Earn some extra "fun" money ...
3 STEPS TO FINDING A DIRECT SELLING COMPANY

If you've been considering a new career, or just a way to earn some extra dollars to meet those holiday bills. Direct selling (party plans or multi-level marketing) may be a viable option.

Before you go and discount the idea by saying, “sell!? I am not a salesperson” let me help. Finding the right company is what is important. If you find something that you can be passionate about, you are no longer “selling” you're “sharing” just like you would a favorite movie, restaurant or work-out spot. There is an easy 3-step process you can follow to help you find your passion, and something to be passionate about in the New Year to reach your 2007 goals.

Step 1
What are your goals? What do you want out of this? You must write them down and say them out loud! Some ideas to get you started:

• I would like some extra $ for bills, daycare, retirement, “mad money?”
• I am saving for a new home, private school or college?
• I would like to earn “free” stuff, such as hobby supplies, home décor, trips, jewelry and other incentives?
• I want some time to work on yourself, a career or hobby?
• The ability to spend money without feeling “guilty” because YOU earned it!

Step 2
Find something you love!

There are companies in all categories from services to hard good, some examples?

•  Nutrition/health – Stellavita, BioNovix, Enliven, Amazon Herbs, Frutaiga
•  Women's – Barefoot Parties
•  Children – Simply Fun, Big Yellow Box, Discovery Toys
•  Hobbies & Family – Creative Memories, Stampin' Up!, Once Upon a Family
•  Beauty – Mary Kay, Arbonne
•  Fashion – Cookie Lee, Weekenders, Jolica
•  Home, Food & Entertaining – Southern Living at Home, Taste of Home Entertaining, Tastefully Simple, Wildtree, Swiss Colony Occasions

Do some research
There are several resources that serve this industry. All of which have directories and lists of reputable, reliable companies where you can get started.

• i. www.dsa.org (the direct selling association)
• ii. www.mlmia.org (the international multi-level marketing association)
• iii. www.dswa.org (the direct selling women's alliance)

Step 3
Talk to people who already work for some of the companies you are interested in (find them here on Mom's Zone or through the directories listed in step two), ask them questions, tell them what you're looking for (use your written down goals from step one) and compare their answers!

Some sample questions you could ask?

• i. What kind of compensation plan do you have – or how do I make money with your company? If you have a monetary goal from step one above, ask how you could reach that goal with their company.
• ii. What kind of company incentives does your company offer and how do I earn them? (these can include free product, trips, travel, merchandise and much more)
• iii. How long has your company been in business?
• iv. What is the mission/vision of your company?
• v. How long have you been involved? How big is your team? Have you done direct sales before?
• vi. How many products does your company offer and what are the price ranges?

Now you will be ready to make an informed decision. You've found out what your needs are. Why do you want to begin a direct selling business? You've found something you can be passionate about sharing with others, or yourself. And you've identified a company that shares your personal beliefs and speaks to your heart. Commit to yourself that you will give it a chance. If you have decided 5 hours a week is all you can spare than commit those 5 hours every week! Do that consistently for 6 months and I promise you will be well on your way to achieving your goal, and along the way discovering new things about yourself and others. It is a remarkable journey, I wish you success!

Sue Bradley is an Executive Consultant for Sheffield Resource Network in Scottsdale , Arizona , the leading direct selling consulting firm. She has presented for the DSA, MLMIA and other conferences in her areas of expertise including Distributor Relations, employee training and AIRE (Awards, Incentives, Recognition and Events). Sue's experience in the latest successful group selling techniques is continually updated by her work with new companies and current industry market makers. You can contact her at SBradley@Sheffieldnet.com or (480) 968-6199.