In Direct Sales: 5 Secrets to Fill Your Calendar Without Overcoming Objections

By Lisa Robbin Young

With the changing economy, direct sales consultants are pulling out their hair trying to secure bookings and keep their calendar full. Even the most experienced consultants are “getting back to basics” in an effort to fortify their fading calendar.

But savvy consultants I know are still holding a consistent book of shows, with calendars that are full and steady.

As a business coach, I work with consultants with many different companies, and the successful consultants have revealed their ‘dirty little secrets to massive success – even during tough economic times. At first blush, these “secrets” are common sense ideas that will make you roll your eyes into the back of your head. Before you get dizzy, however, ask yourself how well you are implementing these secrets.

1. Create a schedule and stick to it. Top consultants will tell you that they work when they want to, and fill their work calendar around their life calendar. This is a critical component for any successful consultant. You need to know WHEN you want to (and are able) to work.

Mark it down and do your work when you’re working. By scheduling and utilizing time that is set aside to work, you’ll be a million miles ahead of the consultant that prays for bookings to fill the empty white space on her calendar.

When you know your next two or three available work dates at a moment’s notice, people take you and your business more seriously. And if you don’t have a show planned on a day you have scheduled to work? Work anyway! Practice your demo, download a teleclass, read up on product knowledge or network. Do SOMETHING to grow your business.

2. Desperation stinks. Customers and clients can smell desperation a mile away. When you need shows, and start doing “Crazy Eddie” antics to get them, people stop taking you seriously. You don’t see Bill Gates jumping up and down on begging people to buy Windows. Neither should you. This is where most consultants develop their fear of “being too pushy”. You should ALWAYS present the opportunity to join, host, or buy, but once a client says no, and you’ve answered her questions, leave it alone. I can’t count the number of recruits I’ve signed at a later date because I was patient and didn’t sit on their doorstep waiting for them to join my opportunity.

 
Attraction marketing (aka gravitational marketing) helps you create an identity, establish yourself as an expert in your field and draws interested, like-minded people into your circle of influence. They naturally gravitate to you and, ultimately, choose to do business with you – no desperation required.

3. Touch your business daily. While you can bet that Donald Trump isn’t sitting in the office every day making deals, he is touching his business in SOME way every day. Be it a public appearance, speaking engagement, television episode, or contract closing, he’s busy being an entrepreneur and making sure that his delegates are tending to business in his absence. Likewise, you as a consultant need to be making contact with your business on a daily basis. Your stor e is essentially “closed” any day you’re not working.

Working doesn’t just mean doing parties. It means preparing hostess packets, making coaching calls, holding recruiting interviews, doing customer care and follow up. You don’t have to work all day everyday, but you should make a point of doing SOMETHING connected to your business that propels you and your company forward.

By the way, YOU are the CEO of your own company as an independent Direct Sales consultant. Legitimate networking, travel and mastermind groups all count as touching your business. Organizing your desk, socializing on the phone, cleaning your stapler and vacuuming the floor do NOT count.

4. Keep in touch. Regardless of the method, hostesses, customers and recruits want (and need) to hear from us. A Ho stesses number one complaint is that their consultant didn’t make enough contact with them. Most coaching programs recommend ten different times to contact a hostess before, during and after a party. Customers should be contacted at least once every two months – and preferred customers at least monthly. Attraction marketing pros use ezines, conference calls, and newsletters to keep in touch, en masse, with a personal feel. These lead generating, rapport building tools are only part of the arsenal that propel the big money earners to the top of their company rankings.

5. Be “REAL” and talk to everyone. This is not exactly the same as the old-school 3-foot rule, where you would talk to anyone that would listen about your “amazing, ground floor opportunity.” Rather, this is an invitation to release inhibitions and strike up conversations with anyone and everyone about anything and everything. Be friendly. People l ike – and gravitate toward – friendly. Opening channels of communication help you to discover common interests, and open doors to natural conversations about booking, sales, and recruiting. When you are likable, and easy to talk with, people enjoy your presentations more. Enjoyable presentations lead to more bookings, more sales and more recruits – without having to beg for “just one more host” at any party.

As consultants around the globe are waking up to the power of the Internet, and the potential of automating contact with their prospects, more leaders are growing into powerful, marketing savvy machines. These attraction marketing whiz-bangs are raking in recruits, selling up a storm, and breaking booking records – without ever having to overcome a single objection, because people are seeking THEM out for their expertise and professionalism. They have become the hunted, instead of the hunter. Begin implementing these five secrets today and watch your business soar. Who knows? Maybe YOU’LL be the next top achiever at your company’s National Conference.

