An article in my local newspaper states that home based
businesses are the fastest growing segment of the U.S.
economy.  A direct sales business is a great way of
achieving a home based business because the schedule is
flexible, the startup costs are small, and you can continue
to work at your current job while your home-based business
is in its infancy.

So how do you know if a direct sales business is right for
you?  Many people make a hefty profit with direct sales
while others quit before obtaining their first sale.  Do
you have what it takes to be successful?  You wouldn't
expect to receive a check at your current job if you never
show up for work, and you won't be successful with your
home-based business if you don't show up for work there,
either.  If you work hard at your home business, however,
you can show a significant profit with direct sales.

The main ingredient to a profitable direct sales business is
to believe in your product.  If you love your product, your
enthusiasm will spread to those around you including your
customers and potential recruits.  Be choosy when selecting
the company you will represent.  If you would not buy the
products for yourself, you should not expect anyone to buy
them from you.  Also, choose a company that does not have
large representation in your area.  If your mother, sister,
and four of your neighbors already sell the product,
chances are you will not have as large of a customer base
as if you choose a company where you are the only
salesperson in your family or neighborhood.

Your "team" is also very important to your success.  This
includes the consultant that recruits you (your up-line) as
well as your personal recruits (your down-line).  The
up-line, including the corporate staff, is important
because these key individuals are those who mentor you.
You should choose a consultant that is successful in
selling the product as well as involved in her down-line
consultants.  This person should be someone that inspires
you to do well in your business, provides training, and is
available to help you as you grow your business.

Fall is a great time to get started in direct sales.  Not
only can you buy all the Christmas gifts on your list from
yourself, but the people who attend your home shows will be
buying gifts for their friends and family as well.  Have
them start off with a game listing everyone on their gift
list for this Christmas.  The person with the most names
after two minutes of playing the game wins a small prize.
Now that everyone has their shopping list, they can look
for items in your collection that would be great gifts for
each person.  Your guests are going to buy gifts for the
people on their list anyway; they might as well buy the
gifts from you!