Hey Legend,

 

Have you ever woken up at 2am needing to go to the toilet?

 

And when you get back to bed – an idea hits you like a lighting bolt. And for the rest of the night, you can’t get back to sleep – the idea is just swirling through your head.

 

That’s what happened to me last week.

 

And it’s the inspiration for today’s newsletter.

 

Network marketing is one of the most powerful business models in the world – yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood and criticized.

 

So today, I’m unpacking my experience in network marketing, which started back in March 2021.

 

Before I got involved, I had no idea what network marketing even was.

 

In simple terms – instead of companies spending millions on traditional advertising, they pay real people (their customers) to share their products through word of mouth. It’s marketing built on trust and social proof – two of the most powerful forces in business.

 

You use the product, you love it, and you share it. And the company rewards you for that.

 

The compensation is like mortgage brokering in some ways: brokers get paid upfront and ongoing (trailing commissions) for loans they write. Network marketers do something similar — but with products (mostly consumable), not loans.

 

The key difference is the leverage – the ability to build a team and earn on the sales of others you’ve trained and supported.

 

There are two forces that changed my understanding of money forever:

Compound interest multiplies your money. 

Leverage multiplies your effort.

 

That’s what makes this model so powerful – and also why it’s so misunderstood. 

 

Let’s be real: network marketing gets a bad wrap.

 

People throw around the term “pyramid scheme”, but here’s the key difference – in network marketing, there’s an actual product being sold. You’re not just recruiting people; you’re offering something tangible that changes lives (if you’re with a good company).

 

The problem isn’t the model – it’s the mindset. 

 

Too many people jump in thinking it’s a “get rich quick” opportunity. They quit too soon, get burnt, and then blame the industry.

 

Success in this game (just like any business) takes time, leadership, and the willingness to grow your skills and character before the financial results show up.

 

It all started in 2021 when I came across a guy on Instagram whose content I really vibed with. I bought his book, devoured it in one night, and learned about the three types of income:

That middle one – residual income – was the missing piece for me.

 

This guy had built a seven-figure share portfolio in his 30s (way earlier than most) – all funded through network marketing profits. I was intrigued.

 

A few days later, we jumped on a Zoom call, hit it off, and I bought my first box of products for about $400. Before the box even arrived, he invited me to a company event in Melbourne.

 

At the time, I’d just quit engineering to go full-time in coaching. Money was tight, but something told me to say yes and figure it out later.

 

That weekend changed everything.

 

I came home fired up. The products arrived, and I did a 30-day health reset. I dropped five kilos, lost stubborn belly fat I’d been holding for years, and felt incredible.

 

Two weeks later, I shared my results on social media. A mate saw my post, asked what I was doing, and became my first customer. Not long after, another friend joined, and soon I got my first commission – $194.92.

 

I framed that cheque. It’s still in my office today.

 

That first small win lit a spark in me – proof that this model worked. Within the first 100 days, I’d earned over $10,000. In the first year, over $27,000.

 

But here’s the truth: I didn’t just “get lucky.” I’d already spent years developing skills through coaching – things like sales, social media, and handling rejection. 

 

Those skills transferred beautifully. 

 

The more I built my team, the more I learned that network marketing is really about leadership.

 

You can sell products, sure – but to unlock residual income, you’ve got to develop other leaders. That’s where true leverage comes in.

 

Looking back, I probably grew too fast. I didn’t have the experience to properly support everyone, and I know some people in my team felt let down. I take full responsibility for that. It taught me a huge lesson in leadership and integrity.

 

Over time, I realized my coaching business was my real calling. 

 

I was trying to build two things at once, and that scattered my focus. So I stepped back from network marketing as a business builder – but I’ve continued using the products daily ever since.

 

Even though I’m not actively building, I’ll always be grateful for network marketing.

 

It taught me about leverage, systems, leadership, communication – and most of all, it connected me with amazing, growth-minded people.

 

It’s personal development on steroids – with a paycheck attached.

 

But it’s not for everyone. It attracts all types – including those chasing fast money – which gives the industry a bad name.

 

Still, when it’s done right, ethically and authentically, it’s a beautiful model that rewards you for helping others win.

 

Here’s one of my biggest takeaways:

You don’t have to marry the vehicle you’re in.

 

Every business model, is just a vehicle to get you from one point to the next. 

 

Use it, learn from it, grow through it – and when it no longer aligns with your purpose, it’s okay to switch.

 

Network marketing was one of those vehicles for me – and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it.

If you’ve ever been curious about network marketing – or maybe had a bad taste from the industry – I hope this story gives you a balanced, real perspective.

If you want to hear the full story – check out episode #107 of ‘Money Mastery with Marshy’.

 

Have a great day,