Friday, October 7, 2011
Don't forget to have FUN!
Brrr! It's a blustery fall day here in Germany and I have been busy preparing for my shows next week. I like to stay prepared for my shows all the time, not just right before a show. I always keep tons of labeled catalogs, labeled literature, and sale sheets ready so that I'm not stressed out the day of my show. I don't like to have to do much on the days that I have my show, because I want to make sure that I have fun at the show and I'm not thinking all about business. If you go to a party with only business in mind people can see it. People can see dollar signs in your eyes, so go to have fun and show off your product. I love to play games and really talk to people at my parties. I focus on being professional, but relaxed so that the guests genuinely have fun. They're far more likely to tell their friends about your show if they had a blast! Don't get me wrong, I take my business very seriously but when I'm a show I want to be a friend and not a salesperson. Salespeople-types tend to irritate people so have fun at your shows! Don't think about money, think about your guests and what they really want or need. It will pay off in the end!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Greatness of the Goody Bag Part 2
Welcome back to goody bag greatness! Now I want to share with you some ideas on what to do with your goody bags once you've made them, and gotten your guest list from your hostess. It's important to get the guest phone numbers if you can so that you can call each one. When people hear a real, genuine person on the phone they're much more likely to attend your show. Here's your script:
" Hi is this Lisa? Hi Lisa this is Heidi with XYZ, I'll be the representative at Carla's show on Sunday! I just wanted to give you a quick call because I'm customizing the guest goody bags and I wanted to know if you prefer chocolate or hard candy in your bag?"
If you have a company where you might have samples in the goody bags, ask them a question that has to do with the samples. For example, if you sell candles/scents ask what type of scent they prefer to try, if you sell skin care ask them about their skin type, and so on. This might give you a second to talk to her, but remember her time is valuable so don't keep her too long. If she says that she can't make it, turn that into an opportunity to discuss the hostess program with her so she can book a show or place an order to help her friend out.
Make the goody bags super cute, but try not to spend too much on them. Put the guest's names on the bag so that they know that your really created a bag just for them. I love this method because it can create opportunities to make real connections with people. They are more likely to trust you if they see you make an extra effort for them.
Remember to always treat your guests/hostesses/customers/friends like QUEENS...because we all are, and you never know the burden someone carries.
" Hi is this Lisa? Hi Lisa this is Heidi with XYZ, I'll be the representative at Carla's show on Sunday! I just wanted to give you a quick call because I'm customizing the guest goody bags and I wanted to know if you prefer chocolate or hard candy in your bag?"
If you have a company where you might have samples in the goody bags, ask them a question that has to do with the samples. For example, if you sell candles/scents ask what type of scent they prefer to try, if you sell skin care ask them about their skin type, and so on. This might give you a second to talk to her, but remember her time is valuable so don't keep her too long. If she says that she can't make it, turn that into an opportunity to discuss the hostess program with her so she can book a show or place an order to help her friend out.
Make the goody bags super cute, but try not to spend too much on them. Put the guest's names on the bag so that they know that your really created a bag just for them. I love this method because it can create opportunities to make real connections with people. They are more likely to trust you if they see you make an extra effort for them.
Remember to always treat your guests/hostesses/customers/friends like QUEENS...because we all are, and you never know the burden someone carries.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Greatness of the Goody Bag Part 1
Bookings are our business, everyone knows that, but what do you do to make your booking worth the effort? You coach your hostess (right?) and you prepare your show (right?) but sometimes the turn out is not what you expect. Show attendance is essential if you're going to make your show worth your time. I wanted to give you a quick tip about increasing attendance. This is an idea you should do in addition to coaching your hostess well. May I suggest goody bags?!
Goody bags for your guests are a great way to increase party attendance, but it has to be done strategically. As we discussed before, in a previous post, sometimes people have a personal wall up that prevents them from giving in to curiosity and going to the party. The strategic use of a goody bag can peak their curiosity even more and show that you are a real person, and not a robot.
First you want to decide what goes into your goody bags. They need to be fairly uniform so that it's easier for you and no one gets jealous. Find some cute cello bags and put in your business card, cheap samples (if your product/company has them), and candy. If you can, I would suggest getting adhesive magnetic card backings to turn your business cards into magnets, I will post a website below to order these magnet strips from.
