Hi there, ntwrkrs! Greetings from the beautiful city of Kamloops in British Columbia, Canada, where the rivers and mountains meet! I’m absolutely thrilled to have you with me on these pages, because my heart beats to empower women entrepreneurs. The opportunity to be in this book is one I don’t take lightly, and I’m going all in to impart to you the best ways to cultivate joyful, supportive communities and craft a life-by-design that you adore, all through the power of culture and connection.

But first, a bit about me! My journey into entrepreneurship through Network Marketing was anything but ordinary. Picture this: a bustling business woman with not one, not two, but three traditional storefront businesses. Yes, you heard that right—I was the proud owner of a Sears store, a clothing boutique, and a grocery store alongside my ex-husband. Running retail businesses wasn’t just a job for me; it was a passion, and taught me a ton about entrepreneurship.

However, the joy of motherhood brought curveballs and complexity into my life, as it often does. With three boys arriving within five years, the joy of new parenthood brought with it a new longing—I didn’t want a daycare to raise my boys, or to miss all the important moments in their lives. They say you only have eighteen summers with your kids, and that weighed on me! After all, rushing out the door every morning and dropping my boys off with someone else wasn’t what I pictured when I became a mom.

It was during one such morning, amidst the chaos of untied shoelaces and running-out-the-door breakfasts, that I found myself at a crossroads. I’d dropped the boys off at school and daycare and called a friend to commiserate on the craziness of working mom life, but she wasn’t in so much of a commiserating mood. Instead, she was having coffee in her bathrobe with her husband, out on their deck. At 10am on a weekday!

She’d gotten into Network Marketing about a year earlier, and there she had mentioned it to me several times as a possible solution to my work/life balance woes. But I’d always shot it down, thinking that Network Marketing was below me. However, the contrast between her leisurely morning and my frenzied start to the day was stark, and there was no denying that she had it made, and had a better work/family balance, too. It was then that I realized there had to be another way.

And so, my transformation from traditional, brick-and-mortar retail entrepreneur to Network Marketer began. Within six months, I was financially able to go all in, making enough money in my Network Marketing business to hire a store manager. This leap of faith wasn’t just about changing careers; it was about reshaping my entire life. 

The results? Astonishing. I soared to the top of the company my friend brought me into, bid farewell to my traditional business roles, and embarked on a path of designing a life filled with love, passion, and purpose. Since that pivotal day in 2008, my journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster—complete with dizzying highs, challenging lows, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. From speaking on international stages to co-authoring books and achieving a seven-figure income, the adventures have been endless, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

But why share this story with you? Because being a Network Marketer is a test of wills; a battle fought with grit and determination. In this chapter, I’ll share more of my experiences as I lean into the concept of resilience: never, ever quitting, even when those around you are falling down like dominoes.

You’ll discover that unwavering determination is not just a surface trait, but the foundation of success. Refusing to quit, especially on yourself, is the transformative force that will drive you towards your dreams and make you unstoppable. Together, we’ll explore the profound impact of grit in shaping our destinies, and how to design a life of intention and fulfillment. Remember: the only surefire way to fail is to give up! So, if you’re ready to redefine what your life is all about, let’s dive into the heart of what it means to ‘never, ever give up,” even when the going gets tough!

Don’t Quit When Your Family Quits

It’s not uncommon for Network Marketers to share the same story when it comes to the beginning of their journey in this profession: they got excited about starting in this business, bought their starter kits, and shared the news with their families, expecting those closest to them to be their biggest supporters. I, too, believed this as I launched my business, envisioning a rush of excitement coursing through my inner circle. 

Yet, reality painted a different picture, for me and so many others. As it turned out, the most negative voices often came from friends and family. I still hear stories of this today, whether it be a well-meaning family member trying to talk a new recruit out of Network Marketing as a profession, a breakdown in a marriage due to career choices, or friends saying unkind or judgmental things about the industry you’ve chosen.

As I mentioned earlier, my own journey in Network Marketing started in 2007, as a way to retire myself from my brick-and-mortar businesses to be home with my children. During that first year, I worked at the retail shops all day long and then attended parties or meetings at night, sometimes driving an hour each way to get there. My then-husband was supportive because he was excited for the potential benefits of this new business as well.

But as my commitment to the business deepend, so did the rifts in our partnership. My days were a marathon—getting kids ready and off to school in the morning, managing stores during daylight, rushing off to host parties in the evenings, and then coming home to do it all over again the next day. The support I desperately needed from my husband waned, giving way to resentment and a tension that could be felt throughout our home.

Finally, in that weakened state of partnership, my husband chose to step outside our marriage—with a woman who had been a close friend of mine. And just like that, the marriage broke down completely. I was devastated, to say the least. The person I once shared everything with became a stranger, and the life we’d built together unraveled.

