a passive income stream is possible with this, it would still require continued effort for its maintenance. You need to support your downline, learn new products and strategies, and, of course, keep on recruiting. How much in passive income you can generate is really pegged to how productively working and how well your team can retain its members, which requires continuous engagement and support.
Expectation: Everybody Will Support You
Reality: Skepticism and Criticism
Many people get into network marketing assuming that their friends and family will have their backs, and maybe even join their network excitedly. They think of their immediate circle as their first customers and recruits.
Reality Check: A lot of flak is raised against network marketing, mainly due to people who experience bad times with MLMs or the ones with misinformation. Your friends and family may raise an eyebrow in disapproval or even be discouraging. Be prepared for rejection and working on building your business beyond your immediate circle.
Expectation: Very Little to No Initial Investment with Craze Returns
Reality: Initial and Continuing Investments are Required
Network marketing is packaged as a business opportunity that has very little up-front financial investment. Then, you are assured that you will earn significant returns for very minimal capital upfront.
Reality Check: While this generally holds some truth—there is usually a more modest investment involved in network marketing compared to other business opportunities—there are associated costs, such as buying some products, buying marketing materials, and probably attending some training sessions. In most cases, huge returns require continued time, monetary, and personal investments in the growth of your business.
Conclusion
Network marketing can be a very rewarding business opportunity if you approach it clearly, understanding the reality behind the expectations. Network marketing success comes with much hard work, patience, time management, and being able to push through the hard times. Having a realistic expectation of what will actually happen and having a very strong work ethic are keys to building and establishing a long-term and thriving network marketing business. Being aware of the gap between expectations and reality will better prepare one for the journey and increase your odds of success in this field.
