Living Essential Oils

There was an article on the Forbes website talking about Network marketing in a very positive light - which is no surprise to me. It was called : "Would You Join A Multi-Level Marketing Company For Retirement Income?"  Click on the link to read the entire article.

The article was written by Robert Laura, with this description under his name: "I am a retirement activist." He is NOT a network marketer. Instead, he's "a social worker turned financial planner who uses both skill sets to help folks prepare for the mental, social, and physical, as well as the financial aspects of retirement. "

I added the red and underlined emphasis but the entire article is a great read.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE COMMENTS IN THE ARTICLE:
"... there is a seemingly endless debate over whether these companies and programs are legitimate business opportunities or not, so I dug in and got the real scoop. As a result, I believe that the entire industry is poised for explosive growth and can be one of the most significant solutions to America’s current retirement savings crisis."

"Initially, that may sound like a bold statement, but it’s not if you understand retirement the way I do. The reality is, making a successful transition into retirement has more to do with psychology than with money… and the same may hold true for multi-level and network marketing."

"... more and more people are coming to terms with the fact that they probably aren’t going to be able to save enough money to just sit around and slowly deplete their nest egg from age 62 to 100."

VITAL STATS IN THE ARTICLE:
AARP estimates "that half of all baby boomers (76 million) are interested in starting a business."
"The average 50 year-old estimated to have less than $50,000 in retirement savings," which leads to his conclusion that "there is an obvious need to find alternative ways to either save more or generate supplemental income starting now, and continuing throughout retirement."

"... the increasing number of baby boomers who are disenchanted with their current careers. They’re worn-out from years of the corporate grind and don’t feel the connection between their job and the people it impacts outside their office walls or company grounds. They’re shifting their focus from accumulating a giant nest egg to a desire to be part of something bigger and better… to have a positive effect on others… and working in retirement."

SPECIFICS ON THE DIRECT SELLING INDUSTRY:
"MLM and direct selling programs also offer very low barriers into entrepreneurship, often providing training, support, and ample encouragement along the way. As retirees begin to realize they need activities that keep them busy, relevant, in good health, and connected to others, the time, energy and cost to participate in these kinds of companies make them very appealing to large segments of the population caught up in these dynamics."

"This is not a ringing endorsement for the entire industry. Like any investment of time, money, and energy, people need to be aware of what they are getting into and do their homework."

"Having studied the psychology and behavior of boomers, this example represents a major shift in my thinking about the industry. I no longer perceive these types of opportunities as money-making pyramid schemes. Instead, I now see it as a way to enhance many of the personal aspects of retirement that are rarely discussed let alone planned for, with the added benefit of supplementing other popular retirement income sources such as pension and social security."

REPS HE INTERVIEWED:
He quotes Daria M. Brezinski, Ph.D, a practicing psychologist and former marketing director for a multi-level marketing magazine: "Many people don’t realize that multi-level marketing companies are successful because they help people satisfy a number of important human needs, including feeling significant, having connections, learning something new, and making a difference."

Then he quotes from an interview with Lorene Hochstetler, a network marketing rep from Ohio, who "recommends keeping your current job while slowly making the transition into MLM. She’s been able to replace her full-time income but explains, 'It didn’t happen overnight, and I still work every day. I am very disciplined with my business and wake up every day knowing what I have to do in order to succeed at this. You have to treat it like a business and be willing to follow advice from others who have made it.'"

Another rep he interviewed said, "'If you treat it like a hobby it won’t pay you like a business.' She also acknowledged that, in spite of her success, she doesn’t sit around eating bonbons every day waiting for residual checks to hit the mailbox. 'That’s a common misconception,' she said. 'I work hard at my business every day, although it doesn’t always feel like work.'"

ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TRENDS OF THE 21ST CENTURY!
He concludes by saying, "I believe the concept of starting a business for retirement income will become one of the most significant trends impacting retirement in the 21st century. But it has to start with redefining entrepreneurship and framing it into a retirement lifestyle. That means helping people find ways to turn a passion, hobby, or personal desire into extra money in their pocket… not to mention helping people see the importance of planning for the non-financial aspects of retirement such as replacing a work identity, staying relevant and connected, as well as keeping mentally and physically fit."

I love being a part of doTERRA because I know I'm making a difference in the lives of others.  It has helped me redefine myself outside of "mommy-hood."  (I love being a mom - it's my most important job...but I'm more than the cook, chauffeur, task master, etc.)  It's hard to explain how it's given me a better definition of myself and as a result has helped me be a better mom.  And it helps that's it's setting me up for a better financial retirement.

If you're looking to start your own business and are passionate about health and helping others - please feel free to contact me.