Half the summer is gone and you maybe you are starting to think about “back to school” shopping. Maybe you are wondering what you will do when ALL of the kids are in school. Maybe you are wondering HOW you will pay for all of those activity fees when school starts. Or maybe you will be dealing with “empty nest” syndrome as the kids head back to college.
I am sure that your Facebook news feed is FULL of offerings for direct sales opportunities. It is National Conference time and everyone is on their “pink (or whatever color) cloud. Have you thought “I could never do that”? Or maybe you have been intrigued and thought “if she can do it, so can I”? Maybe you wondered if you could really make money. The truth is that you can!
Maybe you have you have decided to take the BIG step and join a direct sales company. You think you know WHY you want to join? The truth is, if you don’t – that is okay because it will probably change many times during the course of your direct selling career.
Have you joined a company that you “love the product” or “just want the discounts” or think “I could have a new career”? You have hit “submit” and then it hits you – NOW WHAT? Most direct selling companies offer online training that will guide you through the company and its products. Most say the same thing – BOOK, SELL, RECRUIT! I mean that is the key, right? Well it may not always be that simple.
Here are some of the main keys to having a successful direct selling business:
- Keep your calendar full. Whether it is one party a month or one party a week – how busy you want to be is based on your income goal for the month. Whatever your goal is – add ONE. Just in case there is a last minute cancellation. Always have a backup plan for cancellations. Encourage your hostess to have a catalog party so they still reap the rewards if a home party didn’t work out. Have a list of potential last minute hostess/ friends that help out in a pinch. Switching potential cancellations to catalog parties is relatively easy. But a back up list of last minute hostesses is a BIG help – you know the ones who can throw a party together at the drop of a hat and who LOVE your product. By keeping your calendar full, you are able to meet your goals each month.
- Make it look easy. I know you are thinking, how can I do that when I don’t have a clue what I am doing, right? JulieAnne Jones suggests doing things the exact same way all of the time. Do you think that is boring? Well, she was tops in her direct sales company without really understanding why. The trick is that you are easy to duplicate so it is not so intimidating for new recruits.
- Be an expert on your product. I LOVE telling my hostess that our products sell themselves. While that is true, it is great to have lots of ideas on the benefits of your product as well as how it can solve various problems. Solving problems for your customers is key whether you are selling cookware, food, makeup or bags. Gather information from your customers on how they use a particular product and add that to your arsenal of product benefits.
- Recruit often. I know you don’t want to be a leader, right? OR You don’t want to be a pushy sales person. WRONG! If you believe in your company (as I do) and the opportunities that it offers (free trips, commission, incentives, bonuses, etc) share that information with others. They will want to join you in your journey because they are just as excited as you are.
Here is to your success…There are a lot of resources out there besides the specific company that you are selling for – check them out. The Direct Selling Education Foundation has some amazing resources.
Feel free to share your direct selling success stories. Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 