Eleven years ago, I didn’t have the same level of hustle I do today. In fact, the entrepreneurial lifestyle was quite foreign to me; having worked in an office straight out of university, I had become accustomed to a 9-5 corporate way of life.
However, during my first maternity leave, I suddenly had less of a desire to return to the office environment, but nevertheless needed to bring in an income. I decided to try my hand at monetizing a blog, rationalizing that if it didn’t work out, I could always return to my 9-5.
I haven’t set foot in an office since.
Entrepreneurs are not born, they’re made – often as a result of circumstances like my own. And today, there’s no shortage of opportunities for those who want to launch their “side hustle” into a career. Direct selling is a prime example of how to work independently and build a business with low start-up and overhead costs. In fact, OVER 1 MILLION Canadians are involved in direct selling! Whether you’re trying to create personal income or simply because you enjoy a company’s products or services, direct selling offers the flexibility to set your own hours, the freedom to run your own business, and of course, an ideal level of work-life balance. Chances are, you know someone who sells beauty or hair products, kitchen essentials, clothing or more!
Need further inspo? Here’s what Brittany Johnston, a National Vice President at Arbonne has to say:
“To me, being an Independent Sales Consultant means I get to help others live differently. I get to empower others to live life on their own terms, by design and with passion and purpose. I would tell anyone considering this business:
1) Commit – the #1 reason this business doesn’t work for some people is they start, but don’t stay long enough to see the rewards. This isn’t a race but a journey and if you stay you WILL succeed. Start your biz and STAY. Commit UNTIL. It’s not a matter of IF this will work, but WHEN. Those at the top have heard the most “no’s” but have also helped the most people.
2) Consistent – the only way to succeed and eventually reach the top level is to be consistent in your efforts. Consistent in your brand. Consistent in sharing the business. If you are working, it’s working – the results will eventually come even if it’s not immediate.
3) Learn – 100% without growing as a person your business won’t grow, so embrace it from the beginning and do a little bit every day. The only difference between you today and you next year are the books you read and the people you meet. Your business will never outgrow you.”
Ready to begin? Here’s where to start. Visit www.dsa.ca – the Direct Sellers Association of Canada. The DSA is devoted to serving the direct selling industry in Canada – whether working on behalf of members to address issues of importance, providing member companies and their Independent Sales Consultants with support, or ensuring consumer protection by enforcing the high standards set out in their Codes of Ethics & Business Practices.
The most trusted Canadian direct selling organizations are found in their Member Directory; it’s a great place to start when considering which company to partner with.
Do you, or does someone you know, have a flourishing business as an Independent Sales Consultant? Leave a comment for me to let me know all about it! Visit www.dsa.ca to learn more about direct selling and #FindYourCommunity.
This post is sponsored by the Direct Sellers Association of Canada. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
Nice content and advice that business owners can follow through it.