TIPSY TUESDAY - 5 Tips to Top Your MLM Journey with Liz Agudelo

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I did the pros and cons in my head, and I said a quick prayer. Then I jumped in with two feet into a multi-level marketing (MLM) opportunity. Why? Well, it happened something like this: I tried the product, I loved the product, I couldn’t help telling others about the product. Sharing about it felt natural, orders were coming in organically, and then it dawned on me:

This is working without me even trying … what would happen if I went all in?

Friends, this shift in perspective was the best thing I could have done for myself and for my business. Owning it—setting out with intention and purpose—makes all the difference in business (and in our personal lives too).

I’ll talk goal setting, Facebook workshops, vendor events, and classes another day. Today I want to focus on the core of a thriving MLM business and share with you my top 5 tips for keeping yourself motivated to stay the course.

Know Your “Why”

You can only commit to something you feel deeply passionate about. For me, it’s my kids. I wanted to stay at home with Penny (6) and Max (3.5 … and that .5 is very important to him, so it must be honoured!) I also knew I was leaning into the right opportunity because the company’s values, philosophy, mission, and vision aligned with my own.

Come back to your why when you feel discouraged. Put pictures on your walls, sticky notes on your mirror, or recurring alarms on your phone … whatever it takes to remind yourself that what you’re doing matters.

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Personal Branding

Let’s keep it real Boss Babes, there are plenty of other people doing what you’re doing. So what will draw people to you? Your personal brand. You’re unique, gifted, and your story matters. Infusing your brand with the essence of you is what sets you apart from the other reps promoting the same or a similar product or service as you. No one else can bring what you bring to the table. No one. I mean that.

Only when you share who you are (rather than what you do) can people like and trust you. Establish a personal relationship with your market and they will find their way to you to get the product or service you love so much and share so authentically. Don’t just inundate social media with product shots—that’s what everybody else is doing. Be authentic, do you instead.

Be Intentional: Take a Moment Before You Say Yes or No

Being intentional and authentic goes beyond branding. Being intentional about what we allow into our lives (and what we don’t) matters. Saying yes to one thing means saying no to something else. When we say yes to Netflix we say no to answering emails, planning our social media feeds, or spending quality time with family and friends. In the same way, saying yes to our businesses means saying no to personal time (or at least some of it).

We all get 24 hours a day, so let’s use them to say yes to the things that matter, to the things that lead us to our ultimate goals. Let’s say no to the things that distract us from our vision for ourselves and for our families.

The tricky part is identifying which opportunities will help you further your goals, and which ones won’t (it’s not always as clear as choosing between Netflix and business planning!) So I caution you to focus and make decisions that serve you best—this looks different for everyone. Your true friends will understand your journey and support you. Your family will thrive because your time together will be intentional, quality time. You can do this. It’s up to you to choose.

Personal Development: Work on You, Boo!

I’m sure you’ve seen the meme:

“Your vibe attracts your tribe.”

There’s a deep truth to it. Energy attracts like energy. So think about the kind of team you want to lead ... who is it made of? What are your people like? What traits do they have?

Then look in the mirror. Do you have the traits you’re looking for in others? Do you practice the habits you’d want them to practice? Walk the walk. Leading by example is imperative in network marketing, just as it is in any endeavour where you hold influence and a place of leadership.

Thriving MLM’s know that their greatest asset isn’t their products, it’s their people. So soak up all the opportunities for personal development on offer. Attend your company’s conventions to learn from and be inspired by the best. Allow yourself to be fed. You’ll become not just a better network marketing professional, but a better leader and a better human being. I would also encourage you not to wait for the annual convention to work on yourself. Personal development is an ongoing process, and as you personally grow and develop, so too will your business.

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Own It

MLMs are like any other business: Treat it as a hobby, and it’ll pay you back as a hobby. Treat it as a business, and it’ll pay you back as a business. Shifting my perspective from hobby to business took time and thought, and now, having a bird’s eye view on my team, I also see that process unfolding in others. It’s a choice everyone has to make.

By definition you are a business owner once you have signed up just one person to use your product or service.

What is holding you back from calling yourself a business owner? An entrepreneur? It’s easier (aka less scary) to see it as just a fun thing you do on the side, for kicks. I’d like to challenge you to unpack your thinking.

• Would you like this to be more than just a fun thing?

• Is it possible for your business to bear fruit for you and remain fun? Why or why not?

• Would you like to go beyond having your products paid for through this business? Why or why not?

• What fears can you identify when it comes to owning your own business, and what resources can you tap into to support yourself through this process?

Whether you recognize it or not, you’re a Boss Babe. Time to own it.

