Personal & Business Information

 

Full Name:  Alison Julie Ann Taylor

Business Name:  Forever Alison - Associated with Forever Living  

Years in Business:  18

Location:  Lichfield, Staffordshire

Social Media or Website Contacts  

email – alison@fiegroup.co.uk

website – www.foreveralison.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisontaylornetworking
Facebook - www.facebook.com/alisonjataylor

The Start of a new chapter.

Alison’s entry into network marketing was born out of financial necessity. Despite holding a full-time teaching position with significant responsibilities, she found herself at the top of her pay scale with no further opportunities for promotion. At the same time, with her daughter heading to university and her pension contributions falling short due to years spent teaching in Bermuda, Alison felt the pressure to create additional income.

​

The pivotal moment came when she had to borrow money from her parents at age 55—an experience that reinforced her determination to regain financial independence. When a colleague introduced her to Forever Living Products, she initially hesitated. With no business background, she couldn’t see herself succeeding in sales. However, after attending a small home event and trying a product, Alison quickly recognized the potential of the business and the opportunity it presented.

 

The Early Days and Growth

Alison’s initial investment was £199.75, an amount that remains the same today. Starting wasn’t without its challenges. The person who introduced her to the business was also new, and due to their existing professional dynamic, she wasn’t comfortable guiding Alison through the process. However, the strength of the MLM model became apparent as her ‘upline' and wider business network stepped in to provide training and mentorship. Alison embraced the opportunity, delighted to be in a learning environment again—a stark contrast to the budget constraints and limited training opportunities in the education sector.

 

Within two years, while still teaching full-time, Alison achieved a pivotal rank in the company’s marketing plan. Her business grew beyond expectations, allowing her to retire earlier than planned. Today, her business spans multiple countries, including the USA and Singapore. She enjoys a loyal customer base, speaks at events, and mentors a team of business partners who have become valued friends.

​

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

One of the most significant benefits of Alison’s business is the flexibility it offers. Her priorities—yoga, swimming, volunteer gardening, and family—always come first. Business activities, such as meeting customers for coffee, coaching team members, and attending online and in-person networking events, are woven around her lifestyle.

 

A typical workday includes:

• -Checking in with two customers

• Connecting with five potential business prospects

• Updating one social media platform

• Weekly coaching sessions with her team

• Attending regional and international business events

 

She loves the collaborative nature of business meetings, which are short, structured, and highly supportive. Travel is another highlight; this year, Alison is heading to Paris for an international event where she will learn, network, and celebrate business success with colleagues.

​​​

 

The Benefits & Challenges of MLM

 

Alison identifies three key benefits of being in MLM:

1. Personal Growth and Contribution – She thrives in an environment that values her skills and allows her to contribute meaningfully to people’s health and well-being. Unlike in her teaching career, where external targets dictated her workload, she now enjoys complete control over the direction and pace of her business.

2. Financial Security and Legacy – The additional income comfortably tops up her pension, ensuring financial stability. Importantly, her business is willable, meaning she can leave a financial legacy for her children.

3. Health and Intellectual Growth – By using the company’s wellness products and eliminating the stress of a toxic work environment, her health has significantly improved. Intellectually, she has discovered an array of personal development resources, learning from thought leaders like Brené Brown and Stephen Covey.

 

Overcoming Challenges

Like any business, network marketing presents challenges. Alison acknowledges that not every interaction goes smoothly, and building a business with a volunteer army has its ups and downs. However, the rewarding relationships far outweigh the frustrations. She has learned resilience, adopting the mindset: “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

 

Initially, stepping into the spotlight as the face of her business felt daunting. Over time, she embraced her role with confidence. Negative misconceptions about MLM companies can also be frustrating, particularly when critics lack firsthand experience. However, Alison firmly believes that network marketing provides an incredible opportunity for individuals to build a business with low start-up costs and minimal financial risk compared to traditional business models.

 

Advice for Others Considering MLM

Alison’s advice to those exploring MLM is:

• Choose a product you genuinely love and use yourself. Authenticity is essential.

• Research the company thoroughly. Speak to successful business owners and attend company events.

• Learn from those who have succeeded. Find mentors, visit head offices, and talk to individuals who have thrived as well as those who quit to understand different perspectives.

• Be brave. With well-established and independently owned companies, the risks are minimal, and the rewards can be significant.

 

Business Support & Community

One of the standout aspects of UW is the exceptional support and training provided to its Partners:

• Free, ongoing training: Available both in-person and virtually for a lifetime.

• Dedicated mentorship: Each Partner is assigned a mentor and can connect with industry experts.

• Networking opportunities: Susan has made lifelong friends through the UW community.

• Company investment in Partners: UW recognises that its Partners are the lifeblood of the company, ensuring they are equipped with everything they need to succeed.

 

The Power of Support and Community

Alison has found unparalleled support within her business community. From mentorship to camaraderie, she feels nurtured and uplifted. Initially, she found the warmth and generosity of fellow business owners surprising, but she now fully embraces it. Whether through local connections, corporate leadership, or international colleagues, she is surrounded by a network that encourages and celebrates success.

 

Looking Ahead

When asked why she still works, Alison’s response is simple: “Why not?” Unlike the traditional concept of retirement, she sees no reason to stop contributing. Her work is on her terms, and she has no desire to sit at home or on a beach indefinitely. She plans to continue expanding her business, mentoring new entrepreneurs, and establishing a presence in another country where her products and business model could provide economic opportunities.

​

If she could do it all over again, Alison would treat her business with the seriousness it deserves from the start. Instead of seeing it as a "side hustle", she would have embraced her role as an entrepreneur earlier and stepped onto the global stage with confidence.

 

Final Thoughts

Alison firmly believes that longevity in business—and life—depends on continuous movement, both physically and intellectually. She envisions herself remaining active in business well into her next decade, living, loving, and laughing along the way. For those considering network marketing, her message is clear: “If you’re thinking about it, take the leap. You have little to lose and everything to gain.”

​

​