What do you do if you're a direct sales professional planning your late career and retirement?

2 Diversify your income streams

One of the advantages of being a direct sales professional is that you can generate multiple sources of income from different products, services, and opportunities. This can help you reduce the risk of relying on one income stream and increase your earning potential and stability. As you plan your late career and retirement, you may want to diversify your income streams by expanding your product line, adding new services, joining new companies, creating digital products, or offering coaching or consulting. You may also want to leverage your existing network and customer base to generate referrals, repeat sales, and residual income.

3 Adjust your work schedule

Another benefit of being a direct sales professional is that you can adjust your work schedule according to your needs and preferences. As you approach retirement, you may want to scale back your work hours, focus on the most profitable activities, delegate or outsource some tasks, or take more breaks and vacations. You may also want to plan for contingencies, such as illness, injury, or family emergencies, that may affect your ability to work. By adjusting your work schedule, you can balance your personal and professional goals, reduce stress, and enjoy more freedom and flexibility.

4 Update your skills and knowledge

The direct sales industry is constantly evolving and changing, and so are the needs and expectations of your customers and prospects. To stay competitive and relevant in your late career and retirement, you need to update your skills and knowledge regularly. You can do this by attending trainings, webinars, workshops, or conferences, reading books, blogs, or magazines, listening to podcasts, watching videos, or joining online communities. You can also learn from your peers, mentors, leaders, or experts in your field. By updating your skills and knowledge, you can improve your performance, offer more value, and attract more opportunities.

5 Network and mentor

Networking and mentoring are essential for any direct sales professional, but especially for those in their late career and retirement. Networking can help you expand your reach, generate leads, find new partners, and discover new trends and opportunities. Mentoring can help you share your experience, wisdom, and insights, support and inspire others, and leave a legacy. You can network and mentor by attending events, joining groups, reaching out to contacts, offering feedback, providing guidance, or volunteering. You can also network and mentor online, through social media, email, or video calls. By networking and mentoring, you can build lasting relationships, increase your visibility, and enhance your reputation.

6 Pursue your passions and interests

Finally, as you plan your late career and retirement, you should not forget to pursue your passions and interests. Being a direct sales professional can be fulfilling and enjoyable, but it can also be demanding and stressful. You may have sacrificed some of your hobbies, dreams, or goals to focus on your career. Now is the time to reclaim them and explore new ones. You can pursue your passions and interests by taking classes, joining clubs, traveling, volunteering, or starting a new project. You can also integrate them into your direct sales business, by choosing products or services that align with your values, mission, or purpose. By pursuing your passions and interests, you can enrich your life, express your creativity, and have fun.