WAHM Forums

Hi everyone! I am thinking of starting a direct sales business so Iwill be able to spend more time with my child when she is born(November) I am wondering if anyone is making a full time salary working thier business? What I am shooting for is at least 1,200 a month. Is this possible? Should I get a part time job to supplement the income? Any advice is very much appreciated as well as any inspirational success stories...I am worrying myself half to death over this....http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gifhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif

What type of ds business do you want to start?I know of alot of people that have been successful with there businesses,however it does take time.Good luck!

I am about 99% SURE Im going with Tastefully Simple.

Everyone has the opportunity to build a business as large (or small) as they need. As long as you are self-motivating, ambitious, and work consistently, the apple is there to pick for everyone. Just be aware of of what your commission % is, how many shows you can do a week (month, etc). to achieve what your financial goal is. Good luck in your new business & congrats on your new baby! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley17.gif

Yes, yes, yes you can do it! It is very manageable, BUT, you need to give it time.


Take some time to research your companies. Once you find your passion, sit down and ask your sponsor to break it down to how much you need to do a month.


Break this down in 2 categories:


*As a consultant
*As a supervisor/leader


Then create a game plan. Map out how long it will take you to get to Supervisor (there is more money there), and what you need to do to get there.


Be aware that it will take time, but it can so happen! Don't give up your dream!


Debbie

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your words!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley20.gif

Hi Amanda,
Welcome to WAHM~ It's very nice to meet you and you have come to the right place.



To answer your initial question: Yes it is possible. It really comes down to what you put into it. I work my Watkins business on a part time basis and have developed an income that I am very pleased with (actually more than my initial goal)!

So, if you are willing to work your business on a full time basis, in time you can make that sort of income. I know for a fact that many Watkins associates can achieve the income you mentioned in a very short time. It depends on the avenues you choose to promote your business as well.

Many Watkins associates go the party plan route and/or a combination of(just one of many options) to promote their business and can achieve such goals in a very short time if not immediately.

As I mentioned, there are several ways to promote a home business and even so, with consistency, you can achieve that goal. Some approaches may take a little longer than others, but it is achievable.

So, in short, review all your options and jot down your thoughts on your promotional avenues with the new home business you choose to go with. Be sure you have several promotional options to go with (don't want all your eggs in one basket) and review any company minimum requirements. That alone can make or break someone.......again depending on their approach.

Good luck with your decision. Take your time, ask LOTS of questions and in the end, go with your gut!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif Do keep us posted~

I agree with Bianca - it can be done, however, it does take work. It is just like anything - you need to work at it to succeed at it. Double check with all the companies that you are interested in. Do you need inventory? How much are supplies? How do you get paid the commission? I work LS full-time and make a great income, and there are alot of advisors/managers who make more than I do but not for long - LOL.

Hi Amanda,
Yes you can $1200a month with a direct sales business and like everyone has said so far, you do have to work at it.

For me, I do earn that (every month) and I've only been with Two Sisters Gourmet since November. My upline (sponsor) has been with Two Sisters Gourmet for 2 years and is working her way towards a 6 figure income.

My biggest piece of advice to you...make sure the person you sign up under IS a GREAT leader and will train/support you to reach your goals. Even better if she(or her upline) is already doing that. There is nothing sadder then when you are all excited and ready, but you don't haveanyone coaching and cheering you on. You want to interview your upline as much as you do the company :-)

I'm sure the other ladies on here will agree :-)

Take your time, ask lots of questions and have fun!!!Edited by: Louann

I definately agree with all of the women above. I would also mention to find out the commission schedule of the company you are interested in and figure out how much you need to sell to bring home your $1200. Then break that down by how many parties you need to hold to reach that. Or break it down by how many people you need to put your product in front of (person, internet or catalog).Your sponsor will know how much the average sale is. Then you also get to factor in the team building and the fact that once you get someone on your product they will reorder. This is all icing on the cake.

I agree with Louann, you need to have a great mentor to train and support you. This is priceless.

You can do it!

Great responses from everyone! You have received some great advice!

It can be very scary to jump into the home party plan business and wonder - can I make the money that I need? You can certainly make more money than you ever dreamed possible at this type of business - believe me I know! Yes, it is important to ASK lots of questions BEFORE you sign up with any company about their comp plan, training, product...etc - because your confidence directly correlates to your success. One thing that is often overlooked though is the market. No successful company ever opens its doors in an area without doing extensive market research - why should we be any different! So...that being said....do a little research...ask around to your friends, aquaintences....etc. Tell them a little bit about your plans for a business - what reaction do you get about the product...Be specific with them....would they host to get that product for free - do they know others that would? It is essential to find out if you have a market for the product you are considering selling that is strong enough to help you get off the ground and grow at a good clip.IMO

If you are motivated and DEDICATED you will be successful! You can earn a wonderful income that can meet your needsand still have time foryour most important job - asMOM!

