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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“The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.” Joan Didion

In Carl Casanova’s book, What every Successful Person Knows!, he notes that if you plan on being a success in business or life, consider self-responsibilty first.  Each person is the source of her or his success.  At Sydney Andrews, taking responsibility means you are fully accountable for everything you are, everything you have and everything you achieve.  Your dreams, your home-based business, your education, your relationships, aspirations, goals and endeavors belong to you and you only. (more…)

In October 2008, Vic and I were just beginning the initial launch of Sydney Andrews and a friend introduced us to Monica H, a woman who lived in South Florida who was battling a malignant brain tumor. Monica had received a piece of our jewelry and loved it. Although she was receiving radiation and chemotherapy, she wanted to do something to help keep her mind off of her own medical condition. Monica joined Sydney Andrews as one of our very first consultants.

Monica threw all of her energy, when she was well enough to work, into Sydney Andrews. She held numerous parties, introducing her friends, neighbors and their friends and neighbors to Sydney Andrews. Her parties were very well attended because not only were the women in love with the jewelry, they were supporting Monica in her journey to be social and productive throughout her tough and grueling battle with cancer. (more…)

Are you considering starting your own home based business? In this economy many people are considering starting their own business and becoming their own boss. Especially, when times are tough -many people turn to direct selling as a viable option to either make a little extra cash, make large sums of money or are looking for a career change. Now is a great time to consider direct sales- it’s a $2 billion industry!

Below are 6 key points to consider when researching this industry….(continued press more)

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People often ask me where I get my ideas from for my designs. Every 6 months I come up with a Spring and a Fall line. Being the CEO of Sydney Andrews, I have several responsibilities but wherever I go I constantly have my mind on designing. When I am at the mall, on vacation or even at The Great Indoors store my mind is on what my next piece of jewelry will look like.

Color is a very important component of my work. I love being surrounded by color and why not bring it to your everyday wardrobe. Accessorize with colors that make you feel good. My customers seem to really like my multi color designs for their versatility. I look to a lot of Israeli designers for their color combinations.

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One of the greatest things about being involved in direct sales, is the people that you get to meet. Not only can your friends become your customers but they can also become your business partners. That was exactly what occurred between Jill Pfefer, the Sydney Andrews Founder, and Leslie Gipson, one of the founding representatives for Sydney Andrews. Read her interview below about her journey into the jewelry business. (more…)