How do you feel about the word “marketing?” What kind of sensations flow through your body?
I used to get the weeby-jeebies from hearing that word.
When I was in high school, my best friend and I signed up to be independent Tupperware distributors. We were so excited about our new ventures! She was much more assertive than I, setting up parties, calling our friends’ moms, and finding hosts.
I, on the other hand, was excited about the possibilities: creating something out of nothing and creating sustainable, self-sufficient income. But I never took action. I never felt inspired by the product enough to follow through with sales efforts. My heart wasn’t into it. I attended my friend’s parties, but there was never a spark inside of me about Tupperware.
Call me crazy, but Tupperware doesn’t excite me, my friends.
In the end, I did the numbers. My Tupperware Distributor expense was around $170, and my income was $0. The initial setup fee covered some nice Tupperware pieces, but I was a teenager. What did I care about burp-able seals?
After that experience, I was always wary of distributors of Mary Kay, Avon, and any other network marketing products. I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea that someone could truly, authentically be passionate about a multi-level marketing (MLM) product.
Contrived. That’s how I felt about Tupperware. And I thought that deep down inside, everyone must feel exactly the same way I did.
But that was my problem, and I was wrong.
I realized after a few years and having friends who are involved in MLM that they are extremely passionate about the products. In fact, all my friends in MLM really are deeply concerned with their customers’ well-being. And they sincerely believe that their product can help their customers.
Surely there are people in MLM who are driven purely by financial gain, but no one that I know personally. And I find that those who are not driven by heart and soul get weeded out quickly… Just like I did in high school.
Good marketing is based in heart, soul, and authenticity.
I went through several years of churning the butter of personal development before I ever felt great about marketing. Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? How can I be well? How can I help others be well?
I don’t think it needs to take that long for others though.
Now I see marketing as a natural extension of my true Self. Yes, I believe that my work is valuable. My work helps others on a deep level. Every time someone asks me what I do, I speak about my work with very high regard. Yes, my work is worthy of an honorable monetary exchange. My work produces results, solves problems, and relinquishes fears. I am humbled knowing that I assist in making dreams come true. I am humbled as I serve witness to astonishing moments of healing. I am brought to my knees knowing the power of music therapy, and I would like to shout it from a mountaintop.
I have a few good words to spread, and if delivering the message of my life is called “marketing,” then I say “Game on.”
Again I ask: How do you feel about the word “marketing?” What kind of sensations flow through your body?
Kat Fulton is a music therapist and canyon dweller who writes regularly about music therapy and drumming.
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Well stated, Kat. It is easier to market things we are passionate about. And, our marketing needs to be authentic to our personalities while speaking to our target market. It still may have some stress surrounding it, but it is easier to step forward.
I hear you, Joann! We all got to LOVE our marketing. Thanks for your insights here.
I think “weeby-jeebies” is the PERFECT term to describe how marketing makes me feel — sometimes on the receiving end, sometimes on the doing end. I think JoAnn used a great word — authentic — to describe when marketing feels “right” to me. Great post!
Hee hee. IKR! When people are slimy about marketing, I totally get the weeby-jeebies. But when they are real, then it actually feels pretty good. Carolyn, Thank you for sharing your insights here =)
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