I fell right into my dream job - in Direct Sales, of all things! I still can't believe the life that I am living. There was no questioning my decision. The opportunity litterally came into my home at just the right time. But, being the analytical person that I am, I have often pondered, on several occasions, how a person should go about finding the right Direct Sales Company for them. I have come up with several areas with which one can measure themself by, to see if the job is the right "fit" for them. I call these yardsticks, and I even apply them when considering sponsoring a consultant for my own independent direct sales company. Why?, because I want to see women (and men) passioned and empowered. I want them to LOVE what they do, and if my industry does not "fit" them, then they are not going to find the true satisfaction that they deserve, and frankly it is conterproductive to my business. So, on a night where I am pondering what yardsticks I should share with others, I will blog, and pass some on to you:
What to consider when Choosing to Sign on with a Direct Sales Company:
1. Do you love the product or service? Do you believe in it? If the answer is no, then move on to the next opportunity. THIS IS RULE #1. Passion is born into someone who believes in what they do. Passion is contagious, and can make or break a career. If you do not feel the passion from the begining, then you have nothing to give - no passion to pass on. Never underestimate the power of passion. The excitement that you have towards your given product or service is contagious. With out passion, people will not feel your fire (there is no fire to feel). Only choose to sell a product or service that you LOVE and BELIEVE in. When I started selling my product line, those closest to me couldn't believe the transformation. What was it? I had found a passion! I never even considered myself a salesperson, and I still don't. What I do is get others excited about what excites me. I share what I believe in, and I offer opportunities for others to share in what I LOVE.
2. Is your product or service consumable - meaning does it leave your customers in a position to come back for more? If so, you are able to obtaining life long customers from the very start of your business, while you are working to build a larger customer base. Do yourself a favor, and choose a consumable product/service. It will save you a lot of time in the long run.
3. Does your product/service serve a practical purpose? Or, even better, does it replace an everyday product with more power or efficiency? This is important to consider in today's economy, where people are much less likely than years prior to purchase beyond their 'percieved" needs.
4. Does your product/service price point fit comfortably into your main marketable area? For instance, I live in Central Illinois. What is percieved as a "need" in Chicago, can afford to have the price point streched. However, in small Town Illinois, if your product is not priced well, there is little to no market for it.
5. Consider the company's compensation plan. Does it fit your financial needs? It it a doable business, that will meet your monthly income goals? And, consider upfront costs. Are these going to stretch you, or can you handle the fees? And, when considering upfront costs, consider what investment you are going to have make to build your own at home office. Look for a company that does not require a large upfront investment, and be careful of "hidden fees". If you choose a company that does not require a sizeable upfront investment, then you have a way out if you choose not to pursue this career path - you are not "stuck". Or, maybe you are entering this business to fullfill another need, beyond financial - if that is the case, then this is a mute point, and the financial rewards are just a bonus.
6. How penetrated is this company in your main marketable area? Simple - the less penetration, the more opportunity for you!
7. How well does this business opportunity fit your lifestyle? Is it doable? Is it going to add to who you are or take away? At what "costs", if any - beyond financial, are you going to suffer by entering this business? Is it right for YOU?
Jodi Albertini is an owner of her own Interior Decorating Buisness, which she enjoys tremendously. However, she has recently landed into a Direct Sales company that she LOVES, and feels incredibly passionate about. Jodi is an Independent Director for Scentsy - a wickless, flameless, sootless Candle Company.
