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Consumer Direct Marketing and The World of Direct Sales

So you are tired of Corporate America. Or you are just starting out and unlike your parents you want to stay away from a cubicle and the office world. You want to own your own business so you can fire your boss and/or own your time and release the cap from your salary. First off, starting a business takes a lot of money. If you don't have the cash flow to secure your own business, what about Consumer Direct Marketing and/or Direct Sales? There are plenty of companies out there that offer this option at little cost to you. In return you start your own business with minimal start up costs and you have a company and usually have a support team behind you to help you on your way and to back up your product.

IS CONSUMER DIRECT MARKETING AND/OR DIRECT SALES RIGHT FOR YOU?
You have a few ideas of the types of products you will and will not market. So now what? Before you start the process you should consider if this is even the right move for you. Of course you will read all about the success of others on the websites and you will see paychecks that reflect some pretty intense incomes. Incomes that are quite comfortable and could satisfy a really great lifestyle, support a beautiful home, a brand new high end car and all the lavishness that you could dream of. It's possible. Is it the norm? No, it isn't. Take the following into consideration:

* You need to be disciplined. This is most important. Sure, you can work 10 hours a week and enjoy hanging out with your friends and all the free time a 10 hour a work week life gives you. But you won't make much money and you definitely won't live lavishly.

* You need to be dedicated. This means you don't give up when it gets rough. There will be times you can't get anyone to purchase your products or schedule a Home Party and you feel like you are up against the wall. The point here is that if you can't handle that and you give up, then you were never dedicated to having your own business.

* Schedule your work week. Just because you now "own your own time" that doesn't mean you can run around without a schedule. When will you make your phone calls? When will you market your business? When will you take the time to learn more and train yourself to become an expert in your business? When will you work? If you have children who will watch them while you work? Because no matter what you think now - they will not leave you alone just because "mommy or daddy is working".

* Set your goals. What is it that you want to achieve? Do you want to simply replace your income at your full time job or just make enough to pay rent and have extra money for some dinner with friends? Or do you want to make a stable, set income that is going to provide for your family, allow you to take several vacations a year, purchase your dream home, stay home with your kids and enroll them in that private school you could never afford with your lifestyle today. What is it you are looking to achieve?

*What is your WHY? Everyone has to have a why when they are choosing this type of business. It could be as simple as this is your play/fun money or this is going to be your children's college fund or you really need this money to provide everything you need to survive in life and all the extras. It doesn't matter what your why is but when you are ready to start, you need to stay focused on what your why is and see it... everyday. Make your why big enough to achieve your goals when you feel you want to give up. If it is a legitimate why then you can succeed in your business of choice.

So - Is consumer direct marketing or direct sales for you? Then it's time to decide what company you want to work with, what products you can be proud to represent and what you need to do next to get started.

DO YOUR RESEARCH. What is your passion? Do you love jewelry or maybe Blue Jeans are your thing or what about make-up or skin care and then you cannot forget about candles and home goods. But what about offering something to consumers that is useful; consumable and used regularly? Whatever it is that grabs your attention and is a product or line that you feel you could really advertise and sell - make sure you believe in it. Do your research about the products, the company and their rating in the industry, maybe even call their customer service line and see how well the representatives know about the company and how nice, or not nice, they are to you. How will you be paid? Weekly, Monthly, or otherwise? Can you stand behind the company? Can you see yourself selling the product and seriously building a business backed by the company of your choice? Do you know anything about the owner of the company? How is their business run? Are they good to their employees? Do they support charities and give back to communities? What is most important to you when selecting your new business venture?

PAY ATTENTION TO COMMISSION STRUCTURE. You found the company and the product that you can be proud to represent. Now what? Make sure you go through the entire structure of how you will be paid. How will you grow your business and what bonuses will you get for sales, for signing on new team members and is there the option of residual income? Most companies have a pay structure that allows you to gain a percentage of sales of those you enroll into the business yourself. However is it secure and residual? Is it a business that you can build a legacy off of and sign it off to your children when you pass on? Is that even something you are interested in? You should know the long term benefits and pay scale of the business you choose, not just how "fat" your checks will be in the beginning.

WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE AND CUSTOMERS. You need an audience. Such as who will you advertise to? Friends on Facebook? Coworkers of the past? Family and relatives? Who will your audience be that will help you announce your new business venture? If you know who they are who will your customers be? Moms? Dads? Teenagers? The older generation or men or women or newly graduated students? People of fashion or those thrilled about the next best thing? Who will you market to and who do you see your customer base consisting of. The best way to select a company is with the greatest customer base. Something that men and women and everyone basically can come to use. You can only sell so much costume jewelry to one person before that customer runs out of money or things to wear the jewelry with.

GET STARTED. Okay, you made you choice in company, you paid your start up fee and got your kit or enrolled as a customer to promote the products and are using them so you have the ideal concept of how to "brag" about what you are offering your customers. Now what? Well it's time to get in touch with your audience and ask them to help you get started. Does that mean Home Parties or Guest Speaking or taking over the neighborhood BBQ? What about business cards and Internet Advertising and Social Media? Get out there. The only way that you are going to succeed is to break out and talk to people - get out there and do your thing - advertise your business, schedule parties and get the word out.

WORK HARD EVERYDAY. IT WON'T ALWAYS BE EASY. Be on alert to work everyday for the next year or two to build a nice, solid business. Whether you are out with friends, working out at the gym or grocery shopping - keep an eye out for ways to continue to grow your business and market what it is that you are trying to build in your future. Don't give up on your dream if this is what you want to do with your life. It won't be easy. You can refer back to all of those success stories and I bet not one of them, if you really sat down and talked to them, was handed to them. Nothing great comes without some hard work and dedication. Even when you feel it is time to give up - think again.

The best things in life come from hard work and dedication and then you do it all over again. You can really succeed with consumer direct marketing and direct sales but it is not something everyone can do or is willing to do. Make sure it is for you before you fire your boss and jump in.

Muhammad Yunus Panel Discussion 1- "The Future of Social Entrepreneurship"

Characteristics of a Successful Serial Entrepreneur

Before a doctor diagnoses a specific disease, his patient must undergo a series of laboratory exams and assessments. He has to know the history of his patient and how lifestyle affected his present health problem. As results come in, that would be an indication of the time when a physician gives specific drugs and therapies for maintenance. This will eventually contribute to the level of optimum health for that individual. If all else fails, the process will be repeated again.

Similar to a doctor, what the above mentioned situation has stated, an entrepreneur's responsibility would be pretty much the same. It's just that, he should see his customers as his patients (not literally)and what they must have to survive a present predicament or a need. He must follow certain steps before doing anything irrational that could contribute to the downfall of his business. He should have certain characteristics innate in his personality for if he lacks one of these, he's most probably doomed to fail.

Entrepreneurship is collectively defined as exhibiting one's vision, taking action, and pursuing that vision as a goal to be achieved in life as service to reality. In the meaningless definition, it's getting your butt out of that couch and doing something rather than fulfilling your life's destiny of being a couch potato. Stated below are some of the distinct attitudes an entrepreneur should positively have:

Optimism - is foreseeing things in a positive way notwithstanding any circumstances that may hinder progress. The assertiveness of an individual depends on on e's knowledge of how to handle a difficult situation

Creativity - is thinking outside the box. Expanding one's mind of what is beyond the ordinary through fine research and collection of data.

Stability - more so mental, social or emotional, a leader must possess a stable life which means he could handle tough situations during tough times

Charismatic - intelligence of communicating with different walks of life.

Risk-taker - as someone beginning their own dream, one should be stern and must have the guts to take the big leap of plunging into their own doom or success. One should not be afraid of taking chances when opportunity strikes.

Energetic - willing to do whatever it takes to reach to the finish line. The inner drive must always be at its highest level happy to work overtime. His or her enthusiasm must prevail the next best thing.

Time bound - like a written report in a newspaper, an entrepreneur must be on top of things,by looking at our past, we could predict our future.

Small businesses, in time, would turn out big if the scope of management exceeds what is expected. So it is necessary for a beginner to be positive about his endeavors. He must be very observant of what his environment lacks and needs.
Think big! Take Action!!!!. Make your business dreams come true.

A successful multi-millionaire and considered as one of Britain's leading female property investors. I was also featured on Channel 4 as a philanthropic "Secret Millionaire" back in 2008. After my success, I dedicated myself to help aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals and small to mid-scale businesses with my business mentoring programs to equip them with the necessary skills, tools and proven strategies to establish a successful business.

