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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I love it when consultants come up with creative ideas as to how to get their product out there and get bookings for their parties. Being able to step outside the box can help you stand out above the rest. The following are examples of what some of the Sydney Andrews consultants have done to go the extra mile!

1. Tracy P. who happens to be a wonderful photographer as well as being a Sydney Andrews consultant has utilized her skills by photographing herself with each necklace and earring set. Every day I see a new posting on Facebook of her modeling the “jewelry of the day” She posts them at different times and different days of the week to capture various audiences.  She also posts recommendations and advice of what to wear with the jewelry and to what sort of occasion. I love this because it’s visual and interactive!

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Home parties are plain and simple the core to growing your direct sales business. Sometimes you may need creative ways to help you get these home party bookings. The following are 9 ideas that may spark that creative pulse for you!

1. Think about a place where you can hold a party outside the “traditional” home. What about meeting up at a park, your friend’s office, coffee shop or even a daycare center. The most unusual place I displayed my jewelry was actually at a horse stable- it was a bit messy but fun and successful! (more…)

Social media is such a fantastic tool for your direct selling business.  However, it IS social, which means that there are LOTS of people there…not all of them good people.  Now some people decide that they’re not going to engage in social media at all because of this.  However I believe that this approach will cause more harm than good for your business.  After all, if you want to attract leaders to your team, studies in our industry show that most director-level people started the business in their 20’s.  This is Generation Y, and they’re more comfortable communicating through social media tools than talking on the telephone!  And because there are SO many people engaging online these days, chances are you’ll miss out on a LOT of potential orders and reorders if you choose not to engage.

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If your direct sales or network marketing company is like most these days, they either have a Facebook Fan Page or are planning one.  And the large majority of direct selling companies are using their Facebook Pages to talk to YOU, the consultant.  Why?  Because their strategy is to empower you with resources that you can use to build your business.  After all, many of your customers and prospects are probably already on Facebook. Why not provide you with resources that you can pass along with a simple click?  It just makes sense.

So are you making optimal use of the resources that your company provides? (more…)

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.

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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.

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Here are a few ideas to help you overcome common objections to starting a business…

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. (more…)

Home presentations are the foundation of your home-party business. However, adjusting and expanding any business strategy to suit the sales and economy climate just makes sense. You will find more doors opening when you begin selling what your clients are buying. What are they buying today or better yet what aren’t they buying?

1. Time and Convenience (I’m too busy to make a commitment.”)
2. Money (“Everyone I know is out of money or work.”)
3. House or location (“I’m never home”, or “My house is a mess.”)

For the time and location issues, try using the Low-Carb Alternative party*–in other words, just give them the meat. Low-Carb dining is popular. Just as a Low-Carb meal needs to be light, flavorful, instant and satisfying, so it is with low-carb booking success. (more…)