Direct sale is one of the largest industries on earth. Though the direct sale is a woman-dominated industry, men have started to be interested and involved in direct Sales. I would discuss the skills needed for direct sales and how to be successful in direct sales as men. Direct sales involve selling a product directly to customers. This involves sales through one-on-one interactions, party plans (marketing products by hosting social events whereby the product is offered for sale at the event), venue sales (marketing products using kiosks or tables at large gatherings or events), and internet marketing. Internet marketing is the most commonly used in this era.
Essential Skills For Direct Sales
- Marketing Skills- This requires being able to identify your customer needs or problems and finding a way of attending to them through the product you sell. This is the number one skill for direct sales. There is absolutely no way you can make a sale without knowing what the audience wants.
- Communication Skills- A direct seller must be able to express his ideas and thoughts about the product he is selling to his customers in a way that they can understand. Good communication skills would improve the relationship with the customer thereby increasing the direct seller’s confidence.
- Persuasion Skills– This entails influencing your customers to buy the product you are selling. This skill comes in two ways; push style and pull style. The push style is a direct way of persuading your customers and it is often assertive or forceful. The pull style is an indirect way of persuasion and it is often subtle for example telling your customers about the benefits of using your products. I would always recommend the pull style over the push style as you can’t force your customers to buy your products.
- Networking skills- This is a necessary skill for a direct seller. Networking skill is important to make and improve relationships with new customers. A direct seller stays active when he has a lot of potential buyers on his contact list. A direct seller must be able to interact verbally and non-verbally in a friendly and honest manner which in turn, can create trust and understanding for building a strong relationship.
How To Succeed In Direct Sales As A Man?
- Go for the right products- Not every product is logical for a man to sell. This is very important. You can’t be selling lingerie and expect to be successful at that as a man. To persuade your customers properly, you should love and use what you sell.
- Persistence- Frustration would set in as a men who is into direct sales because it is seen as a woman’s sector thereby making marketing harder. Nonetheless, a persistent man would be able to make sales as people would be curious to know about the product that is making the man persistent despite several rejections.
- Identify your target market- Identifying your potential buyers and focusing on them is essential. This would prevent you from wasting your time trying to sell your product to people who don’t want or need them.
- Since direct Sales involve one-on-one interaction, setting appointments is key to succeeding. Setting appointments allows for proper marketing of your product. Most people become convinced after meeting the seller one-on-one.
Benefits Of Direct Sales As A Man
- Work from your Home– Working from home saves time and money as there is no need to journey to an office. It also allows for creating your schedule to do other activities be it chores, studying, or attending a party. A direct seller can work at his own pace. Furthermore, there is no specific dress code to work.
- Increased income- Dedication to direct sales would increase the income of the man. Setting clear-cut goals and objectives would help in increasing income.
- Control of product costs and prices- A direct seller has control over the price of the product once he has gotten it from the company. A direct seller can set his selling price and make more profit.
Conclusion
In the end, a sale is about making a profit. You should not reduce the value of your product while marketing it. Taking these steps would increase your referrals and business network. This is key to you becoming a successful direct salesman.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you succeed in direct sales as a man?
Yes, you can by being a good marketer.
- Is it direct sale only when it is physical?
No, through communication devices and social media too.