© 2008-2010 Lisa Robbin Young.Lisa Robbin Young is a certified direct sales marketing coach, teaching direct sellers to grow their business like a real business instead of an expensive hobby. Sign up for her free weekly ezine at http://www.homepartysolution.com

 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.

3. This is a great way to nework and meet new people.  You will be always meeting new people such as your new customers and feel apart of a team within your company. You will be encouraged by people who are as excited about your product as you are.

4. Earn extra income.  Anyone can do this because there are no resume or education requirements.  You can work part time or full time with very little investment.

5. Earnings are in proportion to your efforts.  The more you put into your business the more success you will have. The level of success you can achieve is limited only by your willingness to work hard.

6. Receive training and support from your company. Most companies offer manuals, teleseminars, webinars and conferences as well as upline support.  So even though it is your own business- you will work with a supportive team!

The home party business is a growing industry.  The direct sales industry has doubled in the past decade to $100 billion worldwide.  Many people start out part time and later leave their careers when their direct sales business becomes so lucrative!

Check out the Sydney Andrews opportunity- it may be just right for you!

It’s the New Year and a new start! Now is a great time to start evaluating you and the direction of your home party jewelry business.  Take advantage and start with a clean slate.

1. Changing your focus changes your outcome! You are in control of your business in 2010 and ask yourself what it is you truly want.  Focus on the right things to help you achieve your goals.

2. Break your goal down into logical monthly steps.  What you do today will benefit you in the next 90 days!

3. Small changes add up to big results.

• Make a commitment to ask everyone at the party to see if they are interested in having their own party
• Offer and explain to everyone the Sydney Andrews opportunity
• Plan to spend at least 15 minutes a day working on your business such as prospecting calls, social media and networking.

4. Track your results.  See what has worked for you.  Do you have better results when you personally call the guests?  Has it helped to use an Open Date Card? Did the women engage more in the jewelry when you played one of your games at the party?

5.Think outside of the box and be sure to have fun with the New Year and New Opportunities!

Tell me what goals you are going to set -I’d love to hear from you!

The following 4 tips are great suggestions to help combat shyness and conquer self-promotion.

1. As a business owner, there will be times in your career that you will be a public speaker . The best advice is to be prepared. If you tend to be shy – getting caught off guard can really make one stumble on their words. If you are confident you will truely stand out and that will shine through.

2. Write and communicate to your leads and customers often. Position yourself as an expert in your field by starting your own blog, using social media and contacting your existing customers. Keeping your name infront of people validates you as an expert and a leader. This also shows you are interested in assisting them.

3. Host parties and get involved in local shows. Not only will you get sales at these events but this is a great opportunity for PR. Ask pepole if they know anyone who would like to do a party/event or if they know someone who would like to join the business. Many people wait to be asked about the opportunity and if you don’t ask the opportunity may never present itself- the worst they can say is no. People at these parties are both great customers and sources for referrals.

4. Network all the time. Whether it’s a formal group from the local Chamber of Commerce to meeting someone at the grocery store- weave in your home party business into your light conversation. Stick to neutral topics and avoid talking about politics and religion. Making these connections may not be immediate but are important to expanding your network and social visability.

Don’t forget to smile! People will be drawn to your sunny and enthusiastic nature!

1. I don’t have enough money to get started.

Solution: I will be happy to show you how you can pay yourself back by holding a couple of parties in the next 30 days. Let’s put in perspective how little it takes to start a home-based business versus a franchise or brick and mortar style business.

2. I don’t have time to add a new business into my busy life.

Solution: How much time do you think it takes? If you can utilize drive time to make calls and watch TV or operate a computer an hour a two less each day, you can have a very successful Sydney Andrews business.  Busy people make the best Consultants because they are typically very organized and have a built in support system. They also know a lot of people and come in contact with propspective customers on a regular basis.

3. I don’t have any sale experience

Solution: Great, because none is required.  If you can follow some simple training tips and love to make people look and feel good about themselves you will be very successful with the jewelry at Sydney Andrews. We offer fashion trends and style suggestions rather than selling merchandise that is commonly sold in chain stores.  It’s a cliche, but true in this case, the jewelry sells itself.

4. I don’t know enough people

Solution: One of the many benefits to having a Sydney Andrews business is the fact that you will meet and make a lot of friends and acquaintances as you build your business.  You simply start with your warm circle of family and friends and they will lead you to people they know and you don’t. And so on and so on.  You usually know more people than you think.

