Direct Sales is a seriously rewarding business all around. I've earned free trips, free products, gifts galore and  even the new laptop that I am typing this message to you on. The MOST rewarding of all is to reach your own goals and to know that what you are doing is working and making a difference. Remember, you want to come out ahead...

Here's some advice and input that I've learned over the last few years:

1.Look for a company that sells products that you LOVE - if you can imagine them in your home or using them, you'll have an easier time selling them.

2.Expect ups and downs and when the going gets tough, don't give up.

3. If money is tight, then for God's sake, don't start a business that requires you to make a major investment to get started. A good rule of thumb is that a "Starter Kit" shouldn't cost you more than about $300 and should include EVERYTHING you need to do at least 4 parties. If you can earn it for free, that is even better!

4. Before you join ANY business - get the catalogs in hand and show them to all of your friends and family - get commitments from everyone you know and ask them if they will support you. They have 5 choices - Be a CUSTOMER, Be a HOSTESS, Be a SUPPORTER (help you find business), JOIN WITH YOU and work together or BE NOTHING and just wish you well. Everyone you know will eventually need to be one of these things and before you sign on to any company - know where you stand. Have at least 4 but preferrable 6 or more people willing to be HOSTESSES for you.

5. Don't get caught up in buying the products for yourself. A GOOD company will give you the chance to earn a lot of products for free when you sign up. When you look at the catalog, you should be thinking, "HOW CAN I SELL THIS", not "WHEN/HOW CAN I GET THIS"...

6. Share all of the great milestones and wonderful things about your business with your hubby or supporter. They need to hear that things are going well and want you to be successful.

7. ESTABLISH GOALS - For Pete's sake, know what you are working for. You WILL need to make sacrifices in this business and if you don't have a clear and defined goal, then those sacrifices are going to be harder to make and you'll lose your drive.

8. Interview your upline. Oh yes... you have a right to pick a leader that you like and works well with you. If you sign up with someone who doesn't share your excitement, passion, drive, etc. then they may not give you what you need to keep going and growing. If you know you want to work with a specific company then choose a leader in that company who will help you reach your goals and get to know you and your individual needs. Experience is ok, but passion and moxie is the best recipe for success.

9. DO YOUR RESEARCH... there are a lot of very good questions to ask when deciding on a DS company to be part of. What is the "Company Average" for a HomeShow. What is your leaders personal average? What does the commission scale look like?  A good rule of thum is to write down your questions and then discuss them with your potential leader. Remember this acronym... ITCH - Income, Time, Commitment, and Help. Those are all of the things you'll want to understand as you make your decision.

10. TRUST YOUR GUT and talk about your fears ....If it doesn't feel right, then you owe it to the leader you are working with to express your hesitations. I see this time and time again. DS is a business of personal growth, but if you are not willing to share what your feeling, or your own hesitations, then your leader CANNOT HELP YOU.  I promise you that whatever problems you are experiencing or could imagine, your leader has probably been there herself, knows someone who has and can help you to understand, formulate a plan and ease your hesitations IF you give her a chance.

I hope this advice helps you out as you make the choice to embrace Direct Sales. I too love this business and I've seen what it can do for women who just want a little extra money or who want to go full throttle to the top. It's an easy business with lots of rewards! There are a lot of REALLY great companies out there - It's OK to EXPLORE them!

Good Luck!

Sincerely,
Sarah

Hey, I am new to st.lmoms.com so far I am enjoying the topics that are on here. I have been a stay at home mom for nine years. I have been trying to find work that I can do at home that does not envolve selling. I have tried home business opportunities they never work out for me. I usually have more money out then I brought in. I would like to hear what has worked out for you. Thanks

what type of work do u do from home?  I am wanting to work from home also.

thanks

leelee

Hi leelee!

Welcome to stlmoms!     Im an Independent Marketing Executive, and I work for a major wellness company.  I work from my  home, and this is a very rewarding job!  If you would like more information please email me at jana.stlmoms@gmail.com and I would be happy to fill you in! 

You have a very Happy New Year! 

I work from home for a wellness company.  It is a great deal.  I totally enjoy no risk, no selling, no inventory, no deliveries.  If you would like more info you can visit my wesite  www.homewithmommie.com

If you have any question please feel free to contact me.

Gail

Howdy ladies!  This is my 2nd day on the site here & I love it!

I am currently looking for something to do at home that I DONT HAVE TO GO OUT & HAVE PARTIES FOR!  I have been trying to read thorugh all the replies so if I missed one about this, please let me know!  My family relies on mom way to much & I have tried selling Pampered Chef, & Country Bunny Bath & Body & that all ended rather quickly!  My phone was ringing more so then ever as I left home for parties & guess who it was????  MY HOUSE every single time...lol  So I really need something that doesnt require me to be gone for parties!  I cant stress that enough!  I have 4 kids & my husband is lost without me.  (Insert longggg story here)  

So, if ANYONE knows of some ideas for me who cant really leave the house that often w/out my phone ringning off the hook, please let me know!  I would GREATLY appreciated it more than you know!

I am a very organized person & very outgoing who LOVES to talk! 

Hi Melissa! 

I work from home with a fabulous company that I can't say enough good things about.  You DO NOT have to have parties to be successful with Arbonne.  I went thru the same thing your going thru, I didn't want to hit my friends and family up with parties, I didn't want them to become my major clients and so on.  I do the majority of my business during naptime and in the evenings.  I am on the phone A LOT and I'm online a ton as well checking email.

You can be successful without leaving your house, it just takes lots of motivation and hard work.  My team meets once a month to go over products, fears, cold calling, development and so on.  We support each and every one of our team members and everyone benefits. 

I have tons of info about my company if you interested.  I love helping people find what best suits them and their livestyle.

If you want more info, please feel free to email me at arbonneinfo@charter.net 

Good luck and Take Care

Tabitha  

I Melissa!

My name is Gail and I am listed right above you on the forum.  I work for a welness company that does not require you leaving your home at all.  You work around your families schedule.  It is a great company to work for.  They offer products that are safe for you and your family.  If you love to talk this would be great.  If you would like more info visit my wesite at www.homewithmommie.com or email me at joshsmom0804@aol.com.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Gail

Hi Melissa,

My name is kim and I am also new to stlmoms I have a two year old son. I love being with him to see every thing new he learns. I would like you to check out all options to better your future. I am with a great company that I know you would be great at if you like to talk to people, but don't like to do home partys that is like me. Check out my site at www.shaklee.net/ahealthiernewu  or email me at budt1234@yahoo.com I would love to chat about any questions would have. Good luck with your searching and if I could help in any way just yell.

Have a blessed day

Kim

Hey Kim, do you know many Shaklee consultants or whatever you call them...lol  A few people I go to Church with also sale Shaklee.  I have been to 1 meeting, but I dunno, Im just not the selling type person, I cant ask more than once. 

Thanks for the reply!

Hello Ladies!!

jana.stlmoms@gmail.com

Sure! 

You can check out www.arbonne.com.  That is our general company website.  There is tons of information under "The Company."   

Please let me know if you have any questions at all!

Take Care!

Tabitha

Katie, I am a 20 yr old mom and I am not financially stable like i wish i was, but I really wish i could work from home to cut down on the babysitting cost for the week. Could u give me more info on the work from home company that you work for and if you would thing it is a good thing for me.

I am a 20 yr old mother and I really want to get finacially stable because i raise my son on my own. can you help me find extra income of find a new source for my income.

shakarra_warner@hotmail.com  thank you