Direct Sales Lessons from my Puppy

I have a new seven week old basset hound puppy named Bella. It’s exciting; she’s adorable; and she’s a lot of work. As I spend many hours watching over this new, little bundle of fun it makes me think about the direct sales industry.

1.    We spent many hours researching puppies.  We’ve had bassets before but this is our first puppy.  I would hope that those who are brand new to direct sales as well as those who have been consultants with other companies in the past spend time thoroughly researching opportunities before committing to “bring the little one home.”

2.    The first night was overwhelming – both for Bella and for my family.  Everything was new for all of us.  We thought we knew what to expect, but until we jumped in, we really didn’t have a clue.  Opening up your new starter kit and realizing you’re now a business owner can be exiting and overwhelming.

3.    We have a new puppy.  Have you seen Bella? Here are photos of Bella.  Here is a video of Bella.  Bella slept.  Bella didn’t sleep.  Bella gives kisses; Bella is pooping a lot.  Bella Bella Bella!  Bella ad nauseum.  When you’re excited about something you can’t help but talk about it (seemingly nonstop). Some people are excited along with me and some people would be happy if they never heard the name Bella again.  You’ll find the exact same thing when you start a new direct sales business… or hopefully you will.  You should be so excited that you want to shout it from the rooftops.  Some receivers of your message will come to be a part of your business in some capacity and others … well, not so much.  Some will, some won’t, so what!

4.    Everyone loves a puppy, right?  You chose (or are considering) a direct sales company in part because you simply adore the product offerings.  You so love it; your sponsor loves it; so it’s only natural to think that everyone you come in contact will love it.  Except that puppies sleep lots during the day and not so much at night and not everyone can tolerate the crying and frequent tinkling.  The same will hold true for your wonderful product selection.  Not everyone will throw money at you to have what you have!

5.    Hoo boy I’m tired.  I pretty much don’t like that I have to get up with Bella at night to let her out and then listen to 15 minutes of her crying in her crate. Short term pain (sleepless nights) for long term pleasure (well trained doggie).  It’s a lot of work. Direct sales is still sales.  The sales business can be a tough business. You may not always want to get out there to find new customers, hostesses or consultants.  But the rewards are many if you do the things you do not always want to.

6.    She’s adorable; she’s perfect; she’s work.  But we carefully considered our acquisition and we’re committed to growing old with her.  The same can be said about the direct sales business.  It may be the perfect opportunity for you and it will be work.  But if you’re committed, you’ll realize that if you stick with it through the highs and the lows it’ll be worth it.

Little basset girl should be waking from her nap soon.  Not much different than new moms working their home business around their baby’s schedule.  It really all comes down to anything worth having is worth working for! (Even if that sentence did end in a preposition).