By Jill Pfefer

If you are like me- you probably have a whole closet full of neutrals. I actually go out of my way to buy a basic and classic wardrobe so that I can spice it up with my accessories. I also always consider the necklines the sleeve lengths and how a garments fits at the waist. With a closet full of neutrals feel free to add color- blasts of color! Combine a fun multi colored necklace such as the On the Fence necklace and accent it with a great pair of hunter green shoes! How about color coordinating fun flowing earrings such as the Peacock earrings with a turquoise colored purse to your bland outfit. Have fun with your accents and feel good wearing it! Love to see your combos!

By Jill Pfefer

Have you ever thought of thinking outside the box? Why not use your rings as a hair accessory? Since all of the Sydney Andrews rings are elastic and flexible- they make great ponytail holders too! I put a very thin hair tie underneath and only grabbed a small amount of hair. I then placed the ring ontop to cover the hair tie. I think they look pretty cool- what do you think?

By Jill Pfefer

Trend Alert! Color Blocking is huge here in Fall 2011!  It is not a new concept but it is big- now. This fashion statement combines the use of two or more blocks of color in an outfit. This can be from a shirt, blouse, pants, purse or jewelry. It can include monotone, bright colors, muted colors, contrasting and complimentary colors. Clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories can all feature color block designs or can make up different color blocks of color to be put together to get the color block effect.

Here are some tips to keep in mind with this trend. (more…)

By Jill Pfefer

I admit it, growing up I was a very shy little girl. Even through adolescence and early adulthood I would consider myself timid. But, as I have gotten older I have learned to be more specific with my needs and my goals.  How have I achieved my success? I have learned that quite plainly if  ”you don’t ask- you don’t get”. Granted “you don’t get” every time but the odds of reaching your goals are much greater if you just simply ask for it.

Don’t be afraid to introduce your business with just a few questions….

1. When you receive a compliment on your product- such as the necklace you are wearing that day, tell the person that you are selling this product and would like to know if they would like more information or would like a copy of the current catalog.  This is a great conversation starter because the person actually opened the door by telling you she likes your product. Give back information as to how they can purchase it or receive it as a hostess gift.

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There are many benefits to selling products through direct sales, specifically through home parties. Many advantages to shopping with a direct seller versus going to a local store or shopping on the internet are outlined below.  Feel free to take note of these  key points and share them with your potential customers.

1. The store/boutique is in a home setting and comes to customer!  How convenient to be able to shop in the neighborhood, usually on a weeknight evening when it is easy to get away from the family for a little bit!

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The number one reason consultants in the Party Plan business hold themselves back is because they are afraid of being too pushy and hearing the word “no”. When you think of a pushy person, what comes to mind? Someone who is aggressive, someone who is not concerned about their customer’s needs, someone who has their own agenda and someone who does not let their customer say “no”. Does this sound like you? Of course not! Your objective is to simply offer a customer an awesome product, to host a party and get free items or to tell them about the great opportunity it is to make extra money with flexible hours!

What is the absolute worst thing that could possibly happen if you discuss your direct sales opportunity with someone- you may get a “no”. Quite frankly, several no’s brings you closer to a “yes”, and every “yes” brings you closer to your goals! Don’t be afraid to hear the word no. In fact, this week Becky with Sydney Andrews is running a contest for everyone to seek out 100 no’s so that everyone gets used to hearing the word “no” and will learn to not be afraid of rejection. It’s a numbers game and the more people you expose to your business, I guaruntee you will hear no’s but with that there will be many yeses!

By Jill Pfefer

After spending 4 days in Los Angeles at the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance (DSWA) conference it was  evident that there are new trends in the home party plan industry.  In fact, direct selling in general has changed. People are looking  for a conversation rather than a presentation.

I believe a lot of this has to do with technology and the new era of social media. People are spending a great deal of time on their computers and smart phones and are not conversing as much in person. Therefore it seems that when people communicate with  technology they feel that they have to get straight to the point and offer their product as soon as possible before losing their audience. WRONG! So many times I see on Facebook , Twitter or 3rd party sites  the deal of the month or why their product is the greatest product on earth. WRONG!

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By Jill Pfefer

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! April and May are the second biggest direct sales months next to the holiday season. Women are out buying for their moms, aunts, sisters, friends and themselves. But what about tapping into husbands, fathers, sons etc. who would like to get a unique gift for the special mom/woman in his life. The following are some ideas that I have seen consultants utilize.

1. E-Party- Send an invite to the husbands or men on your mailing list to shop at your e-party specifically set up for Mother’s Day. By the press of a computer button he can have the gift delivered without having to go shopping at a live store. Jewelry is always a winner! (more…)

March 24,2010  by Jill Pfefer

Whether your home based business is in direct sales or any other industry – I find it helpful to be organized and accountable in my work. The following are 5 basic tips that I do to keep on track. Many of us both work at home and run a household and it is important to be able to balance the two and feel successful in both arenas.

1. Don’t procrastinate- I do live by the saying “Do what you can today and don’t put it off until tomorrow”. It feels good to accomplish all that you can today because you never know what will come up tomorrow- especially with kids! Setting reasonable goals and finishing your tasks will give you a great sense of acheivement.

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The following are some tips of where you can leave your business cards behind in your direct sales networking efforts. It is such a simple gesture but can lead to more business for you.

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