WAHM Forums

Hello Ladies,


Whatmakes a company an "it" company. Is it the product, the company, or the timing? A combination of the three? Maybe it is the marketing?


I mean look at Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, and Avon. They are household names. How do you pick out the next big company? Is it Taste of Home, Swiss Colony Occasions, orMillion of Wishes? By the way, all of thesecompanies have heavy duty money backers.


Are we entering into a new phase, where it isn't so much the passion for the product but who has the better compensation plan?


Any thoughts?


Irene

Well personally the compensation plan alone will not make me pick a company. I have to believe in the products, it has be something I would use and would feel comfortable selling.


For ex. Mary Kay has been around along time, people know it, but I am not the least bit interested in selling makeup, so I don't think that I would be able to sell it no matter the comp plan.


Just my 2 scents :)

You also have to look at what will succeed in the market.
Expecially the market you will be entering, specifically your local
towns (or if you are willing to travel, that area.) If it is
something that will not be accepted or even more importantly, sought
after by the people around you it could be tough and then the best
compensation plan will mean nothing. No sales, no pay check.smileys/smiley18.gif



Yes some companies allow you to do online marketing but the majority of
your sales will be from local events(especially if it is party plan
based.) So do your research into the company, choose a product
you believe in, but also look at your market, if they want the
product you are looking to represent then you will do well.

Well, there are the fad companies, and then there are the "it" companies. Though I think a company can be both, it better grow and change so it doesn't phase out.


The fad companiesmay get phased out if they won't grow or change with the times.


The It companies are like water and change.


Being able to predict one is not easy. Personally, Taste of Home has marketed themselves very well. Now they have to live up tothe expectations they've created, meet customer satisfaction and shipping, and continue to improve and increase their line.


Only time will tell.


I look at some companies that seemed to start out strong, and get concerned when I don't see growth. For example, Simply Fun looks like a great company. But I hardly see any consultants around for this. When I don't see growth in my town, or on boards I visit, you have to wonder how they are doing.


Big Yellow Box I thought would be a fad company, but it is growing at a great rate and responding to the customers needs within their line.


Other fad companies I see right now are the underwear ones. Great idea, but I don't think people want to do parties. They will need to focus on different marketing techniques to grow.


Jewelry companies have to stay on top of things as well. They have to offer both quality and price, and be original. For example, there is one who sells nothing but Pearls. Great concept, but not enough diversification.


Kids Id's is also fizzling as a direct sales companies (can't think of the name), because Police offer this for free. I almost joined it because I thought it was such a great idea. Who will pay for something they can get free?


So only time will tell. Plus, you can't predict the marketplace. Do you ever walk the mall and just freak out over some of the in styles? Maybe it's just me, but you just never know what will sell and what won't.


So, when picking out a company, look for your "it". Then test it with friends and family to see if they see a need. It's the only way to ensure you have a win-win situation.


OK, that's my novel and brainstorming,


Debbie

As always Debbie, you're right no the money.
smileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gif

whoops that was supposed to be ON the money.smileys/smiley36.gif

Hello,


Thanks for the great responses! It is always so enlighting to have a discussion on these boards. You ladies always have so muchvaluable information to share!


Deb, thanks for re-enforcingthe greatdecisionI made when I signed up for the one-on-one coaching with your company, Passion to Success.


Irene

Debbie did hit the nail right on the head.


It all depends on how the company markets itself, how it treats its consultants and customers in the long run,and its product. Is it something that is going to keep the attention of the market you are trying to attract.


Some real good points made! smileys/smiley2.gif


Kelly V.

You also have to look at what will succeed in the market. Expecially the market you will be entering, specifically your local towns (or if you are willing to travel, that area.) If it is something that will not be accepted or even more importantly, sought after by the people around you it could be tough and then the best compensation plan will mean nothing. No sales, no pay check.smileys/smiley18.gif

Yes some companies allow you to do online marketing but the majority of your sales will be from local events(especially if it is party plan based.) So do your research into the company, choose a product you believe in, but also look at your market, if they want the product you are looking to represent then you will do well.





I completely agree with that! Speaking from personal experience, lol. While I think it's SO important to be passionate about what you are selling and the company itself, it is also important to know what your target audience is going to also be passionate about and interested in. Sometimes, your passion alone isn't enough.

