Onboarding: What Direct Selling Needs to Remember

Bringing customers on board as distributors is the first step in building a solid foundation for the future. Yet, there can be pitfalls and challenges even for a system as historically solid as Direct Selling. Making the process as smooth as possible is important to putting the new distributor on the road to success.

The same principles of cognitive fluency that sit at the core of good marketing – easy, repeatable, and clear – should also be the mainstay of any good onboarding plan. As exciting as the YouEconomy is, it’s important to remember that potential new distributors are no longer limited in possible outlets for their entrepreneurial urges. In order to not only attract and keep the best, Direct Selling needs to up its game.

In order to not only attract and keep the best, Direct Selling needs to up its game.

Eliminate Technical Difficulties

Many Direct Selling companies use a combination of technology and hardcopy materials to get their new distributors off to a good start. Microsites are one of the most common, but they can also prove the most challenging. Ensuring that the technology in question is compatible with all Smart Devices is a key first step as is clarity of instruction. Most Millenials coming on board will expect to use their Smart Device as a means of doing their work anywhere and any time.

Fostering leadership, innovation, and success starts before the customer even really considers the possibility of becoming a distributor.

Train the Trainers

Direct Selling is only as good as the people in the field because it is the people in the field. For companies to have a successful onboarding system, they need to make sure that current distributors are all on the same page. Fostering leadership, innovation, and success starts before the customer even really considers the possibility of becoming a distributor. Consistent training and work with distributors in the field is one way to ensure that the new distributors they in turn recruit get everything they need from the very beginning.

Current distributors should be reminded that the better they train their downline team members, the greater success for everyone. New information for new recruits alike should arrive in easy-to-digest fashion and be accompanied by offers of support and networking. Think of the small, logistical details that form the structure of what it means to be a distributor and make sure current distributors also have these same things in mind. Sharing stories of early days as well as tips on best practices after the new person starts are also ways to help foster that sense of community inherent in the channel. Perhaps more importantly, they can also help a new distributor integrate that much faster.

Helping new distributors understand how they fit with the goals of the company and how their work can positively impact something they already feel passionate about is an important step in the onboarding process.

Offer Individualized Instruction

This point goes beyond the typical one-to-one mentor relationship in Direct Selling. It’s important to remember that not everyone learns or prefers to be managed in the same way. Asking a new distributor what method works for them in terms of communication, learning new information or practices, or even how they prefer to organize their time is a good start to tailoring their experience. Asking these questions even of a long-time customer making the transition to distributor shows a level of respect that will help foster an even better relationship for the future. It also opens the door to discussions of their goals as distributors and how that fits with the organization as a whole. Helping new distributors understand how they fit with the goals of the company and how their work can positively impact something they already feel passionate about is an important step in the onboarding process. These kinds of social relationships only deepen the connection a new distributor feels to a company and will ultimately lead to success for everyone.

Perform Regular Check-Ins

What is particularly important to get new distributors off to a solid start is maintaining that sense of connection. Asking questions, too, or surveying a new distributor at regular intervals helps a company understand its onboarding process and ensure that the basic steps are being met. While the YouEconomy allows for greater flexibility in terms of workplace and schedule, it can also result in a greater sense of loneliness. Events, regular texts, or calls help foster a sense of camaderie that strengthens the bond between a new distributor and their mentor, their company, and the product. In the long run, it’s a win for everyone.

Feature Image by InfusionSoft

Photo by Greentech Media