By Jill Pfefer

How did your unparty go? Were the men open minded to coming to a home party and selecting items from your collection? Did they like the idea of fashion advice, great products at reasonable prices and free gift wrap and convenient shipping? I thought I might give you a few other suggestions on how to reach the male population outside of the home party.

If the party doesn’t come to you why not go to them. Bring the party to their office by bringing your product, finger foods and offering to give the office manager(or whoever set up the party) the free hostess rewards. Remember, people will go the extra mile if they know there is something in it for them.

Here are a few suggestions of where a good office unparty may be…..
- local dealership
- dentist office
- lawyers office
- realtor’s office
- local coffee shop
- networking group

I’d love to hear your ideas of your success with the UnParty!

By Jill Pfefer In our last two conference calls, Becky introduced a great way to think outside the box! O.K. maybe this wasn’t the guy you were invisioning coming to your party, but, it caught your attention anyway, didn’t it?

Invite a group of your friend’s spouses or male friends and help them pick out great gifts for their loved ones. This is a unique service you can offer to make you stand above the rest. Make the men feel comfortable by creating an atmosphere just for them!

1. Hold the UnParty the first week in December. We all know how men are infamous for leaving the gift buying up the last minute:)

2. In the invite emphasize that you will be offering the lastest fashion advice. Many times men are out of touch of what their wives would like for the holidays. Offer suggestions with color and style to suite their spouses taste. (more…)

By Dana Phillips

If you want more parties on your calendar, but you’re not sure what to say, here is a simple formula to follow as you approach people about hosting.

1. Connect: Finding some mutual connection begins to build rapport with a future host. Because many of our first hostesses were friends and family members, we already had a connection. As you grow outside your close circle of contacts, this step is very important

2. Invite: This form of asking permission reminds you and her that you are not pushy, that booking a party is not an onerous task, but a pleasure. When you invite someone to host a party you are keeping the focus on your prospective hostess, not on yourself. (more…)

By Jill Pfefer

Most likely your company is giving you great resources to increase your sales. Take advantage of these resources to leverage your sales. Make sure you discuss these additonal offers with your future customers and hostesses. It’s to your ticket to increase your sales!

Every six months Sydney Andrews introduces new styles and designs. In addition to your new contacts, make sure your past customers and hostesses are aware of the new products. It is quite common that your hostesses will host a party every 6 months to showcase the new designs.

Every month Sydney Andrews offers incentives. For example, this month in October we are offering – hostesses an additional 5% of free bonus jewelry- that’s 25%-35% of FREE JEWELRY for hosting a party! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, our customers will get 10% off our “For A Cure” products in addition to the 10% donation to the Komen Foundation. Also, our cutomers will receive a FREE Sydney Andrews Travel Jewelry roll with any purchase of $125.00 or more.

These are all great lead ins to get your conversation going and get your parties booked. I’d love to know what you have found to be the best way to leverage your sales.

By Jill Pfefer

I get asked so many times what is the best way to achieve a successful party. The key is that the consultant and hostess must create a communicative partnership.Both the consultant and the hostess play an important role in getting the guests to the party. When the consultant coaches her hostess and certain steps are attained the odds of having a lucrative party are much greater. Who benefits? Both the partners- the consultant and the hostess, of course!

I recommend following the steps below

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By Jill Pfefer

One of the best parts of my job is that when my consultants go out in public the number 1 feedback we get is how much people love our jewelry! It is just amazing that people will genuinely stop you in your tracks and share how much they appreciate the accessories you wearing.  No one put them up to this, they actually have noticed something about you that they appreciate and have gone out of their way to let you know it.  It is like a gift they are giving to you. Isn’t it proper to give them a gift back?

A gift back can be handled in many different ways.  Basically you want to tell them how great the jewelry makes you feel by getting such great compliments like the one you just received and offer them an invitation.

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By Jill Pfefer

According to our records last year, we sold 71% of our products from September to December. That’s amazing! Now is the time to look at your calendar and determine how successful you will be during this holiday season. You are in control! I know some people are out there complaining that the economy is still slow and there is a lack of interest in holding parties while others are out there getting back to back bookings. Why? Because those that are successful aren’t afraid to offer the opportunity to their future hostesses and customers. There is ALWAYS someone out there who wants to have a party- the sky is the limit! These consultants aren’t afraid to ask for the booking, for the sale or for the recruit.

Take note of how you approach your business. Are you afraid to approach people and feel like you are forcing them to do something they don’t want to do? Do you feel like you are asking them to do you a favor? STOP! RETHINK! You are providing a wonderful service people need. At Sydney Andrews our consultants provide helpful fashion advice, we bring gallery items into the comfort of the home and offer an amazing party amoungst friends! This way customers can avoid traffic jams, parking and crowds at the mall. (more…)

By Jill Pfefer

The following are a few simple tips to follow that can help you improve your home party business.

1. Have a positive attitude- People genuinely like to be around people who are upbeat and positivie- it’s a magnet that draws people to you when are welcoming and exciting!

2. Organize your life- write down your appointments and dates with either a list or a planner. I find it’s best to be consistent and keep these items in one place- I started using my blackberry for this as my phone is with me most of the time.

3. Define your working hours- Many of us are working from home and are constantly interrupted by phone calls, emails, the laundry, etc. Carve out some office hours for yourself and resist the temptations of interruptions such as answering the phone.

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There are many aspects to your business that you may be good at and focus on. Every consultant runs their business differently especially because people are in the home party business for many reasons. The core of any successful business centers around the basics of the S.T.A.I.R process which has been outlined by the DSWA (Direct Selling Women’s Alliance).

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Have you heard that sales during the summer are notoriously slow?  A lot of this has to do with attitude, if you are told it’s going to be slow then it will be.  But if you take advantage of some of the points below and share your enthusiasm for your home party business - you will spark excitment during the summer months!

1. Highlight the specials your company offers- Many companies beef up their incentives for hostesses and consultants during the summer- take advantage of this and let people know why, for instance-  ”June is the best month to have a jewelry party”At Sydney Andrews, the summer special is that hostesses earn an extra necklace or bracelet for holding a qualified party in addition to all the standard hostess rewards. 

2. Have a Theme Party- Put a fun spin on your party and ask your guests to dress up or bring a special dish to go with the theme. I am have tried to research themes that start with the letter J for jewelry- not so easy:) What about Jimmy Buffet and Jewelry, Sex and the City party or Christmas in July.

I’d love your “J” suggestions:)

3. Gather your Play Group together- Hire an older child or a babysitter to entertain the children. Supply a craft such as beading a bracelet- while the moms can talk and shop. It’s a win- win the kids get to play with eachother as well as the moms!

What great ideas have you come up with to get keep your sales consistant during the summer months?