8 Practices of People That Succeed in Direct Sales

1. Have a WHY

This is not new and will likely remain at the top of all my lists for success in MLM's. Having a WHY is the single most important thing you can do for your business. PEOPLE DO NOT BUY PRODUCTS, THEY BUY WHAT THEY BELIEVE IN. "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it!" Simon Sinek 

You need know why you are doing what you are doing. What is your purpose? What do you believe in? Have you ever purchased something simply because you believed in the brand's why? Sure you have. I sleep on a Tempurpedic mattress and I like that it is constructed differently than the same coils and padding of conventional mattresses. It says that just because something has been done the same way, for a very long time, doesn't mean that it is the only way to do something and this new way may even be superior to the current standard. I bought innovation and longevity. I rejected the "change your mattress every 7 years" rule.

Why are you getting out of bed everyday? What do you believe in? Independence? Self-reliance? Making people feel better about themselves? Leading people to health?

Know your why.

2. Have BELIEF

Believe in your product. I work with a skincare company and I whole-heartedly believe in the efficacy of the products I sell. 

Believe in yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, if you aren't buying what you're selling; whether that is your product, your opportunity, or yourself (remember, YOU are now a brand) NO ONE ELSE WILL EITHER.

3. Make a list. Contact your list. Revise your list. Live your list.

Make a list of everyone you know. Facebook friends, family, hair stylists, accountants, dog groomer. People are everywhere! The key here is to remember that even if you get a no from someone on your list- THEY MIGHT KNOW SOMEONE. Always, always, always, ask for referrals!

Don't be afraid to talk to people. YOU WILL BE TOLD NO. But every no gets you one no closer to a yes! The faster you collect as many no's as you can, the sooner you will get a yes! Double your rate of failure.

Also, when you do get a no, don't scratch that person off your list and vow to never speak to them again! In sales, "no" simply means, "not right now." As Sarah Robbins puts it; When a waitress is making her rounds with her coffee pot offering people refills and a customer says "no" does she run away in tears? Nope! She says, "That's alright! I'll check back in on ya in a bit and see if you're ready." She smiles and continues on to the next customer. 

4. Be Coachable

Listen to your mentors and others that have succeeded in direct sales. They will tell you exactly what to do, and you need to trust the system and duplicate their actions. Sometimes there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

5. Have A Vision Board

Some days will be amazing. And some days you will want to throw in the towel. Keep a vision board with pictures of all the reasons why you are taking this journey and where you are planning to end up. Are you out to get the shiny new car your company awards? My company gives you a Pearl White Lexus. Pretty nice goal, right? Well, one of the girls on our team decided she wanted that Pearl White Lexus so THREE MONTHS after she started her business she went to test drive one. Wouldn't you know, 15 months later that car was parked in her driveway. She had a vision.

6. Don't Compare Your Success With Those Around You

Don't be discouraged if someone else's business takes off faster than yours. Watching everyone else simply deters you from your goal.

I used to be a swimmer and my WORST habit was turning my head in the middle of a race to see if I was ahead of or behind my competitors. My coaches would be on the sidelines saying, "Stop looking! Stop turning your head!!!" But I just had to know how I was doing in comparison to everyone else! Once I was able to break that habit I shaved seconds off my times and started winning more blue ribbons that I ever had in the past.

7. Show Up

Those who show up, go up!!

Dial into your sales calls. Go to events hosted by your company. Challenge yourself in your first year to listen to every sales call and attend every event within driving distance. 

This will also help you to connect to a group of others with the same goals and visions. You may even find an accountability partner to help push forward with! As individuals we can do great things, but as teams we are remarkable!

8. Ask For What You Want

You must ask people for their business. Eventually you must ask someone, "Is this what you want to do?" "Would you like to buy my product?" And you can even take that a step further! After you have given your talk and told someone all about your fantastic product, just ask, "When would you like your xyz to be delivered?" or "Should I add you on as a preferred customer." Sometimes just assume that they are going to make the purchase. "Should I add your name to our new consultants meeting next week?" "Which business kit have you decided to start with?"

You will only get in life what you have the courage to ask for!