Biggest Mistakes We Made (and What We Learned)
Lessons From the Trenches of Network Marketing
Let’s be honest: no one gets it right from the start in network marketing.
We’ve all stumbled, over-pitched, gone silent, burned out, or wondered if we were cut out for this. And while the wins feel amazing, it’s the mistakes that actually teach us the most.
So instead of pretending like we’ve had it all figured out, let’s talk about the biggest mistakes we made—and what we learned from them. Because if this article saves you time, stress, or lost momentum… it’s already worth it.
1. Trying to Be Everything to Everyone
The Mistake:
When we started, we pitched to everyone with a pulse. Friends, family, strangers, people who didn’t even need what we offered.
We didn’t have a clear audience or message—we just cast a wide net and hoped for the best.
The Lesson:
You can’t market to “everyone.”
The more specific you get about who you’re helping and why, the more people will actually listen.
What to Do Instead:
Identify your ideal client or teammate (age, lifestyle, pain points)
Tailor your message to their problems, not your product
Speak directly to one person instead of the whole crowd
2. Leading With the Pitch, Not the Person
The Mistake:
We used to slide into DMs with a script and a sales link, before even saying hello. (Cringe, right?)
It wasn’t from a bad place—we were just eager and thought that’s how it worked.
The Lesson:
Relationships > Transactions.
People don’t want to be sold to—they want to feel seen, heard, and understood.
What to Do Instead:
Start conversations, not pitches
Ask questions and listen first
Offer value before the offer
Build a real connection, whether they buy or not
3. Not Treating It Like a Real Business
The Mistake:
We treated network marketing like a side hobby. Inconsistent hours. No tracking. No structure. We showed up when we “felt like it.”
The Lesson:
If you treat it like a hobby, it’ll pay you like one.
The people who win are the ones who build systems, habits, and discipline.
What to Do Instead:
Set work hours—even part-time
Track your reach-outs, follow-ups, and progress
Stay plugged into training and personal development
Build a repeatable daily method of operation (DMO)
4. Overcomplicating Everything
The Mistake:
We thought we needed funnels, branding, websites, perfect scripts, and 12-step onboarding systems before we could succeed.
We spent more time planning than doing.
The Lesson:
Clarity comes through action.
Keep it simple, especially when duplicating for a team.
What to Do Instead:
Focus on the basics: reach out, follow up, share stories, repeat
Use tools your team can actually duplicate
Progress > perfection. Done is better than perfect.
5. Neglecting Personal Growth
The Mistake:
We thought success was all about strategy and scripts. But mindset, confidence, and emotional resilience? We didn’t realize how essential those were.
The Lesson:
You’ll only grow your business as far as you grow yourself.
Self-doubt, fear of rejection, and comparison can crush momentum if left unchecked.
What to Do Instead:
Make personal development non-negotiable (10–30 mins daily)
Read books, listen to podcasts, attend events
Surround yourself with people who stretch you and believe in you
Celebrate the small wins—it fuels belief
6. Trying to Do It All Alone
The Mistake:
We thought asking for help made us look weak or clueless. So we struggled in silence, trying to figure it all out by ourselves.
The Lesson:
This business is built on community for a reason. Collaboration beats isolation.
What to Do Instead:
Plug into your upline and team support
Find an accountability partner or coach
Ask questions. Get feedback. Share what’s working.
Celebrate together. Learn together. Win together.
Final Thoughts
We’ve made all the mistakes—some twice —but that’s what makes us better mentors, leaders, and teammates today.
In network marketing, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being persistent, coachable, and real.
So if you’ve messed up? Good. You’re on the right path.
Just learn, pivot, and keep going.
Because the people who win in this business are the ones who are willing to fall, get back up, and share the lessons along the way.
