March 24,2010  by Jill Pfefer

Whether your home based business is in direct sales or any other industry – I find it helpful to be organized and accountable in my work. The following are 5 basic tips that I do to keep on track. Many of us both work at home and run a household and it is important to be able to balance the two and feel successful in both arenas.

1. Don’t procrastinate- I do live by the saying “Do what you can today and don’t put it off until tomorrow”. It feels good to accomplish all that you can today because you never know what will come up tomorrow- especially with kids! Setting reasonable goals and finishing your tasks will give you a great sense of acheivement.

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Do you ever feel uncomfortable imposing on your friends , family and new contacts to host a party?  Do you feel that people are looking at you differently because you think they are thinking you have your own agenda? Do you feel like you are asking everyone for favors?

Sorry to say, but, the truth is “it’s not about you.”

Often consultants run their home party business incorrectly by asking for bookings.  Many consultants assume their hostesses are doing them a favor by holding a party.  Well the truth is there are a ton of benefits for the hostess to hold a party and have a fun filled evening amongst their own friends. With most companies, including Sydney Andrews, the hostesses earn a large percentage of FREE product based on party sales.  Also, additional items often can be purchased by the hostess for half off.  Many direct sales companies offer benefits to the guests as well, currently Sydney Andrews offers 10% off all orders over $100.00. Therefore this is a win, win, win senario- the hostess is eligible for free and discounted jewelry, the guests are eligible for discounted items and the consultant earns his/her commission!

Below are some examples of how you can approach booking a party- which one sounds best to you?

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The following are some tips of where you can leave your business cards behind in your direct sales networking efforts. It is such a simple gesture but can lead to more business for you.

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A successful consultant of mine, Amy T. was brainstorming with me about helping out a local organization and getting some exposure for her own business.  On her own she came up with this great idea of proposing  to an auction volunteer about having a  party and for her to donate her hostess rewards. 

Below is a copy of the letter she wrote…..

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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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Do you assume that all successful business people are outgoing and extroverted? Well, that is just not true. Many successful business people are shy and like to work behind the scenes. It may take some practice but interacting with the public and promoting oneself is imperative to continued success.

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

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“The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.” Joan Didion

In Carl Casanova’s book, What every Successful Person Knows!, he notes that if you plan on being a success in business or life, consider self-responsibilty first.  Each person is the source of her or his success.  At Sydney Andrews, taking responsibility means you are fully accountable for everything you are, everything you have and everything you achieve.  Your dreams, your home-based business, your education, your relationships, aspirations, goals and endeavors belong to you and you only. (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…)

As you begin your Sydney Andrews home-based business, it’s important to learn all you can about maximizing your home parties and other selling opportunities.  Most of us have heard it said that “when you’re telling, your aren’t selling”. The key is to listen to your customers, hostesses and business prospects. That is the way you can learn about their wants, needs and desires. At your parties, match a benefit to their need and you are practically there.

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! (more…)

Are you considering starting your own home based business? In this economy many people are considering starting their own business and becoming their own boss. Especially, when times are tough -many people turn to direct selling as a viable option to either make a little extra cash, make large sums of money or are looking for a career change. Now is a great time to consider direct sales- it’s a $2 billion industry!

Below are 6 key points to consider when researching this industry….(continued press more)

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