Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock.
You want a baby, but your business is rocking. Now is *not* the time to conceive.
Or is it?
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg was featured in this Fortune magazine bit about her thoughts on balancing career and family as a woman with ambition. She left Google, where she was the top female exec, to join Facebook after her second child was born. She has some choice words for women considering backing off from their careers to pursue motherhood.
And I have some choice words for you!
Jennifer, a gal in my organization, has a great story from when she was expecting her second child while building her business. Due to a difficult pregnancy, she was put on bed rest and unable to work for almost 5 months. During this time her business grew and the company paid her a six-figure income. You know what she would’ve gotten had she been in corporate America? Disability! And the last time I checked, it was about two-thirds of a regular paycheck.
But not in MLM… we get the paycheck AND the lifestyle benefits. I believe that the career, the spouse, the kids, the income, and the lifestyle are all possible with network marketing.
What do YOU think about the idea in that article? Please comment below…
27. May 2010 at 4:58 pm
Hi Melissa, how refreshing to hear and read about the benefits of being a mom and building a network marketing biz. I am the “global mompreneur” so you can gather I have my own ready-made tribe whining, nagging and begging me to do something other than syndicating content! The beauty is that no matter what happens, we continue to work and do it all! Not always in balance I might say, but totally in love with it all.
Look forward to reading much more from you.
Clare
.-= Clare´s last blog ..Is your business awake to the social media revolution? =-.
27. May 2010 at 5:03 pm
you are an inspiration to all of us Clare! I love your branding: “Mompreneur”… that’s so great!
28. May 2010 at 6:33 pm
Having your own business, although it often takes a lot of time, allows you the freedom to decide when and where you will work. So you can have your family and also have your work – in the same house, even at the same time. Of course, you may sometimes feel pulled in different directions but without the career you can possibly begin to have a sense of losing yourself. MLM or any home based business offers you an opportunity to stay connected with the outside, adult world at the same time that you are caring for your kids and spouse.
1. June 2010 at 9:20 am
i never thought of it that way… that’s so true. i imagine it’s important to have those high-level conversations after a day with the kids!
31. May 2010 at 9:09 am
“Social Hypnosis” I LOVE that! That is so true. I think you can have it all, but it takes focus. Being a mom and working on getting my business off the ground, working from home is the absolute best. What you create is time freedom. I also homeschool my son and there’s less stress all the way around. It’s great. Many women don’t think they can do it and that’s where good leadership comes in with an MLM. If it’s anon MLM learning and reading about business and marketing is important to help you stay focused. So, my first impression of you is that you are one of those leaders that can inspire and motivate! I look forward to visiting your site and reading your posts often …
1. June 2010 at 9:16 am
thank you lesly! yours are the stories that i run up the flagpole: stay at home mom, business owner, AND you homeschool?!?! amazing! thanks for sharing =)
31. May 2010 at 4:27 pm
Hi Melissa,
I agree. You can have it all. I love working from home. I started my network marketing career over 15 years ago and never looked back. My son, who is now an adult, is also working from home full time with network marketing. It’s the best way.
Melodie
.-= Melodie Kantner´s last blog ..Quick Tip To Make Approaching Your Warm Market Easier =-.
1. June 2010 at 9:14 am
what a gift you gave your son: a stay-at-home mom AND the belief that he can “have it all” too! thanks for sharing mel (my pals call me mel, too!)
1. June 2010 at 5:49 am
Great post, I can’t wait to have my first baby. I know 73 year old men don’t have a chance at that. However I know of a woman not in my down-line(unfortunately) who has had 7 babies in the past 5 years and has built a 6 figure income while changing all those diapers. It is the Ultimate job for Women and Men. Go MLM’s
.-= Nelson´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
1. June 2010 at 9:11 am
hi there nelson! perhaps charlie chaplin would be a great role model for you
7 babies in 5 years?! that’s a great example of “massive action”! amazing!!!
1. June 2010 at 8:25 am
Don’t forget about us stay at home dads:)
1. June 2010 at 9:10 am
absolutely! i didn’t mean to be sexist barry!
1. June 2010 at 9:43 am
Melissa,
Very thought provoking post showing how lifestyles have changed and yet not over the years. MLM’s have always offered the chance to be a stay at home parent, which is wonderful! I do agree with Erica that adult interactions are just as important as caring for your children. Keeps the mind sharp and growing.
I think you covered this subject well. Thank for sharing your thoughts and viewpoints,
Val
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..What You Think of Me is None of My Business =-.
1. June 2010 at 9:57 am
Melissa
Yes we can have it all and that’s coming from a mom of seven kids!
We are only limited to what we are willing to conceive in our minds. I have raised all my kids working from home. I’ve never missed a sporting advent, proms, dances the list goes on…due to the fact I have a vision, goals and ambition!
Great topic
Debby
1. June 2010 at 10:47 am
you are such an inspiration to us all Debby… thanks for your wonderful words!
1. June 2010 at 11:24 am
You are so right about corporate America versus MLM Build it right and the income will continue to grow.
Bill
.-= Bill Hartman´s last blog ..Will the IPad Help You With Social Media =-.
1. June 2010 at 2:22 pm
Hey Melissa,
I sincerely hope I can have it all, time with my kids, wife and even find time to get to the gym. All whilst still making money on auto pilot.
Cool video.
Keep smiling
Chris
1. June 2010 at 5:27 pm
of COURSE you can have it all, are you kidding? you’re surrounded by success stories in this space. you can borrow my belief (but i need it back). you have EVERYTHING you need to succeed. stop hoping and just get to work. and let go of this “autopilot” attitude. work first, then automate second.
