Direct Selling has been around in India for three decades and has gained ground rapidly over the last few years. Whether it is an economic crisis, or an employment crisis, or the current Covid-19 pandemic healthcare-related crisis, Direct Selling has always come to the rescue of the laid-off employees or those looking for their livelihood and empowered them to work from the comfort of their homes in times of the Covid-19 induced lockdowns. This article discusses how Direct Selling can empower you financially in earning your livelihood or earn a second or residual income.
Traditional Sales V/s Direct Sales
Traditional Sales typically comprise a manufacturer or wholesaler who sells products to a physical store or e-commerce company where the products are sold to the end-consumer. On the other hand, Direct Sales involve selling products or services directly within a known circle. This circle could comprise of friends, or family members, or colleagues at work.
Further, if we need to know the real difference between Traditional Sales and Direct Sales, we need to look at the medium through which the audience is targeted. Traditional Marketing uses mediums like magazines, newspapers, or hoarding ads. Direct Selling though, has moved on with the advancements in technology and easy internet access. Unlike earlier, when face-to-face interaction was the norm for the Direct Sellers to showcase and demonstrate their products, today, they use video conferencing, webinars, and other digital means to interact with their prospects and customers.
Direct Selling Companies – Empowering Many in Times of Crisis
India is a developing economy. The growing consumerism has resulted in several ways to sell products and services. Various stores and non-store formats have come up in catering to the demands of the growing retail sector. The Direct Selling companies are the fastest growing non-store retail ones providing self-employment opportunities to millions.
The Direct Selling industry involves a direct interaction between the seller and the buyer, and it is a successful industry operating in more than 100 countries. The Direct Selling industry in India has been instrumental in women’s empowerment and skill development. In addition, the industry has promoted the growth of the SME sector and generated significant revenues for the government.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has further seen the rise of the Direct Selling companies that have provided an alternative income option to many needy individuals along with promoting self-employment – it is a means of self-reliance. Furthermore, the Multilevel Marketing (MLM) plan that opened the doors of Direct Selling has benefited consumers and provides them with an opportunity to become a partner of a Direct Selling business.
Choose Your Direct Selling Company Wisely
Though some Multilevel Marketing companies are out to pocket your money, there are even more opportunities that are well-intentioned. Therefore, you need to verify the background and check the credentials of the Direct Selling Company that you wish to partner. Before partnering a Multilevel Marketing company, it is better to ask questions like: Does the company have enough capital to grow further and sustain in the long run? Does the company offer products that unique and not readily available elsewhere? Does the company implement the latest in technology? And finally, is the person who introduces you to the company genuinely committed to ensuring your success in the future and would it be possible to build your business along with holding on to your regular source of income? Once you get the answers to those questions satisfactorily, it is time for you to step in without any delay. Remember, being self-reliant and having the liberty to work according to your convenient hours and from anywhere goes a long way in empowering you and be your own boss in times of any employment crisis.