The candy is the key part to the success of the guest goody bag. You want to get a guest list from your hostess that includes phone numbers if possible. You will call each guest about 3 days before your show to introduce yourself and to ask them if they prefer chocolate candy or hard candy for their goody bag. Make a note of who you call and what candy they want so you can put their name on their custom goody bag.
Ok, now go plan out your goody bags and get them together! Come back here tomorrow to see the script for the phone calls and how you can turn your goody bags into MORE bookings!!
To get American made, adhesive, business card magnets visit:
www.magnetvalley.com
Goody bags for your guests are a great way to increase party attendance, but it has to be done strategically. As we discussed before, in a previous post, sometimes people have a personal wall up that prevents them from giving in to curiosity and going to the party. The strategic use of a goody bag can peak their curiosity even more and show that you are a real person, and not a robot.
First you want to decide what goes into your goody bags. They need to be fairly uniform so that it's easier for you and no one gets jealous. Find some cute cello bags and put in your business card, cheap samples (if your product/company has them), and candy. If you can, I would suggest getting adhesive magnetic card backings to turn your business cards into magnets, I will post a website below to order these magnet strips from.
The candy is the key part to the success of the guest goody bag. You want to get a guest list from your hostess that includes phone numbers if possible. You will call each guest about 3 days before your show to introduce yourself and to ask them if they prefer chocolate candy or hard candy for their goody bag. Make a note of who you call and what candy they want so you can put their name on their custom goody bag.
Ok, now go plan out your goody bags and get them together! Come back here tomorrow to see the script for the phone calls and how you can turn your goody bags into MORE bookings!!
To get American made, adhesive, business card magnets visit:
www.magnetvalley.com
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Taking the high road...
Recently, I wrote about people with negative mindsets about the direct sales industry, but today I wanted to write about negative people in the direct sales industry. If you've been in this business long enough you will probably have an encounter with a negative minded competitor. It's easy to become upset and defensive of your business when another business person is meddling in your affairs. They might even try to sabotage your bookings or shows. I don't want to scare you; this isn't very common, but it does happen sometimes...
So what do you do? I am faced with this decision even as I write this. I am dealing with a "competitor" who continuously tries to sabotage some of my business plans. I know the answer should be to take the high road and continue to work my business in a positive way, but I'm finding it very difficult. I want this person to know that they're messing with my income, my dreams, and my goals, but I know this will not matter to them because it is a personal matter. I have to believe that if I continue to work my business with positivity and integrity that this matter will be trivial in the long run.
Working your business with integrity is the single most important aspect of the direct sales business, and all businesses. An individual who attacks another person's business has no integrity and therefore their business will fail so long as they choose to work that way. This may sound harsh but I want to make the point that, at least in the business world, what you put out is what you get. That's why it's so important to take the high road. If you play into their games you are putting out "bad vibes" for your business, and, I believe, you will get bad vibes in return. So, I will try and control my instincts to protect my business verbally, and I will protect my business by continuing to work toward my dreams.
Wow, writing this out really helped! Thanks for listening! :)
So what do you do? I am faced with this decision even as I write this. I am dealing with a "competitor" who continuously tries to sabotage some of my business plans. I know the answer should be to take the high road and continue to work my business in a positive way, but I'm finding it very difficult. I want this person to know that they're messing with my income, my dreams, and my goals, but I know this will not matter to them because it is a personal matter. I have to believe that if I continue to work my business with positivity and integrity that this matter will be trivial in the long run.
Working your business with integrity is the single most important aspect of the direct sales business, and all businesses. An individual who attacks another person's business has no integrity and therefore their business will fail so long as they choose to work that way. This may sound harsh but I want to make the point that, at least in the business world, what you put out is what you get. That's why it's so important to take the high road. If you play into their games you are putting out "bad vibes" for your business, and, I believe, you will get bad vibes in return. So, I will try and control my instincts to protect my business verbally, and I will protect my business by continuing to work toward my dreams.
Wow, writing this out really helped! Thanks for listening! :)
Monday, October 3, 2011
Plant Seeds for Team Members
In the month of September I grew my team by 4 times! I am thrilled to have so many great, new team members. But how did I do it? Was it special team building appointments? Nope. It was at all of my shows, and, of course, I'm going to tell you how I did it!
