Samantha Willis works in the outside sales industry as an independent sales representative for Avon cosmetics. She is currently an advanced unit leader, a title that she earned by recruiting more than 12 representatives and selling more than $300 in personal award sales and more than $4,000 in total unit sales. She manages a sales team in the Tampa, Fla., area that consists of more than 60 representatives, and she is involved in fundraising for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. As a sales rep, Willis finds creative ways to increase business, such as maintaining a blog, Avon Lady Sam, where she keeps her customers updated on new products and specials.

Why did you decide to pursue this career field?
I actually pursued this career by default. I really liked the products and didn't have anyone to purchase them from so I figured I'd sell them. The business grew more than I ever expected.

What type of preparation did you do to get into this field?
To start selling Avon you don't need much experience, but it does help to know how to sell and market yourself. Any of this type experience in any field will help a person be successful in sales.

What types of classes and projects did you have to do?
I have a degree in graphic design so my education was not related to my Avon business.

How did your education help you in your career?
I did take a marketing course so I can use much of what I learned in that class within my Avon business.

What was your career path like in this field?
When I begin as an Avon independent sales representative, I was just that, a sales rep. But I found others who wanted their own business and introduced them to Avon, which helped me move up the sales ladder. There are four titled levels within Avon, and I am currently at the second level as an advanced unit leader.

What types of skills is someone required to have to work in your position?
While there are no required skills to work in my position, it helps to be computer literate, Internet savvy, organized and know basic bookkeeping.

What do you do on a typical workday?
My days vary. Some days I am on the road visiting customers, dropping off brochures and catalog books, collecting orders, delivering orders and collecting payments. Other days I meet with people who want to join Avon. I go over the business and procedures and help them get started. I also meet with team members to assist them with anything they may need help with. There are also days I work in my home office on my computer sending emails to my team members and customers, making phone calls, setting appointments, and even refreshing my knowledge and skills with online training that is available to Avon representatives.

Do you plan to advance to another position within your career field?
Yes, I do plan on advancing by reaching the third titled level of executive unit leader by the end of this year. While it will of course bring me more income, it will also make me feel good about myself as I will reach a level that is not held by many within my area. I think that it's good to make goals and be able to reach them, because it helps to know you did something for yourself.

What type of person do you think is best suited for a job in your field?
It is important to possess a willingness to learn about products and provide good customer service. Anyone can pursue a job in my particular field because Avon is open to anyone. While many people think of Avon as a "girls' field," that is not necessarily true. The products available are for males and females and I do have a few males on my team that sell Avon! While there is no need to know about the products that are sold right when you begin, you need to be willing to learn about them as you go. That's what I did. I learned about all Avon products, including bath and body, cosmetics, skin care and hair care. This way I can inform my customers that most of the products cost less and are a higher quality than certain name brands. I try to go the extra mile for my customers and help them out by delivering their orders personally so that they do not have to use gas to get them themselves.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking to launch a career in your field?
Set realistic goals and have them in writing so you don't forget. Put Post-it notes on your bathroom mirror with your goals and positive thoughts so each day you're mentally reminding yourself of what you want to reach. Goals can be as simple as "find three new customers this week," and when you accomplish your goal, always reward yourself. For your little goals, don't give yourself a huge reward but rather something such as treating yourself to a blizzard at Dairy Queen. For your bigger goals, such as making a title, do something bigger like buying yourself a new outfit. But always write out your goal, and if necessary, write down a plan on how you will reach your goal.