Direct selling has risen in popularity in the last few decades. With companies like Tupperware, Pampered Chef, or USANA Health Sciences, the industry has become one of the quickest and easiest ways to step into entrepreneurship and open the doors of your very own business.
But the process from deciding direct selling is the right path for you to running a well-oiled business can seem daunting. Instead of trying to do everything at once, let’s explore how to get your business underway.
Choose Your Company
There are many direct selling companies out there, so it’s important to research each business and their products before signing up. Take a look at their marketing strategies, the quality of their products, and current reputation. Talk to your friends about some of their favorite direct selling products and companies and review each company’s website. You may even consider contacting existing distributors who are willing to give you an honest review of their experience.
One great place to start is the Direct Selling Association (DSA). The DSA protects, promotes, and polices the direct selling industry. Additionally, they provide support to their member companies and the salesforces they employ. They work closely with government agencies and consumer protection organizations, and they adhere to a strict code of ethics to ensure they maintain the highest standards for the industry.
USANA Health Sciences, Inc. is a prime example of a company that is both part of the DSA and a consistent producer of award-winning products made with high-quality ingredients and stringent quality control measures. USANA is a leader in the industry and prides itself on being a brand with loyal distributors and customers who enjoy the benefits of their nutritional product and foods lines and skincare to support their customers’ lives.
Find Your Why
Once you’ve chosen a company, the next big step is to solidify your “why.”
Most companies have an “About Us” section on their websites. Part of establishing your business is determining your “About Me” and, more specifically, your why. When you’re working hard to sell products, your potential customers will always want to know more. Why are you selling these products (or why do you enjoy these products and want to sell them)? Why are you part of the direct selling company you chose? Why have you started now?
Establish your reasons and refine your story in a few simple, digestible paragraphs. This will help you maintain your drive and will motivate you when sometimes you ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” And you’ll be ready for when someone asks you questions about your business and the products you sell.
Develop a Strategy
Once you’ve committed to a direct selling company, set your best foot forward by developing a strategy for success.
Direct selling is a lot like other entrepreneurial ventures—you get out what you put in. The company you’re working with may have provided you with some training materials to help you get started. If you don’t receive information about training, try reaching out to a current distributor or find a Facebook group where you can ask questions. You’ll want to learn the ins and outs of the products, available opportunities, promotions, etc.
Determine how you want to sell. Whether it’s in person (i.e. parties), on social media, or through emails and texts to your friends, family, and neighbors.
Keep track of who you’ve sold to and their preferences. This will help you create a customized experience for your customers to keep them coming back. And when a product goes on sale, you’ll know who to reach out to.
Expand Your Reach
Successful businesses and distributors work hard to find new ways to expand and reach new customers.
A common and effective method is to utilize social media. Create a profile on your preferred social channel to curate your content to your new business and products. Post consistently with applicable content and use hashtags. Your company may provide social shareables or graphics and content you can post right to your account.
When you sign on with a direct selling company, they may give you a personal website you can use to sell your products. Add this link to your social media profiles, and don’t be shy about connecting people to your site.
Plus, consider building a blog where you can create content related to your products or detail your business journey. This will give you another platform to project your voice and connect with others. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box—just make sure you adhere to your company’s policies, procedures, and ethics.
Most importantly, be authentic. Having a consistent and genuine voice can help you build meaningful relationships with potential customers. Then as you share and recommend products, you’ll experience repeat purchases, customer referrals, and get to know people as you make recommendations and build your team.
Get Started
Direct selling is a people business. You’ll sell products you believe in and care about and connect with people while you do what you love. Success won’t happen right away, so be patient with yourself. Just remember, you’ll get as much out of it as you put in, and there are people to help you along the way.
