Into Motivation

For the busy mum who needs additional sources of income, self-employment may seem very palatable. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to set your own hours, make a good income and still be able to cope with all those family commitments and household chores? Many mums in this position turn to direct selling and of the more than 50 million people estimated to work in this style of business worldwide, almost 70% are women.

So many things can stand in the way of the mum when it comes to getting back to work after a pregnancy or achieving some additional income as a family grows, but professional coaching – particularly coaching for women, can help quickly make these things an achievable possibility. You wish you could set a fixed schedule with a family in tow, but as those of us in that position can testify, any number of last-minute and unplanned crises can arise to throw everything off course. Kids in school are so vulnerable to what seems to be the smallest virus and certainly the school hour-days you had set aside can be suddenly compromised. You might think about a part-time, flexible, direct selling business and if you do, online life coaching can definitely help you focus and get on the right track.

Before you rush off to start your direct selling business, consider some important aspects.

- To start off with, are you an outgoing person, socially active, who loves to meet people? No one is suggesting you are a hermit, but this kind of business requires you to be very forward and to revel in social environments. Search your soul for this answer and be sure that you are ready for this type of scenario before you proceed.

- Are you good at research? Online resources can really help to uncover a lot of information about any subject you can think of. Research the very concept of direct selling and then make sure that you know all there is to know about the companies you are considering. Direct

selling can be a minefield at times and you might come across some so-called opportunities that are very similar to pyramid schemes. If you come across a program that requires you to enrol others for financial gain, be wary. Always check references and contact the testimonial givers as well.

- Direct sales opportunities abound in various industries. You might be able to build a business around an existing hobby? Direct selling opportunities exist in childcare, book sales, clothing, beverages, cosmetics, supplements, party supplies, scrap booking, toys, weight management and a host of others. Try to get involved in something that you really like, this is surprisingly important.

- Be wary of any significant start up fees. Start up fees should only be relatively low, for example an initial kit of supplies to start you off. Are you happy with the quality of the product concerned? Would you buy it yourself – if not don’t think that you’ll be able to sell it to acquaintances, friends or friends of your friends without some repercussions!

- The chances are you may know somebody who is already into direct selling. Brainstorm with them as much as they will allow and while you may not expect them to give away any proprietary secrets, you will undoubtedly get some interesting tales from the front line to help you make up your mind.

Through a thorough investigation of the direct selling opportunity, you may be ready to invest and the next thing to do is to come up with a clear vision of what you expect from the business. Set your income, lifestyle and contribution goals as a next step. When you have compiled your vision, take action by setting out the first 10 steps to help you launch your direct selling business in style.

Amanda Alexander is Director of Coaching Mums and a highly acclaimed ICF-accredited coach who delivers professional coaching programmes to working mums who yearn for success, balance and fulfilment. Are you a juggling mom? Download our free eBook for working moms that will give you 5 simple and instant ways to balance your life right now!