Are you one of the millions of Americans who dream of owning your own business? Wake up! Quit dreaming! Many business owner wannabees would rather keep their eyes closed and continue dreaming because they lack:
Financing
Time
Education
Could you be part of this group?
How would you like to "test drive" the role of a business owner without worrying about any of these issues?
Direct selling is the vehicle because it eliminates the three reasons why most people hesitate to begin a business.
Let's discuss the lack of financing:
Most direct selling companies, both party plan (group demonstrations) and network marketing (one-on-one presentations) can be opened for less than $100.00! Opening a business for less than the cost of a week's groceries; what a value!
This low start up investment covers all the research and development the direct sales company has already invested thousands, and maybe millions of dollars. They normally provide all the sales literature and promotional items so you don't have any of those expenses or activities.
Because direct sellers work from their home, there is no lease or monthly rental on office space, a huge chunk of change for business owners. And, no outside office space means few, if any employees, especially while you're taking the business owner test drive.
Direct Sales consultants will normally need a computer and Internet access. Most people have that already, and can quite possibly begin to claim some of its use as a business expense. However, you must consult with a qualified tax professional for advice on this.
Speaking of taxes, you'll reap many tax benefits from owning your own business and having an office in your home. You can even hire your kids for some tasks. Again, consult with a tax specialist; this suggestion is for information only.
Direct sales companies, in most cases, have applied for state and local tax licenses so you simply collect the taxes from customers, pass that through to your company, and they take care of paying the taxes to the appropriate agency.
You will want to have a separate banking account, although you can open a personal, not a business account so the fees are very low, if any at all. A dedicated credit card just for business expenses is also a near necessity. Most party plan companies are set up so you collect money from customers, put their checks and cash in your account, and pay the company with your credit card. The funds simply pass through your account (careful, don't spend this money) and you pay your company, who in turn sends you a check, usually monthly.
Other companies are set up so when you purchase product, you are charged the wholesale price. In this case, the difference between what your customers pay you and what you owe when you order product becomes your profit.
Apply for a personal (not business) credit card where you earn points for travel, gifts, or even cash. As a direct sales consultant, you could be using the credit card for thousands of dollars of product every month and the credit card company will reward you accordingly.
Speaking of credit cards,you probably won't have to apply for a merchant account to accept customers' credit cards because that's normally a service most direct sales companies provide. Some pass on the merchant processing fee to you; however, credit card sales are normally higher than cash or check, so you'll still be ahead.
As you use the vehicle of direct sales to test drive the life of a business owner, you'll see your personal credit card debt diminished and lots of cash flowing through your business.educationeasy.net business card card account and ultimately in your checkbook.
For more details on connecting your calendar to your checkbook, visit LemonAidLady.com LemonAidLady.com
Copyright 2009, Christie Northrup, The Lemon Aid Lady
Christie Northrup, known world-wide in the direct sales industry as The Lemon Aid Lady, has 30 year's of practical experience as a home party plan consultant and leader.
In 1980, as a young stay-at-home mom of one son, she began a career with Tupperware that would span the next 17 years and several cross country moves. In addition to giving birth to two more sons, she grew her team in every city where she relocated. She and her best friend/husband, Bob, reached the pinnacle of performance by being invited to purchase a Tupperware franchise.
In 1998 they sold their business and founded Lemon Aid Learning Adventures to share creative TWISTs with direct sales consultants across the world.
Since then, Christie has written seven books specific to the direct sales industry along with the creation and production of several audio programs. She's presented to all major party plan companies at local, regional, and national levels. Additionally, the Northrups have worked as business consultants with several start up companies.
To better understand the needs of today's home party plan sales consultant, Christie grew another wonderful sales team of 500+ consultants and leaders with Scentsy, Inc (a new company and former client) over a period of two years, 2006-2008.
She is now revamping many of her popular presentations and materials to include electronic marketing all while keeping the integrity of the traditional party plan concept.
Visit LemonAidLady.com LemonAidLady.com and read her blog at DirectSalesGab.com
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