Before I started my direct sales business, I couldn’t imagine adding one more commitment to my already very busy schedule.
I was engaged. We were in the throes of wedding planning. I was facing corporate downsizing and looking for another job. I was serving on two non-profit boards. I’d just started a side business doing freelance new media consulting. How could I possibly add one more thing to my plate?
After a week of further examination into this particular direct sales company, I decided that I may be crazy to jump into it, but I may be crazier NOT to do it…so I jumped in with both feet. You can see how all of that panned out by clicking here.
I wish I could say I discovered a magic wand that mysteriously adds more time into my schedule, (and if you find one, please let me know!) but the truth is, I’ve been able to pay off more than $20K in debt, setup a solid emergency fund, give more generously to causes we care about, earn free vacations, (and more) through my direct sales company (while also working a full-time job) by better managing my time.
Whether you’re considering a direct sales business as well or just looking to accomplish a big ol’ goal, here are 6 tips to help you succeed when you feel overwhelmed and/or like you don’t have enough time:
#1. Make your goals a priority.
Are you a people-pleaser like me? I used to hate telling people “no.” Any time someone would ask me to do something, I would always find a way to make it happen, often forgoing my own personal fulfillment and/or productivity. The thing is, saying “no” is a healthy thing to do. There’s no way you can possibly accomplish everything you want to do, PLUS everything else everyone else hopes you’ll do. You HAVE to make your business and your goals a priority. If you don’t, no one else will. If you start feeling guilty about making time for your business, just think of your future self and how good it will feel to accomplish those goals and move your business forward. We’re not talking about 40 or even 20 hours a week here. Maybe just 5 to 10 hours a week, which boils down to 1-2 hours a day. Maybe this requires getting up a little earlier, staying up a little later, or just turning off the TV and replacing TV time with business time. Prioritize your business just like you prioritize working out or eating lunch. Your business goals are equally as important.
#2. Set clear, attainable goals with action steps and deadlines.
To make sure I’m hitting my monthly goals, I break them down into weekly and daily goals tied to just a few specific tasks. Accomplishing these simple tasks often takes me anywhere from 15 minutes a day up to an hour each day. Because I know where I’m going and determined the actions to get there, when it comes down to doing them each day, it’s very simple to make them happen alongside my other scheduled commitments.
#3. Commit to consistent daily activity.
This is where so many people fall off the bandwagon…and admittedly where I’ve stumbled too! It’s very easy to be hot and cold with goals and the activities to get there – similar to exercising. If you want to lose 10 pounds, in addition to eating more healthy, you also need to burn more calories daily than you consume. To be effective, you should focus on 20-40 minutes of exercise each day. Putting in two 2-hour workouts each month, is probably NOT going to meet your weight loss goal. It’s the same idea with your business…the revenue-producing activities compound over time. Speaking with 3-4 people every day for a month will get you MUCH farther than speaking with two large chunks of people in a given month. Success in direct sales is all about following a few simple steps every single day. It’s way more fun and way less stressful to find 20-30 minutes in your calendar at a time versus 2-3 four-hour windows of time.
#4. Follow the system.
Success in direct sales is all about systems. Our company has a very specific start-up system for new consultants. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel! This is one of my very favorite parts about direct sales because, unlike starting a business from scratch, most companies have a tried-and-true plan to use that other successful direct sales entrepreneurs have followed. That’s how average people can earn six-figure monthly incomes in this industry…because the systems are simple and duplicatable. Don’t get caught up trying to make your own systems. Just use what your company (or prospective company) provides. It gives me peace of mind to know the program I use is what other leaders in our company use and we’re all experiencing incredible results because of it.
#5. No multi-tasking.
Did you know you’re making your brain work harder when you multi-task? Multi-talking sends the brain too many signals. When you have 15 minutes to focus on your business, focus solely on your business. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted with other things. What happens is you start doing one thing…then you get de-railed by something else…and then something else…and before you know it the 15 minutes is gone and you’ve accomplished nothing. When I’m working on my business I shut off all distractions and get to work. Sometimes this requires telling your significant other, children, and other important people, “I’m sorry guys, but I need the next 20 minutes to focus on just one thing. As soon as I’m done, I’ll be right here and we can chat about (X).”
#6. Believe you can do it.
