By Mary Hunt
Looking to make a little extra cash while raising a family? Always dreamed of owning your own business? Recently retired and want to add to your nest egg? If any of these sound like you, the solution could be starting your own direct-selling business-you know, with a company such as The Pampered Chef or Silpada Designs, in which you sell goods through home parties and one-on-one consultations. Direct selling has become big business: In 2009, the 16.1 million direct-sales representatives working in the U.S. generated more than $28.3 billion in revenue, according to the Direct Selling Association (DSA), a national trade group.
The pros: You'll be your own boss, work flexible hours that fit your schedule, meet new people, sell what interests you and make money doing it. The cons: Despite what recruiters might promise, you probably won't have customers beating down your door, especially in the beginning. You'll become familiar with rejection, because not everyone
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