How to Not Suck at Network Marketing: Lessons from My 35-Year Journey

Network marketing is a profession like no other, filled with both unique challenges and incredible opportunities. After over 35 years in this profession, I've learned countless lessons—many the hard way. If you're struggling in network marketing or just want to improve, I'm sharing my journey to help you avoid some of the pitfalls and reach success faster.  I rarely go into detail like in this post…so pay attention to the lessons within the stories. 

Getting Started in Network Marketing

When I first got into network marketing, I didn’t have a clue about what I was doing. I had never even heard of network marketing before getting introduced to it for the first time.  Like many, I had big dreams but zero skills or know how.. Early on, I learned that network marketing success doesn’t come overnight. My first years were filled with trial and error, and honestly, a lot of it sucked. There were moments when I thought about giving up, but I kept pushing, determined to crack the code to success in network marketing.

Early Struggles and Missteps

In the beginning, I made nearly every mistake you can imagine. One of the first big lessons I learned was the importance of relationship building—something that no one seemed to talk about back then. Network marketing isn’t about making a quick sale; it’s about creating lasting connections.

If you're just getting started, let me save you some frustration: this profession rewards consistency and the right mindset, not shortcuts or hard sells. I wish I’d known that sooner.

The Breakthroughs That Changed Everything

One of my biggest breakthroughs was learning how to build trust and credibility in my network. When I shifted from trying to convince people to buy or join to genuinely helping them understand the benefits, things started to change. I began focusing on providing value first, without expecting anything in return. This shift brought real growth—not just in my business but in my reputation as a trusted network marketer.

The Power of Persistence and Adaptation

If there’s one lesson from my 35-year journey I can’t stress enough, it’s persistence. This isn’t just a job; it’s a long-term commitment. When I began to adapt to changes in the industry—embracing new strategies, evolving with technology, and continually learning—my business and skills improved dramatically.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that network marketing success comes to those who stay adaptable, don’t shy away from challenges, and are willing to put in the work.

My Advice for Those Who Want to Succeed

1. Stay Consistent – Consistency in your actions, outreach, and follow-up is crucial. It’s not enough to try hard for a few days; you need to show up every day.
2. Build Relationships First – The best network marketers are those who focus on relationship building over sales. People buy from those they trust, so be genuine, patient, and focused on helping others.
3. Keep Learning – This profession constantly evolves, and so should you. Don’t get stuck in your ways; stay curious and open to new ideas.
4. Don’t Fear Failure – Failures are stepping stones. Each misstep will teach you something valuable. Learn from them and keep moving forward.
5. Focus on Value – When you shift your approach from ‘selling’ to ‘serving,’ you’ll notice an incredible difference in how people respond.

Wrapping Up

My journey in network marketing has had its fair share of highs and lows, but if there’s one takeaway I hope you remember, it’s that network marketing success is possible when you commit to growing yourself and helping others.

The road to success isn’t always glamorous, but it’s worth every challenge. I hope sharing my 35-year journey will help you sidestep some common struggles and get closer to building the network marketing business of your dreams. Remember, you don’t have to suck at network marketing. With the right mindset and consistent action, you can thrive in this profession and create the life you want.

Stay persistent, keep learning, and focus on building relationships—the rest will follow.