I have a confession to make: I am a direct sales snob—or at least I was until about six years ago. As a hardcore city girl at heart and geeked out PR chick, I simply didn’t get it. I am willing to bet you may not either, because you totally envision the Tupperware party your mom dragged you to as a kid.
The home party of years past is long gone and has been replaced by fun social gatherings, classes, online events, and so much more. You can buy pretty much anything from funky jewelry to kitchenware, and most of these companies offer on-trend, high-quality products. Today’s direct sales organizations totally rock.
And I should know. Five years ago, I accidentally joined a direct sales company (stamping and scrapbooking company Stampin’ Up) because I wanted a free product. At the time, I told my consultant I wanted to quit as soon as possible because (insert snark here) “there was no way I was selling anything.”
At the time, my reality was that I had a busy PR consultancy, a small child, and a busy life, not to mention a major misconception about direct sales. I ended up staying for the discount, but what I found was so much more than I ever expected. Five years later, I am still a consultant, and can’t imagine my life without this experience. I am truly so much better for it.
Here's why direct sales totally rocks for customers and consultants:
Convenience: The way we shop has changed radically in recent years, and direct sales makes shopping easy. It's as simple as reading a catalog or picking out items on a web site and order. No running around, no parking issues, and no need to do your hair. Plus, working with a consultant is like having a personal shopper who helps you make smart decisions and answers any questions you may have.
Relationships: Over the years, I’ve watched many of my customers become friends, secure jobs, and more through people they’ve met at my classes and home parties. Everyone can use a night out regardless of the items being sold. On a personal level, many of my customers, my team, and fellow consultants have become close friends that I absolutely adore. I certainly wasn’t looking for friends, but I am grateful for these women in my life.
A Sense of Accomplishment: Teaching papercrafting is something I get to see first-hand when someone learns a new technique or creates a new card. This sense of accomplishment can be seen across the direct sales industry especially with the consultants. When I left my Account Director position with one of Canada’s leading agencies to start my own freelance PR business, I never imagined that I’d miss being rewarded for a job well done. For me, direct sales has filled that gap with financial rewards, amazing trips and countless other perks.
Next time your neighbor or aunt invites you to a home party, give direct sales a chance. Go easy on your consultant as she’s probably just a mom like you who’s working for a living. And if you’ve got an entrepreneur in you waiting to come out, check out all the direct sales opportunities out there and see where it may take you. Most of all, remember that direct sales totally rock—you just didn’t know it until now.
Printer-friendly version