Start Your Business During The Recession!

According the “USA Today,” a recession may be the best time start a new business. Many well-known businesses began during a recession and are doing quite well. With a bit of research and careful planning, you might discover that now is the time for you to launch your dream.

Several years ago, the company I worked for was being acquired by a larger company, which for me meant “job elimination”. While unemployed, I began thinking of ways I could earn extra money. However, I wanted to do more than simply earn extra cash. I starting researching the web for business opportunities and soon discovered several opportunities in direct selling. After all, my goal for starting a business was three-fold: (1) a business that that required little start-up capital, (2) a business that would compliment my personality and lifestyle (3) a business I could build part-time, to start.

I have always had a love for cooking, as I have a culinary arts background. However, I wasn’t sure how I could translate my passion for cooking into a career opportunity. After doing some research on the web, I discovered a company called “Inspired Chef”. This direct selling company allowed culinary enthusiasts to utilize their expertise by conducting professional in-home cooking classes, wine tastings and product demonstrations. A business where I could make money by simply sharing my passion for food and wine, sounded like the ideal business for me! In addition, I also had the opportunity to receive a 30-50% discount on Kitchen Aid tools and appliances. I felt as if I had struck gold!

While this particular direct selling company was a perfect fit for me, in direct selling, “One Size Does Not Fit All” and finding one that suits your lifestyle and personality can be quite challenging. However, there are over 200 direct selling opportunities worldwide – from Wellness, Environmentally-friendly Products and Vitamin Supplements to Interior Design, Internet Training, Utility Services and Apparel.

Direct Selling can also be used as an “add-on” business or concierge service. For example, a close friend mine owns and operates an event planning company and will often fly in panel experts and speakers for various events. Rather than utilizing a third-party travel service, my friend joined a direct selling travel service. This means she can offer meeting and travel services, or a “One Stop Shopping” experience, for her clients.

Direct Selling is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to launch an independent business. The investment to join a direct selling company may be as little as $10…and what you earn depends on your efforts. Some full-time representatives earn a six-figures, others own licensed retail centers, and many simply sell around their family schedules.

For some, the goal may be to leave their jobs and focus on their direct selling businesses full time. For others, direct selling is a way to earn additional income to help finance their child’s education, afford family vacations, pay off debts, or purchase a new car. Whatever your individual goal, a direct selling business may be the best way to help you reach it.

For a directory of direct selling companies, visit www.DSA.org. To learn more about direct selling opportunities, please visit www.SalesBuzzBook.com.

10 Creative Ways To Earn Extra Money

If you're tired of not having extra cash at the end of the month, or if you've lost your job altogether, these simple side gigs can help put some padding in your pockets until --- maybe even after --- you get back on your feet.

1. Do Freelance Work
2. Sell Your Books
3. Seach Circulating Coinage
4. Be a Secret Shopper
5. Sell your photo to stock agencies
6. Start a business
7. Enter local and online sweepstakes
8. Give you opionion and get paid
9.Sell Your Junk

and my personal favorite...

10. JOIN A DIRECT SELLING COMPANY!

"Direct Selling is one of the easiest ways to earn some extra cash, especially if you sell products you love. The investment to join a direct selling company, may be as little as $10 --- and what you earn depends on your efforts. Some full-time representatives earn six-figures, other own licensed retail centers, and many simply sell around their family's schedule" - MSN News, May 7, 2009

With that mind, I'd like to suggest the following websites to help you get started researching direct selling opportunities.

1. Sales Buzz Book www.SalesBuzzBook.com (1) De-mystifies the term"direct selling", (2) speaks to established independent direct selling business owners and individuals seeking direct opportunities, (3) Assist individuals in indentifying and finding the direct selling business that best suits their career goals, personality and lifestyle and (4) offers proven, yet simple selling ideas to get your products and services into the hands of the customer, be it business to business or business to consumer.

2. Direct Selling Association www.DSA.org lists over 200 of its direct selling members by organization, industry and location.

In Direct Selling, One Size Does Not Fit All

Just as we all have varied tastes in clothes, food, and home furnishings, we also have varied tastes when it comes to choosing a direct selling business. After much research, I’ve discovered dozens of companies operating worldwide that provide direct selling opportunities for people like you and me. However, finding one that suits your lifestyle and personality can be quite challenging. The following are a few direct selling business categories to consider:

Aromatherapy
House & Kitchenware
Insurance
Art & Framing
Jewelry
Baby/Child Care
Baskets
Books
Brokerage Services
Candles & Accessories
Clothing/Shoes
Coffee/Tea/Specialty Beverages
Homecare
Cosmetics
Craft/Craft Supplies
Crystal/China
Cutlery
Educational Materials
Encyclopedias
Financial Services
Fragrances
Giftware
Hair/Hair Accessories
Health/Fitness/Wellness
Home Accessories/Décor
Home Appliances
Home Technology
Internet Services
Jewelry
Legal Services
Lingerie/Sleepwear
Nutritional Supplements
Oral Hygiene
Paper Products
Party Supplies
Personal Care
Photography/Photo Processing
Plants/Foliage
Religious Books/Gifts
Scrapbooking/Photo Albums
Security Systems/Devices
Skin Care
Software/Computers
Spa Products
Telecommunication Services
Tools
Toys/Games
Travel
Utilities
Vacuum Cleaners
Water Treatment Systems
Weight Management...and more!

While there are many direct selling businesses to choose from, I suggest you select three to five businesses that interest you. For instance, do you have a knack for interior design? If so, then an independent interior design or furnishings company may be perfect for you. Do your friends and family members rave about your gourmet cooking skills? Perhaps becoming an independent cooking instructor or operating a cookware business would best fit your personality and skills.

Whatever organization you choose to align yourself with, be sure to do the research. The company’s website should provide the information you need to help you determine whether the company is a good fit for you. The website should also contain the company’s historical information, business objectives, management team, financials, and philanthropic objectives, among other things.

The DSA provides helpful information with regard to opportunities within direct selling organizations. You can also find contact information and web addresses for each DSA member on the DSA’s website.

In my experience, most direct selling companies suggest you begin building your business by soliciting the people you see every day—family, friends, and coworkers. Although these individuals are eager to support your business endeavors, believe me, you’ll only be allowed to knock on their doors so many times. Sooner or later, you will have to start looking outside of your immediate circle of family and friends to enlarge your customer base.

Now that you’ve chosen the company that best fits you, let me provide you with some simple tips and ideas to get you moving in the right direction.
Ready? Well, let’s go!