I fell in love with this wrap. I liked the design and I especially like the colors in it. All my neutral colors wrapped into one accessory. My mind was swimming as to how many ways I could wear it and how many things I could wear it with. Of course, the jewelry is first to my mind for me. How many times in the past have I bought my outfits to go with the collection.

Here are some examples of outfits and accessories I thought would look good with just this one wrap and with Trixie! Here I have a chocolate brown long sleeve t-shirt, the Oh Bee-Have necklace and the wrap is tied like a scarf. The browns and the golds are picked up in the wrap and both accessories make the outfit look complete. This would look great with jeans and a pair of brown boots!

This is a black long t-shirt with the Stirred Not Shaken necklace and the scarf with the tie in the front. This looks great with a jacket or just plain as is. Again this is a great casual look and will keep you warm.

I have seen a ton of sleeveless tops for this Fall season. I loved the neckline and texture on this top. It is a little fancier and looks great with the It’s Just Black and White Necklace. I like the necklace with this top because it is not exactly the same colors but it all gets tied in with the colors in the wrap. Tie it around the waist to accentuate the waistline and show off your neckline.

This is my favorite look for the wrap. Drape it around your shoulders and it has a long flowing effect. I love the way it looks with the French Silk necklace- same colors but different shapes makes them compliment each other.

What are some of the ways you have taken one accessory and used it in your wardrobe multiple times?

I fell in love with this  new store called Hot Mama-their website is www.shopmama.com. It’s a great small chain of stores geared towards helping women accessorize and feel good about themselves.  I love the assistance they give and helpful ideas to arranging outfits.  I like that they had me try on things that I never thought would look good on me- nice try with the skinny jeans but at least I tried. I really thought that this way of approaching customers with an educational angle was the way to go.  I did not feel like I was forced to buy something, I felt like they were taking the time to explain what looked good on me and how I could use these changeable pieces to enhance my wardrobe.

I think this is a great example of how you can apply education to your home party business. At your next party bring a few t-shirts, sweaters and jackets and show how one necklace can be worn in different fashions. Sydney Andrews has many pieces that are colorful and can look completely different with many outfits.  Demonstrate this with your creativity some people can’t see outside the box unless you show them.

How about on your next party invitation- invite your guests to bring one outfit that they struggle to accessorize. See what people come up with and challenge yourself and your guests to come up with creative ideas with your collection of jewelry. I think people value your opinion and if you offer something beyond the product they will recognize the value.

I would love to see and hear your ideas about how you educate your customers.

by Jill Pfefer

We all know that it is easier to maintain a current customer than to go out and find new ones. Here’s a great tip for thanking your customers and gently reminding them about you and your business.

One week after your party send a card to each guest who did not book a party that night. Send a simple postcard that says…

Dear_______,
Thank you so much for attending _________’s party. I enjoyed meeting you and appreciate your business. If you would like to have a party or a virtual party, you can earn free merchandise. Also, feel free to contact me if you would like to place another order.
Thanks again,
_________
phone #
P.S. ________ earned $_______ in free merchandise and you can too!

I am sure this is information that you already shared at your show but it never hurts to reiterate the generous opportunity your guests can take advantage of.

Have you tried something like this before? If so, please share your success!

By Jill Pfefer

I have been asked many times about my thoughts on “Matchy-Matchy.” Matchy- Matchy means wearing the same coordinates together such as the same necklace, bracelet, earrings and/or ring together. Well, I guess I would have to say it depends on your customer.

Yes to “Matchy-Matchy” if your customer

- is very tailored and all pieces of clothing are very similar

- does not mix and match gold and silver

- dresses conservatively

No to “Matchy Matchy” if your customer

- Dresses contemporary

- is confident in making a statement

- likes to think “outside the box”

- daring to be bold and individualistic

Personally, I tend to not be “matchy matchy” I feel more confident when I can accent my style with different trends and looks. I like to make my own fashion statement. I coordinate my pieces of clothing and jewelry but not do not necessarily wear all the same pieces at once. Have fun and put together different textures, metals and colors. Experiment and feel good with how you present yourself. What trends are you comfortable with?

