Hello, ntwrkrs! It brings me immense joy to be here with you on these pages. I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to share my story with you, because in this world of Network Marketing, stories like mine—and soon, yours—take flight and soar. Together, let’s embark on an exploration of vision casting and legacy creation that will inspire generations. So, grab a pen and paper, find a cozy spot, and join me on this journey!

In Network Marketing, we often hear about the glory but rarely understand the full story. In this chapter, I’ll share a bit of my own tale, taking you all the way back to the humble, initial chapter of my life. I hail from a bustling household of seven children, where I stood as the sixth sibling. Life threw its curveballs early on, starting with my once-successful father’s sudden illness, which then plunged my family into financial instability. This forced me and my siblings to mature quickly, instilling in me the value of hard work from a tender age.  

By twelve, I was working to meet my basic needs, and by fourteen, I was purchasing my own clothes. Then, tragedy struck again at age fifteen when I lost my little sister in a car accident. Unfortunately, the following year, my boyfriend, the basketball team captain, became a quadriplegic as the result of a similar wreck. 

These hardships filled me with sorrow and pain, prompting an instantaneous shift within me. I became laser-focused on changing my circumstances. This unwavering determination propelled me to graduate high school at sixteen and subsequently pursue college, standing independent and financially self-sufficient. 

Yet, the challenges persisted. My journey has been marked by many personal losses, from my daughter’s battle with cancer to surviving a near-fatal car accident myself. These trials brought me to my knees, teaching me resilience and the harsh realities of life. Through it all, one lesson resonated deeply: to play the hand I was dealt, no matter the cards.

I firmly believe that while fate gives us the cards, it’s our destiny to play them wisely. It’s about taking 100% responsibility for our lives, forgiving our pasts, and charging forward with a mission. When you do, the world makes way for you. Opportunities and circumstances align, and before you know it, you’re on the path to greatness.

And friends, this belief has catapulted me to heights I once only dreamed of! Today, I’m writing this chapter as a seven-figure yearly earner in Network Marketing, having spoken on the biggest stages in this profession about my passion: empowering young women to shatter glass ceilings instead of fitting into glass slippers. I’ve built not only a thriving business, but a lasting family legacy as well: I’ve raised four children who are now amazing adults, and I’m a grandmother to thirteen wonderful grandchildren.

My career in direct sales began when I was a young mother, barely twenty years old, living in a forty-foot travel trailer. This journey from imagining just earning $300 a month to now making millions more has been incredible. So, you might be wondering, how did I do it? I did it in the same way you can: by making a steadfast decision and acting on it. And now that I have a business that spans thirty-three countries and a beautiful family by my side, I’m here to share the principles that guided me to where I am today.

Are you ready to take this transformative journey with me? We’ll dive into five key principles that not only shaped my path but can also propel yours. From envisioning your success to living in the present while aiming for the future, each principle is a stepping stone to your success. Let’s explore how you can reach your destination, one visionary step at a time!

See It First

Let’s start with a fundamental truth: to achieve your goals, your mind must arrive at the destination long before your body does. Remember this: nothing significant is ever accomplished without first planting the seed of that accomplishment in your mind. I’ve come to understand, with every fiber of my being, that visualization is key. Imagine the complete environment of your success. The sounds, the smells, the people around you, and even what you’re wearing. This vivid vision is your first step towards a life of achievement.

I’ve learned that the universe molds itself to the thoughts that we empower with our deepest convictions. When you align your heart and mind with unyielding passion and action, the universe conspires to turn your visions into reality! And I have personal proof that this works.

A few years ago, while starting out with my current company, I experienced a moment of unexpected clarity. On a strenuous run, struggling up a steep hill near my home, I envisioned myself crossing the stage as a new Diamond rank at the company. I felt the embrace of the founder, whom I deeply admire, and the warmth of other leaders whose lives and transformations I’d observed from afar. This vision was so vivid, so tangible, and so emotional that it brought me to tears. Yet, at that moment, I was just Deni, positioned at one of the lowest ranks in the company. But that powerful vision was the motivating force I needed. Within that same year, the scene I had envisioned became my reality.

