Are You Cut Out for Independent Sales?

If you have a network of "go-getter" friends and associates, you probably know of at least one individual who has achieved a high level of success in independent sales. And with the job market being in the shape that it is today, a career in independent sales might sound like a timely and advantageous move for you. This may particularly be the case if you fantasize about working from home, being your own boss and making good money while enjoying a flexible schedule. What's not attractive about such an opportunity?

My Story

Some years ago, a close friend invited me to an informational breakfast hosted by a highly reputable company that manufactures beauty products. My friend was an independent sales rep for this company and emphasized that a few people she had invited to the breakfast had bailed out on her at the last minute. She asked me to attend in place of one of them - as a favor - indicating that she had already prepaid for their breakfast.

"I'm just going to support my friend and get a free breakfast," I confidently assured my husband, who had already asked me one time too many not to sign any contracts or pay any money at the breakfast. "They're going to tell you everything you want to hear," he cautioned.

"Oh yea of little faith!" I muttered under my breath as I made my way out of the house. You may already have an idea of what happened next...

Hooked!

To make a long story short, I was sold a dream. I returned home with a couple hundred dollars less in my bank account and a new "career" as an independent sales rep (well actually, I already had a full-time job, but my hope was that I would eventually be able to leave that job and pursue this new venture full time). "I knew it!" my husband said when I walked in the house with an added sparkle in my eyes, determined to do everything in my power to make my new business work. My husband's words of caution had fallen on deaf ears; in the end, I did what I wanted to do.

The informational breakfast had been one of the most inspiring events of my lifetime. Never had I been in the company of so many individuals who had achieved success by becoming their own boss and profiting from doing something they loved! They came from a variety of different backgrounds and some had overcome major personal and financial obstacles on the road to prosperity. I quickly developed high hopes of following in their footsteps and one day being able to share my success story.

Reality Check

I consider myself a pretty driven individual, but in less than a year, I had determined that I was not cut out for independent sales. My new business never got off the ground. Although I had attended numerous seminars put on by this company and been coached by a highly talented director on how to maximize sales and also recruit my own sales reps, I grew weary from trying to achieve success in independent sales while working my full-time job.

Let me say that I do believe success in independent sales is attainable! However, everyone is not cut out for this line of work and it's better to know yourself before you jump in with both feet. When I jumped in, I had already made a few assumptions that were entirely false: 1) That my "network" of friends, associates and family members would be my primary customers; 2) That my communication and people skills would make me an excellent recruiter of future independent sales reps (which would result in more "moolah" for me while at the same time empowering other people to follow their dreams); and 3) That I had the stamina to endure the endless rejection I would receive.

First of all, my friends and family members were the least supportive of my new business venture. They were, of course, happy to receive any free items that I had to give away! But actually purchasing something from me was another story. Second, I quickly learned that although I communicate fairly well, I am not a sales pitch kind of gal! I may have perhaps benefitted from a little more training in this area, but the whole sales pitch idea just didn't suit me at all. And third, I just plain old grew tired of rejection!

A Few Words of Wisdom

I would not automatically discourage anyone from pursuing a career in independent sales. I have met several people who've achieved success by doing this. However, I do think it's important to check your assumptions and expectations before you take something like this on. The absolute worst time to commit to a career in independent sales is immediately following a powerful and moving informational session.

The people who put on these info sessions are usually quite skilled at creating an almost "spiritual" experience for you that will make you feel as though the world is your oyster. You will be tempted to make some life-changing decisions purely out of emotion - a complete state of euphoria, my case - which is the worst time to commit to something. A much smarter move is to wait until the "high" wears off and do a little more homework before you invest your time and money.