Monday, August 10, 2015

What I'm Not Selling...And Why

For the last few months, more than a few friends have approached me with a solution to my work situation, and it always involves selling something.  Usually something they already sell.  I’ve dodged a lot of these emails because I can't figure out how to be tactful, and I feel like I need to put my thoughts out into the universe…in case anyone wants to know.  This is why I have chosen not to go the network marketing route.

First, I don’t think God is calling me in this direction.  It certainly appears that many of my friends have found a great solution in network marketing, but I also believe that God gives us peace when we are pursuing his leading.  Every time I think about taking the plunge with a particular product, I am decidedly uneasy.  Also, I have limited time and resources at this stage in my life, and I have to use them in a way that matters.  In my case, I feel strongly that God wants me to be writing.  That might not be a book or a newspaper column, but he’s given me a love for words and I feel him drawing me to that.  Anything else I take on will just be a diversion from my true work.

Second, I currently make up a sizeable chunk of our income each month, and I can’t just give that up based on sales that may or may not happen.  Many of these products are subject to consumer trends that ebb and flow dramatically.  What is hot this month might not be in six.  It simply isn’t prudent to leave a job we depend on for one that may or may not pay the bills next month.

Third, many of the products are things I simply don’t use.  I’ve spent a lot of time paring down our budget and figuring out ways to do things myself and save money; I’m not going to add an expensive product if I can do the same thing myself for a fraction of the price.  And even the ones that I do use and like might not be things my friends like.  Which brings me to my last point:

My friends are more important than a product.  I have plenty of friends who do network marketing well, and I never feel pressured to buy from them.  I don’t mind seeing memes on Facebook, and I always reach out when I need a product.  Younique mascara is legitimately the bomb.  I really do like several essential oils.  Thirty-One could be a problem if I let it.  But I don’t want my friends to recoil every time they see a message from me.  I want them to know that I care about them regardless of whether they buy my crap.  


I don’t want it to seem like I’m being picky…like I only want to stay home with my kids if I get the right offer.  I’m not.  I just want to make sure that I’m running after the things God has for me, and not every other breaking wave.  And if you hear of any writing opportunities, please send those my way.  

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