Business Opportunities in the Direct Sales Industry

Many different people from many different backgrounds, nationalities, economic and household situations start a business in the direct sales industry for many different reasons. Some mothers and even fathers may want to stay home with the kids and make their own hours, give themselves a promotion when ever they see fit, be their own boss, earn trips and cars and so much more.

Statistics show that 50% of Americans will start their own business at one time or another. There are many tax benefits of owning your own business as well as the feeling of accomplishment.

Just like starting any new business, it is an exciting time. Direct Sales is a relationship building business. Athough technology has advanced many people's businesses and exposure, it is the basic relationship that will help determine a person's success or falure in direct sales.

There is NO sugar coating it and do not allow anyone sugar coat it for you. Just like any business it involves work, determination, passion and a willingness to be coached. Companies have already developed marketing tools for you to use. Re-creating the wheel is not always the best way to succeed in direct sales. Use their tools that they have put in place for you. Also, make sure you have a budget set in place. Many new people who try direct sales get caught up in spending too much too soon. Then when they don't see money being made, they give up and claim that direct sales is a scam. The enticement of new products and sales offered can be tempting. But it is not necessary to keep inventory and many companies do not want you to keep inventory. The concept of starting a business is to make money, not go broke.

In direct sales you can start at a very low cost, for free or up to hunderds of dollars. Needless to say, it is much less than opening up a traditional business which requires thousands to millions of dollars at the initial start up. Understand your compensation plan. Maximize it. Understand when you would earn bonuses and trips.

There are direct sales companies that carry many different products and services. From jewelry to auto care, pets, toys, clothing to handbags, technology services, personalized items, greeting cards, cosmetics, skincare, food and nutritionals and more. Every company claims they are the best, and yes, they all offer amazing, high-quality products. It is important to find a company and product YOU are passionate about and go for it.

This is one of the many reasons why I started Home Party Divas- To help others find opportunities, locate reputable consultants who can help those who want to begin their venture and to definately not sugar coat it.

Here are a list of the members in Home Party Divas and the companies they represent. There are many other companies out there. As we grow, we hope to have at least one member of every home party based business represented. In the meantime, you can visit www.dsa.com (Direct Sales Association) for a list of reputable companies.

Remember sending cards will help re-connect with those you lost touch with, develop new relationships and maintain existing ones. Who do you know that does not like to receive a card?
Happy Card Sending,
Debbie and Kerry Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card
Storefront
954-667-9762
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Overcoming Your Own Bondage

I was watching a show on the History channel about a group of people who according to historians should not be here based on how history unfolded itself. This article is not religious in nature, yet holds a special place to people everywhere and will be used as an example in this writing.

So the group of people are the Jews. Throughout history we all know (Jew and non Jew alike) how they were enslaved, persecuted and judged throughout time. Yet, they still exist in this world. I am Jewish and I grew up thinking and discussing these things. I feel that one can only understand if one was Jewish.

But I want to take this to a deeper and more humanistic observation. The Jews came through these episodes in history with faith, passion and a belief in themselves. Passover (Pesach) is coming and we speak of how the Jews escaped slavery from the Egyptians. We see Moses on Mt. Sinai in the movie "The Ten Commandments" bringing down the Commandments for the future people of Israel. Were they truly free after all that?

Freedom is not just a state of our external environment. It is an inner feeling that one holds within oneself. Today you live in a free society in America, but yet are your ideas, thoughts and feelings truly free? How can you set yourself up in a place where you are free inside? What holds you back from achieving your goals? Who are you blaming when your dreams are not coming to reality? Do you have an internal battle of bondage/slavery that you fight with everyday?

I ask these questions because I know many people who have fears in their mind. Whether they created them themselves or people spoke these fears to them The can'ts, the won'ts, the am not's. These are purely words but they can be so strong that they bond you to a place of insecurity and fear.

I pray that you will let these fears and negative feelings leave you. I pray that love, freedom and peace encompass your soul and mind.

