Your Daily Direct Sales Business Tasks: Money Making Activity or Time Suckers?

Posted by Chris | Posted on 01-09-2010

Category : Biz Tips, articles

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Your Daily Direct Sales Business Tasks: Money Making Activity or Time Suckers?

There are so many aspects in running a successful direct sales business; it can get overwhelming if you let it. Do you find yourself continually running out of time and not getting anywhere in your business? If so, you are probably spending your time on “time suckers” instead of money making activities. How do we know what activities are time wasters and what are money making activities?

Well, here’s a little evaluation or check system you can use to ensure you’re spending quality time building your business instead of wasting time on activities that are keeping your business at a standstill.

When working on an activity, ask yourself these questions to determine if it’s a money maker or a time sucker:

• Is what you’re doing going to help your business grow and make you money immediately? The most obvious money making activity is holding shows. Does the activity you’re working on involve booking and holding more shows? If the answer is yes, then that is a money making activity.

• Is what you’re doing going to help your business grow and make money in the near future? Planning ahead for future business is always smart and in direct sales this also involves recruiting new people to your team. When your are interviewing potential recruits be sure they are:

o Truly interested in the business or learning more about it
o In love with the product and excited about it.
o Ready and have the time to start a new business.

You don’t want to waste your time trying to force someone into the business who isn’t interested, doesn’t love the product or have the time to put into the business to make it successful. This is a real time sucker a lot of consultants get stuck in because they are trying to recruit anyone and everyone into the business. Following the above guidelines when considering having someone join your direct sales team will ensure you are not wasting your precious time.

• Is what you’re doing helping you be a better consultant? If you are working on getting more organized or learning to speak better in front of people, those are definitely not time suckers. Bettering yourself will always help you be more successful in all you do. Just be sure you use what you learn and don’t let it go to waste! Knowledge without action is a time sucker! What’s the use of knowing something but never putting that knowledge into action?

Below are some time suckers which are easy to get caught up in:
• Talking to the same people over and over about holding a show for you or becoming a recruit when they’ve already told you they’re not interested is a time sucker. Move on into new territory and don’t continue wasting time on them.

• Being unorganized is a huge time sucker that a lot of people have to learn to overcome. When you are unorganized you waste valuable hours trying to find a sales order, or the phone number of that customer whose call you need to return.

• Being unprepared for your shows or interviews is a time sucker. You may think that preparing for a show or going over questions to ask a potential new recruit is a time sucker, when in fact the opposite is true. When you go into a show without having gone over your check list first and organizing your products and displays, you will waste valuable time trying to arrange your products or displays. Plan ahead how you are going to set your products up for your shows; be sure you have all the items necessary to display your products professionally and in an organized manner. That means packing your displays and products away properly at the last show, so get a system set up that makes this process smooth and easy. It will save you hours of valuable time; hours you can use making money.

Whatever task you are working on, before diving in, go over these things either with this article in hand or in your head to make sure that the things you are spending time on are in fact money making activities and not time suckers. Doing this simple little exercise each time will ensure you are spending your time wisely, getting you closer to your business goals.

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Posted by Chris | Posted on 24-08-2010

Category : Biz Tips

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If you are like me, there is always someting on your To DO list that never seems to get done. Customer contact, flyer creation and mailings, list maintenance, and more.

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Avoiding Last Minute Cancellations in Your Direct Sales Biz

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Posted by Chris | Posted on 18-08-2010

Category : Biz Tips

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Don’t you hate those? Those last minute cancellations. I know I do! You’ve worked so hard with your hostess to get ready for her party. You’ve invested time, money and energy into helping her invite guests, get outside sales and plan her show. All of the sudden, just as your getting ready to head out the door, your hostess calls and says she wants to cancel. It’s not an emergency or anything like that, she just feels like no one is going to come, or doesn’t think her show is going to be a success.

Unfortunately, this scenario plays out a lot when you own a direct sales business. So, what can you do to avoid those last minute cancellations?

Encouragement
Obviously the first thing to do is encourage her to hold the show. Let her know you are on your way over and if no one shows up you can talk about what to do next once you arrive.

