The 7 Questions Everyone Asks Before Starting in Network Marketing (and the Core Truth Nobody Tells You)

By Stefano Orrù

The real doubt isn’t about the business – it’s about you

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is Network Marketing really for me?” or thought it might be a scam, relax – you’re in the right place. This article isn’t here to convince you, but to give you clarity.

Starting is easy. Getting stuck in doubt is even easier. The questions we ask ourselves before making a big decision are normal – in fact, they’re a sign of intelligence. The problem is when we stay stuck just because we haven’t figured out what’s really blocking us.

In Network Marketing, there are 7 classic questions everyone asks before getting started. We’re going to break them down one by one, with practical answers – no fluff, no hype – and one clear goal: helping you figure out if this path really fits you.

But at the end, I’ll share a core concept that will change the way you see all of this. Because often it’s not the question that blocks you… it’s the fear of changing how others see you. It’s called status quo, and it’s the real obstacle you’re up against.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. “What if I don’t have time?”

Fair question. We all live busy lives. Everyone’s running, juggling a thousand things, and collapsing at night. But here’s something you might not want to hear: you don’t find time – you make time.

People don’t start a Network Marketing business because they have 3 free hours a day. They start because they realize that if they keep using time the same way, in 12 months they’ll be in exactly the same place – maybe more stressed, more tired, more frustrated.

It’s about priorities. If you’ve got a goal, even 30 minutes a day can move mountains. Having a system, support, and guidance makes the difference.

Status quo hook:
At first, people think Network Marketing takes time away. In reality, if you do it right, it gives time back – quality time, freedom, and control over your life.

2. “What if I can’t sell?”

Totally valid fear. To many, “selling” sounds like pushing people into buying stuff they don’t want. But that’s the outdated version of sales.

Today, selling means clearly communicating value. It means listening, understanding, and offering real solutions. It’s connection – not pressure.

Have you ever recommended a Netflix show or a great restaurant? You’ve already sold something. You just didn’t get paid.

In Network Marketing, you learn how to do it professionally. Training + mentorship = skill.

Status quo hook:
A lot of people fear others will think, “Now they’re trying to sell me something.” But when you communicate with honesty and passion, people start seeing you as someone who brings solutions – not pitches.

3. “What if people judge me?”

This is a big one. The fear of judgment is one of the strongest emotions we carry. We feared it as kids, and we still fear it as adults. Only now, it hurts more – because the judgment often comes from people we care about: friends, coworkers, family.

“Oh, so now you’re doing one of those online things?”
“You’ve become one of those product pushers on Instagram?”

I get it. But let me tell you something:

People are going to judge you anyway. Might as well get judged for building something that matters.

Here’s the truth: the same people who mock you today will ask for info tomorrow – or say nothing, but respect you silently.

Status quo hook:
In the beginning, you fear that your social “status” will drop. In reality, if you’re serious and committed, you’ll be seen as someone who’s taking action, building, moving forward. And that shifts how others perceive you.

4. “What if it doesn’t work?”

Fair point. What if it doesn’t work? But here’s a better question: For whom does it not work – and why?

Network Marketing is a vehicle. Like any vehicle, you need to learn how to drive it. It works for people who take it seriously, train, follow a system, and commit to growth. It doesn’t work for those who expect to sign up and magically earn money.

Your job is to assess the team, the company, the system. If everything’s clear, transparent, and solid – it works. But YOU are the engine.

Status quo hook:
Change is scary because you might fail. But doing nothing is already choosing a quiet failure: the kind where you never even try.

5. “What if I don’t know anyone?”

Spoiler: nobody starts with 1,000 ready-to-buy contacts. Most people begin with zero. And today, there are endless ways to build connections – social media, content, communities, online events, challenges, videos.

Forget the old-school name list and cold calls. This is about strategy, value, and smart communication. Anyone can learn it. Even if you’re shy. Even if you started late.

Status quo hook:
“I don’t know anyone” is a surface excuse. Beneath it is often a fear of becoming someone new. Building a network is exactly what elevates your status – from passive to proactive, from watcher to leader.

6. “What if I’m not consistent?”

Being consistent doesn’t mean being perfect.

It means deciding to keep going even when you don’t feel like it.

In Network Marketing, you’ve got a system, a team, support, and structure. You’re not alone. And consistency becomes a byproduct of clarity. If your goal is strong, and your path is clear, you find the energy to get back on track every time you fall off.

Status quo hook:
Every time you keep a commitment, you become a more reliable version of yourself. Others see it. They trust you more. That’s a shift in personal status.

7. “Is this really a serious thing?”

That depends. How serious are YOU?

Network Marketing is a global industry generating billions. There are ethical companies, transparent systems, real professionals. The problem isn’t the business – the problem is how it’s presented.

If you sell it as a get-rich-quick scheme, it’s a joke. If you live it as a process to build something of your own, it’s one of the most transformational experiences you’ll have.

Status quo hook:
Stop asking if it’s serious. Start asking: Can this become serious for ME? Because if you treat it with respect, your personal image grows.

The core truth: Status quo is the real blocker (help people to challenge it)

You’ve just read through 7 big questions. But under each one is a deeper truth: status quo is the real thing holding you (or your prospect) back.

We all have an identity, how we see ourselves and how others see us. Starting something new means risking that identity.

The real fear isn’t “Does this work?”

It’s: “What will people think of me if I do this?”

• “They’ll think I’m some pushy seller.”
• “They’ll laugh.”
• “They’ll say it’s a scam.”

So you freeze. But freeze where? In a life that already doesn’t fulfill you. A life that leaves you frustrated, stuck, underestimated.

The shift happens when you realize your status quo doesn’t get worse by starting. It gets better.

In Network Marketing, you can become someone who communicates better, who organizes their life, who builds confidence, who creates relationships, who uplifts others.

You can start small. Learn step by step. But your idea of yourself starts evolving.

And as you evolve, others see you differently too.

The choice is between status quo and growth

Every question you ask yourself is valid. But most of them are just the tip of the iceberg.

Below it all is the fear of losing your current identity.

But if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve got. No more, no less.

So ask yourself:

“Does my current status truly represent me – or is it just what I’ve learned to tolerate?”

If even one of these answers made you think, maybe it’s time to talk.

Reach out. No pressure. No pushy pitch. Just a real conversation – between people who know that sometimes, standing still hurts more than starting from scratch.

About the Author

With a track record that speaks for itself, Stefano Orrù has built one of the most dynamic organizations in Europe, growing a team of over 60,000 people. Since 2014, Stefano has been a true pioneer of online strategies, building almost exclusively through social media and setting the standard for digital growth in the Direct Sales profession. His business boasts a remarkable 10:1 customer-to-distributor ratio, with over 90% of sales driven by loyal customers, a model of sustainability and long-term success in the profession. Beyond the numbers, Stefano has mentored and guided hundreds of people to become full-time in network marketing, creating lasting impact and helping others transform their lives through entrepreneurship. His achievements have also been recognized on a personal level, earning more than five million in commissions throughout his career.