ChickSpeak

Between classes, clubs and social lives, finding a job that fits into your already-packed schedule can be tricky. Adding more challenge to the task is to find a job that you actually enjoy and can make decent money while being smart about your use of time.

One alternative to the usual part-time job or nanny position is to become a home-based (er… dorm based) selling rep for one of the big-name companies like Mary Kay or Silpada which cater to people who want to make money selling something they like (make-up, jewelry, crafts, etc…) while maintaining flexibility and the freedom to still have other jobs or commitments during the typical 9-5 day.

If being your own boss and setting your own hours sounds ideal to you, you may want to look into this, however be aware about what you may need to commit to or invest in.

Here’s the basic deal:

If interested in buying products, we all probably know a rep or a friend of a rep to get connected and pick up that moisturizer we just can’t seem to live without. If you’re considering actually joining one of these companies, here’s the key information you need to have to make a good decision for yourself.

1. While you can make excellent money selling products to friends, family and new contacts, please only become involved in something you actually use and like yourself.

2. Be realistic that you get back what you put into anything, so regardless of how nice and pretty the person trying to recruit you is, you’ve got to be ready to roll up your sleeves and work hard with the time you budget in order to see money coming back to you.

3. Most, if not all, companies like Avon, MK and Silpada will require you to buy a certain level of inventory outright. You’ll probably have options of various sizes ranging from “starter” to “deluxe,” with increasing price tags, so be careful not to bite off more than you can chew and get stuck with more than you can sell at first.

4. Talk with parents or a trusted adviser before you get into this type of business, as educated move is often better than one made on the fly. Bonus points to you if you long-term career goals jive with business and sales in this capacity. If you hate schmoozing, are way introverted or just don’t like the idea of having to invest personal money before you can bring home a paycheck- know when to say no to a recruiter’s invitation to join. On the other hand, if you are a true “people person,” believe in the products and think you can make it work for you, while still keeping your priorities in line, go for it.

In order to get the perspective of a current rep, we spoke with Erika Cernik of Silpada Designs. Silpada was started in 1997 by two women who loved sterling silver jewelry. Today, there are thousands of independent Silpada representatives around the country. Erika recently joined the company as an independent sales rep and loves the freedom it gives her, along with the discounts on silver jewelry she otherwise would buy but have to pay full price on.

“Being my own boss is great, and I love the jewelry lines. Plus it’s fun organizing the jewelry parties hosted at friends and clients apartments and houses, so it’s a real win-win for everyone. It’s all a very social thing.”

Erika has volunteered to answer any additional questions about her experience and the company in general for our readers, so feel free to check out her silpada website and drop her a line. Silpada items can also be purchased from her site. Her contact information is listed on her homepage.

Watch for a special Silpada give-a-way tomorrow courtesy of Erika Cernik….