Start selling at home with the Body Shop

Working full time but looking to start your own business? We talk to someone who did just that; Amanda Alcock, Senior Executive Manager for The Body Shop at Home. Body Shop consultants run parties in homes and generate income on the back of a proven model and brand.

When Amanda started as a Body Shop at Home consultant in August 2011, the income-generating parties needed to work around her full time job. As she grew the sideline business, she gave up the day job to go full time self-employed and is now a Senior Executive Manager hosting regular events and recruiting other consultants and training them to do the same.

Amanda says:

'The Body Shop at home provide training so you don't need any experience to get started selling from home. Being a consultant is all about talking to people, so along with a bit of entrepreneurialism; enthusiasm and people skills are key to success.'

'I'm always networking to find new customers - through friends and family or at local events and on social media. The best way to grow the business is by creating leads and booking more parties. Getting the message out is key.'

Amanda is an advocate for the products she's selling and says one of the most important things about running a party and getting loyal customers is building a relationship with the people you're talking to. Knowing your product and customers is the best way to land sales and the more parties you run, the more you earn.

'This kind of work is fun and flexible and an amazing earning opportunity if you are prepared to work at it. You get the benefits of being your own boss, whilst being surrounded with the support of a team.'

Franchise and direct selling opportunities like The Body Shop at Home are on the increase as a popular route for people wanting to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. In the process, you pick up customer relationship skills, marketing tips and salesmanship.\

Find out more about Body Shop at home here.

If you're thinking about delving into your own business, check out 'Working 5-9' by Emma Jones. Sign up to become an Enterprise Nation member for a 25% discount on all of our books.