Network Marketing From The ‘Inside’ Out – Finding Hope From Prison

One of the things I’ve always loved about Network Marketing, is that it leaves no stone unturned when it comes to personal growth.

In this post I’m sharing a real life story that started last year and continues to be one of the most inspiring learning curves I’ve encountered so far….

We all keep regular contact with our Network Marketing leaders, usually daily, if not several times per day. If you are used to this kind of contact and it suddenly drops off, naturally you become concerned. Well that’s what happened to me last year when one of my top leaders, seemingly dropped off the face of the planet.

Little did I know at the time, that he had been arrested, extradited and put in prison.

Obviously my first reaction was shock. The only experience I’d had with prison, was from one the few TV shows I ever watched, ‘Prison Break’. So having only ever been exposed to prison life through TV, I started to panic about his safety.

This is one of my top leaders who I’ve been friends with for years and I’ve suddenly gone from daily Skype calls to no way of contacting him or finding his whereabouts. Little did I know at the time, that prisoners can be shifted almost on a daily level, (from jail to jail) to the point that their own legal team don’t even know where they are! Grr where is that (1800-Locate-an-Inmate) number when you need it!

My next thoughts were sh**, a friend has been thrown into an interstate jail and I need to fly up there to see if he is ok and show that someone cares.

So not knowing anything, I jumped on a plane to visit. I want to add here, that as a female who has never entered a prison in her life (and this is one of Australia’s most notorious prisons), my fear levels were starting to escalate. You go though so many security hoops to the the point that you think geez, if I had to get out of here in a hurry, I’m toast.  But then I started thinking if I’m scared, how must my friend on the ‘inside’ be feeling?

I have to say it felt like eternity sitting inside there waiting for the staff to ‘prepare’ my friend for his visitor. They dress them in this really weird outfit that comes up to their neck so that you can’t slip any illegal contraband into their clothes. Damn! Although I’m pretty sure they just stripped me of everything but my clothes 3 security gates ago!

If you’ve ever experienced this yourself, you’d know that it’s pretty awkward working out what to talk about with a guard standing within earshot. So once the small talk ended, we started talking about (you guessed it) his Network Marketing business. I’d never really thought about this before but suddenly I saw a new meaning for the word ‘passive income’. No matter where you are (beach, prison or otherwise), your income really does continue. Although in this case, it was obviously going to require some ‘out of the box’ kind of thinking to keep it going.

So as the months went by after my visit, I started learning through his letters, about the hopelessness that some of the ‘soon to be released’ inmates felt regarding their future on the outside. I guess ‘Just Released From Prison’ is not a desirable selling point to have on resumes these days.

As my friend has lived and breathed MLM for the last couple of decades, he naturally started to introduce some of the inmates to the concept. Although some of these guys had previously been highly successful entrepreneurs, made significant amounts of money and were highly intelligent, they were still at a loss as to what they would do when they were released.

Enter Network Marketing & Inspiring Hope From Prison…

The letters from my friend continued to talk about other inmates who were soon to be released and yet hungry for information on starting their own business, so I decided to post 3 books to him. You’re First Year in Network Marketing, The New Professionals & How To Win Friends & Influence People.

Considering the circumstances, I figured the latter would be put to good use regardless :-)

From here the story continues as I begin to hear inspiring feedback about some of these men, who are now educating themselves on the possibility of a new life and an extraordinary future. I’ve since had the pleasure of actually speaking to some of them since their release, and I can tell you they demonstrated more drive and willingness to make a difference than many people who have never been in such circumstances.

It’s made me realize more than ever what an incredible platform Network Marketing is for anyone, no matter what background, to get started as an entrepreneur.

What about you, do you have any inspiring stories to share about how this industry is having a major impact on peoples lives?

People do extraordinary things in the most extenuating circumstances and I’d love to hear about your stories. And if you enjoyed this post or think it would inspire someone in your circle of influence, don’t forget to share it on Facebook :)

Michaelé

 

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31 thoughts on “Network Marketing From The ‘Inside’ Out – Finding Hope From Prison”

  1. Michaela,

    This is an incredible testament to your giving nature and leadership as a professional marketer. Most people would either give up in this situation, or wait until their release. Even then some people would feel to uncomfortable to approach this person after release… like they had some disease or something.

