I did a little digging on Google and Reddit… and it got me thinking about something we might be missing.
We hear it ALL the time in marketing…
“Know your audience’s pain points!”
And YES! You absolutely need to understand what problems your product, service, or opportunity solves.
But here’s something I’ve been thinking about lately…
Are we actually LISTENING to the people we’re trying to help?
Or are we so focused on what we’re promoting that we’re missing what they REALLY need?
There’s actually a reason I looked that up… but more on that in a minute! 😉
So, What ARE Network Marketers Struggling With?
As of October 28, 2026, I did some digging through Google search results, industry research, and Reddit discussions to see what network marketers are struggling with.
Not just what coaches or MLM companies THINK people are struggling with.
I wanted to see what people were actually talking about.
And wow… there was a lot more than I thought.
Here are 10 struggles that kept coming up, along with some things I’ve found helpful in my own business.
Quick note: I’m sharing what works for ME here. I’m not saying you need these same tools or programs. Your business and your needs might be completely different! Some links may be affiliate or referral links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.
1. Finding People Who Are Actually Interested
You’ve talked to your friends. You’ve talked to your family.
Maybe you’ve even reached out to people you haven’t spoken to since high school.
Now what?
A lot of marketers struggle to find NEW people to talk to without constantly chasing strangers.
I think that’s one reason learning how to attract people online is so important.
Instead of always trying to find someone to pitch, wouldn’t it be nice to have people discovering YOU because they’re interested in what you have to share?
That’s where understanding traffic, content, and list building can really help.
Need help with this?
I actually wrote an article about finding your first customers online using Facebook Groups, Reddit, LinkedIn, and more.
Because there ARE ways to find people beyond your friends and family!
Read: How to Find Your First Customers Online: Facebook Groups, Reddit, LinkedIn & More
2. Posting Content… But Getting Crickets 🦗
You’re showing up on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
You’re posting consistently.
But the leads aren’t exactly rolling in.
Posting more doesn’t necessarily mean getting better results.
Sometimes it’s about understanding WHO you’re talking to and whether your content speaks to something they actually care about.
Why I Do What I Do:
This is exactly why I use AI Matrix paired with Marko Max.
Together, they help me keep daily content going and follow up with my leads through automated messages.
Because there’s only so much time in a day! 😂
(I don’t want to spend ALL of it creating posts and trying to remember who I need to follow up with!)
Having these systems working in the background frees me up to focus on other parts of my business.
Of course, automation doesn’t mean you can forget about the people on the other end!
You still need to pay attention, have real conversations, and actually LISTEN to what people need.
That’s the whole point!
3. Feeling Pushy or Salesy
Nobody wants to be THAT person.
You know… the one who turns every conversation into a business pitch.
A lot of marketers genuinely want to help people but struggle with how to introduce their business without making things awkward.
Why I Do What I Do:
This is one of the reasons I appreciate the AI training available through Traffic Ignition.
They share AI tips and tricks in weekly trainings to help you learn how to present your business and talk about what you offer in a way that’s simple and easy to understand.
Sometimes we get so caught up in explaining EVERYTHING about our business that we overwhelm people before they even understand what we’re offering. 😂
AI can help you organize your thoughts, simplify your message, and find better ways to explain things.
AI should help you communicate better, but not replace genuine conversations.
You still need to be YOU.
Ask questions. Listen. Pay attention to what the other person is interested in.
4. Recruiting People Who Don’t Stay Active
Someone joins your team.
They’re excited!
You’re excited!
And then…
POOF. 👻
They disappear.
Now you’re wondering why you’re the only one doing the work.
But here’s something to think about…
Not everyone who joins has the same goals, skills, or commitment.
Sometimes people need more guidance.
Sometimes they need simpler steps.
And sometimes they realize the business just isn’t right for them.
You can support people, but you can’t build their business FOR them.
And that’s an important distinction.
Want to explore this a little more?
I wrote about why so many new network marketers quit too soon and why being yourself, staying consistent, and keeping things simple matter.
Read: Why Most New Network Marketers Quit Too Soon (And How to Build a Business by Being Yourself)
5. Working Hard but Earning Very Little
This one is important.
Because being BUSY doesn’t automatically mean you’re building a profitable business.
Between subscriptions, tools, products, and advertising, expenses can add up quickly.
And sometimes you’re putting in a LOT more than you’re getting back.
