Dealing with Negative People in Your Direct Sales Business

You’re excited to be starting your direct sales business.  You picked a company with a product you want to tell others about and enjoy yourself.

But are you ready to deal with negative people when they come your way?

Keep reading to learn about this darker side of direct sales. (Really this happens within any business so if you have own business you’ll benefit from this post.)

 The Direct Sales Business Today

As of 2015 the Direct Selling Association, over 20 million people in the U.S. are involved in direct sales business.

That’s a lot of people in this industry, and new people are joining direct sales companies every day. More consultants mean more competition for you.

In fact, competitors are everywhere – on different teams, working with different companies, or even on YOUR team.

Don’t sweat it though. Friendly competition can be healthy. It encourages you to push yourself more to work your business, find new customers, and improve your marketing techniques.

No direct sales business will succeed unless you are committed to working consistently in tasks that bring you sales. The truth is of that 20 million people in direct sales, only a certain percentage actually treats their business seriously.

The rest do it as a hobby, or even just a customer getting discounts, and won’t become real competition for you.

The Not-so Friendly Competition

Of course, not all competitors are friendly; some will view you as the enemy simply because you’re not in their downline or with the same company.

You may even have some of your own team members or customers who don’t think you’re all that wonderful. So what? They are afraid to have you as competition. They may think you are dreading on their territory.

Just accept that you will only please some of the people some of the time, but you’ll never please all of the people all of the time. The only people you really have to please are your customers. If you are running a business of integrity, you just keep doing what you’re doing.

Don’t change who you are or what you are doing simply because someone doesn’t like it. Change if you need to for continuous improvement; otherwise, be true to yourself.

Dealing with Sabotagers

Unfortunately, not everyone operates with the same integrity. Some people will try to sabotage your business. Some will call you a liar. Some will try to get into an argument with you on a public forum. Some people may even do something that you could never imagine.

What do you do? Stay true to yourself. Don’t let them pull you down or let others determine the fate of your business. Don’t waste time worrying what others think or say about you – and never stoop to their level. Remember, those who talk badly about you only make themselves look ugly.

By taking the high road, you can keep your integrity intact.

All that said, lest you think direct sales is all catfights and mudslinging, you will find that most people in this industry are inherently good.

Like you, they’re simply too busy running their own business to be all up in your business. Most are very helpful and supportive, and will freely give advice when asked. When you do run across those Negative Nellies, just walk away.

More Success, More Negative People

You should be aware, though, that the more involved you are in your business, the bigger the target on your back.

The best way to deal with competition and those who have made it clear they are not a fan, is to ignore them.

And focus your time and attention on growing your business and delivering exceptional customer service.

Let’s face it, these people are just insecure about themselves. They feel a need to try and pull you down because they can’t face seeing others doing better than they are.

Trouble in Your Corner

As in everything you do – church, school, work, and even family gatherings – you will meet some people who like you and some who don’t. The negative people may even be your close family. You won’t be the first person to hear negative comments about their direct sales business.

Sometimes it’s because that person doesn’t really understand the direct sales industry. They don’t realize the potential for success. Or maybe they are basing their ideas in your prior tries in direct sales or another work at home business. If they are willing to listen you can explain to them about this company you signed up with.

Talk about the commission plan. Even better, show them through your hard work. Nothing speaks like negative family members like seeing you make money.

Concentrate on building relationships with people with whom you have a connection, and ignore the ones who are just looking for trouble, and you’ll have much more success – and a lot less stress – in every area of your life and business. Find others who understand what you’re doing, who you can learn from and support one another.

Lastly, don’t let negativity or any failures determine your level of success. The worst reason to give up is because of other’s negativity. Work consistently on your business, learn, improve, and keep striving to grow it. It’s then you will see success and put those naysayers in their place.