What do you think? What holds you back from going all in with your business? What keeps you motivated when things get hard? You are welcome to agree or disagree with me—whatever your view, you are welcome here.

To connect with me and learn more about my business with Young Living Essential Oils, please visit my website, www.myyl.com/lizagudelo  or find me on Instagram, I’m @fabuliz_agudelo.

*Photo credits: Michelle B., Beau Photography, Dusty Dawn Photography

Beau Photography: https://www.facebook.com/JCBeauPhotography/

Dusty Dawn Photography: 

https://www.facebook.com/dustydawnphotography/

MAD LOVE MONDAY - Shannon Vizeau | Shannon Vizeau Photography

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Hello! My name is Shannon Vizeau and I am a family and children’s lifestyle photographer. Although I have only been in business for myself for 2 years, photography has always been a constant in my life. I remember in seventh grade learning how to use a darkroom to develop film, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I have always been creative and loved drawing but there was something about seeing an image come to life in a photograph! Time passed and I ended up going to school for Graphic Design and Fine Art in Medicine Hat, Alberta – although my focus wasn’t on photography, I took as many classes in photography as I could during that time. I then went on to take Technical Theatre at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Through all of my years of schooling, I never really felt like my heart was fully in it, and I floundered a bit after graduation when I moved home. The one thing that I never gave up on was taking photographs. I packed around my Dad’s old Canon TLb film camera, taking photos where ever I could. I think he has given up on the fact that he will never get that old camera back! ;)

Realizing that I should really be an adult, I got a job. So once again throughout my different job choices over the years I never felt content or that it was what I was meant to be doing. I wanted to be doing something creative which lead me to getting a job at a Photo studio in West Edmonton Mall, I loved it! It wasn’t your classic portrait studio and I could feel my creative side starting to resurface. Sadly the company didn’t last long, I was able to find another photography job but on the editing side of things. Fast forward to 3 years ago, I was off work on maternity leave with my second child. I had been taking photos here and there for friends and family, never thinking I could actually go anywhere with it. After a lot of encouragement from my husband, friends and family I got my business license upgraded my equipment and Shannon Vizeau Photography was formed!

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After having my son, I was able to stay home full time. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do this. I went back to work after I had my daughter, so this has been a pretty amazing experience being home with him. Not always easy, don’t get me wrong! There are tough days for sure. I don’t know if it’s because he’s my last baby or because I can see how fast time is going, I want to document everything, all the little details. I started doing a 365 day project and I focused on different lighting in my home throughout the day. Using my kids as my subject, something clicked. I started creating interesting images for myself that made my creative heart sing. I began wanting to translate this to my family sessions. During that time I also attended a workshop called ‘Life Unposed’ hosted by Shantal Marie Creative. Meeting Shantal, and the 4 other photographers was such an amazing experience. Not only did I learn a lot, make new friends in the industry, but it reaffirmed the type of images I want to create – ones with connection and emotion.

I had the chance to be a part of a newborn photoshoot a little over 6 months ago, not only was this photo shoot for one of my very best friends, but she is also a very talented photographer. I was a little nervous to say the least! But that photo shoot is one that I am very proud of. I captured the emotion and connection I had always wanted to portray in my photographs.

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That’s why I love photographing families and children. Capturing those little moments and details is so important. Laughter, joy, (sometimes tears) little hands and feet, a small caress or a sweet little hug. I know as a Mom I will love looking back at all the photos of my kids and remember what it felt like in that moment. I love having the ability to capture these memories for others.

I have a lot to learn on the business side of things, my creative side takes over and I forget that there’s a whole other aspect to this whole entrepreneurial world! (insert face palm emoji here!) I often have to be reminded that it can be a slow growth. I just get so excited to take photos that I want to be doing it all the time! So, slow steps keep working hard and pushing forward. It’s easy to want to just give up at times. Being so new in the industry professionally, I have moments of self-doubt quite often, moments when I feel like an imposter. Why would people get me to take their photos when there are so many talented photographers out there?!

‘What if I fall? Oh my darling, what if you fly’- Erin Hanson.

I often think of this quote when it comes to my daughter but it speaks loudly to me also. In times like this I pick up my camera and keep going. I go back to my 365 project and take photos for myself. I am lucky that I have a lot of support, my husband, friends and my photog tribe. They push me to keep going. I love learning so I am constantly watching videos, reading or taking online courses about different aspects of photography.

