Signing up is a temptation that is difficult to resist!

When you're starting out you'll hear lots about the benefits of working for yourself, having flexible hours and determining your own income. Who doesn't fancy a new car that doesn't cost them anything and a job where you work when it suits you instead of the 9-5 grind? Don't get carried away by all this and keep your feet on the ground. Consider the following.

* It takes time and effort to build a successful business. That means more than just   a few hours devoted to your direct sales enterprise.

* Customers can be hard to find, no matter what you may have been told. It can take phone calls, advertising and active searching and if that's not you then direct sales may not be the right business choice.

* Organization is the key. If you have poor record-keeping skills you'll either need to brush up on them or enlist someone to help you. You need to be on the ball from day one and you can't think of getting things in order as tax time approaches. I you do, then you'll find yourself in the middle of a nightmare - believe me.

* It's going to be party time. Absolutely not! Parties are just a part of what you'll have to do, as the above examples suggest. You should be fine if you have a realistic idea of what you're getting into.

You should like the products you sell but don't fall into the trap of buying the whole of your company's product range. If you love candles and become a rep for a company like Mia Bella, you'll have to separate your desires from your work. Knowing your product is one thing but going overboard with your hard-earned money is something else.

If your company provides samples, as many do, then this is a solution to temptation. You can boost your sales by trying out and learning about the product with samples. Buying the complete product on a regular basis is going to eat into your profits.

You won't be able to ditch your job one day and pick up on the new one the next. To maintain your income, be patient and build your business steadily on a part-time basis till you're in a position to go full-time. You'll find it a lot easier if you say goodbye to the day job knowing you've got a solid alternative ready and waiting for you.

The sparkling opportunities offered by direct sales can blind you to the realities. In time you should be able to cash in and get the rewards that your own direct sales business can offer. If you do everything right from the outset, your chances of getting where you want to be will be much higher.