According to Direct Selling Association statistics, 85 percent of direct sales people spend fewer than 30 hours per week working their business. Working part-time is the reason many people go into the business of direct sales in the first place. But what are some proven methods that will help you work smarter, not longer?

A top-level producer with one company has worked with her company for over seven years. A mother of three and an elementary school teacher, she’s taking time off from teaching to work her direct sales business while her children are small.

“Touch your business every day,” she advises. “It is easy, being at home, to let things slide. I make sure, even on lazy days, to do something productive toward my goals.”

Another top seller home schools her four children, manages a successful career with a skincare direct sales company, is an author and a motivational speaker, and owns a company that provides recognition gifts and ideas to support direct sales uplines. Financial freedom and flexibility are what she likes best about direct selling. She says perseverance and determination are keys to success.

“Take one baby step at a time,” she cautions. “When you’re faithful and consistent in the little things, your business will grow beyond belief.”

When asked what she likes best about direct sales, a Senior Director with another popular direct sales company replied,

“I love the flexibility it affords me. I am able to decide when I want to work and how much. I am able to have my toddler at home with me while I work, and I am able to take a break at any time I wish and for any reason, whether I have a doctor’s appointment, a play date for my daughter, or even if I just want to enjoy a nice day outside.”

She recommends treating your direct sales business like…well, a business!

“Most people who are in the business are in it to make money, and to make money you have to work. The difference between a business and a hobby is that in a business you make money; in a hobby you spend money.”

All three top producers agree that goals are a major key to success in direct sales.

“Set clear goals,” one says. “I make sure to do what it takes to work toward that goal every day.

“Dreams are essential,” agrees another. “Whatever you talk about and are most passionate about, that’s what you’ll sell the most of.”

“I strongly feel that if you know where you are heading,” one says, “and you are determined to get there, that you can achieve it.”

Research cited by the Direct Selling Association underscores the validity of these three direct sales professionals’ statements. Of the many reasons people choose direct selling, flexible work schedules and the fact that earnings are in proportion to efforts are among those highest on the list.

Karen Moehr owns Moehr & Associates, a marketing and publishing firm specializing in the direct sales industry. She is author of several books including the Direct Sales Business Blaster and Top Sellers Tell. To Sell More Today, vist: http://www.isellmoretoday.com

Mention the words “Direct Sales” and they’re sure to conjure up nightmarish images of the last Tupperware/Jewellery/Health or Beauty Products party you were coerced into attending by one of your over enthusiastic, newly “converted” friends who was apparently on her way to making millions! Or worse, the “meeting” you attended full of seemingly brainwashed people all pressuring you to get into “the business” or “start your own pyramid” (like you’re Cleopatra or something)… it’s enough to make you run for the hills!

Unfortunately, these are both very bad impressions that are created by poorly trained consultants who have never moved beyond their comfort zones. The truth of the matter is that if you are well trained and professional, working in the direct sales field can be very rewarding for both yourself and your customer base.

While direct sales is not suitable for everyone and does require a certain measure of entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity, it has the capacity to allow for larger degrees of both personal and financial freedom unsurpassed by any other occupation.

Operating in the Direct Sales field has many benefits on a personal level which make it highly attractive, especially because it makes working from home a very viable option. It therefore affords work at home moms (or WAHMs) who desire the luxury of being there for their children whilst still earning an income, or having flexible working schedules so that their work revolves around their life instead of everything revolving around their work to do so. Others may have a disability or an illness that may impair them and prevent them from getting around and yet others are just sick of the status quo and long for something else that allows them to be themselves.

Personal freedom aside, the Financial Freedom that Direct Sales affords those who elect to work in this field is probably an equally strong motivator. Unlimited earnings is not just a buzz word and can be a very real and achievable reality if you build up and operate your business based on the infrastructure, key success factors and marketing strategies that any good supplier will provide you with. Add to those your personal touch, creative flair and the right mix of professionalism and you’re sure to succeed.

The great thing about Direct Sales is that your earnings are directly proportional to the work you put in. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to work hard, just smart in order to be able to write your own cheque at the end of each month.

So if financial and personal freedom are your goals and the brief insight into Direct Sales in this article has peaked your interest, find out everything you need to know and more on DirectSalesWomen.com. This is a leading industry site which will open up a new world of opportunity to you and provides relevant resources and information on everything from Direct Selling opportunities to comparison reporting and community forums. Visit them today and get the key to both your personal and financial freedom (and no… that’s not a sales pitch… but don’t take my word for it, you be the judge).

Sam Wolfe is an expert in the field of direct sales and direct selling opportunities. Her website at http://www.DirectSalesWomen.com provides many direct sales and work at home opportunities for WAHMs. Find out more today at www.DirectSalesWomen.com.