5 Direct Sales Myths (Learn the TRUTH!)

Did you know that Direct Sales was a 42.4 billion dollar industry in 2021?

That’s a pretty large number which indicates that hundreds of thousands of people benefit from working with direct sales companies!

Nevertheless, in some ways, direct sales has earned a bad rap through misrepresentation and stereotyping, so I’m here to dispel 5 myths surrounding direct sales to give you a better picture of what direct sales is really about.

Myth #1: You have to be an extrovert.

While I can see where this misconception comes from, it simply isn’t true. People with all kinds of personalities can succeed in direct sales. In a time where a majority of networking is done online, you literally don’t have to interact with people face to face to make connections.

Just because an extroverted person enjoys being around people and going to social events, doesn’t mean they can use those same skills to make sales, educate potential clients, and remain disciplined enough to succeed.

Perhaps the individual who enjoys staying home will have more time to cultivate relationships, stay organized, and educate themselves. 

You may have different strengths within direct sales depending on your personality, but you can excel regardless!

Myth #2: Direct Sales is too saturated of a market.

Chances are if you are on social media you have a friend (or two, or three, or four) working in direct sales. It may seem intimidating to consider entering into a market already full of friends and acquaintances.

No matter what kind of career you are considering, there is always room at the table! Remember, you are a unique individual who will bring fresh perspective and talent to direct sales. Your sphere of influence is equally unique. 

Also, there are so many people out there you don't know yet who YOU (simply for just being you) can attract!

Myth #3: You have to be good at sales.

Of course the more comfortable and confident you are with sales, the easier it is to sell. There are other ways to excel within direct sales. I know a lot of people who join a company because they believe so strongly in the product or service being offered. Either they have had enormous success with it or they have seen it work first hand. 

Sometimes that experience is all that is needed to help you sell. You genuinely believe in the product or service so much, you want to tell everyone about it and share the benefits. People can smell a sleezey sales person from a mile away. So when someone they know is simply sharing their experience, it doesn’t come off as a sales pitch, and that can be refreshing and effective! 

Maybe you are a knowledge junky and know all there is to know about your product or service. People want to buy from an expert. When you can confidently answer every question or concern, you create a confident buying experience. 

There are so many ways to excel within direct sales that doesn’t have to center around being naturally good at sales.

Myth #4: You have to spend money.

If you are encouraged to spend a bunch of your own money to buy a starter kit, pay for training and education, or build inventory, dig a bit deeper. Remember, working with direct sales should be an opportunity for you to MAKE money, not spend it. You should be thoroughly researching any company you want to work with to verify it’s legit and not a scam.

You usually do have a small investment to make into a business, but it should be one that is easily earned back within a few short months of starting your business. You don't want to be in debt before even getting started.

Myth #5: You must host in-home/virtual parties.

Perhaps you have had a bad experience at one of theses events yourself and the thought of hosting one makes you cringe. It can be intimidating to invite people into your home or to any event.  I know you don’t want to create an event and have no one attend or foster a high-pressure situation where people feel obligated to buy from you.

So find other ways to reach your people!

Get creative and think outside the box. Make sure to vet the direct sales company you want to work with and verify that hosting parties isn’t a requirement. If you don’t want to do it, don’t. Your potential customers will feel your awkwardness and it won’t be a good time for anyone!

If nothing else, I hope you have a greater understanding of what direct sales IS and IS NOT. That bad taste should be fading from your mouth as you realize direct sales is an opportunity for those looking to break free from the constraints of corporate life. 

It isn’t a scam, and you don’t have to be an extrovert who is good at sales. You do have to be hard-working, disciplined, committed, and love those you serve! 

What do you think? Is direct sales a potential fit for you? Let us know!