Are you Ready to Get Serious Making Money From Home as a Work at Home Mom? (Third of a series about working from home.)

WAHMs searching for a genuine opportunity to work independently, while still have time to look after their children, should consider direct sales. As a direct sales rep, you're considered an independent contractor. The company provides you with their products or services at a discount. The difference between the price you sell the items for, and the price charged by the company is your profit. Often, the company will encourage you to recruit other sales people to work under you, and you will earn a commission from their sales.

Choosing a direct sales company as your platform into a home business is a great way to go for WAHMs due to, among other things, affordability; the costs are comparatively small. You'll be expected to buy a starter kit, and these are usually in the $100 - $200 range. A regular brick and mortar business would cost you thousands, more likely tens of thousands. In some cases, there are companies that will allow you to earn a starter kit for free.

As a direct sales entrepreneur, you will enjoy a lot of flexibility in your work schedule, and in your income. All the decisions about when to schedule parties or demonstrations, of course, rest with you; the amount you earn is directly proportional to the hours you put in. The more demonstrations you decide to schedule, and the more clients you meet, the more you'll earn. Support and encouragement will also flow from fellow consultants. Regularly scheduled weekly meeting will motivate you and provide you with a fresh perspective on your business. The ability to network with colleagues for support and encouragement will prove very beneficial as you move forward with your business.

The primary requirement for success in direct sales is to have great people skills; the products you sell are second to your personality. The determining factors that sell your products will be your presence and your customer service. If you aren't already, you'll need to become very organized in running your business. You are in charge of tracking your sales, and for paying all necessary taxes. You'll be responsible for scheduling your parties and demonstrations, as well as with following up your leads in a prompt manner.

Once you have decided on pursuing a direct sales career, the next step, of course, is to select the company you will work with. It is highly recommended that your selection offers products that you either already use, or that you have an interest in; very successful sales people are generally enthusiastic about their products. It would be very hard for you to appear sincere if you try to sell a product in which you have very little interest.

When making your choice about the company you join, think about it in the long term. You will be investing time, money, and effort in this business using your name; do your research wisely and be sure to pick a trustworthy company. Do not allow anyone, such as an aggressive sponsor, to sign in a rush. The final decision, remember, is yours and yours alone, so think it through.

Be sure and ask many questions. Learn as much as possible about your potential partner before signing up. Review the commission structure, learn how products are sold, and determine whether there are monthly minimums. Ask about the price of the starter kit and what it will include. Will you be required to purchase anything else from them in addition to the starter kit? Do you have to purchase inventory? What is the time frame for delivery of you orders to your customers, and what shipment methods do they use?

Don't jump head first into an opportunity without first doing some thorough research online about the company. Read what other consultants have to say, and do not forget to also review how customers view the company; if there is more detrimental information than good about a company, you had better find another one. Don't forget to visit the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau websites, as well. One last bit of advice, make sure you choose a reputable company to join.