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Instagram has been a really fun platform for me to share my work. I really enjoy being part of the photography community, seeing other photographers work is a great motivation and inspiration. I know that there are still a lot of tips and tricks I can be using to boost up my presence on Facebook but honestly my days go fast and I can be a bit of a procrastinator. It’s hard to focus everyday on all aspects that are required to run a business from home. Blogging, live posts, stories, editing, updating my website...it can become very overwhelming, especially when you have a 3 year old asking you to play all day! The mom side usually wins out which in turn means late hours into the night trying to catch up on work. Times that I really need to focus, grandparents are usually more than happy to occupy my kids’ time ;)

I am so happy to be a part of this YEGBOSSBABES community! It was such an awesome experience being at the Spring Mixer. Meeting other women running their own businesses was an inspiration. Knowing that no matter what industry you’re in there are always struggles but in return there are successes, and that’s something to look forward to. <3

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me!

Instagram - @shannonvizeauphotography Facebook – Shannon Vizeau Photography Website – www.shannonvizeauphotography.ca

MEET EMILIE IGGIOTTI OF EMILIE PHOTOS

My name is Emilie and I am a portrait photographer based in Edmonton.

I have been a photographer for 9 years now… wow time flies! I started as a wedding photographer but I am now only doing portraits, and especially women portraiture.

I have created this photo series called “The Truth in You” where I photograph women who want to celebrate themselves, despise what the society tells them to do or be and away from the beauty standards which are too restrictive. The society currently classifies women regarding their role (you are a mother, you are a wife, you are a daughter…) but women should not be defined by those roles only. You should be able to give yourself a photo session just because you want to celebrate YOU, without waiting to get married, become a mom or getting a promotion. Society teaches girls to be quiet, to follow the rules it has decided for them. Women are not allowed to be single, divorced, and with no kids without being judged EVERY DAY. And I don’t even start with the struggles the women of colour have to face, and also the LGBTQIA community. It takes every human to change the standards but we will get there one step at a time.

I started my own business 9 years ago when I quit my job as a corporate lawyer. As much as I loved my studies, I hated the job and could not see myself being a lawyer my entire life. So I had an opportunity to start my own business and I did it. I never looked back!

I must say being my own boss and having my own business has been eye opening for me. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur (everyone in my family is a teacher) but I learned along the way, and I love being an entrepreneur now. I love meeting new people all the time, I love having a flexible schedule, I love being my own boss and making the decisions about my business. I am totally in charge of how I do my business and it has been life changing.

One of my professional goals is to open my own studio one day.

To have my own space where I could work with other creatives. It’s a big goal for me because I have a very specific idea of what I want (design of the space, the size, the light, etc.) and it’s not something that I can just “rent”. I would need to think of every detail, design the space and maybe even build it myself… well hire someone to build what I want!

Being a small business owner is not always easy though. And I wanted to give up many times! I almost got a 9-5 job a few years ago when I moved to Edmonton and I had to start over here. Long short story about me: I was born and raised in Reunion Island, a French island located in the Indian Ocean nead Madagascar and I moved to Canada in 2011. I lived in Quebec for 5 years before moving to Edmonton in 2016. Nobody knew me in Edmonton and I had t start my photography business from zero. This is when I wanted to give up. But I did not and now my business is doing very well.

One of my mentors, Seth Godin, wrote this and it just sticks with me now: We fail when we give up too soon. Sometimes, well often, the moment we want to give up is actually the moment we need to push forward.

I remember the first time someone in Edmonton came to me at an event and asked me if I was Emilie Iggiotti, and I said yes, and they complimented me on my work and told me they love my work. That’s when I told myself: Okay this is good, people know who you are now, it’s getting there.

Also, because I use Instagram a lot, lots of people “know” me from this platform. Which is very cool! I found that Instagram completely changed the way we interact with each other. I feel like I have a community of people who know me and who I know even if we never really met in real life. And when we meet in real life, we feel like we know each other. It’s the same for my clients. They feel like they know me already and it creates a feeling of trust even before the photo session. And because I work a lot and I spend a lot of time on Instagram, my favourite thing to do when I am not working is going to a coffee shop with a book and just chill. But it’s very hard to do for me. My brain is always working and even when I am supposed to read and chill, I think of a million different ideas for a photo session or for my business. I found that boxing really helps me to disconnect. So I do that a lot!

I love the community of small business owners in Edmonton.

We are all very supportive of each other. I try to attend lots of markets or special events and support local businesses. I try to also shop local as much as I can. I met a lot of amazing inspiring women in Edmonton. The way they conduct their business helps me being a better business person. I am always looking for inspiration from other businesses. So I would say I am just looking for that. And it’s a big thing for me. I don’t think we can have a business and not be inspired. We need inspiration every day… inspiration to keep going, to get better, to evolve, to improve our products, our services. Without inspiration, we are not going anywhere.

So, cheers to being inspired by other YEGBOSSBABES!

Emilie Iggiotti