Look forward to hearing from you, if you have not already done so, register to get my free newsletter "From Concept to Cash in 90 Days" http://www.carolinemarsh.com

2012 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Finalist: Société d'Articles Hygiéniques (Tunisia)

Honk Kong: The Best Place For Your Business

One of the most-quoted business norms is 'location independent isn't location arbitrary.' This essentially means that for a business, location is very important. One of the basic business decisions to be made is company formation. In this era of globalization, you know the pros of various areas in the world. However, the best out of these areas for company formation is Hong Kong. Why? Here's why:

1. Forbes ranks the city as the freest trade area globally - not only for this year, but for the past consecutive ten years.
2. Hong Kong is a world-recognized leader in business and banking. Not so excited about the balance sheet of your American bank? It is the perfect place for you. Not only is their economy safe and sound, but you can also trade in multiple currencies. If a client pays you in euros, for example, your bank will keep it in euros as long as you don't give them directions to the contrary. You can also sign up for merchant banking with ease. Your PayPal account is activated in just a couple of days after you contact the HSBC head office. These efficient services go a long way in making the process of company formation and incorporation easier.
3. Corporate tax in the place is zero percent for transactions outside of this place. This means you save on the sales tax and corporate tax at the very least.
4. You can write off various expenses against a Hong Kong corporation. In America, for example, the IRS doesn't allow you to write off various expenses like your commuting expenses as business expenses. In this city, however, this is not true.
5. Hong Kong is the topmost trusted Asian brand. This reputation plays a key role not only in attracting clients, but also international credit.
6. Hong Kong's taxation system is one of the simplest in the world. You only need to pay taxes once a year, and there is just a business tax at 16.5 percent, without VAT and business tax.

So now you know that the place has a stable economy, one of the best taxation systems, a convenient banking system, is the best in free trade and allows you to save on other taxes and write off expenses. In short, this is the place to form a company.

So how do you do it? Again, a very simple procedure of company incorporation exists in Hong Kong. You should have at least one shareholder and director, both above the age of 18. There should be one registered address in the city and one permanent resident or authorized Hong Kong company taking up the position of legal secretary of the company. That is all, and you are ready for company incorporation.

Do you want to register your company in Hong Kong? Visit http://www.conpak.com/HongKong-Company-registration.html for more details. You can even visit http://www.conpak.com/

Raise Money-Need Capital To Start Your Business?

Statistics - Why Opening Your Business in Hong Kong Might Be Good!

Firstly, why Hong Kong?

The place is your entry to the wave of growth that Asia is experiencing. Asia is the most dynamic continent right now, and Hong Kong the place most respected and recognized as a brand name not only in Asia itself, but in western countries too. This is quite an asset and one of the major factors in favour of company registration there.

Statistics speak!

The taxation system of the place is its biggest asset. It's one of a kind and different from other countries. There was nearly HK $300 Billion worth of re-exports in July 2013. In 2012, Hong Kong was ranked the 9th leading world trader by accounting for nearly 2.8% of the total world trade. It comes before nations like Canada, Italy and Belgium!

What's great here?

Last year, Hong Kong was the 10th leading exporter in the world, by accounting for nearly 2.7% of the total world exports! It might be remembered that even the United Kingdon was behind at 11th position, with around 2.6% of world's total exports. What has helped this place achieve such heights? Well, a tax system is a vital ingredient in recognizing which place to register your company in, because taxation has a direct relation to the profits or turnover of the company. Places where the tax procedure is uncomplicated and places that levy less tax are favourably looked on as, and Hong Kong tops the list.

Here are some reasons that make place special!

1. You only have to declare taxes once a year when you open a company here.
2. A simplified tax system exists which only levies profit tax at the rate of16.5% without value added tax or business tax.
3. For transactions outside of Hong Kong, corporate tax rate is 0%. This allows for savings on sales tax and corporate tax at the very least.
4. More expenses can be written off against a Hong Kong corporation. The United States, for example, does not allow you to write off a glass of wine for your client or your commutation expenses as a business expense. However in the Hong Kong there is no such prohibition.
5. The place follows a single-tier taxation system and therefore tax rate on capital gains, on shareholder dividends and on foreign sourced income is 0%.
6. There are no foreign exchange controls here - thus allowing for free circulation of funds, easy exchange and transfer of foreign currency and convenient and quick handling of credit operations.