The soul-sucking divorce that followed crushed my confidence and left me feeling like I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or successful enough. I fell into the trap of constant comparison, and before long, I began to believe those things about myself. But after I fell down that rabbit hole, so to speak, I learned that it’s the most difficult times in our lives that mold us into the incredible, strong women we were meant to be. I realized that the breakdown of my marriage wasn’t about me or my ambitions—it was about him, and his choices. And I taught myself resilience, self-love, and the spirit of independence. 

This period of my life underscored a vital lesson: the actions and choices of others are reflections of their own journeys, not a verdict on our worth or capabilities. It’s easy to internalize the lack of support or the end of a relationship as personal failures. However, the truth is, our paths are our own, and we must tread them with conviction, regardless of approval or understanding from those we hold dear.

I also learned to face some of my deepest fears. Transitioning to a single mother did not, in fact,  add insurmountable burdens to my shoulders. Instead, I found that the skills, and determination I honed in Network Marketing were powerful allies in my personal life. Through this profession, I achieved true financial independence and raised three boys without a dime of support from my ex-husband. And I don’t say this to brag—it’s simply a testament to what we can achieve when we refuse to let external circumstances or opinions dictate our worth or potential.

So, to anyone facing doubts from those supposed to be their bedrock of support, remember this: your journey is uniquely yours. Don’t let the absence of understanding or the presence of skepticism deter you from your path and your dreams! Hold fast to your vision, because it’s the act of persevering that allows us to uncover our true potential. Forge ahead with the knowledge that you are capable, you are worthy, and above all, you are unstoppable!

Don’t Quit When Your Company Quits

In the world of Network Marketing, aligning with the company of your choice feels like stepping into a dream—the dream of entrepreneurship with the perks of low overhead, marketable products, and comprehensive support. Yet, this dream carries a hidden caveat: the lack of control over the company’s decisions and directions.

Imagine dedicating years to building a business, nurturing relationships, and cultivating a brand, only to have the rug pulled out from under you by the very company you partnered with! Changes in product lines, compensation plans, or even the sudden closure of the company can feel like betrayal, leaving you questioning the foundation you’ve built your dreams upon.

In 2017, I faced such a turning point. After a decade of commitment, with recognition for being in the number one spot,  my company shuttered its doors with little more than a phone call from a lawyer to deliver the news. The devastation was real and it hit my family hard. As a single mother with three boys, a mortgage, and no outside support, the closure wasn’t just a professional setback; it was a personal crisis.

The temptation to succumb to despair was strong. Doubts about the profession and my future within it clouded my thoughts—yet, it was in this moment of uncertainty that the true essence of entrepreneurship shone through: resilience. I told myself I had to pick myself up now, and faced the reality head-on, determined to not only survive but thrive.

I had to remember that even though the company I worked for provided the products and the support, I was my brand. I built that trust and loyalty. I had been in those relationships for ten years! I believed my customers would still choose me, and trust in my choice of a new company. Within days, I was charting a new course and partnering with a new company. This quick pivot wasn’t just about salvaging a career; it was a testament to the power of personal branding and the unbreakable bonds formed through genuine connections.

The journey taught me invaluable lessons about the nature of Network Marketing and the persistent spirit required to navigate its ups and downs: 

1. You are your brand. The essence of your success isn’t tied to a company; it’s rooted in the value you bring to the table. Your personal brand is your most significant asset, carrying weight and influence that transcends company affiliations.

2. Resilience is key. The ability to bounce back, to start from scratch, and to achieve success in the face of adversity underscores the importance of resilience. It’s not just about recovering from setbacks; it’s about emerging stronger and more focused.

3. The power of relationships. The real currency in Network Marketing isn’t the product you sell; it’s the relationships you build. These connections become your lifeline, especially when transitioning between opportunities. They trust you, your judgment, and your recommendations, illustrating the profound impact of personal trust and loyalty.

4. Always be evolving. The closure of my initial company was a dramatic catalyst for change, but it also highlighted the importance of continuously seeking growth and development. By nurturing new relationships and constantly reevaluating your approach, you ensure that you’re always moving forward, regardless of the challenges you face.

The transition from one company to another wasn’t just about finding a new source of income; it was about reaffirming my identity as an entrepreneur. It reinforced the belief that while companies might quit, my vision, my determination, and my brand would carry me through.

So, to anyone facing the daunting prospect of a company “quitting” on them, remember: your journey doesn’t end with the company. It continues with the strength of your character, the resilience of your spirit, and the depth of your connections. You are not defined by the company you represent but by the impact you make on those around you!

