If you're going to run a business from home, you need to understand what it is you're selling. It's not just enough to know you're selling Tupperware, Cosmetics, Cleaning Products or whatever it is you've chosen. The most important thing you must do is learn everything about your products. Not just the cost and the name.

Let's use cosmetics as an example. Naturally your own experience with various products will help you in some ways, but you need to know the colors, sizes, life expectancy, textures, functionality and prices of every product in your range.

It's easy to miss a sale if a potential customer asks you a question you can't answer. Obviously it's difficult to know all the details about every single item, but it's vital you keep a master reference catalogue for yourself and have it marked in sections.

Then you can find answers if you don't already know them. No answer means fewer sales. Eventually you will learn more. You won't have to rely on your written material as much, except for product updates and additions.

You must also have personal knowledge of the products you sell. It's harder to sell something if you can't truthfully explain how it works, or in what situations its best used. You have to either use the products yourself, or keep in close contact with your customers and encourage their feedback, so you can build your knowledge.

If a new customer needs advice on how to use a certain mascara or eye liner, and you only know what's written in the catalogue, there's less chance of a sale.

Always be confident in what you're doing. Believe in your products and use them. Wear them when making a presentation as that speaks volumes in terms of proving you're "walking the walk." Your audience will notice things like that. If you're trying to push certain items, try to be wearing some of them. That will encourage questions and inevitably lead to sales.

When you combine your self confidence, your product knowledge and personal use, you'll be able to easily discover ways to make sales simply by asking the right questions and letting the customers talk themselves into making the purchase.

Customers hate pushy salespeople. You've probably experienced the feeling when you walk into a store and, within ten seconds, a sales assistant appears and asks if you need help. If you tell them you don't, they will hover until you decide you do want help or you move away. So don't be too pushy.

However, don't be too embarrassed to ask for the sale. You know the products you're marketing are great. Otherwise you wouldn't be selling them. Don't be scared to ask for the sale.

Once you've secured that sale, take it a step further. Suggest the purchase of another product that goes well with the first one. The worst thing they can say is no. But if they agree, then you have made more money and created a happier customer.

Without expert product knowledge and a high level of self confidence, you won't become successful. Work smart today and you can reap the benefits later.