Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The List

Hello again! I want to know: did you find that new starter kit smell? Well, if you have then you know it's time to get to work and hit the ground running. Where do you start? Your list. THE List. You know the one. Sit down and list all of the people you know. And I really mean ALL the people you know. This is what's known as your warm list. People you already know, even if they're just an acquaintance right now. Building your list is directly aligned with success in this business because you have to be able to keep moving. You will use your new momentum to call/contact all of the people on this list to introduce them (or reintroduce them) to you business. The List is golden. The List is money.

When I set out to make one of these lists I first create a template. When I say "I" create a template, I really mean my husband creates one for me in Excel that I can print out. (If you must know, I truly hate using Excel.) My spreadsheet includes a column for the lead's name, phone number, email, and a little section where I can make notes. I fill in all the information that I have, even if it's just a first name and where I met her. I make it a point to fill in what I can and find out the rest (Facebook is helpful here). I print out blank copies of the template and write all of this in by hand, but you can keep it in your computer if it better suits you. As I build a relationship with that prospect I add in notes like: has a consultant, loves the product, hostess and the date of the show, potential team member, and so on. This helps me keep track of who I may have already contacted. I keep the list forever because it is SO important and you never know who you might need to contact later.

The List is actually the first thing you want to do in your business, so if you're trying to get out of a rut, give your list a makeover. Once you feel like you can't think of anyone else to put on your list sit and think for another hour. Even if they don't live on the same continent as you anymore, write down their name and info. Don't leave a single name behind...because you have to contact them all!! Don't be afraid! Use that new momentum to drive you through the scary parts! Remember, this business is a numbers game so it's essential to talk to everyone you can. That brings us to bookings which is what I will start blogging about tomorrow, with new booking tips everyday! See you there!
Heidi

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Smell that New Starter-Kit Smell!!



Yesterday I wrote about nailing down, and mastering those basics of your business. Another topic I wanted to touch base on this week is the idea of renewing your business-- or getting out of a rut.

It's so easy to get stuck in a rut these days. The combination of the daily stresses of life plus the fear of rejection can leave us sitting on the couch. I want to encourage you to get up off the couch and remember that new starter-kit smell! Do you remember when you first signed that agreement/contract to start your new business? You were excited, right? Even better, do you remember when you finally got your starter kit? I mean I want you to really remember it! Think about the time of year, where you were living, where you opened the box, and all of the goodies that came inside of it. Do you still have the literature or dvds that came with it? Go get those out--now. Because if you're serious about getting out of a rut you not only need a big new goal (more on that later), but to feel that "new business" feeling again. That feeling of excitement for your company is one that can fuel you through the scary parts of your business, like booking or public speaking. So, go back to your beginning, no matter how long ago that was, and really remember what it was like to be new and excited. Take that feeling and add it to the knowledge and experience you already have, and voila! We have motivation!!

Now, motivation is not all you need to get out of a rut. You also need to know where you are going...you need a goal. A wise woman once told me that the goal needs to scare you a little. You really have to want this goal. All of the vision boards, goal posters, and affirmations in the world won't get you where you want to go if you don't really really want to go there. Before you even write down you goal I suggest that you sit down and picture what it would be like when this goal is achieved...every detail must be pictured! Is it still what you want? Does the very thought excite you? It should, and when it does use the visualization technique to motivate you through sticky spots.

So, take a big whiff of that new-starter-kit smell and power your way out of you business rut...and if you're looking for a partner, I'm always here.




Monday, August 29, 2011

Master those Basics

So, today I've been in the process of tweaking and changing my Show presentation for my direct sales business. In doing so, I remember what all of the business greats have said over and over again: Master and Memorize the Basics of your Business. And I know it's annoying to hear the same thing over and over again, but have you done it? Have you personally memorized your show/presentation? Do you have customized booking scripts that you could rattle off in your sleep? Do you have your business opportunity memorized? If you don't, then get ready to hear that same tip over and over until you do. You MUST memorize your show in order to have confidence and to sound as professional as you feel. As a business owner, there is no one telling you that you have to do something, so it is your job to discipline yourself to get it done. Make flashcards, walk around the house reading the scripts, do it as you drive (as long as it's not distracting you; don't read while you drive), practice with family members, practice, practice, practice. Write out every little detail of your presentation...down to the jokes if you have them. Seriously, it is crucial. You must be able to make carbon-copies of each show and presentation so that your team members can follow you. How can they follow if you keep changing your path? They can't and they won't. This is an important part of leadership; be followable! Master that close too! All of it! Practice it in the mirror so you can see your body language and facial expressions. It will seem weird at first, but this is what you have to do to be professional and charismatic. If you are truly committed to achieving your dreams in this business, then really commit to knowing it! Do it this week. Focus on one aspect of your presentation or business that needs work. Fix it and memorize it this week and let me know when you do!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Let's Dig Deeper

