A couple years ago, I did something I didn’t think I’d ever do. I started an MLM business.
Honestly, I have never been a huge fan of any direct sales or MLM business, although I’ve tried to support friends who did them. At the time, when I was considering additional ways to make income staying at home, it seemed like a good idea. (More about my why here.)
However, I soon discovered it was not at all for me. There are many things I wish I had considered before joining. It cost a decent amount of money, but moreover, it cost a lot of time I could have used on other things, not to mention stress.
Then I went and did it again! Guess what – same result. It wasn’t for me. Even though I loved the products and the mission, I didn’t like the selling, and didn’t like how much money it cost.
So I simply want to share my experience with whoever might be considering this option. Here are some things to consider before starting a direct sales or MLM business. Hopefully you can think through these things and decide what’s right for you.
1. With these companies, you are still working for someone. One of the draws of a direct sales or MLM business for me was the promise of “being your own boss,” and “having your own business”. The truth is, you still answer to your director, who answers to their director, who answers to the company board, etc. You still answer to someone. Not being a downer, just being realistic.
That being said, in every job, you’re working for and answer to someone. Because money doesn’t appear out of thin air. (When you find a way for that to happen, lemme know!)
On the plus side, too, I do think that you have more freedom in your hours and method than you would at an ordinary job situation.
2. Do you believe in what you’re selling? First off, I am not a great sales person. I flat can’t promote a product I don’t believe in. I want the best deal, and I want it for you, too. So if I don’t believe it is, it’s hard for me to find a good thing about it. Don’t put yourself in a position to sell something you only feel halfway good about, or wouldn’t buy yourself.
I found that to be the case with the first company and products I was trying to sell. When I got samples of it, I just didn’t feel great about it. I couldn’t give it a glowing review. Still, I tried to sell it, hoping I’d find a customer who did like it. But it didn’t have my whole heart.
With my second business, I actually used the products every day. But I wouldn’t ordinarily spend that much money on them. So even though I was happy to promote the products, most people I knew didn’t want to spend the money on them, and really, neither did I.
3. Do you believe in the business and brand overall? Do you know what you’re representing? See above. It’s hard to sell something, or someone, you don’t really believe in or agree with. There are lots of companies that have great morals. But do they practice what they preach? Are their statistics valid, or skewed to make them look good? Do your homework before you sign the dotted line. Search online for real people’s experiences with the company.
Unfortunately, there were some ways that the first company runs that I did not agree with and felt frustrated about. I wish I had done some research beforehand.
4. Where are you looking to go with it? The best piece of advice I got from training with the first company was to quantify your goals. Are you working toward a dream, like being able to quit your current job? Or continue to stay home with your kids? Put a number on it. It gives you a real, solid goal to work towards. I think that is a valid and realistic way to look at it.
Also, consider if you’re looking for an “easy” or “get rich quick” situation. Because these rarely work that way. (Does anything? Again, lemme know.)
5. Are you able to make the financial investment? Some companies let you start for little to no start-up cost, which is great. But many come with an initial investment, like many self-starting businesses. And sometimes it’s a big cost.
Make sure you know what you’re getting into. And consider any hidden fees or other things you might need to start your business. (Like that you need to make or spend a certain amount a month to stay a consultant. Or the extra expenses you might have, like product, displays, business cards, etc.)
6. Are you able to make the time commitment? This is usually an even bigger investment than the financial one. Starting a new business is a lot of work. You have to be willing to put the time in for the training, the sales calls, the parties you likely have to throw, etc.
I had a friend who started with a business around the same time I started my first one. She was cranking to do it, alongside her full-time job and her family. But she had a goal in mind, and she quickly saw much success. So if it is for you, go for it!
7. Are you comfortable with being persistent? (Some might say, a little pushy?) Honestly, I am not much of a sales person. Instead, I’m more likely to shy away from situations where I have to request things from people or follow up with them. Following up and staying in there with people are part of the plan.
You may be find it so much easier to sell to people, especially if it’s a product you love. It might come more naturally for you to ask again, or follow up.
8. Are you good under pressure? There can be a lot of pressure that comes from working under people, or even from the company itself. You can feel pushed to sell, and a lot of it comes from a good place of motivation. But be prepared!
Or maybe the pressure comes from you. When you make an initial investment, it stands to reason you’ll feel strongly that you have to make it work.
9. Get advice. Talk to people who know you – like your spouse and your good friends. Explain the opportunity and see if they think it’s a good fit for you. Even find out if they think the product is “sellable”. Good friends will let you know whether something would be a good fit, knowing you, your community, and your situation. Plus it helps you have an outside perspective when it’s easy for you to be caught up in the moment. .
What do you think?
Do you have any experience with direct sales or multi-level marketing, either as a consultant or from an outside perspective? What things would you consider about the choice to work for one?
Leave a Reply