So you signed up to be a rep, now what?

So after pondering for a couple of months (or days, who knows), you have finally signed up as a direct sales representative. Well, congratulations, there's a world of opportunities that awaits you.

Many people fail at succeeding in the MLM business because they don't know what to do next. It's like flying a plane; you only take off when you complete your run on the runway. The only difference is that your runway here is filled with hurdles, especially when starting fresh.

But hey, every master was a novice once. You don't become Mary Kay Ash in a swoosh!

In this article, we will be discussing all the nitty-gritty about getting started as a new sales representative. After giving the piece a complete read, you will know everything you need to start your journey.

So let's jump in without any ado!

Tip# 1: Write down your warm market list

As a beginner in direct selling, we couldn't recommend writing down your warm market list enough. What is a warm market? It consists of the people who know and trust you, including your family, friends, or any acquaintances you have previously dealt with.

Following this strategy increases your chances of making your first sale quickly, given that most, if not all of them, trust you. And when you present them with something they really need, they're likely to buy it.

Another advantage is that you can personally request them to refer you to their acquaintances, helping you with "spread of word" marketing. So not only do you make a sale, but you also get free advertising; it's the best of both worlds. ;)

Tip# 2: Set SMART goals

Have your warm marketing list already? Great! Now, you need to set your goals for the next 3, 6, and 12 months. The key point here is to keep your goals SMART, e.g., specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.

Remember, MLM business requires the same degree of planning and strategizing as any other business to make a mark. The only difference is that your chances of success are more due to the networking opportunities it holds.

To get started, set a goal for a year, divide the time into quarterly halves, and then set a small and very specific milestone for every 3 months. This will make the process much more enjoyable, with a sense of achievement at every small accomplishment along the way.

Tip# 3: Know your company

You cannot make a sale or recruit a new member if you know nothing about your company in the first place. So once you have signed up, educate yourself with each and everything your company has to offer.

For example, check out your company's training videos. As a completely inexperienced person in direct sales, it will provide you with all the initial ins and outs of being an effective sales representative. Or, it will significantly increase your knowledge even if you already know a thing or two about sales.

Another important thing is to give a full read to the literature on each product you are about to sell. You can then use the provided data to formulate strategies for selling the product. For example, what are the product's key features that can benefit the user? What makes it unique? Is there a way to build a compelling story around it? Moreover, are there any general concerns someone can raise as you present your pitch?

Last but not least, know as much as you can about your company's compensation plan. Afterward, ask yourself questions like why you joined it? What factors did you find compelling about the MLM plan, and what specific conditions led you to be a part of it? Also, what are the initial general concerns someone can raise while being recruited?

All the factors above will play a pivotal role in your success as a sales representative and an upline leader. So the more you are informed, the brighter are your chances of making it through your initial hurdles in the business.

Tip# 4: Get familiar with the company's tech offerings

Most MLM companies have at least one of the following tools for their reps; a replicated website, a mobile app, and a corporate shopping site. However, where these tools are convenient, they can also confuse beginners. The following are some basic things you need to know about each:

A replicated website is a template distributed among all sales representatives and tailored to their needs. These websites have a very engaging UX and probably everything else for sales representatives to promote their business, build credibility through testimonials, and increase productivity through automation.

Similarly, an MLM mobile app has multiple functions, like containing information about all the network members from uplines to downlines, compensation and commission plans, and updates on anything that could benefit your business.

As for the corporate shopping site, it's basically an exclusive shopping website with special discount offers on items for retailers or direct sales representatives.

Besides these three factors, up-to-date rep reports and a practical back-office work ethic are also essential. Rep reports will keep you updated about your progress. At the same time, good administration or back office will help you along the way as you move forward in your business.

Tip# 5: Purchase business and product brochures

Direct sales are about building social connections and long-lasting relationships with your consumers. While this won't be a problem when dealing with warm prospects, the story is entirely different in cold markets.

You must not only compel them but also give them something to remember you by. And that something is business and product brochures. Here, it's important to mention that both have a completely different purpose.

For example, if you are reaching out to people to expand your network, you would most certainly like to leave them your company's business brochure after a compelling pitch. Business brochures contain information about everything, from the company's history to compensation plans and anything in between. With all the available information, they can make their choice easily and might follow up to further the process.

On the other hand, a product brochure comes in handy when you are reaching out to a consumer. It contains the company's standard information, a compelling tagline, and all the new products it offers. You can later reach back out and ask the prospects if they liked the latest products, have any questions, or would like to make a purchase.

Tip# 6: Craft a great story

Pick up any marketing book, and you will see one overly emphasized word everywhere- emotions! And guess what? You can only trigger emotions when you have something that connects with your target audience, something like a great story.

The best part about a business story is that you don't have to craft it; it's already there. You just need to find the right words and approach to telling it. A good story emphasizes all the struggles powered by a single goal, shares the pain of the target audience, and concentrates on parts that connect to them the most.

A good story can be the cornerstone of building a genuine relationship with your customers and network partners.

Conclusion

The first rule to succeed in any business is to stay determined and flexible with your approach. You must remain ready to persevere through all the hindrances that might come your way as a novice and use them as a torch light to find your way towards success.

Remember, there's no shortcut in any business, not even MLM. It will take a lot of time and effort to build your network. But that effort can all go down the drain if you keep beating around the bushes without a proper strategy.

In this article, we covered the basics of getting your new business off the ground and ensuring you're on the right track. We hope you found the topic helpful. For more articles, keep following our blog and follow us on social media. We've got more tips and articles planned!

Good luck!