Hard times? Try direct sales
Friday, May 1, 2009
Huntsville, ALA-April 19. 2009--The economic downturn and increasing unemployment rate have left even the gainfully employed feeling insecure. Traditional 9-to-5ers are looking for an alternate work option that lets them stay home with the kids and cut day care costs. Stay-at-home moms and dads are looking to supplement their family's income.
Starting a home-based business in direct selling is becoming an attractive option, according to Anne Nelson, author of the direct selling primer "Find Your Joy Zone."
"With direct sales, your destiny is in your control - from pay raises, to bonuses, even taking vacations," she said.
Nelson will be featured speaker at the first North Alabama Direct Selling Expo on Friday and will also present a workshop for exhibitors. The event is presented by the Women's Business Council of North Alabama and the Direct Selling Education Foundation in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Most have had a brush with direct sales at some point - Avon, Tupperware and Longaberger are longtime favorite home businesses - but the landscape is changing.
"The options are endless, from legal services to beauty products to housewares to jewelry to travel," Nelson said.
Minimal upfront cost, low risk and ultimate flexibility combined with relatively low-cost, consumable, recession-proof products makes direct selling an appealing source of extra income.
Nelson will present several of the hourly seminars offered on all aspects of direct selling at the expo along with representatives from Redstone Federal Credit Union, Business Networking International and other services offering business guidance for entrepreneurs.
Wendy Kobler, Enjoy! contributing writer
Start that business
Anne Nelson's 10 reasons to start your direct sales business
1. Be your own boss
2. Determine your income
3. Job security
4. Product at a discount and minimal investment
5. Decide who to work with
6. Recognition and friendship
7. Generate income for retirement, education, financial security
8. More time to be with the people you want to be with
9. Develop new skills
10. Have fun!