If she still insists on canceling, encourage her to book the show for the following week. Let her know you will help her invite friends and encourage sales. Ask her if she’s taken the catalogs to her friends, family and co-workers? If she has not, remind her that a lot of people will buy something, although they may not physically show up to her party. Outside sales are a great way to increase overall show sales. They are also a great way to find potential hostesses and customers.

Offer a Outside Sales Only Show
Another thing you can suggest is that your hostess holds what is known as a “book” party. If she is truly adamant and thinks no one will show up, encourage your hostess to get outside sales only. I’ve had many successful shows from “book” parties. Remind the hostess to get all the contact information from each person who purchases so you can follow up with them.

Plan Ahead & Keep in Contact
The best way to avoid those last minute cancellations is to do the work ahead of time. Keep in contact with your hostess from the time she booked the show up to the day before the show. Send out thank you notes, reminder cards and make phone calls to encourage her and help her to feel confident in her hosting abilities.

Supply the Tools for Success
Remember, most people who hold shows for you do not do this for a living. You’ll need to do a bit of detective work to find out what your hostess’ personality type. If you can figure out the type of person she is, you’ll be able to help her and her show be a huge success. Work with her and give her the tools necessary based on your findings.

For example, if your hostess is shy and reserved, help her by giving her “words” or scripts to use when calling her potential guests. Put the information in her hands to help keep her positive and thriving.

If your hostess is unorganized, but social (those two personality traits usually go hand in hand) help her get organized by giving her ‘save the date’ cards or magnets she can have in front of her at all times. Give her a plan or help her schedule time to make phone calls to friends and family. Give her plenty of brochures to hand out to co-workers and make sure she puts them in her briefcase or by her purse so they go with her to work the next day.

Sometimes in direct sales, we do have to assist some of our hostesses. You have to help them along, every step of the way. Not all hostesses are like this, but a lot more than you might realize are. For me personally, I would say at least half of my hostesses have needed a helping hand of some magnitude along the way. And that is what you are there for.

You can never go wrong by investing a little time and effort in someone to help her flourish. After all, your success depends on her success. In direct sales you won’t be in business long if you are not willing to invest time, energy and some money into the lives of others. You have to help others be a success if you’re going to be a success too!

5 Traits of a Good Direct Sales Team Leader

Posted by Chris | Posted on 25-07-2010

Category : Biz Tips

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Leadership can be a scary thing when you are in a direct sales business. Many people step into the role naturally and others just don’t get it. And many don’t have any desire to become a leader, and its OK! But if you thinking about it, read on.

There are 5 traits every good leader possesses. And if you don’t have them yet, don’t panic! Leadership can be and usually is, learned. You don’t have to be a natural born leader to be a good leader. Here they are in no particular order.

A Good Leader is a Leader
I’ve heard the saying: “If you’re leading but no one is following, you are just taking a walk.” That is so true. Have you ever seen someone who is in a leadership position but no one is following them? I’m willing to bet you have.

Even some of the best leaders are not natural born. They’ve had to learn certain skills and what it takes to be a leader. You can do the same. When you lead people, you are actually teaching them, standing by their side and serving them. Yes, I said serving them. They will grow because of your example.

It’s like teaching your kids. You can’t teach your son to do the dishes if you don’t ever do them. You need to stand with him the first few times and do the dishes with him. Then when he is ready to do it by himself, the dishes will be all nice and clean, rinsed, dried and put away properly.

The same applies when you are in a leadership position in direct sales. Show your recruits how to do it and then do it with them. Next, help them when they first step out on their own. Yes, it takes time and energy, but there is no place better to invest your time and energy than in helping someone else.

A Good Leader is a Good Listener
A good leader isn’t one who thinks they know everything or who acts like she doesn’t have time to hear what her recruits or clients have to say. A good leader is one team members can go to when they need help with something or assistance in fixing a problem.

A good leader also knows what to listen to and what not to listen to. As a leader, you should not encourage gossip or negative talk about another person. You don’t have the time or energy to listen to someone who is a constant whiner and complainer. You’ll need some discernment and will also need to know how to politely turn away from this type of talk.

