Network Marketing, also referred to as Direct Selling or Referral Marketing or Multilevel Marketing (MLM), has been in the news recently, and for the right reasons.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic further aggravated the ongoing recession and increased the unemployment crisis. Most industries were clueless and struggled to sustain their operations and revenues.
But, during the testing times, the Direct Selling industry was the silver lining. It stood out from the rest! It sustained its growth and provided self-employment opportunities to millions in India who lost their source of income.
Network Marketing offers you an alternative to the traditional corporate job. This article discusses the reasons why you should consider stepping into the Network Marketing business.
What Does One Desire in Life?
Everyone wants to be happy in life. But the definition of happiness differs for each individual! Some think wealth makes them happy, while for others, it is the power that makes them happy. Others think fame makes them happy, while for others, it is gaining knowledge. Some think relationships make them happy, while for others, love is the source of their happiness.
But is it possible to achieve happiness without being debt-free and stress-free? It all boils down to your financial situation. Wouldn’t it be great if you could afford more time for your loved ones? What if you could afford a vacation at your desired destination? Wouldn’t it be a big relief if you could pay off all your monthly and credit bills effortlessly?
Well, if wishes were horses, all would be happy, and it would be a happy-happy world!! But, yes, you can achieve financial freedom. Stepping into a Network Marketing business can help you do that. In the sections ahead, we will know what is Network Marketing and how Network Marketing can benefit you?
A Word About Network Marketing
People are always on the lookout for flexible opportunities to supplement their household income. And one cannot take the risk of starting a small business. It involves substantial investment and planning. Moreover, you are not sure if it will click.
What is Network Marketing? Network Marketing is a type of retail business that is catching the fancy of many. It has been around in India for more than two decades. It recently shot into the limelight during the Covid-19 pandemic when it provided livelihood opportunities to millions who lost their jobs.
The three main entities in a Network Marketing business include the Direct Selling Company, Salespeople, and the Consumer. The Direct Selling company hires salespeople, commonly known as Sales Representatives or Direct Sellers or Network Marketers, to sell its products or services.
The Direct Seller is not directly on the payrolls of the Direct Selling company. They earn a lucrative commission on the sales they make. They are also incentivized for recruiting more salespeople to increase the salesforce of the company. The salespeople that the Direct Seller recruits are placed under them in its sales network – popularly known as the downline.
The earnings of the Direct Seller do not stop there. They also earn a percentage of the commission on sales made by their downline and downline’s downline. This income that is earned with any direct effort by the Direct Seller is known as residual income.
How does the Direct Selling company benefit? The Direct Selling company encourages its Sales Representatives to recruit more salespeople. It enables the company to avoid spending on recruiting costs. Further, as its sales network increases, it helps to spread its reach and visibility. It helps it to avoid spending on costly advertisements and overhead costs.
Why Join a Network Marketing Business?
Are you new to Network Marketing? Or are you considering stepping into Network Marketing? When you look back at the ups and downs in today’s economy, it can be your best decision to make. The opportunities that exist today have never been so good ever before.
There was a time when the Direct Selling industry earned a bad name due to a few companies that operated as MLM companies but implemented the illegal pyramid model and duped innocent investors. Gone are those days. Today, the Indian government has boosted the industry with several initiatives. It has further safeguarded the interests of investors drafting regulations and laying down guidelines.
There was a time when Direct Selling was looked down on and considered a side job or a hobby. Gone are those days. Today, Direct Selling is considered a career by most in their quest to attain financial freedom and become entrepreneurs. Even the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) has collaborated with Shoolin University and introduced a PG in Direct Selling in academics starting 2021-22.
How Network Marketing Benefits You
Ever since its advent in India, Direct Sales has been popular majorly with women. It enabled them in generating an income with an intent to support their family. There are no criteria required to start your Direct Selling business.
You do not require a hi-fi qualification or any previous experience to join a Network Marketing company. All you need is a passion for sales and an interest in meeting new people and making friends with them. Let us look at some of the major benefits of a Direct Selling business.
Low Startup and Operational Costs
Even if you plan to open a franchise or a small store, it can involve big investment and overhead costs. On the other hand, you can start a Direct Selling business with a negligible amount.
And the fees that the Direct Selling companies charge you cover your training material, brochures, or sample products. You can recover your investment within no time!! It is a risk-free investment.
The Flexibility of Working Hours
When you are into a nine-to-five corporate job, you may often have to stay back to complete your pending work. At other times you will be dancing to the tunes of your boss! So, when you are stressed and continually occupied, how can you spend quality time with your loved ones?
The Direct Selling business offers you the liberty to work during convenient hours. You can spend time with your loved ones, plan out vacations, or schedule other tasks. What’s more, you can even take up Direct Selling part-time and keep continuing with your current job.
You can Work from Anywhere
The beauty of a Network Marketing business is that it allows you the flexibility to work from anywhere. You can work from anywhere in your home, yes, even on your patio or balcony. Also, you can work from your hometown, McDonald’s, Burger King, or other entertainment joints. Therefore, you can even work when you are on vacation.
Helps to Enhance your Personality
People influence your personality – what you see, hear, and learn from them. The places and happenings around you influence your personality. Your education shapes further your personality.
But a lot of your personality is scripted by the profession you take to. And to take up a profession, you need direction and proper guidance.
Joining a Network Marketing business can help you to enhance your personality. Choosing Direct Selling as a career will help you to improve your personal, communication and professional skills.
Technology and the Internet Making Direct Selling Easy
Technology has transformed the way businesses are conducted by Direct Selling companies today. It enables the management of the supply chain to direct selling possible.
The easy accessibility and affordability of the Internet have facilitated eCommerce innovations and helped drive sales in the Direct Selling Industry.
The advancements in technology supported by the Internet helps to connect people even in the remotest of locations. It has proven to be a boon for the Direct Selling companies and helped grow their sales and revenues.
Advantages of Direct Selling to Companies, Salespeople and Consumers
Direct Selling offers an opportunity to earn an income and build a business of your own. MLM business is alternative to retail stores for consumers.
Network Marketing is a cost-effective means for companies to showcase and sell their products in the market. It offers a distribution channel for companies with unique and innovative products not suited to any retailing option.
Direct Selling conveniences consumers by providing products or services right at their doorstep. Consumers get personal attention, explanation, and demonstration of products. It guarantees them total satisfaction.
Direct Selling is an alternative to traditional employment. It allows people collaborating with a Direct Selling company a flexible opportunity to supplement their household income. It allows people looking out for livelihood means, regular employment.
Conclusion: Step into the world of Network Marketing with confidence. You will never regret the decision.
The Indian government has boosted the Direct Selling industry with Make in India, Women Empowerment, Vocal for Local, Startup India, and Skill India initiatives.
The Direct Selling industry is governed by an autonomous and self-regulatory body – the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) for the direct selling industry in India. Further, the government has drafted regulations and laid guidelines for safeguarding the interests of investors and consumers. It makes joining a Network Marketing company a risk-free option. Today, after its introduction into academics, Direct Selling is a full-time career option for budding entrepreneurs to become self-reliant and attain financial freedom.
