Why Your Friends Would Rather Go To Target Than Buy From You:Part 1


We've all seen them. Those posts on Facebook that talk about supporting small businesses, specifically direct sales companies. They go something like this:

" Need a new purse? Buy from a 31 Bags lady.
  Need a new lipstick? Support your friend that sells Lipsense.
  Need a new sandwich container? Call your Tupperware lady.
  Ready for a new fragrance for your home? Talk to your Scentsy gal."

I don't know a single person that would intentionally NOT want to support a mama trying to stay home with her babies, or a family trying to pay for braces or get out of debt. So with the absolute intense rise of direct sales companies and even more people jumping on board for a "side hustle" or a flat out, full time "hustle"/career change, why are your friends still buying from Target, Amazon and the mall?

Before I dive into this post, please know that this content has been years in the making. It is a combination of my own personal experiences, and the experiences/responses of many others. I pray that my writing will not produce anger and controversy, but rather awareness, understanding and most of all, peace.

There are so many layers to this topic. I pray that I can give each layer the attention and care it needs, being thorough and not leaving anyone feeling confused. With that being said, I welcome your feedback. Without feedback a writer cannot grow and better understand how to bless those that read her work.

Part 1: Direct Sales Saturation on Facebook and Life

Facebook used to be a place where we could simply enjoy pictures of family/friends, share funny memes and have a general platform to stay in touch with others and share media that would further connect us. Sadly, this is not primarily what is seen on Facebook as of the year 2019.
The reality is that at least half of your friends are actively representing some kind of a side hustle. This isn't wrong, it just is. 

Why is this a reality?

One word: need.

There is great financial need in our society at large. There is a need to pay down debt, a need to afford groceries for your family, a need to be able to stay home with your children because it's your hearts desire and/ or because you can't afford child care, so there really is no point to get a job, which makes the financial aspect even more of a challenge.

There is also a need for women to have something that they can excel in, have connections with other like minded women, and the pure blessing that you can set your own hours and get paid according to how hard you work, rather than being in a 9-5 that will pay you as long as you show up. All the needs that I've listed here are very real and very raw. Sometimes so much so, that there are some direct sales companies that prey upon women, creating and training their representatives in an aggressive, deceptive and self centered manner that is ruining relationships and creating a divisive atmosphere.

How many of you have received an FB or Instagram message from someone that you haven't heard from in forever, and feel a little honored that they thought of you and wanted to keep in touch, only to find out that they want you to host a facebook party or join their team?

Or maybe you just had posted pictures of your new baby, and you get a message asking if you want to try a weight loss product for free, because the assumption is that you have baby weight to lose. (forget that losing weight is not the first thing on your mind when caring for a new born and adjusting to a new normal! )

All of a sudden we are finding Facebook to be a place that increases our anxiety, and causes us to be paranoid and on guard, questioning peoples motives and feeling unseen, or feeling just plain annoyed. Couple this with the sad reality that the digital age we live in has created a false sense of intimacy in nearly every way, and you have an absolute perfect storm.

In the mean time, we have direct sales companies that are legit and have wonderful products/opportunities for people, and are being represented by women who aren't stalking their friends, but are learning how to be patient with servant hearts, ready to help meet the needs of those who want their particular need met by the products they offer.This becomes a delightful, life giving experience for both the representative and the customer, because there is no anxiety, no guilt, no insult. It is simply two women who are grateful for each other.

This is part 1 of a series addressing this topic. Be on the look for part 2 soon!





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