I was always hesitant to do anything with direct sales, and I have been for many years. I have been approached many times, but I was always skeptical and not willing to dive in. That was until February of 2018. I felt like Usborne Books and More was an answer to prayers. I was asking God to give me something to quench my thirst for owning my own business and my entrepreneurial spirit.

After I spent some time planning out a new business idea that I had, I was crushed to realize that I would not be able to pursue it. About that time I was invited to an Usborne Books and More facebook party. I have always loved the books, and have been buying them since my first son was born. I just had no idea I could save money and make money if I joined the company myself!

Tips for how to know if it’s right for you:

1. Find your passion

Find something you love that could be a natural fit to talk about and would inspire you to help others. Just because someone says you can make money with this beauty product or that health product, does NOT mean you should join. If you find the business something you struggle to connect with, you will have a hard time selling!

2. Don’t get caught up in “being a salesperson”

Working hard and hustling are two different things. I call my business my side business or my side gig. Purposefully, I do not call it my “hustle” because I’m not selling used cars here, I am selling something that people value.

3. Do you have time for it?

What amount of time are you realistically willing to spend each week on a side business? Or maybe this could become your full time job? Decide before you go into it and make sure it is right for your family.

The last thing you want to do is jump into something you won’t dedicate any time to! Oh, and remember if that person is pressuring you into “signing up right now” there’s probably an ulterior motive.

4. Know that you will have people helping you along the way.

I know that some companies are better at this than others, but it’s easy when you talk to someone who does it to ask about the ins and outs of training and support. For me, I have a great team of experienced people who help come up with fun ideas to get the product to people.

If you don’t know what it looks like before you get in, just ask what the training looks like. Every business has a system to learn to help navigate customers through. This is the great thing about direct sales: you are basically taking the legwork out of designing that website or creating a support team.

5. Don’t expect a get rich quick scheme.

Aside from winning the lottery, there is nothing that can make you rich without putting forth time and energy. Remember that when you start any new job, especially launching a business or direct sales job. Don’t think that you will have people knocking down your door asking you what you do and how they can buy from you. If that happens because you have a great product, then wonderful, but certainly don’t expect it.

Related: How to Monetize your Blog with a Side Business 

6. Steer clear of sign up bonuses

Ask the consultant how much you make off of a person purchasing a kit. If the answer is anything other than $0, I’d suggest you really consider it. Many MLM (multi-level-marketing) companies mask this, so do your research. I’m grateful that Usborne Books and More is a company that believes in their product so much, they don’t give sign on bonuses just for signing up new consultants!

7. Remember your “why” and remind yourself of it daily.

Are you doing it to become an entrepreneur? Are you doing it to have something for yourself because you are a stay at home mom? Or are you doing it to create financial stability for your family? Whatever the reason is, you have to remind yourself of it all the time! It will keep you motivated through the dry selling seasons.

*Now the question is… Is Direct Sales a viable Side Business?

The answer: it totally can be. Take the reasons above and evaluate if you are choosing to join for the right reasons! If you are, and it is not a large start-up cost, then go for it. Make a plan, and drive that business like a truck!!

If you find that direct sales is scary for you, then maybe it is not the right fit. However, many people join these companies to get a discount on things that they love, and I think that’s ok too.

Are you ready to join in something like this of your own? Are you passionate about spreading literature to children of all ages? Join me on this journey by commenting or emailing me. You can always learn more here.

What is your side business and how do you balance that with your everyday life? I’d love to hear more about how you are successful in direct sales, or any other side business you may have!