Direct Sales is big business, with the ability to set your own hours, choose who you work with and make money through duplication. In the US alone there are 1,400 Direct sales companies to choose from and new ones being created all the time. So how do you go about choosing the right one for you?
There are so many variables to look at. How long has the company been around. I found an opportunity that had a website begun only 36 days ago. It looked kind of interested because it involved chocolate. Then there are companies that everyone has heard of and have been around forever such as Avon, Watkins and MaryKay. Then there are companies that fall somewhere in between.
The problem with well known companies that have been around is that you often find consultants everywhere you turn around. Even companies that have been around for 10 years can have that problem if they grew rapidly. For the right people you can do very well in these companies and find yourself in leadership positions. For others they are great starter companies with great training that will aid you in future opportunities.
The problem with newer companies are that these companies will have to deal with adjusting their programs as they grow. The training is limited because of how few consultants there are and the financial stability is always in question.
Here are some suggestions for choosing the right company for you.
If you have never done direct sales before start with a very well established company that has regular meetings for training and recognition. These companies have really established what works and what doesn't and you will have ready access to experienced leaders to answer questions and give helpful advice.
If you have been doing direct sales for awhile you might want to look at a much newer company that has unique products and few consultants. This allows you to apply your experience to a company that just may have the rapid growth potential you are looking for. Especially if they have a valuable product that a lot of people want with little competition.
In direct sales the biggest key is to find a company that has products you can become passionate about. If a company has a great compensation plan, but you don't really like the products it will be very difficult to be successful.
Look at the compensation plan. Does it make sense? How does it compare to industry standard? Will your time and work be adequately compensated?
Consumable products are great because they have to be replaced once they are consumed, but many companies with those kinds of products do require you to carry an inventory or you are required to rely on testimonials of others without product to demonstrate so while many can have great success with these kinds of products you should be very aware of the cons of selling them.
Party Plans are great because you are able to reach groups of people and its even better if you are able to do Facebook parties and have a website so you can sell to someone across the country.
One of the most important things you must look at when researching the right company for you is the leadership and the other consultants you would be working with. In Direct Sales you are not alone and if you don't quite fit in with the people that you are meeting with on a regular basis it can curb your enthusiasm and make it difficult to connect with the trainings and culture of the company.
Make sure that you have an idea of what it is you are looking for. Research reviews on the opportunity and the products. Make sure that the company stands behind its products and supports its consultants.
All companies will have their complaints. Make sure that the company that you work with had a record of dealing with those complaints to the satisfaction on the customer.
Overall if you want to have success in direct sales don't join a company because you went to a party or demonstration and liked the consultant and products. Dig deeper than that and base your decision on research not emotion.
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