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Many direct sales consultants are using the economy as an excuse why their business isn’t doing as well lately.  I will concede that some of your current customers may no longer be making as many purchases due to the economy. However what is likely more accurate is that some businesses aren’t doing as well lately because some consultants have not reworked their businesses to account for the sagging economy.

Do you see the difference?  One is saying that the root cause of the decreased or failed business is because of the economy; and the other is saying that the root case is that the consultants don’t rework their business accordingly.

I flew on four different airplanes this weekend.  On three of the four legs of the flight I had two open seats next to me (all the better to recline!).  Yet the First Class section was jam-packed!  The economy can’t be that bad if all the First Class seats are continually full.

Ever drive past restaurant row on a Friday or Saturday night?  Every restaurant parking lot is full and there’s usually a waiting list to get in.  People are still spending money.

I have to make an appointment with my hairdresser six weeks in advance.  People are spending money on manicures, pedicures, facials, haircuts and colors.  The economy isn’t causing people to give up their simple affordable luxuries.

Yes foreclosures are at an all time high. Consumers may be fixing large appliances rather than replacing them.  Some vacation plans have been revised to stay closer to home.  Auto sales aren’t exactly booming right now.  But these are all high ticket items.

There is still a very large demand for simple affordable luxuries.  Chances are, your direct sales product offering falls into this category.  If your personal business is hurting, then it’s time to switch gears and go find the people who are shopping.

It’s win/win really.  Generally speaking, high income folks have money to spend; those in the middle income bracket may be making some sacrifices but it’s not necessarily to the simple affordable luxuries; and those with lower income still enjoy their homes to smell good, their lips to look pretty or their fingers to be beautifully adorned.

Essentially there is a market for your direct sales products, no matter what the economy and no matter to what income ranges you’re offering the product.  You may just need to be creative to find new customers.  Don’t blame the economy.

About the Author:  Laurie Ayers is a WAHM from Michigan and a Star Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles.  She enjoys helping others start and maintain a candle business.  You can find Laurie at http://www.Scentsy.com/LA or http://www.ThrivingCandleBusiness.com

Tags: direct sales, Small business

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 at 3:40 pm and is filed under Personal Development. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.