WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsDirect Sales business booming!

Direct Sales business booming!

By Natalie Sparacio

WAUSAU (WAOW) -- Finding a job these days is a job in itself.

That's why some 15 million people are turning to direct sales companies like Mary Kay and Tastefully Simple.

3 different women.

3 different stories.

All working for a common goal: to succeed in direct sales.

Kimberly Reed, a Mary Kay Consultant says "I guess job security wise it also gives me the opportunity if something were to happen to my full time job or my husbands full time job we have this kind of as a back up"

Laura Dahlstrom, a Tastefully Simple Consultant says "I always wanted to stay home with my children, and I found it was a very good opportunity to make and break my own hours and be my own boss."

Jennie Pepke, also a Mary Kay Consultant, says "Number one for me it was able to continue to feel like I'm doing something for others, that I'm making a difference, making them feel good. Secondly it's very flexible and third, the income potential is unmatched."

With the unemployment rate topping 9%, it's acted as a recruiting tool for jobs like these in that you can't get laid off because it's your business.

Basically, you get out of it what you put in.

"There is a need in the economy being down and you know the fear of that your family might suffer or might be affected by job loss or what not and it's definitely a supplemental situation that can turn into a life changer." says one consultant.

The days of going door to door are history.

The majority of Direct Sales Representatives hold gatherings, meetings, and utilize the internet.

"By going into someone homes and not knocking door to door it's a very homey feeling. I walk into your home and make myself at home in your kitchen." says Dahlstrom.

Breaking into the business can be intimidating but those who've embarked on the experience have no regrets.

Just take that leap and just go for it," says Reed, "Because you'll be so surprised at the person that it will help you become and the potential that the company has if you are willing to work for it and want to do it."

The Wausau Center Mall is holding a Home-based Business Expo on August 21st through the 23rd.

For more information, click here.

Online Reporter: Ashley Gatz