Good luck to you! You can do it!

I agree - if you want something bad enough, and you have the determination, are consistent and persistent, you CAN and WILL be SUCCESSFUL!!! It sounds like your new baby is your motivation (congratulations!!) to make a home business work!!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif


Find a great company, a great sponsor,a great product that YOU LOVE and BELIEVE IN!! Your passion will carry through to everyone you share it with!!!


Good luck to you and I hope you'll let us know what decision you make!!
Phyllis

Hi Amanda,
Yes you can absolutely do it!! You have lots of great advice already, but here are my top tips on how to accomplish that.

1. Figure out your goals and dreams. What will you do with the money you earn? What will you do if you start earningmore than you anticipated? Write them down, no matter how big they are. You'll be able to refer back to these to remind yourself of why you're doing what you do and it will energize youto keep going, especially as you see your dreams coming true.

2. Believe in yourself and that youCAN do it.

3. Figure out how much time you have to devote to your business and try to work every day (5 days a week), even if you only have 30 minutes to make some phone calls on some of those days. If that isn't possible, determine what you can handle.

4. Take advantage of all the training the company offers.

5. Understand your company's career plan and HOW you earn money. This way, you'll know what to do to achieve your earnings goal.

Remember that direct selling is a great way to earn extra income or even build a career with a full time salary and you have all the flexibility to work around your schedule. Just be sure that you do WORK!! And give yourself time to build up your business.

Also, as far as getting another part-time job, ask yourself if you do that, will you be taking away from the time you devote to your direct selling business? Will you be able to handle both and do them both well?

I don't think it's unreasonable to be able to earn $1,200 in your first month of business and I'm sure many of the women on this board have done just that.

Best of luck to you!

Hi and Congratulations on that new baby coming http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

Yes, you can do this! It takes commitment, hard work, and a go-getter attitude. It is not easy to own and run your own business BUT it sure is worth it!

I have 6 children and I am able to enjoybeing an at-home momwhile I earn an incredible living through Direct Sales.

Now the truth is...You won't always be at home. You will need to go out into the world on a regular basis to market yourself and your product. You will also have to do Home Shows on a consistent basis.

My biggest advice to you is to get started NOW! You can get a good customer base going before the baby comes, take some maternity time, and then in January of '09 you will be set to go. EVERYTHING is easier while they're still in your belly http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif

Good Luck!

These are just averages, but I thought you might like to know. With Premier Designs Jewelry you would need to do 5-6 Shows a month to earn a Net Profit of $1,200. OR You could build a team and start earning about $100 a month from each consultantyou bring in.

Thank you everyone! I appreciate the support!

Of all the people here , i think your the only one who gave a direct testimony..personal success story...in general everyone is saying there is the potential to make money but i think what she was looking for was stories..personal success stories that people seem too hesitant to share..i know people said bec everyone is different..i think that is obvious but i think it's great to be inspired by someone's specific personal testimony to see the reality of the potential you all bring up.....with two sisters gourmet ...is there a noncompete...if someone is selling jewelries etc..or do they have to give that up if one becomes a director etc.

by the way my previous post i was referring to Louaann with 2 sisters gourmet

You can so do that. I was making that in less than a year easy!

There are quite a few success stories you can read at: http://www.wahmbooks.net

Edited by: Charlee

Keeley, Congratulations on yourNew, LittleBaby! (soon to be born!)
I'll share a story of mine.

I was laid off in early June without warning from a part time jobI loved-working with Seniurs in their home.
Well,when that happened ( and I didn't think it would happen to me!) I begin to see (I already knew this as I was with a Wellness company at the time and making money from it) but I was not focused 100% on it) that Jobs are not 100 stable, you never know when you will be laid off, fired, or just plain hate your job!
I researched some companies online and looked for a good sponsor who would train me, teach me all she knowsand be there to support me.
I refound (I was with this company last year but only as a customer, really) the company I am with now-Scent~sations-Mia Bella Gourmet Candles- and I LOVE it!
I saw the Potential for earning Income was Huge if I focused on my Goals and Dreams and just went for it.
I never want to work for anyone but myself again!

