Don’t Let “No” Stop Your Flow: Building a Business with Chronic Illness (and a Whole Lot of Heart)
As an entrepreneur, especially in the world of network marketing or direct sales, you learn quickly that success isn’t always a straight line. It’s more like a winding path with unexpected detours, uphill climbs, and sometimes, long stretches where you feel like you’re walking alone. This feeling can be magnified when you’re navigating the journey with a chronic illness, where simply “showing up” can be a monumental task.
I get it. Every single day. Living with a chronic condition means that some days, just getting out of bed feels like I’ve run a marathon. Yet, the drive to build something meaningful, to share products I genuinely believe in, and to create a life of purpose keeps me going. And if you’re a parent juggling family life, a busy entrepreneur, or someone simply passionate about their venture, you probably feel that same fire, even when the world seems to be giving you the cold shoulder.
We’ve all heard the adage, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” In our business, this often translates to: “You can share your amazing products and opportunities, but you can’t make people buy or join.” It’s true. And it can be incredibly disheartening when you’re pouring your heart and soul into something, only to be met with silence, skepticism, or even outright disinterest.
The Invisible Hurdles
For those of us with chronic conditions, “showing up” isn’t just about logging onto social media or sending out messages. It’s about managing pain, fatigue, brain fog, and a myriad of other symptoms that can make consistent effort feel impossible. Yet, we persist. We use the products publicly, not just because we want to promote them, but because they genuinely help us. We share with friends and family, hoping they’ll see the value, not just because they’re our circle, but because we believe in what we offer.
Sometimes, it feels like no one sees our vision. Like we’re speaking a different language. You send out messages, you post engaging content, you share your story, and… crickets. It’s easy to get discouraged and think about throwing in the towel.
Why You MUST Keep Showing Up (Even When No One’s Responding)
Here’s the thing: consistency is your superpower. Especially when you’re building a business from a place of genuine belief and a desire to help others.
* Seeds of Future Success: Every message you send, every post you make, every conversation you initiate is a seed. You might not see it sprout immediately, but it’s there, waiting for the right conditions to grow. People are watching, even if they’re not engaging.
* The Compounding Effect of Your Actions: This is one of the most powerful forces in business and life. The small, seemingly insignificant action you take today builds on the action you took yesterday and sets the foundation for tomorrow. One message might feel like a drop in the ocean, but a message sent every day for a year creates a wave of connection. For those of us with fluctuating energy, this is crucial. Even on a bad day, sending one message or making one comment isn’t a failure; it’s a deposit. You are keeping the momentum alive, and over time, these small deposits compound into massive results.
* Building Trust, Not Just Sales: When you consistently share your authentic experience, especially as someone navigating chronic illness, you build trust. People connect with real stories. They see that you’re not just selling a product; you’re living a solution.
* Your Vision, Your Drive: Your vision is yours. Not everyone will understand it, and that’s okay. Your job isn’t to convince everyone, but to find the ones who resonate with what you offer.
* Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination: The process of building a business, especially when facing personal challenges, is transformative. You’re learning resilience, patience, and unwavering belief in yourself.
Tips to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up:
* Prioritize Self-Care (Non-Negotiable): This is paramount, especially for those with chronic conditions. Your health is your business’s foundation. Schedule rest, manage your energy, and don’t push yourself to burnout. If you have a flare-up, acknowledge it and adjust your expectations for the day.
*Celebrate the Small Wins: Did you send five messages today, despite feeling exhausted? Did you make one meaningful connection? Celebrate it! Every step forward, no matter how small, is a deposit into your compounding account.
*Find Your Community: Connect with other entrepreneurs, especially those who understand the unique challenges of your journey. Shared experiences can be incredibly empowering.
*Batch Your Tasks: When you do have energy, maximize it. Create a week’s worth of social media content in one go. Write multiple email drafts. This helps maintain consistency even on low-energy days.
* Revisit Your “Why”: Why did you start this business? What problems are you solving? Who are you helping? Remembering your core motivation can rekindle your passion when the going gets tough.
*Automate Where Possible: Use scheduling tools for social media, email autoresponders, and systems to streamline your workflow. Less manual effort means more energy for what truly matters.
* Educate, Don’t Just Promote: Share valuable information, tips, and insights related to your products or services. Become a resource, not just a salesperson.
What’s one tip that helps you keep going when business feels slow? Share it in the comments below! Let’s build a community of unstoppable entrepreneurs.
About the Author and Our Supporters
Author: Benjamin “Ben” Mathew Drake of Coach Freedom and Friends
Supported By:
Mentor Ben Drake: Get your free eBook, Success in 10 Steps, written by Linda and Michael Dlouhy for the Mentoring for Free system.
Ben’s Customer: Discover fantastic health and wellness products to help you achieve your health goals.
World Help Organisation Team: A dedicated team of mentors helping families live better lives.
A Brand New You: Helping families transform their health, one family at a time.
You Can Do This Also: A team that uses the Mentoring for Free system and training to help families achieve the life of their dreams through education and teamwork.
Sytoomba Mountains Layout: A layout based on our version of the Sydney to Blue Mountains with mountain ranges.
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