Today, I want to write about WHY women are so good at direct sales. While I don’t have any statistics in front of me to throw at you, I can tell you from personal experience that there are (1) more women in direct sales than men and (2) women are typically much better at building a profitable direct sales business than men are. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule, but not many.
In the paragraphs below, I will share my top 7 reasons why women are so good at direct sales. Whether you are a man or woman, I think you will benefit from reading this.
# 1 Women Are Great at Building Relationships
When it comes to build strong relationships, most women can run circles around most men. Most women are compassionate, are good listeners and are good at connecting with others. Men tend to be more logical and women more emotional. Men want to get to the point and women want to connect on an emotional level. I think women do well with the relationships because they are so nurturing compared to guys.
# 2 Women Know How to Multi-Task
I’ve never met one woman in my life that did not know how to multi-task. Most women have a job, a husband, children and many other things to deal with. Most women can do two or three things at a time with ease. So building a business, on top of taking care of their family is really no big deal to them. Most guys I’ve met (including myself) aren’t very good multi-taskers.
# 3 Women Tend to Be Passionate About the Products They Are Selling
Most women in this industry are very passionate about what they are selling. Women who sell jewelry, skin care, beauty products and other personal care items that they love and use, will gladly talk about them with others. Combine this with their relationship building skills and you have a winning one-two combination.
# 4 Women Are Typically Very Nurturing
Women are great at nurturing others. This goes hand in hand with the # 1 tip on this list. They are kind and compassionate and great at making others feel loved, important and appreciated. When it comes to taking care of customers, building hope in their team, and making others feel loved and appreciated, most women are very good at it.
# 5 Most Women Want to Work From Home If They Have Kids
Most (not all) women that I’ve ever met want to be home to raise their kids. They DO NOT want to send their kids to day care and have someone else raise their own kids. For many women this is WHY they choose a direct sales career. They can stay home during the day to take care of the nest and raise their kids and fit their home based business around their family schedule.
# 6 Most Women Are Very Sociable and Love Hosting and Going to Parties
Most women love doing in home parties and spending time with other women. This means they are great at doing in home parties, hosting parties, and teaching their team how to leverage the party-plan. Most women can sit around with other women for hours and have good conversations and quality time, whereas most men can’t do the same thing very well.
# 7 Most Women Will Do WHATEVER It Takes to Take Care of Their Family
While men and women are very similar in this category, I know that most women will do whatever it takes to provide for, take care of and protect their family. If that means they need to have a part-time business to generate and extra $500 per month to feed their family, they will do it. Or, if their husband loses his job, they will step up to the plate and make extra money with their part-time direct sales business.
Final Thoughts
Once again, I’m not trying to stereotype women and tell you that just because you are a woman you will succeed in direct sales, or just because you are a woman all seven of these rules will pertain to you. That is far from the truth. These are just some trends and “themes” I’ve noticed with women during my 11 years in this great industry.
Additionally, I know plenty of men who build HUGE organizations in the direct sales industry because they have many of the qualities listed above.
The bottom line is that men and women are wired very differently and bring different skill-sets, viewpoints, and business building styles to their business. And that is a good thing!
What are your thoughts? Why do you think women are so good at direct sales? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.
Chuck Holmes
20+ Year Network Marketing Professional
Top Earner & Top Recruiter
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
P.S. Learn how to grow a successful network marketing business. Secret tips, training, and practical ideas. Free training delivered by email.
I think women are better at direct sales because it is one of the few arenas where the playing field is level. When it comes to direct sales, anyone who can learn the process and work the formulas can succeed. I also think that women who look at MLM business opportunities tend to have a little more skin in the game. When you are the single mom, or need a second income, failure is not an option.
Yes, most of the people in our industry are women and I can see your point about why.
As a stay at home mom, I can attest to the fact that a part of my passion for direct sales comes from the ability to be able to be at home with my son. I love being able to set my own schedule and work hours that revolve around the time I spend with my son. I honestly think I work harder from home than I would in the office because I am so much more motivated. I get to have my time with my son and then when it comes time to work I am so energized I am able to really blast through the work without sacrificing anyone’s needs.
You rock Diamond. Many women do very well in direct sales.
I have to agree with this post, even though it might seem like stereotyping. After all, stereotypes usually start with a grain of truth! I always thought that women in sales, especially the very attractive women, were more successful than men. Part of that may be because women can use more open, touchy body language that people respond to. A man might get himself smacked for doing the exact same thing. Again – not necessarily fair, but certainly accurate. The point about being motivated to work from home because of children is certainly a good one, too.
Women rock!
You are right on the money with this post, Chuck! And not all stereotypes are bad. Women are driven and motivated by circumstances unique to us. That desire to be home with your children and earn a living. It is expected for men to work outside the home generally, but as women we struggle with it. We get excited about things.
Thanks for the comment. I’ve met many successful women in our industry and all of them are really self motivated and great at sales.
I must totally agree with all these points.
#1. Most men do not want to get too close to people. This gives women a strong advantage in direct sales.
#2. Over the years, I have learned to be a bit better at multitasking, but facts are facts and I still have a hard time chewing gum and walking at the same time.
#5. Overall, men are the type to have an 8-5 normal job. In direct sales, there is no such thing.
#6. There are a few social spots for men, but typically they are not direct selling social spots. Maybe the golf course, but usually men are more interested in getting a good golf swing then selling something to their golf partners.
#7. I believe most men will too, but they will go for hard labor instead of a direct sales route.
Yes, women do have the upper hand in direct sales. I agree.
Glad you agree. Anyone can do well, regardless of gender. It just takes a certain set of qualities.