Young people in particular, just entering the job market, pay attention to aspects such as flexibility and financial independence[1]. Many of them find the answer to their needs in network marketing. What does a career in this business model involve?

According to the latest research, nearly half of all candidates surveyed worldwide would not choose a full-time job. Among the most frequently mentioned alternatives, contract work and project work are usually listed, and even seasonal and temporary work – depending on the market, up to 60% of respondents express interest in these forms of employment[2].

Although an attractive salary is still the most highly valued factor for candidates, new employees increasingly pay attention to other motivators, such as flexible working hours and employment where earnings are not determined by the hours spent at a desk, but by real results. The advantages most often cited for such a system include the ability to combine work with household duties, pursuing education or self-fulfilment. When looking for a profession that meets these expectations, candidates often come across job offers in network marketing.

What Is Network Marketing?

What Is Network Marketing?

Network marketing, also known as multi-level marketing, is a business structure based on the sale of goods by independent brand representatives and the building of those business structures through new members joining the organisation. By actively building a network of customers and partners, a company is able to dispense with product distribution through physical stores and traditional forms of advertising, allocating funds instead to commissions for sellers.

– One of the advantages of working in a network marketing model is the flexibility that consultants can afford, because sales results largely depend on how much time we devote to work. Suitably motivated people are able to turn network marketing into their main source of income, not only by selling products to customers but also by expanding their pool of partners. This creates a network in which we earn not only from direct sales but also from the achievements of the people we have recruited – explains Andrzej Cichocki, expert and board member of CSC Global Education SA, a company involved in educating and professionalising the MLM and direct selling industry in Poland and worldwide.

A Career for Everyone?

A Career for Everyone?

Network marketing is attracting growing interest from potential salespeople. This is due, among other things, to the relatively low barrier to entry – although certain character traits are desirable in this working model, applicants are not required to have documented qualifications or experience.

– When considering taking up work based on the network marketing model, you should certainly think about what results you expect and how much you are able to give. Depending on the time invested, earnings can look completely different for someone who is actively working and building a network of contacts around themselves, and different for someone who focuses on occasional product sales. One of the advantages of network marketing is precisely that we can adapt the mode and form of work to the results we want, and depending on what we expect, treat it both as a main source of income and as an opportunity to "earn extra" after hours in a full-time job – explains Andrzej Cichocki. – At the same time, beyond the earning potential, a career based on network marketing also allows for self-development and improvement of soft skills and competences, which are very useful both in professional and personal life. This is certainly added value that should also be taken into account when wanting to spread your wings in network marketing – concludes Cichocki.

Network Marketing as a Main Source of Income

Network Marketing – A Business or a Side Hustle?

Although according to 2020 data, as many as 987,000 consultants are registered in the direct selling industry in Poland, only 20% of them treat the industry as their main source of income. It is also worth noting that 82% of sellers are women – network marketing is particularly popular among them because it allows for flexible time management, as well as work in the comfort of home, which can be combined with household duties and raising children[3]. Network marketing, however, is a great solution not only for people looking for extra income, but also for those who want to turn it into a steady income[3].

 

[1] Manpower Group Solutions, Report "How Do We Want to Work? What Employers Should Know About Candidates' Preferences Regarding Work Models?"

[2] Ibid.

[3] Report of the Polish Direct Selling Association for 2020, pssb.pl/industry-information/wyniki-branzy-sprzedazy-bezp…

Summary

Network marketing is a business model based on direct sales and building a network of partners, which is gaining popularity among people who value flexibility and financial independence. Data from 2020 shows that nearly a million consultants operate in the direct selling industry in Poland, but only 20% treat it as their main source of income. Importantly, 82% of sellers are women, for whom the ability to work from home and combine it with family responsibilities is important. Experts emphasise that success in network marketing depends on commitment – it can be both a main income and a side activity, as well as an opportunity to develop soft skills.