No doubt, the place is the best place for company registration. Not only is it strategically located but it has one of the cheapest tax systems in the world. So make a wise and informed decision today by registering your company there and see the difference.

Do you want to register your company in Hong Kong? Visit http://www.conpak.com/HongKong-Company-registration.html for more details. You can even visit http://www.conpak.com/

How to pick a business idea | Entrepreneurship and Personal Development

What Does Hong Kong Offer You For Your Business?

Hong Kong, the gateway to China, is one of the most reputed names in the business community. Known for its quality infrastructure, highly-educated workforce and easy taxation system, this is the place to be if you are looking for company registry. Let's see what makes this place unique...

1. The location of Hong Kong is strategic. You are not only riding on the wave of the growth of Asia but you are also only two hours away from the largest manufacturing base in the world, four hours away from all the region's key markets and five hours away from fifty percent of the world's population. Each month around a 100 new companies register there to start their business.


2. Unlike many other countries, Hong Kong does not have foreign exchange controls. What this means for you is that foreign currency can be exchanged and traded as per your convenience. Funds can be circulated without restrictions and credit operations can be handled easily and quickly.


3. Registration period of a company is extremely low. It takes a day for e-filing incorporation, a couple of days or so for buying a shelf company and just around ten days for registration of a limited liability company. Company registry is an easy process.


4. The city has no sales tax, no withholding tax, and no tax on capital gains, dividends or an individual's estate. Also, international shipping activities are exempt from profits tax, and no profits tax is levied on overseas earnings.


5. The legal system here is well-established and respected. It has a common law system and a comprehensive arbitration law under which the UNCITRAL model law applies to international shipping disputes. Numerous leading maritime law firms are based in Hong Kong. The Companies Registry - The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region keeps track of the number of companies registered there.


6. Hong Kong company registry is easy mainly because it is one of the least corrupt nations in the world. Cronyism, influence-peddling and bribery are not common practices here. This allows you to carry on your business without unnecessary worries; during company registry and later during operation.

There is a good banking system, an easy taxation system and excellent infrastructure and strategic location.

It is the ideal place for company registration. Not only is the process quick and hassle-free, but you also get the benefit of easy running of the company once it's registered - after all, Hong Kong has been awarded the freest trade area globally for the past consecutive ten years by Forbes magazine. By August 2013, for instance, over 9,100 companies have registered there. No doubt forming your own company there might be one of the best decisions you will make!

Do you want to register your company in Hong Kong? Visit http://www.conpak.com/ for more details.

What Are Entrepreneurial Skills? Entrepreneurship Articles to read and share.

5 Reasons Why New Entrepreneurs Should Be Flexible

Every business no matter its size operates in a highly competitive business environment. With that kind of scenario, being relevant and staying in business no matter the competition is always a priority for many smart entrepreneurs. If you are extremely rigid and inflexible in your ways of doing things, that can severely limit he ability of your business to compete favorably. You can always stay a step ahead your competitors if you are flexible enough to respond quickly to inevitable changes in the market demands for your product(s). Here are some 5 reasons why new entrepreneurs should be flexible.

01. There are always alternative ways to produce a product. The bottom-line is always to produce a very high quality product at very low costs. A good entrepreneur always goes in search of these cheaper methods to put a good product in the market. Once found, she does not hesitate to make the required changes to switch to these new methods. She needs some flexibility to do so seamlessly.

02. There are always alternative ways to market a product. Finding very effective and efficient ways to get a product to its consumers is always a major preoccupation for many entrepreneurs. The bottom-line is to find ways to push the product in the market at very low costs. Whatever ways available to do so always attract smart entrepreneurs. It requires a lot of flexibility for these entrepreneurs to make the required changes in response to alternative and cheaper ways to market their products.

03. There are always alternative ways to raise funds for a business. In this age and times, it takes a lot of flexibility and at times even some ingenuity to raise funds for a business. Keeping costs very low can at times be the main determining factor when raising funds for a business. Any smart entrepreneur who is flexible enough usually finds ways to explore all available avenues to raise funds for her business at very low costs.

04. There are always alternative ways to deal with customers. The ability to sell its products largely determines how well a small business is doing. Doing so efficiently and effectively requires a lot of flexibility on the part of the entrepreneur. All alternative ways to service customers are usually decided by the cost element of doing so. The more the number of customers the business is able to service at reduced costs, the better for the business.

