Important Questions to Ask Direct Selling Software Companies About Their System

1. Industry knowledge and experience in the direct selling industry by new company owners. Being familiar with industry terms and procedures are crucial for success. Do a lot of research and talk to industry experts.

2. System set-up: There are always questions which need to be answered that you may be unaware of, or not have even considered. Your software vendor should provide you insight so you can make educated decisions.

3. Training tools: Not taking the time to understand and learn the training tools. This applies to companies and distributors. You need to promote various tools and train the members on them.

4. Computer literacy: It is vital to have someone on the corporate team who is computer literate for the set-up and thereafter. This is a common mistake with start-ups and can prolong the set-up time indefinitely.

5. Skipping steps and/or not reviewing or completing each step because you want to go live too quickly. Though the iMatrix Platform allows for immediate modifications, making changes later can have negative consequences and impact your business objectives.  Planning is key.

6. Just get going: Don’t worry about unique customizations and displays during set-up unless they are absolutely necessary for your business goals. The iMatrix Platform will always allow you to add unique features later.

7. Website: Depending on your objectives, don’t spend too much time or money on designing a new website. Use a website template and get going. Your website can evolve over time. Remember, no one will stumble across your website unless you spent a lot of money and time on your Search Engine Optimization and/or Advertising prior to your launch. It is highly unlikely your website will get a high ranking on the first page, unless you have a lot of money to spend on pay-for-click ads.

8. Operational staff: Only focusing on the compensation plan and products, and not employing an experienced staff.

9. Launching before you are ready: This can cause product delivery and service issues, even when it’s a “service” product. It can also adversely impact the system and its features.

10. Making hasty changes to the Compensation Plan: This causes confusion in the field. They will stop working and start trying to figure out how to manipulate the new plan.

11. Multiple decision makers: It is optimal to have a single individual make the final decisions who also has money invested in the company. Too many decision makers will delay set-up, cause conflicting goals, and create dissension. Once the company starts making money, conflicts typically begin as others perceives they are working harder and they should get more money. Ideally, have a pre-arranged plan for decision making and owner compensation before you launch the company.

12. Inadequate financing/underfunded: Not having enough reserves to cover operating costs for at least six (6) months after launch. 12 months is optimal.

13. Distributor training: Lack of thoroughly training your distributors and not having consistent training for all levels.

14. No compensation plan expert on staff: If the software vendor does not have a highly experienced compensation plan expert who is on staff and can provide invaluable input, your business goal may not be met. This is also  important in the future when you are considering changes and additions.

15. Promises: Don’t make promises you cannot or do not intend to keep. Do not announce or promise a date to the field for anything that has not been developed or tested.

16. Keep a positive attitude: Perception is reality. Let it be known that everything is going great. You can acknowledge issues, but keep the message strong and positive! The direct selling business is a hotbed of rumors, especially in this age of social chatter.

17. The two golden rules: (1) Deliver your products or services. (2) Pay commissions on time!

iMatrix Software Platform

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