When talking about leads in terms of direct sales businesses, most leads basically fall into one of two categories: warm or cold.

Cold leads are leads that you have no prior information about. These are the type of leads that you can buy. They might be targeted but they still involve contacting strangers and trying to sell them something. This is usually done over the phone or on the Internet. You can buy lists of leads from lead generation companies with varying results. Cold leads can be a numbers game. You usually have to contact quite a few of them before you find ones that will convert.

Warm leads are people that you know by name. These could be your friends, family members, or co-workers. These are considered warm because these people already have some degree of trust in you. A lot of people find it easier to share their excitement about a product with someone they already know could be interested. It also doesn’t cost any money to use this type of lead. The only problem with warm leads is that rejection from family and friends can feel personal even if it’s not.

There are also some leads that may fall somewhere between these two types. Lukewarm leads are leads that you have gotten through the contact form on your website or people you have met at functions. They aren’t necessarily cold leads in the sense that they are probably interested to some degree but at the same time you don’t really know them so they can’t be considered warm. This type of lead can convert well if you respond quickly and effectively.

A pyramid scheme is a business model that relies on members to recruit new members in order to receive payment. This type of scheme is illegal in many countries because it eventually becomes unsustainable. Over time, there simply won’t be enough people interested in the opportunity for the lower tiers to recoup their investment.

Many pyramid schemes are based on investments but there are also a lot of pyramid schemes that involve selling a product. The top tier members sell a product or a set of products that the next level must then use to convince more people to buy and sell. The products are often things that don’t sell well or don’t turn a big profit so recruiting new sellers becomes the only way to get the original investment back.

It is easy to confuse a pyramid scheme with multilevel marketing because there are many similarities. Companies that use multilevel marketing give employees a share of the earnings of people they recruit. However, with a legitimate multilevel marketing company, you should be able to make money simply by selling the product and theoretically never need to recruit anybody.

If a business opportunity seems to place more emphasis on recruiting new members than it does on actually selling their products, this is one strong indicator that it could be a pyramid scheme. Most true MLM and party plans don’t require large start-up investments and many will offer a buyback of unused startup inventory. A good direct sales business will also put a lot of effort into knowing understanding the consumer demand for their product and offering items that meet their demands. These are all signs that you are probably not dealing with a pyramid scheme.

Once you have decided that you’d like to get into the direct sales business, you face a daunting task: choosing a legitimate direct sales company. There are so many of these companies to choose from that it can be hard to know where to begin. If you want to choose a multilevel marketing company, some research is in order.

Choosing a company that has a good reputation in your area is one way to stack the odds in your favor. If you know anyone who is involved in party plans, either as a host or as a customer, start asking some questions. Try to get a feel for which companies are well-known among your group of friends.

One good way to decide if a company is worth your time is by asking your contact if you can attend a show or party in your area before committing to the job. This should give you a better feel for how everything runs and also enable you to talk to someone who is actually working for the company.

You might also want to do some investigating. A search on the Internet should glean plenty of information about the company you are interested in. Although people can certainly post false information on the Internet, look for a general trend of either positive or negative comments.

You can also contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out if any complaints have been lodged against the company in question. The BBB can’t tell you if the company is legitimate but they will be able to tell you if they have received complaints about them. If you are unsure, you can also check with the Direct Selling Association to see if the company is a member and check their reputation.

It’s time to “surf the web”. What do you do? You go to a search engine and type a target phrase into the search box. Within seconds you receive a list of websites. You begin to click on websites that interest you. Before long, you’ve found what you’re looking for. If you’re wise, you’ll make your direct sales website search engine friendly in the same way, so that you can be found when someone begins their search.

How do you make your website search engine friendly? Following are some hints to make your website easier to find.

1. Submit your direct sales website to the largest directories and search engines. Concentrate on the Yahoo! and Open Project Directory directories. Google and AOL would be good choices for search engines to target.

2. Submit just the main page of your website, not each individual page. The other pages will be found by following the links from the main page. Creating a “site map” might help the search engines find all of your links, but there’s no guarantee.

3. Choose keywords that are as specific as possible. If your direct sales companies sells educational toys, you’ll do better by using “educational toys” than you would using “toys and games” as your keywords.

4. The more websites you have linking to yours, the better your site will rank on the search engines. To get links back to your website, consider a “link exchange” campaign. Find other websites in your same niche and ask them if they would exchange links with you. If they do, both websites should benefit.

