I’ve been in their shoes, the grieving it’s NOT pleasant. I wanted to throw up, it felt like they had kicked me in the teeth, punched me in the gut. Without a kind word of acknowledgment to all those who had dedicated years of their lives to build the company, they sent a letter to say it was all over.
The other day news of a company closing the doors on the very people who built the company came to my attention. Companies come and go, but in network marketing, the people who build it, the distributors, consultants, men, and women just like you and me, pour their lives into it. They build relationships with their teammates, their customers it’s not just a company or a business…it’s woven into their very lives.
Then I saw posts on social media, especially Twitter and Facebook. Those specific posts made me nauseated. I began to relive the time in my past that I too suffered from a company taking away my business; one that I had spent ten years of my life building. I remembered how I began to feel the physical and emotional turmoil I endured. When it comes to grieving the death of a person, there is little you can do to feel any justice, other than contact someone like a Wrongful Death Attorney to see what can be done. However, when it comes to the death of a business, these are the 5 steps to grieving as I experienced them.
The grieving process for me went like this – at first, I was in utter shock. It was as if I had held my breath underwater for too long. My mind rushed and was unable to focus, comprehend what I had just read and heard. I denied to myself that this could and was really happening.
Next came sheer hatred for a company and culture I had embraced and loved for years. If I had known how to build a bomb, I would have leveled the corporate office, yep, I was that angry deep inside.
After the hatred and anger came feeling sorry for myself. What would I do now, how would I replace the income my family depended on? Where would I direct the passion I once had for our products that helped others as they had helped me?
I can remember vividly saying to myself “NEVER AGAIN”. I will not ever allow my heart and passion to be swayed or dedicated to a company again, never. I will devote myself to serving people, my friends, family, and neighbors but never a company so don’t talk to me about that stuff.
Finally, when the grieving cycle had completed my thoughts, heart and mind circled back around and I was ready to dip my toe in the waters of business and networking once again.
I thought it best to share with you what it felt like, what these friends and fellow network marketers are feeling or soon will feel so that you or those you know won’t be greedy, ferocious people (I know YOU aren’t, I don’t know or associate with people like this) trying to prey on those in a horrible situation and time in their lives and careers.
If you have ever shared an article I’ve written from my heart before, thank you. Remember the old adage “what you dish out comes back ten-fold”.
Now is the time to be compassionate, to be a friend, to put aside business and sales and act like a human being with feelings. Please share this article far and wide. Let us help soften the hearts of every marketer out there and serve those in need today.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."
While I don’t know which company closed its doors, you described the grieving process well, Carla, and many are going through this now I would imagine.
Putting another spin on it, as a mentor and coach, this is why I encourage prospects I give a complimentary coaching session and clients who are in direct sales to market and promote themselves – not the company whose prospects they promote. Be known first for who you are and create your personal brand. You are promoting a company’s products; you’re not that company. This way, although it will be a challenge, you can move on to another company with your separate identity.
I don’t want to broadcast “which” company it is as the message is about being a real human being with real feelings and displaying empathy to a fellow marketer. I agree with your statement about branding yourself; but, in this instance, it’s too late for these people. Now, at the moment we shouldn’t attack them, or use them; we should love them and allow them to grieve what just happened to them.