I have been taught by my Dad to get good grades at school, go to university, get a degree, and get a good job. That will give you security, and a good income, he said. Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t think that is completely true anymore. I used to be a teacher, and I was involved in the first laying off of teachers in my country. Now that is not what I call job security. Luckily I found another job, but I heard of another teacher, who was also a single parent with three children, who couldn’t find another job. In desperation she turned to prostitution. What will you do if you are made redundant, or your workplace closes down overnight? Will you have another option? Or will you have to get creative like the teacher I knew?
One of the most popular ways to work for yourself, but without the risks and stresses of being by yourself, is to become a direct seller. In direct selling, products and services are marketed directly to customers through personal explanation and demonstration. Direct sellers are independent contractors, which means you work when and if you want to and you earn in proportion to your efforts. You have the backing of an established company that provides training and advice whenever you need it.
In Direct Selling the individual and an ability to motivate others is what is important. Each salesperson or distributor sets personal goals and objectives, and works as much as he or she chooses. Success depends only on individual ambition and willingness to work. The only prerequisites are an interest in people and desire to earn additional income.
Direct selling offers an equal opportunity to all for an income, a career, your own business and a lifestyle opportunity. People from literally all walks of life, of all ages, are successful in direct sales. There are no barriers to success. It does not matter whether you have minimal education or are highly educated; success in direct selling is based on effort and not background, education, race or religion. Many people start part-time, and later leave their other careers when direct selling becomes more lucrative. Direct selling allows you to choose when and where you work, it involves little or no financial investment and you need no specific qualifications to begin since the company will train you and provide you with products and sales aids. More and more people are abandoning the corporate world and going into business for themselves. In fact, entrepreneurship may well be the definitive trend of the nineties and the start of the new century.
There are many attractions to starting your own business: flexible hours, being your own boss, no more harrowing and time-consuming commutes, no worries about downsizing, working in the comfort of your home, no more office politics, increased family time and ample opportunity for self-determination.
How do you find a company to work with? The Direct Selling Association of your country has a list of members. DSA member companies deliver extra value because they are committed to treating consumers of their products and of their opportunities ethically and fairly. Whether you're considering a product, service or a direct selling career for yourself, you should know that all DSA member companies agree to: • Provide you with legal and honest information about their pay structure, products and sales methods. • Refrain from any deceptive, unlawful or unethical recruiting practice. • Base all actual and potential sales and earnings claims on documented facts. • Repurchase 90% of the marketable inventory and sales aids you have purchased within the past 12 months if you decide to leave the business. • Explain the repurchase option in writing.
How to get started: Identify a company and product that appeal to you. Go to your country’s DSA website and see the list of companies to choose from. Ask these questions. • What start-up investment is required? Starting costs average under $100 for a sample kit with everything you'll need. • What training does the company offer? Choose a company that invests in training. It is your best guarantee of being prepared to do your best. • What is the pay structure? Get all the facts on bonuses, profits, commissions, responsibilities. • What are the company's product guarantees and return policies? They'll be important to your customer and to you. • How do other salespeople feel about the company? Check with them, or ask the company to provide histories of people in the business. • What happens if you change your mind and want to leave the company? The DSA Code of Practice requires that member companies repurchase 90% of marketable inventory and sales aids purchased within the past 12 months by salespeople who want to leave the business.
Which companies to avoid?
Avoid dealing with companies that: • Charge a substantial entry fee (more than the cost of a sales kit). • Pressure you to purchase large quantities of products. • Do not repurchase inventory if you decide to leave the business. • Sell few or no products to consumers. • That requires you to purchase a high value product just to join. • That tell you purchasing their product is an investment without evidence • That tell you their scheme has been approved by the Commerce Commission • That requires you to recruit more people below you for you to achieve any reward. • That are not DSA members
It's easy to get started in Direct Selling because you probably already have the basics: interest in people and desire to succeed. You'll be taught the rest and you'll earn as you learn. There's virtually no risk - little or no financial investment, the company will train you, and you will choose when you work.
Are you still in a risky job? Take charge of your future today!
