The Mary Kay Way

The "Mary Kay Way," just could be a successful business model for the person that wants to be their own boss. Its a relatively low risk proposition for starting your own business. With a small investment, you can springboard into selling trusted, quality products and earning money through commissions.

If you aren't familiar with Mary Kay cosmetics and skin care, then count yourself among the few. Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. was founded by Mary Kay Ash in the 1963, after writing a book to inspire women entrepreneurs. With only a $5,000 investment, the company has grown to a $2 billion enterprise. Today, there are more than 1.7 million Mary Kay consultants worldwide.

I will admit that, although I am not a Mary Kay consultant, I have wondered about whether it would be a good business opportunity for me. My mother-in-law sold Mary Kay for years, despite the fact that she did not wear make-up. Several of my friends have invested in the business as well. Of course, I have supported all of them along the way, whether by purchasing products, referring friends, or hosting Mary Kay parties at my home.

When economic circumstances are down, you can still count on women continuing to invest a little in themselves to make them feel healthier and prettier. Skin care product sales are up at least 9% in recent months. Studies show that a tube of lipstick can lift your spirits higher than a piece of chocolate (at least as evidenced by the studies conducted at my home!)

When you are engaged in direct marketing sales with a company like Mary Kay, you can set your own goals, including hours worked, projected sales and revenue, and even win some great awards along the way. All of this includes the healthy 50% commission awarded to you on each sale of Mary Kay products.

So, let's review what is involved with becoming a Mary Kay consultant. That way, we can both decide whether to take the plunge.

Unlike many entrepreneurs looking to start a business, you don't need to prepare a business plan to become a Mary Kay consultant. Nor do you need to have a college degree. You don't have to enter into a franchise agreement. You just have to sign a straightforward Independent Beauty Consultant Agreement that sets forth your status as an independent contractor.

It helps to have a friend or trusted person who is already selling Mary Kay products. But even that is not necessary. If you go to MaryKay.com, you'll find all the resources you need to get started as an Independent Beauty Consultant as soon as you wish.

The only investment you need to make is to purchase a "Starter Kit" which is approximately $100. If you have plans to work hard, build a customer base quickly, you may wish to purchase additional inventory so that you'll have products on hand for your customers (otherwise, they'll have to wait for the shipping). Again, there is relatively little risk if you purchase too much inventory, or change your mind about selling Mary Kay. The company will buy it back from you at 90% of the original cost.

As far as a time investment, this one is totally up to you! You can work as hard or as little as you want, depending on your financial goals. While Mary Kay Ash famously lived by the motto, "God first, family second, career third," she also arose each and every day at 5:00 a.m. to get a head start on her business activities before attending to her personal life demands. She also encouraged:

"Set your goals and hang on to them until they are a reality. You’ve got to believe it before you will ever see it. Whatever the mind can perceive and believe, you can achieve!”

Mary Kay online and your Independent Beauty Consultant with whom you'll be associated can provide a lot of necessary support. From free business cards to helpful tips and scripts for selling to customers, they want to see you succeed!

Remember that Mary Kay products are not available at any stores, or even at the company's website.  You'll have to find an independent beauty consultant from whom to buy Mary Kay products.

If you are on board to sell Mary Kay products, you will be selling to both women and men. Of course, the products are more heavily marketed to women, but you can find a full range of skin care and hair products for both sexes. In addition, there are perfumes, colognes and body lotions formulated for men and women.

Women, in particular, can find a range of cosmetic products. Whether you like full-coverage, with foundation and powder, or are only looking for some eye makeup options, Mary Kay can match your skin and hair color with the best options to help you look your best.

Perhaps the best marketing angle if you are considering selling Mary Kay, is based on their skin care line. From eye cream to moisturizer, there are so many ways to help you look young. And (again, I'm not a consultant), I love them all! At 40, I have been using the Mary Kay eye cream for at least 6 months, which helps to minimize fine lines around my peepers.

Other women may find solace in the treatment for lips, as well as the famous Satin Hands set.

Whether you are looking for a bit of glamour, or just some extraordinary skin care, Mary Kay has you covered. This is especially important if you are looking to sell the products, because not every woman is looking for beauty options.

No matter your overall goal, Mary Kay is a safe investment for those that want to start their own business with little risk and the potential for a lot of reward.

If you are a consultant, or if you have worked with one recently, I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.  Are you considering getting into business for yourself?  If MK sounds good (or not), I'd like to know.

The more comments, the more it helps all the people involved in the business!