As most of you know, I am in the network marketing/direct sales industry. This week, we learned that one of the companies, Miche, was closing its doors in the US. It wasn’t that long ago that I, too, received an email with the news that South Hill Designs had been closed. As I read this news, my heart just broke for those folks.
When you’re in this industry, if you are truly working your business like a business, you put your heart and soul into it. People choose products they love and share them with others. They develop relationships with other reps, as well as with their customers. For many, they had been with this company for a very long time. On top of that, Miche has been my purse of choice for many years. I love the design, love the quality of the product, and I really, really love how easy it is to change purses. So, on so many levels, when I got this news, I was sad about it.
And Then It Starts
Now, let me tell you what else happens. It becomes a feeding frenzy! Others in network marketing don’t hesitate to jump on it. After all, everyone wants to build a team, and here is this group who now needs a new home. When we got notice about our company, I had messages on Facebook in under one hour from the time I got the email. One hour! And it was all about, now you should join my team. Yes, I know everyone wants new team members. But what is forgotten in this approach is that this business is about relationships. Some who reach out don’t even know the person. Even if you know them, the first message sure shouldn’t be about them joining your team. As I processed through our company transition, I did check into other companies. What I didn’t do was ever consider joining any of those folks who had reached out in that first day asking me to sign up with them. In the end, for me, it all worked. Our company has become a part of Youngevity and we still have a home where we can represent what we love and so much more.
Okay, that’s a lesson is what NOT to do. Folks going through this really just need some time to adjust. For many, their livelihood has just disintegrated before their eyes. It’s a hard time. What they need is understanding, encouragement, and people to just be their friend. The other thing everyone can do when this happens is listen. Many times there are last minute sales. If you have a rep who is going through this, make an effort to support them in that way.
A Word for my Miche Friends
For all of you out there from Miche, my heart goes out to you. It’s a hard time. I get where you’re at and I understand all of those feelings. You want to grieve, you need time, and at the same time, you know that you need to look around because you need to replace your income. So you move, slowly, with diligence, until you find just the right thing for yourself. Trust me, it will come. The opportunities are great. In the meantime, feel free to leave your shopping links here in the comments if you’d like. I will do the same thing on my Facebook page. Know that your are in my thoughts and prayers as you move through this transition. You will come out the other side stronger than you were before and I’m pulling for you.
Send to Kindle