should I join a party plan?

[Ravish30]

When it comes to Direct Sales, it's really not about how many people you know.

It's what you do with the business after you join such as advertising, marketing and networking your business.

90% of my DS business comes from people I didn't know before they joined, purchased or hosted a party with/from me. By doing the A,M, and N with your business, that is how you meet NEW people.

[Yuliya Mironova]

Originally Posted by Ravish30

When it comes to Direct Sales, it's really not about how many people you know.

That's putting it mildly. It has absolutely nothing to do with how many people you know - (unless. I suppose, you happen to know a lot of people all of whom happen to be already trying to buy whatever it is that you happen to be selling, but that's really not too likely, is it?!)

Trying to sell things to people you know is a dreadful, depressing, desperate way of trying to build a business - and also, understandably, it can leave you in the NFL club (no friends left!).

People sometimes thoughtlessly churn out a little mantra about people "buying things from people they know and trust" which is such garbage in this context, it really is: what they really mean, when they say that, is that it's only people who know and trust you that you can persuade to buy something "because it's you who's selling it" rather than because they actually want to buy whatever it is you're selling. And that's no way to build a business, and it's no way to live your life, either!! [img]smileys/smiley3.gif[/img]

The glaring reality is that people buy things from people who are selling what they want to buy! The moral of the story is really simple: "don't sell stuff that people don't want to buy": it's really all about what you choose to sell, not how many people you know. [img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

[Gricki]

I agree with Robin about jewelry, as you can wear it and it sells itself. In the company I was previously with I knew a lady that was extremely shy. She eventually came out of her shell and now has her own team.
Some jewelry companies (like the company I am now with) do not have presentations to do. You just set up your display and let it sell itself and answer any questions. You can also sell off the table at fleas markets, vendor fairs, etc.

There are other jewelry companies that go this route as well but I am unsure who they are. Perhaps they can chime in and let us know.

Good Luck
Vicki

[Ravish30]

I have to disagree with Vicki just a tad...
NOTHING sells itself! Just because you are wearing it, using it or whatever, it doesn't sell itself.

Like Yulia stated....if you are selling something that others want, they will buy.

[camaguay]

Yulia - you are so RIGHT! Trying to sell to people you know IS dreadful. I don't even TRY to sell to family and friends. I just tell them what I'm doing and if they are interested they can come to me. In a way, that has been a blessing in disguise because I'm forced to go out and meet NEW people and my business has been exploding because of it, PLUS I have a product that almost the entire population wants to buy, so it's been really easy for me in that respect, too! Since no one can buy my product anywhere else, it pretty much does sell itself, although I used to agree that nothing could sell itself.

[TSKrista]

Great advice, Yulia! I made this mistake years ago when I first started direct sales. I was sure my friends and family would be my best clients...and they are NOT. My best clients are exactly that...clients. Not friends, family, or neighbors.

Best of luck in your search!

[jburke]

Great point, camaguay! I had a friendwho worked with an MLM who pushed the "your friends and family trust you so get them first" mentality. I high tailed and turned very quickly. Being pushy with friends and family would turn you into the "oh no, it's her again" friend! At least in my opinion!Edited by: jburke