The Best of Business Episodes With Maren Crowley

We are finally reaching the last of my Best of the Best episodes. So once I hit 100 episodes of the podcast, I wanted to put together some of my favorites, whether it was some of the best of the best in my lifting the veil and revealing the corruption of BigGov and pharma and all the things.

Or it could have been in the last episode that you listened to. It was all about my favorite motherhood podcasts. And this week, I wanted to go back to kind of my roots and that is business.

And everything that I do, whether it is exposing, like I said, big pharma and talking about where the money flows or even in motherhood, being a source of financial support for your family as a stay at home mom or even as a full time mom and diversifying your portfolio.

Like when it comes to business and finances, that has always been my go to. If, you know, you know, I have a BBA in finance. I have an MBA in sports and entertainment management. I have been an entrepreneur for over 11 years.

I’ve always worked multiple jobs and I find these topics very interesting. And I believe that we need to have diverse portfolios. We have to understand what goes on in the world so that we can be sustainable as best we can without relying on anyone else, you know.

And we have to figure out how to monetize our skill set that God gave us. And this podcast has definitely been one of those ways that I have been able to do so and sharing what I know with you. And the podcast that I pulled from are so different yet so similar. They all kinda interconnect with one another.

And the first episode that you’re gonna hear from is a 2 part episode that I did with a dear friend of mine, Kayla Ibanez. And Kayla and I have been friends for years. We’ve worked together for years. She’s part of my marketing team.

And one thing about me is I’m a very loyal person. And my team, whether it is Kayla or my assistant who has been with me for over 5 years, my email guru, Jenny, my website slash podcast team, Lisa and her husband, Steve, like I I’m a ride or die and I learned so much from the people I work with and I believe you’re only as best as the people you surround yourself with.

And you have to work with people who know more than you and can bring things out of you that you normally wouldn’t be able to. And you learn from them and that’s what makes you a better person overall and also makes you a better business owner.

Evolution from Network Marketing to Modern Digital Commerce

And in this podcast, Kayla and I talk about all the things. It’s just like you’re sitting down and BSing with us or listening to our endless voice messages with one another. And this podcast, I will say, was one of the first I did. So some of the things that we talk about have evolved.

We talk all about direct sales, AKA network marketing. We talk about affiliate marketing. And in the last couple of years, she and I have really grown together in expanding and being early adopters of UGC and Amazon on-site reviews and TikTok shop.

And that is definitely something I’m gonna dive into more in 2025. You’re gonna hear so many episodes. I can’t wait to share with you what’s been going on, especially with Amazon and the course that I’ve been putting together.

But like I said, a lot of the information that we do talk about is still very much relevant. And it it was a prequel to what happened in 2024 with so many of these OG and not so OG direct sale companies going to an affiliate model.

So I just think it’s very poignant that I pulled from this episode. She is a former network marketer herself. She turned all of those skills and built it into her own custom business where she’s a strategist for network marketers and teaching them how to have multiple streams of income. She’s hysterical.

And most importantly, you’re not going to hear it in this clip. But when you listen to the full episode, when you see what she’s come from and you see how she’s built what she’s built, given everything that she had on her plate with her daughter’s health, it’s really a powerful story.

The Quick-Win Appeal of Affiliate Marketing vs Traditional Business Models

(Kayla)

As someone with extensive experience in sales and business, I want to share my perspective on affiliate marketing. While I may be newer to this specific space, I’ve noticed some key differences that make it uniquely appealing.

What sets affiliate marketing apart is its focus on quick, impulse-driven purchases. Unlike traditional business models or network marketing, where you’re playing the long game with customer retention, affiliate marketing has a lower barrier to entry and less emphasis on long-term customer relationships.

In traditional business models, including coaching and consulting, you invest significant time and resources into maintaining customer relationships and creating lifetime value. However, affiliate marketing operates differently – customers either love the product and naturally return, or they move on to the next thing. This higher turnover rate is perfectly normal in the affiliate space.

This makes affiliate marketing particularly attractive for entrepreneurs who prefer not to focus solely on long-term strategies. It’s an excellent complementary income stream, especially when you need to generate quick results alongside your other business ventures.

Kayla

Balancing Short-Term Gains with Long-Term Strategy in Affiliate Marketing

In my experience, affiliate marketing can be an excellent way to generate quick wins while simultaneously building towards your long-term business goals. It’s a strategy that allows you to be agile and responsive to immediate opportunities without sacrificing your vision for creating a lasting legacy.

However, I always advise my clients to approach affiliate marketing with a balanced perspective. While it’s tempting to go all-in when you see early success, diversification is crucial. Just as I’ve witnessed in network marketing and even traditional employment (having been both an employee and employer), no single income stream is completely secure.

