Turning an At-Home Business Into a Direct Sales Company, Like Mary Kay?

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Permalink Reply by Lesley Engelson on April 8, 2010 at 7:49am

I have been thinking the same thing too. Do you want Direct sales or MLM?

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Permalink Reply by dM, CEO on April 8, 2010 at 8:19am

I suggest joining the Direct Selling Association (Gooe for link), a trade organization where you'll get tips and mentoring. I also suggest following direct sales companies's activities very closely on Twitter and FaceBook and their blogs so you can learn from their actions, watching them perform.

Good luck!

dM

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Permalink Reply by Natalie on April 9, 2010 at 11:10am

Any business is hard to to get going usually, what we have found is that your networking is about 80% of your clients.
Get involved in local business's first I.E. Chamber of commerce, moms group if you are a mom, local churches however you can get in to fit in. God Bless

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Permalink Reply by IBN Member Theresa Matthews on April 9, 2010 at 1:04pm

I agree Natalie, one other thing that I found to be extremely helpful is neighborhood newspaper's oftentimes advertising is inexpensive and sometimes free.

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Permalink Reply by dM, CEO on April 13, 2010 at 2:31pm

Jeaneane,

Just thought of something else. As you may know, I am the host and producer of the Indie Business Radio Show, a weekly online show featuring the expertise and experiences of authors of other small business strategists serving the small business community.

A few years ago, I interviewed Jena Thompson, CEO of Daisy Blue Naturals, a cosmetics company built on a home party and direct sales business model.

You'll also find hundreds of other shows there on every imaginable topic of importance to small business owners.

Enjoy!

dM

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Permalink Reply by Jeaneane.Brown on April 14, 2010 at 1:21am

Thanks Donna,
I just did a home party this past Saturday. I am looking towards doing home spa parties. I will go to your radio show. Instead of direct sales I prefer home parties.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Jeaneane.Brown on June 26, 2010 at 9:34pm

I listened this show and contacted Daisy Blue Naturals, I was informed by the company to emailed them but never received any feedback. But I am working towards my goals to make this happen no matter what. I still thank you for everything .

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Permalink Reply by Christine White - Scandle LLC on April 13, 2010 at 4:39pm

Hi Jeaneane,

I used to have a direct sales company with consultants accross the United States selling my bath and body products and other items before one of the products I sold (The Scandle Body Candle) took on a life of it's own and I started Scandle LLC in 2005. I ended up selling my direct sales company, so I do have some experience and knowledge I can share with you.

It is rewarding, but you got to make it attractive enough commission and incentive wise to compete with some of the "big box" brands like Mary Kay. Plus, communication is key and it can be challenging since most of your consultants are not going to be next door (something like an Intranet is good for this). I had really good response on recruiting sales people by placing small ads in Home Business Mag.

If you'd like to ask me any specific questions, feel free to drop me an email.:)

Christine
Scandle LLC

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