Don’t Quit When Your Upline Quits

Just like life, Network Marketing is filled with unexpected turns and shifts in the tide. Among these, the departure of your upline—the person who sponsored you, and a person often seen as a beacon of guidance and support—can feel particularly destabilizing. Yet, it’s in these moments that the essence of true leadership and self-reliance emerges.

When your upline decides to leave the company, it’s not just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to redefine the shape of your own leadership and courage. It’s here, when you’re standing alone, that you’ll realize the value you bring to the table and the vision you have for your business. You’ll be called to trust your inner strength and stand your ground, rather than being swayed by the actions of others.

Imagine this: You’re 6 months into a new Network Marketing company, giving it your all, and reaching the highest rank in just under a month. You’re excited, you’ve got tons of momentum, and you feel like you’re on top of the world! Now—imagine that you wake up the next day and find out that six people in your upline have decided to quit, and they disappear almost instantly. Six people! 

Well, friends, this actually happened to me. And when it did, the temptation was to drop the success I had built under their guidance, and fall back into beginner mode. Doubt and fear crept in, and my unanswered questions and massive amounts of uncertainty weighed heavy on my heart. Paranoia followed, filling my inner dialogue with unnerving thoughts like, what do they know that I don’t? Is this venture fundamentally flawed? In these moments, my resolve and my belief in myself were being tested.

I had a decision to make—a choice between leaning in or retreating like so many others on the team. And instead of focusing on the fear, I chose to focus on my passion for the work, the people I’d met and bonded with, and the potential of what I was building. It was a conscious choice to move toward my dreams, my aspirations, and the unique vision I had for my business, independent of anyone else’s trajectory.

This experience showed me a pivotal truth: Your dreams are uniquely yours. They cannot, and should not, be contingent on the presence or absence of any person, no matter their role in your journey. The departure of an upline, while initially disappointing and concerning, does not diminish the value of your dreams or the potential of your hard work. If they leave, that’s their choice—it doesn’t have to be yours.

In fact, the wide open spaces left by departing uplines became fertile ground for my new growth. It prompted me to reach out and make new connections, expanding my network and exposing me to perspectives and possibilities I hadn’t seen before. Instead of being a setback, this upheaval ended up being a stepping stone, an invitation to evolve and adapt!

Sometimes, growth requires us to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight, to embrace our potential fully and lead from the front. In hindsight, what seemed like a loss was, in fact, one of the most empowering developments of my career. It taught me the importance of self-reliance, the value of personal leadership, and the irreplaceable strength found in fostering direct connections with my team and network.

So, to anyone facing the prospect of an upline departing: See it not as a sign to quit but as a call to action. Embrace the opportunity to define your leadership, to solidify your vision, and to reaffirm your commitment to your dreams. Your path is yours to shape, informed by your values, your goals, and the unique brand of leadership only you can bring to the world.

Don’t Quit When Your Team Quits

You may have heard the statistics, but at the time of this writing, over 75% of Network Marketers are women. And as women, we often build relationships with our team members that transcend mere business transactions. Instead, they become friends, almost like a sister! This intertwining of professional and personal bonds is one of the unique aspects of this industry, but it also presents its own set of challenges, particularly when a team member decides to leave.

It’s the nature of our business that, when someone joins our team, we invest not just time and effort but also a part of ourselves in their success. We see potential in them—we have more belief in them in the beginning than they do in themselves! So, when someone decides to leave, it’s not just a professional loss; it feels deeply personal. It can lead to self-doubt, questioning our abilities as leaders, and internalizing their departure as a failure on our part.

This has happened to me multiple times in my career, and even though it’s part of the business, it can hurt deeply. Once, an extremely close friend—I’m talking borderline family—who was integral to my team, chose to leave the business without much warning. Her departure hit me hard, because our families were deeply intertwined.  I couldn’t help but take it as a personal failure, wondering what I could have done differently to prevent her exit. 

But the pain didn’t stop there. In my defeated state, I became aware of the fact that she was openly speaking negatively about me and the products we once championed together. It was a harsh reality to face—I had lost a team member, a close friend, and maybe even part of my reputation because of the way my business and personal lives were woven together.

Through this experience, though, I learned some hard but valuable lessons:

1. Divergence of dreams. Your dreams and goals may not always align with those of your team members. Your belief in them does not necessarily equate to their belief in themselves or the business.

2. People are just people. Everyone has their own battles and external influences. Decisions to leave are often more about their journey and less about your leadership or the quality of your relationship.

3. Accepting change with grace. Not all relationships can withstand the changes in professional paths. While some friendships may endure, others may not, and that’s okay. It’s vital to accept these changes gracefully, recognizing that each person’s path is their own.