The biggest reason so many people fail in this industry is because of self-doubt. Know that you have what it takes. Believe it. Own your dreams and take responsibility for seeing them through. In addition to believing in yourself…you have to believe you have the time too. We’re all given the same amount of hours in a day, but how you spend them is what counts. You and I have the same amount of time as Oprah, Tony Robbins, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg. Stop saying “I don’t have time.” and replace it with “I’m making the time to make it happen.” Or “I’m finding the time to make it happen.” That trains our brain to look for those small windows of potential productivity.
I can’t wait to hear how implementing these tips helps YOU meet your goals. They’ve sure helped me and my team!
If you found this post helpful, please share it on your favorite social channel! Have questions or want to connect further, please come say hello on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Before you go, check out a few more posts over here —–>>> that you may find helpful!
To your success,
PS: Do you have a passion for social media and/or would like to generate extra income online? Click here to find out more about how you can start creating income from a virtual business in just a few minutes a day!
Urghh! No Multi-tasking?
We are so used to multi-tasking as part of our work…… hard habit to break :p
Multi-tasking is a hard habit to break, JanD! 🙂 For me it’s been so worth it so be able to focus on one task at a time to see them through to completion…Thanks for stopping by!
Finding the time is always hardest, thank you for this post!
I’ve learned that I rarely “find” time…I have to MAKE time to get stuff done. 😉 Thanks for chiming in Cricket!
Oh MY! with 4 kids I LIVE off of multitasking or they will bury me lol. although I see what you mean and I have been working that. Now if only my youngest would understand that naps are needed so mama can stop multitasking so much lol.
I can totally understand that, Ellie! 🙂 Thanks for stopping in and saying hello!
Yep goal setting, self belief and consistancy are key!! Great tips. Ree Love30
Thanks Ree love30! <3
What great tips! I don’t have a direct sales business–I don’t think I’d have the patience for one.
Thanks for popping in, Amber!
Thanks for the sound advice. They will be useful when I decide to go that route.
My pleasure, internationalcaty. I appreciate you stopping in for a moment. 🙂
Awesome tips! Goals and multitasking are definitely my weaknesses! Great post!
Thanks Kristie! I hope you find these helpful. Best wishes!
Thanks for the tips. I agree a little every day is important (consistency). I am pretty sure I have got where I’ve got from multi-tasking though so I don’t think I can give that up!
I am learning that about multitasking with trying to balance my freelance writing and my blogging! Thanks for these tips. 🙂
I think any sales tips re great for us bloggers whether we are in direct sales or not. Well laid out post! Thankyou!
These are great tips. The no multitasking one was something that took me a while to realize, but it’s really true!
Yes, to all of these! I am guilty of multitasking even though I know it’s not good for my work ethic. Ahh, so hard to let old habits die.
These are great tips and I enjoyed reading this. xx
This is great Krista! I need to clean up my schedule and re-prioritize my goals ASAP
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
I totally identify with each of these steps! I think the scheduling and writing things down is totally essential!
Great tips here! I multitask a lot, and I do agree that sometimes that makes the quality of your work suffer. Awesome post!
Krista, these are all great tips that I could apply to my blogs and projects as well. Especially the not multi-tasking-something usually hailed a positive. Also, the last tip. I struggle so much with self doubt. Thank you for writing this.
Direct sales is no joke… you make it sound so easy, great post! xo
Being able to “pay off more than $20K in debt, setup a solid emergency fund, give more generously to causes we care about, earn free vacations, (and more) through my direct sales company (while also working a full-time job) ” sounds like a dream!
I notice direct sales businesses are popular in the States (I live in Asia). I wonder which is yours — I know of some of the bigger brands.
Your tips are great. I’m not so good with structure, but hope to improve on this in the new year.
I totally agree with the point about not multi-tasking. It’s so hard to avoid it, but when I do, my day goes a LOT smoother.
I think there’s a great host of advice here for all business owners. Great helpful tips for those of us in business for ourselves.
All these tips are so awesome. I honestly think you could apply these to other businesses not only a direct sales business venture! Thanks for sharing.
I am definitely a people pleaser. Sometimes the hardest thing is not the obstacles from other people but the obstacles I face from myself. I need to believe in myself.
The daily activity is such a great point! I make time every day for the things that are important to me, even if it’s only 20 minutes, that’s still SOMETHING and keeps you consistent and prevents the “shoot, I forgot and haven’t done XYZ in a week!”