However, to be able to reach that far without falling down, I had to balance the vision with the understanding of where I actually stood at that moment. So, I encourage you to embark on this journey of discovery. Identify what keeps you awake at night, the dreams that roll around in your head, or the aspirations that surface during your daydreams. Understand whether you are running from a nightmare or towards a dream. This insight will be the catalyst for the rest of your journey! Here are your action steps:

1. Identify your vision. What is that compelling dream for you? What are those aspirations that constantly occupy your thoughts?

2. Embrace the feelings. Make your vision so precise, real, and vivid that you begin to feel the associated emotions even before your dream materializes.

3. Balance vision and reality. While keeping your eyes fixed on your vision, remain grounded in your current reality, understanding where you stand today.

As we delve deeper into these principles, remember that your journey to success begins with a vision so clear that you can almost reach out and touch it. You really can mold your thoughts to shape your future!

Do This, Get That

In Network Marketing, the axiom “do this, get that” represents a powerful truth: each specific action yields a corresponding reward. This principle underscores the direct link between our efforts and the outcomes we achieve, whether they’re tangible rewards or personal growth.

At the age of nineteen, my foray into Network Marketing started with a Tupperware party, marking the beginning of a transformative career. The concept they were offering was simple yet compelling: host parties, make money, and earn rewards. Intrigued, I dived in headfirst. The result? Within just three months, not only did I earn more money than I ever had, but I also earned my first company car. I was convinced, and I adopted “do this, get that” as my mantra for achieving all my aspirations in life.

However, the journey wasn’t always straightforward. My career in this profession has been a series of beginnings and start-overs. Relocating to new cities meant leaving behind established networks and starting fresh. Each time, I applied the “three-foot rule,” which meant that I would engage with anyone within a three-foot radius. This consistent effort in networking was a practical application of the “do this, get that” principle—every time I talked to people in my three-foot radius, I got new customers, which translated into the growth and success of my business in each new location.

Later in my career, I noticed the budding of a strong personal desire: renovating the kitchen in our first house. My husband agreed to the renovation but left the financial aspect to me. I knew that if I wanted that kitchen badly enough, I was going to have to find the money! Applying the “do this, get that” principle, I calculated what was needed to fund this project. I calculated how many more parties I would need to have, and how many people I needed to recruit. And with the goal in mind, the effort I put in led to the realization of my dream kitchen.

Still, that was just a one-off project, and I had bigger plans than just a kitchen! A more significant goal I had for my family was to be able to retire my husband from his successful thirty-year career as a CPA with a master’s degree. Through consistent and focused effort in scaling my business, I created enough financial stability for both of us, allowing him to retire and join me in the journey of Network Marketing. It was a testament to the power of “do this, get that,” as my efforts in the business provided us with the freedom and lifestyle we desired: traveling the world together, visiting places I’d only imagined, and supporting the teams and newfound friends our business has brought us.

Here are the action steps you can take to implement a “do this, get that” mindset in your business:

1. Visualize your desired outcome. That’s right, we’re talking about visualization again! This exercise is key in so many of these principles. Begin by envisioning the reward you aim to achieve through your efforts in Network Marketing.

2. Set specific, achievable goals. Outline the actions needed to reach your desired reward. Make these goals specific and achievable.

3. Implement consistent actions. Consistently apply the steps necessary to achieve your goals. Remember, every action should bring you closer to your desired outcome.

4. Track and adjust your approach. Regularly review your progress and be prepared to adjust your strategies as needed to stay on course towards your goals. Remember: plan, do, review, and implement action.

I believe that the “do this, get that” principle is a roadmap to success in Network Marketing. It represents the direct connection between effort and reward. By understanding and applying this principle through focused actions, you can turn your aspirations into achievements, whether it’s paying bills, earning a new car, renovating a home, or achieving financial freedom! Embrace this principle, and let it guide you to the success you envision.

Look Forward, Not Backward

The principle of “forward, not back” in Network Marketing and life is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future. It’s an acknowledgment that while we cannot change what has occurred, we wield complete control over our next steps! The journey forward entails expanding our horizons, establishing new goals, and crafting a life centered around our true priorities.

Reflecting on my upbringing, financial scarcity loomed large in my childhood home after my father fell ill. I remember him drawing the outline of my feet on paper and taking it to a bargain store to buy me shoes. Once a year, I’d get a closed-toed pair for winter and a pair of sandals for the summer. We had a saying at home: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” And even though I now have more resources than I’d ever imagined and can buy anything I desire, I still have a sign in my house that displays that very phrase.

