The reality is that direct marketing is one of the few sectors in South Africa that offers employment opportunities for those who have matric, but little or no work experience.  The alternative is to join the 5.2 million people in South Africa who don’t have jobs. At 24.5%, South Africa’s unemployment rate is among the highest in the world. According to the Stats SA quarterly Labour force survey 2015, the situation is even more severe for our youth, as more than 60% of people under the age of 25 are unemployed.

Bosch says that at a time when other industries are declining, direct marketing is creating real opportunities for young people to make their mark in the world of work.

“In most industries, it takes years to prove yourself and even then, your promotional prospects are often linked to someone leaving or getting a promotion. Direct marketing is different, as it is one of the few industries where there are real opportunities to fast-track your career,” says Bester.

At The Unlimited, the opportunity is aimed at people who have an entrepreneurial outlook on their careers and who would ultimately rather work for themselves and be in control of their own growth. Bester explains that the company develops its people to a point where they can run their own businesses and create employment opportunities for others.

“We have more than 50 business owners, many of whom are under the age of 30 and are earning between R30 000 and R100 000 a month, a far cry from where they found themselves when they started. We have a fast-track model and those who are most willing to put in the hard work, get the best results,” says Bester.

Doing business nationally, The Unlimited has over 1 000 people who market the company’s products. The business has invested heavily in its own specialised training program that takes individuals who are committed, but new and inexperienced, to a professional level within two years or less. This program provides skills training in sales and marketing including teamwork, goal-setting and planning, confidence-building, influencing and motivating others, and conflict-handling.

“We provide solid work experience and skills for young people with a Grade 12 who have a great attitude, are resilient and a real passion for performance. Our offices are highly stimulating and dynamic environments where people thrive, as do their careers. It’s true that not many people would see direct marketing as a lifelong career,  but for those who decide to make a real go of it, the opportunities can be nothing short of life-changing,” says Bester.

Bester says that in the context of much-needed job creation, most South Africans are incredibly short-sighted in their attitude to direct marketers. 
“Let’s be honest. Sales is a tough industry and there is a high turnover of people who either realise it isn’t for them or are using it as a stepping stone,” he says.

“Most of the stigma, however, comes from the public perception of telesales. We all get annoyed at unexpected sales calls, but that person on the other end of the phone is earning a living. Rather than being unemployed and living on a social grant.

Direct marketing can act as a powerful catalyst to rebuild South Africa’s declining economy and shrinking jobs market, especially for our country’s youth. The sector provides a platform for professional and personal growth unrivalled by any other industry. So next time you want to hang up on someone like Mazibuko, before you do, consider what direct marketing is doing for our economy.

For more information, visit theunlimited.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on LinkedIn.