Is Direct Sales Right for YOU?

• Make sure you're up for being in a "go-getter" mode with both friends and strangers.  In other words, will you honestly be comfortable pitching products to family, friends, co-workers and church members?  Everyone you know - and everyone they know - is a potential customer, but you need to be willing to reach out in your salesperson capacity.
• Be realistic about earnings.  Your income will depend in large part on how much time you can put toward parties and related tasks such as paperwork, recruiting and follow-ups.  The average direct sales consultant works 5 to 10 hours a week, earning around $200 month.  About 10% of direct sales consultants work full time - more than 30 hours a week on personal sales and team building - and earn a median annual income of around $25,000.
• Party hearty.  Once you've zeroed in on a few companies, surf their websites for info about local parties to attend.  "Being a guest is a great way to test-drive a company," says Kara Kelso of directsaleshelpers.com.  Watch the consultant do her thing and ask yourself, "Could I do this?"  If possible, stay afterward and ask the seller what she likes best and least about her job.
• Love a specific product.  Don't sell anything you don't believe in, says Amy Robinson of the Direct Selling Association.  "Passion fuels success," 

Information obtained by Family Circle; August 2008