What happened
I spent around three years building a Forever Living Products network marketing business and reached Manager level. For much of that period it was close to a full-time commitment, with daytime business-building, regular evening product demonstrations, travelling around the country, recruiting, training and supporting the downline. The business developed a significant team structure, but a major leg later left for a new startup. That venture subsequently failed, but by then the original organisation and momentum had been severely damaged. Exact financial records from the period are no longer available, so I have deliberately not published estimated revenue or costs.
Lessons learned
The biggest surprise was the sheer workload. Network marketing is often presented as flexible or leveraged income, but building a serious organisation can require sustained selling, recruitment, leadership, travel and evening work. Income can also be highly dependent on the behaviour and retention of people several levels below you. I did this for three years, reached Manager, and learned what the model really demands.
Current verdict
A real business model, but not one I would describe as passive or low-risk. It can suit people who enjoy selling, networking and building teams, but success is highly dependent on recruitment, retention and company structure. The experience highlighted how quickly a seemingly strong organisation can weaken when a key part of the network disappears.