I just received a new 1.5” Digital Pocket Viewer as a gift.  It’s pretty nifty in that I can load pictures of my children onto it and then carry it in my purse.  It’s the modern day version of the accordion wallet file of family photos.  The first page of the little manual reads:  READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.  Of course I wondered how difficult this little gadget could be, as it is merely a little plug and play device.  It was written in all caps, so the warning scared me into actually reading all instructions before use.

At the very bottom of paragraph two I read (again in all caps) DO NOT LAUNCH THE SOFTWARE YET. Had someone just decided that they were above reading the manual, I can believe with utmost certainty that they would have launched the software at that point.  After all, it seemed like a natural thing to do.

Then I started thinking about all the people who sign up to be consultants for home-based companies.  Most are either given or have access to the company policies and procedures.  It is my understanding that most also need to sign or click that they have read, and agree to the information contained in the policies and procedures.  They affirm that they have READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.  However it has been my experience that truly, most do NOT read the policies and procedures before beginning their business.

These are the same people who think running a business is as easy as a plug and play device.  They are the same people who “launch the software” before it’s time.  These are the same people who don’t have a clue how their compensation works or what the qualifications are for rank advancement.

If I had opted to just plug and play my little 1.5” Digital Pocket Viewer and then preceded to launch the software before I taking other steps, it simply wouldn’t work.  And I wouldn’t have any idea what was wrong or how to fix it.  If you sign up to start a home business, be it candles, jewelry, gourmet food, makeup or any other wonderful products, it simply will not work if you don’t READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.

Out of all the questions asked on company specific consultant forums, I venture to guess that 99.9% of them could be answered if consultants only took the time to Read the Fantastic Manual. Take some time to read all instructions before use – you might be pleasantly surprised what you learn!

About the Author: Laurie Ayers is a WAHM from Michigan. She started her first home business in 1988. As a single parent, Laurie has supported her family by working at home as an Independent Consultant and Star Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles. She enjoys helping others learn how to start a candle business. You can find Laurie at www.ThrivingCandleBusiness.com

Last 5 posts by Laurie Ayers

• Use eBay to Promote Your Direct Sales Business - February 7th, 2009
• 7 Steps to Get Out of the Direct Sales Rut - January 3rd, 2009
• Understanding Target Markets - December 30th, 2008
• Selecting a Direct Sales Sponsor - December 30th, 2008
• What are you doing to Sharpen the Saw? - December 30th, 2008

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Tags: Policies and Procedures