By Jill Pfefer

It’s true, more and more I am seeing a strong trend today in providing education and letting your guests experience your product.  It’s how you can provide information and stand out amongst the rest!  The trend to sell with hard core tactics and by convincing your customer into a sale  is quite “passe”. I see more and more people explaining practical purposes for their product and how it can enhance their life.

Show your customers that by adding a simple accessory they can feel better about themselves instantly!  How great is it to get a compliment on something that they wear and get noticed by people they simply pass on the street! Teach them by adding, for example, a necklace they can mix up their wardrobe and and save money.  Instead of buying a new wardrobe, the necklace can compliment and tie into a lot of  their pieces they have had in their closet for years.

Here are some ideas you can mention at your next party….

1. Try before you buy.  At the party you have the actual samples.  Encourage your guests to try it on- let them try things they think are outside their comfort zone.  People get attached once they touch and feel it, it is something they can’t experience from a catalog or the internet.

2. Offer a personal closet consultation. Explain that you are there to show them how they can take one piece and tie it into their wardrobe. Bring out several outfits and show the diversity of your jewelry pieces. Give examples of how they can save money and look good at the same time.

3. Wow your wardrobe- Give examples of how your life and wardrobe has changed with the jewelry and how theirs can too. Share stories of how people have asked about the jewelry and how it really sells itself. Give examples of how a piece of  jewelry completely changed the outfit. Wearing neutrals are very popular today, why not show them how a bold colored pendant can completely change the way she presents herself.

Take note of how you see other businesses are offering education and experience.  Do you see it in the retail forum?  Are you experiencing it in social media and in reading about it in other blogs? I’d love to hear your feedback on how you integrate education and experience in your business.

This week I asked the question on my Facebook Page, “What’s the number 1 thing you need to do this week to build your business?” And there were a lot of responses. But I found that I often had to encourage folks to be specific in what they needed to do.

You see, it’s very easy to say “find new leads for my business.”

But how?

We all know the outcome we need. But what’s more important is the road map. HOW will you generate new leads? Will you:

Make a new List of 100 people you know, and then start calling those folks?
Participate in a vendor or networking event to collect leads, and then follow up within 3 days?
Host a free webinar related to your product line (for example, learn about the latest fashions this season) to gain new leads, and then follow up with a special offer for attendees?
You see the difference between the three items above, and “find new leads”? The three items above are specific things you can do to find new leads. The leads are the outcome, not the activity.

If you want to grow your business, you have to get specific. Growth requires specific, intentional actions that are planned out. Hoping you’ll think of something to achieve the end won’t do it.

What specific actions do you need to take this week to achieve your desired growth? Share with us in the comments, and then make your plan to get it done. Go!

Jennifer Fong is a direct sales and social media consultant and speaker who helps direct sales companies and independent direct sellers put the power of social media to work for their businesses. A former direct sales company CEO, Jennifer knows that social media does not replace the core business activities of book, sell, and recruit, but rather enhances these to achieve even more success. She provides free articles Jennifer Fong is a direct sales and social media consultant and speaker who helps direct sales companies and independent direct sellers put the power of social media to work for their businesses. A former direct sales company CEO, Jennifer knows that social media does not replace the core business activities of book, sell, and recruit, but rather enhances these to achieve even more success. She provides free articles about using social media successfully for a direct sales business on her website at http://www.jenfongspeaks.com/.

By Jill Pfefer

How do you spend your time building your business? I bet some of the actions you take to build your business are direct while others are indirect. You may want to analyze and actually look at and the time you spend doing both your direct and indirect marketing.