5. Your title page tag is the first thing a search engine displays, so you’ll want yours to be good. Take your time and come up with something that will explain your website.

6. Search engines, while important, are not the only way to drive traffic to your website. Consider adding a signature line to your outgoing email that includes your business email address. Write articles and submit them to various free article sites; make sure to include a bio box with your URL at the bottom. Find and post at related forums, posting your link in your signature line, if it is allowed.

7. Don’t forget about offline marketing. Have pens, business cards, and flyers printed with your direct sales business email and website. Bumper stickers might be another good bet, as well as magnets.

Creating a website isn’t that hard to do. Take some time, think things through, make a plan, and then follow it. If you have problems, you can always ask at different forums for ways to improve your search engine results. People are generally willing to help make your direct sales website search engine friendly.

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Owning a direct sales business isn’t for everyone. Some people just don’t have the necessary drive to succeed. However, using these five points you may be able to decide if a direct sales business would be perfect for you:

1. Be your own boss.
You’ve worked for others long enough. You’re ready to strike out on your own and start your own business. Be sure you have done some research about what owning your own business entails before charging forward with your plan. Know how much your initial fees will be, how many other associates are in your area, and what kind of compensation plan is available with the company you choose.

2. Success breeds success.
Someone you know may be working in a direct sales company in a different town from where you live. She’s very successful at what she does and her enthusiasm is contagious. She invites you to be part of her team, but take your time making a decision.

Before you sign that contract and pay for your start-up kit, do some research to see how successful she really is, as well as doing some checking on her upline. If you find that they have a successful upline that is supportive of her, as well as a satisfied downline, perhaps now is the time to sign on.

3. Belief is important.
You have found a product that you feel is perfect. It does exactly what it was advertised to do, and it is something you can’t see yourself doing without. In fact, you’ve told all of your friends about it because it’s so good. If this describes you, you may have found the perfect direct sales company to work with.

You must love the product your company offers in order to be successful at selling it. This is the first, and most important, decision to make before choosing a direct sales company. If you don’t love, use, and believe in the products you sell, it will be evident to those you approach.

4. Do you love it?
If the direct sales company you are considering is associated with an activity, is that activity something you’re passionate about? Having a passion about scrapbooking, cooking, or whatever the activity, will help your customers see that you’re trying to share something with them rather than trying to “sell them something”.

5. How flexible are you?
Are your children at an age where they don’t need you quite as much as they used to? If you have some flexibility in your schedule, direct sales might be a viable option. Not only can you choose the days and times that you work, you also have some degree of control over what you earn. If you are serious about growing a business, you are only limited by the amount of time and effort you use to do so.

If you think you have found the direct sales company that you can get behind 100%, congratulations! Take your time learning all you can learn and then step out into your new life. You may find, after doing your research, that you and direct sales are perfect together – a match made in heaven.

Grow your Direct Sales Business by getting updates on the latest information and trends in Direct Sales. Sign up for the DSB Newsletter now and as a BONUS receive a copy of “How the Internet Can Improve Your Direct Sales Business” Special Report.

Getting involved in a direct sales business can be a very easy way for someone to earn an income from home. One way to help maximize the amount of money that you can make with your direct sales business is to select a business that has web-friendly policies. So what exactly should you look for in a web-friendly direct sales business?

After you have decided on the type of product that you would like to sell, you need to research which companies allow you to sell online. Do they offer a website that consultants can utilize in order to make sales online? Are the company-made websites easy to navigate? You’ll want to make sure it will be easy for your customers to place an order or sign up as a consultant. If they do not offer company-made consultant websites will they allow you to make your own website to sell their products? Another thing you should look into is whether or not your company offers the use of an online party chat room as online parties can be very profitable for those looking to do business online.

Another step in finding a direct sales company that is web-friendly is to be fully aware of what restrictions that they have, if any, for online advertising. As a potential direct sales consultant that is looking for a web-friendly business you need to take the time to find out what types of online advertising are acceptable. Most direct sales companies have their own unique set of rules when it comes to online advertising. Some do not allow any online advertising. If you do plan to pursue your business online, this is a consideration. Even if you see others in the business promoting online, if the agreement states that it is against the rules, do not believe your upline when she says you can “get away with it”. Many of these companies do police the internet, and you don’t want to feel reprimanded or hindered in your business after you’ve invested much time and energy. Choose a company that fits with your needs in advance. Don’t try to tweak one to work for you, unless you are 100% sure that it’s worth it.

