So you’re looking into a Direct Sales/Network Marketing opportunity? You’re not the only one, you know. Especially now, in this new economy, it has been said that Americans are now becoming dual income families. Not that both the husband and wife each work, but that each of them has two jobs!
Let me reassure you. The majority of Direct Sales companies are not the scams of yesteryear that may have come to your mind when you were first approached by a consultant or sponsor. There are many regulations that Direct Sales companies need to adhere to, and those rules are strict! The Direct Selling Association and Better Business Bureau are well reputed governing agencies, and their certifications are not easy to come by.
Once you are presented with a Direct Sales opportunity, you only really need to do two things. Try the product to see if you like it and look into the company’s compensation plan. Understand if your company is more direct sales focused or network marketing based so you know if you will be spending more of your time selling the product or recruiting other business builders. Ask questions about what the company’s reach out methods are and see if you feel comfortable with fitting those reach out methods (of spreading the word about the product) into your life.
Most likely, there’s a path that has been created for you by other trailblazers who have done very well personally and financially in their opportunity and that is due to their hard work and effort.
There’s usually no easy way to get this business done. In fact, as the president of my company says, “If it’s easy, it’s sleazy!” You could decide to follow in these trailblazers footsteps and reap all the many benefits that come with building a Direct Sales/Network Marketing business and what would you have to lose?
There are a few points you need to become aware of if you intend to make your business a success:
How much do you want or need to earn?
Decide if you are in this business to make a little bit of extra money or a lot of money. Some people just want to earn an extra $200 per month, and that is fine! But that desire needs to be made clear to your sponsor so you do not feel pushed or pressured to participate in every single event and training as you will be treating this company more like a hobby than a business.
Do you have the right mindset?
Are you coming from an employee mindset or an entrepreneur’s mindset? This is perhaps one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome since as employees we are used to receiving a paycheck and a clear set of responsibilities. Shifting to an entrepreneur mindset required ingenuity, creativity, self-motivation and responsibility. No one is going to clock you in or clock you out so you must create the job for yourself.
What is success to you?
What are your preconceived notions about success and money? Believe it or not, we all come with feelings about money and sometimes we haven’t truly achieved success before because of those roadblocks. To understand more about this, you’re going to have to invest in yourself and in personal growth through reading books that your sponsor recommends and other personal growth materials.
What is the company’s culture?
Each Direct Sales company comes with a respective culture. Take a look at your opportunity by attending some live local events to find out if you can relate and feel good about the company’s culture. Are there certain dress requirements? Does the company appreciate you from your personal background and upbringing? If it doesn’t feel right, in the beginning, chances are it will continue to “not feel right” so do your research upfront.
If all else looks good, and it looks clear that this company can and will support you in your entrepreneurial efforts, all you need to do is DECIDE to make this work for you and your family. As we say, “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me!”
Rivka Slatkin is an Executive Area Manager for Arbonne International, a 30-year-old Vegan European Skincare, Spa, and Cosmetic company. For more information, feel free to contact [email protected].
Renae
None of your links work – very strange!!???
Great article! As part of a corporate downsizing my husband lost his cushy oil co. job – my business was struggling and we needed something different. Had that not happened to us, we NEVER would have been open to hearing about different options. Less than a year ago we became Unfranchise owners with a direct marketing company. NOT AN MLM, but a legitimate online internet marketing company with 68 quarters of consecutive growth and the same mgt. team that started it in 1992. We have been so impressed with the company, and the products.
However, my greatest challenge is getting others to just look outside the box – be open to new ways of distribution. We are a cross between QVC and Amazon, but with people power. Everyone seems to “think” they know what are business is about – however they don’t. To be honest, had Steve not experienced a job restructuring we never would have had open ears and mind. Fast forward to today, 10 months later and I am thankful for that season of our lives. I now love what I get to do helping small businesses develop an online Internet presence, I get to work from home in my jammies and I get to be involved with a progressive company who is dedicated to my success.
Best,
Renae
http://www.ootboxweb.me – my biz
http://www.ootbox.me – my blog
http://www.renaehartson.com – my own mall without walls
*go here, click MATV tab and watch the first video to see exactly what kind of company I get to work with. :-)
So happy you talked about goals and mindset. I’ve seen too many people think they’ll “give it a try.” Even if you are only interested in a little money each month, it’s still a business and you will have to take it no less seriously.
Trish
http://www.yourhomebusinessroadmap.com
Great article!! This are exactly the things I considered when pursuing my business and I am so happy I did! It has been such a great success already! Sometimes you just have to step out of your box, push away fears or feelings of not being able to achieve something, and give it a try! You just never know how pleasantly surprised you may be! :) Thank you for sharing!
I am with Seacret skin care, the company is amazing. If you would like too know more feel free too contact me it has literally changed my life. The products are fabulous and work.