A Good Leader is Available
A good leader will make time for their recruits and clients. Some leaders have a set schedule for seeing recruits, but they also know emergencies arise and don’t get disgruntled when they do.

Set your own schedule, but be aware that your recruits will need you at times other than those you specifically set every once in awhile. Open your door and help them when they need it most.

A Good Leader is Organized and Knows How to Prioritize
This is not only true in business, but it is also true in a leader’s personal life. You’ll need to realize your family is most important and how to balance family and business. If you do not know how to organize and prioritize your business and personal life, don’t worry. There are tons of materials out there that can help you with this part. Look on the Internet or in your local bookstore for starters.

A Good Leader Doesn’t Let Obstacles Stand in the Way of Goals
In other words, you’ll need to know how to overcome obstacles or work around them. Also, don’t let negative people stand in your way. You should know how to block the negative and absorb the positive. Believe me, when you are in a leadership position, you will hear it all. Some of which you don’t want to hear, but have to just because you’re the leader. Filter out the bad and keep the good. Don’t let these obstacles stop you from reaching your goals.

There is a ton of information available on leadership qualities. Get some books, attend classes and learn from someone who is a good leader in your personal life, like your pastor, a teacher or sales director. Good leadership can be learned, you just have to be willing to study it.

Steps to Build Your Direct Sales Business Right Away

Posted by Chris | Posted on 19-07-2010

Category : Biz Tips

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You just started a brand new career in direct sales. You’re pumped, excited, and ready to hit the streets with your awesome product you know everyone will want to buy. Keep that excitement and remember it. Although you may be able to get every friend and family member you have to hold a show and make lots of money in the beginning, remember this initial momentum may not last.

Here is two important steps that you should begin taking now for a great future in direct sales. You’ll need them if you want your business to stand the test of time.

Hold as many shows or parties as quickly as possible.

This is where you are going to find the strong people I will be mentioning in the next step. Don’t wait until your kit arrives to make the first of your phone calls. Get on the phone right away and book your first couple of shows.

If your kit doesn’t arrive before the first show, your recruiter should be willing to lend hers or at least a few items from her own kit. She should also be willing to go to your first one or two shows with you. This will help you to feel more at ease and will make it easier to answer any questions that may arise which you can’t answer yet.

Get your first 6 shows booked, but don’t stop there. If you’re on a roll, keep calling. You may get a lot of “no’s” at first, but you the “yes’s” will soon come so don’t give up.

Build a good foundation.

A good foundation for a successful direct sales business is one that is solidly built with great people on your team. Start looking for quality people who know and love the product as much as you do. You’ll also want them to be goal oriented, organized and driven.

Once you get 3 to 5 strong people under you, you will have the start of a strong team. These people will help lead your business to success. Don’t recruit just anyone simply for the sake of having recruits. If those people you sign up under you do not possess the characteristics described above, they will most likely quit or flounder in their own business. You’ll find this to be more of a burden than a help to your business. Once you get a start with a strong team, then you can start recruiting others who may just be looking for a hobby, a discount on the product or who just need something to pass the time with. The key is to get a handful of strong, goal oriented folks under you quick.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your direct sales business be. It takes drive, determination and motivation to build a successful direct sales business and keep it going.

Direct Sales – Tips to Attract Repeat Sales

Posted by Chris | Posted on 24-06-2010

Category : Biz Tips

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In direct sales, there are two main ways that you can make sales. Some direct sales consultants are constantly searching for the next sale and when they find it, they make the sale and begin looking for the next one. This works, but you could be making money without quite as much effort.

Rather than thinking about each sale as just a sale, think more of them as customers. If you use the proper techniques, you can turn many of your one-time sales into repeat customers. The hardest thing in direct sales is making that first sale. So why should you only seek out the hard way? Yes, you have to constantly be looking for new customers, but if you have repeat customers you won’t have to spend quite as much time in doing so.

Most people shop in the same place (whether it be grocery store, bed and bath products, or even clothes) to fulfill their needs. You find yourself returning to the same stores because you know the prices, quality, and staff. So why not take advantage of human nature?

In order to be successful in direct sales you need to have both repeat customers as well as new ones. It is the same with any kind of business. Typically you make the most money from repeat customers because they come to know the products and quality.