So, I am enjoying myself sharing these products with everyone becauseI have found a product that is peoplewantand is Huge in the marketplace. And I am helping other Moms come Home tobe with their families!

You can make $1200 and more here if you are motivated and desire this enough.
Have a Passion for other people and your service or Product and you will go far!
Make sure you are committed to the Journey and will make the Time and put in the effortto Succeed in your Business, because Sucess doesn't happen over night!
Like another poster said, you may need to be away from home and from your new Baby to do home parties, if you choose to go that route.
In some companies, you can choose what way you want toearn money- Home Parties, Open Houses, Fundraisers, Retail, Team Building,(In ours at least). You don't have to be gone all day or at night if you choose not to.
Ifyou don't want to be away from your new baby, find a company that offers you different ways to make money from Home so you don't have to be gone from Home andcan be there for the new baby.

Don't Give up on your Dreams No Matter What and you will Succeed! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif
It's your Business andYou are in control so the Effort you put into it and the Seeds you sow, will come back to you!


Edited by: designsuccess

Good point, lani7. I can share my story, which certainly proves that yes, you can make it work - but it directly relates to your effort and drive.

I have been in direct sales for 14 years. For 12 years I was very successful and had worked my way to upper level manager and a sizable team and income with another company. I resigned from that position to take a corporate job as a national sales trainer for a launching DSA company. I loved what I was doing but after 10+ months on the job I got the call that they were no longer going to be using the 'party-plan' model and were shutting down to relaunch as a binary comp plan/mlm company. So....that job was no longer. In an instant I was left with $0 income and a Lexus SUV that I had been given as a bonus that I was now responsible forpaying for. It was 2 months before Christmas - try finding a job at that time of the year! I did look at some other corporate jobs but decided my heart and job security rested back in building my own team again. I had learned a lot from my contacts on the corporate side of things and one of these things was that jewelry was the hottest product in direct sales - so that's where I concentrated my search. I have never been a jewelry buff (boy has that changed)- and in fact had told my previous team that I would never sell jewelry...LOL - but like I said, I learned a lot from my peers in the corporate world. I will be completely honest here - I was desperate by the time I started! I am the mom of 4 and one of those attends Duke ($$), and the second oldest was applying to many colleges that cost a bundle in just the application fees...it was Christmas, I was unable to sell my Lexus, my marriage was failing - because, my word - 'how could I have done this to our family' (like I chose for this to happen). Let me tell you, when you hear that enough times - you start to believe it! Anyway - when I finally picked myself up and realized our circumstances were not my fault and were not a reflection on ME - I interviewed several companies to see which ones would be the right fit for ME. After speaking with Dawn and Diane at Inspiranza - I knew that was where I belonged. I prayed long and hard about it and took savings bonds that my parents had given me when I was a little girl and cashed them in to buy the largest kit - my husband to this day still does not know that I did this but it was the only way I could afford to get started.

I did my first open house on Jan 4th of this year and NEVER looked back. I believe I sold over $8000 that first month and continue to do extremely well. I have around a $1000 show average and I live in the poorest county in the state of NY. I now have over 60 amazing women on my team - some of which have never sold a thing in their lives and are doing as well as I am! I am confident that I will hit 100 by the end of the year if not sooner. Now that I think about it I may come close to hitting $100,000 in personal sales as well - not sure but close.

Now, some of you are probably thinking I am just crazy working all the time, etc. Well to be honest - yes - I treat my business like a business. I give myself office hours and I work it. I have to - I need to replace a 6 figure income relatively quickly - am I there yet - no - but I will be by the end of the year. Do I drive myself crazy working my business all the time - absolutely NOT! I am crazy about my KIDS though!!! I love my business because it does allow me to never miss a game or a performance! My second oldest is going off to Harvard in a couple of weeks - and I will still have 2 more at home. One is very athletic and into soccer right now. The other is a talented actress/singer - who at 10 years old just won the karaoke contest at the county fair...etc....so I run her all over so she can be in the theatre things she does. I am not saying this to brag - I am saying this to prove the point that YES - you can have it all - when you learn how to work your business and not allow it to work YOU! I also believe there are many businesses out there that will allow you to earn a great income as well as be a great mom. I happened to have found it with Inspiranza - but of course there are so many options out there! That is why it is important to look at all the options - the market - your passion- and the support you will receive - just to name a few. Finding your fit is one of the secrets to your success.

So that is my story. I am pulling myself up from what I felt was the depths of Hell- and I am not all the way out yet - but the sun is certainly shining and better days are here!

