When you leap into direct sales, regardless of what business you’re working with, you quickly realize that there are two ways you can make money in the direct sales world – sell products or grow a team. While selling products is the meat and potatoes for many, there is so much value in growing a team, although it’s a part of the business not everyone embraces to the fullest.
There are many misconceptions, many self-doubters, and many people scared just to level up and go for it. However, growing a team is one way to quickly take your business from a hobby to a true income-generating business machine for you and your family.
I was someone who absolutely loved growing my team. Teaching and leading others to the same success I had got me fired up, it challenged me, and it honestly helped me take my business to levels I never dreamed possible.
If you’re not sure if now is the right time to start a team, I’m going to help you figure out if it could be your ideal time to grow and banish some of those misconceptions that get thrown around!
Want a proven plan for growing your direct sales business without feeling like you're chasing your tail? The Direct Sellers Business Blueprint explains the 4 key areas you must master to build a simplified, systematic business. It will even tell you which area to tackle first, so you can stop feeling overwhelmed or confused about what to do next. The best part? It's completely FREE!
THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
If you’re not sure if it’s your time to start growing and expanding your business, I recommend starting by asking yourself these three simple questions:
1. Does growing a team align with your income goals?
One of the most liberating parts of direct sales is the ability to set your own financial goals. Each of us has our own reasons for starting a direct sales business. Maybe you just wanted some purse and shoe money, perhaps you wanted to cover the rent for the month, or maybe you’re just in it for all the product discounts because you love them so much. Whatever you set your income goal at, that is up to you. But I’m the first to say don’t stray from those lofty goals!
I’m going to let you in on a secret – the smart way to make money and hit those lofty goals is to make money when you sleep. How do you do that? You grow a team. You coach and train them and help them make sales, and ultimately, you’re helping them chase their dreams while also increasing your bottom line.
So, if you’re not quite hitting your numbers because the kiddos are home more than ever, or if you want to take a step back from selling and really serve others while still making your target income goals, building a team may be the perfect solution.
2. Does it align with your desire to help other people?
Some people’s reason for building a team is born from their genuine desire to help other people achieve their same success; it isn’t income-driven.
I was lucky to be in a position where income was not my primary driver. Growing my team was out of a desire to help others do what I did.
You have to think about this! How would helping other people make money for their family, pay their grocery bill, keep their lights on, pay for their car – how would that make you feel? Fulfilled is the answer for many!
3. Does it align with your goals for personal growth?
Anyone who knew me in the field knows I’m carrot driven – meaning that if you dangle a carrot (i.e., bonus, incentive trip, etc.) in front of me, I will go after it full gusto. I love a challenge – my desire to constantly grow and try new things was another reason I started my direct sales team.
I am here to tell you that you will grow SO much as a leader professionally and personally. You have to do things daily that you’ve never done before, which leads to incredible learning and growth.
Coming from a place of service and helping others while also growing personally along the way is such a special gift, friends!
If you answered yes to even one of the above three questions – it’s your time. Go get it!
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT GROWING A TEAM
We all tend to self-sabotage, whether it’s conscious or not. This is where many common misconceptions about growing a team come from, and I am here to crush the rumors and tell it to you straight. Brace yourself for some sass because this is something I am super passionate about!
Misconception #1: No one is interested in growing a business – just sell kits!
This one fires me up. Not only is it nonsense, but it’s also a lie! Do not fall into this mindset. I have come across so many people in my business that had never owned anything in their lives, who wanted to provide for their families, and they did it well! You can NOT tell me that no one out there wants to build a business. It’s simply not true.
If you come across someone who just wants to get a kit or be a discount diva, that’s fine. But I can’t tell you how many times someone who comes in as a discount diva has life-changing circumstances, which changes her business goals.
Most of the time, people just don’t know how to build a business or are intimidated, so they haven’t tried – and that is where we as leaders provide value!
Always remember that you’re in the business of offering opportunities, not selling kits!
Misconception #2: It is spammy and pushy to recruit.
Do you enjoy your business? Do you enjoy discounts on products, income, social interaction, company recognition? No matter what you get out of your business, I am SURE that something brings you fulfillment or joy. Why wouldn’t you offer the opportunity to feel that way to someone else?
I’m going to tell you something – I was never really recruited. My director did a couple of parties for me, and I saw her once a month for a get-together with many local people, but I was never actually recruited. And you know why? Because she was too afraid to ask!
She saw me from the outside – I was a busy homeschooling mom of 4 with a husband who provided well. She thought it would be pushy if she asked me about getting involved in the business because I looked content. I seemed busy.
But you know what? The very first time she ever did a party for me, I watched her and thought to myself, “I could totally do this.” On the outside, everything looked hunky-dory, but I was not feeling challenged on the inside. I wasn’t growing and I wanted more. I love my kids, but there is only so much history and math one can stomach without needing a little more in life.
It took me two years to actually sign up. I did not ask because I wasn’t asked. On the night of that first party, had she asked me if I wanted to give selling a shot, I would have said, “Heck yes!”.
You could have a rockstar in your customer group online. Or you could have a new hostess doing a Facebook party with you that desperately needs the income to support her family because her husband just lost his job. You don’t know what is going on in someone else’s heart or head – just ask. This business has brought value to your life, and it can bring value to others as well!
Misconception #3: I’m new to the business, I don’t know enough, so I can’t be a leader.
Are you worried about building a team because you’re “too new?” Do you think you need to get your sales and processes streamlined and become an expert in everything before you start to grow? Let me be honest with you for a second – you’re going to make mistakes in this business! Even as a seasoned leader, you make mistakes. Nothing will ever be perfect – so why not start now and grow along the way?
Making mistakes is ok. If you make a mistake, reframe your mindset to see it as a learning opportunity, a chance to grow. Be honest with your team, saying, “Hey, I’m still new at this leadership thing. Let’s learn together.” Humble leaders are the best leaders, and it will inspire your team to level up as you have.
There is also so much training out there – whether online or from your company – so just educate yourself and figure it out as you go. Sometimes that is how the best leaders are born!
ARE YOU READY TO BUILD?
If you’ve asked yourself all the questions, said yes to at least one, and are ready to make mistakes and grow along the way – you are SO ready to be a team leader. There are always individuals looking for a new opportunity. You have a golden opportunity to share yours right now. Go out there and build your team!
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Want a proven plan for growing your direct sales business without feeling like you're chasing your tail? The Direct Sellers Business Blueprint explains the 4 key areas you must master to build a simplified, systematic business. It will even tell you which area to tackle first, so you can stop feeling overwhelmed or confused about what to do next. The best part? It's completely FREE!
Mary Haynes is a highly successful direct sales leader turned strategist and coach. Her passion is helping party plan people streamline and scale their businesses using simple, proven strategies. Her goal is to eliminate business overwhelm so direct sellers know exactly what to do and when to do it. Mary is also a homeschooling mama that lives in sunny Florida with her husband, 4 kiddos, 2 dogs, and various other backyard animals.
