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!