However, if there is a company that you are absolutely in love with that has strict rules concerning how the company is represented online, do not let that discourage you from becoming a representative of that business. Find a quality up line and they will be able to assist you in learning ways to promote and network your business both offline and online while staying within company rules.

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Direct sales companies abound.  Look around and you’re likely to see someone advertising how you can lose weight or make money from home.  The opportunities all sound good, but how do you decide which one to buy into?  Determining the rules of any direct sales company, especially when it comes to selling online, is critical if you would like to make use of the internet to do your business.

It wasn’t that long ago that direct sales companies only had a website that explained their opportunity and how you could join their team.  That has changed dramatically within the last ten years.  Not all direct sales companies have the same rules when it comes to selling online.  In fact, some may not allow their associates to sell online at all.

Most direct sales transactions are completed person-to-person, face-to-face during a party or demonstration.  Some people don’t want to wait for a party to get what they want, however, and will often turn to the internet.  If the parent company has a website, the prospective customer will likely find what they want.  However, if they want to develop a relationship with the company, they may also choose to find a consultant.

How do you know what a direct sales company’s online sales rules are?  Of course, the easiest way to find out is to ask, but not all companies may be forthcoming with their information.  You may have to ask for additional information by signing up on their website, but be prepared to be approached and encouraged to “sign on the dotted line”.

If at all possible, refrain from joining any direct sales company until you’ve had ample time to thoroughly read over their materials.  Know ahead of time what their compensation plan is, how they help you succeed in a business, and also what online marketing you will be able to do.  What do you do if they won’t give you this information?  Thank them for the opportunity, but tell them you’re not interested and you’d rather not be contacted again.

If the company will allow you to have an internet presence, don’t settle for using just the website that they provide.  You can create a separate website, with your own domain, which will link to the main company page.  Having a personal website gives you much more freedom in meeting your prospects’ needs, as well as those of your team members.

Remember, if you’re looking into a direct sales company, don’t be afraid to ask questions – particularly about their rules for running your business online.  If you don’t get the response you would like, consider a different company.  You want to find one that will support your interests and success as much as their own.

Grow your Direct Sales Business by getting updates on the latest information and trends in Direct Sales. Sign up for the DSB Newsletter now as a BONUS receive a copy of “How the Internet Can Improve Your Direct Sales Business” Special Report.

If you’re interested in supplementing your income, a home based business might be what you’re looking for.  There are companies that specialize in home parties, but how do you decide which company is right for you?  You do research before joining a party plan company to ensure there is a match.

How do you choose the party plan that’s right for you when there are so many to choose from?  You want to find one that is compatible with the time you have to spend, how much money you have to invest, and that will help you meet your financial goals.  Below is a list of questions that you can use to evaluate a home party company as a potential home business.

Questions about the product:

•  Will the products you’d be selling make people’s lives better?  Try the product for yourself before deciding to join any direct sales company.  If you have used the product and are impressed with the results, you know how well it works and will feel good about selling it to others.

• Are the products priced so people can afford them?  Are they exclusive to the party plan company?  If the products are exclusive to the company, make sure they are effective and competitively priced so your customer can purchase more in the future.

• Will the product bring repeat sales?  Will the initial sale be the only one because the product isn’t consumable?  If the product you sell is worth the money, provides great results, and is consumable, it is likely you’ll have a customer for a long time.

• Is there a money back guarantee on the products?  With the problems that have been reported recently, it’s important to find a company that will offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  People will be more willing to make the initial purchase if they feel the company will fix any problem they might have with a product.

Questions about the business opportunity:

• Will you have to maintain a minimum stock inventory or monthly purchase requirements?  Maintaining a small amount of stock isn’t out of the ordinary.  However, if you are required to purchase a minimum amount each month, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.

• Are there business tools that the company provides or will you have to purchase all training materials?  Does the company have websites for associates?  Are these materials reasonably priced?

• Are there other marketing options besides just the home party system?  If the party plan is only one way to sell the product, the potential is less than a company that allows multiple marketing avenues.

