Star Wars and Network Marketing, What's the Connection?

I just saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens earlier this afternoon.  I'll start off by saying it is awesome and you should totally go see it.  If you are worried I will spoil anything for you in this post don't worry, I won't dissect the storylines and characters.  I'll leave that up to some other hardcore geeks out there.  

I do want to share something regarding Star Wars and the publicity it has gotten this past weekend.  The thought that I had was about how so many people were raving about this movie. I totally get why, there was hype behind it and it delivered.  (Side note: totally worth seeing in 3D and on an IMAX screen, I'm still a bit in sensory overload but in a good way.)  Even people with no connection to this movie or nothing to gain from promoting it, other than share an enjoyable experience with friends, were promoting it.  

You might be able to see where I'm going with this.  People promote things all the time!  Movies to go see, restaurants to check out, airlines to take or avoid, or golf equipment to use (I used to be a golf pro).  They promote because they want to help their friends and family out and recommend things they like.  

Network Marketing works on the same premise but there is just a business structure that is built behind it.  I'll use our situation as an example:  we love the workouts that Beachbody has to offer and feel that they can help other people too.  We also love Shakeology and use it every single day because it helps us.  We didn't become Beachbody coaches because we saw a public need in the market.  We did it because we loved the products and they work for us and will likely work for others.  Just like me promoting Star Wars to people and telling my friends to go watch it, I promote Beachbody products because I see a benefit that my friends can get from it.  

For some reason I feel there is a stigma that network marketers are in it to make money off of their friends.  I'm sure some are, but I think a majority really do care and want to help.  Here's the crazy thing though... Even if your friends were in it to make money, wouldn't you rather give your money to your friends versus some corporation that you have no connection to or ties to? I think the thing that rubs people the wrong way is when someone tries to promote products to people that have never expressed  need or a desire for.  Going back to the Star Wars theme, that would be like me telling a friend that I know despises science fiction that they need to go see this movie...that Star Wars will be the movie that changes them and their thoughts on science fiction.  I can share how amazing the story line is and how awesome it is to see characters from the old movies in the new one.  I'm not helping that friend, I'm just annoying the crap out of them.  

So here's the takeaway... if you are in a network marketing company, don't be annoying and recommend cleaning supplies to a homeless guy or handbag to lumberjack.  If you aren't involved in a network marketing company, understand that your friends really enjoy the products that they are promoting.  They aren't doing it to make money off of you!  Also if you aren't with a network marketing company I might encourage you to look at the products you are using on a regular basis, chances are there is a company out there that would allow you to use products at a very similar price. You could help a friend out, and even potentially make some money yourself!!