5. I’m very shy and don’t think I can talk in front of people.

Solution: If that is something you would like to become more comfortable with, having a Sydney Andrews business can help. One of the most beneficial parts of having a business like this one, is the personal growth you will experience in all areas of your life.

What obstacles do you face when discussing this business and what suggestions would you make to encourage people to join our team?

When you are learning how to promote your direct selling and hostess opportunities with a prospect via telephone you will find that there are actually two reasons to encourage the other person to share their feelings, hopes and dreams with you. One is for the reason stated above. The second, is that a prospect doesn’t usually end a conversation…while THEY are talking about something important to them!

Bring that thought into any direct selling process, whether on the telephone or in person. Make it a goal that, whether you are simply establishing a realtionship with a prospect, or actually giving a party presentation that will hopefully result in a sale, that you talk only 25 percent of the time and listen 75 percent of the time. And, the way to accomplish this is to ask questions. Ask questions that the prospect wants to answer, allowing her to engage in the conversation and and this will help her toward the decision of joining in your Sydney Andrews business, or selecting the perfect piece of jewelry to enhance her wardrobe.

Remember what the great sales master, J. Douglas Edwards used to say “Questions are the answer”. How are you doing, percentage-wise in terms of listening versus talking?

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.

Unfortunately, Monica lost her battle last month and not only did we lose a terrific Consultant we also lost a very good friend. Monica also left behind a husband and daughter as well as many, many great friends. At Monica’s funeral her girlfriends all wore the “Heart Felt” necklace pictured above. They did this to honor Monica for her courage through adversity and because it was one of her favorite jewelry pieces. The Heart Felt Pendant has now come to symbolize Monica’s bravery and strength.

Monica’s girlfriends have decided to carry on her love affair with Sydney Andrews. One of our newest consultants Sheri L. from San Diego, signed up so she could hold parties and accept orders with 100% of her commissions being donated to a special fund set-up in Monica’s honor. Other friends of Monica will be holding catalog events to generate donations to this fund.

In honor of Monica, Sydney Andrews has arranged for 10% of the sales of the Heart Felt Pendant and Earrings to go to Stand Up 2 Cancer (www.standup2cancer.org) This organization provides advocacy and funds research for all types of cancer. We are very pleased to be a part of the mission of this worthwhile organization.

In addition to the donation on the Heart Felt items, we will continue to donate 10% of the sales of For The Cure Necklace and Earrings to the Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

Both Vic and I are committed to ensuring that Sydney Andrews provides success for our consultants as well as gives-back to the community that provides that success. Both of us have lost friends and relatives to cancer and anything we can do through this company to be part of the “solution” is important.

Please help get the message out by highlighting the cause of the “Heart Felt” and “For The Cure” pieces. There are very few who haven’t been affected by this terrible disease either directly or indirectly.

Much thanks,

Jill and Vic

“We had people trying on many different pieces and I was there to help people make decisisions. It was very interactive.

I think it is important to advertise that it is a colorado based business and I talk a lot about Jill, the designer, and letting people know who Jill is and what Sydney Andrews is about. People were very impressed with what the company is doing. I always tell people I’m trying to get the Sydney Andrews name out there. I say that several times during the party. Lots of people again took catalogs.

I think people with outgoing personalities are going to be the best at selling BUT you have to love the Sydney Andrews jewelry because it makes it much easier to sell and for people to believe you and I do love it! I never in a million years thought I would ever do anything like this. I also like helping people look their best and I think I have a knack of knowing what looks good on people and what doesn’t. It helps knowing your audience as well.”

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.

I also pay a lot of attention to shapes in my pieces. Inverted shapes and creating symmetry can really add excitement to a peice. Assymetry can also add a lot of interest to a design. In my Tini Martini design- I use inverted circles with alternating sizes and colors. I got the idea for this design with scrapbooking paper. I actualy tore up the paper and placed it on my sketch and shot it in photoshop.

I get a lot of feedback from my reps and my customers that help me improve my designs. In fact, some of my best suggestions have come from them! My brand new Tri and True Belt came from an idea from one of my reps- Amy M. We were looking at a tri-color bracelet and she thought about how great it would be if a similiar design was intergrated into a belt.

It’s funny, I never in a milliion years would have thought I would be a jewelry designer. I was an art major but fashion was never top on the list for me. It started as a hobby and I got tons of encouragement from my friends and family to pursue this as a career. Being a jewelry designer has been such an important part of my life. It has given me the opportunity to contribute to my family financially and to add another dimension of myself and be known as the “jewelry lady.” I am very passionate about offering other women the opportunity to provide income for their families with flexible hours and to allow them to add dimensions to their life they didn’t know was possible!