Direct Sales
The direct sales industry is very competitive, and making money in it is a challenge. Companies like Avon, Mary Kay, or Pampered Chef have a lot or sales people out there. People can make money, even earn a living, in direct sales; but, you have to be motivated and willing to put forth the effort. Here are some tips to help get you started in the Direct Sales industry.
1) First, find a product that you love. It is much easier to sell a product that you believe in. If you have used Tupperware all your life, and love it, then sell it. Don’t sell anything that you yourself would not use. Customers can tell a difference if you truly believe in the product that you are selling.
2) Evaluate the market in your area for your product; are there a lot of other people selling the same product? In a large town you can probably still be competitive, unless that market is too saturated with that product. If you find that your market is not good for the product you are interested you have a few choices: 1) Find another product that you love, and is not already saturating your market; 2) Look around at neighboring areas to yours, is there room in those markets for your product?
3) Get out a piece of paper and make a list of why you want to work in direct sales. Do you want more flexible hours? Do you want to stay home with your kids? Whatever your reason are, write them all down. After you have completed your list, stick it on your fridge so that you see it every day. These reminders can keep you motivated.
4) Now it’s time for another list; make a list of your financial goals. How much do you want to make, and by when? Goals must have TOM: Time frame, observable, measurable. Set your goals using this method. Post your goals on the bathroom mirror. Once accomplished, set new goals and post those (don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back). If you don’t meet your goals, don’t get discourages. You simply need to re-evaluate what you need to do to get on track.
5) Make a plan of what you will do when. What days and times will you market? When will you do the financials? Set a schedule that is best for you, and stick to it as much as you can. Make changes when needed to accommodate your life.
6) Make flyers and business cards, or pay a printer to print them for you. Vista print is a great resource for this. Make as many of these as you can.
7) Talk to friends and family about your new business, if they are not interested in your product; ask them if they know anyone who might be.
8) Market your new business on online using social networking sites like Face Book or Twitter. Start a blog, Blogger and Word Press are the most common sites for this.
9) Post flyers everywhere you can, and leave business cards everywhere you go. Every time you meet someone new, exchange business cards with the. Talk to everyone about your new business. Partner with people who are also in direct sales.
10) If you can afford to do so, sign up with your local chamber of commerce. This is a great networking resource. Being a member allows you to get to know other local members which may not only get you customers, but it may open up more marketing opportunities
Remember that making money takes time and effort. You will get, but you have to keep trying.
