taking on a 2nd, 3rd,...

[beekaycee]

Originally Posted by utopiandream78

When i first started i naively thought that people must take on multiple DS companies because they were not succesfull enough with one. Now i see, that there are just so many awesome products and companies that it seems impossible not to take on more. for those that do or have done multiple companies at once, do you find one takes from the other? Do you keep things totally separate or do you say, put both companies on one business card or mention one company while doing a party or event for another? Do you think you take in more money by doing two or more separate companies than if you jist put more time into one? Why do you do more than one? Is it reasonable to to think i can "work" one business and just sortof have the second just there for when someone is wanti g it?

I am with 2 companies. Maybe some people do 2 because of "failing"....but....

Not that I "failed" at one, but I also run a coupon blog, so I wanted a product that would go well with that (purses/organizing bins things) instead of just my jewelry company (which has nothing to do with couponing )

I don't think 1 takes from the other, but these are both very part time for me, so I may not be a judge for that. As I said, I am committed to my blog & I also have a full-time job.

I mostly keep both of my businesses separate. The only times they come together are at my coupon classes I teach (advertising portion of the event ) & I have coupon blog business cards that mention my other fan pages. But I also have jewelry business cards alone & bag business cards alone.

ETA: I don't have kids, so I have some time. I also don't have a team for either company, so that is not an issue either.

[daybreakscraps]

I currently sell for 3 DS companies. I have one 'main' one then another is bath and body and I use it to make up hostess gifts for the first one and for personal use. My second company has a low requirement so it's not hard to keep up with it. The third is a jewelry business that I just couldn't pass up. I could easily become addicted to signing up for kits there are so many nice companies out there. I think it's up to the individual, I'm middle-aged and don't have any young kids and no outside job at this time.

[melissaferrell]

I just signed on to another DS company so now I represent 3 different ones. The last one I signed up for is a jewelry company, similar to Origami Owl and South Hill Designs, but focused more on school/team/sports, called Spirit Lockets. I signed up because it was free to join, free website, and a very low "quota" of $100 every 3 months, and commissions up to 40%. But beyond that, I love the "creativity" and "uniqueness" factor of it. There are so many schools around and this could be great fundraisers for each of them, too, and we all know that every school could use extra funds.

Thirty-One will always be my "main" DS company and I don't think that either of my other 2 will ever get in the way of it. However, if I ever feel that they do, then I would definitely get rid of them, but they are also totally different companies with different objectives. I definitely can't see myself doing more than one "Party Plan" business, but I know a few people that do and seem to do pretty well with it that way. I guess it all depends on the individual and how they handle the stress of juggling more than one thing and also the time they have to devote.

[JackieUlmer]

It's hard enough for most people to make a success of one business, so more than that is a recipe for disaster for most. And, it creates some challenges as you grow a team.

First, there is a trust issue. I know for me, I consider my sponsor carefully because I am ultimately trusting my team with them, as they are also the upline. If I feel they are going to begin trying to cross recruit into other companies, or somehow distract them, it creates a challenge. And, even though we "think" we can keep them separate, it is tough.

Second, there is the issue of duplication. This is a business of duplication and if your team also tries to duplicate with multiple companies, it creates a train wreck for everyone.

When I attend offline networking events, or even interact online, and someone looks like a flea market with multiple business cards or links in their sig file, I tend to disregard them in terms of someone I would do business with.

Just my thoughts, since the question was asked!

[Southhillcharmgirl]

I agree! I have started with one, and another compliments the first, so I had to sign up. I am focusing on my first one though, because I can't keep up. But there are so many fun companies out there!

[jandamom]

Originally Posted by JackieUlmer

It's hard enough for most people to make a success of one business, so more than that is a recipe for disaster for most. And, it creates some challenges as you grow a team.

First, there is a trust issue. I know for me, I consider my sponsor carefully because I am ultimately trusting my team with them, as they are also the upline. If I feel they are going to begin trying to cross recruit into other companies, or somehow distract them, it creates a challenge. And, even though we "think" we can keep them separate, it is tough.

Second, there is the issue of duplication. This is a business of duplication and if your team also tries to duplicate with multiple companies, it creates a train wreck for everyone.

When I attend offline networking events, or even interact online, and someone looks like a flea market with multiple business cards or links in their sig file, I tend to disregard them in terms of someone I would do business with.

Just my thoughts, since the question was asked!

Never put all your eggs in one basket.

It's true in business. It's true in life. Just my thoughts.

[ChooseOrganic]

I tried 2 briefly but found it difficult. Now I actively build a business with one company and remain a discount product buyer with the other and will make sales as needed for those who still enjoy the old product.

[LiveYourLife]

Originally Posted by JackieUlmer

It's hard enough for most people to make a success of one business, so more than that is a recipe for disaster for most. And, it creates some challenges as you grow a team.

First, there is a trust issue. I know for me, I consider my sponsor carefully because I am ultimately trusting my team with them, as they are also the upline. If I feel they are going to begin trying to cross recruit into other companies, or somehow distract them, it creates a challenge. And, even though we "think" we can keep them separate, it is tough.

Second, there is the issue of duplication. This is a business of duplication and if your team also tries to duplicate with multiple companies, it creates a train wreck for everyone.

When I attend offline networking events, or even interact online, and someone looks like a flea market with multiple business cards or links in their sig file, I tend to disregard them in terms of someone I would do business with.

Just my thoughts, since the question was asked!

I agree with you on the cross recruiting. I know a lot of companies are nipping this in the butt with this issues some are even pulling your contract. I tried to do 2 DS myself but it was a fail but like everyone keep saying everyone is different. But if you want your team to take you serious as a leader I wouldn't do it.

[Mestique Boutique]

I currently have just one business, selling jewelry online. I guess my passion for wanting to do more is because my fiance' has his hand in so many pots I can't keep up! I think he barely can. Before him I was working full time. I now am a SAHM but used to always "doing" so I started this business. I think once I get the hang of this and secure customers, I'll branch off into another business, preferably a start up of my own. This is really giving me a feel for how it will be to operate my own business. I am just starting to look up info on blogging. That's the first step for me because I know one day I'd like to write a book. So, it all depends on your comfort level and determination.

[Allura]

I also believe that working multiple companies is very difficult, and best left to those very experienced and successful. But our Jewelry company added a new cash and carry program and we've had a number of people use it as a way to make some extra $$ from their primary company parties. You purchase inventory and make 55% on every sale.. no minimum purchase, fees or sales requirements. One lady, who has sold candles for years, told me she sells about $75 in jewelry at each party, making herself an extra $40 or so. She loves it because it doesn't add any complexity to her life..no demonstration, rules, hostess program, etc., and jewelry is easy to carry and sells itself.