Four Reasons (Nearly) Anyone Can Do Direct Sales

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When you hear the term “salesperson,” a common figure comes to mind: confident, well-dressed, sharp haircut, an infectiously pearlescent smile, and—unfortunately—very pushy. The stereotype perpetuates every sales floor, from car dealerships to mattress suppliers. And who hasn’t dealt with a type-A personality insisting this hatchback won’t be on the lot for long at such an incredibly low price?

While this may be an unfortunate reality at times, anyone can make a living by sharing and selling products and services they love—without being that person. Nowhere is this truer than in direct sales.

Direct selling, or network marketing, is an increasingly popular form of business where distributors sell goods and services to consumers through a business they represent. These independent contractors claim an affiliation with a company but have the flexibility to work on their own terms.

Network marketing isn’t a fit for everyone, but it can fit any personality type. Here are a few reasons why direct sales may work for you.

Do Business Your Way

One of the perks of entrepreneurship is the freedom it offers. You know you best and will determine the best approach to structure your business or plan your workday. In network marketing, you control:

• The Work: You may choose to conduct most of your business online through social media, directing people to an e-commerce website, or you can meet potential new clients at in-person and digital events if you prefer more direct interaction.
• The Product: Many direct sales companies offer quality goods and services at various price points. Keep your hobbies and interests in mind as you search for the right opportunity and choose what vibes most with you.
• The Effort: Network marketing works around your schedule. Nearly 90% of distributors run their businesses part time, working under 10 hours a week. Of course, you get what you put in—dedicate as much or as little time as you’re willing to put forth.

Cheaper + Simpler to Start

Selling products as a representative of a network marketing company comes with relatively lower risks than starting a business from scratch. You get to keep your day job, and startup costs are considerably less. You don’t have to fund a physical retail space, manage stock, hire employees, develop branding from the ground up—the list goes on.  Generating income in this manner will put you on the
road to financial independence and learning how to FI.

Consider a company like USANA Health Sciences, listed among Direct Selling News’ Top 100. USANA offers many products across the health and wellness category, from skincare to supplements, meal-replacement shakes to electrolyte drinks. People who sell USANA products, called Associates, don’t need to worry about keeping such a diverse range of inventory on-hand. Customers place orders through an Associate, and USANA fulfills them and ships directly to the customer.

Less Selling, More Sharing

When you believe in and use the products you sell, your enthusiasm shines through. Even if you aren’t the most extroverted person or committed to making every single sale, you’ll find it’s much easier to speak authentically to interested customers. Organic conversations about items you use or nutritionals you take will lead to better dialogue and honest answers to common questions or concerns.

You’ll hear “no” from plenty of potential customers, which may not be something you’re willing to put up with frequently. And that’s okay. But at least consider the benefits of rejection before totally shutting down the idea. You’re made of tougher stuff than you think!

Tried and True

People from all walks of life have entered the world of direct selling. Teachers, parents, office workers, even college kids looking to earn a little extra on the side. Age, gender, and current income can’t predetermine where you’ll take your business. More and more people are becoming involved with network marketing—either as business owners or customers—with the number of folks involved sharply increasing from 2012 to 2020.

If you’re hesitant to open a business due to past negative experiences or stories you’ve heard, take comfort in knowing the direct sales industry is held to higher ethical standards than ever before. The modern world of network marketing is carefully regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). And organizations like the Direct Selling Association (DSA) monitor individual corporate entities (as multi-level marketing companies) as well as their distributors. Companies in good standing are honest and upfront about their potential income opportunities, business structure, and product offerings.

As you research potential opportunities, keep the DSA in mind. Member companies are a safe bet.

Make Your Mark

Through network marketing, everyday folks can put their entrepreneurial vision to the test in a way that best suits them, and with relatively lower risk compared to building a traditional business from the ground up. If you feel this business model could be a good fit, start your search with the Direct Selling News’ Top 100, which tracks the revenues of the largest companies in the direct selling sphere.

Before you know it, you could be sharing products you love while building a business on the side.

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