If you’re reading this, I’m willing to bet that you’re probably considering which direct sales company or which wine direct sales company would be the best fit for you. (Hint: if you’re mulling over the advantages of selling wine versus other products, click HERE right away!)
Over the last decade and change, I’ve been involved in several different direct sales companies. Several of which I’ve worked at the corporate level and I can tell you with certainty that not all direct sales companies are created equal.
After some disappointing experiences with other companies but as a representative and as an employee, I intentionally chose to put all my direct sales eggs into the WineShop at Home basket. Trust me, it was no accident – it was a strategic choice that has paid off in major ways that positively affect my life and the lives of my children.
If I leave you with one key takeaway from reading this post today, it’s this: whether you decide to work with WineShop at Home or another direct sales company, make your decision thoughtfully. An impulse decision will not pay off in the long run – choose the right company wisely! Trust me, it makes a difference. It also can make a difference who you join with but more on that later.
What Makes the ‘Right’ Company?
When you’re considering different companies, there are several important factors to keep in mind.
First, choose a company that knows what it’s doing. Sure, everyone says that it’s great to get in on the ground floor, and yes, if you get in early and the company does well you’ll be very glad in ten years. But you know what? I’ve been in on the ground floor several times and it’s really not so great. Half the time people don’t know what they’re doing, the funding isn’t there for long term growth, they don’t have experience on the people side of direct sales and it can be super unstable! It’s not a recipe for long term success.
In the case of WineShop at Home, we are a relatively new direct sales company, but at this point we have an award-winning wine maker, we have a CEO who knows the in’s and out’s of direct sales and we have an experienced team who are intentionally growing the company. In other words: we’re not throwing spaghetti on the wall to see what sticks. We have a super-solid plan and we’re chugging along quickly without exploding beyond what we can handle.
Second, choose a company that has heart. In the end, it comes down to the human connection in any business. Does the company care about their people, their customers, their staff?
At WineShop we know that our people are the heart and soul of our company. We stand by them, even if it takes them a little time to gain momentum or even if life eventually takes them in a different direction. We rally around them because we value community. Money is important but it’s the people that are our foundation.
Finally, choose a company that sells a product you believe in. It’s true that different companies pay a different commission rate – but my experience tells me that when you find a solid company with a product you like, with people you want to grow with, the compensation will pay. If you don’t believe in the product, all the commission in the world wouldn’t matter because you wouldn’t be able to sell it and if you don’t like the people you work with, what’s the point?
One Last Direct Sales Tip
Whether you join with WineShop at Home or another direct sales company, I’ll leave you with one tip that will have a lasting impact on your career.
Many direct sales companies have the option to join directly with the corporate office or through one of the consultants. Take my advice: join with a consultant. Never join directly with the corporate office.
Why? Because when you join with a consultant, you have an instant community and team. You have a leader who has a vested interest in making sure that you succeed, a confidant who can guide you through the inevitable tricky situations, and a team to plan with. The corporate office will supply some of those things… but there really is nothing like a team of like-minded, enthusiastic people to help you grow.
Are you considering joining WineShop at Home? Let’s talk! Click HERE to connect with me directly.