2. June 2010 at 3:12 am
Melissa,
What a bubbly enthusiastic video! Thank you for sharing your ideas and I’ve enjoyed reading the other comments left here too. My sons (10&7yrs) are very used to seeing their Mummy work from home. I think this has given them the freedom to ‘think outside the box’ .. I love to hear all their plans for creating businesses of their own when they grow up. So, this works for us girls and for future entrepreneurs as well. How great is that??!!!
Joanna
.-= Joanna Sayers´s last blog ..A Barefoot Revolution =-.
2. June 2010 at 1:49 pm
Melissa, I’m So thrilled to meet you!
Your blog is packed with inspiration and information, not to mention the advertised ‘kick in the pants’ lol!
I absolutely agree that we can have it all – and that working from home is the way to do it.
I’ve been horribly guilty of using small kids and family commitments as an excuse for not working my biz, and waited way too long to give this industry the focus it deserves.
But you’re so right – no other industry is going to give you a full paycheck while you’re off doing other things.
And this goddess is ready to get off her tail and make it happen!
.-= Jacqueline Gates´s last blog ..Product vs Plan ~ a Goddess’ guide on how to choose a Network Marketing company =-.
2. June 2010 at 2:30 pm
if i may be so bold, i belief you are using your “WHYs” as your reasons “WHY NOT”… can’t wait to see you rocket to the top girlfriend!
2. June 2010 at 2:54 pm
Yes, Melissa! I love it! You CAN have it all! I left corporate America because I wasn’t being a good mom! Thank goodness I started my home business and learned exactly what you said “you can have it all”! My priority was being a mom first and now my son’s an adult and we still do so many things together!
You are so wise Melissa and your children will be so fortunate because you will have all the time to enjoy them and yet have your international business booming all over the world! It’s “Simply The Best!”
Thank you for being an inspiration to all women!
Aloha,
Kellie
.-= Kellie Hosaka´s last blog ..Do You Know What “The Business of the 21st Century” Is According To Robert Kiyosaki? =-.
2. June 2010 at 4:56 pm
thanks kellie! your story is such an inspiration… it’s made me quite a few bucks! the stories of the former-corporate-mommies-turned-MLM-ers connect with so many prospects in this business. you rock!
2. June 2010 at 3:10 pm
Oh yes! Melissa – I totally love your presence on the camera! You’re confident and real.
And content wise – so awesome!!! Every child we’ve had (and now 4 of them) has brought my business to a whole new level!!! Every day, we work together as a team – and every day, our business gets ramped up.
Thanks for sharing this, Melissa!
.-= Paul Klaszus´s last blog ..Best ways to start a theological discussion =-.
2. June 2010 at 4:57 pm
4 kiddos! WOW you will inspire so many with your background paul. if you can do it around 4 kids, no one can give you a valid excuse. happy to have connected with you thru TSA =)
2. June 2010 at 3:12 pm
Melissa,
Thank you for the hot topic for all women brought in an entertaining way by you. I enjoyed the article and your video.
I have never worked for corporate anything and even the thought of it makes me feel unpleasant. I love working from home and being my own boss.
In this respect, the industry of NM/MLM is the perfect one with the most brilliant compensation as well where you are not dependent on someone above you to decide if you get a raise and how much you are paid, neither when you will work and how you will be dressed, plus you don’t have commutes from and to offices. I enjoy the freedom a lot.
Thanks for sharing.
´s last blog ..Beautiful True Bear Love! =-.
Infinite love and gratitude to you,
Venus
.-= Venus
2. June 2010 at 4:54 pm
i agree–MLM is so *fair*. how many people in traditional jobs get paid meager wages just for “showing up”? and in MLM we get paid royally for actually doing the work. i’m so excited to connect with you venus!
2. June 2010 at 3:42 pm
WhoRaah is right. I am so glad to hear stories where MLM actually saved their financial lives at the time of “disability”. Great story. Thanks for sharing.
.-= Lisa Saline´s last blog ..Jeffrey Gitomer’s Ace of Sales =-.
5. June 2010 at 5:45 pm
I don’t know if you can have it all, all being everything that you could ever wish for as this may result in disappointment when somethings remain out of your reach.
Saying that I reckon you can still strive for everything that is within your grasp and the Internet has made this so much more achievable. Now you can stay at home and provide for, and raising your family.
This still takes a lot of work but at least you don’t have a strict 9-5 job with a boss constantly looking over your neck. Nope, now all you have is the mass of potential customers reading your work expecting great content
Nice post. I came over from Kimberley’s blog and thought I would drop in and say hey.
.-= Sire´s last blog ..The Importance Of Honesty In Blogging =-.
6. June 2010 at 10:00 am
As a mother of two older kids (10 and 14), I cannot imagine NOT having a business of my own that gives me so much time freedom, flexibility, and income. I am not “told” how much I am worth, or when I can and can’t spend time with my children. While building a successful business takes a lot of time and ambition, I do it on my terms, not anyone else’s. Thanks for sharing an inspirational story of one woman who proves we women can have satisfying careers in whatever we choose AND a wonderful family!
Mary Lou
.-= Mary Lou Kayser´s last blog ..Predictably Irrational: The Keys to Your Success May Be the Opposite of What You Think =-.
9. June 2010 at 7:09 am
Thought-provoking post Melissa. I went on to read the article by Sheryl Sandberg. I can see her logic and I am curious to see how other women find the path she has chosen. I think that not slowing down too soon is important, but I also think that for some women, slowing down to enjoy our children is important. Clearly by valuing working from home, you fall into this category.
I enjoyed the chance to hear Sheryl’s viewpoint Melissa. Thanks for sharing your own as well!
10. June 2010 at 7:31 am
Although I’m not a stay-at-home mom (yet!) I do believe I’ve laid the groundwork to make it possible one day. I’m heading to your blog now!