In Defense of Direct Sales
There’s been a rumbling out there on the interwebs about direct sellers and all of their spammy messages, videos, and Facebook parties. You know the types of articles on popular mommy pages. I get it. Before I got in the world of direct sales I rolled my eyes at all the personal facebook posts that screamed join my team, you NEED this makeup, lose weight in 30 days with my program! So just how did I get into this whole direct sales gig?
Well, I’m a smart shopper. I pride myself on budgeting and meal planning and everything that comes with being a stay at home mom to two young kids. I was given a gift of an Origami Owl locket for Christmas a few years back and I loved the jewelry and the concept of being able to hold special charms close by that represent a feeling, a memory, or a special story.
I bought A LOT of Origami Owl. For myself, as gifts, as a special surprise for someone. It wasn’t until I realized how much I would have saved if I had signed up as an Independent Designer from the beginning that I joined and started to navigate how to make the direct sales gig work for me.
Little did I know that when you step into the direct sales world, there are many more benefits that you had no idea were even there before!
Discounted Products and Special Promotions
It’s no secret that most direct sales companies offer consultant only promotions and specials. Not only do most consultants purchase product at wholesale prices, the special promotions and early access to new exclusive products are a huge part of the benefits of being a direct seller.
Most direct sales companies have a start up fee. I tend to look at this from the perspective of value. With that start up fee, what value of the product are you receiving? Does it make sense to purchase $150 of just jewelry when you can get over $550 retail value worth of jewelry for investing that $150 and signing on as a consultant?
Remember, signing up with a direct sales company does not mean you need to start building an empire. Sign up for the discount only, make it a part-time hobby, or make a career out of it. Whichever path you take, you make it work for you.
Friendships
A major part of direct sales is the relationships you form between other consultants in your company, others in the direct sales community, and even small business owners who rely on the direct sales community for their livelihood. These connections start small and grow big. Over the year and a half, I have been with Origami Owl, I have made so many friendships than with any other endeavor I have embarked on in life.
I have learned so much from those around me and I wake up each day with the intention to help those in the line behind me, so to speak. It’s empowering, challenging, and it just makes me feel good right down to my toes.
Growth & Knowledge
Before my direct sales journey started, I knew nothing about how to use social media channels for marketing and direct sales. I spent a lot of time investing in myself and my business and now I know the ins and outs of Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Canva, WordPress, the list goes on and on and on.
I learn something new every day (seriously, I do), and it feels pretty darn good to know that my brain is active, I’m continually challenged, and I’m in the position to help others as well.
I know that if I am offered opportunities in the future to return to the workforce I will have a lot to add to my resume and I’m pretty dang proud of that! 🙂
Creative Outlet
As a mom of two kids, most days are filled with the daily grind. Meals, cleaning, snacks, and that list goes on and on. With my Origami Owl business, my blog, and Sassy Direct I enjoy creating new content, playing around with graphics, conjuring up social media challenges, and all of it is 100% created by me.
I’m a self-starter, I’m motivated (most of the time), and I make it work as best as I can. Many times I’m coming up with fantastic new ideas on what to do next and that is one of the best parts about being in the direct sales industry. You are your own boss, you decide how much or how little you want to put into your business, and you are able to flex those creative muscles.
[clickToTweet tweet=”People buy from people they know and trust. ” quote=”People buy from people they know and trust.” theme=”style2″]
At the core of direct sales, you buy from those you know and trust. In defense of direct sales, we direct sellers rock and if it’s not for you, that’s ok. For my direct sales friends, I say keep doing what you’re doing. Keep your head up, take it day by day and hustle. I’d love to hear your perspective or direct sales story! Comment below or send me a message!
Kristy E
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Yes! I completely agree with you and love the direct sales industry. It’s important to focus on self improvement and learning new ways to stand out in the crowd. Great post!
Thank you, Mellisa! You hit the nail on the head when you mention self-improvement. 🙂