Are You Successful?

I do apologize for not blogging for so long. Like many of us, I recently took a job in order to bring in some guaranteed income. The training for that has been a brutal seven weeks, and I'm beat.

But, it got me to thinking...

Do you have to be a "Superstar" to be successful in direct sales?

Think about it, go to conventions, meetings, training sessions, or for that matter, read a book about direct sales and it's almost always the Superstar who is honored. The person who quit her high five-figure job, after just (enter desired timeframe here), and is now living the good life solely on the income from ABC Direct Sales Company.

I have always LOVED those stories. They ARE motivating, and I know doggone well anyone that successful has worked hard for it.

But, as I, like many, juggle loving a product (actually I love three products from three different companies if you really want to know), I find myself wanting to define success less as we see it up on stage, and more for what it means to me.

For example, one product line I use and love (and yes, I am set up as a distributor) is an affordable luxury. I would be thrilled just to sell enough of it to keep myself in product. Support my own habit, if you will.

I went to a party recently (and no, I don't sell this product!) and the consultant was a gas! She was hilarious and genuine, and she told us point blank she sells the product to win a free trip every year. And I thought, "You know, that's not a bad point. Isn't someone who has won a trip successful? And, isn't it great that she defines her success her way, by going on an indulgent, all expenses paid trip every year on her company."

And now, as I am working full time again, I am refining my success definitions.

One, I will consider myself successful first if I can sell enough product to support my habit.

Two, I will consider myself nicely successful if I can make my car payment on top of that.

Three, I will consider myself deliriously successful if I ever win another incentive trip. (I've been on several over the years, and I have to tell you, they usually are amazing!)

The question is, what constitutes "successful" for you?

SALES...the Life of the Party Plan

Kimberly Bates