Directly growing you business involves parties, opportunity interviews, one on one sales, follow up calls and building long term relationship with your customers. These activities directly result in making sales and having faster growth in your home party business. For example, up to ninety percent of your time should be spent on your income producing activities. Make it a goal to speak to at least 3 people a day about your home party business. This includes talking to people face to face. So many times we hide behind our computers and chat online but a solid contact is built more solidly face to face. Set goals whether they are having a party once or twice a week, 5 one on one sales or participating in a local event. Follow through with your goals by putting yourself out there and check off the milestones you have achieved each week.

Indirect activities include social media and email marketing. I admit, I was obsessed with social media a few years ago, I took many classes to keep up with the latest trends. I still think social media and email marketing are important to include in your marketing plan but should not be the only activity to grow your business. It is a slower and indirect form of growth and needs to be combined with your other income producing activites. Spending about 10 percent of your time behind the computer such as on Facebook is a great way to touch base, leave your remarks and keep your face infront of people. Set a timer and don’t get lost in the computer vacuum. Limit your networks so you don’t spread yourself too thin, it’s always better to focus in and do your job well than get inundated with too much.

Of course you must strike a balance with which you are comfortable with. Social media is a great way to support your income producing activities but don’t let it be your only means to growing your business. You got into this business because you love your product and supporting others so make sure you include face to face contacts and reaching people over the phone.

How do you balance your direct and indirect business?

By Jill Pfefer

It’s the beginning of the year and for some, a time to reflect.  A time to look back on the past and learn from it by planning a new future. Analyze what worked for you in your home party business and what things you need to change. What ideas come to you that you can actively pursue to take control and create a strong business year ahead.  The following are some ideas you can use to rekindle and/or spark this year by starting your year off with a blast!

1. I commend you for reading this blog post! Doing research on the internet in your field can help give you ideas that you may have never thought of before.  Look at other people’s suggestions and see how they like to book, sell and sponsor.  Maybe one person’s approach has shed some light on how you can tweak your own approach.  Maybe an idea comes to you that you would have never thought of on your own.  The internet is a wonderful resource you can use to rekindle or refresh your own ideas.

2. Attend your company’s webinars.  At Sydney Andrews we have several training sessions a month focusing on how you can improve on your sales and sponsoring.  Learn from the experts who have been successful through their own experiences.

3. Join in the conversation on Facebook.  Many of our Sydney Andrews consultants communicate through the fan page.  They share selling ideas, get to know eachother from a distance and enjoy  information and experiences amoungst themselves.

4. Many cities have DSWA (Direct Selling Women’s Alliance) meetings.  Go to a local meeting and get inspired by other consultants involved in a similar business. Many people in the home party business share similar successes in their business.

5. Attend a local home party and see in person how the consultant structures her party.  Does she have games, contests or incentives?  How did she display her product?  What was the big draw for the customers?  What other things can you learn from going to another home party?

6. Invite a fellow consultant either with your company or another company out to coffee. Someone who inspires you.  Have an informative meeting so you can both learn tricks of the trade from eachother.

7. Re-visit your why.  Every six months take a moment and realize the very reason you wanted to join this business. Set your goals and figure out how you will achieve them.  As I mentioned it is a great idea to do this every six months because circumstances change, your dreams and goals will change all the time.

8. Don’t forget that your excitment and enthusiasm is contageous! If you are feeling good about you and your business people will see you that way too!

Good luck and feel inspired! I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on your inspirations in the home party business!

By Jill Pfefer

Last month I took a wonderful class with Beth Jones-Schall from Spirit of Success. She gave a lecture “From Generation to Generation”based on information from researchers Strauss and Howe.  I didn’t realize it at the time but I took away so much information that afternoon that it has taken me several weeks to absorb it all. It was quite interesting when you break down the 4 generations, you can see how differently you will want to approach people with booking, selling and sponsoring .

Traditionalists (silent generation) 1925-1942 – The people from this generation are very adaptive because they have gone through so many events in their life such as the Great Depression and WW11. They are great helpers, they love their community and most of all they are loyal. It is very important for them to leave a legacy. The best way to communicate with them is face to face, on the phone or with a written letter. When approaching them, let them know that they are needed and they will make a difference.

