Are you looking into joining a Direct Sales Company? Are you already involved in a Direct Sales business? If so, it is important to know exactly what it takes to run a successful business from home.
I would like to tell you up front that it’s not easy. You will need to get organized and prioritize your home and business tasks. You will need to attend company trainings and consistently work on your business so that it will succeed.
This ABC Checklist will be a great reminder of what it takes to run a successful business from home.
Advertising
You need to advertise your home business to make it grow. Advertising can be done online or offline, but your advertising efforts will need to be consistent. Keep track of which ads bring you the results you seek and toss the ones that don’t work.
Bookkeeping
You need to keep records of all your expenses and income. If you are not great at bookkeeping, consider hiring a virtual assistant or bookkeeper for your home office.
Customer Service
Give your customers great service to keep them coming back for more and to generate word of mouth referrals.
Dedication
It takes a lot of hard work and patience to grow a successful home business. You will need to dedicate time every week to work your business.
Education
Take time to educate yourself about having a home based business. Purchase books or get on the web and read up on topics related to Direct Sales and Network Marketing.
Fundraising
If your company offers a fundraising program, make sure you advertise and promote it. Sales that you pull in from fundraising programs can really boost your income.
Goal Setting
I find that when I make a list of my weekly, monthly and quarterly business goals and break those goals down into manageable chunks, that it keeps me focused and driven to accomplish the things that need to be done.
Hostess Coaching
It’s your job to coach your party host so that s/he will succeed in earning all of the free products and half-price specials. A party host who is completely satisfied with their home party experience is more likely to rebook additional parties with you.
Inventory
You need to keep products on hand to show at your home parties and to your customers. Update your inventory every few weeks or months with new offerings.
Juggling Act
When you work from home, life can be a juggling act. You will need to set up a schedule for family time, household chores, errands and of course, work time.
Keep Working It
You will find that you will not get rich overnight, as a matter of fact, you most likely won’t get rich at all. However, you need to keep working your business to get it to grow and prosper.
Leadership
Look to your sponsors and managers for leadership in training and business knowledge. As you grow your own team, you will become a leader and will need to set a good example for your own team.
Marketing
Sit down and draft up a business marketing plan. It’s your responsibility to market your business and the product that you represent. Set your marketing plan into action immediately and revise it as you go along.
Networking
Set aside a few hours every week to network with other like-minded Direct Sales home business people. You can find online and offline networking groups that you can join.
Organization
Keep your business training materials, paperwork and record keeping organized. You want to be able to find things in a timely manner.
Party Bookings and Party Hosts
Home parties are the heart of every Direct Sales business. It is your job to promote the home party opportunity by encouraging customers to book parties.
Quality Products
When it comes to representing and promoting a company, you need to choose one that has high quality products. These days, customers want quality and unique products that are often times not found in a retail store setting.
Recruiting
It is important to grow your Direct Sales team by recruiting/sponsoring new team members into the company you represent. Spend time every week promoting the home business opportunity to everyone you meet.
Sales
The main focus of your business is on product sales. You will need to work hard and consistently promoting your business to new and established customers.
Team Management
You will need to spend a few hours every week managing and training your team. You can set up weekly or monthly team meetings to offer support, training, motivation and recognition.
Upselling
When customers place an order with you, try to upsell an additional product to them. This product should be less than $12.00 in cost and coincide or relate to the products that they are purchasing from you.
Visualization
Sit down and visualize where you want your business to be in 1 year, 2 years and 3 years from now. Once you do that, draft up an advertising and marketing business plan. Set that plan into motion immediately and start seeing the results.
Working Business Schedule
You will get more tasks accomplished if you sit down and come up with a business schedule of when you will be working on your business. Let family and friends know you will be unavailable during your working hours for personal things.
X Out
You need to go over your daily agenda and tasks list. X out everything that you got accomplished. Keeping a daily to-do list will keep you on track and focused. [Editor’s note: check out Bullet Journaling!]
Your Success
What does success mean to you? Do you have the dedication and drive to overcome any obstacles that may come your way? Your success depends on your determination to make your business succeed.
Zest
You need to have a passion for what you are doing and enjoy doing it. Your attitude will affect whether or not you obtain your goals and objectives.
Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. Shelly Co-owns a Home Business Resource Site at [http://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com] with her business partner Sophia. You can visit them online for additional Direct Sales articles and home business tips.
Article Source: Shelly Hill