Belinda Ellsworth

Direct selling has come a long way from its humble, domestic roots in 1950s Americana. Today’s top independent representatives run highly efficient, modern businesses that often leave more traditional retailers in the dust.There are three main types of direct sales models: social selling, network marketing, and affiliate/influencer, and each finds its niche in the industry.

If someone seems unsure about booking in your direct sales business, you should ask a series of three power questions that will get them to say yes. These three yesses will remind your guest how much they enjoyed the party and help lead them toward saying yes to booking a party: Did you have fun? Are there any products that you want but couldn't get tonight?

Direct sales models are successful because they offer the company an opportunity to market products directly to consumers. In direct sales the products are sold by independent representatives who are not employees. These reps are independent contractors who work on a commission-only basis. Because the independent representatives are the sales arm of the company, the company only pays commissions for actual sales.

Party Plan direct sales businesses are a great fit for those who enjoy helping others discover new things, people who love to share the things they're passionate about, and for those interested in supporting the success of others. There are two types of personalities who tend to succeed in the Party Plan model of direct selling.

The Network Marketing direct sales model is best suited for people who fit the following profile: enjoy networking one-on-one, like building relationships over time, and find comfort in following a very specific system. The people who do best in this model are people who are comfortable allowing the product and the business opportunity to take center stage.

Direct sales appeals to people interested in earning extra money outside of a traditional job. Some choose to work part-time with a direct sales company as a way to pay for the extras that challenge their budget, often in addition to a full-time job. Others are looking for a way to make additional money while still attending to priorities in their lives like parenting, caregiving, school, or charitable work and appreciate that they can control their calendar and plan events, parties, and one-on-one appointments (where you meet with clients individually instead of in a group setting, like a home party) around their schedules.

Nowadays, an extra stream of income, the lack of job security at a regular job, and the desire for additional tax breaks make direct sales, home-based businesses very appealing. And there are many great companies out there. You may like several of the product lines and could be well suited for any of them. So how do you choose?

The direct selling industry can help you achieve what you want out of life. If you are just starting your direct selling business, you might need some help. Following are the top ten resources for direct sellers. Step Into Success After having been in this industry for 35 years, worked with hundreds of companies and literally thousands of independent representatives, Step Into Success offers some of the best resources for training and consulting in the industry.