Tips to turn Sales into customers

1. Make sure you get contact info for each sale. Then on birthdays or holidays you can send an email or card. This will make your customers feel as though you care about them and they will be more likely to do business with you again.

2. Be knowledgeable about your products and company. If you are able to answer any questions asked of you, immediately people will see you as an authority in your field. You want to stay ahead of your competition. When a new product is coming out, learn all about it as soon as possible.

3. Customer service is extremely important. If your customer service skills are lacking it will show in your business. If a problem occurs you have to rectify it immediately. Otherwise those customers will find someone else offering the same products. Even if a customer only purchases a small number of items, treat them as though they are big spenders. Word of mouth can make or break your business.

4. Refer customers to other customers. If you have a customer looking for a good hair stylist and you have another customer who happens to be a hair stylist, refer them.

5. Create a newsletter to stay in regular communication with your customers. Make the newsletter informative and a value to them. When a new product is coming out, let everyone know about it. Finding a good newsletter service is essential to maintaining good customer services. One that I have found to be very affordable and direct sales friendly is MyNewsletterBuilder.com
(Enter DebBixler in the comment box if you join and tell them I said you get one month free!)

There are many ways to turn a sale into a repeat customer. The biggest is the quality of your customer service and customer care. Special deals are a great way to keep people coming back for more and customer service is what makes them think of you instead of another consultant. Make them feel important, and they will return again and again. Customer service skills will make or break your business. Learn how to wow your customers and increase sales as well at: Create A Cash Flow Show

Article by Deb Bixler. All Rights Reserved

The Best Sales Tips You Will Find

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Posted by Chris | Posted on 12-06-2010

Category : Biz Tips

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I saw this article the other day and knew that it would benefit you and your business greatly as well.

The Best Sales Tips You Will Find
This is a list of 10 sales tips that can use in any business in order to get more customers and close the sale faster. There is no business until it has made its first sale, and each sale after that. Therefore, you need to give yourself a big arsenal of sales tools to get yourself to where you want to be. Read on to find out all 10 tips.

1. Build relationships with your customers. You have to have long-term customers in order to grow. If you sell to a person only one time, it is very expensive to find a new customer.

2. Get the customer to accept things from you, like your business cards, brochures, free gifts, even price quotes. This act of accepting gets them into a “YES” mind frame.

3. Make sure that your business card contains a call to action on the back of it. There are way too many useless business cards floating around out there. Make sure you use both sides to create something that the customer won’t throw in the trash as soon as they get home.

4. Learn to shut your mouth and let the customer talk. People that are really talkative can end up talking their own customer out of the sale, because they shared TOO MUCH information about the product.

5. Don’t try and be a clown in order to keep the customer’s attention. Sure, you need to make the customer feel comfortable, but you don’t need to tell a bunch of corny jokes and make the situation even worse.

6. Focus on what the customer wants, not what you want. If the customer wants your most inexpensive product, then sell it to him. Don’t sell anything to anyone that they don’t want.

7. If you don’t believe in what you are selling, you won’t be able to convince your customers that they should believe you either.

8. You have to give before you can get. You need to earn your customer’s business by first offering different things that will benefit them. You might have to lose a little money on the first sale in order to close a large, profitable sale.

9. Don’t patronize your prospect. If you treat your customer like they are stupid, you won’t sell them a thing. Allow them plenty of time to ask questions, but don’t baby them.

10. Develop a killer guarantee. Use your guarantee as a marketing tool to lower the prospect’s skepticism about going through with the purchase.

Joshua Black is the developer of the Underdog Sales Bible. This report gives you 37 different methods for ETHICALLY closing the sale without tricks, gimmicks, or pitches of any kind. You can find out more and download the sales bible at: Closing The Sale.com

Article Source: Ezine Articles/ Expert Joshua Black

Get in Some Free Training

Posted by Chris | Posted on 09-06-2010

Category : Biz Tips

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I just signed up for an amazing FREE event! 17 experts of the recently released hot, new book, “Direct Selling Power” have come together to show me how to increase my profitability in my direct sales business.