In fact, a 2024 Federal Trade Commission review of income disclosures from 70 MLM companies found that many participants received no payments, while the vast majority received $1,000 or less annually before expenses.
That’s something worth paying attention to.
Why I Do What I Do:
One of the reasons I chose the company I’m with is its matrix payout structure.
After comparing different opportunities, I liked the matrix payout structure this company offered.
And in my own experience, those payouts are starting to add up!
That doesn’t mean everyone will have the same experience.
There are still expenses to consider, and results vary.
But for ME, finding a compensation structure that made sense was important.
My takeaway? Know your numbers!
Don’t just look at what you COULD earn.
Pay attention to what you’re actually earning, what you’re spending, and whether you’re making a profit.
Because higher potential payouts don’t automatically mean higher profits.
6. Getting Ghosted
They seemed interested!
They asked for information.
You sent it.
And then…
Nothing.
Sound familiar?
But sometimes what we interpret as rejection is simply someone who wasn’t ready, wasn’t interested, or didn’t see how the offer fit their needs.
And that’s OKAY.
Not everyone is going to be your customer.
Instead of immediately sending another follow-up, maybe ask yourself…
Did I really understand what they were looking for?
Did I answer their questions?
Was my offer even a good fit?
A good follow-up should help someone make a decision, not pressure them into one.
Struggling with those awkward conversations?
I wrote about how to talk to people in network marketing without feeling pushy or salesy.
Because sometimes the best thing you can do is stop worrying about what to say next and start listening!
Read: How to Talk to People in Network Marketing (Without Being Awkward)
7. Not Knowing How to Stand Out
When thousands of people are promoting the same company, products, or opportunity…
How do YOU stand out?
This is where your personal brand matters.
Your experiences.
Your personality.
Your perspective.
People need a reason to connect with YOU, not just another company graphic or copy-and-paste post.
Why I Do What I Do:
This is exactly why I blog and create YouTube videos!
I want people to get to know ME.
Not just the companies I’m involved with or the products I’m promoting.
I want them to see my personality, hear my thoughts, and hopefully learn something useful along the way.
And I really believe positive energy radiates!
Even online!
I think people can FEEL that energy through your words, your videos, and the way you show up.
You don’t have to be perfect or have some fancy production setup. I’m sure not and I definitely don’t.
Just be YOU.
8. Dealing With the Negative Reputation of MLM
Let’s face it.
Network marketing has a reputation problem.
And some people have had genuinely bad experiences.
So building trust matters.
Be transparent.
Be realistic.
Don’t make promises you can’t back up.
And don’t assume that just because someone is skeptical, they don’t understand what you’re offering.
Maybe they’ve been burned before.
Maybe they’ve seen exaggerated claims.
Maybe they simply have questions.
Trust isn’t something you can demand. You have to earn it.
And sometimes earning trust starts with listening instead of defending your opportunity.
9. Information Overload!
Funnels.
Reels.
AI tools.
Email marketing.
Lead magnets.
Automation.
And about 47 different people telling you what you SHOULD be doing. 😂
No wonder people feel overwhelmed!
Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop trying to learn EVERYTHING and focus on one skill at a time.
Why I Do What I Do:
This is one of the reasons I like Affiliate Mentor.
It’s a one-time fee, which I appreciate because those monthly subscriptions can REALLY add up!
And the training is delivered through easy-to-understand videos.
Even better?
You can watch them again and again!
Because let’s face it… sometimes you need to hear something two or three times before it finally clicks. 😂
I like being able to learn at my own pace, go back when I need a refresher, and focus on actually APPLYING what I’m learning.
You don’t need to master everything overnight.
Just keep learning and taking action.
10. Burnout and Self-Doubt
This one really stood out to me.
People are working hard, trying to stay positive, and wondering why they’re not seeing the results they hoped for.
Eventually, they start questioning themselves.
“Maybe I’m just not good at this.”
But struggling doesn’t automatically mean you’re doing something wrong.
Sometimes you need different skills, a clearer strategy, or even an honest look at whether the opportunity itself is a good fit.
Why I Do What I Do:
This is one of the reasons I appreciate our weekly Monday meeting calls!
They help keep me accountable.
Because guess what?
I’m not ALWAYS feeling motivated either! 😂
Some days I’m excited and ready to tackle everything.
Other days? Not so much.