My friend is with Younique and she is doing really well. Most of her sales are online now.
I think your tips really apply to any business. One thing I really get from your post is that I really gotta start believing in myself more.
I love this post so much. I just recently started back up with a direct sales business – on top of everything I’m already trying to do. Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning, but you’ve given me so much hope. Committing to consistent daily activities is something I NEED to do in order for me to see success! Thank you so much for writing this.
I’ve never considered getting into direct sales, but your advice is also very good for bloggers! It’s really hard for me to juggle between working, blogging, exercising, cleaning the house, socializing, and spending quality time with my husband. And still sleep at some point!
These are such awesome tips! The multitasking thing will ALWAYS get me. It’s a terrible habit, and it sucks productivity straight out of you!
These are indeed good tips. I agree with the multitasking thing. There were days when i would do two things at a time and couldn’t complete even one properly. Focusing on one task is always a better option.
These are some great tips! I don’t have a direct sales business hut these are tips that are easily transferable.
Those are great goals especially if you’re just starting out with your business. It’s good to have goals like these to help you improve your work ethic as well.
This is a great and powerful post, will need this as I am planning on a new business!
I feel like no matter how hard I try I never have enough time. amazing tips, thank you for sharing.
What? No multi-tasking? I’m not sure I could make that happen, but totally understand the rationale behind it! Great tips, especially setting goals with deadlines — good for so many things!
I tried direct sales for a little bit and just wasn’t particularly passionate about the product I was selling and even more hated the recruitment aspect of it. It’s for sure not for everyone, but I’m glad that it has worked out for you.
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
Committing to consistent daily activity and a schedule have been so important for me. This is a great list!
As I’m heading into full time blogging this info was extemely helpful! Bookmarking to consult when the going gets tough
Thank you for sharing these! I think my biggest one is the multi-tasking, my brain sort of already does that on its own without me having to start another task.
Great post, Krista!! I am learning how to multitask with my newborn in this season. It has definitely been a little bit more challenging but coming together!! Thanks for sharing this awesome list. 🙂
Thanks for sharing these tips. I am always looking for ways how to make money online.
Great tips! i know that it’s pretty vital to have a goal and make a plan how to get there and really concentrate on that. This is exactly what i needed to read – thanks!
I committed to daily activity the first few months of blogging and I over-did it and ended up taking a three month break. But, I make sure now to plan ahead and expect to need some time to rest occasionally.
Wow, it really sounds like you have figured out exactly how to make your time work for you!
La Belle Sirene
Great tips. It is so important to set attainable goals! Every sucessful business is about a system! Thanks for sharing.
I hate telling people “no” but maybe it is time to make it happen. Great post, Krista !
I haven’t been trying to do direct sales, but I am trying to build my blog while finishing a PhD. So, these tips are great for that as well. Thanks for this!
Multi-tasking is the only way I know. Lol. This Mama HAS TO multi-task. I’m also part of a direct sales business and have set some new goals for myself for 2017. 🙂
Great tips! My favorite is tip number four.
I tried direct sales for a few years. I am in awe of people that can pull it off for years. I may have lacked the passion and drive or it just wasn’t for me.
Great tips! I think writing down a solid step by step action plan is key to success in all aspects of business.
Thanks for these great tips. Most of them are very useful in general too, not just about direct sales.
Omg these are some really great tips!!! Awesome for anyone in sales!
I am curious how you do it. I tried direct sales some years ago. It did not work because I did not find the right kind of people. I lacked connections too. I am going to visit the link that you have provided.
Finding the time to invest in a direct sale situation is what really gets me. I’m planning on incorporating more of that for the new year. So thank you for the notes.
These are indeed very helpful tips you’ve put together. I can never multi task. It’s like not giving full focus to any of the two tasks.
I am the WORST at multi-tasking. I think my brain is on overload because I try to do multiple things at once. Maybe this should be my NY resolution haha
These are all such great tips! I find that finding time to focus on one thing is hard. Once I do it though I am super productive!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
These are great tips. I live by multi-tasking and goal setting. To do lists are usually my saving grace.
Great tips shared! Sometimes trying to be a multi-tasking makes me juggle between work and life. I’m trying to be more organized these days!
These are such great tips! This post is just in time for the new year. Love it.