It’s called the Direct Selling Power TeleSummit and its all virtual. No travel required.

The lineup includes Nicki Keohohou, Shari Hudspeth, Caterina Rando, Sallie Meshell, Celine Egan from Australia, Tammy Stanley, Beth Jones-Schall, Ruth Fuersten and more!

I wouldn’t want you to miss it, so here’s your special invitation to sign up today:

DirectSellingTeleSummit

Please join me and pass this on to friends and fellow leaders like us! And don’t forget to tell them I sent you!

Enjoy!
Chris

Where are Your Habits Leading You?

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Posted by Chris | Posted on 19-05-2010

Category : Biz Tips, articles

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I have a guest Blogger today. Bill Bell is one of my upline and he wrote such a great article I had to share it with you all! Thanks for the inspiration, Bill!

Where are Your Habits Leading You?

Copywrite 2010 ~ By Bill Bell

You are an accumulation of your habits. From how you get out of bed to how you shower; how you dress; how you walk, sit and talk; how you respond to the world; how you act in front of others; and how you think, you are living out your habits. Habits are necessary. They free up your mind so that you can concentrate on how to survive every day. You don’t have to think about how to drive your car so you can be on the lookout for danger while you are driving. You don’t have to think about how to walk so you can concentrate on where you are going.

Unfortunately, habits can also keep you locked in self-destructive patterns, which will limit your success. To become successful, you will need to drop bad habits and develop new ones that are in line with the life you want to live. People do not suddenly appear in the life they want to live—habits determine their outcome! What are the habits you have that are keeping you from achieving your goals? Are you always running late? Do you return phone calls within 24 hours? Do you get enough sleep? Do you speak clearly and look people directly in their eyes? Do you eat healthy meals? Ask others what they observe about you and make a list of all the behaviors that keep you from success.

Imagine what your life would be like if all those habits were their productive counterparts. What would your life be like if you ate healthy meals, exercised and got enough sleep? What would your life be like if you saved money, stopped using credit cards and paid cash for everything? What would your life be like if you stopped procrastinating, overcame your fears and began networking with people in your field? Write down the more productive habits and visualize your life as it would be if they were your habits right now.

Decide to develop four of your new habits each year, one for each quarter. Create a method that will support your new habit. What will keep you motivated? How will you remind yourself of your new habit? You could write it down on a card that you keep with you and read over several times a day. You could make it a part of your daily visualization. You could enlist the help of an accountability partner who also has habits to change. Be specific about the steps that you are willing to take in order to drop an old habit and adopt a new one. Do not be vague about how you will change your habits. Spell it out for yourself so that you can recognize situations that call for you to act out your new habit.

Once you have picked your habit for that quarter, make a 100 percent commitment to stick to it. Do not tempt yourself by making it optional every time a situation arises. If your new habit is to go to bed by 10 p.m., then go to bed at 10 p.m., even if you are not feeling tired. Just go there and relax, read a book, visualize or meditate, but don’t compromise on your new habit. If you make an exception once, you are more likely to make an exception the next time, and soon you will be back to your old habits.

Even four new habits a year will dramatically shift your life to be more in line with your vision. And the more in line it becomes, the easier the other habits are to replace because your perspective is shifting and you see more clearly how your old habits are not serving you anymore. You can do it!

Direct Selling Power Rocks

Posted by Chris | Posted on 10-05-2010

Category : Biz Tips

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I ordered the book “Direct Selling Power”, which is a collaboration of authors and direct sales professionals as soon as I heard it was out. Produced by the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance, or other wise known as the DSWA, this book is a wonderful compulation of chapters that focus on many different parts of direct selling.

Inspiriational and an awesome book for training; either for yourself or use it with your team. This is another great book to add to your collection on Direct Sales Training books.

I read it through once and now I am going back chapter by chapter to focus and study the materials. There is something for everyone in Direct Sales in the book. I was totally impressed. Sometimes books are very simple and I find myself saying, “Oh I knew that” quite a bit. But this book proved to be a notch above. Very indepth and a great tool to share or gift to others.

I suggest that you pick one up for you and your team. Hop over to the DSWA website, and order one today. You won’t regret it!

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