The Answers You Need

Ah, the age old question! The short answer is, unequivocally, no. The definition of a pyramid scheme is “a business model that recruits members via a promise of payments or services for enrolling others into the scheme, rather than supplying investments or sale of products or services. As recruiting multiplies, recruiting becomes quickly impossible, and most members are unable to profit; as such, pyramid schemes are unsustainable and often illegal.” (Wikipedia)

What is really being “sold” in an illegal pyramid scheme is an offer to purchase into the business, not a product or service. The product is secondary to the opportunity if a product even exists. Often times, this is considered a ponzi scheme, too. Here is the package, they collect money and no product or service is rendered. There are two hallmarks of a pyramid scheme: they are expensive to get in and hard to get out. Usually, there is a very large upfront fee to join and the product is sometimes sold but the money is earned by enticing people into the business.

On doTERRA: doTERRA offers pristine quality essential oils based on the science of chemistry, and it responsibly partners with artisans from over 47-countries who champion the best seeds, soil and growing environments around the globe. With these exclusive partnerships, doTERRA gives back to the artisans directly, letting go of essential oil brokers and middlemen, which directly gives back to the those who have been working their industry and craft for generations. Additionally, with fair trade agreements like this, it keeps money flowing through the communities in which the artisans are based with fair pricing and on time payments. When you match that with unbeatable products-- you have a match made in heaven. 

On Essential Oil Groups: I hate to say it, but it comes down to your gut. Who do you trust and who do you want to work with? Here's the thing, my passion is helping families thrive. Whether we're working together to help you thrive as a user of essential oils, or as an entrepreneur starting your own business, I will always be here for you. I'm part of an incredible global organization and can offer training and support not only through myself, but through one of my many business partners as well.

While this seems like a good option to share oils, it’s actually really difficult. If you have an existing blog or social media presence that has a strong following, you could absolutely share your love of oils this way and supplement your traditionally grown business. But please keep in mind this is a face-to-face business and people really only understand the power of essential oils once you've provided them an experience, or at a minimum once you've shared enough information so that they trust who you are. 

It's always important to communicate, nurture and develop people regardless of where they are in your organization. Of course, this doesn't mean you stop blogging! Share your passion of essential oils with everyone you can, send samples to your Instagram tribe, tell everyone how Vetiver has stopped a tantrum in its tracks! Social media is a great way to connect with friends, and future friends, and it's a big part of a successful business, just not the only part.

Your timeline is completely up to you, but should be based on your goals. Do you want to just get your oils paid for or are you looking to supplement or replace your income? It's much easier to get going quickly and have momentum on your side, than it is to build slowly. You can generate a lot more excitement when you have a plan and can execute it right out of the gate. 

Depending on your goals, you may only want/need to work 5-15 hours a week, or if you have loftier goals and the time to make it happen, you may want to work 20-40 hours a week. Because everyone is different, you may find it helpful for us to chat about what you'd like to accomplish, and look at a variety of strategies to make it happen

A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step, and sharing essential oils is best done one drop at a time! Most people have the best success with small, informal gatherings at a community center, church, home, cafe or library where you can offer people both information as well as an essential oil experience. You can also host live Facebook classes or use Zoom to meet with people who have small babies or long distances to travel. This is a great way to build a business with people in your hometown (or country), when frequently traveling great distances isn't always possible. 

I have materials and scripts to help you get started with any of these avenues of building a business. But always keep in mind that people need to experience essential oils first hand. It is important for you to find your voice in connecting with others to help them on their journey to sustainable living and offer the business opportunity in a simple manner that is clear.