How I Escaped the Cult of Network Marketing

Hard-won lessons on the fallacy of “sharing and caring.”

Midjourney Image by author

During one low point in my life during the late 1980s, I got roped, no, lassoed, into my first direct sales rodeo. Once should have been enough. At least it is for most people. But for me, it took not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times over several decades before I learned that in the sales arena, I was more rodeo clown than bronco rider.

There are moments in our lives when circumstances overrule common sense, and instead of using sound judgment, we opt for the path of least resistance. It’s not that we make the choice because we believe it’s the easiest. Sometimes, our choice is made from fear, or deep-seated insecurity, or a belief there is no other option. I grew up struggling with all three — the perfect mix of personality traits for recruitment into direct sales. So it’s no wonder the business models of these companies promote a promise of time, freedom, and a life of riches. All you have to do, they expound, is to share the products.

Introduced to the first company by my, at the time, best friend and fellow model, whom I’ll refer to as “April,” I’d watched her corral people during an evening “presentation” about nutrition, skincare, and hair growth. As men and women sidled up to the front of the room to sign up…