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What is Direct Selling
By Kristie Tamsevicius

If starting your own business is not right for you, a direct-selling business makes a great choice for moms who want to work from home. In fact, there are currently over 44 million people worldwide who are independent distributors with direct-selling companies As a direct sales consultant, you get a proven business model with all the training you need to succeed.

Jane Deuber is Co-Founder of My DSWA (My Direct Sales Women's Alliance), an organization dedicated to providing resources and support for direct sales consultants). She is truly an expert in the industry. Jane understands the heart and soul of the distributor and is among the few who has worn all hats - as a distributor in the trenches, as a company founder responsible for a nationwide sales force and as a consultant committed to making a significant difference in the industry. Jane is passionate about helping women find success and fulfillment through their direct selling business and is committed to sharing her message of value-based living with everyone. Here’s what Jane Deuber has to say about direct selling from her book, “Build it Big: 101 Insider Secrets from Top Direct Selling Experts”

“As a direct-selling professional, you can choose from hundreds of fine companies that sell every product or service imaginable—from women’s apparel to state-of-the-art nutritional products. In exchange for a minimal investment (most under $100), the company agrees to research, design, test, manufacture, store, ship and in many cases service their product—all at their expense. You, in turn, agree to become their “marketing department,” acting independently to share the products and find new customers, who then become your clients. For every sale that you make, you are paid a commission ranging from 20 to 50 percent. As a direct-selling professional you have the opportunity to work part-time or full-time and can expand your business enterprise by engaging and training other people, who also love the products, share their enthusiasm for the business, and gain new customers. For this you are paid additional bonuses.

But it doesn’t stop there. Your company has a stake in your success and goes to great lengths to inspire you with incentives that range from free product to all-expense-paid trips to exotic destinations. Companies understand that their success depends on your success and provide ongoing support in the form of training material and live events to inspire you to continually grow and learn. Unlike traditional entrepreneurs who usually fly solo, you are never alone in your direct-selling business. You always have someone to support you along the way. And last but not least, you’ll form lifelong friendships with some of the most incredible people you’ve ever met.

So if you are one of the hundreds of thousands of individuals who is thinking about starting a small business, be sure to look before you leap into the life of a traditional entrepreneur. You might be surprised to learn that the trappings of a conventional business limit your freedom instead of enhancing it. So why not consider starting a direct-selling business of your own? Perhaps, like thousands of others before you, you’ll discover more rewards than you ever thought possible.”

Quote Excerpted from “Build it Big: 101 Insider Secrets from Top Direct Selling Experts” by Jane Deuber, Dearborn Publishing

CHOOSING A DIRECT SALES OPPORTUNITY - by Kristie Tamsevicius

With hundreds of direct sales companies to choose from, the choice of which one to work with can be a tough choice to make. But if you compare the basics of what each opportunity has to offer, then you can make an educated decision on with one you’ll want to work with.

Here are some questions to consider:

• What products or services does the company offer? Is this a line of products that you will enjoy selling and can really get behind to sell?

• What kind of training will they provide? Will you get a video tape, instruction manuals, in person mentoring or weekly training calls from a higher up? Having someone experienced to show you the ropes can really make all the difference in your success.

• What kind of income can you expect. Ask them what typical consultants make starting out and what kind of potential there is for income as you grow your business. Additionally, you’ll want to see what kind of additional incentives they offer. Some companies offer exciting vacations and other bonuses to top selling consultants.

• Will you be able to return unsold inventory. Some companies will require you to keep a full line of products in stock at your office. Others will let you order as you go. If for some reason you need to make a return on unsold inventory, will they take it?

• What costs can you expect in running the business? Will you have to buy catalogs? Is there a start up kit you will need to buy? Most direct selling companies furnish their representatives with a starter kit and essential supplies at below cost prices. A typical start up kit will cost under $100.

• What additional items can you expect as regular expenses?

SUCCESS IN DIRECT SALES

No one is born a top selling consultant in direct sales. To be successful one must learn not only the basic techniques, but also how to apply those techniques.

Top earning consultants in direct sales will tell you that success takes consistent effort, a vision, and focus! No one is born a salesperson, any more than one is born a doctor or born a lawyer. In order to be successful, you must not only the learn the basic techniques, but also how to apply those techniques. Among the business skills you will need are prospecting, inviting, presenting, handling objections, and closing the deal.

Many of the direct sales organizations have excellent training programs to help you get up and running quickly. And to help you continue your success, you will have a mentor that you will meet with regularly over the phone or in person. Your mentor can help you set goals, overcome challenges, provide encouragement, and hold you accountable for your goals.

Another way to grow is by reading or listening to tapes daily. Regular reading can give you an “edge” over your colleagues and provides valuable new ideas and strategies to build your business.

Top direct sales organizations encourage their consultants to consistently attend these events. These events provide you with the opportunity to network, and attend business building workshops. The speakers at these events are truly inspirational and provide the insights you need to be a superstar in your industry. You will also get to see top selling consultants receive recognition, awards, and incentives for their outstanding sales and performance.

Being clear about what your goals are and why they are important to you will keep you motivated. In fact, planning is actually one of the most important activities you will spend time doing. By creating a yearly business plan, setting goals, and breaking your goals down into smaller goals with deadlines, you will find yourself moving ahead and setting yourself record achievement.

They say when you love what you do, that you’ll never work at day in your life. The same is true of direct sales. You must honestly believe in what you are selling. When you are selling something you are passionate about, people feel your excitement. Suddenly you aren’t “selling” but just offering whole heartedly something that you honestly believe will benefit the customers. By truly caring about your customers best interest, you’ll close more sales and build a group of loyal, lifetime customers.

Article by: Jane Deuber is a Co-Founder of the DSWA and a highly rated industry trainer who is known for her innovative, down to earth training style that inspires distributors into action.

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