Hey there, ntwrkrs! I’m absolutely thrilled to be writing this chapter in Leading Ladies, and I congratulate you on choosing to level up by reading these powerful stories from me and my fellow authors. We’re going to embark on an empowering journey, one that’s all about taking action and nurturing self-confidence at every step—and I’m here to share my story and insights with you. I titled my chapter Just Do the Thing: How to Take Action, Get Results, & Build Confidence Each Step of Your Journey, so let’s just do this thing!

But first, I’ll tell you a bit about my own journey. As a devoted mom and wife residing in beautiful North Georgia, I ventured into Network Marketing about six years ago. My background was in commercial property management, and I had absolutely no prior experience in this field. But that didn’t stop me from diving into the industry head-first! This career path captivated me with its potential for ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results, and I was determined to be among them. With dedication and hard work, I saw remarkable growth: within just ten months, I had built a six-figure income, and shortly after, I quadrupled my earnings from property management, marking a significant turning point in my career.

Since 2018, I’ve been fully immersed in Network Marketing. However, my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Even as a top earner and leader, I’ve battled with self-confidence issues, which is a struggle that I believe many women face in this industry. Being part of a community filled with inspiring and powerful women can sometimes lead to self-doubt. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s normal to feel a mix of fear, doubt, and self-criticism. Despite these feelings, I stand before you as proof that overcoming these obstacles and achieving great success is entirely possible!

In this chapter, I’ll share the strategies I’ve employed from the start of my career to this day, strategies that have been instrumental in overcoming my fears and bolstering my confidence. We’ll delve into concepts like becoming a ‘Yes Girl,’ setting and celebrating goals, transforming your self-talk, getting closer to the fire, seeking mentorship, relying on your support network, and the value of continual learning.

So, are you ready to dive in? Grab a pen and paper, take notes on what resonates with you, and let’s go on this journey together!

Become A ‘Yes Girl’

I’d like to introduce you to a transformative mindset: Becoming a ‘Yes Girl.’ This concept is simple yet profound. It’s about courageously saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that initially seem intimidating—before fear convinces you to run and hide! It’s about embracing the unknown and confronting what scares you. Remember, it’s natural to feel apprehensive about uncharted territories.

Think back to when you first learned to drive a car. You didn’t just read a book on how to drive! To gain confidence and skill, you had to actually drive the car. Similarly, in Network Marketing, it’s essential to actively engage in new, and sometimes scary, experiences to build confidence.

Let me share a personal anecdote that illustrates this mindset. About eleven months into my Network Marketing journey, I received a call that tested my resolve. My upline invited me to a mastermind event in San Diego, a gathering of top performers in my company. While my heart leaped at the opportunity, my mind was clouded with doubts. Julie, you’re out of your league, my inner critic warned. What if you fail or embarrass yourself?

I found myself at a crossroads, torn between my ambition and my insecurities. As I hesitated, my upline offered a piece of advice that would forever alter my path: “Julie, just say yes and figure it out later.” I trusted him, took that advice, and committed to the event right then and there.

And, as you might expect, the experience was nothing short of life-changing! Being in the company of such accomplished individuals, I realized my own worth and potential. It shifted my self-perception and redefined my aspirations. It was a testament to the power of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Here are three ways you might become a ‘Yes Girl’:

1. Identify what intimidates you. Is it presenting your products, engaging in Facebook Live sessions, or maybe stepping into a room full of strangers? Write these down.
   
   
2. Make a commitment to yourself to confront these challenges. The only person who can make this commitment is you, so don’t waste time overthinking or asking everyone you know to talk you into or out of it. Just commit.
   
   
3. Seek an accountability partner if needed. You may have made the commitment on your own, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Enlist an accountability partner to remind you of why you committed and to help you stay on the right track along the way.

Don’t let analysis paralysis or fear hold you back here! Take the leap and embrace being a ‘Yes Girl’. This mindset isn’t just about overcoming fears; rather, it’s about unlocking your true potential and stepping into the person you’re meant to be.

Set & Celebrate

The ‘Set and Celebrate’ approach is all about defining achievable goals and then honoring each milestone you reach. It’s important to understand that ‘achievable’ doesn’t mean insignificant—goals should be tailored to your personal journey and business stage.

When I think back to my early days in this profession, I remember balancing my day job in property management with my budding Network Marketing career. My family was still adapting to this new routine, especially the evenings I dedicated to my business. This period was marked by a significant goal: achieving my first leadership rank in the company. And it became a collective family effort, with each member playing a role in supporting my ambition. I even found ways to incentivize their support, so it wasn’t just me who felt accomplished—it was each and every one of us!

During Christmas that year, I decided to celebrate this achievement in a unique way. My son, who was ten years old at the time and fascinated with designer sneakers, became the focus of my celebration. I surprised him with his first pair of designer shoes, a gesture that was as much about acknowledging his support as it was about my achievement. He was completely blown away! The moment of gifting, filled with tears and joy, underscored the shared nature of my success. And it cemented the tradition of setting and celebrating a goal each month.

