Everyone does it. I did you. You did it. Future direct sales consultants will do it.
We lie to ourselves about this industry.
We delude ourselves into believing things that just simply aren’t true when we start a direct sales business, and in some cases, the consequences can mean that a consultant eventually quits.
So, in order to prevent you from feeling disillusioned and eventually leaving the business, I’ve compiled a list of the most common lies new consultants tell themselves.
Ready to take an honest look? Okay, here goes…
Lie #1: All my friends are gonna buy from me.
Oh, how I wish this were a core truth in the business, but it’s not. As it turns out, most direct sales consultants find that their friends are actually the most difficult people to sell to. Why? Well, for one, you have to work harder to impress them. They’re used to you being their bud, not their sales rep. Friends (and family, for that matter) often request special treatment, discounts, and may even get jealous and try to subtly undermine your business. I’ve seen it all, and it can get U-G-L-Y.
The truth is that your best clients will likely be people you meet through tastings – people who know you as a WineShop at Home consultant and respect what you’re trying to do.
Lie #2: I don’t really care about making money.
I call total bull on this one, and I’ve heard it a million times: people tell me they “just want to have fun.” Rarely is that true. We all care about making a profit, not only because it’s nice to have extra funds, but also because when you make a profit you know you’re seeing success.
That profit/success is a huge indicator that you’re doing something right. It makes a difference because it feels so good and it will motivate you to keep going.
Lie #3: EVERYONE buys wine, It’s gonna be so easy.
Ha! Ha! Ha! I laugh at this one. Running your own direct sales company comes with perks, yes, and it is a simple busy to run but it’s not an easy-peasy, done-for-you moneymaker. Like any business or any job, it takes some legwork to get it up and running. It’s your job to get out there and stir up business. Time to market baby, market!
Lie #4: I’ll post on Facebook and everyone will book with me.
Nope. Just nope. People are busy and if you don’t reach out directly, they’re most likely not going to book with you. Not because they don’t want to but because they think about it, turn away from their feed and 10 other things pop up. Call them and ask, that’s how to get it done!
Lie #5: Nobody makes any money in direct sales.
This one is simply not true. Many of our consultants earn upwards of six figures per year (more on that later). I most often hear this lie tossed around as an excuse as to why a consultant isn’t seeing the income he or she really wants (and by the way, if you’re not seeing the income you want, read this.
Lie #6: Nobody will pay $50 to host a wine tasting.
Seriously? This business would not work if customers weren’t willing to pay $50 to host a tasting! Thousands of hosts do it every single month and will happily tell you how great it is.
Lie #7: No one will buy a $30 bottle of wine.
Of course they will. Just walk into any wine shop and look at the top shelf: you’ll see wine selling for $30, $40, $50, $100 – and guess what? People buy it. All the time. Every day. Not everyone wants a $30 bottle of wine, but plenty of people do and we offer wines from $16-$60+ so you’ll find the right range for your customers!
Lie #8: If someone wants to join the business, they’ll ask me about it.
Sometimes they will, most often they won’t. It’s up to you to ask people to join your team. If you think they’d be good, TELL them! We all love it when someone sees something special in us!
Truth #1: You’ll get out of this what you put in.
When you invest time, energy, thought and passion into this business, it will pay you back big time. It tends to take new consultants about six months of business building to get to the point where they start to feel as though they have a sense of how WineShop at Home works and get into a flow. But keep in mind, you’ll be bringing in $500-$5000/month during that time if you commit to doing the work!
In our business, like any business, it takes a little time to get into the swing of things. Earning six figures in commissions plus incentive trips [LINK: Why You Should Step it Up & Earn the WineShop at Home Incentive Trip] is 100% possible – for everyone – but it generally doesn’t happen in the first year. Think 18-24 months if you’re really working it.
This business can be an incredible way to make more money, make friends, earn incentive trips and drink the best wine. Want to learn more and find out if it’s right for you? Click HERE and let’s talk.