There are various ways to market products and services but the most cost-effective approach is through face-face marketing. It’s also a great option for start-ups, freelancers, and sole proprietorship businesses
In my previous direct sales articles, I gave a brief overview of what direct sales are, the five simple steps to direct selling, the benefits of direct selling, the differences between direct selling products versus services, the truth of a “sale,” rejection, and start-up fundraising through direct marketing that leads to sales. Typically, in direct sales, the products or services being sold are not available in retail stores, it is a process to buy and receive online, and lastly, most products being sold directly to consumers are for start companies entering a new market.
There are three types of direct selling methods which are single-level selling, host or event selling, and multi-level-marketing.
Single-Level Selling
Single-level sales are conducted by one person through one-on-one interaction in person, online, via phone, or email. Single-level marketing is also the easiest approach for any individual when selling a product or service they offer themself. Secondly, single-level marketing allows the salesperson to receive a hundred percent of the commission. Lastly is the starting point to building trust and credibility regarding a product or service to build a team of direct sellers.
Host or Event Selling
Host or event selling is conducted through an event, party, or special occasion primarily through group presentations, business meetings, retail stores, and even in prospective buyers’ homes. Host or event selling is often conducted through warm leads through partnerships and programs that offer an exclusive item or service. Host selling is a great approach for individuals who are starting a business because host selling is often for a specific cause or offering.
Multi-level Marketing
Multi-level marketing is a type of direct selling method that requires single-level sales, event, or host selling and contains a recruitment aspect. In multi-level marketing, direct sales reps sell products or services themselves but also train recruits to sell products or services and repeat the same cycle. Unlike, host selling and single-level sales in multi-level marketing the more sales a rep makes and the more reps are their team the greater chance of growth, rep retention, and revenue.
Generally, most multi-level marketing procedures are considered “pyramid schemes” because the endless recruitment aspect weighs out selling the product or service, and reps who recruit earn money off of other recruits.
Three components make an MLM legitimate and that is recruitment cannot be the primary focus of the operation, the product or service must be of high quality, and reps only make money off of the sales they make in the “field.”
Application to Business
Depending on the type of business anyone is running the best approach to turning viewership into profits is to go directly to the source. Going directly to the source cuts out overhead costs, and builds value and trust, lastly by directly interacting with consumers you build valuable connections and quality consumers.