Later, when I was in junior high, my father took me to Kmart to buy new school clothes. Until then, I had never been to a mall or a department store, so this was very exciting for me! I had so much fun trying on all of the cute clothes! I went and found my parents to tell them about all the outfits I was going to buy, but my father told me that I only had twenty dollars to spend. That’s right—twenty dollars, for an entirely new school wardrobe! At that moment, I realized I was going to have to become financially independent. The experience, while certainly humbling, was incredibly valuable because it fueled my desire to create a future where I could afford the things I wanted.

It also helped that even though we didn’t have a lot, my father instilled in me that I could be, do, and have anything I wanted if I was willing to work for it. This was so empowering to me as a young person, and it became my driving force. Despite coming from a small town with limited exposure to big thinkers or affluent lifestyles, I refused to let my past dictate my future! This belief propelled me through the toughest days and the biggest challenges, reminding me that my imagination and dreams were the keys to building the future I desired.

Here are steps to ensure you’re looking forward, not backward:

1. Make peace with your past. Acknowledge your history without letting it hold you back. Every experience, good or bad, has contributed to who you are today. Never curse the journey.

2. Create a vision board. Visualize your future goals. Put them on a vision board and use it as a daily reminder of what you’re working towards. Look at them daily.

3. Stay focused on your goals. Like a racehorse with blinders, keep your focus straight ahead. Don’t get distracted by obstacles or detours; stay committed to your path. Focus on the step in front of you rather than the whole staircase!

4. Seek inspiration from others. Look for evidence in your network and beyond that others have overcome their pasts. Draw inspiration from their stories of triumph over adversity.

5. Write your own story. Actively shape your future. Don’t let your past circumstances limit your potential. Remember, interesting lives are often forged through challenges and friction.

In life, as well as in Network Marketing, recognizing that your past does not define your future is critical! You have the power to turn doubts into determination and dreams into reality. By focusing forward, making peace with your past, and taking inspired action, you can create a future that far exceeds the limitations of your past experiences. Your journey forward is an opportunity to redefine your life on your own terms.

Do What You Can

“Do what you can” is all about the power of taking action within your current capabilities while keeping your ultimate vision at the forefront of everything you do. It’s about recognizing that your current scope of vision, no matter how limited, is the starting point for a journey that can lead to greater horizons. This principle teaches us that progress, not perfection, is the key to success.

In my early days in Network Marketing, it was challenging as I tried to balance motherhood and career. It was heart-wrenching to leave four young children at home, sometimes with tears in their eyes, latched onto my leg begging me not to leave. I remember the nights I stopped at gas stations to change into my work attire or express milk for my baby, questioning if the sacrifices were worth it. Now, looking back, I’m immensely grateful to my younger self for her tenacity and vision, because it laid the foundation for the life I have today.

I know so many mothers who have dealt with similar challenges. Debbie, a member of my team, faced her own set of obstacles as a single mother on the brink of losing her home. Clearly, she had very little time to spare, but she knew that she could come to her own rescue if she did what she could with diligence and consistency! With only twenty minutes a day to focus on her business, she prepared for that small window of time and worked diligently, making calls and setting up meetings. 

You can probably guess what happened: her dedication and efficient use of limited time turned her life around after just a few months, saving her home and eventually leading her to a six-figure income—and then to becoming a multimillionaire. Her story is a powerful example of doing what you can with what you have! So, if you’re wondering how to “do what you can” in your own life, here are some action steps:

1. Start where you are. Begin your journey with whatever resources and time you have available. Your starting point does not define your potential.

2. Prepare and plan. Be like Debbie and get prepared! Set yourself up for success by planning your actions and knowing your goals. Organize your tasks and time efficiently.

3. Set non-negotiables. Determine your non-negotiable activities and stick to them. Decide how many hours you’ll work, and how many people you’ll reach out to, then follow up consistently.

4. Persist despite rejections. Remember, rejections are not failures; they are steps towards success. Keep moving forward regardless of the number of ‘no’s’ you encounter.

5. Be the CEO of your life. Run your life and your business with the mindset of a CEO. Understand that bad days are part of the journey, but they do not define your path. Allow yourself to reset and start afresh when needed. Remember, no matter what happens, you’re the boss!