Boomers 1943-1960- The people from this generation were brought up with if they dream big – the sky is the limit. They are achievement-oriented, competitive and want the very best. They are motivated by perks and prasie and enjoy leadership. Status and appearances are very important to them.  When approaching them  you will tell them about the great leadership opportunities your company has to offer and all about the rewards.

Gen X 1961-1981 This generation has the most flexible and portable people, they have grown up in a time where there is constant change.  They work well independantly and have had to start working at an early age.  They are realistic, seek balance and they want to be in control of their time so they can do both work and be with their family. Flexible hours are a key component to their work. You may want to approach them with the idea of hosting a party and how this can work with their schedule.

Gen Y 1982-2002 This generation has grown up with technology basically 24/7.  They are great  multi-taskers and mostly need to have several careers going at the same time.  They like structure, goals and progress. They work well as a team and are ambitious and influential.  They like to work for a cause.  The best way to communicate with them is through texting and email.  You may want to approach them by describing how your company has opportunities for  leaders and a team culture. This may be one grear opportunity to add to their income.

I’d love to hear some of your thoughts and experiences you have had in approaching different generations in this business.

Feel free to contact Beth Jones-Scall at www.spiritofsuccess.com for more information on this topic and many other topics she has taught on the direct sales industry.

You just had an awesome party! You had a great turnout, with a generous hostess and you were able to drive up your sales to one of your most successful events! You had the time to explain why your product is the one of the best  and/or most unique out there and you walked away feeling that this party was a great success. Do you think the next time your customers need a similar product they will seek you out or go down the street to a store? What can you do to ensure that the repeat business will actually come back to you?

1. Explain how your product is unique. For example, Sydney Andrews jewelry is a custom designed jewelry line.  You can’t find these pieces at the local  mall or in a retail store. Therefore, if they are really enjoying their product and get lots of compliments on it and want to seek out other styles, they know that they have to come back to you to buy it.

2. When closing out the order at the party,  hand your customer a catalog, a business card or postcard with all of your contact information on it. Be sure to include your email, your website, your cell number and your facebook page on it. Make it easy for them to contact you in whichever way is easiest for them. Remind them when they order or reorder that their products will be shipped out almost immediately and it will be within a week when they receive it- in many cases it will be at their door before they even had the chance to get to the store!

3. Invite them to connect with you on Facebook. Facebook is a great way to stay connected and really get to know eachother through quick entries and photos. This business is all about building relationships and this is a great way to do that.

4. Create a Facebook customer group. Invite your customers to join you for discussions on the latest fashion or product tips. Offer special incentives or discounts and start discussions.  It’s great when you get the conversation going and people contribute and discuss amongst themselves too! Send out a message to this group at least once a month inviting them to come back and check out the latest and greatest. Again include all of your contact information making it easy for them to find you.

5. In your customer group, make sure you describe the reorder process on the wall, as well as on the discussion board, so people understand exactly what they need to do and how long it will take.

6. Create your own monthly newletter that they can subscribe to. Make sure you have good content in it not just self-promotion.  Gently remind them if they might need more product and add a link to your own website.  Also, include all the other contact information I mentioned above.

7. Send your customers a birthday card each year with a discount or a free gift order. Again, this is a great way to gently remind them of your business.

It’s better in the long run to build a relationship with a customer for $50.00 with someone who reorders every 6 months than to have a one time customer for $150.00. It’s all about connecting and building strong relationship with customer service.

Remember, to keep your information in front of them and with all the various methods of contacting people – different tools work for different people.  Try them all- email, texting, phone calls, postcards, newsletters and Facebook.  Remember, it’s not likely they’re going to dig out their receipt from the past to find you. If you make it convenient for them- all they will have to do is pick up the phone and the reorder will be complete. Do you want to share any ideas to keep the reorders coming back to you?