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Remember sending cards will help re-connect with those you lost touch with, develop new relationships and maintain existing ones. Who do you know that does not like to receive a card?
Happy Card Sending,
Debbie and Kerry Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card
Storefront
954-667-9762
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Business Tip- Sending Thank You Cards to Customers

ANMSRBSJGXDE

I was talking to a woman today in the direct sales industry for 33 years. Her name is Gina with The Selling Divas. It was fascinating. She is a card sender with SOC (not one of my customers or downline) and understands the importance of sending cards.

She has placed many orders with a particular person who is also in direct sales. One order was $400, another month it was $300 then following months were from $50-$100. One would think a constant and good customer like this should receive a Thank You for Your Business card. Well, that was not the case.

Why do we have to teach business owners, sales reps, independent contractors etc. the common etiquette to send a thank you card? We teach our children to send thank you cards to grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. for when the kid's get gifts. Or am I the only person who still teaches this to my kids?

Common etiquette is to say thank you. This all goes back to when I talked about the cost of finding a new customer compared to the cost of keeping an existing one happy through appreciation.

Let's think about the cost of .99 cent card plus postage compared to the cost of an ad in a local paper...hmmmm....hundreds! I don't think this needs to be explained. It is common sense.

I see this all the time. I have done business with many direct sales consultants and very few have sent a thank you card for hosting a show.

Direct Sales is about Relationships. If one does not want to build relationships- then direct sales is not for them.

In conclusion, please think of the hostesses/ hosts/ guests who bought from you. Send a thank you card or place a phone call to them. That little token of appreciation goes a long way.


Happy Card Sending,
and
Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card and Biz Opp www.unitedwesendcards.net
Storefront- www.unitedwesendcards.com
helpwithsoc@gmail.com
954-667-9762

ANMSRBSJGXDE

SOC IPhone App Review

I was so excited about the news for the new SOC iPhone App! I downloaded it for free, logged into my account and started to send cards!!!

I thought to myself- how is this possible with over 14,000 cards, images and my contacts? Well, they did it. It is very simple.

I logged in and the screen shows my address, points and expense I have in my account. I select catalog at the bottom of the screen to start creating a card. The categories are listed just like in your regular account on the computer.  I select Holiday and Occasions to send a birthday card. I go through selecting the card for a friend. The images on the front of the card are clear and colorful. I click next at the top of my screen. I can edit the left and right sides of the card.

I can insert images from my SOC account or take a photo from iPhone!!! Instantly it goes into my card.

I can also add an existing contact from my Send Out Cards account, my device's address book or add a new contact.
It validates how many points and expense I am going to use and then SEND CARD!

Wow!!! Talk about acting on a prompting. You are out with clients and can send a card right after a meeting without going to your office! BRILLIANT!

How to Find the Right Direct Sales Company for YOU

I have to tell you this story of my sister. She worked at an office for a couple of years and like many of Americans today, she found herself in the administrator's office and was told they had to cut back. After serious talks, they had to let her and others in the office go; including her boss.

After many months of searching for another job, she found the job of dreams at a well-known law practice in Palm Beach. We were all so excited! However, the lesson of the story is this- always have a PLAN B. When your employer has to cut your salary or let you go, will he still pay for the lifestyle in which you are accustomed to? NO!

By finding the right Direct Sales Company for you- you control your hours, you control how much you want to earn. And if you do have to accept a pay cut, you know that you have an extra $200, $400, $1000 or more a month to make up the difference. If you are let go, you know that if you can work harder on your PLAN B, you can make it your full time career or at least for awhile until you find another job.

When searching for the right Direct Sales Company make sure you are passionate for what you will be selling to your customers. Make sure you are comfortable with your up line. How long have they been in the business? Make sure you understand the compensation plan. Understand any and all of the requirements that are set in place for the company. Every company is different. Don't let anyone fool you. It does take work and determination to make your business succeed. It will not happen over night. Keep yourself on a budget. All companies have a maximum spending budget. Keep track on how many events you can afford to do and how much inventory you can carry. Otherwise the company will be getting rich and not you.

