About
“Among the masses of aspiring networkers, one lone guy stands out.” Perhaps that’ll be the tag-line to the movie of my life!
But seriously…if you’re reading this, it likely means you’ve been wading through the multi-level marketing marsh and you’re growing wet and tired. If so, then I trust the invaluable resources on this site will more than encourage you in your quest for financial independence.
And, if you haven’t yet tried your hand at network marketing, or are one of the very skeptical, then consider that you could: A) stick out the rest of your working years and pray for the stomach to handle the 60% pay-cut at retirement (which may be later than you think); B) start up a traditional high-risk business (and be in debt for 2+ years); C) purchase a franchise license (and be in debt for 5+ years); or D) learn and implement some basic principles of leverage to build a thriving, positive cash-flowing business in your free time.
I know, I know…”easier said than done,” huh? Only if you don’t do your homework! (Like any worthwhile endeavor, right?) Which is exactly why BucketFree.com exists…to help folks like you make smarter choices with your cash and sweat equity.
So, who am I? Well, I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and took the same track as the masses: grade school to high school to college to a “bucket-carrying” job. Then, like 85% of college grads, spent the next 10 years working in positions other than the one I’d spent $40k to prepare for.
My first real taste of networking marketing came in 2001, when desperation drove me to join a financial services company that offered a web-based financial education. This education came in the form of an eBook which taught financial techniques designed to shorten the road to retirement. I stuck with that one for nearly a year.
Next, I ventured further into the field of finances (being very interested in money). This time, with a company that helped its reps become licensed money managers. That was a fairly intense experience, especially the weekly “motivational” sales meetings at which we were indoctrinated with the methodologies of the “truly influential.” I lasted a few months in that one.
My third failed attempt at navigating the MLM / NWM minefield was with a very popular “functional health beverage.” This beverage is made from an exotic, tropical fruit that’s expensive and hard to come by in the west. I struggled my way through almost a year with that one, never once even breaking even. (It didn’t help that the bedrock foundation of the company’s business – its patented formula – was successfully challenged in court. Lower-priced competitors are now numerous.)
Prior to these experiences, I had seen presentations of several other companies…in utilities, telecom, etc. There was even this weird entertainment club thing which would be pretty hard to describe, here.
So, why did I not succeed? Was it a lack of motivation, a weak “why” or insufficient “belief?” Or was I just really stupid and lazy? Well, I eventually discovered it was neither. And I’ve since met a number of now successful networkers who’ve had similar experiences (some who’d apparently worked much harder and longer than I).
Certainly there were flaws in my beliefs and practice, but, I discovered it had just as much – if not more – to do with the structure of the “opportunities” themselves than with my own shortcomings. Mind you, most of them are generally considered “solid” opportunities with “solid” companies. Nevertheless, there exist inherent flaws in both structure and ideology that actually serve to hinder success for the “little guy” like you and me.
What’s the answer, then, you ask? Well, you ask good questions, but the answer to that one will take more time and effort than I can offer here. However, if you take advantage of the resources available on BucketFree.com, you’re sure to find it.
Enjoy your visit!
Carlos Whitfield