Direct Sales Business Success Is A Lot Like Skiing!

Some people work really hard at their direct sales business and never achieve the success that they dream of.

Some people ski all the time and perfect their technique and never become an expert skier…

Why is that?

How Committed Are You To Your Direct Sales Business?

When skiing, like in business, some people have a greater commitment to the hill.

If you have ever said, “I am not comfortable doing that!” then chances are a fear of some sort is holding you back from the direct sales success you deserve.

Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

I often see skiers who have great form yet they hold back. When you look at them you can see that they are leaning back on their skis and not committed to going down the hill. This stance is actually more out of control than the skier who drives themselves down the hill at top speed.

A skier who is committed to going down the hill aggressively drives themself down the hill.  Their weight is on the balls of their feet, they lean into the downhill journey and literally reach down the hill one pole plant at a time.

That is the skier who with time, becomes the expert.

 Business Success Takes Time

Direct sales business success takes time. Like skiing, with practice and time anyone can achieve direct sales business success.

Unfortunately many do not reach their dreams because they are not willing to commit to the hill. Are you reaching, stretching and embracing your fears? Your business?

Out Of Comfort Zone = Exciting

The thrill of being out of your comfort zone is the same thrill that skiers get flying down the hill.

Nervous and excited are the same bodily sensation. One is negative and one is positive. Stop saying you are nervous and start saying you are excited.

Which one is a part of your life? Why?

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Hiking And Starting Home Based Business Have Similar Challenges

Last week I hiked to Sunfish Pond. The trail head is located at the unlikely place of the rest area off route 80 at the Delaware Water Gap. I have hiked to Sunfish Pond almost every March for the past 20 years.

The weather at this time of year in the Poconos can range from a warm sunny spring day to a blizzard with everything in between. Today was cool, windy and wet with lots of water rolling down the mountain from recent rains. Hiking from the Delaware River to Sunfish Pond is an all-uphill hike 4.5 miles through the Worthington National Forest on the New Jersey side of the Gap.

Home Based Business Is Up Hill All The Way

Hiking up to Sunfish Pond has its challenges, since it is uphill all the way. The scenery is gorgeous and yet sometimes when I take someone with me on the hike they do not have the ability to enjoy the journey because they are too focused on the challenge.

I often think when hiking to Sunfish Pond that it has the same challenges that starting a home based business does.

Home Business Goals & Challenges

All successful home based businesses have a written business plan with goals in place. Many home business owners do not stay committed to their goals. They quit before reaching the “top”. The vision of reaching Sunfish Pond is a lofty goal that many do not stay committed to.

Last year my hiking companion turned back after walking uphill for an hour. She become discouraged as we crossed a waterfall generated by winter melt that was crossing the trail, and quit before reaching the top. Another year my hiking companion complained the whole way up the hill. It is basically a 2.5 hour hike uphill and he complained the entire way. I wanted to say “what part of uphill all the way did you not understand?”

Sometimes when hiking up to this natural historic site, just like in business, the trail levels off and it seems like the going will get easier but around another corner it starts uphill again.

Oftentimes you must problem-solve the best course of action. Which rock to step on to cross a stream? Or is it better to take the leafy trail or the rocky version?

Sometimes you must overcome your fears. Signs are warning you of bears and giving you advice on what to do in the event of seeing one. (Bang pots together or make noise!) Hiking, like working from home, requires overcoming your fears.

Believe it or not, this year I saw a coyote. That really did instill some fearful thoughts into a few minutes of my journey. (I have never seen a wild coyote in my life.)

My experience with taking along other hikers is that most people cannot enjoy the process. They tend to focus on the work rather than the benefits. Just like when running your home based business you must enjoy the process or not bother doing it. I enjoy seeing wildlife, green ferns, lichen on trees, the rushing waterfalls and more. Business can be thrilling too!

Home Based Business Success Never Easy

There are many great rewards in staying committed to your home based business. Like hiking to Sunfish Pond, even after reaching your goals and achieving success it doesn’t get any easier. As a matter of fact, many fail after they think that they have reached their goals because they do not stay focused.

Did you know that more people die coming down after summitting Mt. Everest than do on the ascent?!

I doubt if anyone ever died returning from Sunfish Pond and yet we cannot dilly-dally after reaching the glorious goal. The return trip is equally long and treacherous. A quick snack and a couple of pictures is all that there is time for, as darkness is approaching.

One year someone who insisted on joining me on the trek nearly did not make it down. I had deep concerns about her ability to continue, but of course there were no options except to keep on. Walking downhill has as many challenges as walking uphill. The rocks slip more and it is definitely harder on your knees.

Starting A Home Based Business Is Simple

Like walking to the glacial Sunfish Pond, starting a home based business is simple. One step in front of the other is all it takes to achieve your goals.

Simple yes, but easy no! If it was that easy, there would be 1000s of people and a mini-market at Sunfish Pond. If it was that easy, then EVERYONE would have a home based business.

Hiking to Sunfish Pond and starting a home based business take a willingness to do the work, go the extra mile, stay focused and enjoy the process!

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In addition to being a direct selling trainer and educator believe it or not I can dance too.

A Healthy Holiday and a Happy New Year!

If you have not done so yet, please Enter the direct sales sweepstakes! through January 1st 2011 at midnight. It is simple:

• Read any article
• Learn something for your business
• Comment on the article with value and insight
• Now you are entered!
• Enter as often as you want

Read all the rules too: direct sales sweepstakes rules

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A Holiday Wish For Direct Sellers

Take a minute to watch this. It is slow to load and is well worth the wait! I would like to thank all the direct sales professionals who visit this site and participate in our events. You are awesome.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and have a terrific Kwanza and every other holiday that you may be celebrating. Have some fun and do not let stress ruin it for you. Happy Holidays, Deb

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All Work & No Play – Not Me!

It is important to enjoy life too. One of the many benefits of being in direct sales is that you can write your own schedule. Be sure that you do exactly that and enjoy doing the things that you love. If you find that I am not answering my phone or returning my calls quite as quickly as usually this is why.

Check out last year’s snow making video too.

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