8. Ask yourself how much do I want to invest in this business? Even though you are working for yourself, this is still a business and you are business owner, self promotion is key. There is work involved. You will have to decide how much time you want to spend at events, home parties, expos, marketing your business to others and of course, how comfortable are you on phone? Telephone skills are very important in direct sales. Following up with customers and potential customers is crucial. Keep in touch with those you have met. Just say hello, a friendly reminder that you are there is sometimes all it takes to receive a new order from someone you may have met at an event. Make sure you are available, answering machines are a must in this day and age. No one likes to call somewhere and receive a busy signal or get no answer. Make sure your customers can reach you.

9. Check out local area reps to see what goes on in terms of meetings and updates. Most companies have a policy that once a consultant reaches a certain level in company they are required to hold meetings to pass on new information to other consultants. Find out what is in your area. Are there 3 other consultants in your area or 30,000? Having too many or too few is not necessarily a positive or negative to base a decision on, but something to give you a guideline of what type of networking environment is available to you.  

10. Most importantly remember that direct sales is not type of business where you can hang a shingle and say "okay I'm here, come buy from me." This is a very interactive tough type of business to be involved in. Depending on area and time of year, things will slow down. The main point is that if you are happy with products you are offering and able to communicate well with others you will succeed. Don't let slow days get you down. Remember to smile on phone with others, talk about your products and share with everyone. Don't prejudge what answer is going to be and therefore not talk to someone about what you have to offer. Let them know what you have to share and remind people by constant use of your products in your home, car, office and wherever else they can be used. Talk it up and your customer base will grow. Most of all - keep a positive mental attitude and remember you can and will succeed!

**Written by Caryn FitzGerald, owner of FitzByDesign.com** Contact: caryn@fitzbydesign.com. Reprinting of this article is encouraged - please remember to include author credit.