Expo touts direct sales jobs

Anna Siefert is offering a proven tonic for the unemployment blues.

Instead of trying to find a job, she suggests individuals create a job for themselves by signing on as a direct seller.

People interested in learning more about Siefert's prescription can attend the third annual Direct Selling Opportunity Expo today at the Henderson Convention Center.

Attendees will be able to meet with representatives of 23 companies that rely on direct sales of products ranging from cosmetics to tools, plastic food containers, and flame-less scented candles.

The expo aims to give Southern Nevadans an opportunity to consider direct selling as a primary or secondary job, said Siefert, operations manager of the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative and project manager for the Women's Business Center.

"This is something that we can do to help get the economy moving and create jobs," Siefert said.

Many people start new businesses when they get laid off from jobs, but direct selling has lower entry barriers than most small businesses.

Most direct sellers work from their homes.

To become a direct seller, an individual often needs only a couple of hundred dollars for startup inventory and training material. In addition, loans of $2,000 to $4,000 can be obtained to buy office equipment, such as a computer or inventory.

Direct sellers also are selling brand-name goods and services already established by others, rather than trying to launch a new product or service, Siefert said.

Expo exhibitor Nancy Eaton will explain how attendees can generate income by holding parties on basic home repair for women. Party attendees are told how to fix drywall, repair tiles and make birdhouses and planters.

Party participants are also given the chance to buy small, lightweight pink hand tools made by Tomboy Tools.

Another exhibitor, Debra Weiss of Scentsy Wickless Warmers, will explain how to sell flameless, scented candles.

Direct sellers often hold parties for their products, but Weiss said she integrates selling into her life and brings catalogs to hand out wherever she goes.

Her father preceded her in the sales business as a demonstrator of blenders made by his company, Casman & Weiss, at Worlds Fairs and other public events.

However, Weiss said direct sellers need not have sales experience to succeed with Scentsy candles.

"If you like what you're selling, you don't have to sell it," she said. "Your passion will speak for itself."

Eaton developed home-repair skills working in the construction industry. She is past national and local president of the National Association of Women in Construction.

She has been selling Tomboy Tools and recruiting other direct sellers since 2005.

Someone could pick up $600 to $1,000 monthly in additional income by selling Tomboy Tools or go into the business full time and make more, Eaton said.

"It's more related to somebody who wants to help other people," Eaton said. "Sales come secondarily."

Eaton and Weiss are big supporters of the direct selling expo.

"People can help themselves to make a better life," Eaton said.

In addition to direct sales companies, attendees can meet representatives of several support organizations.

They include the Small Business Administration, the Senior Corps of Retired Executives, Nevada Small Business Development Center, a bank and two SBA lenders.

About 300 people are expected to attend the expo between 1 to 6 p.m. today at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 Water St. No reservations are required.

Contact reporter John G. Edwards at jedwards@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0420.