I started my direct sales business like so many others, NERVOUS yet EXCITED!  And I called my Mom to announce my decision and she said, "Oh man, why would you do that?  Now that's a SCAM."  Uh-Oh!  Bummer.  Not quite the reception I had hoped for.   I'll fill you in a little later about what she thinks about the company I work for now.

 

At this time in my life, I was a recent college graduate and had just landed my dream job as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep for a Fortune 500 company.  About 6 months into it, I realized that there must be more to life than working 9-6 everyday making money for someone else at the top.  But, I stayed for another 3 years because I had a great paycheck, a free car, a free laptop, great benefits and I worked from home.  But I truly was yearning for something MORE.  I knew there was a greater life in store for me outside of the corporate rat race.  But I didn't know where I would find it.

 

As luck would have it, my co-worker told me that his wife worked a full time job and sold cosmetics on the side of her full time job for fun, to help women feel great, make extra cash and she got her makeup at 50% off!  And he mentioned the amazing opportunities with the company and unlimited growth potential and I could feel my heart race with excitement.  It sounded so exciting and gave me TONS of HOPE that there was a life outside of the corporate rat race!  I needed HOPE! 

 

Problem was, I didn't know a thing about makeup or skincare and I didn't know ANYONE I could sell to. But, after joining the company, I found out that they teach you everything you need to know!  And anyone that is teachable and coachable can also learn the simple steps to be a success.  

 

I had actually read a book that year called "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and it changed my thinking. I wanted a bigger life than the life I had as a child (more on that later) and in the book the author says the worlds most successful people become wealthy one of three ways:

Owning a home based business.

Owning a small business.

Owning real estate.  

 

Wealthy folks DO NOT work a 9-5 for someone else making someone else rich.  Don't get me wrong, I know being wealthy doesn't buy happiness, but having extra money gives you choices and with choices comes the freedom to impact the lives of your family and the world around you. 

 

So I followed the advice of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad book and decided to take a chance.  Buying real estate or opening my own business was out of the question because of the capital needed, but I could afford to open a home based business!  

 

So, I opened a home based business with this cosmetic giant.  I joined nervous, scared, shy, short on time and knowing few people.  But, I joined with a dream.  A dream that I could change my life and ultimately impact the lives of others.  

 

I had heard there were more women earning over $100k/year in the company that in any other company in America and I met several who claimed to make $10k a month, $20k a month, $60k a month and that gave me hope.  I also knew that if 3 million people sold for the company, it couldn't possibly be the scam my Mom thought it was.  3 million people don't get involved in something that's a scam.

 

Now for the next 6 years, my direct sales was my Plan B. I had my direct sales business along with my corporate jobs.  I didn't actively build my direct sales at this time but I did enjoy the discount on all my products and gifts and I sold to roughly 5 clients.  And in today's tumultuous economy, all women need a Plan B!  And as it turns out, I'm glad I had a Plan B.  I lost my job in March of 2009.  

 

And I needed money.  Faced with $15,000 in credit card debt plus college loans, I decided to get serious about my direct sales while I contemplated finding another job. So I found a local company director to adopt me and show me the ropes and she did just that.  

 

And following her advice, my life was forever changed. 6 months after losing my job, I was driving a Free Chevy Malibu compliments of my company.   The company awards over 300 free cars every month and 75% of those cars go to women who are also working full-time jobs. My team grew to over 30 consultants in less than 6 months, which made me a Director, placing me in the top 2% of the company.  Today I lead a team of over 200.

 

Now, I assure, you, I don't tell this to you to impress you, but just to impress upon you, that this can be an excellent source of income when you need it to be.  It was my safety net when I lost my job and produced money when I needed it the most.  If you need to make an extra $1000, $2000, $3000 this month, it is VERY possible and realistic and you can fit it in between your kids, your job and your busy schedule.  

 

I continued to hold parties and 10 months later, a second car arrived from the company - a Chevy Equinox!  Also, I was also so honored and excited when I was named as one of the top selling consultants in the United States, placing fifth in the Queens Court of Sales Emerald Division.

