Take Me To Your Leader

When it comes to direct sales, there’s a popular saying that gets tossed around: “You’re in business for yourself, but never by yourself.” This simple phrase holds a lot of power and truth, especially for those who are just starting their journey. In this blog, I will share my conversation with my friend Evelyn Abernathy about what this quote really means, the importance of mentorship, and how being coachable can make or break your success in direct sales.

The Importance of Community in Direct Sales

Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t have prior experience in marketing or sales. Many people who join direct sales come from completely different backgrounds—some are teachers, some are corporate professionals, and some are stay-at-home parents looking for a flexible way to earn income. The reality is that running a business is a completely different experience, and without guidance, it can feel scary and lonely.

That’s why community is such an essential piece of the puzzle. When you have a network of fellow consultants, uplines, and mentors to lean on, you never have to figure everything out on your own. As Evelyn put it, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Having someone who’s been in your shoes, who understands the struggles and wins, can help steer you in the right direction and save you a lot of time and frustration.

Following the System: The Recipe for Success

One of the biggest mistakes new consultants make is trying to reinvent the wheel before they even get started. Many direct sales companies already have systems in place—a step-by-step guide for launching your business, marketing materials, training programs, and proven methods for success.

Evelyn shared a great analogy: “When I follow a new recipe for the first time, I always follow it exactly as written. Only after I’ve made it once do I tweak it to my liking.” The same goes for your business. Follow the company’s system first. Learn what works. Then, as you gain experience, add your own personal flair.

Being Coachable: A Key to Growth

Coaching isn’t just for business—it applies to all areas of life. Whether it’s hiring a life coach, listening to a mentor, or reading a book by a business expert, there are countless ways to learn and improve.

Both Evelyn and I have benefited from professional coaching through the Modern Direct Seller Academy with Becky Launder. Before joining, Evelyn had received great training from her company, but she knew she needed additional support in growing her online business. When she found Becky’s coaching, everything clicked. “She spoke my language. She resonated with me.”

But coaching doesn’t have to mean spending money on a program right away. When I first started expanding my business knowledge, I binge-watched YouTube videos, listened to podcasts, and consumed as much free content as possible. Direct sales is direct sales, no matter what company you’re with—you can always learn something valuable from other sellers, even if they aren’t in your specific niche.

Asking for Help: You’re Not Alone

One of the biggest things we want new consultants to understand is that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. If you have a leader, mentor, or team, don’t be afraid to reach out for guidance. Many uplines genuinely want to help, but they can’t read minds. If you need support, ask for it!

At the same time, be upfront about your goals. Not everyone joins direct sales with the same vision—some people are in it for a discount, some for part-time income, and some to build a full-time career. If you communicate what you want from the start, your leader can help guide you in a way that makes sense for your individual goals.

The Bottom Line: Lean In & Learn

Success in direct sales comes down to one key factor: leaning in.

• Follow the system your company provides.
• Be open to coaching, whether through your upline, free resources, or a professional mentor.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help and communicate your goals clearly.
• Stop reinventing the wheel—use what’s already been proven to work.

The beauty of direct sales is that while you are in business for yourself, you never have to do it alone. By embracing the knowledge and experience of those who have come before you, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

Want to dive deeper into coaching and mentorship? Be sure to check out Evelyn’s latest blog post on Purple Essence by Evelyn, where she shares even more insights on the power of coaching in business and life!

And as always, I’d love to hear from you! What’s one key takeaway from this discussion that resonated with you? Drop a comment below or connect with me on social media. Let’s continue the conversation!