If you’ve ever dreamed of working for yourself and owning your own business, then starting out in a direct sales job is for you, they tell us.
And it’s true!
One of the most appealing aspects of a direct sales job is the ability to own your own business (and work whatever hours work for you). The challenge is there’s no magic button that gets pushed which switches our brains from employee to CEO.
And that’s a problem.
Most direct sales companies provide a plethora of training on their product.
And it's great training! You'll know everything there is to know about that product, how to use it, and what problems it solves.
But when it comes to developing a personal brand, a marketing calendar, or even a content strategy, you as a direct seller may be on your own.
Even if the company does provide resources, they are branded to the company, not to the seller.
And here’s where the problem becomes evident:
It's More Than Just a Direct Sales Job. You're the CEO!
As an employee, you are given tasks to complete by a deadline. As CEO, you have complete control.
Which can be a blessing or a curse.
- No one is reminding you to post on your social media channels every day.
- No one is telling you to complete customer follow ups in a timely manner.
- No one is asking if you’ve secured hostesses for your next month.
- No one wants a report of the vendor events you’ve researched for next quarter.
- No one is watching.
Except you.
Making the leap from employee to CEO means YOU are responsible for keeping yourself responsible. No one will ask. No one will reprimand you if you haven’t completed the critical tasks you need to complete to keep your business growing.
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Why do People Choose Direct Sales?
People choose direct sales because they love the flexibility of the job. You can actually work anywhere as long as you have internet connection. There are not many other small businesses that can say that. With that freedom it still takes discipline to make sure the tasks that need to get done daily, do get done.
Keep Yourself Accountable
I have some non-negotiables for my business; things that must be done. On any given day, they are my priority, before anything else.
- Customer follow ups within two days of an order.
- Posting on social media every day.
- Vendor event cost benefit analysis completed within three days of an event.
- Month end reports by the 5th of every month for the previous month.
Am I doing other things? Of course! But my list non-negotiables also happens to be the list of the things that easily fall through the cracks if no one is watching. But when I know the CEO is watching, I’m committed to doing them. (Hey, I want to make sure I’m Employee of the Month again!)
It can also mean setting boundaries with your family and friends. You can't just drop everything (just because you can work from anywhere doesn't mean you should in some cases) and go meet for lunch. Yes you work for yourself, but your own tasks still need to get done at a reasonable time. They're not going to be there when its the end of the month and you haven't met your goals to keep a roof over your head.
For a lot of people that means some uncomfortable conversations have to happen, either with a spouse or with your extended family. You have to respect your own boundaries before any one else does. So, no I can't come to lunch today. I have to finish this task. If I put it off, I'm less likely to do it later. Stick to those guns friends. They have to be important to you in order to be respected.
It takes discipline to be the CEO.
It takes courage and commitment and consistency.
And community.
#EmpowerSocial
