If you’re working more than one direct sales business you’re sending an ugly message.
“Join my team! This company is fabulous!” Well, it’s not THAT fabulous, because I have to work ANOTHER business to make more money. That’s the message you send if you’re trying to promote the benefits of joining a particular business but you’re not devoted to that businesses.
The most common justification I hear for this is “I like to offer a variety of products.” Or “I’m just doing this other one to supplement my income.” Okay, but you’re hurting your credibility and you’re hurting your business. Also, before the hate mail comes in, I realize that the word “successful” is very subjective. I am referring to those who claim they want to earn a full time income, and even say those words, but their actions say otherwise.
Diluted Credibility
You’re not doing well with Company A, so add Company B. Now Company A will do even less because your attentions are divided or focused on Company B. How can you possibly think joining Company B will do anything to help your Company A?
Also, if Company B is so wonderful, why are you still doing Company A? You are sending mixed signals and you’re sending an ugly message about both. You’re talking out of both sides of your mouth if you’re trying to convince people that you’re dedicated to one company but your actions clearly show you aren’t. You will never fully recognize true success with either if you’re trying to juggle both. Additionally, how selfish and unfair is that to your downline with Company A that you’re not fully supporting and coaching?
Perception is Reality
Like it or not, if a prospect wants to join Company A, and they learn you’re doing Company B too, it sends a loud message that you’re not serious. It sends a message that you’re a hobbyist or you’re dabbling. And you definitely can’t wholly fulfill leadership obligations with Company A if you have a downline and you’re also splitting your time building a team with Company B.
You’re kidding yourself if you think you can do both well. Your downline feels the void in your presence. Your words and your actions are not aligned. It’s like saying “I trust you” and then hiring a private eye to tail you. You can’t have two Masters. If one is so fantastic, you don’t need second. If you’re dating exclusively, you’re serious about someone. If you’re playing the field, you’re not serious. I love you with all my heart, but I want to see other people.
If you’ve joined Company B for personal use, that’s fine – but then there is no reason to set up a Facebook page, no reason to tweet, no reason to have a website with Company B – just order for personal use when you want to, that’s what Personal Use means. If you’re just a hobbyist (which by definition is non-profit) and then taking actions to build a team and earn a profit with Company B you’re sending an ugly message.
So which came first? You’re not truly successful with Company A because you’re also trying to work Company B? Or instead of devoting all your efforts to Company A, you think if you split your attentions your marketing efforts, your passions with another company it’ll help? Neither of those actions make any sound business sense.
If you want Company A to work, you need to cast aside Company B and be All In. Commit to Company A, and then decide Failure Is Not an Option. Send a loud and clear message that you are devoted and committed; that you’re All In. If you opted to be All In with Company B, then you owe it to your downline in Company A to step aside and let a devoted leader mentor them in the way they deserve.
What message are you sending?
About the Author: Laurie Ayers is a Michigan work from home mom and a Superstar Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles. She enjoys helping men and women start and maintain a home based business in the US, Canada, Poland, Australia, Puerto Rico, Germany, Ireland and the UK. To download a FREE Start Up Guide which provides more details about how to start a home business as well as to learn about our compensation plan go to www.thrivingcandlebusiness.com/how-to-start-a-candle-business/ or for updates on Facebook LIKEwww.facebook.com/ThrivingCandleBusiness and twitter @directsalesblog
So are you doing all of Scentsy Family if so then you are going against what you say. Since they are technically 3 different companies underneath 1 main company.
Hi Erica, thanks for giving me the opportunity to clarify. I am working just Scentsy Fragrance. However the Scentsy Family corporation has three separate brands, which are not 3 companies. It’s all under one umbrella. It’s one compensation, one downline, one set of policies, and one set of qualifications and one pay check. Definitely not the same as working different companies. Those consultants who choose to work different brands still aren’t doing different companies because they’re a Scentsy Family consultant, and don’t need to learn different comp plans, procedures, etc. and it’s all counts toward the one Scentsy Family consultant, that’s the glory of doing it this way as opposed to dividing your efforts elsewhere.
Hello, I really enjoyed your article. I know it’s 2 years old but I just found it and would like you input on a question I have. I am already a consultant for a Direct Sales company and was thinking of joining another one. With Company A I love their products and would love to invest all my time in creating a downline and so forth. The reason I want to join Company B is for personal use and to mainly sell to some family and close friends. I really have no desire to build or recruit with Company B. Do you still think it would be a bad idea or send out the wrong message about Company A if I also sold products from Company B?
Hi Crystal,
Good question. I think it is a poor idea if you’re promoting both and trying to work both as a business. I do think it sends a poor message of “If you’re so gungho about how fabulous Company A is, why are you now promoting company B.?” If you want to build a strong team with Co. A, then you need to send the message that you’re ALL IN, and let your walk match your talk.
However if you’re joining B just for personal use and maybe to place an order now and then for a few friends, there’s nothing wrong with that. Why not get it as a discount or earn commission on it? However, if that is truly the case, then there is no reason to promote it. You know you do it and you can personally tell your small inner circle that you’re placing an order for Company B, and do they want anything.
Okay say I’m a beachbody coach but I want to become an Avon representative? Would that be okay because one is health and fitness and the other one is beauty products.
The issue isn’t the products being offered, it’s the amount of time you have to devote to each. There’s only 100% total, so you can’t be giving 100% of your efforts to both. You either jump in with both feet and be all in, or you don’t. If you’re looking to earn a full time income you need to do full time work. If you’re doing it just for personal use, then there’s no reason to promote one of them at all nor for anyone to even know you’re doing it. However if you’re looking to work them as a business you’re watering down both and instead of a serious, devoted business person, you come off as a dabbler.