The power of entrepreneurship and the rapid growth of the direct selling industry have business-savvy investors and large, respected companies sitting up and taking notice. It's no surprise to the 13.6 million Americans and 55 million people worldwide already part of the direct selling industry that business is booming. Whether you know it as network marketing, multi-level marketing or referral marketing, the industry is making a powerful impact on the way people do business and how they live their lives.

How is it possible that this industry is thriving when so many are feeling an economic pinch? Well, that is simply a matter of perspective. The glass –is-half-full camp believes this is a time of massive economic change. And discerning entrepreneurs who recognize these shifting trends and stake their claim in these new and emerging industries will be the ones to gain enormously. As Fortune magazine recently stated.” Forget the paycheck; your W-2 days are over. It's a 1099 world now”.

Today's direct selling distributors also called representatives, associates, or independent business owners tell customers, typically people they know, about products and services that can improve the quality of their lives during the course of everyday, normal conversations. These person-to-person conversations might take place at home, at work, or at a coffee shop. And you don't have to be an experienced salesperson to make money if what you're selling is a product you use and believe in.

The ease of entry makes direct selling a practical, accessible method for millions to earn additional part-time income without having to quit their job. The typical direct selling company provides all the tools systems and training needed to be up and profitable immediately for a nominal entry fee.

The beauty of direct selling is that it's all done for you. You don't have to create a business plan. You don't have to create a product. The only thing you need to do is find a reputable company, one that you trust, that offers a product or service you believe in and can get passionate about. Anyone can do this!

As the ultimate equal opportunity solution, direct selling represents the purest form of equality through free enterprise. In fact, that's one of the most striking features of the industry: It involves men and women from all walks of life: all ages: all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

In fact, the top earners in direct selling also represent a diverse group of successful case histories. According to the direct selling association, the industry's trade group, 24 percent of direct sellers have high school diploma or less education; 35 percent are college graduates; and one in 12 has a postgraduate degree.

In my opinion the best way we can secure our own future is to take charge of it early on. We can do this by creating multiple streams of income. There is one thing that can provide you financial freedom and that is residual income.

Residual income is money that keeps coming in long after you complete the work that created it. This can include the monthly income from a rental house, dividends from stock investments and even oil, gas, book or song royalties. Regardless of the source, residual income is the name of the game, and the genius of the direct selling model is that it makes residual income a very real possibility for absolutely anyone, regardless of age, background, education or skills. Not everyone is going to own a valuable piece of real estate or write a best-selling book. But anyone can run their own direct selling business.

Best selling author Stephen Covey says” Direct selling helps affirm people's worth and potential, and can open up a whole new alternative income stream that can make a huge difference in their life. It is entrepreneurial opportunity where people can use their talent and their passion towards a greater good.

Direct selling's status as the business world's best-kept secret may soon be in jeopardy. But that's what happens when business is booming.

By Donna Touchette © 2007. All rights reserved.