“Sisters are Doin’ It for Themselves” and “She Works Hard for the Money” are catchy tunes (we hear you humming!) that thousands of women use as empowerment anthems. And for those who’ve found a second home in direct selling, no songs could better define the hard work they put in or the independence the industry can afford them.
October is National Women’s Small Business Month. And when you look at the numbers, especially in direct sales, a month dedicated to the accomplishments of female entrepreneurs makes a lot of sense:
- • In 2012, global direct sales totaled more than $166 million.
- • Women made up 75% of the global direct sales workforce last year.
It’s safe to say that there’s plenty of room for any woman to get her piece of the direct-selling pie.
From decadent specialty foods and sleek cookware to gleaming jewels and one-of-a-kind vacation experiences, opportunities abound for women wanting to establish careers in direct sales.
But, why are so many women successful in the direct-selling industry?
Here’s our take on a couple of reasons:
Running on Empathy
While one-size-does-not-always-fit all, it’s safe to say that many women are naturally empathetic and understand how to cultivate relationships. Showing empathy simply means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and understanding what they want and need. And if you can do that, you’re already a step ahead in the sales game!
Whether you’re talking to an on-the-go executive about skin care, a spouse seeking a special gift or a time-pressed mom in need of vacation options for her family, being empathetic will not only help you assess what products or services your customer really needs, but may also earn you a lifetime customer.
To-Do List―Done!
The phone’s ringing, dinner needs prepping, travel plans need confirming, the hamster is loose (again) ―and there’s a team call in exactly 1 hour. Good thing women are pros at multi-tasking!
Though debates are still ongoing, the universe generally accepts that women are pretty good multi-taskers. And because many direct-selling businesses can be started on a part-time basis, women who foray into the field may find it just a bit easier to make their mark on the business world and still give their personal lives the attention they need.
Savvy Shopping Style
There are lots of titles that women can hold, but we’d like to bet that the majority of them are the CPOs of their households. (That’s Chief Purchasing Officer to you!)
According to research, women make or influence 85 percent of purchasing decisions. From everyday grocery purchases to the newest tablet, women have no choice but to be savvy shoppers, especially when considering the members of their households and their needs.
Years of balancing budgets, being flexible and making sound financial choices are “unofficial” training for the same types of situations entrepreneurs may find themselves in. And it doesn’t matter if they’re fresh out of college or have a mortgage and 2 kids who need college fundsas savvy consumers, women may have an “unofficial” edge in making these budgeting and purchasing skills work for them as business owners.
We’re aware that every woman out there may not possess all of these characteristics. But, since we have so many highly successful, dynamic and “Did she really manage to take care of all of that?” women within WorldVentures as examples, we felt it fitting to celebrate the “fairer sex” this month, too.
Do you have some superstar ladies on your teams? Is there another song that makes you feel all “I am woman, hear me roar!” on the inside? If so, share with us!
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