Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennie Bellinger, founder and host of Badass Direct Sales Mastery, located in O'Fallon, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Rock start direct sales moms hire me to help teach them how to replace their income and retire their husbands from a job they hate. I do this through training and coaching services, both in groups and privately.
Tell us about yourself
I was super successful in my own direct sales business (earned trips, car bonuses, cash bonuses). I was recognized as the top leader for group growth in the world and a top-three leader for group sales in the world. After being in the business for a little over five years, I remember looking around one of our big events and realizing how much turnover had happened. I started doing research and figured out this wasn’t just happening at my company but in ALL direct sales companies. And it hurt my heart to know that so many dreams and goals were going unmet.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It’s not what I’ve done but what I’ve been able to help my clients achieve! I’ve helped a few fully replace their job income and make direct sales their full-time career. A few of my clients have been invited to speak on their company stages, thanks to the work we’ve done together.
As a podcast host and producer of the Badass Direct Sales Mastery podcast, I’ve been able to get into the top 300 of all business podcasts in the United States and as a top 500 business podcast globally. The podcast has ranked number one in Malta and Mongolia, as well!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it’s balancing the people in my business and the projects. I’m reaching a stage in my business where I can no longer do it all, nor do I want to. I’m working to find amazing people to help me manage my social media groups and helping to create content with me for marketing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get specific about your ideal client FAST. Don’t try to market to everyone. It’s better to market to a specific niche (bait the hook for a specific fish rather than a boring worm that you think every fish wants).
- Hire a coach ASAP. Make sure that coach has their own coach/coaches working with them. Your coach will help you think of the things you aren’t doing, keep you on task, and be accountable for the items on your list that must get done. They will also be your biggest cheerleader! Being in business can be very lonely, but your coach will make it much less lonely.
- Do your market research! “Build it, and they will come” is NOT a business strategy for success. You’ve got to know what it is that your potential clients THINK they need so you can build what they think they need, sell it to them, and then deliver that plus what you know they ACTUALLY need.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The Badass Direct Sales Mastery podcast is always interested in interviewing rock star direct sales moms with 5+ years of experience in the industry. Go to this page to apply as a guest today!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://badassdirectsalesmastery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badassdirectsalesmastery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BadassDirectSalesMastery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levelupcoachllc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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