Do You Have What It Takes To Work for Yourself?

With the unemployment rate where it is and unemployment benefits running out for many Americans, many people must think about Plan B.

That means many people are turning to home-based businesses, either by starting their own business or by joining an established home-based business franchise, known as direct sales. The Direct Selling Association reports that 15 million people sold around $30 billion in products through direct sales in 2008.

The Better Business Bureau has three things you should ask yourself if you decide to start a career in direct sales:

Do you have selling skills? (or are you willing to train to get them?)

It helps if you are self-motivated, comfortable speaking in public and naturally outgoing. Consider shadowing a direct seller or asking if they will mentor you while you get your business off the ground.

Can you get behind the product or service?

If you don’t believe in the product or the company backing the product, it will show in your drive and pitch.  Make sure you chose a product you can really feel good about selling. Your sales numbers will prove your belief in it. Would you buy this product yourself?

Are you going to have to risk your financial status to join?

If the company requires a significant amount of money for entry, think twice. If you put your family into financial ruin for the gamble that is a home-based business, it is probably not the right move to make for your family. Many direct selling businesses have low financial risk to start your business so do your research.

Denise Pagano from New York did her homework and decided to become an Independent Beauty Advisor for L’Bel, a premium skin care and cosmetics company. “Once I tried the products, I couldn’t wait to start sharing them with my friends,” she said. “I felt good about working for a company that’s had over 40 years of success, and it’s turned out to be a great fit for me. I get to set my own hours. I can sell online, one-on-one, or at L’Bel Beauty Parties – whatever works best for me.”

Flexibility, independent working environment and benefitting directly from your efforts – these are all hugs perks from starting your own direct selling business.

If you are willing to learn, work hard and love the product you are selling, direct selling could be a fresh start for you and your family. Who knows – you might decide to pass your skills and business along to your children some day!