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More Than a Side Hustle: Building Life-Long Business Skills
Let’s be real: starting a business is hard work.
The early stages often demand a significant investment of capital and time. Unsurprisingly, these barriers prevent many from following their passion of building a business for themselves.
At Amway, we believe that anyone who truly wants to pursue business ownership should have the opportunity to do so.
That is why our model offers a low-risk opportunity to explore business ownership without facing the challenges and costs of starting a business from scratch. By manufacturing a proven product portfolio, providing a complimentary first contract year, reliable supply chains, and personal online storefronts, Amway helps remove many of the common barriers that stop so many people from taking the first step.
Resources aside, Amway knows that business ownership is a hands-on experience that requires individuals to build skills while building their customer network.
Effective communication is one of those skills. Since IBOs sell directly to customers within their own communities, learning how to communicate well is a crucial part of building their business. Even the best products won’t make an impact unless customers clearly understand or can see their value.
Amway IBO Pankti initially found the idea of reaching out to new people daunting. “When I came into the business,” Pankti shares, “I understood I had to be good with people skills. [How] to hold a conversation [is something I’ve] learned over the years.”
In growing her Amway business, Pankti has learned that effective communication isn’t about using a perfect script; it’s about having the awareness to listen to a customer’s specific needs. Pankti credits Amway for empowering her to step out of her comfort zone, improving her confidence, advancing her self-assurance – earning her the nickname “Pankti 2.0.”
Business ownership is a masterclass in problem-solving. It teaches people to stay calm when life happens, maintain healthy habits, and provides entrepreneurs with the tools they need to find the solutions that work best for their business. Along the way, Amway equips IBOs with ongoing education and training as they work to reach their business goals.
And as Amway IBOs navigate the ups and downs of being a business owner, they don’t have to do so alone. They’re plugged into a nationwide community of business owners who’ve been exactly where they are. Instead of guessing their way through, IBOs can tap into the years of experience this built-in support system of people has to offer.
As Amway IBO Sean recalls, “as we started to progress, [we were] just finding things, people and resources, that could help drive our growth, drive ourselves forward. And ultimately, [we found that] building the Amway business gives you the opportunity to grow something that maybe [we] never would have had the chance to otherwise.”
To hear more from Amway IBOs who are developing their businesses and skills, tune into the playlist “IBO Voices” on We Are Amway’s YouTube channel.