Direct Sales "Friend or Foe?"

**Alx262** · 06-22-2006 04:57 PM

I have been involved with direct sales since March of this year, and believe me I have ran into plenty of people who thought I was completely stupid for even thinking about getting involved. They tried to tell me that what I was getting involved in was "one of those deals," and that I was never going to make any money with it. However, getting involved is probably the best decision I have ever made. The products the company produces, and the financial opportunity that they have provided is absolutely life changing. Not only do I get paid in 5 different ways, but I also have a four pack (don't worry six are coming) and enjoy helping others achieve the same goals I have. I no longer have to worry about graduating college with debt, because I have established a business that will pay me for the rest of my life. I am currently on track to be making about $3000 dollars a month, and that will continue to grow.

I guess I just wanted you guys to know that if you are looking for opportunity, don't rule out direct-sales as an option. Feel free to send me a message if you like, or just reply to this post.

**BizGambit** · 06-22-2006 05:01 PM

Whats your product? Do you have a site up so we can check it out?

**The Stealthy One** · 06-22-2006 05:04 PM

Yes, I'd be interested to know who you're involved with as well. It sounds very interesting...

**Alx262** · 06-22-2006 05:07 PM

yeah just go to www.alexsloan.com (it's a forward to my microsite) and you can get an overview of what it is all about. if you need anything else, let me know and i will be glad to help.

**Bobby4** · 06-23-2006 09:01 AM

i agree with alex. i know many people dislike direct sales but it is something that can generate income, teach sales skills and create lifelong customers as long as the products are of good quality. i think its a very good venture for aspiring entrepreneurs to begin with, especially while in college to possibly make up that some of that $80-120k.

**Andreas Bard** · 06-23-2006 09:05 AM

Its great that you use and believe in your product. That way what others say does not matter.

Good Luck!

//Andreas

**JesseLear** · 06-23-2006 10:30 AM

Way to go, Alex. I totally agree with you. For those of you who are looking for a new way to make money, direct sales is not only an option, I believe it may be the best option. Here's why:

1) Rediculously small start-up investment. Usually <$500.
2) Low ongoing cost. The business can be run solely by word-of-mouth, if necessary.
3) Enormous income potential. Most DS/NM opportunities offer bonuses and "fast start" commissions to help you get off the ground quickly. And long term? The residuals possible in DS/NM are absolutely unreal.
4) I believe direct sales/network marketing is possibly the most educational kind of business you could start. Running a DS/NM business literally trains you to form the mindset and action-habits of a self-made millionaire.

I've run network marketing/direct sales businesses since I was 15 years old. Trust me, I know what you mean when you say you've encountered rejection. It's pretty rough on a 15 year old kid when an adult he admires looks at him like he's stupid and tells him that he shouldn't get involved with "those things". I even watched some of them tell my parents that I'd been sucked into a scheme and people were taking advantage of me.

But you've got to BELIEVE. In yourself, in your company, in your product, in the opportunity. Because what most people don't know is that network marketing/DS is simply another way to start a business. In fact, it's one of the best and simplest ways to build an incredible lifestyle for yourself at an early age.

Those who think they're giving you a "dose of reality" by telling you that "those deals" only work for a few people who get lucky? Just end the conversation as soon as possible and walk away smiling. Even feel a little sorry for them. They've been brainwashed by their own limited thinking and by that of other people. That's the way most people are. Most people don't do their homework or know the real facts about anything. They just naively regurgitate whatever they've heard over the years. In other words, chances are, you know what you're talking about, and they don't. Remember that.

Those who tell you "I tried one of those deals once and it didn't work."? Listen. Businesses don't work. People do. You and a friend visit a bowling alley. You both use the same bowling ball. Your friend throws gutter balls all night, but you leave with a near-perfect score. What would you say if your friend told you that the reason he failed was because "the ball didn't work"? Exactly.

I was fortunate enough to realize this at a very young age. I stuck with my NM business regardless of my discouragements and failures, and regardless of what the nay-sayers said. And now, it's paying off. I'm 19 now, and this month, it looks like I'm going to be the first teenager in my company's 19 year history to qualify for a big monthly Top Producer bonus that only a few top performers in the entire company receive.

