A Direct Sales Business Plan = Success in 2009

The Secret To Success In Direct Sales I replaced my full time job with my home party business in about 9 months. I am often asked “what is your secret?” referring to my successes in my direct sales business. The secret is that I treat it like a business or a profession. There are ...

The Secret To Success In Direct Sales

I replaced my full time job with my home party business in about 9 months. I am often asked “what is your secret?” referring to my successes in my direct sales business. The secret is that I treat it like a business or a profession. There are certain business practices that all successful businesses follow. They are called best-business-practices. One best-business-practice that all successful businesses follow is to write and rewrite annually a business plan. A business plan has three purposes: 1. Provides clarity and purpose 2. Gives you IRS compliance when taking home office deduction 3. Gives you a road map for success over the next year Not only does a good business plan spell out your goals, mission and purpose but it also provides you with actions to take. When you have a plan in place you will have a better understanding on where to invest your time and money. Here is an example of the type of details a plan may include: Mission Statement: The mission of Snuggy Bunny Baskets is to: 1. Have a customer base of at least 10 annual “repeat” customers 2. Service my customers in the best way I can 3. Sponsor active Independent Representatives 4. Support and train my recruits in the best way I can 5. Be an active part of the business community 6. Attend monthly & yearly business meetings Marketing & Sales: Snuggy Bunny Baskets will use the following marketing methods to promote the mission statement: (other methods will be incorporated as necessary) Retail Sales: 1. Home Shows 2. Catalog (Book) Shows 3. Flyers 4. Pass out business cards 5. Give gifts & promotions (of company products) to family, friends & potential customers 6. Attend (or join) local professional organizations 7. Fund Raisers/Basket Bingos 8. Business meetings over a meal A IRS direct sales specific business plan template makes it easy to plug in your own details. Listen to an audio recording on Creating A Business Plan. Your business plan is a perpetual work in progress. It will change from time to time and year to year and without one your goals will most likely elude you. I encourage you to complete your business plan as soon as you can. It is amazing what it will do for your business.