• Is the compensation plan easy to understand?  Can you explain it to others if they are interested in the opportunity?  Look for a plan that isn’t geared only for the seasoned consultant.  If a new recruit isn’t able to earn an income, they won’t remain for long.

• Does the company value the same things that you value?  If you can’t stand behind what the company believes in, it might not be the right one for you.

These are just a few of the questions you might want to consider when comparing party plan home businesses. Of course, there are other questions you’ll want to ask, but these will give you enough information to make an educated decision whether a company is right for you or not.  Remember to do your research when choosing a direct sales home business, especially before signing the contract.

Grow your Direct Sales Business by getting updates on the latest information and trends in Direct Sales. Sign up for the DSB Newsletter now as a BONUS receive a copy of “How the Internet Can Improve Your Direct Sales Business” Special Report.

Owning a direct sales business isn’t for everyone.  Some people just don’t have the necessary drive to succeed.  However, using these five points you may be able to decide if a direct sales business would be perfect for you:

1.  Be your own boss. You’ve worked for others long enough.  You’re ready to strike out on your own and start your own business.  Be sure you have done some research about what owning your own business entails before charging forward with your plan.  Know how much your initial fees will be, how many other associates are in your area, and what kind of compensation plan is available with the company you choose.

2.  Success breeds success. Someone you know may be working in a direct sales company in a different town from where you live. She’s very successful at what she does and her enthusiasm is contagious.  She invites you to be part of her team, but take your time making a decision.

Before you sign that contract and pay for your start-up kit, do some research to see how successful she really is, as well as doing some checking on her upline.  If you find that they have a successful upline that is supportive of her, as well as a satisfied downline, perhaps now is the time to sign on.

3.  Belief is important. You have found a product that you feel is perfect.  It does exactly what it was advertised to do, and it is something you can’t see yourself doing without.  In fact, you’ve told all of your friends about it because it’s so good.  If this describes you, you may have found the perfect direct sales company to work with.

You must love the product your company offers in order to be successful at selling it.  This is the first, and most important, decision to make before choosing a direct sales company.  If you don’t love, use, and believe in the products you sell, it will be evident to those you approach.

4.  Do you love it? If the direct sales company you are considering is associated with an activity, is that activity something you’re passionate about?  Having a passion about scrapbooking, cooking, or whatever the activity, will help your customers see that you’re trying to share something with them rather than trying to “sell them something”.

5.  How flexible are you? Are your children at an age where they don’t need you quite as much as they used to?  If you have some flexibility in your schedule, direct sales might be a viable option.  Not only can you choose the days and times that you work, you also have some degree of control over what you earn.  If you are serious about growing a business, you are only limited by the amount of time and effort you use to do so.

If you think you have found the direct sales company that you can get behind 100%, congratulations!  Take your time learning all you can learn and then step out into your new life.  You may find, after doing your research, that you and direct sales are perfect together – a match made in heaven.

Grow your Direct Sales Business by getting updates on the latest information and trends in Direct Sales. Sign up for the DSB Newsletter now as a BONUS receive a copy of “How the Internet Can Improve Your Direct Sales Business” Special Report.

Direct sales, also known as “party plan,” have offered people a work at home opportunity since the 1950’s.  Companies such as Tupperware, Mary Kay, and Avon, partnered with women across the country, pioneered this industry over a half century ago.  Today, direct sales offers men and women the opportunity to sell many different types of products in traditional one-on-one or home party sales as well as through online sales.

Direct selling is exactly what it sounds like: one person selling directly to another.  The seller will sign up with a company as a representative or consultant.  They will be independent business owners but will have company support and training resources.  They will sell the company’s products to other people for a commission.

When many people think of direct sales, they think of cosmetic and jewelry companies.  While these are good examples of direct sales offerings, there is so much more to it than that.  There are numerous direct sales companies out there, and they offer the opportunity to sell everything from books to wine.

Direct sales is an easy way for those who excel at selling to start a home business.  Startup costs vary, but are usually relatively low.  Many direct sales companies provide their consultants with marketing, ordering, and record keeping materials at low costs.  Meetings and seminars are often held to provide consultants with support and guidance.

Grow your Direct Sales Business by getting updates on the latest information and trends in Direct Sales. Sign up for the DSB Newsletter now as a BONUS receive a copy of “How the Internet Can Improve Your Direct Sales Business” Special Report.