Team building is my favorite part of my business because I love my business and I love to share it with others. With that said, it can be the most difficult part of the direct sales business. I know that the industry average says that there is one new team member at every show. So how do you find out which one, or ones, is your new team member? Plant your seeds of interest! At the beginning of my show, after the icebreaker, I give a brief story about the reasons why I started my business, and the success I've seen so far. For those looking for something like this, my "why" story might plant a seed of interest into their mind. Later in my presentation, I quickly mention the hostess perks versus what my perks are as a representative, which is another seed I plant throughout my show. At the end, after I have "stacked" my hostess, I open things up for questions and each question gets a ticket for my giveaway prize. Guests will ask questions to get tickets but pretty soon the questions lead to more interest, and more questions. I always take notice of those who have the most interest in this business, and who has the most questions. That's your lead!
From there, you can discuss more about the business opportunity as you meet with each person individually. So, be sure to plant little seeds throughout your presentation so those who might have interest can grow into a team member!
Team building is my favorite part of my business because I love my business and I love to share it with others. With that said, it can be the most difficult part of the direct sales business. I know that the industry average says that there is one new team member at every show. So how do you find out which one, or ones, is your new team member? Plant your seeds of interest! At the beginning of my show, after the icebreaker, I give a brief story about the reasons why I started my business, and the success I've seen so far. For those looking for something like this, my "why" story might plant a seed of interest into their mind. Later in my presentation, I quickly mention the hostess perks versus what my perks are as a representative, which is another seed I plant throughout my show. At the end, after I have "stacked" my hostess, I open things up for questions and each question gets a ticket for my giveaway prize. Guests will ask questions to get tickets but pretty soon the questions lead to more interest, and more questions. I always take notice of those who have the most interest in this business, and who has the most questions. That's your lead!
From there, you can discuss more about the business opportunity as you meet with each person individually. So, be sure to plant little seeds throughout your presentation so those who might have interest can grow into a team member!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Bring on October!
Wow! September was an incredible month for me and my business! I am thrilled to have several new team members and to have made some wonderful new friends. I just got a new laptop today to celebrate my awesome month...paid for by my business. This is why I believe in direct sales so much, it really works if you work, and it provides more opportunities than any other job. I want to also thank all of my loyal readers this month. It means so much to me that you take the time to read my blog. I love writing about this business and I will keep doing it, so long as you stay with me! I can't wait to announce some of the amazing things that are coming soon to the blog; giveaways, contests, product and book reviews, interviews, and more tips and ideas for your direct sales business. How was your September? What are the areas that need improvement in October? For me, organization would be the answer to that question! Comment below to let me know how your month went!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Have a theme!
Happy Friday everyone! I can't believe it's the last day of September! I'm pretty excited though because October is my favorite month of the year! I am booked solid in October so I'm hoping to meet some pretty big goals next month.
I have recently been getting very excited by the idea of theme parties. I have been brainstorming on how to make theme parties a big hit. Have you ever held a them party (for your business)? Theme parties can be a great booking tool since they make fun and interesting parties. People love a fun theme and may even be more likely to attend if there's a fun theme to intrigue them. I would suggest choosing a handful of themes that you like and that would be fairly easy for you to implement into your business.I think I'm going to make a theme menu soon for new hostesses to choose from, if they want a theme.
It's important to remember that if you're going to do theme parties you need to really do them. Make it worth you while by paying attention to details, including invitations, prizes, costumes, and games. You want your guests to have a lot of fun with the theme and be impressed by all of the little details. That's why I suggest choosing only a few themes to offer. You want those themes to be fantastic, not mediocre, otherwise stay away from theme parties.
Some popular them ideas are:
I have recently been getting very excited by the idea of theme parties. I have been brainstorming on how to make theme parties a big hit. Have you ever held a them party (for your business)? Theme parties can be a great booking tool since they make fun and interesting parties. People love a fun theme and may even be more likely to attend if there's a fun theme to intrigue them. I would suggest choosing a handful of themes that you like and that would be fairly easy for you to implement into your business.I think I'm going to make a theme menu soon for new hostesses to choose from, if they want a theme.
It's important to remember that if you're going to do theme parties you need to really do them. Make it worth you while by paying attention to details, including invitations, prizes, costumes, and games. You want your guests to have a lot of fun with the theme and be impressed by all of the little details. That's why I suggest choosing only a few themes to offer. You want those themes to be fantastic, not mediocre, otherwise stay away from theme parties.
Some popular them ideas are:
- 80's Parties
- Nightie Night (everyone brings a nightie from home; it's like a girls night out type theme.)
- Holiday Themes
- 20's Parties
- Movie Parties (Choose a popular movie and have the guests dress up like their favorite characters.)
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