Direct Sales SOS? No I don’t mean Save Our Souls even though that would be great for another post! SOS in this case stands for Shiny Object Syndrome! In my eight years of being part of the Direct Selling Industry I have seen countless people fall prey to this affliction. I have to admit that I too have suffered from this disease. I have looked at and dabbled in other businesses. There’s always the NEXT BIG thing on the Internet; the next ground floor opportunity that will make you a MILIION bucks in FIVE months! We as human beings are prone to want to experience all the shiny new objects that are placed in our path. I am so guilty of this!
I recently read a sentence that resonated quite deeply with me and made me stop and really think about the image I was portraying by not focusing on my main Direct Sales business. It was in a blog post by Jennifer Fong, someone whom I greatly admire as an expert in Direct Sales Marketing. She stated:
Most direct sellers find that they make more money when focusing on one business. When you split your time between multiple businesses, it’s harder to have the focus necessary to really build strong. It also sends the message to anyone you recruit that you’re not completely dedicated to the company, and so why should they be?”
This is so true. Chasing every new thing or jumping from business to business truly dilutes your credibility as a leader and as a person. People lose their trust in you. Remember; “If people LIKE you they’ll LISTEN to you, but if they TRUST YOU they’ll DO BUSINESS with You!” ~Zig Ziglar
While thinking of this topic, a good friend of mine came to mind and I decided to ask her what has her immunity to the Shiny Object Syndrome done for her and her business as an Independent Scentsy Director. Here is what she shared with me:
Staying focused in my Scentsy business has been passion driven. My passion drives me toward our ultimate goal each month. I love the company direction; the product and the simple fact of how I can help other Moms, Dads, and Grandparents make their goals a reality. Whether our goal for the month is to cover a car payment or to pay for our family cruise I don’t loose track of WHY I started this business. I don’t ever stop thinking about the opportunities our Scentsy business has provided for us.”
As Delilah stated, always remember your WHY for getting into your business in the first place. Write it down and refer to it when you are tempted by all the shiny new things out there. Stay focused on the passion that burned in your gut when you first got started with your Direct Sales career!
Find an accountability partner! Share your goals and keep each other accountable. Keep each other motivated by setting daily, weekly and monthly goals and celebrating each other’s success when those goals are achieved.
The internet is one big flashing neon HELP WANTED sign with endless opportunities all designed to be seductively attractive! My solution has been to learn to filter it out and choose ONE thing and FOCUS on that ONE thing. Being committed will bring you the results you desire in your chosen business. Patience is also something that is integral to your success. Don’t be disappointed when you don’t see overnight success. This comes with persistent, consistent focused effort.
Get rid of Direct Sales SOS! The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Bloom where you are planted.
Awesome article Sharon! I am honored to call you friend.