As a business coach I talk to people everyday about their business or the prospect of getting into a business.  With the job market the way that it is everyone is looking for a way to make some extra money or gain some control of their destiny.  Most people don’t have a lot of money to invest and are therefore drawn to many forms of “business in a box” type businesses, aka, Multi-Level Marketing or direct sales businesses.  The reason for this is that they usually require a low investment to start and everything they need to run a business is provided; web site, written materials, product and sales training and maybe even a product starter kit.  For less than $500 in most cases, one can have a business.  Just order some business cards and start your business!

The advantages to doing a direct sales or mlm business are many.  One can do a MLM or Direct sales business while working at a full-time job and take the time to build the business.  The business can grow as your income at it grows and therefore it is easier to control your input costs.  Best of all you will get from your business in proportion to the effort that you put into it.  You are in control of your destiny as far as this business is concerned.

There are a few things to keep in mind about these busnesses if one is going to reach the “money-making” levels in an MLM or direct sales business.

1.  Give you business enough time to succeed. Many people get into a MLM because someone told them they could get rich in 6 months.  This is usually unrealistic and your business should be viewed in a 2 – 5 year time frame.  Just because a few people got rich fast, does not mean you will and many people fail because their expectations were unrealistic to begin with.

2.  Tell people about your new venture. If you started a flower shop  you would hold a grand opening or an open house, put an ad in the paper announcing your new location, but when you signed up to sell your product you are afraid to talk about it.  Suddenly, because it is an MLM it is not important enough to let your family and friends know you are doing it.  Pick a product you can get behind and talk to everyone you know about it.

3.  Be professional.  No matter what business you are in, be professional.  Attend some networking meetings and present your product proudly and professionally and people will treat your business with respect also.  Learn to talk about your business in the same way an accountant or doctor would talk about his/her business.  What is the product, what are the features and what benefits will your clients receive from your product?  Treating your business professionally will ensure that everyone around you sees you as a serious player.

4.  Enjoy yourself! Don’t become desperate, let your business grow naturally and have fun with it.  Growing your business at your own pace makes it more fun, don’t let others dictate how quickly you grow.

5.  Build Relationships. It has been said that “no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care”, so make sure that before you sell your products or your business to others, build some solid relationships with them so that when they buy they already trust you.  Trust is huge in building a MLM and should never be bypassed.  Make some friends and your business will grow.

6.  Find a good coach. A direct sales or mlm is one of the hardest jobs to do.  Even with the support of good upline and sponsors many people fail because so much depends on one’s own ability to self-motivate.  Increase your odds of success by hiring an outside, unbiased person who can guide you and hold your feet to the fire.

In these times of economic hardship in the country, many people are turning to their own resources.  Resourcefulness is what makes this country great.  Creating a side income, or building a business that becomes an empire is possible because this country welcomes the entrepreneureal spirit into the market place.  Is it time for you to make some changes, is this your year for success?