When you sponsor other consultants into your direct sales business you become a team leader with a new set of responsibilities. Here are 5 tips to help you develop successful leadership skills:

1. Lead by example. Many of your team members will emulate you not only when leading their downline, but when dealing with customers. Setting a good example will have a positive effect on the entire team’s business. Be respectful, courteous, and honest in all your interactions. Reply to emails and return phone calls in a timely manner. Treat your team the way you want to be treated and the way you want them to treat customers.
2. Leaders need to have confidence in their self, their decisions, and in their actions. If you, as a leader, are constantly second guessing things, it will be hard for your team to take you seriously. If you find yourself wondering about a decision or choice you made, consult your own upline or the company. It’s fine to ask your team for input before you make a decision, but once you make it, don’t ask you team to weigh in whether or not it was the right decision.
3. Communicate clearly and make sure you encourage your team to ask questions when they don’t understand something.
4. Listen. When your team members ask questions, ask for help, or make suggestions make sure you really hear and understand what they need. Sometimes we get so caught up in delivering our planned presentations that we forget to adjust for the audience.
5. Be organized. Good organization saves time, reduces stress, and helps you present yourself more professionally.

By being a good leader you will help your entire team stay motivated and become more profitable.

The Direct Selling Women’s Alliance just released a new audio series called, “Mentored by the Masters: Proven tips and strategies for greater passion, purpose and profits.”

It’s a monthly audio series featuring industry direct sales leaders on topics including selling, sponsoring, coaching, running you business and more. In addition to the monthly CDs there is also a special website resource area for subscribers.

Get more information and subscribe to “Mentored by the Masters: Proven tips and strategies for greater passion, purpose and profits” here.

Many direct sales consultants start out with little or no training and experience in marketing and sales. One aspect of direct sales that attracted many new recruits is the promise of company and sponsor-provided training. And indeed, many companies have excellent training resources available and many experienced team leaders will teach you their duplicatable success system.

However, there may come a time when you need more help to take your business to the next, more profitable level. Here are some training resources specifically designed for the direct selling industry:
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