8 Keys to Avoiding Another Direct Sales Business Bust
Many of those that join a direct sales opportunity never make a dime. What looked like an easy business opportunity is suddenly overwhelming and foreign. Many then jump from opportunity to opportunity in hopes of seeing a change.Rather than blaming the business, it’s time to take a little responsibility. Maybe it’s not them, it’s you! Help is available however, and this isn’t impossible. In fact, a replicated business can be a fast-track to success - with commitment and the correct tools that is.
8 Keys to Avoiding Another Direct Sales Business Bust
1. Learn the Basics of Permission Marketing
It is not a “right” to preach your products to the masses. Nothing will burn your business bridges faster than forcing your message on everyone you meet. Instead, you need to gain permission to see lasting results.Just because you know someone’s email address does not give you permission to market to them. You must have their consent. If someone asks you to tell them about your product or opportunity, that’s permission.
2. Learn to be a Leader
The big money in direct sales comes from building a team – an active and growing team. This is not going to happen on its own. Engage your downline frequently. Open yourself to their questions and offer coaching.Share your tools for success. Help them replicate your business success.
3. Know the Difference Between Time & Commitment
You could work your business 40 hours per week, but if it is all half-hearted attempts you will not get the results you seek. You can build a thriving direct sales business with just a few hours per week if you are fully committed during those hours. Make sure there are no distractions and have a plan for what you want to get done in the time alloted.Be specific in your actions. Fully devote your work time to building your business.
4. Achieve Your Goals Through Positive Affirmations
Your mental state has a lot to do with success. Rather than telling people you are trying to replace your full-time income through your new home business, say you are in the process of replacing your full-time income and working from home.
5. Avoid Challenges
We earlier discussed building a business with a limited amount of time. When that is the scenario, make it as easy as possible.Don’t gravitate towards those that will require a lot of convincing and follow-up. If you feel like you are begging, move along to the next prospect. Quickly. Define your target market on a granular level and seek them out. Know who they are, where they are, what they like, and why they need you. Don’t grasp at straws.
6. Take Advantage of Training
I don’t know of many businesses these days that do not offer some type of training to their associates. Whether it be webinars, printed materials or local events, take advantage of what your company has to offer.Even if you think you’ve got this on your own, there is always room for improvement and growth. Learn from those that came before you. Find encouragement in your colleagues.
7. Get Involved in Your Community
A large portion of the population wants to work from home. But even an online business can benefit from local customers. Volunteer. Attend tradeshows. Go to networking events.People buy from and stay with businesses they trust. Nothing builds trust faster than face-to-face interaction. Let them get to know the real you, not a profile picture on some website.
8. Ask for Referrals
Make it a habit to ask your existing customers for referrals regularly. And be specific.If your company sells weight loss products, rather than saying, “Please tell your friends” say “Who do you know from work that is struggling with those last few pounds?”You are going to get instant results with the latter as opposed to waiting by the phone for your customers to build your business.
Are you in the direct sales business and have questions or tips to share? Or maybe you are in a different industry but can apply these keys to selling your product? Tell us about it in the comments!
About the Author: Angie Nelson has been an online business owner since 2007. Today she balances several successful online ventures and still manages to share her passion for home party plans with others on her blog http://