by Off the bat: this is not meant to be a hate piece toward MLM’s, network marketing, pyramid schemes, or whatever they’re called anymore. The structures of the business are questionable, but that’s not what I’m really interested in talking about here today. If you would like a breakdown of why the business structure is questionable, check out this video.
No, instead I’d like to introduce you to a specific type of MLM person. Let’s call her Becky. Miss Becky is the kind of girl who has a specific Instagram account set up for her MLM business, which she runs from home on her couch while scrolling on Instagram. You’ve heard the sales pitch. She’s able to raise her family, buy diapers, and put money aside for all the other things her family wants because of this “silly side business” that all the haters made her question herself for. Even though probably no one said anything besides, “I’m not interested, but thank you.” Yes, Becky is a sweet girl with a good heart who means well. But Becky is also the woman who is sharing content about losing weight, getting rid of all that “extra baby weight” that us new moms just can’t seem to get rid of. Spoiler alert: it’s because you had a baby and your body is literally functioning differently than it ever has before. Cut it some slack here.
As a new mom who uses social media, I started getting blown up after I began using mom-related hashtags. Some of the connections I’ve made from it have been amazing, and that’s the primary reason I even use social media – to make meaningful connections in a world of meaningless sales pitches and superficial Instagram influencers.
Well big problem on my part, apparently, because it’s beginning to feel like I need a disclaimer in my bio that reads, “Please don’t ask me if I want to join your MLM, I know someone who sells whatever it is you’re selling and I have already told them no, too.”
I don’t care how convenient it sounds to be able to work from my phone. Yes, that’s super helpful for someone like me who breastfeeds and holds their baby 24/7. I get it.
But what I don’t get is taking advantage of the sisterhood of motherhood to try and make money off me in an unsavory way.
See, let me tell you what I’m not saying:
I’m not saying women, and especially moms, shouldn’t have a side hustle. You should do whatever makes you happy, I really don’t care.
I’m also not saying that we shouldn’t target “ideal clients” because yeah, if you’re selling something that’s kind of the point.
What I am saying is that using a template taught to you by your MLM to obsess over losing weight, getting rid of baby weight, drinking skinny coffee that makes you lose weight in your sleep, and promoting body wraps or any type of starvation diet is wrong. Especially when you target new moms for legitimately being new moms. Every new mom has a new body she’s adjusting to. Every new mom wants to look their best. What’s not okay is thinking that this is the prime time in someone’s life to slide into their DM’s talking about losing weight so that you can earn an income from your phone.
Or worse – after someone already tells you no once, you continue to pester them because you’re close to a “promotion” if one more person joins your team.
Unfortunately, I’m not making any of this up. All the above things have happened to me not just once, but multiple times, by women who don’t even know me and simply find me through hashtags that I use on the photos I share of myself and my daughter.
To put it bluntly – it’s gross.
It’s gross to be approached by someone I don’t know who’s entire online presence is geared toward body obsession and making money from people they don’t know by perpetuating the idea that women, and especially mothers, should all look one way and that somehow I’m their target audience.
Body image soap box talk aside, these MLM distributors / independent consultants / whatever have no idea who I am or what I need to be healthy and happy in my life.
For example, they might not know that I’m breastfeeding. Even though I’m not discreet by any means, they still might not know. They also might not know that my body holds about 10-15 extra pounds while I breastfeed because that’s how my body was made to function. And why should they know that? They’re not my body’s expert. I am.
But they will still try to sell me on the idea that in order to be worthy and, sometimes, in order to be friends with them I need to buy their product or starter kit or body wrap or starvation based cleanse or whatever it is.
Which I think, when I pull away my hatred for MLM’s and their business structures – that’s what I’m left with.
The weaponization and commodification of sisterhood and motherhood especially.
Stay safe out there, friends.
Until next time,
xo – Jo
