Pros
I started to ramp up my first publication in Minot, ND when I was 7 months pregnant with my 2nd daughter. Went to training late August, pounded the streets selling from that point until mid-October when I had my baby, took time off through the holidays returning to work on January 2nd, and then finished ramp-up/launched my publication in March 2015. I ran that publication for a year and a half before embarking on a new adventure by expanding to the Fargo market and launching two more ...one in April 2016 and the other in September 2016. It took a lot of GRIT...with my second market being several miles away, it was 5 months of long work days, time traveling away from family, and a lot of coffee. But all with an end goal in mind that would benefit us all, we were able to achieve it together as a family!
Pros of working at N2?
- I set my own schedule and am able to work part-time the majority of the year (some seasons I hit harder)
- I get to take my summers off to be with my kids without worry
- Huge financial impact - freeing us of debt, allowing us to purchase our first camper, helping us help others through donations and so much more
- Sense of camaraderie and belonging with a company that shares my core values, work ethic and faith; there is always someone there to encourage you - because they've been there too!
- Knowing that you're helping make personal connections and hopefully long lasting relationships between families, as well as local business owners that goes well beyond transactional conversations. It's true connectedness -- and I get to help make it happen!
- I get to meet and get to know so many amazing people every day! I am blessed each day by the people I get to connect with.
- There's an entire (talented) team at corporate (and abroad) to support nearly every need that could arise
- N2 has two amazing founders that inspire me to be a better person every single day. They lead this company by setting the example of what greatness in a human being can truly look like (through the grace of God) ...selfless, generous, kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and full of grace. I could go on and on about this one...
Cons
It was definitely a challenge to ramp up without receiving an income that entire time. But that's the reality of starting up "your own business" - whether it's with them or something else. You just have to be ready to fight for what you want. Put in the time, energy and sacrifices in the short term-to reap the long term benefits. Believe me... it's worth it!
Sometimes the fact that you're truly a "business owner" can be challenging if you're not prepared for it as well. Staying on top of tax stuff, headache of staffing, etc.