For many people, mere mention of the term direct sales sends them running the other way. While many have tried their hand at direct sales, few of them have succeeded. Hang on a second, I know you’re probably wondering why I would talk about my own industry like this, right? The truth is, of all the people who have tried and failed at direct sales, they all share a few common traits that led to failure. We’re going to look at a few of them to help you identify if you have any of these characteristics and how to eradicate them from your way of thinking.

One big killer of success is unrealistic expectations. There are so many programs that claim overnight success that it has become the expectation. The reality is, this is just not how it works. When you are getting started in direct sales, you need to have the same expectations as every other small business owner. You need to plan on building your business over time, not overnight. Having this mindset will keep you on target with your actions. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you will be rewarded. If you approach it from a get rich quick mentality, you will end up going from one method do the next looking for the instant gratification. Keep in mind that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your business won’t be either.

Another reason people don’t have the success they want is lack of fortitude. When the going gets tough, they get going. If you look at any successful person or company, you will find they all have one thing in common: they kept with it, no matter what. So many people, not only in business but in life, quit within inches of scoring. They literally give up on the goal line. Often, all that is needed is that one big push and they would be there, but they give up at the last second. Make sure that you are fully committed to achieving your goals.

The final, and probably biggest, reason for failure is lack of action. Take a second and read that again. Your action, or lack thereof, is the most determining factor in whether or not you reach your goals. It’s not enough to want something, you have to take action to get it. I don’t mean a little bit here and there. When I say action, I mean massive action. Take focused action daily to make sure you are doing all you can. A plan with no action is just a plan. Everyone has plans. Separate yourself from the other 99 percent by putting that plan into action. As Yoda said: Do or do not. There is no try.

Take a look at these traits outlined above and see if any of them apply to you. If they do, take whatever steps necessary to break yourself out of that rut and get going. Make sure that you have a realistic time frame for getting your business going. Adopt the Jim Valvano motto: Don’t ever quit, don’t ever give up. If you don’t know who he is, he was a college basketball coach who died of cancer but maintained this mentality to the end. Finally, get to work. Take action every day. Don’t think you’re too busy, because you’re not. Do whatever is necessary to make time to achieve your dreams.

Justin Finkelstein has not only been successful as a Certified Public Accountant, but also as a Real Estate Investor and a leader in the field of Direct Sales. Justin is currently offering step by step training on generating more leads for your business. Go to http://www.directmarketingchampion.com and register for FREE.