There are many links out there to help you research the right company for you. Every direct selling company offers the same thing- more money for you can be made, more time for your family, travel more, a great product or service. Make sure it is not a scam. Above all else do not allow anyone to sweet talk you into their company. This is your decision and if anyone does push you into a distributorship- I would be wary.

Best of Luck to you and your endeavour.

Kerry and Debbie

Storefront- http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/

Send A Free Card and Biz Opp- http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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Dating vs. Networking- What is the Difference?

I thought of this topic as I was lying in bed last night. For those of you who know me this is not an irregular thing for me to do. On top of three kids, a husband, two successful businesses and planning a Women's Expo and Fundraiser. One would think I just crash. But I had an epiphany.

So, what is the difference between Dating and Networking? My hypothesis says nothing. There is no difference.

Dating is the process of meeting a person of the opposite sex (or same sex in some situations). Dating is the beginning stage to find that man/woman of our dreams. To marry, have children, and live a long and beautiful life with.

In the past, before the Internet, we met people through our friends and family who knew us and knew the other person. Therefore, you hoped that it would be a good match. Sometimes it was and sometimes it wasn't. This way of matchmaking has gone by the wayside. Now, the majority of single people are using social media sites to find people quicker, easier and a bit safer. We are busy. We don't have time for a long drawn out first date. If we don't like them why torture ourselves for an hour and a half. We can have coffee instead and see if it can go further. (Am I the only one who dated like this?)

Unlike going to a bar, they may join speed dating groups, dances and /or social Meet Up groups. I actually met my husband on eHarmony and we did have a long drawn out first date for 6 hours!!! Ok, so maybe my philosophy was not working. :)

So now they got a date after finding the right person, with the right picture and profile. They dress up to make a first impression. First impressions always make a lasting impression. They meet the person at a local restaurant, coffee shop or something along those lines. And now comes the conversation. It is not as if the person is intentionally trying to repulse the other. It sometimes happens. One talks to much or the other's conversation is not appropriate for a first date.

The behaviour is not well received. Some people may want to relax, but they relax so much they drink too much. One wants to put paws all over the other one. Basically, it is just not happening.

Respect, honor and confidence are the attributes one should have when they first walk out there door. Not what shoes they have on. Yes, that is important. As I said before- first impressions do matter. But the qualities of a person shine over that. So when they wake up in the morning with you 20 years later you still see the beauty of them from long ago. You will NEVER remember the shoes they had on.

We can not expect that everyone thinks we are attractive. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I remember walking around the mall when I was younger, saying "What is she doing with him?" I may not find that person attractive, but she does and that is all that matters.

Just as in dating, we are not going to get along with everyone in networking circles. Networking is expanding. We network on social media sites. This allows us to find more people, more quickly, any time of the day and night and it does not affect our work schedules. We network at referral groups and chambers where initial person to person contact is imperative.

Many people think or expect that everyone to do business with them. We are like sharks trying to see who we can bite. We are looking for that quick sale. I know I am looking to build that relationship. Just as in dating. Build a long, lasting and beautiful relationship where refferals just flow.
We need to RESPECT the person's time and efforts. We need to HONOR ourselves and others around us. With HONOR comes RESPECT. And we need the CONFIDENCE within ourselves that a NO is okay. No does not always mean No forever. It can be No for right now.

When dating, one should RESPECT the person they are out on a date with. Respect their space, body and time. HONOR yourself and don't give it up so soon. That will never lead to a long, lasting, loving relationship. And CONFIDENCE. You should have the confidence within yourself to know that you are the best, you are well respected and you have qualities that are good and giving without sounding arrogant.

There. I can not find the difference between dating and networking. Make the process fun and enjoy it. When you do find the relationships you want in your life- things will just flow. No fight, no battle. Just a continual partnership that will last a lifetime.

Debbie

Retail Store:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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