I’ll admit it—I’ve never been great at following the rules. Even as a kid, I was the one asking, “Why?” whenever someone told me what to do. That mindset stuck with me as I got older, and while it made me question a lot of things, it also opened doors I never expected.

When I started in network marketing, the playbook was clear: talk to your friends and family, work your warm market, and follow the steps laid out by your upline. For a while, I did just that. But honestly? It didn’t feel right. It felt forced, like I was trying to squeeze into a mold that didn’t fit me.

The thing is, I loved the idea of network marketing—helping people build something for themselves, creating freedom, and making an impact. I just didn’t love the way it was being done. So, I started looking for another way.

Finding My Own Path

The internet was still pretty new when I got into network marketing. Back then, most people weren’t thinking about using it to grow their businesses. But I saw potential. If people were already looking for opportunities online, why not meet them there?

I started experimenting with Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising on Google AdWords in 2003. There wasn’t a roadmap for it in network marketing—I was figuring it out as I went. It was messy at times, but it worked. For the first time, I was generating leads without the awkwardness of pitching to my warm market.

That same year, I launched a blog, MLMBlog. Honestly, I didn’t know much about blogging at the time, but I knew I had something to say. I wanted to create a space where I could share honest advice about network marketing without all the hype.

At first, it felt like shouting into the void. But slowly, people started finding the blog. They’d email me with questions, leave comments, and tell me how much they appreciated the straightforward approach. That’s when I realized I was onto something.

Looking back, those early years taught me some big lessons about marketing—and about myself.

You Don’t Have to Follow the Crowd

When I started blogging, some people thought it was a waste of time. They told me to stick to the traditional methods and focus on my warm market. But I couldn’t ignore my gut feeling that there was a better way.

Sometimes, the path that feels right for you is the one no one else is taking.

It’s About People, Not Numbers

In network marketing, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing the next lead, the next distributor, or the next rank. But what I found is that real success comes from building genuine relationships.

When I started focusing on creating value—whether through my blog, emails, or conversations—I saw a shift. People weren’t just signing up; they were sticking around.

Keep It Simple

There’s a lot of noise in marketing, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by tools, tactics, and strategies. But at its core, success comes down to a few basics: be authentic, provide value, and stay consistent.

Why the Rebel’s Journey Matters

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need to do things the “right” way to succeed. In fact, sometimes the so-called right way is the very thing holding you back.

When I started blogging, I didn’t set out to change the industry. I just wanted to find a way to grow my business that felt natural and authentic to me. But in doing so, I found a community of like-minded people who were also looking for something different.

This journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been worth it. And if there’s one thing I hope to share with others, it’s that you don’t have to fit into a mold to succeed. You just have to show up, keep learning, and be willing to forge your own path.

Your Journey Starts Here

Whether you’re just starting out in network marketing or you’ve been at it for years, I want you to know that it’s okay to do things differently. It’s okay to question the advice you’ve been given and to try something new.

The rebel’s journey isn’t about breaking all the rules—it’s about finding the ones that work for you.

If you’re ready to take that step, I’m here to help. Because the truth is, the most rewarding path isn’t the one everyone else is taking—it’s the one you create for yourself.

Let’s get to work.

Ty Tribble