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

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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).

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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.

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By Jill Pfefer

These days it is very important to keep in contact with your customers and future prospects. One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they want to jump into a sale before the relationship has actually evolved.  In fact, a great parallel is that there has to be  a courting period before a marriage. Developing a relationship takes TIME and ENERGY! Outlined below is a natural progression to keeping your audience connected and interested.

Target Audience- Know your target audience and market to them. Actually visualize who that ideal person is. Is it Sally who is 42 years old, has two children, drives a SUV, owns a house and lives in the burbs?  Marketing to that person would be very different than marketing to Alice who is 23 years old, lives in the city, doesn’t own a house and a car and is single.

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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?

By Jill Pfefer

It is so frustrating to have cancellations and postponements when booking your calendar. You are organized, why isn’t everyone else?  Unfortunately, it is a part of the home party business.  The two most common reasons the hostess cancels her show is due to procrastination and projected low attendence.  The hostess often  puts off inviting her guests and by the time she gets around to inviting them-it’s too late because everyone has plans. 

Communication and education with your hostess is the key to minimizing your cancellations and postponements and maximizing your attendance. Keeping in contact and focusing on her excitement about the party is crucial.  Make sure she understands “what’s in it for her.”  She’s having this party because she loves the product. Ask her “Do you remember what you receive for hosting a show?” Remind her that the more attendance +more sales = more rewards for her.   It’s a numbers game..

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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

Vic and I just got back from a wonderful weekend at the DSWA Celebration.  This was a non-stop, exciting and very informative conference.  We literally did not leave the hotel for 2 1/2 days because every minute was planned to help each person learn and grow in all facets of the direct selling profession! We went to classes regarding leadership training, met other company executives and brainstormed at round tables with consultants and leaders from many different companies.

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