But having those regular calls gives me something to show up for, helps me stay connected, and reminds me why I’m doing this in the first place.
And sometimes that’s exactly what I need to keep moving forward.
You don’t have to feel motivated every single day.
Sometimes you just need a little accountability and a reason to keep showing up.
But Here’s What REALLY Got Me Thinking…
Look at those ten struggles again.
We often hear that we need to identify the pain points our OFFER solves.
And that’s true.
But I think there’s something even more important.
We need to understand the pain points our PEOPLE are actually experiencing.
Because those aren’t always the same thing!
Let me give you an example.
Someone tells you they’re struggling to get traffic.
And you immediately think…
“Oh! I’ve got something that can help with that!”
But wait a minute…
Have you asked what KIND of traffic they’re looking for?
Are they trying to get people to their website?
Grow their email list?
Get more engagement on social media?
Or maybe they’re already getting plenty of traffic, but nobody’s buying!
See the difference?
Same general pain point. VERY different problems.
And if we don’t take the time to ask questions and really listen, we might be offering a solution to a problem they don’t even have!
Your Offer Isn’t Always the Answer
And that’s OKAY!
Let’s say someone tells you they’re struggling financially.
Does that automatically mean they need your business opportunity?
Not necessarily.
Maybe they don’t have the time or money to take on something new.
Maybe they’re already overwhelmed.
Or maybe they genuinely want to start a business but don’t know where to begin.
The point is…
Don’t assume you know what someone needs just because you recognize their struggle.
Ask questions.
Listen to their answers.
And think about how you can actually help THEM.
Sometimes that means recommending your product.
Sometimes it’s sharing a helpful article or resource.
Sometimes it’s pointing them toward someone who knows more than you do.
And sometimes?
It’s just listening.
No pitch. No agenda.
Imagine that! 😂
And by the way…
All those tools, trainings, and systems I mentioned earlier?
They’re things I’ve personally found helpful in MY business.
That doesn’t mean they’re the answer for everyone.
What works for me might not be what YOU need.
This Is Exactly Why I Started Doing This Research!
I’m actually working on something right now…
A FREE Chrome extension that I’m creating for members of my email list.
Of course, I want it to be something people will actually USE.
So I started thinking…
What are people REALLY struggling with?
What could make their day a little easier?
What would help them with their marketing?
And that’s what sent me down the Google and Reddit rabbit hole in the first place!
But here’s the thing…
Research gives us ideas. It shows us patterns.
It doesn’t replace actually talking to our people.
That’s why I’m also asking my email subscribers what THEY need help with.
Because I could create the coolest Chrome extension in the world…
But if it doesn’t solve a problem my audience actually has, what’s the point?
And I think the same goes for whatever YOU’RE promoting.
3 Simple Ways to Start Listening More
You don’t need some complicated marketing system to do this.
Start here.
1. Ask better questions.
Instead of immediately telling someone what you offer, ask what they’re working on and where they’re getting stuck. Let them do the talking.
2. Pay attention to the answers.
Don’t just listen for an opportunity to pitch.
Listen for what they actually need.
You might discover something you hadn’t even considered!
3. Look for ways to help, even when there’s no sale involved. (build that trust!!)
Share a resource; answer a question; point them in the right direction.
Helping someone doesn’t always have to lead to a transaction.
When you consistently show up as someone who’s genuinely helpful, people remember that.
Now I Want to Hear From YOU!
I’m still figuring out exactly what features to include in my free Chrome extension.
And I’d LOVE your input!
What’s ONE thing you wish was easier about marketing your business?
🚀 Getting traffic?
📩 Building your email list?
🛠️ Finding or using the right tools?
💡 Something completely different?
Tell me in the comments!
And if you’d like to get on the list for the FREE Chrome extension I’m creating, you can join my email list here:
Join My Email List & Get on the Free Chrome Extension List
I’m creating this with my audience in mind, and I want your feedback to help shape it.
Because that’s really the whole point of this article.
Don’t just focus on the problems your OFFER solves.
Pay attention to the problems your PEOPLE are actually struggling with.
You might be surprised at how much you learn when you stop guessing and start listening.
Talk soon,
Laura ❤️
Research & Further Reading
This article is based on themes identified through Google-indexed content, industry research, and Reddit discussions reviewed as of October 28, 2026. The ten struggles are a synthesis of recurring themes, not a statistically ranked survey.
Leave a Reply