Direct Selling Business Skills

Communication

Networking marketing, or direct selling, is completely dependent on communication. Interpersonal communication is how we network, how we create and build crucial relationships, and how we sell. Developing strong communication skills is the very first business skill a new direct sales representative should focus on. Communication skills encompass interpersonal (in person) and written communication, including online.

Time management

How you work your business is completely up to you; that could be some time, part time, full time or over time. However much time you devote to your beauty business, you will need to develop time management skills in order to maximize your efforts in the most efficient way possible. The best time management is like an epic to do list. It is critical to have a plan and a schedule and to manage the calendar carefully.

Organization

As a direct selling representative, tight organization skills will lead to more success. Customers, the order process, products, finances, events… all of the pieces of direct selling has to be effectively organized. My Avon organization includes a combination of physical organization systems, binders, and online files.

Innovation and Problem solving

Direct sellers will encounter problems. A customer’s favorite product will be discontinued; perhaps they will react to something new, or maybe a product was broken during shipment. Being innovative and working to solve problems in the most creative way will contribute to success. Problem solving is best approached with problem processing: what is the problem, what are the possible outcomes, what are some options for solutions, putting the solution into action and then following up to ensure the problem was, in fact, solved.

Customer engagement

Direct sellers have to develop impeccable customer service skills because we are directly serving our customers. We create those connections, guide customers through product choices and then support them after the sale. Customer engagement uses a complex set of skills that combine to ensure that the customer is satisfied. These offshoot skills include verbal communication, listening skills, situational analysis, the ability to control emotions and be professional, knowledge of policies and procedures, an understanding of psychology, and always being willing to improve the relationship.

Technology literacy

Technology is one my personal expertise areas. However, I know that technology is not the easiest thing for everyone. With everything moving to an online world, it is critical that to stay current direct selling representatives have to be able to navigate social media, the cloud and other technology pieces. I use a variety of technology tools to create content for social media, to manage and organize my business, and to work towards greater success as an Avon representative. Fortunately, most of the tools I use are free, but not all are easy to use.

Soft skills

Soft skills are the most challenging business skills to acquire, but if you know how to approach the challenge of developing soft skills, they will develop and strengthen over time. Soft skills have to do with how someone handles a relationship emotionally. It is the ethics, etiquette, social skill, leadership, flexibility, empathy, individual motivation, self confidence and work ethic that you bring to your business. This is the idea of being a “people person” and also of being a “positive person”. Thankfully, soft skills don’t have to just exist or come naturally, they can be learned. I feel the best ways to develop these introspective skills is through activities like journaling, habitual daily practice and time. By the way, your soft skills are also very much brand YOU because soft skills are often tied to your personality, your attitudes and how you portray yourself to others.