What makes affiliate marketing unique is its particularly dynamic nature – programs can change or even disappear overnight. This volatility is both its strength and weakness. The ability to pivot quickly and capitalize on trends is valuable, but it also means you need to be prepared for sudden changes. That’s why I recommend viewing affiliate marketing as one component of a broader business strategy rather than your sole focus.

The Freedom and Flexibility of Affiliate Marketing

One of the most striking differences I’ve noticed between affiliate marketing and network marketing lies in the nature of relationships. In network marketing, you’re building deep, long-term connections with both your team and customers – relationships that often span years or even decades. These bonds become a significant part of your business and personal life.

Affiliate marketing, on the other hand, offers more flexibility and emotional freedom. You’re not tied down by the same level of relationship commitment. This makes it particularly appealing to entrepreneurs who prefer a more agile business model. When you’ve only been working with a program for a couple of months rather than several years, pivoting or transitioning becomes much simpler.

This reduced emotional attachment is actually one of affiliate marketing’s key attractions. It allows you to make business decisions based more on performance and results rather than personal relationships, which can sometimes complicate matters in network marketing.

Leveraging Trust: The Power of Authentic Affiliate Marketing

(Maren)

One of the most beautiful aspects of affiliate marketing is its ability to seamlessly integrate into your existing business ecosystem. When you’ve built a foundation of trust with your community, introducing affiliate products becomes a natural extension of your relationship with your audience.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how this works. When you have an established community that trusts your recommendations, introducing affiliate products – ones you genuinely believe in and use yourself – creates a win-win situation. Your audience gets access to products they’ll love, and you create an additional revenue stream without compromising your integrity.

What makes this approach particularly effective is that your community is already primed to receive your recommendations. They’ve seen your authenticity through past product shares and value your opinion. This established trust makes them more likely to engage with and purchase products you recommend, especially when they know their purchase supports someone they respect and follow.

The Fall of Beachbody: From Network Marketing to Affiliate Model – A Case Study in Industry Evolution

Okay. Now, leading from that podcast into which this episode was by far one of my most popular episodes in 2024. First of all, people love the tea. Okay? They love the tea when it comes to anything that is Reddit worthy. Beachbody, sadly, it is now January 1st that I am recording this of 2025. So Beachbody, they are no longer a direct sales company.

They’re no longer network marketing. They are strictly affiliate. And in 2024, I talk a lot about how the foreshadowing of this. And I have multiple episodes that you can go listen to, but this was the start of it because I had a lot of people asking me kinda like in the middle of the year.

So probably like 3 or 4 months before the official announcement came up that Beachbody was going to be moving away from its network marketing model and into affiliate marketing, people were asking me, like, why don’t you talk about Beachbody anymore? Do you still do Beachbody? And this episode laid it all out about where I stood, where I thought the company was going. You know, I’m not clairvoyant. I’m just really smart about business. And I saw the writing on the wall.

And this episode talks about why I thought Beachbody went downhill. And I encourage you, even if you’re not involved with network marketing or maybe you have a loved one that is like I know it sounds crazy, like, if you or anyone you know, but it’s very true.

Like, whether you’re affiliated with Beachbody or not, maybe you’re with Arbonne, maybe you’re with Monet, maybe you’re with I don’t know. Name another one. I want you to listen to this episode because you need to see the warning signs and you need to protect yourself.

Because I truly believe that the industry as a whole is not on an upward trajectory. I think it’s in a tizzy. I think it’s on a downward spiral.

The Importance of Business Diversification

In my years of experience, I’ve learned one crucial lesson: never put all your eggs in one basket. This is especially true in network marketing. I’ve seen many entrepreneurs, particularly women who’ve been with companies for 5-10 years, suddenly jump ship to another network marketing venture. While this might seem like a strategic move, here’s what often happens behind the scenes.

The Hidden Reality of Company Switching

What many don’t realize is that these transitions are often incentivized. Companies offer guaranteed payments for several months to attract established marketers. While this creates a temporary safety net, it’s not a sustainable long-term strategy. These guaranteed paydays can create a false sense of security, allowing people to promote new products without the usual financial pressures.

The Limited Pool Problem

Here’s the thing – when marketers switch companies, they’re usually tapping into the same audience they’ve been working with for years. Think about it: if someone wasn’t successful with your previous venture, they’re unlikely to suddenly flourish with a new one. It’s like attending a high school reunion – you’re just recycling the same connections that didn’t work before.

