Social Selling is Oh, So HIPP!

I am an advocate for Direct Sales (aka Social Selling) for women to create more income and opportunities for themselves and their families.   This was not an industry I respected nor did I think I would ever be involved, but for 20 years it is what supported me in creating my HIPP Life.  

Not all companies are equal, so it is important to align with one that aligns with your values, has a fair compensation plan and provides a positive culture and community to grow and to create meaningful change.  I have had the good fortune of working with 2 great companies, which do important work, offer  great products and more importantly, a great opportunity to create an income stream while learning and growing.   

Things have changed in the two decades I have been a leader and associate in this industry, today, it is far more relevant to be an affiliate of brands, to sell on line through your personal brand and authenticity.   When I first started out in the industry, there was a big dream of living differently, and achieving that through this business model and community.  While that is true for some, what I like now is that it is a viable income stream, that can be what you want it to be.   I see far more people satisfied with being an ambassador and enjoying the part time income while sharing the benefits of the products and community they are part of.  The gig economy is a thing, and most people are looking for additional ways to make an income that can be done remotely and is flexible with their lifestyle.  Having an affiliate relationship with DS brands has never been more relevant because of how we buy products, the power of story telling/social selling and ones ability to share from a place of authenticity, which is important to all of us, we don’t want to be sold to, we want to learn more about why people are passionate about brands, products and their experiences.  

So, if this is a great option for many, why are some not doing it and why is it harder for reps to share the opportunity than it is for them to share the products?

This answer is so simple, yet not as easy to address when it comes to our misconceptions, and our ability to break that down is what opens up the opportunity for many more.  

First of all, most of us do not want to sell, we don’t want to be that person that is always asking for a sale—to this day, I feel this too (we don’t want to be something we are not, and that is a good thing).   I understand this because I had this feeling personally, and I have helped many to see past this feeling and see the opportunity and what it really can be and is.   I learned to become passionate about what it really is and what it really isn’t, and this passion helped me to help others see this too.  

I had break through my fears, my comfort zone and also all of my misconceptions, I had to get to the core of what it was and how I could help others with it.  In doing this work, my favorite “product” became the opportunity, because I clearly saw what it did for most people, and none of it was guaranteed, it was truly an option for what they deeply wanted and were willing to work for, which is the key in coaching anyone in a business like this. It is never about one option or what you want or the company goals, it is always about the person, what they desire, what they genuinely want, what they are willing to do and helping them get what they want (and to help them see that for themselves).  

Back to the theory of most people are not looking to do sales, in fact, most don’t want to.  What I learned is that many are and were looking for what I could offer, and that was the following:  

—People want flexible work, they want to be in charge of their own time and calendars.   You decide when you work.  

—People want extra income: this can be just an extra few hundred a month or thousands, everyone can use that extra income, and they decide what that will be for themselves.  

—People want to be part of something bigger than them, when you are with a company that has a mission or changes lives, it is meaningful work, which is something most crave.  

—People want to be part of a positive community, this is so important to our mental health, it can have such an impact on how we live.  

—People want to help others, that is at the core of who we are, we are able to do this through products and through the business, which is unique and powerful (it is perfect for that person that does not want to create it, they want to easily access it).  

—People want to grow personally.  We don’t talk enough about this because we have not adequately described what this really is.  Simply stated:  we want to feel a sense of purpose, we want to feel inspired, we want to feel confidence, positivity and a sense of wonder.  These feelings are all available, and it is our ability to be open to it, and also to share it with those that are seeking it.   

—We want to grow our Vision, we want to be able to Dream again, to be more present, to be healthier, to be active, to make better choices.  None of this is guaranteed, but it is a community that inspires these things, and also one where we are encouraging each other.   

These are just a few things that are hidden treasures in a Social Selling business, and for some, we grow as leaders and in business and it allows us to expand and lead our own mission and vision as a result.  

Not all companies or brands are equal and it is important to associate with those that resonate with you.   Fear will play a role in this process, I don’t know that anyone looks at this as something they do not see themselves doing and/or they do not want to be a sales person or “one of them”.  I have learned it is far from that, but it takes an open heart and mind, and the best thing you can do is be authentic, let yourself shine and use this as an opportunity to grow in many ways.