From Self-Defense to Network Marketing: Volker Frank’s Second Income Journey with PM-International
- Fuldatal, Germany – For over three decades, Volker Frank has been self-employed, running an academy for violence prevention and self-defense.
- Frank’s professional journey began with twelve years at Deutsche Post.
- The COVID-19 pandemic, Frank says, underscored the importance of a second, stable income.
Fuldatal, Germany – For over three decades, Volker Frank has been self-employed, running an academy for violence prevention and self-defense. Now, at 57, he’s adding another income stream to his portfolio: network marketing with PM-International, beginning in . Frank’s decision is rooted in a desire for greater financial freedom, security, and quality of life, combining his entrepreneurial experience, athletic background, and personal experience managing Type 1 diabetes.
From Postal Worker to Academy Owner
Frank’s professional journey began with twelve years at Deutsche Post. However, he quickly realized a traditional career path wasn’t for him. He transitioned into self-employment, turning his passion for sports into a profession. Today, he leads the Fit & Sicher Akademie, focusing on violence prevention and self-defense. The academy’s foundation centers on healthy lifestyles, mental strength, and personal development.
The Drive for a Second Income Stream – and Why Now
The COVID-19 pandemic, Frank says, underscored the importance of a second, stable income. As a self-employed individual, he understood the vulnerability of relying on a single source of revenue. As someone living with Type 1 diabetes and a lifelong athlete, he recognized the critical role of high-quality micronutrients in performance and recovery. “In the field of health, I believe there is no way around PM-International,” he states. The combination of product quality, stability, and long-term prospects convinced him to join PM-International in .
Experience as a Compass
Frank isn’t new to network marketing. Prior to PM-International, he gained experience with various companies, achieving successes and learning from setbacks. He views these experiences as crucial stepping stones, stating, “Network marketing works when it is lived honestly and humanely.” A key takeaway was the realization that sustainable success always arises from collaboration – people helping people.
Trust Over Pressure
Frank describes his approach as clear, structured, and long-term oriented. His focus is on building strong first-line teams and satisfied customers. He emphasizes working with ease, clarity, and modern tools, particularly in initial contact. His strategy is to lead by example, creating natural attraction rather than resorting to persuasion. “People already have enough pressure in their daily lives,” Frank explains. “My business is based on trust, freedom, and genuine choice.” He believes individuals should determine their own pace and path, and that development should be voluntary.
Goals and Next Steps
Frank currently holds the position of “International Marketing Manager” (IMM) at PM-International. His immediate goal is to qualify for the “Vice-President Team” – a milestone on the path to greater entrepreneurial freedom. Over the next 24 months, he plans to build stable team structures and achieve increasing independence in time and location. By the end of , his clear objective is to qualify as a “President-Team,” establishing a long-term foundation for security and quality of life. “There is no problem that cannot be solved by setting first lines,” he summarizes his business development philosophy.
Responsibility Starts with Self
Frank doesn’t attribute situations to external circumstances or the environment. “Everything that another person has achieved or can imagine is also possible for me,” he asserts. He views the past not as a burden, but as a lesson. What he does today, he believes, shapes his future and that of his family. Those interested in learning more about his story can find personal experiences and formative events in his book, available on Amazon. His guiding principle encapsulates his driving force: “Embark on the path – no matter the initial cost. Because we are here to leave our mark.”
The network marketing industry, while offering potential income opportunities, can be challenging, as noted in industry publications. One source suggests owning and running a network marketing company is often a thankless task with limited financial opportunity for those at the leadership level. However, Frank’s approach, emphasizing trust and long-term team building, suggests a strategy focused on sustainable growth rather than quick gains. The broader economic context, as highlighted by resources like The Second Income Stream, points to a growing interest in diversifying income through avenues like stock market investments and passive income streams, reflecting a desire for financial security in an uncertain economic landscape.
Volker Frank’s story also echoes a broader trend of individuals seeking supplemental income streams. A book available on Wiley.com, Double Your Income with Network Marketing, specifically addresses the potential for creating financial security through this model. While the success of network marketing ventures varies widely, Frank’s background as an established entrepreneur and his focus on building a strong foundation within PM-International suggest a deliberate and strategic approach to leveraging this opportunity.