Direct Sales 101

I will admit that direct sales is not for everyone however the thought of it doesn't have to feel so overwhelming. Unlike working an hourly job, direct sales requires that one spends much time and energy building a platform that offers future financial stability. Earning a decent living will not happen overnight but if a person works really hard, in time the rewards will come. Direct selling can be made easy with easy-to-follow simple steps to help a business grow.

Build A Team

I will be honest, most people that are really earning big are not earning this kind of money by doing this by themselves. They build their business and in the process they build a team that will help their business run smoothly. This may mean that the direct seller recruits others to sell under them. This may also mean that the direct seller hires helpers. Selling a few products or services here and there will not help a person earn a decent living. I wouldn't depend on leaving a day job. Hiring the right help can even allow the direct seller to earn more money. The big picture is just to large for one person. Sharing opportunities with others is a great way to earn commissions from the sales of bringing people into a business.

Give It Your All

I've been in the business of direct selling for more than twenty plus years. I've recruited people that give it their all and have seen those that embark on a new business but will not do what it takes to make it happen. I can usually tell first hand who will last and who won't. Being successful takes putting everything a person has without making bad investments into action. Some see a return in the beginning but some businesses take a lot of footwork. My opinion is that if the investment is a good one, its all together worth the wait.

Business Ethics

Years ago I attended a trade school and received classes in business. I can remember something a teacher said as if she said it today. Her very words were practice being the person you want to be. If a person wants to be a successful person making six figures I say dress and play the part. Why wait to practice professionalism when that can be done today? I've heard some say that when they start earning six figures that they will dress a certain way. I believe that the business owner should look and sound professional at all times. Being on time whenever ever there are appointments is key. If there is a problem and the direct seller needs to reschedule, call as soon as possible to let the client or prospect know there is a problem. When people call inquiring about services or products that are sold, the direct seller should return calls as soon as possible and be very knowledgeable about what they are selling. This may mean using the very services or products you sell yourself. Honesty is the best policy. When people are running scams or being dishonest, people know it. Credibility within a business means everything. Whether a business is small or big professionalism is needed to be a success.

Broaden Your Circle

How can you reach the mass if you don't know people? Maybe you are the kind of person that wants to direct sell but because your circle is small you don't even know who to sell to. This would be the time to get out of your comfort zone and meet some new people. This is a position that requires that a person builds teams and revenue by building contacts. Try to be open to new things but at the same time not to involve yourself in things or outings that will make you unhappy. A person won't be able to earn any money if they don't have potential clients.

Don't be Afraid to Soar

Many do not push themselves to their highest potential in life simply because they are afraid of success. Some even seem to feel that success is for the man up the street but not for them. I believe that if people work hard that success is for anyone that really wants it. I also believe that any of us can achieve on a high level if we do what it takes and apply ourselves. As long as I am making what I feel is a smart investment, then I am not afraid to try something new. That old saying that a person should not spend time doing things the same way expecting different results is true. If one way of marketing is not working months down the line then try something different that no one has ever done.

Following Up on Leads

When people call about services or products the best time to call them back is as soon as possible when the idea is fresh in their minds. Many people will find someone else if the direct seller does not promptly follow up. There are even times when a person changes their mind about being interested in what a person has to offer just because the direct seller took too long to respond.

Share Your Opportunity

Try not to be afraid to share what you have to offer every time there is an opportunity. As a direct seller I am ready at all times. I am never caught without a business card. We can never be too sure of the unexpected. I meet prospects in the grocery store. I've even made sales at the library and my family reunion. A person can never tell what will happen or when but being prepared at all times is a must. Knowing the right time to share what you have to offer is just as important. People just don't like to feel that they are hearing another sales pitch. If a person does not appear to have a need, then wait for the right time to share what you are offering without people not even knowing what hit them. There really is an art to this. The whole idea of here's another person trying to sell me something just does not sit well with people.

Where to Find Prospects

Prospects are everywhere. A person can never tell where their next prospect will come from but try using targeted marketing to find people that will potentially need what you have to offer. If you sell cosmetics try promoting your business at hair salons. If you sell sneakers try visiting sporting events or marketing to sports figures. Why would a person try to sell a book to a person that doesn't read? Classified ads are a great place to advertise your business. If social media is not your thing, now would be a great time to join social media networks like Facebook and Twitter. These are two of the top social networks with billions of users daily. If people are unaware of your services, they can not support what you do.

Learn to Solve Problems

Learn to have an ear for the things people say they need. Do you sell insurance plans. When ever you hear a person talk about how expensive their doctor bills are, be prepared to share the details about what you have to offer. Think about how should convince them that what you have to offer will help them save money. This is another great reason to use your own services. By showing people how the service or product is helping you, people will be drawn to what you offer. The direct seller must learn how to not only sell a product or service but sell themselves. Knowing how to convince a person that you are operating in honesty and that you are a qualified person that can be trusted is the aim.

Sell Yourself & What You Offer

Just how do I sell myself? Sell yourself by showing people that you are highly qualified to sell what you sell. Maybe you've had extensive training. Maybe you have references. Carefully study your market and be able to present facts about what you have to offer. This is very impressive to people. Make sure you are able to prove how much your life has changed along with others once the products or services have been used.

Direct selling doesn't have to be so overwhelming. There are ups and downs to any business but there are also ups and downs to having an hourly job also. What a person puts into something is what they will get out of it. Prospects have been known to operate in fear in terms of making the decision to become a direct seller. It would be your job as the recruiter to offer an honest opportunity with rewarding benefits. By offering a stabile training program with proven results, recruiters have a greater potential of gaining the trust of prospects. The direct seller should make sure that they offer a sound platform for recruits so that the credibility of the direct seller and company can be trusted.

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