A Business That Moves With You

Relocations can be challenging for military spouses, but with new assignments come opportunities to live in many parts of the country and even the world—and the chance to meet new people along the way. While life as a military spouse is certainly exciting, it can be difficult for military spouses to develop a career and hold the same job for a long period of time.

For many, starting a home-based business is the best solution. And, for those looking to do so without the burden of high start-up costs, direct selling provides a unique opportunity to earn an income while joining a network of driven sellers who share many of the same goals and aspirations.

In direct selling, independent business owners—often referred to as consultants—sell a company’s products or services on a person-to-person basis, often in homes, at social gatherings, or even at community events. Because direct sellers are free to take their businesses wherever they go, direct selling offers a particularly unique opportunity for military spouses in search of a career they can carry from place to place.

Moving Your Business with You

You can work from home, set your own hours, and take your direct selling business with you anywhere. When it comes time to move, you can find customers in your new community who are looking for the useful products and services that your direct selling business can provide.

A portable business benefits your professional development, too. By pursuing a career that can move with you, you’ll be able to develop your professional skills in more depth than if you had to change jobs frequently. It can also help take away the stress of not knowing how you’ll find a job in your new community.

Making New Friends

In addition to being flexible and portable, direct selling is highly social, creating opportunities for you to make friends in your new home. For example, throwing a home shopping party for your business can be a great excuse to get the neighborhood moms together for a fun evening of dinner and shopping. You may even find that your new friends decide to throw their own home shopping parties and invite you to them.

Pursuing a Business That’s Right for You

There is a direct selling company out there for just about every product and service imaginable. When considering which company is the right one for you, think about products and services you already know and love. Some ideas to consider as you get started include:

• If beauty, makeup, and skincare are your passion, there are dozens of direct selling companies sure to fit your taste. Whether you’re most interested in cosmetics, fragrances, hair care, toiletries, or the whole gamut, direct selling offers a wide range of opportunities to earn an income selling the very products you love! Plus, many companies will offer you discounts so you, too, can experience the products firsthand and offer customers insights about each of your favorites.

• Are you a master chef? Have you ever watched cooking demonstrations on television and thought, “I would love to try that”? There are dozens of direct selling companies that will allow you to do just that! Whether you’re looking to sell chocolates, spices, baking mixes, or even wines, direct selling can provide you with a unique opportunity to prepare—and sell—the foods you love as you build your business.

• Can’t settle on one type of food or beverage? Many direct selling companies offer cookware, cutlery, china, or kitchen wares, and several of these companies have stood the test of time to become household names today.

• Have you always had a knack for decorating, design, or even do-it-yourself home projects? Whether it is artwork, home durables, or decorative products you love most, there are countless direct selling companies with which you can start your dream business!

• Looking to sell services rather than products? There are direct selling companies that specialize in everything from telecommunications and energy to insurance and financial services.

For a complete list of direct selling companies that have been vetted by the Direct Selling Association, visit www.directselling411.com.

Regardless of which company you choose, be sure to do your research, talk to people already working with the company, and ask as many questions as you need before making a commitment.