Guest Post by Linda Stacy

Many consultants are attracted to direct sales or party plan businesses because they offer an established, proven sales & marketing system. For a minimal investment you can join a company, apply the recommended sales techniques, and begin earning a profit almost immediately.

Unfortunately, the system that can produce excellent results in your neighborhood and community doesn’t translate so well into online success. The basic premise – duplication – may be the downfall of your online efforts.

Stand Out in the Online Direct Sales Crowd

When one consultant makes a presentation at a home party on the East Coast, a consultant in California can have the same success with that exact same presentation. But when those consultants, along with hundreds or thousands of others all present the exact same information online, their prospects won’t even find the majority of their websites.

Online uniqueness attracts visitors.

One of the first steps in distinguishing yourself from all the other consultants in your company is to build your own online presence with a unique website, blog, or lead capture page. In addition to showcasing your expertise and personality, your own unique website is much more search engine friendly than a replicated site. Your potential customers and prospects will find your search engine optimized site, and you’ll be rewarded with increased traffic, more leads, and better sales.

(Side note: Some companies prohibit the use of personal websites for online marketing. Be sure to check your policy before proceeding. Most companies do not want consultants selling products from a personal site, but many will allow the use of one for other marketing. Be sure to understand what is and isn’t permitted.)

Build your site around an area of expertise that relates to your direct sales business. Become an expert in a product line, service, or in building a business.

For example, if you sell candles you might establish a website about using scents and color to set a room’s tone or mood. Or offer your expertise on using candles as fundraisers for schools and church groups. For a storage container company you might establish a blog on organizing your kitchen or home. Are you an award winning team leader or do you hold a company sales record? Share your “how-to” in an ebook and give it away to capture leads.

Choose a topic that will attract your target market, that you can maintain enthusiasm for, and that you can continue to expand upon.

Become uniquely you and watch your online business grow.

Linda Stacy manages several online resources that help direct sales consultants generate leads and build their teams. Visit http://www.irepnetwork.com/ to start generating your own leads.