Sorry for the long post but hopefully it will inspire someone else....

Shine BRIGHT!

LeeAnne, Wow, I just had to say, What an Awesome& Inspiring story! You certainly sound VERY Ambitious, andvery dedicated to your kids!
Very neat story!
I love your siggy line- "Keep Dreaming, Always Believing, Consistently Achieving"

A friend of mine is quite successful with Mia Bella,her story is quite inspirational!

Really??

I would love to hear it!

Oh its JenO(burning Belief)You can probably find her story if you look through the past newsletters(MB)

To share my personal story, you can make $1200 or even my goal of $4000 a month to make this your business. You have to make this your business, you cannot refer to it as your hobby or that thing you do for a little extra cash, regardless of whether you want to do one show a month or two a week you have to tell people you are a business woman.

Congrats on your little girl due in November, my youngest (almost 7) was born November 7th :).

For starters you think you have picked a company, so now you need to contact the consultants in your area, find consultants who have been working it a for less than a year and women (more than one) in your area that have been working it for more than three years. Ask them for proof of their party averages and earnings.

This is the informatin you need to know the commission % and party average in your area. After your first 10 shows you will know what your personal party average is, and how you can improve it.

My example, to make $4000 a month I would need to sell $13,500 or have a team on which I earn commissions (this is the route I am building). My goal is $10,00 a month which eqautes to 10 $1000 parties. Will every party be $1000 (if I do my job yes it will) and to make the rest as an sponsor.

I have a three year plan, one which increases my parties to 10 a month and increases my average to $1200 shows (which can be done in my company).

I am sole income for my family as my husband injured his back and cannot work, but also cannot prove disability (since he won't go to the docs regularly- but that is another topic) so I cannot leave my full time job until I have paid off my debt, established a 10 show a month basis and reached a $1200 party average.

Be honest with yourself about how much money you need to make (be sure to deduct daycare costs from going back to work at a traditional part time job if you will use it) and how much you would save if you worked from home. Then figure out how many shows a month you would need to do, plan on 1 hour of hostess coaching total for each show, and add 2 shows as a security blanket. You have two months in which you can get your business rolling before your daughter is born and this will be a good indicator of how this business will work for you.

Set aside one to two weeks prior to your due date and three to four after your due date that you won't book shows and start (due your homework first). If you have to push a show back because you go early or late, as long as you give enough noticehostesses will understabd.

I know you are leaning toward Tastefully Simple, but if you would like to learn about Silpada (Sterling Silver Jewelry) pm mewithquestions or your contact information if you would like me to call you. You can also PM me with any questions about the DSindustry as I have been in it for 10 years.

Best of Luck with your babyand new business.

Hi Keeley!


Welcome to WAHM and congrats on your impending arrival! Making the choice to stay home in it's self can be a scarry step, esspecially when you are used to woking outside the home. I was nervous about starting to stay home, but in the end, it was the BEST decission my husband and I could have made!



When you are looking at companies, also take a look at bonuses. Many companies (including DOVE Chocolate Discoveries) issues bonuses for promoting to a new level and helping your downline to do the same.


I have a friend that is with TS and does well.


The key to making a successful business? I think it is customer service. Once you get a customer, KEEP them with great customer service!


Good luck with your venture!

An important factor is to market products that people are looking for. Another factor is that you want products that people will see a difference in, and therefore will be loyal customers who reorder continually.
Shaklee used to have 3 ways to get paid, and it was a great plan! Last year they ADDED a 4th! Last week they ADDED (they haven't taken anything away) a 5th! And it pays to INFINITY! The pay plan has a patent pending because it truly is infinite! It's called Tru-Infinity! Can you even imagine?!!! Just because you sell Vivix to someone tomorrow, you could get paid forever on who they sell Vivix to, and on and on...mind boggling!

http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley32.gifWow! I appreciate all the stories. I truley feel as if I can make it work and I am printing off all these stories and words of encouragement so I can read them over and again. I thinkyou ladies that are sooo successful need to write a blog or a book or something to share all your secrets!

I have heard some people say that Network Marketing is a great self-improvement course wrapped up in great products! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

You can do it!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley20.gif

These are all such wonderful responses!

I agree with what many of you said. Believe in yourself, your product, and your leader!

I would love to use some of them if possible in my printed magazine for Direct Sellers. If anyone is intersted please email me at partyplanpaper@hotmail.com

Kristina
www.partyplanpaper.com (http://www.partyplanpaper.com) the printed newsletter for moms in direct sales, first issue coming out September 1st!