So you’ve taken the leap and become a direct sales rep. What’s next? Well, that depends largely on which company you’ve signed up with, but I’m going to give you some basic tips on how to become a direct sales superstar!
How to Become a Direct Sales Superstar
Growing your direct sales business is going to take a lot of work, especially if you rely solely on house parties and hostesses to create your income. Let’s get out of that mentality and move onto what will make the big bucks: diversifying.
When you host house parties, it’s super fun but it takes a lot of time, a lot of planning, and let’s face it… people are flaky. They get bored with the same parties over and over again, and even if you think you’ve come up with a new idea, chances are it’s been done before. Instead of having them come to you, you need to meet them where they are – they’re online, they’re at the store, they’re at the restaurant.
Always be prepared! Have a mini promotional kit with you at all times. Depending on your business, it could be filled with samples, information, or a little of both. I like to carry a recruiting kit with me – a small gift bag with a business card, a post card describing the business and commission structure, and a link to my website. If your company allows you to have a Facebook group, purchase a domain and forward it directly to your Facebook group – like SarahsMaryKayLadies.com would go to your Mary Kay group on Facebook.
Based on your company’s rules and regulations, you can use some or all of these tips to grow your business. Be sure to read over them, first. The last thing you need to do is get banned!
- Create fun business cards. Folding cards with a coupon attached are always a hit.
- Purchase a domain and forward it to your direct sales website.
- Have a fan page and/or a Facebook group to post sales, fun stuff, giveaways, etc.
- Use Instagram.
- Make sure your email signature includes information about your business.
- Join the local Chamber of Commerce.
- Join local MeetUp groups. Be seen! Networking is not selling; it’s socializing.
- Create a survey so people can leave anonymous feedback to help you grow.
Remember: you’re offering happiness, not selling a product! That is why it’s so important to be passionate about which business you choose to join.
Still loving the parties? That’s fine, just make sure you’re offering something unique:
Host a Stop N Shop – find a local restaurant that would be willing to let you steal one of their tables during slow hours, and schedule a few folks to stop by during a certain time frame. Usually when they’re already out running errands is best. Keep it short and sweet, just let them know you’re there if they have any questions. Give them some cards, some samples, and make sure you include your phone number so they can call you. Also, you could purchase gift cards from the restaurant you’re at and include them in a giveaway. Everyone loves free stuff!
Host an Online Party – find a few bloggers that would be interested in hosting a giveaway for your products. Make it a fun party, not just a sales party. Don’t do the typical “trivia” stuff. Think of unique games to play and offer giveaways of items people will really be interested in receiving. Offer samples to anyone who wants them, too. This will require a little cash up front on your part for postage, but it’s worth it.
Host a Swap – Partner with other direct sales leaders and host a swap. You buy from them, they buy from you – or you could do an actual swap where you all unload your extra inventory that is similarly priced. This works well online and in person, just make sure you’re teaming up with people that truly want to grow their business. One person per direct sales company – so you can use each other as referrals afterwards, too, without the cut-throat competition.
The most important thing to remember: Don’t give up before you give yourself a chance to succeed. Many have a bad taste left in their mouth after trying direct sales. Whether it’s from a terrible upline, a bad product, a shady commission structure, or something else… it’s up to you to grow your business in a legitimate way and make sure you make people smile!
