Sami Eskelin shares how to create confidence and the mental toughness that is required in order to succeed in network marketing
Table of Contents
Who is Sami Eskelin
Sami Eskelin is originally from Finland and is now in the US for the last 13 years. Prior to network marketing he was a Finnish military security expert, a performance coach and a nutritionist.
Today he’s a 6 figure earner and built one of the fastest growing teams in his company.
Sami is the husband of Mandy Eskelin who's another top earner in network marketing and was featured on MLM Nation's episode 823 where she gave lessons on personal branding
Watch Sami Eskelin's Interview
How Sami Eskelin Got Started in Network Marketing
Sami grew up in Finland and was passionate about sports. He played soccer and dreamed of going pro, but everything changed when he had to complete Finland’s mandatory military service.
Instead of just doing the minimum, he pushed himself to join an elite special operations team. He became an instructor and later worked for one of the world’s largest security companies, protecting banks and high-risk locations.
Although he was excelling in his career, something did not sit right. He had helped his company generate millions in revenue, yet his own paycheck barely increased. That was when he realized corporate life was never going to give him the financial freedom he wanted.
After moving to the United States, Sami became a performance coach and nutritionist. That was where he met his wife, and together they built a fitness business. However, despite their hard work, they were still struggling to make ends meet.
Then one day, a friend at the gym introduced them to network marketing. At first, Sami Eskelin did not take it seriously. In fact, he only got involved because he wanted to prove it would not work.
But instead of exposing the industry, he ended up exposing himself.
The Turning Point for Sami Eskelin
For years, Sami Eskelin believed network marketing was a scam. However, after just two months, his mindset completely shifted.
He realized he had been misinformed. Instead of seeing the industry for what it really was, he had been stuck in his own limiting beliefs.
The turning point came when he and his wife made a powerful decision. They would not treat this as a side project or just “see what happens.” They were going all in and would not stop until they hit six figures.
With a new mindset, Sami Eskelin stopped listening to the doubters and started focusing on growth. That was when everything changed.
The Hardest Time in Network Marketing
Success did not come easily. There were moments when Sami Eskelin and his wife had to make tough choices, like deciding between putting gas in the car or buying food for their kids.
As if financial struggles were not enough, they also faced major setbacks within their company. Two of the company’s founders passed away, and a fire destroyed one of the distribution centers, causing massive delays in getting products to customers.
On top of that, they dealt with negativity and drama from people around them. Many would have used these challenges as an excuse to quit. But Sami Eskelin had already made up his mind.
His motto was simple. If it is to be, it is up to me. He refused to let obstacles define his future and used every challenge as fuel to keep moving forward.
Sami's Biggest Lesson
One of the biggest mindset shifts Sami Eskelin had was learning to take full responsibility for his success.
In the past, he often blamed outside factors—his circumstances, his past, even other people. But he soon realized that as long as he held on to that mindset, he would never reach his full potential.
When he took ownership of everything in his life, his business started growing faster than ever. Instead of waiting for things to improve, he made things happen.
He also learned a key lesson about confidence. Many people think confidence comes first, but Sami Eskelin knows the truth. Confidence is built through action. The more you try, fail, and learn, the more confident you become.
The Million Dollar Question for Sami Eskelin
If Sami Eskelin had to start all over again in a new place where he knew no one, what would he do?
His answer is simple. He would find networking events and start meeting as many people as possible.
Success in network marketing is all about relationships. The faster you connect with people, the faster you can grow.
His best advice is to go all in, stay focused, and never quit. Network marketing may not be perfect, but it is still one of the best ways to build financial freedom if you are willing to put in the work.
Favorite Quote
If it's to be, it's up to me
Recommended Books
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
Recommended Online App
Recommended Prospecting Tool
Your skills
Contact Info
Sami Eskelin on Facebook, Instagram
Key Lessons from Sami Eskelin
• Go all in and commit to success. Decide that quitting is not an option and take consistent action until you reach your goals.
• Take full responsibility for your results. Instead of blaming circumstances, focus on what you can control and adapt when needed.
• Work ethic and consistency matter. Treat your business like a real business and put in the effort every single day.
• Leverage is key. Build a system that can grow without you by developing leaders and creating duplication.
• Surround yourself with entrepreneurs. Success is about who you know—find networking events and connect with ambitious people.
Your Action Steps
Make a full commitment to your business. Stop treating it like a hobby and decide that you will succeed no matter what.
2. Develop a strong work ethic and daily habits. Focus on income-producing activities like prospecting, following up, and coaching your team.
3. Expand your network strategically. Attend networking events, join entrepreneurial groups, and build relationships with people who are open to opportunities.
The key to success? Own your journey, push through challenges, and never give up.
Simon Chan is a business coach, podcaster, speaker and best selling author who helps network marketers recruit and build a team by staying consistent with a Simple Online System. Full bio