The trip was great for the family and I think Billy is going on a diet after all those hotdogs! Lol… Aside from me having a huge sense of accomplishment, Billy and the kids are very interested in my business now. Molly had to write a school paper on leadership and she used me as the subject matter!

I need to figure out how I’m going to keep my business growing. What are some of the important aspects I need to focus on now? What kind of new skills do I need to acquire? Where can I get help and direction?

I made it to day 100 and I’ve been able to save enough money to pay for our family trip! I’m glad I was persistent and didn’t judge myself too early. Had I given up before six months I never would have really known the true potential of myself. Direct sales might not be for everyone but it provides a great opportunity for people to take charge of the life and become their own boss. Success in business is attainable and directly tied to the amount of time and energy you invest.

What were you able to do with the extra income you made in direct sales?

Well success is definitely not guaranteed in this business and I realize that it’s too early to reassess my decision of becoming a consultant. Any reward worth achieving requires a level of risk. I need to focus on the positive and stay focused for at least six months in order to make an appropriate determination/evaluation. And I’m not alone…! Everyone that starts their own business faces setbacks and roadblocks. What’s important is not if they develop but if you are willing to overcome them.

“Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” -Oprah Winfrey

How has becoming a consultant increased your confidence? Have your family and friends noticed a difference in you? If so, how?

“It’s incredibly important to understand that failing is part of learning…By avoiding failure, you’re also avoiding life’s richness. And what happens if you fail? It can be liberating.” This is a quote from Maria Shriver’s commencement address May, 1998 and I think is sound advice. Even if my business doesn’t work out for me there are a number of non-financial benefits in direct sales. Becoming a consultant has taught me a lot about business and leadership which can be applied in my everyday life. Additionally all the great new friends and time I’ve spend with existing ones has become very important.

How has becoming a consultant increased your confidence? Have your family and friends noticed a difference in you? If so, how?

Wow…This is becoming really hard now… I’ve invested over a month with some success but really don’t have much to show. Maybe I don’t have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Thursday and Friday of this week didn’t go so well… Not sure I have the right stuff…

Has anyone ever felt this way? What were some difficult moments during the beginning stages of being a consultant?

The majority of my sales efforts are now focused on people that I don’t know directly and though I’m well prepared, some of them don’t seem to be too interested in speaking to me. No matter how many “yes’s” I get the “no’s” don’t seem to be getting any easier to take. The worst is when people are rude or just ignore me.

How can I overcome the rejections? How do I lower the number of no’s for my business? How can I get over them so they don’t affect me emotionally?

I’ve sold some products and really enjoy spending time with all my friends and their networks. I really think I’m getting the hang of this…! The money I’ve been making goes straight into our savings account for our trip. What really helps me is that I personally love the products and believe in my company’s mission statement. It gives me the confidence to share my products and story with other people. Thinking about myself as a buyer also helps me keep things in perspective when talking to potential customers.

What are some of your success stories?

I have my contact list together and I am completely surprised by how many people I know! After breakfast tomorrow I’m going meet Jake’s history teacher, Teresa. I mentioned my business when we were talking about Jake’s grades. She said that she would meet me for 5 minutes but she didn’t seem too enthusiastic or interested. But even if she doesn’t buy anything I did read about referrals and how important they are in building your direct selling business. Maybe she knows some people that would be interested in buying my products?

This was my first meeting with someone I wasn’t completely comfortable with. What are good ways to ask for referrals?

On my way into the house today the product brochure from my starter kit had apparently fallen out of my purse. Mary, my neighbor, found it on the driveway while walking her dog and showed up just before dinner to ask if it was mine. While I was thanking her for returning it she asked about a few products she saw. Well the next thing I know she placed an order for a couple items and I actually made a sale!

I was able to talk to Mary about my products/business because I knew her and she approached me but how about complete strangers? I’m not exactly the life of a party so how do I go about doing so without being pushy…? I’m definitely apprehensive about just talking to anyone about my business. What are some good approaches and/or some ways to build my contact list?

So I received my starter kit and boy, am I excited to start! I love the products and hope that everyone I talk to does too! Billy is still a little skeptical but he and the kids are on board…at least for now. He gives me a little chuckle every time I bring it up but I’M JUST GOING TO GIVE IT MY BEST SHOT! I’d be so happy if I can make enough money so that we can do our annual trip to Disney, the kids always have so much fun and Billy loves the hot dogs! ☺

I’m so glad that the family is supporting me! What are some good ways to overcome self-doubt and deal with fear?