I think it is a variety of things that makes a business succeed. A lot of it depends on the consultant, and the area as to how far and how well they want to market their business and treat the people they come in contact with. I chose my company because I feel that they have very strong customer service and integrity to me that's important. Just because a company is big doesn't mean they have that. I have 35 reps in my state from my company not a lot but we are making a ripple effect!

I chose my company after a long year of searching the romance business. I was with another company for 3 years, and I kid you not, every show I did someone would ask me if I knew a romance rep. And as I was struggling for bookings my mind got curious. So I did research for a year before I chose my company. Jumping into something is not wise, been there, done that. A few times.


I was looking for something with customer demand


Top Commissions~ Career Plan


And something that my customers can really get enjoyment out of. Now I don't just mean sexually. I want couples to stay together. Both my parents are divorced and so are my husbands. Connections in the bedroom lead to connections outside the bedroom.


100% privacy was important to me too. We have our local stores which carry this stuff, but.... you have to ask permission to go in the back locked room. This way customers can order in the privacy of a friends home, and their friend won't even know what they ordered. IT's great!


Company back ground was important. I ran it through the BBB online. Checked it out there, compared it to all other plans and picked the best options for customers/hostess's along with for me the rep.


It is just always wise to do your homework. smileys/smiley2.gif

I would also be concerned about all these "it" companies closing up shop and going out of business. Seems there's been a few of those lately too leaving Reps with large downlines very unhappy.

Hi Irene!smileys/smiley17.gif


GREATTT question!smileys/smiley20.gif


For me, it's not the IT company at all. It's the whole picture. In many of the IT companies, it's extremely difficult to create a great income.smileys/smiley5.gif


Coming from Corporate Americasmileys/smiley11.gif, I didn't have any idea how to choose what I wanted. Although I knew I wanted to work at home (or on vacationsmileys/smiley2.gif) and not be tied to an office! I've happily accomplished that!


The IT companies actually didn't appeal to me at all.


I would be very careful that you can create a REAL LONG TERM residual income for the work that you do now, and not have to jump through hoops to qualify for your checks.


I personally love health related companies that are not more than 4 years old, have great strong management, super healthy consumable products and a great team with training and support in place.


I interview owners of companies and potential sponsors.


Idon't need the "IT" company, but want something thatI and my teamcan have fun.


I want something that can be very lucrative in TRUE RESIDUAL INCOME for me and my team.


And I want to make sure there is a lot of support for my team as it grows.


I personally don't think the answer is an "IT" company, but it's ALL ABOUT YOU!smileys/smiley2.gif


That's the FUN of this!


To YOUR SUCCESS!smileys/smiley32.gif

It is about what you believe in - what you would love to sell or what company you feel proud to represent. Passion for the products is the truth, and the compensation plan and all the rest makes it easier to decide what is "it" for you! I love skincare and makeup, therefore, making me excited and love what I do. I believe it all depends on where we are in life. Years ago, I would have passed ANY Direct Sales business up because I just thought I could not sell. But, when you are excited and passionate, "it" sells itself.

For me, the most important thing is that the company reflects my personal beliefs to a "T." I feel very strongly about attachment parenting and natural family living and only wanted to work with a company that promotes those things.

Are we entering into a new phase, where it isn't so much the passion for the product but who has the better compensation plan?


Any thoughts?


Irene





I don't think that the need for passion for the product is a phase, I think that is a key point in a direct sales company plan.


It would be like a city gal trying to sell farm feed ya know? Or a farmer trying to sell spa products. You have to know, love and be passionate about what you sell or your customers won't believe you!


Compensation plans are important, but more important is finding a company that fits YOU and your needs.


With myromance biz I could have picked a company with higher starting commissions, but I liked so many other aspects of the company over the others. It was the right fit for me. While other companies were right for others.


My advice to anyone wanting to find the right company to start a biz with is look at everything they offer. Make a list of things you won't compromise, and a list of negotiable things. Then narrow down your options.


MK

I think it's all of the above. But, it's also what "It" means to you ,
the consultant. The fact a company is in the "It" category, doesn't
mean a thing if you don't love and believe in the products and company.
For me, the products have to be "WOW" products that are original and
unique, with no comparison anywhere else. They must truly make a
difference in people's lives for the better. Is the company the
inventor/creator of their industry, or do they have "Me Too" products?
History and integrity are also very important to me.



What you choose has to feel natural to you. Health/wellness is my
passion & profession, so my company came very naturally for me. I
love what many other companies have, but would not feel right trying to
sell them. Good luck to you! It's a great question and everyone has had
great answers & insight.



Jennifer