Your Direct Sales Company is closing. It’s hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t been there how this feels. I think a liking it to death is extreme, however, here’s an alternative analogy I can get on board with:
Remember that boy in school you had a crush on and how that relationship progressed? From the first attraction to plucking up the courage to start talking to him. Then going out together and wanting to spend every waking hour with him. It may have been love and you couldn’t stop talking about him non-stop for months. Then suddenly just like that he dumped you or worst “ghosted you” (listen to me all up with the latest lingo)
This is how I felt when the Direct Sales company, I was so passionate about (so much so I “bought” into it) decided to close its doors in the UK. It felt like my world had fallen apart. Given my US ties and travel plans I know I shall buy products in the USA but it won’t be the same. The company is still amazing and will continue to flourish in the States but sometimes you just have to make a tough business call that will affect others, after 20 years in HR, I get it! However, I know so many other Independent Stylists won’t be in a position to be as pragmatic.
In the world of fempreneurs and self-employment, some of my colleagues are not just losing some of their income they are losing all of it! The thought that these women whom I have bonded within a tribal, stronger together mentality are going to be disbanded saddens me.
Now the vultures are circling and so I want to help my fellow Stylists and others who may be going through the same thing.
Tips on getting through a Direct Sales closure
These are my tips on how to get through it:
You are not alone
Firstly you need to turn to your upline if you need to and your fellow company reps, they are going through what you are going through, they’re “grieving” too. Gain support from your small coaching or networking groups this isn’t the first time a company has withdrawn from a particular country.
Don’t be quick to switch
If you can afford not to, do NOT jump into a new company straight away. Some DS companies will give you notice that they are winding down the business so use this time wisely to sell off any inventory, if applicable, and maybe talk to your upline and fellow reps in the same boat and see what their plan is. Whatever you decide research is paramount as is the love of the product or service when searching for new alternatives.
In a hurry to switch?
If you do want to go with a new Direct Sales company then start talking to the reps of companies you have personally shopped with. Maybe you’ve secretly had your eye on well now you are “fancy-free so there is nothing stopping you from signing up with “Acme Direct Sales” but remember that Rebound Boyfriend? Now is the time to do your research, if you have it, so ask questions of the potential upline, such as:
- What is the reach and online presence of the new company like, does it attract you?
- What will the company and potential upline do to support you? Is there training and online support tools?
- What is the commission structure and What are you likely to realistically earn?
- How many reps are already in your area?
- What targets, if any, do you have to reach?
Ask your current ideal customers
Ask your existing customer base for their thoughts on certain brands you’re considering. This is a great time for an engagement post if you have a VIP FB Group. Your customers have become vested in you and they’re also your target client so it would be good to know what Direct Sales products they are interested in. It also shows your customers you care about their opinion and they may want to help.
Stand up to Recruiting Spammers
Be strong where spammers are concerned because you will be spammed. These approaches will be made by other Direct Sellers you’ve probably never previously spoken to. They’ve seen the news and they have actively been searching social media accounts so they can swoop in like vultures. These people are NOT your people. These types of contacts are not authentic, so why on earth would you want them as your upline? Recruiting this way is insensitive. Although I would say it’s ballsy, it’s these approaches that give the world of Direct Sales a bad name.
Mindset
Mindset is everything. Whilst I know you’ve likely just seen that flexible income disappear, it’s important to still remain professional. If you do decide to go to a new Direct Sales company, how you have behaved in the midst of this closure will be seen by a vast audience including your existing and potential customer base.
For those of you affected by a recent closure, stay focused on what you want to achieve and go for it! Everyone else will follow.
Have you been affected by a recent Direct Sales business closure? I’d love to hear how you’re doing and if you need any further support.