05. There are always alternative ways to deal with suppliers. Getting uninterrupted flow of supplies to a business is always a priority for many small businesses. The ability to do so at very low costs requires some flexibility on the part of the entrepreneur. That is why it is extremely important for her to always explore every available option and or method to get the desired results.

By keeping costs low and sales up, many small businesses do manage to stay profitable. Anything the entrepreneur does to sustain this balance is always very good for the business. By remaining flexible and open to change, a smart entrepreneur can easily strike this balance. If the business can reach that balance and sustain it, the business is likely to stay profitable for a prolonged period. Remaining relevant and being known by the business you do is always an ideal dream for new entrepreneurs. How flexible you are, is one sure step to that ideal.

Sule Yesufu, a Certified Speaking Professional, has been a Strategic Partner in S D Y Management Consult, a firm of Investment, Small Business and Entrepreneurial Consultants since 1999. He is a Published Author and a Newspaper Columnist. An expert in Small Business and Personal Development, he focuses on communicating his ideas and thoughts mostly through his Training Seminars and popular free blog. He offers useful tips on Self-Improvement, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Current News, Politics and Business in Nigeria, the most populous and vibrant country in Africa. To learn more about Sule and to contact him for consultations and private inquiries, visit his website at http://www.sdymanagers.com

For more business tips, visit: http://www.sdymanagers.com/apps/blog/

2012 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Finalist: Food Concepts (Nigeria)

5 Reasons Why New Entrepreneurs Should Be Efficient

Going into business no matter the scale of the business requires a lot of planning and determination. Part of the plans which every entrepreneur should make before starting out involve the use of resources; particularly men and materials. Since these resources are always very scarce, it takes efficient management to use them well for the overall benefit of the business. It takes skills, real business skills to manage scarce resources efficiently. Any entrepreneur who is unable to manage the resources available to her business efficiently very soon finds herself out of business. Here are some 5 reasons why new entrepreneurs should be efficient.

01. When business funds are very limited. Many aspects of a business always compete for the available funds which in many cases are very limited. A good entrepreneur usually does everything to avoid wasting project funds. It takes efficient use of scarce funds to check leakages arising from misapplication of resources.

02. When business systems are not fully developed. Particularly at the outset, it is usual that the business systems are not yet properly developed. These systems usually develop along with the growth of the business in a very gradual process. It takes efficient use of limited systems to keep a business on track and to meet set targets.

03. When product markets are not fully developed. No business stays a business for very long if it is unable to sell its products. At the beginning, because the product is new to the market, it may meet some sales difficulties. The business can progress as planned if the entrepreneur finds a way to sell the product at reduced costs. It takes efficient use of resources to sell a product in a market which is not yet fully developed.

04. When customer base is very small. It takes efficient use of resources to keep costs low and sales high when servicing few customers. Every business no matter how big it may look today was at one time a small business confronted with the general problems all small businesses usually face. Growing your customer base and servicing these customers effectively requires efficient use of time and resources.

05. When employees are very few. Many small businesses are at times confronted with very few hands to run their operations. Not many have the resources to hire more hands particularly when the business is still in its infancy. It takes efficient use of the few hands in place to get the business going as planned.

Every business no matter its size is always confronted with problems of use of resources. Many of these problems usually emanate from the dearth of these resources. Since every entrepreneur is always desirous to stay in business, it takes efficient use of these scarce resources to do so. Many smart entrepreneurs learn early enough to use the resources available to them in a very efficient way. That is what keeps them in profitable business. Remaining relevant and being known by the business you do is always an ideal dream for new entrepreneurs. How efficient you are, is one sure step to that ideal.

Sule Yesufu, a Certified Speaking Professional, has been a Strategic Partner in S D Y Management Consult, a firm of Investment, Small Business and Entrepreneurial Consultants since 1999. He is a Published Author and a Newspaper Columnist. An expert in Small Business and Personal Development, he focuses on communicating his ideas and thoughts mostly through his Training Seminars and popular free blog. He offers useful tips on Self-Improvement, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Current News, Politics and Business in Nigeria, the most populous and vibrant country in Africa. To learn more about Sule and to contact him for consultations and private inquiries, visit his website at http://www.sdymanagers.com

For more business tips, visit: http://www.sdymanagers.com/apps/blog/