The Pitfall of Network Marketing Jargon

One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing marketers use the same old network marketing language in their content. This insider jargon might speak to other network marketers, but it fails to connect with a broader audience. New potential customers often find this language confusing and uninspiring.

The Initial Success Trap

The pattern is predictable: marketers switch companies, hit early bonuses, enjoy some trips, and then… silence. You’ve probably seen those posts: “I made more in one month with my new company than I did in years with my old one!” But this early success often doesn’t last.

Remember: Business is Business

Despite all the talk about community and friendship, network marketing is ultimately a business. Companies worth hundreds of millions or billions of dollars will always prioritize their bottom line. No matter how many selfies you take with the CEO or how many sales you generate, at the end of the day, business decisions are driven by numbers, not relationships.

Protecting Your Privacy While Building Success: A Different Approach to Social Media Marketing

Now because I have been in the network marketing space and direct sales for literally coming up on 11 years, one of the things that I have constantly battled is the idea of how to market oneself. And even when I was in network marketing, I really struggled with the idea, first of all, of my own value and what I could bring to the table.

Because so many of the people that I saw finding success within direct sales was a group of women who, for a lack of better term, exploited their family. And what I mean by that is they constantly were giving you all of the ins and outs of what was going on in their marriage and even worse, in my opinion, their children.

And the reason why I say worse is because first and foremost, security and privacy issue. You know, I’ve seen so many people think that the information that they share on the Internet is a quote, unquote, safe space.

Like, these are my friends. And it’s like, yeah, but you’ve literally never met 95% of these people in real life.

And yet you’re sharing with them where your family travels, where you live. Sometimes I’ve seen people sharing, like, their kids’ school uniforms or sports uniforms, and I’m just mind boggled by that.

And for most of my career in network marketing, I didn’t have that title of mom. It it wasn’t till the literally, almost like the bitter end that I became a mom in 2022 beginning of 2022. And by the end of 2024, my network marketing business was, you know, it’s it’s gone. It’s dissolved.

So of 9 of those almost 11 years, I wasn’t a mom. And in the beginning, I felt like I could never be successful because I, a, wasn’t a mom, and then b, like, oh my gosh, even when and if I were to ever become a mom, I’m not gonna feel comfortable sharing all of this.

But what I’m here to tell you is there is another way. And I’m living proof that you do not have to, like I said, exploit your children and share all their information and share the intimate details of your family in order to be a success on the Internet.

Maren

I never have. I only share what I wanna share.

People know what I let them know. There’s plenty of things that go on in my family or my personal life with my, you know, whether it’s my marriage, my job, my children that you don’t know and you’re never going to know.

But I share what I share to help people, and I’ve found success sharing what limited information I do. I know for some, they’re like, oh my gosh, you share so much.

And it’s like, if you only knew. And now I have found an even better way. Right? Like, I talk all the time about whether it’s user generated content, UGC or Amazon, like, you don’t have to share any of that.

You don’t even have to post on your social media in order to monetize. So it’s, it’s something that I’ve been rooted in. I’ve always held steadfast in my values of not sharing this information on the internet.

And it’s proven to be the right direction and I’ve still been able to be financially successful despite not sharing what most do. And I put together this episode to encourage other women out there to get on social media and monetize, but not feel like they have to put their family at risk.

And I want you to listen to it. I want you to be encouraged. And I also want you, if you do currently share information about your children, to have informed consent and kind of think about what it is and what the impact of what you’re doing could lead to.

I don’t do it to scare you. I always give facts. I’m a facts over feelings kind of person. And I just really encourage you to listen to this episode with an open mind and make some changes maybe for your family going forward.

Setting Clear Boundaries with Family

I’ve had to have difficult conversations with family members about my choice not to share my daughter’s photos online. Sometimes, this meant making tough phone calls asking them to remove content they’ve posted. I’ve established clear boundaries: if they can’t respect our privacy choices, they won’t receive photos or updates.

The Privacy Myth of Private Accounts

While some parents feel secure with private accounts or believe they’re sharing minimally, we need to be more cautious. Even though I discuss parenting on my platforms, I never share my daughter’s name or face. And I absolutely draw the line at intimate moments like bath time or potty training – these are private moments that shouldn’t be broadcasted for engagement.

Breaking Free from the Engagement Game

Let’s be honest – sharing your children online often leads to higher engagement, which can translate to more sponsorships and income. However, I’m here to tell you there’s another way. With over a decade of social selling experience, including two years as a parent, I’m living proof that you don’t need to compromise your children’s privacy to succeed online.

