On Friday I heard about a company that closed its headquarters and left MLM associates scrambling–Zeek Rewards.
Now I had never heard of this company before. But the news brought to the forefront of my mind how important branding is.
Because even MLM associates, network marketing sales people, and direct sellers need branding.
Why?
When you are an associate or direct seller of a company, you need to have a brand that is bigger than the company you are representing.
You never know if the company will go bankrupt, as in the case with Zeek Rewards, or if your interests will change.
When you have your own brand, based on your unique authentic identity, you will be able to rise above the challenges of companies who go belly up. You will still have a customer base who will perceive you as more than just that “Avon” lady or the guy who sells Amway products.
You will have flexibility when, God forbid, bad things happen. Or when the corporation changes the rules and you find yourself having to make adjustments.
Also, your passions and interests may change over time. By having your own personal brand, you will be able to switch companies or even ADD companies so you can have multiple streams of income. That is a very smart way to operate in today’s economy.
Ultimately, your best option is to create your own products and services. Then you are not beholden to any corporation. Having your own brand is going to help leave that window of opportunity open for you when you are ready.
Long ago, when I first got into business, I was an associate of Legal Shield (Pre-Paid Legal back then). It is a very successful company, I might add, and I still have their product today. Their service has helped us many, many times. I highly recommend it to people.
But I did not have a passion for what they were selling. Loving the product was not enough! I had to get at the core of who I am and what I am gifted at to come up with my own personal brand identity. That eventually became AngelArts and then grew into my new product/service line Brand Identity Quest.
Building your own unique brand is going to help you weather many storms in life, whether your MLM company goes bankrupt, you get tired of it and want to move on, or you decide to create your own products. And you will find inspiration to keep working hard. Because it’s not about chasing the money; it’s about having a meaningful purpose and pursuing it with all your heart!
If you do that, you will have a brand that sizzles and a dazzling future!
Want to get started with your new brand right away? Click here to take my free 10 day mini-course!
Hadn’t heard Zeek before today and I had thought about branding myself instead of the MLM I’m involved with.
Great information!
Glad you found the information helpful, Jean, and so timely! It’s definitely worth it to brand yourself, even if you are an associate with an MLM. If I can do anything to help, please let me know!
Great article Dana, You bring a bright insight into how a lot of people should consider when they join a business. The thing is many people have no intention of getting in front of a camera or getting a blog or using social media. We know it is the way to go but most don’t and it’s difficult to get people to listen. We have a long way to go before entrepreneurs get caught up with what’s working now. You are doing a great job educating people Dana…Keep it up!
Thank you, Nathalie! Thank you for your encouragement and reminding me what my job is. I am proud to say that I am an educator! Glad I can help others gain valuable knowledge in how to market themselves!