ou love to scrapbook and it shows. Your scrapbook consultant loves when you throw a party; it's a guaranteed lock! All your guests feed off of your enthusiasm and gobble up the new papers and craft ideas. Obviously you are made for sales, but what about direct sales? Before making the leap to your favorite company, first understand that there are crucial skills that must be mastered.

Starting a new business, or even joining an established one, is a significant investment of your time and money. Yes, you have skills in the sales area, but are they enough to catapult you into direct sales stardom? Here is a terrific list of questions you should first ask yourself. So, go ahead and get a pen and paper and just complete this questionnaire right now. Try to answer as honestly as possible since we all get a tad excited at the prospect of something new.

The questionnaire is not meant to discourage. Far from it! But rather, to help you see your own potential and interests. Heck, you may not even want to go into direct sales after the questionnaire. You may discover that a scrapbook consultant business is not for you. What Amount of Time are You Willing to Commit to Building and Working a Direct Sales Business?

Building a business takes time, especially a new business. Want to work just a few hours a week? Well, then don't go into direct sales. Yes, as a scrapbook consultant your shows and parties only take a few hours each week. But, in direct sales you also need to factor in the time to build new relationships, driving time, the time needed to organize the show, i.e. calling possible hostesses and crossing all your "t's." It flat out takes time; more time than a few hours each week.

Are You 100% Sold Out on the Products You Will be Selling?

This is an important one. Are you looking to get into direct sales because you can make a few hundred dollars each week for just a few hours of work? Or do you love the products so much that you already basically sell them to everyone you know? It's not horrible to take a job to make money; we all have to make a living. But, when it comes to sales, the better you know and love your product, the easier it is to sell it.

How Deep is Your Desire and Motivation to Work Your Business? Do you love setting and making your own goals? Are you always striving to improve yourself and are motivated by competition? If so, then sales sounds like it may be a good fit. Having reachable short term, and exciting long term goals will help you progress fast.

Owning that dream car is a good long term goal. Figure out the exact steps to get it. How much is it to own outright? How many sales are needed to reach that figure? Or, how many recruits do you need? Start your plan; write out how many people you need to recruit and how many sales you need. Map out how many shows you need to hold each week and month and how many potential clients need to be in attendance. How will you keep your fresh recruits motivated? Remember, whomever you bring in, you will be in charge of growing.

Do You Have the Ability or Desire to Speak in Front of a Group of People?

Holding weekly shows is the main aspect of direct sales. If you have a problem speaking in front of a group, that's ok. As long as you have the desire to change. You must be able to comfortably speak in front of group in order to effectively hold shows and meetings. You want your customers concentrating on what you are saying, not how you are saying it.

The above questions will help you discover if a career in direct sales is in your future. Most people are not naturally gifted in all the necessary areas. Not having all the qualifications is just fine. However, you must have a desire to learn, and grow into a leader in these areas if you want to be a leader yourself. Maybe you saw yourself in a new light after answering the questions. Maybe you want to explore other types of scrapbook businesses.

There is no time limit when deciding on a new future. Some recruiters may push you to make a decision or explain that if you join right now you will get bonuses "a, b and C!" The fact is that joining is not the hard part. Making sure you set yourself up for success is your main objective. If after answering these questions you are still unsure, talk to your spouse and close friends. Many times they are able to shed new light that may just help you make your final decision.