The principle of “do what you can” is about embracing your current situation and using it as a springboard for future success. It’s about understanding that your vision can and will expand as you progress. By preparing, planning, and persisting, you transform challenges into stepping stones for success. Remember, the discomfort you face today will be the currency for the dreams you’re building for tomorrow!

Stay In The Here And Now

The “here and now” principle emphasizes operating in the present while keeping an eye on the future. It’s about recognizing that vision and imagination, while powerful, need to be grounded in daily actions. It might be easier to daydream and think of what could be, but mastering the mundane and small tasks that collectively move the needle in your business is what ultimately paves the path to success. 

Early on, one of the skills I learned was the ability to zoom out to see the big picture and then zoom right back in on the minutiae of daily tasks. Remember that four-mile run I wrote about earlier, where I had the vision of walking across the stage? Well, after lingering in that amazing moment, I snapped back to my reality. It was clear that there was a significant distance in between where I was in my life that day—and where I wanted to be. 

I started by mastering and scaling a lower rank before moving up the ladder. This approach was not about chasing shiny objects but building a consistent and stable business. So, if you find yourself unable to get out of the clouds and into the mundane daily tasks that will move your business forward, here are some action steps to get you into a place of progress:

1. Focus on the present. Identify the tasks that need to be done today. Operate in the present, taking steps that align with your future vision.

2. Master the basics. Become brilliant at the basics. Know exactly what you need to do daily and teach these skills to your team.

3. Schedule and commit. Every successful person you see in this field started the same way: with a starter kit and the willingness to reach out to people. They didn’t open the box and find customers inside! Just like they did, you need to commit to the process. Schedule your tasks, and don’t leave details to chance. Remember to be prepared to work regardless of the circumstances.

4. Overcome fear of rejection. Accept that rejection is part of the process. Look for people who resonate with your vision and are eager for change, and don’t worry about the rest. I never let anyone’s 5-second ‘no’ steal my joy or my vision for myself.

5. Plan for consistent growth. Understand your next achievable rank and what it requires in terms of team size and volume. Commit to this plan with consistency—marry high conviction with high activity.

Embracing the “here and now” is crucial for success in Network Marketing. It involves balancing your long-term vision with the actions you take today. By mastering mundane tasks, focusing on the present, and scheduling your efforts, you lay the foundation for future success. Remember, every big achievement is a sum of small, consistent actions. Keep your eye on the future but let your actions in the present lead the way.

As we near the end of the chapter, I want to emphasize that this journey through Network Marketing is as much about personal transformation as it is about professional success.

Are you ready to transform any doubts you may have harbored at the beginning into the determination to change your life today? Remember, the power to decide your future lies within you, not in your past, not in your circumstances, nor in the voices of naysayers. Your vision should be so profound that obstacles become mere stepping stones on your path to success. As Henry Ford stated, obstacles are what appear when we lose sight of our goals. Keep your focus sharp and unwavering.

Embrace the realization that the true outcome of this journey is not just income; it’s about what you overcome and who you become in the process. The stories and experiences shared in this book are testaments to the fact that success is achievable. They are a reminder that through overcoming, you become a stronger, more capable version of yourself.

Recognize that there’s a time for sowing and a time for reaping, and they do not occur simultaneously. Patience and continuous effort are key. Your journey in Network Marketing is about planting seeds, nurturing them, and then enjoying the harvest. 

This profession presents an opportunity for all people. It offers a home for everyone, regardless of their background or current skill set. It’s about changing lives with products, earning through rewarding compensation plans, and growing personally and professionally. You now know about this incredible opportunity, so take it, share it, and make a difference boldly.      

All of us have had the experience of looking back to a time when our younger self did something that we are now very thankful for. We look back at those moments and understand that if we hadn’t walked out the door, if we hadn’t made that one phone call, if we hadn’t made a promise to ourselves and kept it—our lives would be very different. So ask yourself: what can you leverage, or decide to cut from your life, that your future self will be thankful for one day? 

As you step forward, remember that your success is limited only by your belief in yourself. I believe in you and in the effort you’re willing to put forth. Go out and create a legacy that will rock the world. When you achieve your goals, know that I, along with many others, will be cheering for you! Until our paths cross again, I wish you all the success you deserve and believe you can achieve. You can do this!

Remember: Some people succeed because they are destined to…but most people succeed because they are DETERMINED to! See you soon, ntwrkrs!