Getting Creative with Content

Being protective of your child’s privacy forces you to think outside the box. There are countless ways to create authentic parenting content without exposing your children. This creativity actually helps you stand out from the sea of typical mom influencer content. Sometimes, my audience might hear my daughter’s voice in the background, but that’s as far as I go.

The Growing Privacy-First Movement

With the rise of AI and increasing concerns about online safety, protecting our children’s digital footprint is more important than ever. Many successful content creators and businesses maintain their privacy while building thriving online communities. I’m encouraged to see this trend gaining momentum across social media.

The Kyte Baby Controversy: A Balanced Perspective on Social Media Drama

Okay. So speaking about protecting our children, this next episode I told you people love the tea. And this was one of my most searched for podcast episodes. And it had to do all about Kite Baby.

Now, if you are not a mom, you might not know what Kite Baby is. Kite Baby is a bamboo cotton pajama. It it used to be just for babies, but now it’s totally expanded to adults. So maybe you do know who Kite Baby is, the the company, and and maybe you have some of their clothes.

But for me, like, I never knew what the heck Kite Baby was until I became a mom. And now I wear their pajamas too because I love them so much. But this was a really hot button topic, and I never shy away from a controversial topic. Trust and believe.

But the reason why I was so into, if you will, this topic and and and fired up of that is, first of all, I support the company. Like I said, I mean, my kids wear their clothes. I wear their clothes. We have crib sheets, sleep sacks, you name it.

But I was really annoyed at people taking advantage of drama. And that’s why I was so fired up. There were a bunch of influencers who really were just trying to capitalize and and monetize off of this. And I felt for the CEO.

I really did because I understood that she just got caught with her foot in her mouth, but she was being genuine and was being a business owner. And if there’s one thing I cannot stomach, it’s a bunch of uneducated people spreading false information on the Internet.

And it seems as though that happens quite frequently with influencers. They think they know more than they freaking do. They don’t know their you know what from their elbow. And what happened was it went viral on TikTok, and the company was really hurting.

Now, obviously, it’s a massive company, but, like, as far as PR went and all of that, like, their public relations team must have been on overdrive. I know they were.

And I felt as though someone had to speak up for the company because they were getting absolutely bamboozled, and I didn’t think it was right. So, anyway, you have to go listen to the whole episode.

A Balanced Perspective on Cancel Culture

Let me be clear – I don’t believe in cancel culture. We all live in glass houses, and throwing stones isn’t just foolish – it’s hypocritical. We’re all human, and mistakes are part of our journey.

Understanding Both Sides

While I acknowledge that giving someone only two weeks to reorganize their life and income is challenging, I also understand the company’s perspective. They have every right to make business decisions, including finding replacement employees when necessary. This situation isn’t black and white – there are valid concerns on both sides.

The Problem with Performative Activism

What frustrates me is seeing influencers jumping on this trending topic purely for engagement. Instead of having meaningful discussions, they’re creating hashtags and using trending sounds to boost their visibility. This isn’t about supporting a cause – it’s about capitalizing on controversy.

On Public Statements and Authenticity

People are criticizing the CEO’s scripted apology, but let’s be realistic. When facing potential legal issues, careful communication isn’t just smart – it’s necessary. And let’s remember that not everyone is naturally comfortable on camera, especially when English isn’t their first language.

The Bigger Picture

We’re letting one incident overshadow years of positive impact. This company has helped thousands of families, particularly those with children in the NICU or with sensitive skin conditions. Their products were specifically designed to make a difference in these families’ lives.

The Ethics of Competition

What’s particularly concerning is seeing competitor companies contributing to GoFundMe pages – not out of genuine support, but to position themselves as alternatives when people “cancel” the original brand. This kind of opportunistic behavior isn’t just unethical – it’s a perfect example of how cancel culture can be manipulated for commercial gain.

Wrapping Up

So as we go into 2025 on Instagram, they have that weird new feature that I hardly ever use where you can put a note up. And all I said was for 2025, and I love alliteration, my focus is going to be my faith always because God first.

He is the one that brings everything into my life. And so is faith, family, my little family of 4, which is so wild to say. Finances, I can’t wait to share more with you about what I’ve been building the last 6 months and how you can do it too, and what it’s gonna do for your family. Seriously, it’s so freaking wild.

And then, of course, fitness. Because this is the 1st year that I am not tethered to a $1,000,000,000 company anymore. And doesn’t mean I’m not doing their workouts. I do them here and there, but I’m gonna be doing a new program that has no affiliation with them.

I’m exploring new products, and I can’t wait to tell you about that too. It’s just a really new and fresh start for this year. And I just wanna thank you for listening the last couple years, and I’m excited about what’s to come in 2025. As always, you can continue the conversation with me.