Do Work at Home Moms Really Exist?

I never thought I would be a Work at Home Mom.  WAHM, for short,  is a possibility for all moms in today’s world.  Whether you want to work part-time or full-time, you are no longer bound by corporate rules and hours.  You can earn money working from home.

Being a WAHM is not easy.  There are no get rich quick schemes that really pay off.  If you want to work from home, you must know from the beginning that you need to work hard, be organized and be flexible.   Now I don’t want to scare you off — I just don’t want anyone to have unrealistic expectations like I did.

There are many different ways to earn money as a WAHM.  This is part one of a three part series, of some WAH opportunities that I have tried.   I’ve done a lot of research over the last few years trying to earn extra money, and I’d like to be able to share some of it with you.  Hey, we’re all busy moms…I am just trying to save you a little time!

Direct Sales – this is a great opportunity for people who love products!  In the past, I  have been an independent consultant for  Stampin’ Up!, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Home Interiors and Lia Sophia.  I was drawn to the fact that I could “earn” money while selling products I already loved.  The start-up costs are usually reasonable, and you typically get a lot of product and marketing tools to start your business on the right foot.

Now, it is possible to make good money as an independent consultant or distributor of these and many other companies.   I personally was not successful in these ventures because I am the type of person who loves the products, and the social interaction of the party plan structure.  I loved that part so much, that I didn’t grow the business like I could (or should) have to really earn money.  But there is a lot of business building help available if you are ready to grow your business.  One that I tried, with success, was The Lemonade Lady, Christie Northrup. She has some wonderful books, and now CD’s, that can help you grow your business. I love the way she puts a new “twist” on an old idea.  (If you sign up for her newsletter or visit her website, you’ll know what I mean.)   Christie has many years of direct selling experience to help you succeed in the party plan business.

I have met a lot of wonderful people as an independent consultant – many of whom I still call a friend today.  But here are a few more things I’ve learned along the way:

1. Do your research! If you love a product, and are interested in selling it, find out all you can about becoming an independent consultant before you tell a potential recruiter that you are interested.  Their websites usually have a lot of information on the benefits of owning your own business.  Specifically, look at the compensation plan.  How much money do you make on your sales?  Your downline sales?  How far does that downline earning potential go?  Multi-Level Marketing, MLM, offers wonderful ways to earn residual income on your teams’ sales.  I know of women who earn six figure incomes doing what they love!  By doing your research ahead of time, it will somewhat prepare you for the information you get from your recruiter.  Having some understanding of the compensation structure will make it a little easier for you to digest all the details.
2.    Be careful when a potential recruiter says, “Sign up with me today, it’s easy to make money!” People who are trying to grow their business work hard to recruit others to join them.  MLM offers great opportunities to make money on team sales.  But, take a look at your potential recruiter’s success, and what she has to offer you as a business partner.  Some of the most successful people in this business have mentors to help them along the way.  I personally would recommend Jackie Ulmer .  She has many years of experience growing her own business online and is now helping other WAHM to do the same.  Regardless of what MLM company you decide to join, she can help coach you to success to build your business online.
3.    Love the product! If you love the product, it shows.  You will have a passion that cannot be faked or learned, and that will come through in everything you do.  Plus, you really do need to love the product because you will have a lot of it!  From your starter kit, to samples and prizes, you will have the product to show for your hard work and commitment.
4.    Be able to take rejection! Not everyone you meet will be as enthusiastic as you are about your product.  But that’s OK!  When you get a “no”, you are on your way to a “yes”.  In many ways, sales is a numbers game.  The more people you present the product and the opportunity to, the more chances you’ll have to find people who are genuinely interested!

These are just some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned with a direct sales business.  It really is a great opportunity to earn some money and products if you are willing to work at it! I have taken the next step after learning so much and have found success with my new direct sales business, Send Out Cards.

I would love to hear about your great experience with direct sales.  There are so many great opportunities out there…the potential is endless!

Note:  Article originally written by me and appeared on http://www.busy-mommy.com.  Minor changes have been made to include updated information and links.