Hello all! So, today I wanted to highlight another blog/website that I've been a follower of for a few years now. It's a site that's really geared towards direct sales women and achieving your dreams. If you've been in direct sales for a while you may have heard of this woman's incredible journey. Her name is Allison LaMarr and she is a direct sales superstar, to say the least. Her website is chock full of resources and even a community of direct sales people (mostly women I think). Her blog is on her website (which I will post below) and it's called Digging Deeper. I'm telling you that it's very inspirational and sometimes pulls you out of your comfort zone for your own success. This week's Digging Deeper article was especially meaningful to me since I'm planing to have my own New Year on September 1st to "wage war on mediocrity" in my own life. Her article this week focuses on your character vs your performance and I really encourage all my direct sales readers to check this out. It's all about embracing character development and growth to make some serious changes in your life. I'm hoping to do just that in the month of September. In fact, I've started calling it War Month, a term that I coined from Allison's War Week. Who's ready to run this with me? I'm ready for excellence!

Allison LaMarr's incredible website:
www.allisonlamarronline.com

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Serious Turbulence!

WHAT a flight. What was supposed to be an 8 hour flight ended up being just under 12 hours on the plane! I'm not sure if it's due to the hurricane, but we experienced the worst turbulence I have ever endured. I was popping those Dramamine pills let me tell you! Jackson did great in his carseat and slept a lot. The kid's headphones that we got from Best Buy worked great when he was awake and wanted to watch movies! I highly recommend them, especially if you have techno-babies! So, for now I'm just unpacking and checking out my new goodies from the States! Tomorrow means back to work on my blog with some tips and ideas for your direct sales business! Stay tuned y'all!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Packing Mommy

So, today starts the overwhelming process of packing to go back to Germany. I have accumulated quite a stash while I've been here! Clothes, books, magazines, candles...I've been a little wild! Organizing all of these goodies will prove to be very difficult! Since we will be flying commercial this time, packing for my little man will be much easier. As always, I'll over pack on diapers and probably underpack on toys. We found some adorable kid's headphones at Best Buy while we were here that fit a child's head and has low volume. So here's hoping that he will sit and watch a movie with his headphones on. I'll be reporting back to tell you how the headphones worked...or didn't work. Today will also be full of last minute errands and goodbyes. At least there's a little more shopping to be done...

I also wanted to list some of the stores that made an effort to give a military discount to us while we were here:
OLD NAVY
KIPLING
PARSONS
AMERICAN EAGLE
OLAN MILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Thanks to all of these stores that made the extra effort! We appreciate your support.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

iPad!!!

Hello all! Last night a dear family member gave us a brand new iPad as a gift and I could not be more excited!!! I have been looking into the iPads for a while but wasn't sure about the cost considering my husband and I both have iPhones. While I haven't activated it yet, I cannot wait to download some fabulous apps and movies on this thing! I found out that you can actually purchase a special case that hooks up to the back of a carseat so your kids can watch a movie in the car. GENIUS! There are so many uses and accessories for the iPad that I can now see that the price is totally worth it...if you have that money to spend. Any readers know of some great business or mommy apps, I would love your opinions! Remember, as a small business owner a tablet of any kind (as long as you do use it some for your business) is tax deductible and you can possibly claim it next year. So, look into it, because it adds some incredible portability to your business, and your life!

Even aside from the loot I've gotten while home in Georgia, this trip has been an incredible, incredible blessing for our family. We have spent some relaxing, quality time with all of our family members and got to see our dog, who didn't get to join us in Germany. When we go back to Germany on Friday I'm sure I'll be heartbroken to leave my beloved South and my family.

BUT starting next week, I will be giving you readers more and more tips on how to cultivate a successful direct sales business, while raising a family! So, stay tuned! :)

Monday, August 22, 2011

Fab Magazine; Had to Share!



So, any of my readers that know me personally probably know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE magazines. I read all types all the time. As I mentioned before, I will be making myself over for the month of September and so I wanted to share a particular magazine issue that was fantastic. The September issue of "O" magazine is all about makeovers and I literally read it from cover to cover. It contains makeovers for your finances, fashion, beauty, and health. I really loved the segment about the women who have lost hundreds of pounds. It was so inspiring! So, if you get the chance, pick one up so you can join me on my makeover journey!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Home Sweet Home!

Hello all!
I write you from my home in Atlanta Georgia! Praise the Lord that I get to spend some quality time with my family before returning to Germany. The trip took us about 3 days to get here and was quite a harowing experience with a toddler! I found that the carseat was a great thing to bring because my little man felt safe and comfortable in his own carseat. Also, we ended up doing much of the air travel in a fully loaded cargo plane...needless to say, it was uncomfortable.

