This post is part of a series attempting to present a balanced view of the Direct Sales/Multi-Level-Marketing business movement. For another perspective, read this post.
Guest post by Lydia McLeod
Did I ever think I’d be in Direct Sales, meeting all kinds of new people and introducing them to cleaning supplies they’d never heard of? NOPE! I am one of the quietest people I know, super reserved and terrified of public speaking. I grew up knowing about Avon, Tupperware, etc and went to my first Pampered Chef party when I was about 15. What I remember about that experience is being wowed by the products and how much easier they made cooking- and that is what direct sales is all about- showcasing products in a way that people can see and test them out in person in a comfortable environment like someone’s living room. Oh, and having fun doing it- who doesn’t love an excuse for a mom’s night out?
Fast forward to today, and we are all inundated with direct sellers around every corner. This business model has taken off, largely because it allows stay at home moms to be able to help support their families without needing to pay for childcare.
Let me tell you friends- there is a right and a wrong way to do this biz, and I am saddened by those who choose to do it the wrong way and make a bad name for the rest of us who are trying to do it right!
I love my business- I’m super proud that I built it from scratch and have become successful at something that I never thought I would have even tried!
I love that I’ve been able to contribute to my family’s finances without having to leave my home! I have been able to help in my daughter’s classroom and go on field trips, attend a Bible Study, play with my kids in the snow and so many other things that wouldn’t be possible if I was working full time.
I love the new skills I’ve learned- I now know how to create graphic designs, make and edit my own videos and train new consultants how to start their own business. The more I grow, the more I learn, and I love that!
I love that my company in particular is on a mission to improve lives by reducing the chemicals in our homes- this is important to me, and I feel like I’m making a valuable contribution to the people I meet by helping them change up their cleaning habits. I am educating my customers, and they are thankful to me for it. I can’t tell you how many times someone has said to me, “I wish I had known about this sooner!” It’s a great feeling knowing I have impacted someone’s life.
I love the people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve formed- I recently saw an article about how being in direct sales causes women to lose all of their friendships. Well, hang on a minute- that’s not the fault of direct sales! That’s caused by forgetting how to be a decent human being. I have met so many wonderful people, both in person and online, and I haven’t lost one friendship over my business. If someone doesn’t want to buy what I’m selling, that’s fine with me! I value my friendships over the business, and I’d never snub them because of it.
If you are looking for a little extra income, a little escape from mom-life, or are searching for a new community of like-minded friends, direct sales can be a fantastic opportunity! Here are a couple of tips I have for doing it the right way so you don’t end up in the trap of spam-ville.
- Do your research– Find a company you love and that you can support. Figure out what it takes to start and whether that’s reasonable for you. I joined a company that offered a free sign up, which made great financial sense for me at the time. I loved the mission, and it was low risk, so for me, it was a perfect fit. Make sure you ask a lot of questions and know exactly what you’re getting into.
- Don’t spam your friends– These days I cannot scroll through my Facebook newsfeed for more than ten seconds without seeing some friend or another posting about their product on their personal profile. I’m even in the business, and this drives me CRAZY! Facebook actually has rules against posting promotional items on your personal newsfeed- this is WHY they created business pages and private groups! If someone wants to buy from you, let them follow your business page– and then you won’t alienate your friends and family.
- Don’t forget that people are still people, not just sales targets– ANY business owner can fall into this trap, whether you’re in direct sales or have a storefront. When you’re in business, of course you want to sell your product…but if you forget to treat people decently, you will not succeed, and you will lose out on more than just your business.
You can bet I was nervous to start up a business like this- I spent a lot of time thinking and praying before I started, and in the last two years, God has blessed me and my family through it! Even when my husband faced a huge pay cut, I didn’t have to return to work outside my home, and I will always be grateful for that!
About Lydia: I am a wife of 11 years, mom of two littles ages 3 and 6, and have been a Norwex consultant for two years. I love staying home with them, but they exhaust my socks off! Some days can be hard, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!
Learn more about the business that allowed Lydia to quit her job outside the home and stay home with her kids here.
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