Choosing the right business opportunity requires that you consider your personality and your career preferences. The direct-selling business model offers many advantages to the right person. Consider the following qualities of a direct-selling candidate and decide if this opportunity could make the right career move for you.

Gain Career Independence

                                                                        Image via Flickr by nodstrum

The direct-selling business model differs significantly from many traditional jobs. While in most cases a direct-selling business model offers you a team for support, your success is ultimately in your own hands. You are not given a set schedule. You do not have to punch a time clock, and you can take days off when needed. You will also do much of your work at home.

Some individuals thrive more in a team setting. Those who enjoy a more independent type of workday setting are more suited for a direct-selling business model. 

Do Your Research 

Whether it is in the direct-selling industry or in your daily office job, every business decision you make should be an informed one. Educating yourself on the expectations of the job and what it takes to succeed will increase your chances of enjoying that career. Individuals who work in the direct-selling business world tend to dig deeper. Much of this motivation to dig deeper is due to the fact that many scams attempt to prey on those looking for a convenient business opportunity. 

Amway, a leading provider of beauty, health, and nutritional products, is one of the most successful businesses that operate under a direct-selling model. Its successes have attracted many questions, especially from people who may ask themselves, “Is Amway a scam”?  By doing research on Amway, you will find that the company offers a legitimate direct-selling business model that allows its Independent Business Owners to earn a living on their own schedules. By focusing on relationships and quality products, Amway has earned its fair share of the direct-selling business model attention.

Be a Hard Worker

It is important not to confuse convenience with ease. Success in any industry, including a direct-selling business, requires hard work. In some cases, you may have to work harder initially to get your business up and running.

The statement “work smarter, not harder” can be applied to this model. Working harder at your day job may not necessarily earn you more income or freedom.Working harder in a direct-selling business, however, can increase your profits and offer you a more convenient work-life balance.

Assume Leadership

If you are the type of person who takes initiative, then a direct-selling career may be right for you. Many hourly jobs have a list of tasks you must complete. You are not expected to go above and beyond those tasks. It is also unlikely that you are expected to lead a team.

Having exceptional leadership qualities can help you in a direct-selling model. Companies such as Amway offer you the tools and resources that you need to succeed, but it is up to you to take the initiative to benefit from those resources. Additionally, if you decide to bring on your own team, leadership skills will become more important.

Demonstrate Dedication

Business success takes dedication. You will face times of profit and times of loss. Fortunately, in a direct-selling business model, you are protected from encountering some of the same business losses that traditional business owners may experience.

However, it is important to keep in mind that dedication is still necessary. The most successful direct-selling professionals have remained dedicated to their businesses. A sense of dedication will get you through the hard times and it will allow you to grow a business that you are proud of.

The direct-selling business model is not for everyone. If you prefer an office job with a set schedule and the same business tasks day in and day out, then you may not enjoy a direct-selling career. However, if you have exceptional leadership skills and you are independent and dedicated to your work, then you may find that a career in direct selling is a good career move for you.

By Chakraborty

Dr Chakrabarty is the Chief Innovation Officer of IntuiComp TeraScience. Earlier she was Assistant Professor of Delhi University, a QS ranked university in India. Before that she has held research positions in IIT Mumbai, IIT Chennai and IISc Bangalore. She holds 2 patents and over 20 research publications in her name which are highly cited. Her area of research is in smart technologies, integrated devices and communications. She also has a penchant for blogging and is an editor of Business Fundas.