What the heck am I thinking? I can't help it!

[Craig Mattice]

Alright guys, some of you kind of know my situation and I'm not running short on the quantity and intensity of personal challenges. Time is a very intense priority to any venture. As a direct result of my challenges I've come to a point in my life I have no motivating purpose as in job, hobby, projects, kids, nothing meaningful to me. My biggest why is simply, "WHY?"

Oh I've eaten up time redecorating my office, creating personal one of a kind T-shirts, not utilizing my own graphics (if you know what I mean), and no longer able to be as active in church. Things that take a "normal" person just a few minutes to an hour on the computer may take me several hours due to cognitive and physical difficulties.

So why do I keep coming to these MLM/NWM'g forums? Why do I think I can still do this? Why do I wish to bring the unpleasant wrath of my wife upon me asking the proverbial, "what the heck are you thinking and throwing away money on products that don't work?" Ain't love grand? (Of course I'm being overly expressive as to my wife's support, more in fun than reality as she knows how much I do enjoy it.)

Let's face it! I've been involved in this "over rated, money sucking, gloriously unproductive hobby," (according to my wife, but only in my own head), since 1994 and have made very little money but had a lot of fun. BUT! I love this industry, the dream, the potential, hope, culture, and most of all the people I've met.

So here I am at 3:46 AM pouring my thoughts out on a NWM'g forum. Currently, I've been seriously looking into a new marketing program with a skillfully created system and flow utilizing a well designed funded proposal, affiliate program, and high ticket product all rolled into one. I even personally know the key founders and creators. I would be able to do everything online, from home, world-wide. But why? Even then this particular situation dictates my wife's direct ownership and involvement to help keep things straight for me, to which she is totally conducive as long as I have fun doing it.

Honestly? I've looked at FreeLife, Shaklee, Yoli a little, Reliv I am a distributor on paper only, as with SOC, but a heavy product user. I really miss the sense of belonging and contributing, learning from other people and new businesses. To say I'm a tad knowledgeable about the industry and business would be safe statement. But all to what end?

In summary, "just what is Craig talking about and what is he asking?" Isn't that the key question of this post? Therefore, any thoughts, suggestions, comments, and even creative verbal abuse are welcome.

As always my friends, thank you for reading. Should this post make you want to laugh at me, I only require that you laugh out loud as laughter is contagious and others may appreciate hearing it.

[angienewton]

Craig,
I wonder if this just isn't the right avenue for you. You had mentioned an affiliate program and I wonder if true affiliate marketing might be a good option for you. I spent quite a few years in direct sales doing the home party thing and although I made pretty good money at it, it just wasn't doing it for me. I absolutely loved the people and everything that went along with that but once I decided to move on things started to really change for me. It took me a while to let go of all of that, it was so hard because I loved the company and the people but we all have to do what's best for us and no one else.

You don't have to be alone when it comes to running your own affiliate marketing business. I have joined two mastermind groups and one paid forum and it's been great for building my business when it comes to learning all areas of affiliate marketing. Plus I personally connect with others on Twitter and Facebook and I attend affiliate marketing/niche conferences when I can.

My first thought was that you are an excellent writer and I wonder if you have a blog. You might find that to be something you would enjoy.

Just wanted to stop by...I don't make it to the forum here that much anymore but saw your post and decided to write. Wish you the best in what ever avenue you decide to pursue.

Angie

[Craig Mattice]

Hi Angie,

OMG! 111 views and it seems you are the only one who "gets it!" This was a concern posting this message on WAHM, the suspected lack of understanding much less response. Not even a flammer with bogus accusations. The slowness and lack of activity has not gone unnotieced on WAHM.

It is what it is and I appreciate your stepping up and providing several insightful comments along with support and suggestions. Your time and involvement are greatly appreciated and I acknowledge your positive response.

Expect a PM as there are some additional comments and questions on which I would like to receive your input.

Thank you again Angie.

[jennster]

Hey Craig,

I think we all have read your post and understand where you are coming from just not sure how to respond. I think most of us have felt the way you are describing from time to time. I do not have any Incredible words of wisdom to give you except it took me a long time to figure out that I am not in business to make friends(although it is nice to) I am here to work at my business just a little bit each day.

When I was first starting out I listened to my upline at the time telling me to advertise in all these expensive places and although made money I also put out alot. You can build your business on cheap or free methods this way you do not grow to resent your business,company or industry. Again this was all learned after the fact.

I also think we all need to prioritize. Family first and the business second. If you set a schedule for yourself with your business no matter what business NWM, Affiliate Marketing,ect. Set aside time for your wife, your church and then your business. Really if you just spent 2 hours per day on your business that would be enough.

I love wahm boards but Occassionally I find myself being too sucked in. For example you come on here to read 1 post and before you know it you have been sitting here for 2 hours reading or posting stuff. Does this really help your business grow?

If you focus solely on the actions that will make your business grow and minimize the time stealers in your business which is what I am trying to do lately I think so many of us would find ourselves prospecting more and our businesses growing.

Again, all I have to offer you is just what I have personally experienced and let you know you are not alone and above everything else it doesn't matter what career/job/business you have..We all must schedule things otherwise someone or something in your life will get neglected. JMHO

I truly wish you and your wife many blessings and I hope you find what you are searching for.

Jenn

[Craig Mattice]

Originally Posted by jennster

Hey Craig,

I think we all have read your post and understand where you are coming from just not sure how to respond. I think most of us have felt the way you are describing from time to time. I do not have any Incredible words of wisdom to give you except it took me a long time to figure out .............

I truly wish you and your wife many blessings and I hope you find what you are searching for.

Jenn

Hi Jenn!

You have, in this small and simple statement, summed up what it's all about. I appreciate more people do indeed "get it" than when I first posted. This subject is not something easily put into words, yet simply understood by all who have been or are in this position. To which we will all find our own way, especially with the help and support of others like yourself.

I am grateful, not necessarily that a few wise people answered with wonderful insights, but that 112 people read this post and may have been touched positively, if not to simply think about their own situation.

To all of you, I say "THANK YOU!"