Hey friends!
You know that moment, when your walking through the mall, minding your own business, and all the sudden in your peripheral vision you see a person beginning to approach you from a kiosk. You try to avoid eye contact and pick up the pace of your step, in an attempt to visually convey the fact that you are not interested in whatever the hell they’re about to ambush you with?
“Free sample?” they blurt as you pass, holding out an object to lure you into a sales pitch. Ugh, that’s the worst, right? Talk about pressure. I mean, you aren’t interested in what they are selling, but you don’t want to feel like a jerk by rejecting them either. It’s a tough spot to be in, when all you wanted was a pretzel and some new shoes.
Sometimes, it can feel like this exact same scenario plays out on a place most of us spend a lot of time — Facebook.
There you are, scrolling along, minding your own business when all the sudden, you get a message in your inbox.
It’s from someone trying to sell you something. Be it directly or inadvertently, their mission is the same, to get you to purchase their product.Â
Unsure of what I’m talking about? Here’s a few examples:
Now, I have seen many people ranting on Facebook about this issue, understandably. I can understand the frustration of having your inbox look like this (this isn’t even the half of it).  If you aren’t interested, you aren’t interested – I get it, I really do. But the thing is, each of these people was unaware that the others had done the same thing. How could they know?
I feel the need to make a few quick points about this situation.  Not to change peoples minds, but instead to make them think twice before lashing out against those who are trying to grow their business. Here are some things I think about when responding to the influx of messages I receive.
They are supporting a family. Lularoe, ItWorks, Thrive, LipSense, Nerium, Isagenix, Limelight, Plunder and Paprazzi Accessories – just to name a few – are companies that allow people to generate extra income for their families – from home.
One of the toughest things that a mother (especially of a newborn) has to do is return to work after giving birth to a child. It’s heartbreaking for a mom to have to leave her heart at home and walk out the door without it, I know from experience.
These companies allow mothers to spend more time at home with their children, while still managing to generate much needed income for their family. They are able to use social media – the most easily accessible form of networking – to get their product out there and into the hands of the consumers quickly and easily.
Side-Hustle. Some of the people who sell these products aren’t always mothers. This day in age it seems oftentimes the middle class (like myself) are working SO HARD to move forward and make ends meet, but we often find ourselves running in place and getting nowhere, living paycheck to paycheck.
Some people have decided to take it upon themselves to do something about it. They have started their own business and are working furiously day and night to get their product out into the world, in exchange for a small profit which they can use toward a down payment on a home, or groceries or car payments. They aren’t doing it just for fun – it’s their livelihood.
Believe it or not, they don’t want to stalk you. I don’t personally sell anything, but I am close to many people who do. After numerous conversations with some of them I can tell you, that they don’t want to bug you about their stuff. They really don’t.
They don’t wake up in the morning and say “Oh man, I can’t wait to see how many people I can piss off and annoy today, it’s gonna be great!”
It goes more something like this: “Rent is due in 2 days and despite the fact that my husband has been busting his ass at work this week, it’s still gonna be tight. If I can sell a couple ( insert product here) today it will help tremendously”.
OR,
“Oh my gosh I can’t believe how good I am feeling and how much energy I have because of this (insert product here). I really need to tell my friends about it so they can feel this good too!”
It takes a lot of balls, tenacity and motivation to put yourself and your business out there,  facing the risk of being ridiculed and rejected. But they continue to do it because they are passionate about it, and that deserves praise. You don’t have to buy it, you can tell them you aren’t interested, hell you can even unfollow them – but bear in mind that their goal isn’t to lose a friend, it’s to do whatever they can to raise awareness about what they’re selling.
They believe in the product. Listen, if someone dedicates their life to a company or product, and spends countless hours purchasing, organizing, promoting, invoicing and networking – it’s not because they think the product sucks and doesn’t work. They wouldn’t give so much of themselves, if they didn’t truly believe in their heart that what they are selling is quality and will be enjoyed by the consumers.
I personally get genuine enjoyment from supporting my friends in their business ventures. I would rather make purchases from people I love, knowing exactly where my money is going. as oppose to a big box retailer who’s CEO is currently parking his private jet in the backyard of his mansion and has no clue I even exist.
I applaud anyone who busts their ass to do something positive for their loved ones, who doesn’t rely on others to support them and does whatever they can to build a successful future.
