Finding the Right Direct Sales Company
If you perform a simple search in any Internet search engine, or even read the classifieds in your local paper, you’ll quickly see just how many direct sales companies are looking for representatives every day. While this certainly means there’s great opportunity in direct sales, it also means that these companies are competing against each other to get you to sell their product.
As such, every direct sales company offers something different to their representatives and it’s important for you to fully research the different companies so you find the one that’s truly right for you. Here are some things to look for when trying to find the right direct sales company to meet your needs and personality.
Good Compensation Plan
This will probably be the first thing you’ll look at when trying to find the right direct sales company. The compensation plan is what will determine how much money you earn in exchange for selling the company’s products. In other words, this is your commission.
Begin your research by finding the company that will give you the most money for each product you sell. Then look at the other qualities of that company. In addition to what the company will pay you for selling their product, what they will give you for signing up new recruits? And what percentage will you earn from your team members’ sales? The best companies do offer percentages on each sale that a team member under you makes. That increases your profit considerably and is a valid reason to choose one company over another.
Quality Products
The next thing you need to look at that is just as important as the company’s compensation plan is the products they sell. Closely examine the products, use them, and get to know them. Are they quality products? Do you believe in them enough to sell them yourself? Can you see yourself telling a customer why she should use those products? These are all very important questions.
If you don’t believe that a product will work or if you don’t like the quality, you will never be able to sell it. Customers can tell whether or not you’re suggesting something that you believe in and that will really be helpful to them, or if you’re just trying to make a quick sale. And they’ll run from the latter!
Company Support
Even though you’ll be working for yourself, you’ll still need a lot of help and support from people who have been doing the exact same thing as you–for a longer time. A good direct sales company offer a lot of support, advice, and encouragement, especially in the beginning when everything is new.
Talk to representatives from the companies you’re interested in and find out what kind of support and training they offer, and how much help you can expect in the future. Also ask about the kind of support that would be expected of you in the future. If things work out, you could be the one offering support to others so it’s nice to know what may be expected of you down the road.
Online Selling
More and more customers are finding ways to shop at home for the things they need. And many won’t even consider shopping with you if you don’t offer a convenient way for them to order your product online. A good direct sales company will have an online system in place where customers can place an order, have it delivered in a timely manner, and where you will still receive commission on the sale. This is convenient for your customer, but it’s also great for you. The customer does most of the work and you still earn the same profit.
Finding the right direct sales company isn’t difficult, but it does require some time and research. It’s well worth the effort, however, when you know you’ve signed up with a company you like and can trust to help you build a profitable business working from home.
5 Steps To Building Your New Direct Sales Business
You just started a brand new career in direct sales! You’re pumped, excited, and ready to hit the streets with your awesome product and you just know everyone will want to buy something from you.
Excitement is contagious and it is possible that your family and friends will help you get started I the beginning if only because they love you. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone you know will. Once you get out of your circle of friends or warm market you’ll need to take that momentum (future bookings from your first shows) and persevere through the tough times – lack of sales, bookings and new team members- to build your business and grow your down line.
How do you build your business when the excitement, rush and newness wears off? Let me give you 5 steps that you should begin taking now for a great future in your direct sales business, one that will last and stand the test of time.
Momentum
Hold as many sales shows or parties as quickly as possible. Don’t wait until your kit arrives to make the first phone calls. Get on the phone right away and book your first shows. If your kit doesn’t arrive before the first shows, your recruiter should be willing to lend you hers or some items from her kit. She should also be willing to go to your first shows with you to help you feel more at ease and to answer any questions that may arise that you can’t answer yet. Get your first 6 shows booked, and don’t stop there. If you’re on a roll, keep calling. You never know when a show will cancel. It’s always best to book more shows that you think you will need to keep your momentum going. Try to get at least 2 bookings from each show you hold. And try to hold those shows within 3-4 weeks. This will carry you into the following month and pretty soon you’ll be able to selectively book only the dates you want to work and keep your calendar full. You may get a lot of “no’s”, but each “no” means a “yes” will soon come. Don’t give up and book, book, book!
Build a Good Foundation
A good foundation for a successful direct sales business is one that is solidly built with great people on your team. At each of your shows, start looking for quality people, who know and love the product as much as you do, and who are goal oriented, organized and driven. Keep in mind that these are people you will be working with a lot. Think of it as hiring an assistant. If they drive you crazy as a guest then they’ll probably be worse as a team member. Only work with people you like.
Don’t recruit just anyone to have recruits. If they do not possess the characteristics described above, they will most likely quit sooner than later, or they will flounder in their business, and probably be more of a burden than a help to your business. As you build your team beyond the first 5 or so, then you can start recruiting those that are looking for a hobby, a discount on the product or who just need something to pass the time with. Be aware of the signs that they’re interested in your business (they’ll ask a lot of questions) but don’t be afraid to ask. Where would you be if your up line didn’t talk to you about the opportunity? The quick, get those strong, goal oriented people under you quick, before someone else does!
Attend Team Meetings
Start now whether you have your kit and have held shows or not. Don’t think that you’ll start going later or after you’ve held your first show. If you were recruited today, and there’s a meeting tomorrow, go! You will learn so much at the meeting, meet other goal oriented people who are making their direct sales dreams come true, and it will help build a strong foundation in you. You will most likely receive training and materials vital to helping you build your business and keep you motivated. Try not to schedule any shows on meeting days. If you must book a show try to book it around the meeting time so it doesn’t conflict. Block the day off in your calendar as a training day. This is a common mistake for new recruits because they are so eager to book shows they forget they are in control of their own schedule. The meetings are important to attend every week or month, so make it a point right away to attend by scheduling them in your day planner or on your calendar on your computer. Besides, it’s fun to hang out with people that do what you do.
Set Your Goals
At the meetings you will learn what incentives the company offers for recruits and sales. Set your goals accordingly. If you’re not prize-oriented, but want and/or need to make a certain income, set your goals accordingly. Figure out how much you are going to have to sell in order to reach that income level. Then book shows accordingly remembering that some shows will be rescheduled or cancelled. Often you will have to go outside your circle of friends and family to reach these goals. But, if you started building your business with step one above, this shouldn’t be a problem. You will meet new people all the time. Look for the excited ones, the ones that love the product, and ones that need to make more income or want to start a new career. Be sure they are goal oriented, driven and know how to set goals themselves and reach them.
Keep On Keepin’ On
Don’t get discouraged or give up by a few rejections! Not everyone makes a good hostess. Likewise, the business opportunity will not be for everyone so it is expected you will hear “No.” a lot.
It takes perseverance and determination to get any business going and keep it growing. Sticking it out through the tough times makes the good times even sweeter. If you’ve set your goals properly-they are high enough to work for yet low enough to reach-then you should be able to obtain them with determination and drive. There will be set backs in starting any business, so going in knowing this, should help you stick with it through the slow and rough times. Keep your up line’s contact information handy during these times and use it. If you need to readjust your goals, then do it, but don’t give up.
Building your direct sales business can be fun, exciting and rewarding. You will meet lots of great new people along the way; some will become your teammates and some will become your customers.
Remember, building a direct sales business will take time. It takes drive, determination and motivation to build a successful direct sales business and keep it going. So don’t let the slow times bring you down. Persevere, stand strong and carry on. Keep your goals in front of you at all times. Use visual motivators like posters of the nice car you’re striving for, or the dollar amount you want to make each week. Make a plan and work the plan and soon you will have a thriving, successful direct sales business.