    It’s very inspiring to hear what you are doing to help your friend and his business. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the story.

    Ken Pickard
    The Network Dad
    .-= Ken Pickard´s last blog ..My Top 3 Social Sites =-.

    • Hi Ken,

      I guess like most people, you never know how you will react to any given situation until you are faced with it.
      In this instance, it never crossed my mind to give up, as I’ve always held the view that people deserve a second chance.
      If this man has the ability to offer hope to others while paying his debt to society, thats something I’m inspired to be a part of.
      One of the wonderful things I love about Network Marketing, is that so many hugely successful people came from less than desirable backgrounds.
      Yet here they are, impacting lives… After all, isn’t that what we promote this business model can do…

      I really appreciate your support!

      Michaelé

  2. Hey Michaele! It seems that you have also learned the art of the cliff hanger from watching Prison Break. Great show by the way. I can’t wait to hear how the story ends. I think it is so great that you and your friend have been spreading the hope to some people who really needed it.

    I can’t imagine the experience you went through entering the prison. You are a really great friend!
    .-= Melissa Wright´s last blog ..What I have learned from the Olympics =-.

    • Hey Melissa,

      LOL re learning the art of cliff hanger! I never really thought about it in regards to this post but you are right, Prison Break used to end every episode on that note.
      My aim here is that the real ‘cliff hanger’ results in hope and inspiration for those that are ready to start a new life.

      Love your friendship :)

      Michaelé

    • I agree Val, this is about making the best of whatever your circumstances are.

      If someone has the ability to inspire people from prison, imagine what we can do!

      Michaelé

  3. Wow, Michaele! Oh, you are so right about Network Marketing and personal growth. You will have no choice but to grow in every direction if you choose to become a leader in the industry.

    So, let’s talk about courage! I am so inspired by your story and your commitment. I am intrigued to hear the rest of the story. You are an exceptional person and such a loving friend. It’s very apparent why you are so successful!

    Mahalo (thank you) for sharing dear friend, you are “Simply The Best”! :)
    .-= Kellie Hosaka´s last blog ..My Private And Very Personal Addiction To Food =-.

    • Kellie,

      It was your story of courage that was an inspiration for me!

      MLM does encourage us to grow in every direction and thats one of the things I love about this industry.
      If you had of interviewed me even 5 years ago and asked what I envisaged learning, I never could have imagined what I know now.
      Bring on the curve balls I say!

      Michaelé

      • I’m lost for words Michaele! Thank you that, I’m sitting here blown away by your reply. It’s so interesting how it all works. When you have time, take a look at my last blog post which I just did last night. The comment luv hasn’t update yet. It’s called “our deepest fear”.

        I look forward to connecting with you soon Michaele. Thank you for touching my heart again! :)

        Much love & aloha,
        Kellie :)
        .-= Kellie Hosaka´s last blog ..My Private And Very Personal Addiction To Food =-.

        • Hey Kellie,

          There is something to be said for synchronicity! I just read your latest blog post and they are words that I’ve held close to my heart for years.

          Thank you for your open heart and willingness to be so authentic :)

          Hugs,
          Michaelé

  4. Michaela,
    what a story! I absolutely agree that network marketing is a self development program with a compensation plan. I personally completely changed my life when I got in it. And I am very grateful because I really saw how I was brainwashed and then I saw the light.
    Thank you for sharing,
    Venus :)
    .-= Venus :)´s last blog ..Let’s Do it vs Do It =-.

    • Venus,

      It sounds like you have some amazing insight of your own to share?
      I would love to hear how it has changed your life :)

      Michaelé

  5. Michaele,
    What an inspiring perspective you’ve shifted into and shared with all of us! What a learning curve this can be for all us. Things are not so much what they seem or appear to be. Look at the value of an experiene you took from this??? Wow! And not to mention now the opportunity to provide a new experience, a new life for those coming out of prison who don’t have any hope on occupation? I believe there is a Divine plan in everything, and you’ve just expanded my thinking in ways you cannot imagine in this moment. I suppose, speaking for myself, that we don’t consider, prison inmates as an opporunity to shift their lives. You made me realize that Yes! possibilities to serve are endless. And they’re found in places that we would not currently think to find them. I believe the universe will put us into places where we are most needed to serve. This is powerful Michaele, and thank you for expanding the ripple of consciousness.
    .-= Shannon Tecson´s last blog ..Amongst Other Gifts You Can Gain Through A Home Based Business =-.

