BellaOnline Forums Career Business Owners Have you ever been in direct sales

Thank you so much ! Very observant as I was thinking of bolding!

Yes, the reason it is stuck temporarily is just that - I am reflecting what to leave out! Frustrating as I have 100 pages of content ready to load.

I will edit it tomorrow . When done Ill look at squidoo.

I just finished a new work at home options ideas and directory website.

I have a handful of reviews and direct sales / mlm independent consultants on there already.

If you are looking for a resource where you can get an idea of what is out there or if you are looking for a rep of a certain product. I'm hoping to grow it, but it means others stepping up writing an honest review of their experiences with the company and providing me with name, contact info and geographical area.

here's the link:
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I have done everything, but I have learned it's not really the business/company that is the problem. It's me. I am not very good at selling products. I will try for a while, but after about 20 days I give up. I once called 500 people for one company via bought leads, and I only got two people to join so it's not like I don't try.

But I am uncomfortable with some things. I won't name the company but one company I was taught to send out post cards that said:

Dear Name,

My name is Stephanie and I would like to talk to you about management opportunities with my company. Call me at xxxxxxxxx for more information.

Sincerely,

Stephanie

I DID DO IT. But when people would call, and they really did call, I felt awful because I was going to tell them about a MLM company.

I originally wanted to do the company because I felt I could offer the benefits to local businesses but then I learned that there weren't any local providers in our area.

Anyway, I like coming up with my own ideas now, for the most part.

Stephanie,

To me, it sounds like you were promoting something that you didn't yourself believe in. If YOU don't believe what you're saying, why on earth would anyone else? Right?

When someone is really enthusiastic about something - it shows. When someone feels like a fraud - it shows.

If you find something you are passionate about - and get the skills & support that YOU need for success - you'll naturally achieve great things!

Sincerely,

Meg

You name the direct sales company and I have probably been in it. I start out with enthusiasm and when i realize that I just have a handful of friends and my family won;t do parties...I am sunk.

I have gone to flea markets, crafts hows and business expos to try to build a business with leads and party bookings - but nothing...

The last time I joined - the Tupperware lady said she would need help going thru the FULL bowl of names she had at her table - so I joined right up (hmmm...a fool and her money are...) It didn't take me long to realize that she was not about to give me any names.

Done!

It is essential to get past the initial "opportunity high" - that's what I call the excited buzzing feeling that you get when presented with something that could be a good opportunity.

Once you're past that - you can really do some digging, and investigate whether an opportunity is right for you. There are a lot of scams out there, and a lot of legit businesses - and even from them you have to choose something that's really right for how you prefer to work.

Robin, what you describe is called "warm sales." That's the "party" type direct sales to people you already know. Many people make a great living from things like that - but others just don't have the network ready to buy the products.

For instance - my friends an family are also not the type to do parties - so warm sales are generally out for me. I do enjoy a "party" atmosphere and tend to deliver coaching, training, and classes to groups. But I'm a social individual - so it works.


I'd also point you to my article on how to Avoid Scam Business Opportunities - here at Bella.

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Thanks Meg - I already did....I'm here.

Writing is where I am supposed to be..........I plan to be with BellaOnline for a looooong time to come. This is just the beginning!

NOW - opportunities in writing - I am all for that. I'll take a look at what you have and will keep tuning in.

This is where direct sales fails. They sign people up regardless of who the individual is. Not everyone is suited for sales, and that is what direct sales is.

The anyone can do it and the product sells itself stuff is nonsense. Without good marketing and sales skills you won't succeed, that's the bottom line.

You need to be able to find leads, present and ask for the sale. It you can't do any of these it' will be hard for you to stay motivated long enough.

Well, actually I did believe in the product. I still do. But, that is the issue. I am product oriented, not recruiting oriented. But I have found that you can't really make a good living selling product, you have to sell the business and have a team under you to make it in direct sales.

But, as Robin says, I know this is where I am supposed to be. BellaOnline and writing.

Due to joining BellaOnline I have dropped other activities I was dabbling in and I will make this work, money or not, it's fun, and I like it and the training is phenomenal.

And really I'm so much of a loner that writing suits me.

Since I have joined BellaOnline I have written more than I ever let myself in the past, and not just for BellaOnline... I am also working on a book, and I've actually finished a few pages whereas before I was never sitting down and writing.

I am almost ashamed to be writing this next post - but I want to be honest. Yes - I am supposed to be here, and like Stephanie - I am a bit of a loner. I totally agree with the idea of making this work and I plan to be with BellaOnline for a long time to come. What Stephanie says about the experience and training I can totally agree with. I will add that the fellowship here is WONDERFUL!

However, here is probably where my dilemma lies. Since signing on with BellaOnline, my confidence has grown. I have also been reading Jack Canfield's Key to Living the Law of Attraction and doing the exercises. Between the both of them, I now hold my head up high and everything seems so much better than it was.

Here is the deal...I found a direct sales company that I almost went with about 8 months ago. People at my job were sorry I didn't do it as it sounded so different and fun. It is with wine tastings that you do in your home.

I am sure that I want to do this - I will have the time. Also - maybe not on BellaOnline - being back in direct sales will give me ideas to write articles for other places.

I know I have to plan this out carefully, because it WILL succeed if I am to do this. Building a team, etc is not a problem. My late husband and I made a lingerie/jewelry business grow from scratch - then when he passed on - that was it for me.

Refusal to fail is my motto now! And the extra money would really help! It would be better than getting a second job.

I know in one of my previous posts, I said I was "Done!".

Maybe this should be a whole new topic....?