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.

(more…)

I love this time of year- the New Year. Everyone is re-evaluating themselves and seeing how they can be more successful in the year to come. It is a time to set personal and professional goals and figuring out a way to be accountable and to stick to them. The important thing is to set realistic and attainable goals so that you can measure and see your results. By having disapline you will be able to see your results.

1. Look at the overall picture in monthly increments, with specific actions you’ll be able to map out and plan for the upcoming month in a broad view.

2. Break down each week, you can start by using a sample week and breaking it down to how long you will spend on your business each day. Mark which times you will make your sponsoring phone calls, which times you will hold sales calls and which times you will block out for your parties/events. By actually marking your calendar you will be able to block out the time for your business and put other respinsibilities into other parts of your day.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

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…)

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

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

(more…)

By Jennifer Fong

Recently, a direct sales company client of mine launched a hugely successful Facebook Page. But what I enjoyed the most about that launch had nothing to do with what the company did (although they did a lot of things right) but instead had everything to do with the company’s consultants.

You see, consultants immediately jumped onto that page and starting sharing with each other. They shared tips, advice, and more. When customers asked questions, they offered sound advice. I was impressed that this company’s consultants largely avoided self-promotion, but instead focused on helping the company create a compelling, lively environment which ultimately caused visitors to the Page to want to book parties, buy product, and join the company.

And this is not something that has to be limited to one company and its consultants. Every single direct selling company out there has the exact same opportunity. But it takes YOU, the direct sales consultant, to make the magic happen. The result will be greater excitement about your company brand, which means more opportunity for you.

Here are some specific things you can do to create this kind of excitement around your company’s Page: (more…)

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).

(more…)

By Jill Pfefer

 Are you searching for a new endeavor and considering the home party industry.  Below are some helpful tips…

1. Direct selling is a great way to own your own business.  You get to be your own boss and set your own goals. If you are self motivated and conscientious you will appreciate this freedom.

2. Flexible work schedule.  You can set your hours based on what works for you and your family. For example, you can make your follow up phone calls when your children are at school or you can have your parties at night and on weekends after your full time job.

(more…)