In this Fearless Networker Spotlight, we're featuring Andrea Gebhardt a dedicated mother and Network Marketing professional who discovered time-freedom and a better way of life for her and her family.
The Fearless Networker: How long have you been involved in the Network Marketing profession?
Andrea Gebhardt: I have been in the profession for the last five years and with my current company for three and a half years.
The Fearless Networker: Andrea, how has being involved in Network Marketing changed your life?
Andrea Gebhardt: Prior to being full-time in this profession, I was working 10-12 hour days running a school and raising a family. I was stressed, struggling financially due to student loans, not taking care of myself, and tired. I was tired of struggling, tired of pretending to have it all together, tired of racing against the clock every single day and…just tired of being tired.
As a result of my involvement in Network Marketing, I am healthier, happier and less stressed. I am financially free and have time-freedom that has ultimately enabled me to become a better, more involved, more engaged and more present mother to my children. Network Marketing has absolutely changed my life!
The Fearless Networker: What would you say was your biggest struggle along the way to achieving success in this profession, and how did you overcome it?
Andrea Gebhardt: My biggest struggle or setback on my way to achieving success in the profession was time management. I began working in my Network Marketing company while was working full time as an assistant principal of an elementary school. And, I had three young children at home.
Anyone who knows this industry knows that consistency is absolutely key. But, with work and family obligations and responsibilities it can sometimes be difficult to fit it all in. Quite honestly, I first started tackling this issue by turning off the TV at home and turning off the music in the car. I turned “wasted time” into “business building activity time”.
I also began blocking “time-out” during the day and scheduled time for business building activities. If it was in my planner, it was happening and I got it accomplished. Even now that I am full time in this profession, I continue this practice.
The Fearless Networker: That's great! What’s the advice you’d give someone entering this profession for the very first time?
Andrea Gebhardt: Just be you. Be excited and take the opportunity to become a better person.
The Fearless Networker: What, if anything, was your biggest fear as you started your Network Marketing career?
Andrea Gebhardt: I think my biggest fear was wondering if my friends and family would be supportive of my decision to pursue Network Marketing and be supportive by trying my products.
The Fearless Networker: That's a common fear I hear a lot in the field! Are their any specific actions that you’ve implemented into growing your business that you’ve found to be exceptionally productive?
Andrea Gebhardt: One specific action that has been implemented and lent to the successful growth of our team has been the priority of “launching” a new member effectively. The first 48 hours after an individual has joined your team is EXTREMELY critical and it is imperative that communication, support and guidance take place in an effective manner, in that time frame, to ensure their success.
So, we immediately introduce the new member to their highest level upline leader in order to build that relationship and rapport. Then a call is scheduled with the new member and the leader right away to launch them correctly and effectively, focusing on the beginning fundamentals and teaching them the system.
The Fearless Networker: Andrea, how many people have you personally enrolled or sponsored into your company?
Andrea Gebhardt: I have personally enrolled 44 people and currently have 7,000 people in my organization.
The Fearless Networker: Where have you found your biggest success in recruiting new people into your organization?
Andrea Gebhardt: This is a relationship based business. The quality of relationships that you have with people will determine their choice to support you. So for me, it has been all about building new relationships and strengthening old relationships. Everyday I make it a focus to reach out and connect with at least two people. I find out what their needs are and then help out by offering them one of my products that serve as a solution. I call this strategy “Reach Out, Find Out, Help Out!”.
The Fearless Networker: This profession IS all about relationships. When it comes to team building, what have been some of the most effective actions you’ve taken to strengthen and grow?
Andrea Gebhardt: Effective and meaningful communication is key. We utilize team pages to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate success. We participate in conference calls and webinars to teach business building strategies and techniques as well as the integral parts of the system. We also utilize leadership calls to provide personal and professional development to our emerging leaders.
The Fearless Networker: Do you have any suggestions for people to ensure that they make Network Marketing a lasting and successful business to pursue for a lifetime?
Andrea Gebhardt: Just like any thing in life, when you want to be successful you need to be consistent in your efforts. Don’t do it sometimes, do it at all times. Keep it simple, don’t over complicate it. Find something you're passionate about and make your mission about helping others using it as your vehicle.
The Fearless Networker: Andrea, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received that’s served you well in this profession?
Andrea Gebhardt: Focus on helping others accomplish and achieve their goals and yours will be reached. Keep your focus on the people, not the rank, not the check, not the status…the people.
The Fearless Networker: Tell me, what's your favorite business book of all time?
Andrea Gebhardt: This is a tough one. There are so many out there that are incredible! If I had to choose ONE it would be the one that I most often refer to and talk about with others, John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership. Not any one person can build a successful business on their own. You have to build your people and they will build the business. But, in order to grow others you have grow yourself.
“Focus on helping others accomplish and achieve their goals and yours will be reached.” Andrea Gebhardt
The Fearless Networker: If you could share anything that would massively impact the people reading this, what would you say?
Andrea Gebhardt: Never settle for the life you are living. You and your family deserve more and YOU have to be the one to decide to go after it. You weren’t given dreams, hopes and desires to just think about them. You were given dreams, hopes, and desires to FULFILL them and this industry will help you to do just that.
The Fearless Networker: Great words of wisdom! Thanks so much for your time today and sharing your story.
