Can You Have a Debt-free Holiday with Direct Sales?

It's the Holiday Season, but spirits this year can be a bit low. Experts tell us the recession is over, but budgets are still tight, unemployment is still on the rise, and people are struggling to figure out how to survive the holidays. Many people are turning to direct sales to fill the financial gap, but is this really a viable option? It absolutely can be, but before you take the leap, here are a few things to consider.

Retail sales are on the rise, but consumers aren't expected to spend too much this year. However, that doesn't mean you can't have a successful direct sales business. First you need to decide what product and what company you want to work with. Think about companies you buy products from. You'll be more comfortable selling a product you already use and love, and that will make people more comfortable buying from you. You'll also want to find out what the start-up cost is, whether or not you'll get everything you need for at least your first 5 or 6 shows, and how many parties you'll need to do to recoup the start-up cost (based on average sales).

Next you'll want to make your FRANK list - a list of your Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, and parents of your Kids friends. Let them know you're starting a home business, and ask them if they'd be willing to help you out by hosting a show. Make sure to stress what they'll get for helping you (the hostess benefits). Be positive and excited - you want to get them excited about hosting a party. You may also want to offer them some incentive for getting 2 or more bookings at their party, such as extra free or discounted product or a discontinued item. This will help dissuade your hostesses from telling their friends "just show up, you don't need to book a show." Your goal is to get 2 or 3 bookings from every party to keep your business going, so you need to get your hostesses working with you.

Now it's time to book your starter show, schedule your first 6 or more shows, and order your kit. The more shows you book at the very start, the better off you'll be. Remember, you will have cancellations, so you want to over-book. Having at least 6 shows scheduled when you start your direct sales business will help get you going strong. Your recruiter will work with you every step of the way, teaching you how to coach your hostesses, how to get bookings at your parties, how to increase your show attendance, etc. It may not be easy - you'll be spending a lot of time on the phone getting bookings, talking to hostesses, getting advice from your recruiter, etc. But if you're willing to put some effort into it, a direct sales business can be a great way to make an extra $1,000 a month or more in just 2 or 3 nights a week!