My #1 piece of advice? Don't take advice from someone unless you'd be satisfied if your life was like theirs.

Hope you've enjoyed my long rant haha.

Stick with it Alex. NM/DS is a beautiful thing and it will reward you enormously in the end.

Jesse

__________________________________________________ __

Jesse is currently looking for a new part-time business partner to help him take his thriving network marketing team to the next level. If you consider yourself a driven person, visit his website and leave him a message! He'd love to discuss the possibilities with you.

While you're here, check out Jesse's latest project! Young Wealth Weekly is a cool, revolutionary e-zine with practical tips for young entrepreneurs. Subscribe now for free at http://www.youngwealthweekly.com!

**Alx262** · 06-25-2006 10:42 PM

Congratulations to you! Good luck in the future with your MLM.

**Lex** · 06-26-2006 02:56 AM

This thread is a load of crock

**Alx262** · 06-26-2006 12:06 PM

Well if you have a better financial solution be sure to let me know. Anyone can bash something, but it takes a brain to create a solution.

**Lex** · 06-26-2006 12:12 PM

Why would i tell you how to make money?

**bmiles** · 06-26-2006 01:26 PM

You make it seem like direct sales is fail proof.What are some of the downsides of direct sales?

**JesseLear** · 06-26-2006 02:09 PM

Here are some of the cons of direct sales from my experience:

1) Most people who join direct sales get discouraged quickly because their expectations are too high. So there is a high failure rate, although it isn't much higher than that of traditional businesses. This translates into a low retention rate unless you are very good about making sure your new partners realize the work involved to make any significant money.

2) Contrary to what people will tell you, direct sales/network marketing is not for everyone. While I believe that nearly anyone could succeed in DS/NM if they put their mind to it, most people just don't have the open mind and the drive. You've got to have the drive, the determination, and a big willingness to learn how success works in this industry. You need people skills and you need to be a good leader. Cool thing is, if you don't already have these skills, DS/NM can act as a "mold" and shape you into who you need to be to succeed...as long as you stick with it through the learning process (Find a sponsor who knows what he's doing and will mentor you properly!). My NM biz has transformed me from a kid who was scared to call Blockbuster and ask their hours, to a guy who has developed friendships and partnerships with cool people all over the world.

3) If you're a newbie in business and don't have many contacts, you'll have to absolutely work your butt off in the beginning like I did. If you're shooting for 6 figures, anyway. The great thing about DS/NM is that once you do the hard work...usually 1-4 years of REAL, consistent daily effort...the leverage of the concept kicks in and the whole thing seems to take off on it's own. It's like trying to push a big rock over a hill. Gotta work your butt off to get it up to the top of the hill, but once you do and once you push it over the edge of the other side, it begins rolling so fast you couldn't stop it if you wanted to.

4) Like any other industry, most direct sales/network marketing companies fail in their first few years. So when choosing one, make sure it's stable and been around for a while (I prefer 4+ years in most cases). Make sure the management team is a good one, and check the compensation structure to ensure that your work will be worth your time. Shopping for a DS/NM company is like choosing an ax out of a tool shed. Most of them work, but some are sharper and will chop down the tree faster and more effectively than others. Without giving your hands blisters in the process haha.

5) Beware of companies that offer mundane products/services that are already saturated in the market place. There are plenty of such companies out there. Just use your common sense. Is the product effective? Does it provide a noticeable benefit? Is it unique and fresh? In other words, if you're selling multi-vitamins, you'd better be able to prove why they're better than all the other multivitamins out there...then you gotta find the people who care. Some people don't think much about the product when they join a DS/NM opportunity. But the product is crucial. Yes, the money you can make and leverage you can create by recruiting business parters is incredible. But in the end, you're only paid on sales volume...and if people aren't totally impressed with the product, they aren't going to keep buying it.

Hope this helps. If I seem like I'm biased toward DS/NM, hehe, well, that's because I am. But I tried my best to give you my honest opinion on what the cons are from the perspective of someone with a lot of experience in the industry. As you can see, these cons wouldn't be too hard to live with in comparison to the "pro's". If they were, why would I have stuck with my business for so long?

Successfully yours,

Jesse