I understand the frustration these sales pitches may cause some of you, and to be honest I think there are a few people out there who go overboard, and give the rest of them a bad name. Don’t let a few bad apples spoil the bunch.
I sincerely hope that you will take all of these things into consideration the next time someone approaches you about something. If you aren’t interested, let them know. You don’t have to be a jerkface about it. A simple “No thank you” will suffice.
And for you business owners out there, if someone does say “No thank you”, leave it at that. No need to question their decision or try to convince them – that’s when you cross over into the stalker category, people.
If you sell a product I would love for you to leave a link to your business in the comments. I think you are wonderful for doing what you do and I will always support you. Not always financially though, my husband is getting tired of my shit….
Fantastic! Kudos to you, yet again, speaking the T R U T H all while supporting all of us! I just absolutely love you, your heart and insight.
*Now, if you’re ready for those samples…lol, jk. ?
Hahahahahahahahah!!! Thank you!
No business, just a “love that blog post title” and content! X
Thank you ?
??? Thank you for this!!! I try to share and educate people about Pruvit Keto drinks because they have changed my life! I never try to push it on people! If they say no thanks, then I move on! I’m a full time stay at home Mommy and money is tight. Daycare is super expensive and this is what we have to do to survive! I appreciate this well written article a lot! Just like all your other articles! Keep up the good work Mama!
Yay you’re welcome. You rock! I shared this on FB, feel free to post about what you do in the comments there!
You are awesome! Thank you for supporting EVERYONE! We all have our separate and individual goals but I think the one thing we all have in common is to love and support our families.
Here’s my Lularoe link…..and I can’t wait to see everyone else’s links.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShopLLRCJ/
Yay! I think of you Everytime I wear my beautiful Irma! You have fun with what you do and it shows. Thank you for putting your link!
bootstraps look like Silpada jewelry or energy drink powder sometimes! We’re all just trying our best out here on the mortal coil… I like supporting folks whenever I can
Or great. I just googled Silpada jewelry. The last thing I need is another obsession ?.
I mean *oh great. Lol.
Thanks Tiffany. If anyone is interested in Doterra Essential Oils you can get them here! http://mydoterra.com/wendydavis11
Ohhhh I might have to investigate this! Thanks Wendy!! ?
http://Www.Facebook.com/groups/perfectpoutswithparis/
LIPSENSE DISTRIBUTOR ?
This is such a great post! Thanks for writing it! ?I am an independent consultant for Norwex, a company on a mission to help people clean their homes without the harsh effects of commercial cleaners. If you want to know more, my website is http://brandidodson.norwex.biz
Thank you!!!!!
http://www.lipsyouluv.com
This article is an awesome point of view from a buyer’s perspective and yet, touches on the inner thoughts of many of us trying to sell a product which I, personally, truly believe in. I would like to share it on my FB Group page. You rock, Tiffany.
Awesome thanks for your link! My sister sells lipsense and im obsessed!
Hey guys!
Im an It Works! distributor and i seriously love these products. The greens…. are life. Literally give my tired body life after waking with the baby all night and chasing the almost 4 year old around.
Plus the stress reliever Confianza… im so pumped to try it!
My website is www ccool itworks com (replace space with period) and id love for you to reach out! ????
Awesome thanks for sharing! Xo
Thank you for this!! I totally agree with all of it! ?? Network marketing is doing amazing things for people allowing them to work from home and have time freedom! But it can be hard and a huge hit to your ego when you get ignored or worse when someone tears you down about it. I am a plexus ambassador and I love what the products have done for me! It’s truly a health system and I’ve gained my life back and my kids have their mom back and for that I will be forever grateful! I left my job to work from home for this company BUT my biggest fear in reaching out to people is that they will think I’m sharing JUST for money! I truly care and have seen some amazing things happen with these products and just want to share in case someone is silently suffering and could benifit from what I’ve found!
Of course the income is amazing and helps to support my family, but like you said it’s not like we sit there and think “ohhhh I can’t wait to bug so and so today” it’s more along the lines of “I hope I don’t bother anyone, I don’t want to be the salesman type, but this person was posting about x problem maybe I should ask if she wants to hear my story.”
I believe there is a right way and a wrong way to do network marketing and it’s truly about friendships NOT sales! Be genuine Be YOU and make sure what you promote is something you truly believe in! Don’t just sale stuff, be a good person and remember what it’s like to be on the other side don’t pester people and don’t shut out friends because they don’t buy from you! They were your friends before and what you have may not be something they are into. If they aren’t interested you can always ask for their support in other ways ??
