Two Paths – Two Worlds: Entrepreneurship or Network?

The true story of István Udvarácz:

My true story, which might just be about you...

How did everything change when I started building on people instead of systems?

For a long time, I also believed that if I ever wanted freedom, I needed to build my own business. That I needed an idea, a product, a system – and then independence, success, and financial security would follow. I thought freedom was the end result of a well-functioning business.

And indeed, I set off on that path. With serious financial investments and a lot of work, I built, developed, and managed. But after a while, I started asking myself questions: What works both short and long term? Where can I truly see my invested energy, time, and money multiply? And what happens if the business really takes off – even internationally?

Two Paths – Two Worlds: Entrepreneurship or Network?

The classic business: freedom – at a high cost

When I started my business, everything was on me. Office, equipment, permits, admin, marketing, inventory, logistics, customer service – the list was endless. I didn’t just take on financial risk; over time, instead of freedom, I felt more like a prisoner of my own company.

And as the business grew, so did the complexity. More people, more problems, more responsibility. But perhaps the hardest part was this: I didn’t have anyone I could turn to for truly credible, practical advice. Paid consultants gave templated answers, friends offered ideas with hidden interests – none of it really helped me move forward.

And international expansion was a whole new challenge in itself. Laws, cultural differences, logistics, market knowledge. My business was growing, the results were coming – but I had less and less freedom, and more and more I felt: this isn’t the life I wanted.

The turning point: when I started building with people

At one point, I asked myself: what if I didn’t start from a product, a system, or processes – but from people?

That’s how I discovered the dōTERRA model. A system where all the background support is provided: product development, manufacturing, logistics, admin. I didn’t need to reinvent the wheel, but I had to rethink my past experiences and separate stereotypical answers from real, professionally grounded solutions. For myself and my family, I had to examine which trends are shaping our future – in products, services, worldviews, communication. That’s how my life became simpler. My task became just one thing: to build relationships, share knowledge, and create community.

This was a completely different approach. I no longer wanted to "sell," but to convey value. A lifestyle that brings real stability, meaning, and long-term income – not at the expense of others, but by empowering others.

What happened when this system started to grow?

Here came the real turning point. Because while every growth in my old business felt like an extra burden – here, growth became liberating.

I didn’t need to hire more people, fixed costs didn’t increase, operations didn’t become more complex. The community I built became self-sustaining. Voluntary, self-motivated people joined, who not only used the tools, but also shared them – and so we grew, naturally, effortlessly.

Stability comes from within

Eventually, I realized that true stability doesn’t come from the size of a system or income level – but from the network of relationships we build, and the impact we have on other people’s lives.

In the dōTERRA system, I experienced that customer loyalty doesn’t depend on campaigns, but on real value delivery. People come back because what they received was useful – and because they feel they’re not just customers, but part of something that goes beyond just buying.

Today, if I had to start over – I’d do it differentlyIf I were starting from scratch today, I wouldn’t begin with a product idea. Not with company structure, not with an org chart.

I’d begin with people.

With connection. With knowledge. With a system where income doesn’t come from hours worked, but from human impact. Where growth isn’t a lonely battle, but a shared journey. Where value isn’t something external – but what I can give.

I’m not saying this is better. Just that this became my path. And if I could choose again – I’d choose this again.

If you saw a bit of yourself in certain chapters of my story, or if you'd like a glimpse into this world, message me here and I’ll send you a preview! >>