4. Reflecting on your role. When someone leaves, it’s an opportunity to reflect. Have you done all you could? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to let go with grace, understanding that their departure is a part of their journey, not a reflection of your worth or abilities.

5. Embracing the future. Losses are inevitable, but they also open doors to new opportunities and relationships. Embracing the future with optimism is crucial. Your team’s composition may change, but your vision and mission can remain steadfast.

It’s essential to realize that in Network Marketing, as in life, people come and go. Their presence in your business, no matter how impactful, is not permanent. The true test of leadership is how you respond to these departures—do you wallow in your own self-doubt and feelings of rejection and loss, or do you forge ahead with renewed determination?

The departure of team members, even those closest to you, is not an endpoint. Just like when an upline quits, it’s a juncture that tests your resilience, your ability to adapt, and your commitment to your own dreams. Embrace it as an opportunity to grow, to strengthen your leadership, and to continue on your path with courage and conviction. Don’t allow anyone else to determine your dreams!

What To Do When You Want To Quit On Yourself

So far in this chapter, we’ve talked about what to do when other people quit on you, but we’ve saved the most complex topic for last: quitting on yourself. We all know that life and business will be challenging. Setbacks will be inevitable, people will leave, and circumstances will most certainly change. You can’t control the situation, but you can control your reaction to the situation. 

It’s tempting to blame external events, the actions of others, or corporate decisions as the underlying factors when you want to quit. So I want to arm you with universal action steps to help you stay focused, resilient, and on track toward your goals, no matter the obstacles or negative self-talk you face.

1. Always remember your ‘why’. Your ‘why’ is the anchor that keeps you grounded in the face of adversity. It’s the reason you started on this journey, and it should be a constant reminder of your goals and aspirations. Make it a daily practice to reflect on why you are grateful and why you are doing this. Keep your ‘why’ visible and central in your life, so it continues to inspire and motivate you every day. There are times when you may need to redefine your ‘why,’ as it changes with time.

2. Remember who you are. Often, we get so caught up in our challenges that we forget our strengths and achievements. Take time to write down all your accomplishments, big and small. Reflect on your growth in various aspects of your life and career. Regularly reviewing this list will reinforce your self-worth and remind you of how far you’ve come. This practice is especially crucial for women in leadership, as it helps maintain confidence and perspective. Don’t forget who you are!

3. Celebrate your wins. Celebrating your wins, no matter how big or small, is essential. It could be through a small gift to yourself, sharing the news with your family, or posting about it on social media. The act of celebrating not only boosts your morale but also reinforces your success mindset. It’s equally important to celebrate the achievements of your team, fostering a culture of recognition and positivity.

4. Keep developing your grit. Grit is like a muscle that needs constant exercise. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Engage in regular personal development activities to strengthen your resilience. Develop non-negotiable daily habits that contribute to your growth and push you out of your comfort zone. By consistently working on these habits, they become a natural part of your daily routine, seamlessly integrated into your life.

By implementing these strategies, you ensure that no matter what happens, no matter who quits or what changes, you remain steadfast in your pursuit of success and fulfillment. Remember, the path to success is not linear; it’s a journey of learning, growing, and becoming unstoppable in the face of any challenge.

So, as we wrap up this chapter, I want to distill my message back down to its most basic call to action: Never, ever quit. Whether it’s you contemplating quitting on yourself, or your company, upline, team, or even your family giving up, the resilience and strategies discussed here are your armor against these challenges. By embracing these principles, you not only become unstoppable in your business but also transform into a force of inspiration and strength!

Other people are going to do what they’re going to do, and there’s nothing you can do to stop them. Your job is to ensure that your daily actions and your mindset are intact. Wake up each day with a purpose, engage in personal development, and continuously work on habits that cultivate grit. Step out of your comfort zone as a rule, not an exception, and watch as you rise above the noise and drama that slow other people down.

I want you to realize that, as women, we hold the unique power to alter generational patterns—to set new standards and paths not just for ourselves, but for our children, grandchildren, and beyond. Embracing leadership roles in our businesses and lives allows us to be the change makers, the trailblazers who reshape the future for generations to come!

Imagine being remembered as the woman who changed the course of her family’s history—a woman whose grit, determination, and unwavering spirit became the foundation of a new legacy. This is the potential that lies within you! By refusing to quit, by holding on to your dreams and aspirations, and by continually pursuing a life crafted by your design, you become a beacon of hope and strength.

The journey to success is peppered with challenges, but it’s your relentless spirit and determination that will carve out a path of fulfillment and achievement. By being gritty and never stopping, you have the power to create a life you love, a life-by-design, not just for yourself but for those who look up to you. I believe in you, and I wish you the best as you go forward in strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. See you out there, ntwrkrs!