Wow, I have really missed the states though...the people, the food, the shopping. Whoa! It's been intense in the best of ways. Business wise, I'm still maintaining hostess coaching from overseas. I've been doing so through the avenues of facebook and email, and it's been going great. Don't you just love modern technology?! Also, I had planned to do a home party here in Georgia so that parts of my trip are tax detuctible! Yay for tax deductions! The key is to keep track of everything which is a lot harder than it sounds. I'll be mailing stuff back to myself!

So overall this trip has been fantastic! Loving seeing all the baby stuff at Buy Buy Baby and Old Navy! More to come soon...

Friday, August 5, 2011



My little general getting ready to see Elmo at the USO Sesame Street show! I'm so thankful for all the USO does!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Traveling Thursday!

Hi again! I want to take today to talk about traveling, both as a mommy and business owner. Next week I will be taking several flights to get back to my sweet Georgia. And, I'll be doing so with my husband and two year old son. He's a busy little boy so I'm stressing out a little about ways to entertain him for possibly 12+ hours (likely to be much longer than that). I plan to take some surprise toys and books, as well as fruit snacks and other munchies. This trip will be quite a challenge! I would love other mommy tips for traveling long distances! As for my business, I will not be taking my laptop...I know, I know, it sounds like business suicide to be detached from the outside world for a while but I've set up a plan to make it work. During the actual traveling portion of my trip (i.e. flights, driving) I'm not going to attempt to check on my business or social media (so if you don't hear from me a few days next week, you know why). I will check on these things after I'm settled in back in Georgia. I am saving all important dates into my iPhone instead of bringing my actual agenda. This way I can still be reminded of important work without the extra bulk of my agenda binder. I plan on reading some business, and mommy, related books but I have put them on my ereader, even though I'm more of a ink-and-paper kind of girl. Just trying to cut down on weight and space in my bags. I DO plan on bringing my show jewelry but packed as tightly as possible and on my carry-on. I'm bringing it for two reasons 1) I will want to wear it with my fab summer outfits and 2) I want some of my back-home family and friends to see the pieces up close. It's always important for a direct sales momma to be prepare for success...even on the go! It's crucial to plan ahead since I will be gone around 3 weeks! I don't want to miss out on opportunity simply because I was unprepared. I am so excited about my trip though, and hopefully it will all go smoothly! I would love to hear some of your favorite tips on mommy travel and business travel!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Remembering

Today is August 3rd. And in my family, it is a sad, hard day. I think about and miss a beautiful big sister that I never met. I often imagine what it would be like to really know her and to have a sister. I wonder if she would have liked me, or if I am good enough for her little brother. I wonder if we would go shopping and be rivals on football game day. I wonder a lot. But there are some things I don't have to wonder about because I know and love her mother. I know that she had a kind sweet soul but fights like no other. I know she must have been the type to not take crap from anyone. I know that she had a giving heart and I also know with certainty that she is an angel in heaven right now. I know these things because her mother is all of those things, except she's an angel right here on Earth. I feel that my sister watches out for me and I feel it everyday. And so, I am so so sad today. I mourn someone that I wasn't blessed to know. I mourn the fact that I never knew her...but I know I love her.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Balance...

Balance should really be a four letter word because it usually makes people feel guilty, and because I hate to hear it. People have been searching for balance for centuries similar to the fountain of youth. And, in my humble opinion, I believe that balance does not exist. I started my direct sales business to add income (and sanity) to my life as a SAHM. Did I find "balance"? Well, sort of...I am the owner of my business. I truly choose when to work and when not to work. This, to me, is the biggest benefit in the type of business that I'm in. I stop working when my son needs me and I start working when it's convenient for me. I choose to do a lot of my business paperwork and emails late at night when my child, and husband have gone to sleep. When I do work during the day I try to involve my two year old as best as I can. This can include handing me catalogs to label or just sitting in my lap as I fill an order. I feel like this helps him to see me working and playing. I know that at this age he probably doesn't know the difference. But to me, it's building a foundation for things to come. There are many great tips for working at home with little ones. I have found a lot of tips in the Build it Big series of books.
If you're not familiar with these books, they are created by the Direct Selling Women's Alliance, or DSWA. It's a collection of tips and ideas from successful direct selling women. If you're in direct sales you should certainly check that out. Anyways, some of the tips I've learned from books and people are these:
- Create a space for your business so that your child can really tell when you are working and when you are not.
- Have special phone toys that you keep in your office (or space;my office is more like a nook)and pull these toys out when you need to log some serious phone or even computer time.
*I like the children's laptops by Vtech. I set it up next to my own desk
so he feels like he's doing something too. He's also learning from those
toys.
- Give rewards for good behavior during mommy's work time, fruit snacks work for my son...sort of.
- Most of all, and this is one I struggle with, make their time really their time. Try not to constantly check you email or phone for new business messages (or even facebook). Even babies know when your really paying attention to them. AND this is the tip that leads us back to balance...
Can you really balance it all? I believe no. And that's ok. To me, this business is all about priorities and not so much the "balance"...