Here are three ways you might adopt the practice of ‘Setting & Celebrating’:

1. Define what you want to achieve & set goals. I always think about two types of goals here: an achievable goal and a stretch goal. Both are great to have, and the stretch goal keeps me moving if I hit my achievable goal early in the month!
   
   
2. Plan your reward. What will you give yourself when you achieve your goal? This should be something that celebrates effort and success—be it for yourself or those who support you.
   
   
3. Follow through. This is the most important action step you can take here, as we often let ourselves off the hook too easily if we aren’t seeing immediate results. We might even tell ourselves that we don’t really want that reward, anyway. But don’t give up! Instead, honor your commitment to yourself by sticking to it, even when all the evidence tells you the results aren’t happening fast enough. 

Remember, his process is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about valuing the journey and the growth you experience along the way. So, savor every moment, every challenge, and every lesson learned as you go through this exercise month after month!

Switch Up Your Self-Talk

By now, you’re probably aware of the little voice inside your head that runs constant commentary on your life, referred to as our self-talk. But did you know that a national study found that 80% of that silent commentary is negative? Transforming your self-talk is all about cultivating a more positive internal dialogue. It’s about how you communicate with yourself, and it shapes your thoughts, feelings, actions, and ultimately, your results.

I vividly remember my awakening to this concept. It was during a three-hour car ride to a spa—a treat from my ‘Set and Celebrate’ rewards, in fact! Listening to a Zoom replay of a training on this subject, I learned how our thoughts shape our feelings, actions, and outcomes. When the recording ended, I decided to use the remainder of the drive to closely monitor my thoughts.

What I discovered was startling! In two hours, I caught myself engaging in negative self-talk seventy-two times. These thoughts ranged from doubting my abilities to being overly critical of myself and my choices. As it turned out, my negative inner dialogue was my own worst enemy! It was a profound realization that I needed to make a significant change in the way I talked to myself.

To anyone struggling with this, here are three transformative practices I’ve implemented to switch up my self-talk:

1. Mindful monitoring. Dedicate an hour each day to mindfully observe your thoughts. During this time, be extremely attentive to your inner dialogue, ensuring that when a negative thought arises, you consciously redirect it to a more positive perspective.
   
   
2. Positive affirmations. Speaking affirmations out loud can profoundly reinforce positive beliefs. I encourage you to choose affirmations that resonate with you and declare them confidently. Two of my favorites are, “I am deserving of success and happiness in all areas of my life,” and “I am grateful for the abundance and opportunities in my life.” These affirmations serve as powerful reminders of my worth and potential!
   
   
3. Practicing gratitude. Try setting your alarm 15 minutes early, and before getting out of bed, take time to think about what you’re grateful for. This practice not only sets a positive tone for the day, but also shifts your mindset toward appreciation and abundance, which impacts the tone and messaging of your self-talk.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can profoundly shift your internal narrative, laying the foundation for positive outcomes in both your personal and professional life!

Getting Closer To The Fire

‘Getting Closer to the Fire’ is about actively engaging with your community and the activities in your business. When we’re new to a team, or when we’re down on our luck, it’s common to feel inadequate or self-conscious, and our instinct might be to withdraw. However, I encourage you to do the exact opposite! When you feel like running away, it’s quite possibly the most important time to immerse yourself deeper in your business community. Remember, we are all navigating similar paths, sharing fears, challenges, and successes. We are each other’s support system, and a source of encouragement and inspiration! 

There was a time when my business hit a plateau, stagnating for six months. Doubts crept in, and I began to question whether my previous success was just a stroke of luck. Coinciding with this period was a leadership development conference for my company, which I was hesitant to attend given my state of mind. Despite having invested in the ticket, travel, and accommodation, I actually considered skipping it—that’s how disconnected I felt from my business.

However, after some thought and encouragement from my husband, I decided to go. That decision was pivotal. Within the first hour of being there, surrounded by my peers, everything shifted! I shared a hotel room with three other women and as I joined them in conversation, I found myself reignited by their energy and insights. It wasn’t just about the new leadership techniques I learned; it was about the renewed passion and drive I felt being around my peers.

The impact was immediate and significant. Within three weeks of returning from the event, my business leaped from a standstill to the top 1% of my company. This surge wasn’t due to a sudden implementation of new strategies; it was the rekindled fire from being surrounded by inspiring people!

So here are three ways you can ‘Get Closer to the Fire’:

1. Get closer to your business community. Remember, this is your tribe, and they’re ready to help! Let their energy and passion ignite your own. Even when you feel your ‘flame’ waning, being around others can spark a transformation.
   
   
2. Commit to networking. This one may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people let it slip without realizing it. Each month, identify one person within the industry to connect with—be it an upline, downline, sideline, or someone outside your immediate network.
   
   
3. Engage in brainstorming and sharing ideas. This practice of building connections and learning from others will not only re-energize you, but also foster growth and positive change in your business. Remember, ‘together’ is always better. And once you’ve gotten comfortable getting closer to the fire, don’t forget to encourage your team members to do the same!