    • Hi Shannon,

      Thank you for your heartfelt and open comment.
      I couldn’t agree more that the universe puts us into places where we are most needed to serve. I also know that my friend on the ‘inside’, believes there is a higher purpose for him being where he is.
      Never in a million years did I imagine being on this journey, but I’m here…. and there is always a reason for everything.
      Personally I’m really excited about the potential to expand awareness and with the support I’m seeing, who knows where this may lead.

      Michaelé

  6. Hi Michaele,

    Wow!
    Amazing and to think actually how many of these ex-prisoners would benefit from the opportunities of the mlm business model from personal development to the financial rewards.

    Look forward to the next chapter!

    Blessings

    Yamuna Keller

    • Hey Yamuna,

      You hit the nail on the head re personal development.
      From what I understand, one of the many hurdles that these men and women face (after paying their debt to society), is self esteem.
      Even though they have done their time, prospective employers don’t see it that way.
      Although there is no overnight fix for the prejudice that others might hold, I do believe that our industry offers and avenue of hope.

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Michaelé

  7. Wow, that’s quite a story Michaelé!

    And talk about contributing to real life transformations.

    I have to say Michaelé that takes a very unique person to put aside any personal agenda’s or judgements rather of people’s background and what put them in that situation in the first place.

    And that is all that people sometimes need, someone to have a little faith in them.

    Look forward to further developments on this.
    .-= George Fourie´s last blog ..Network Marketing – Where Does All The Good News Go? =-.

    • Hey George,

      Yes quite a story and one that I never could have imagined writing!
      You are so right about people needing someone to have ‘faith’ in them. I completely believe that everyone deserves a second chance.
      The support our industry offers is incredible and I would like to think that we offer that support unconditionally…

      Michaelé

  8. Wow Michaelé! You know, a lot of people talk about “caring” and “support”, but what you are doing takes those concepts to a whole new level! It’s also a testament to your courage as an entrepreneur that you are even willing to take a risk where most people would rather just not even get involved. You are the type of person for whom the universe has to dump an avalanche of good karma upon!!

    I can’t wait to see the next few chapters of your journey…..

    G.
    .-= Glen Martin´s last blog ..Hi Cyber World – I’ve arrived! =-.

    • Hi Glen,

      You know I never really thought that what I was doing was courageous.
      I wouldn’t say I have a ‘take it in my stride’ type of personality by any means and yet, it just felt completely natural to continue to support like I would in any other situation.
      Since then, a book I read by Weldon Long inspired me to make a difference.
      I really hope I can :)

      Michaelé

  9. Hey Michaele, what a great article…just because people are in prison doesn’t mean they are losers..they just don’t fit into societies mould, or maybe the ATO’s mould. Alot of people would be stuffed if they missed two weeks paychecks let alone being incarcerated for any length of time and this is where passive income and mlm could come into play. Cool stuff M.

    • Hey Jody,

      I agree that just because you are in prison doesn’t mean you are a loser.
      In fact people commit crimes everyday and manage to skillfully avoid prison!
      The way I see it is that when their sentence is complete, they have paid their debt to society.
      The problem is society mostly doesn’t view it that way and would prefer to penalize them for the rest of their lives.
      Becoming an entrepreneur can offer new hope to some of these people, who aren’t able to return back to the industries they once worked in.
      After all, we don’t judge, do we :)

      Michaelé

  10. Wow, Michaele! Oh, you are so right about Network Marketing and personal growth. You will have no choice but to grow in every direction if you choose to become a leader in the industry.

    Thanks for writing this whole article !

    • Hey Selena,

      Personal growth is everything in this industry.
      What’s interesting, is the person that inspired me to write this post (who is on the inside) is now due out in about 8 weeks and I have some amazing ideas up my sleeve.

      Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on a subject that many would shy away from.

      Michaelé

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