Читать книгу Direct Selling For Dummies - Ellsworth Belinda - Страница 4

In This Chapter

▶ Understanding how direct sales works

▶ Checking out the three types of direct sales models

▶ Getting off to a great start with a checklist

▶ Working on the right skills to succeed

▶ Getting an overview on ways to work your business

▶ Knowing a bit about the history of direct sales

You may have been drawn to start your direct sales business for any number of reasons, or perhaps you’re still conducting research before you move forward. Either way, I welcome you to direct sales, a distribution model that has changed many lives.

Direct sales or direct selling refers to the sale of products or services away from a fixed retail location. These products are marketed and sold directly through independent sales representatives, also known as consultants, presenters, distributers, and a variety of other names.

Direct sales reps are not employees of the direct sales company. Rather, they are independent business owners who enjoy all of the benefits of being self-employed with the added perk of being a part of a company that handles operations like shipping, product development, marketing, and more.

You are in business for yourself, not by yourself.

Direct selling gives both men and women the opportunity to be in business for themselves, add to their families’ incomes, and create the life they have always imagined. The direct sales industry is filled with success stories from stay-at-home moms paying for dance lessons, women retiring their husbands, and families buying their dream home. Whatever your goal is, direct sales is probably an industry that can get you there.

Was your mother a Tupperware lady when you were a kid? Did your neighbor sell Mary Kay? Did your family know an Amway millionaire? Even if not, you’re probably quite aware of some of the legendary companies that have used this network style of marketing their products. Direct sales companies include some major household names and global brands nearly as familiar as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, General Mills, or Kraft. Here are a few examples:

✔ Cutco

✔ Kirby Vacuums

✔ Avon

✔ Tupperware

You may have noticed friends on Facebook posting about making extra money, earning free trips, or perhaps even quitting their day jobs! Plenty of people have been successful with businesses like these. Regular people just like you continue to build thriving businesses in direct sales today.

You may be interested in starting your business to generate extra income while working part-time – or maybe you aim to ultimately rely on direct sales as your primary income. Or you could be like a lot of people who have fallen in love with a product, and watched a friend or acquaintance work their business, and decided that you, too, would like to earn free product and some income by sharing something you’re passionate about. If you’re like the vast majority of people who join direct sales companies, your reasons may involve a combination of these possibilities.

The world of direct sales has been very significant in my life for more than 35 years. I am sincerely grateful for all it has provided me and my family. The income and rewards of direct sales companies have afforded me a lifestyle I couldn’t have imagined and have led me to treasured lifelong friendships.

The direct selling industry can help you achieve what you want out of life. The details of what a better life looks like are completely up to you.

But how does direct sales work, and what does becoming an independent direct sales rep involve? Read on.