Taking the Leap

I was approached back in February by one of my old roommates, Beth, to take a peak at an interesting business opportunity that you could do from home. She sent me a message over Facebook and asked if we could set-up a time to chat about her new business venture as an independent skin care consultant for Rodan and Fields. At the time I had a 10 month old who was still sleeping like a newborn, I was working as a waitress every other weekend to bring in a little income while losing more sleep all while trying to keep my four year old from revolting over the fact he now has baby sister and has to like it no matter how much jealousy flows off of him. And don't forget all of the duties that come along with being a good wife and mom -- I was tired, run down and didn't think I could take on one more thing. But, I was curious and wanted something more for my life, so I gave Beth a call. She gave me her "pitch" sent me some information and let me figure out if it would work for me.

In the back of my mind I have always wanted to find something that I could do from home while still being able to be with my kids. I value the opportunity to watch my kids grow and have this time with them that I know goes far to fast and won't last forever. It was a huge sacrifice for me to stay home and give up my salary as an Executive Events Coordinator, but even now I wouldn't have changed it. But that doesn't mean I didn't want more for my family and for me. I worked really hard in college and graduated with a Business Degree that's currently collecting dust and I'm still paying off the loans every month. I wanted to change that but didn't know how so when Beth reached out to me I saw it as a sign and started to research what Rodan and Fields was all about.

What I found online scared me. The reviews on the company were mixed. Some people claimed it was a pyramid scheme, others claimed that the products were over priced and weren't worth it. But on the other side of it, there were success stories and many women and men were making this business work for them and they were soaring high and making something of themselves in the business world. There were many, many positive stories illustrating how this skin care has changed and impacted peoples lives for the better. It gave them their confidence back and helped them battle an issue they have had and couldn't get under control. So I was at a crossroads and didn't know what to do -- so I didn't do anything. Beth was good and would reach out every so often but never pressured me. Most of the time she would invite me to an event to learn more or sent me some new information about the products or company. Which was fitting because no matter what I did I couldn't get this company out of my mind.

So after 7 months of sitting on it, going back and forth, talking it over with my husband I came up with a list of things holding me back from saying yes:

1. I didn't want to risk loosing my network I had created on Facebook and be that annoying person always posting about a product and looking for a sale
2. I didn't want to be judged by my family and friends for joining into what many people call a pyramid scheme
3. Where we live is hard and it is kind of a revolving door of people coming and going. It seems like a transitional area where people can either afford to stay and buy a tiny house for 500K or move away to get more for their money. Because of this its been really hard to keep friends. So many of our family friends have moved away and at this point it feels like we are on an island. This is not a positive for needing a network you can reach out and sell to.
4. Sales is scary and isn't for me. I hate asking people for money or to buy something so why would this work for me?

Those in my mind are big concerns. But sometimes you have to take a step back, look at the bigger picture and look at things with a different perspective. So I took my own advice and reevaluated my list:

1. I didn't want to risk loosing my network I had created on Facebook and be that annoying person always posting about a product and looking for a sale
At the end of the day, these people you are connected through on Facebook are just pictures. Sure it's great to connect with them in the social world, but honestly how many of them do you actually hang out with and if they unfriend you will it make or break you? Nope. No matter what your true friends and family will be by your side and will always support you. So if people unfriend you, who cares you will add more friends, it won't be the end of the world. And you know what, they could be looking for skin care help so why not reach out to them, it can't hurt. The worst thing that will happen is they say no and unfriend you. 
2. I didn't want to be judged by my family and friends for joining into what many people call a pyramid scheme
This one is still a hard pill to swallow, but do you know what these products aren't a scam. They work and they do change lives. Are they expensive? Yes. Is changing your life for the better worth $200 -- in the grand scheme of things that's so minimal. Are there haters out there? There will always be haters but this company is working for so many people. So many people including my team leader - Beth have seen their lives changed for the better. And this reason alone has motivated me enough to want to prove them wrong and show them it works and will change my families lives. 
3. Where we live is hard and it is kind of a revolving door of people coming and going. It seems like a transitional area where people can either afford to stay and buy a tiny house for 500K or move away to get more for their money. Because of this its been really hard to keep friends. So many of our family friends have moved away and at this point it feels like we are on an island. This is not a positive for needing a network you can reach out and sell to.
Making friends is hard, but I need to push myself out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. I need to be more outgoing so maybe this company will help me do it. This company is 7 years young and still growing. It is actually expanding into Canada and next year Australia. It's not slowing down so why not jump in now. I may not think I know a lot of people but this might be the ice breaker I need to meet new people and make new friends. It may be a win win for everyone.
4. Sales is scary and isn't for me. I hate asking people for money or to buy something so why would this work for me?
It's funny, no matter who you ask they will say Rodan and Fields isn't sales, but honestly it is and I can't lie about that. They also say you don't need to do parties, but as soon as you sign on they want you to throw a launch party to introduce the products to family and friends. Once I accepted this fact though it was a lot easier. I know it will be hard and I am selling a product but after 7 months of research this product works so I don't mind reaching out to people. Will it be hard? Hell yes, but it could also lead to big things and that's what I need to keep remembering. 

So after looking at everything again and watching Beth soar this past year I decided to take the leap and jump in. Is it scary? Hell yes. Is there a lot to learn? Of course. Am I sorry I did it? Not at all. In fact I can't wait to start selling and building my team.

If anything, I pride myself in being an honest person who would never want to rip off anyone. I'm a leader who wants to succeed and help others also succeed which is why I created this blog. I hope through my journey it will help you decide whether Rodan and Fields will work for you. I'm always looking for motivated business partners so don't ever be afraid to reach out. Welcome to my blog, and thanks for reading :)