Direct selling has taken a credibility hit over the years. Often, people associate direct selling with "scams" and "pyramid schemes,” which has let to distrust in the industry. Also, product and service claims expressed either from the company or their representatives, has increased the distrust level. Perhaps a lack of research or pressure from a recruiter with a "desperate" compensation plan, led you to join a company that was not quite right for you (I've had a few of those), and it left a bitter taste in your mouth, so to speak. With these factors in mind, who would want to add an additional challenge to the physical challenges we already face!

Many direct selling companies are reporting an increase in sales and representatives within the last 2 years due to the nationwide job losses and declining economy. As we all know, many who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia or CFS/ME has already experienced a personal recession. With these statistics, is it possible for someone with physical challenges, such as fibromyalgia and cfs/me, to generate income from becoming a distributor of a direct sales company? Are there any other benefits from joining the direct sales ranks? Let us examine three major reasons why direct selling may be ideal for you.

1) Free and Discounted Products

Putting the business aspect to the side, many join direct sales companies just to take advantage of the discount. When I first entered the industry 18 years ago, I was a newlywed with a home that I wanted to decorate but had a lack of funds. A friend invited me to a home decorating party so that I could buy a few things to decorate. I watched the demonstrator and thought how fun it would be to demonstrate products and earn enough money to decorate my home. After joining, I was hooked! Of course, fibromyalgia had other plans for me, and I left that company and joined one that was more "fibro friendly". But, it didn't matter which company I joined; I always had extra cash in my pocket, purchased my items using my discount, earned free products and prizes from the company based on my activity, and my husband's favorite, the tax benefits. It was really a win-win situation.

2) A Stepping Stone to Bigger and Greater Things

One of the advantages of being in a direct sales company is the free educational and training system. With each company that I have encountered over the years, I have use bits of information to improve my business to the level that it is today. Physical challenges can cause an individual to change careers because of the inability to keep up with the demands of the job. Some are forced to go on disability or just struggle on a spouse's income. Direct sales can change that! Becoming a representative, distributor, or consultant for a company can give you an advantage over the ones that you may have left behind in that corporate office. Not only can you earn immediate funds from the sales of products or services, but you can also earn residual income from those who you mentor. There is nothing scandalous about the network marketing or multi level marketing side of this business. The company is paying you to train others to market their products. It's no different from the actors, authors, or musicians that earn residual income from the reruns of their tv shows (actors), the sales from books (authors), or the sampling of tracts (musicians). Multi-level marketing is an excellent way to earn money while you sleep.

After gaining education from the direct sales company and combining it with you’re their own experience, many have become coaches or consultants either in the direct selling industry or in a different field. As a coach, there's the opportunity to sell your expertise through books, cds, and membership services. Regardless of the avenue, direct selling can increase your revenue.

Working from home is a possiblity if you feel well enough and ready enough to do so. But ME/CFS and FMS affects every individual differently. If you are severely affected or have severe brain-fog for example, then working from home probably won't be for you.

But if you do feel well enough to work from home, then request more information about free or low cost business opportunities.