Looking For A Second Job?

Lately, it seems like every woman I meet is either a) looking for or b) has seriously considered getting a second job. Many have had to tighten their belts just a little over the last year, and they are  looking for a way to bring some extra income into their household. Others are doing fine financially, but they want to pad their nest egg for the future “just in case.” I meet so many women who have “big dreams but no means” to achieve them.

What confuses me is that  the majority of smart, business-minded women will seek out a part-time position in retail and stand on their feet for an extra 10-15 hours a week, making $8-$10/hour at best, putting up with rude customers and less than appreciative bosses.  They rarely receive consideration for their scheduling needs and will not last long if they need a night off for personal reasons. Most of them have never considered giving the direct sales industry a try, even though many of them attend several home parties a year and/or have purchased something every time someone passes around a catalog.

For most of these women, a venture into direct sales would offer a new experience  and a way to add an additional stream of income to their family finances in a fun and flexible way. They could work the same 10-15 hours a week that they might work in a traditional retail job, but they might only leave the house for 4-6 hours a week and do the rest from home in their pj’s drinking a cup of tea at the computer. The average direct seller makes about $150-$200 at a show — much more than one would make in retail weekly.

Why, then, are so many women unwilling to research and consider the possibilities that exist in the world of direct sales?  Hard to say. Here are some common perceptions and/or concerns that some women have about going into direct sales.

You don’t really make money doing this, do you?
Um, yes, you do. While it’s true that direct sellers have perks available to them like free or reduced price product and the opportunity to earn free trips, we also do make money. Actually, getting involved in direct sales offers a couple different ways to make money. You immediately earn income on the sale of your products, you immediately begin to build credibility and a customer base, who will remember you the next time they want to order something, and if you choose to build your own team, most companies have a commission structure in place where they will pay you additional money for training and supporting other women in your business. So, from one direct sales job, you can earn multiple streams of income — product sales, repeat business and referrals, and supporting others.

I could never talk in front of people. I’m not a salesperson. I wouldn’t know what to say.
With a little practice, you can do anything. Pick a company that has a great product that you personally love, and it almost sells itself. Direct sales is about networking and building relationships with customers and hostesses more than it is about hard selling. Most direct selling companies have training programs that teach you everything you need to know and say. As a matter of fact, most companies have extensive web-based tools available to new consultants. Make sure you ask about the training tools and support available to you.

I know someone who invested over $1,000 in a direct sales venture, and then never made any money.
Make sure you ask up front how much money you need to invest. A direct sales venture should have a reasonable start up cost. If someone is pressuring you to invest more than you feel comfortable with, find another company or another representative. There are many companies who offer starter kits in the $100 – $200 range. Ask if you can earn rebates toward your start up kit. 

I don’t have enough time.
According to the DSA, 75% of women involved in direct sales, work a full-time job. Many, many women choose direct sales over a traditional part-time job because their already full lifestyle demands flexibility. It’s the perfect business for someone who is always juggling multiple priorities.

I don’t know enough people.
You only need to know a few to get started. You branch out from there. Every person you know has a different network of friends and family. Be strategic in how you plan your first several shows. You will soon meet many new and interesting people.

What if I don’t like it?
Most direct sales companies offer a no-strings attached relationship. If you find you don’t like it, you should be free to stop working your business. You should ask your sponsor about this up front and make sure you are not obligated beyond your initial start up period — usually 4-6 weeks. It takes at least a month to give something a fair chance, and most companies ask that you do a handful of shows before making a decision to quit. In general, direct sales companies are a very low-risk venture.

If you are considering looking for a part-time job, but you are a skeptic, as I was, you owe it to your “inner businesswoman” to at least give direct sales a try. I’m very glad I did.