Thanks for posting this! I just scrolled upon your Facebook page and you are the best!! Got sucked into some of your videos and was laughing so hard! I was like omg this is my life!
And just because you said to post our link here is mine http://www.drinkpinklivehealthy.com but I prefer to talk to people before they order to be more personal and help to choose the right options for their specific health goals so you can find me on Facebook as well ??
Girl, I’ve noticed you rocking that LuLaRoe in your videos and knew you must be a fellow addict. ? I know you already have your LuLa lady, but I’ll drop my link here anyway. ?https://www.facebook.com/groups/lularoevickywasser
Yay! Thank you 🙂
Thank you for this post!! I’m new to direct sales and that is exactly how I feel!
I don’t want to bother anyone and I absolutely LOVE my products I just get so excited I want to share!
http://Www.pureromance.com/kerimcqueeney
Best post I’ve seen about this topic! I love your blog and also love supporting fellow entrepreneurs!! Loving a product is #1, so why not share that love? I personally love a good Manicure that’s easy and safe, sharing the products and having fun! If pretty nails is something you enjoy, feel free to browse the website and ask me any questions?.
You can also request some gorgeous #nailmai here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctf9zyzjZ3pqTYgFwJIm9CsldHZMLIUQBk4MYQTe8d7WAxBA/viewform?c=0&w=1
Katieherts.jamberry.com
I love your blog! I discovered your work in the last 24 hours and read all of your recent series last night. (Thanks, now I’m exhausted!) You nailed this right on the head, especially the part about middle class running in place trying to hustle our way ahead. My side-hustle of late is SeneGence, the makers of LipSense the long-lasting, patented liquid lip color. I have a sales group I host on FB and I’d love any and all to join! http://www.Facebook.com/groups/TwoLipsandKisses and my IG goes by the same name, instagram.com/Twolipsandkisses
Thanks for doing this!
I am catching up on all your chapters of “life “. I just grind my teeth when I get these messages and think “no-no-no, that’s not how this goes!” Then send them their message back inserting my product!
I sell Candels made from soy wax with a cotton wick
(No ashy mess) . No chemicals?No dyes! Ours are frangranced with essential oils & are kosher certified!
http://www.carlascountrycandles.com
I don’t mind helping someone work on their sales pitch as long as we both are clear that I’m on a tight budget too that really doesn’t make room for leggings, lipstick, or bath bombs. My issue comes in the form of the random acquaintance from the stone ages requesting a facebook connection in order to sell me something – it’s like a door to door sales person who keeps using your name and asking about your kids as a distraction to get their foot in the door.
The other thing I hate is when someone I’ve considered a friend suddenly picks up one of these things and stops looking at me like a friend and starts seeing me as a customer. I told a long time friend that I don’t wear makeup and wouldn’t be buying any Mary Kay from her and that was the last I’ve ever heard from
her. Well, not the last time… I did hear from her again when she started selling something else.
So, I’m late to the game, but I am loving your posts, especially this one… and the lastest one with the charcoal toothpaste. ??? I’m dead.
Anywho, thanks for the support with our businesses! We don’t want to stalk you! We just think our products rock! 🙂 And have you looked into EO’s yet? Cuz they are the bomb. ?
Thank you for writing this and making me feel less like a creep. I’ve worked since I was 15 and just recently became a stay at home mom. With another baby on the way and a husband who has to commute to another state for work, I decided to try selling a product I use daily and love – DoTERRA Essential Oils. I truly love them and want so badly go shard them with people I care about but always feel a bit like a weird essential oil lady who yells, “I have an oil for that!” Anyways, I’m going to keep hustling cuz girlfriend has bills to pay! Plus, I really do have an oil for that….
Here’s a link to my site: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/stephaniewhiteley
Hey I have been reading your past blogs and stumbled upon this one.
I never try to push my business on anyone as I find it rude too.
I do want to leave my link for Thirty-One Gifts ?
http://www.mythirtyone.com/acathcart
Also I read the blog about needing to organize your house(wink* wink* ??)
Thank you! When I started selling Tupperware I was terrified of how people would look at me. But getting to stay home with my son, take care of our house and still make a pay check is beyond a blessing. Thank you for always seeing all the sides! You’re amazing!
beckgipson.my.tupperware.com
I make quilts and other nifty stuff. I love your page and always look forward to new posts ?