Running a direct selling business in India is not an easy task. Considering the impact of the COVID19 pandemic and the overwhelming loss of jobs, the demand for independent career opportunities has increased. This article talks about the top 5 mistakes to avoid before starting a direct selling business in India.
Compared to other business sectors, the direct selling industry has experienced significant growth. For instance, while global business markets were crashing due to the COVID19 pandemic, the gig economy continued to offer freelance opportunities.
Therefore, instead of opting for full-time jobs, people are looking for jobs that allow them to learn and grow at their own pace.
On a positive note, direct selling brands like QNET promote platforms that inspire direct sellers to take charger of their careers.
As one of the first companies to introduce the idea of e-commerce into direct selling, QNET is committed to offering personalised experiences to both end consumers and future business owners.
For example, buying QNET India products can help you kickstart your entrepreneurship journey. On the other hand, QNET products can help you live a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it’s a win-win situation!
According to a recent Business Standard report, 53% of entrepreneurs in the direct selling industry are women. As a result, pursuing a career in direct selling or starting a direct selling company in India is empowering.
Register with QNET India and redefine your career today!
What is Direct Selling?
The business and exchange of products and services between a company and the end consumer is called direct selling. Unlike other forms that involve retailers, the direct selling industry primarily relies on creating interpersonal connections.
Therefore, to be successful in the direct selling industry, one must be comfortable dealing with rejections and negative feedback. However, with experience, hard work and commitment, starting a direct selling company in India is not that hard.
Now, moving on to the next section of the article.
Ever Heard of a Pyramid Scheme?
A Pyramid Scheme is an illegal business idea that aims to attract people for money in exchange for products and services. The aim is to recruit people who pool in money, which only benefits people at the top.
If we go back a decade, no regulatory bodies monitored operations in the direct selling industry. As a result, in the name of direct selling agencies, people were cheated, which eventually brought a bad reputation to the industry.
However, today, with bodies like IDSA (Indian Direct Selling Association), the future of direct selling is secure. Simply put, the Indian Direct Selling Association works closely with the government on policy issues that ensure transparency and credibility in direct selling.
Compared to a Pyramid Scheme, the business structure at QNET is legal, safe and legitimate. For example, once you enrol as an independent representative at QNET, you can access business guidelines, compensation benefits, and registration.
In addition to this, a QNET India representative can access free training, marketing and e-commerce tools for competitiveness in a challenging market.
To shed some light, QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association of Malaysia, Direct Selling Association of Singapore and Direct Selling Association of UAE. With the partnership with global and recognised regulatory bodies, joining QNET is your gateway to entrepreneurship!
Below are the top 5 mistakes to avoid before starting a direct selling business in India.
Never Lack Commitment and Determination
I do not want to be the bearer of bad news, but direct selling is extremely challenging. Just imagine, as a newbie, success in a market that is demanding is difficult. Most people who want to start a direct selling company get complacent and quit in the initial stage.
As direct selling primarily involves working with people, rejections are inevitable. Customers can slam the door shut on your or get irritated if a product does not seem viable. However, that must not deter your commitment to acknowledge feedback and provide a personalised experience.
Therefore, come what may, avoid feeling discouraged when you set a benchmark regarding performance.
Never Judge Your Customers
One of the most important steps to start a direct selling business in India is to select a target audience. Not every product will resonate with your target group.
Similarly, it is important not to judge your customers. Irrespective of their gender, occupation or income, how you perceive the product need not be the same as what your customer decides.
Therefore, stay vigilant, understand customer requirements and never pre-judge!
Treat Your Direct Selling Business Like Your Own
Gone are the days when people were content with a fixed salary. With millennials constantly on the move, the demand for flexible business hours has increased. From personal experience, I was least productive when someone else schedules my work hours.
As an alternative, treat your direct selling business as your own. Set your working hours, determine your goals, learn at your own pace and have a strong online presence.
Monitoring your social media channels can help you predict customer traffic and curate interactive content. Make your official website stay consistent in terms of product updates, technology and service.
Never Lose Your Way
The COVID19 pandemic has taught me one thing- working from home can be extremely distracting. Therefore, if you want to start a direct selling business in India, make sure you never lose focus on what you want to achieve.
Although there is uncertainty, the future of direct selling looks promising.
Work on your personal development skills and stay on top of your game to stay competitive.
Here is where QNET India is your safe place. At QNET India, you don’t have to worry about technology, infrastructure, people or capital. Buying QNET India products can save you from all the hassle.
Register with QNET today and invest in the most important thing- yourself!
Never Compromise Business Relationships in Direct Selling
As discussed earlier, direct selling success is built on business relationships. Building strong and potential clients requires time, effort and commitment. Most of the direct sellers I know get lethargic and once a sale is made, forget the customer!
According to the words of Dev Wadhwani, QNET V-Partner, “Success in network marketing or the direct selling industry depends on working with people”. The people you work with can dictate your success as a direct selling company in India.
Therefore, never take your business relationships for granted. Work on them, with them and for them!
Future of Direct Selling in India
Starting a direct selling business is not a one-off process. It requires dedication and commitment at the highest level. For starters, take a full-time job, invest in learning and gradually change your way to start a business.
According to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), India saw its total number of direct sellers jump to 5.7 million in 2018-2019. By the end of 2021, these numbers are estimated to jump to 18 million.
The best part? 60% of the direct selling industry in India is formed by women!
Therefore, it is a no-brainer that, irrespective of your gender, starting a direct selling company in India is profitable and inspiring. Purchase your favourite QNET India products and start your entrepreneurship journey today!