Find A Mentor

Finding a mentor is all about connecting with someone who possesses not only industry experience, skills, and expertise but also has the ability and willingness to transfer these assets to you. A mentor empowers you with the necessary tools to confidently navigate the industry, and their guidance goes beyond imparting knowledge. These people will offer support, encouragement, and a boost to your confidence.

I actually stumbled upon my first mentor in Network Marketing accidentally. She was a few levels above me, and every time she spoke or trained, I was captivated. Her words resonated deeply with me; she seemed to be the epitome of what I aspired to be in this industry. One day, driven by my admiration and alignment with her approach, I reached out and asked her to mentor me, and she accepted. I was elated, and I couldn’t wait to learn and model my business after hers!

That partnership was instrumental to my growth. Even though she has since left the industry, her influence remains a cornerstone of my success. She played a pivotal role in shaping me into the professional I am today.

For those seeking a mentor, here are actionable steps to guide you:

1. Define your goals. Write down your goals. This clarity is paramount to identifying a mentor who aligns with your aspirations and needs.
   
   
2. Find your mentor. Look within your upline or extend your search across the network marketing community. Your ideal mentor might be closer than you think, or they might be a connection away.
   
   
3. Make the ask. Once you’ve identified a potential mentor, reach out to them earnestly and honestly. Be clear about why you’ve chosen them and what you’re hoping to achieve through the mentorship.
   
   
4. Be coachable. This is key! When you find a mentor willing to invest their time and knowledge in you, show up ready to learn and implement their advice. A mentorship is a two-way street; your growth is as much about their guidance as it is about your willingness to learn and apply.

A mentor can be a catalyst for tremendous personal and professional growth. They can provide insights that reshape your approach and propel you to new heights in your career. So, take these steps, find your mentor, and open yourself to the transformative journey that mentorship can offer!

Build Your Support Systems

The importance of having a support system outside of Network Marketing cannot be overstated. This support system should consist of people who aren’t involved in network marketing, and who are capable of offering you unwavering support, especially during moments when you’re not feeling your best!

For me, this person is my husband. He’s intimately familiar with my fears, insecurities, and journey with confidence. He serves as a sounding board for my ideas and thoughts, offering encouragement and validation. His perspective is essential, especially since he’s not entrenched in the everyday details of my business. His role in my journey extends beyond being a passive supporter—he actively engages in my world. From accompanying me to events and helping me rehearse presentations to brainstorming solutions, his involvement is inherently tied to my success.

Here are three ways you can take care of those who support you:

1. Be open & honest. They can’t fully support you if they don’t understand your struggles! It might be difficult, but sharing your insecurities regarding confidence or feelings of inadequacy is essential for them to provide the right support.
   
   
2. Express gratitude. Acknowledge and appreciate their support. Let them know how much their assistance means to you, recognizing the efforts they make to support your journey.
   
   
3. Set realistic expectations. Understand that your supporters have their own commitments and limitations. It’s important to be mindful not to overburden them with your needs. Remember, though, that balance is key. While they are there to support you, you must respect their boundaries and personal commitments.

Your support system plays a critical role in bolstering your confidence and helping you feel capable throughout your journey. Their encouragement, understanding, and outside perspective can be a tremendous source of strength and motivation!

Always Be Learning

Finally, let’s dive into the principle of ‘Always Be Learning.’ Continuous learning and skill development are key to building confidence! It is my belief that competence inspires confidence. Years ago, I attended a workshop in one of my Network Marketing ventures where a health and fitness expert explained the science behind our products. This knowledge drastically boosted my confidence, enabling me to engage more effectively with my audience, address objections, and make informed product recommendations. This not only increased sales but also cemented my confidence, creating a virtuous cycle of success and self-assurance!

If you find yourself struggling in this area, here are three ways to make sure you’re always learning:

1. Deepen your product knowledge. Understanding your products and compensation plan thoroughly can significantly boost your confidence when presenting them.
   
   
2. Stay current & informed. Attend network marketing events to keep abreast of the latest trends and practices. Staying informed contributes to competence and, subsequently, confidence.
   
   
3. Learn from successful peers. Model your approach on successful Network Marketers. Engaging with content like this is an excellent start!

I hope these insights have been valuable to you as you journey into the world of leadership in Network Marketing! To wrap up this chapter, I want to leave you with a few parting thoughts:

If you’re struggling with doubt or fear, remember that action is the antidote! And the actions I’ve covered here in these pages are a fantastic place to start. Embrace the challenges, set and celebrate your achievements, and transform your self-talk. Recognize those who inspire you, seek mentorship, rely on your support system, and commit to lifelong learning. These practices will significantly impact your confidence as you navigate the world of network marketing.

Remember, every new level of success in business or life, demands a new version of yourself and a renewed sense of confidence. There’s no ultimate finish line where you suddenly achieve perpetual confidence! It’s a continuous journey, requiring you to evolve and grow at each step. And keep this in mind: you are more than capable, and more than adequate. You can achieve great things. If I can do it, so can you! It’s been an honor to share these insights with you. I wish you all the best!