When I first started writing this post it was going to be titled “The Top 5 Benefits of Direct Sales.” Then it grew to “The 8 Best Benefits of MLM.” Then it grew to a list of ten. Now I’m at 11 benefits and I am going to stop adding to the list, though I am confident it could easily continue growing.
Without a doubt, entrepreneurs get into direct sales and MLM for a variety of reasons. Most people want some extra income or a discount on the products they love. Many want the freedom of being their own boss or being in control of their own financial security. I’ll discuss some of these benefits, but in no particular order. Each will resonate with people differently, but without a doubt each are benefits that people seem to be drawn to.
I saw a video yesterday for the first time that sparked the idea of this post. It’s from a guest lecture that Katie Rodan presented at USC in February of 2012. I’ll include the video below. My list really has nothing to do with hers, though there are definitely some crossovers.
Flexible Hours
I love the fact that I get to work when I want from where ever I want. Some people work in the mornings, some at night, others while the kids are away at school or during their nap time. It’s your business, so you get to work WHEN you want! You definitely have to work – but you get to choose when you work.
Low Start Up Investment
You’ll find that in most direct sales company the cost of getting started is very minimal, especially if you compare it with the cost of starting a franchise or building a more traditional brick and mortar style business. By having a low start up cost, you are also able to recoup your money faster too and begin being profitable faster. I became profitable in my second month. That’s possible because of the low start up cost that are involved!
Work From Home
I have worked from home for 21 years. All it took for me was a few months working from within an office after college to know that was definitely NOT how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. Working from home lets you avoid rush hour traffic, write off part of your house for business expense, not have to get dressed until you want to, see the kids off to school every day, and the list goes on and on and on. I’m a huge fan of getting to work from home!
Helping Others
I’ve heard Zig Ziglar say several times that if you help enough people get what they want out of life, you too will get what you want out of life. He even used the example that you can’t help someone row across the lake without also arriving there yourself. This business is a great way to help other people. You help your down-line succeed. You help your customers by providing excellent products at a fair price. You help your friends reach their goals. You’re also moved into a position through your success to help others outside of your business. For me, one of my priorities is helping teens and college students go on mission trips and school trips that they need financial assistance for. By helping others, you find success, fulfillment and purpose.
Proven Systems
By working with a MLM or Direct Sales company, you get to learn proven systems that work. You are not having to figure it all out on your own. Your up-line, the company and your team all have vested interest in your success, so they are happy to teach you the ropes. Getting to learn from others who do the same thing as you do is invaluable. Why reinvent the wheel when you are able to learn from others who are already successful?
Brand Name Products
I’m incredibly blessed because I get to work with a company that virtually everyone knows about. It’s also a company that the media seems to absolutely love and constantly writes about. And the only way to get our products is through direct sales from a consultant, so people come looking for us! Having products that people are instantly familiar with and consume is huge when you are making a commission. It’s fun being a part of a company that has the “it” products.
Residual Income
I just mentioned products that are consumable. When you work with a MLM that has consumable products you get to count on residual income. Not only are the products you are selling continuing to sale time and time again, but everyone on your down-line has orders that are always replicating and being reordered every month (or every other month in our case). It’s much different than selling a pan that may last for 10 years. Heavens, my parents still have some Tupperware in their house. Those products are great – but they are not consumable. Repeat sales and consumable sales make for great residual income both for yourself and your down-line/team.
Amazing Training
Because Direct Sales organizations have so many reps or consultants, it’s only natural we would offer first rate training programs. We want entrepreneurs to succeed. With the company I work with, we have great corporate training. Also, the training I have received from my up-line has been of top quality and as I work with my team members I make sure they receive first class training. We all want to do our best and prepare ourselves for success. Receiving the proper training is so important when working for your success and building your business.
Friendships
I’m a people person. I love people and love helping others. When you help others, I believe friendships and relationships will naturally happen. The friendships with customers, business partners, your up-line, your down-line… you truly establish great friendships along the way. So much so, that I felt this aspect alone was worth mentioning in a prior post, A Big MLM Fringe Benefit. I’ve met some of the greatest, most inspiring, helpful, loving and generous people since I’ve been in Direct Sales. I’ve truly been blessed with great friendships.
Be Your Own Boss
To me, this one doesn’t even need an explanation. The freedom behind this is life-changing.
Work From Anywhere
I work from home most of the time. But sometimes I’m in Starbucks. Sometimes I’m in a hotel room on vacation. Sometimes I’m at the park. Sometimes I’m on a beach. I’ve even had conversations with team members and prospects while waiting in line at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. My personal favorite: working from the beach. If I have a cell phone, I’m good to go. For those really complicated tasks I may need my iPad or laptop – but those can be used practically anywhere. This is truly freedom from an office.
Unlimited Earning Potential
Without a doubt, most people get into direct sales in order to make extra money. I call this site The Beach Money CEO because I like to say I help people earn extra money for their beach vacations. Or, if they want, their dream house on the beach. The business model of MLM and Direct Sales is such that the earning potential truly is unlimited. You’ll get out of it what you put into it, you have the ability to make more than me, more than anyone in my up-line and anyone in the company. You also have the option to make some product sales and earn just enough to make your car payment. The option is yours. I guess that’s just part of being your own boss, huh?
Ok, so that was actually 12 benefits of direct sales. I tell you, the list could go on!
What are some of the benefits you see in being a part of direct sales and MLM? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
MAR