 

Our unit is made up of women from all over the nation!!  We are spread out from California to Connecticut and every state in between.  We are busy professionals, nurses, stay-at-home moms, servers, doctors, small business owners, nannies, real estate agents, teachers, successful entrepreneurs, grandmas and college students. There is no cookie cutter for a successful direct sales leader.  Any woman with determination and faith can be a success.  I am proud to say that today our unit has earned our fourth free car, the coveted Pink Cadillac.

 

So where am I now?  Do I make enough money? I do. I make more than I ever did as a pharmaceutical sales rep, drive a free car and my car insurance is also paid by the company.  

This company has been a blessing in my life in so many ways.  I've met so many wonderful friends, that I never would have crossed paths with had it not been for direct sales. This experience has made me a more confident person, a more positive thinker and has taught me how to successfully manage and run my own business.  It has been better than any self-improvement, entreprenuership or leadership course I could have ever taken in college.

 

Today, I don't have a BOSS!  I set my own hours and work my business around my life.  I wake up when I want, I go on vacations when I feel like it and I spend time with by husband, my baby and the ones I love.  

 

Don't get me wrong, I still work hard, but it's on my own terms.  i don't spend more than 10 hours a week away from my baby boy, partially because I miss him terribly when I leave him and partially because I don't have to be away for more than that to run this business. 

 

I feel blessed to be able to share with other women that you truly can have it all: You can be home, you can be a wonderful mother, an amazing wife and you can run your own lucrative business.  And, if you'd like to hire a little help around the house, you can because with a direct sales business, you can afford it.  

 

Overall, my priorities have shifted and I am now able to put faith first, family second and my career third.  

 

Maybe you are reading this and thinking that you want to help others, learn how to be an entrepreneur, make more friends or overcome your shyness.  Or maybe you need to make an extra $200 a week or you have a desire to make millions so you can give back to others. Direct Sales can be the answer to your prayers.

 

And as far as my Mom goes, she is my #1 fan and supporter now.  She is actually on my team and sells to her little friends here and there.  And she proudly drives around in my free car with me and LOVES it.  Years ago, she didn't have enough information to know what direct sales truly could do for my life.  

 

Life hasn't always been easy for me. My life today is a result of determination.  A quick snapshot of my childhood would not look anything like my life today. We came from very little.  My parents divorced when I was 6 and my mom was left with three children under 8. She had no job and she had to find a way to provide for us.  She did whatever it took, opening a daycare in our home and adding odd jobs here and there.  It wasn't always enough to pay the bills and we would frequently run out of food so we'd visit the local church pantry for food.  We occasionally stayed in shelters and much of my childhood was spent with a fear, a fear that we needed more money.  I knew that money bought choices that we were not afforded.

 

On many Christmases, our only gifts were from the local residents in our town and our Easter Bunny came but he only brought peanuts and if you found the one carved with an ink smiley face, that was a big deal.  As a child surrounded by kids with plenty of food, money to go on any field trips, gifts from their Easter Bunnies, and lots of name brand new clothes, I always remember feeling less than everyone and VERY different.

 

I learned alot by watching my Mom struggle for money and I knew at the age of 6 that having money gave you freedom in life.  I wanted more for my life and for my family.  Money isn't everything, but it does provide security, opportunities and choices.  I am so thankful for the struggle we had as children.  Because it taught me that material things are not what matters most.  What matters most is being a good person, loving others and giving back frequently.

 

I have used my childhood experiences as my reason for getting up everyday because I want my family to have better opportunities and choices than I did as a child.  And because I want to be able to provide for anyone in my extended family that ever needs anything.  I am extremely motivated by the thought that my hard work can benefit others.  

 

I am so passionate about mentoring women from all walks of life to live their best life and direct sales happens to be the perfect vehicle for that.

 

Truly, it doesn't matter where you started in this wonderful life, it matters where you finish. Life is not a dress rehearsal.  You have one shot to live your dream life.  

 

What are you waiting for?  Let your life story be your motivation for a better life, not your excuse.

 

What's your dream for your life?  I can't wait to hear from you! If you are interested in Direct Sales, contact me anytime!

Michelle Cunningham

Text Me Anytime: 440-973-6423

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Michelle replies to anyone interested in direct sales within 12 hours.

Can't wait to hear from YOU!