There are many people who we cross paths with and affect us deeply. I’d like to introduce my amazing grandfather who just turned 95 and share with you how he has helped me grow into the business woman I am today! He has taught me about optimism, to be persistent, generous and to live life with love and compassion.

Optimism- I remember when I was 7 my sister and I stayed at my grandparents house. At the dinner table he always tried to trick us with a glass of milk- asking us “Is this glass half empty or half full.” Of course either anser was correct but it taught us that it is all how you looks at things in life.

Persistence- I remember after college I was inbetween jobs and he took it upon himself to teach me about life’s obstacles. Instead of letting me feel sorry for myself he stayed up all night dreaming up ways I could propse advertising campaigns for one of the local businesses. He taught me to bounce back and to learn from my experiences.

Generous- Grandpa has told us many times about how he helped street people who came by his business asking for money. Instead of handing over the money he would take them to a local restaurant and treat them to a meal. He took the time and interest to help them out!

Love and Companssion- There was no better example than the love and compassion my grandparents expressed towards eachother. They communicated with one another and it was apparent that they knew eachother so well they could finish eachother’s sentences. We all learned that proper communication is the key to relating to one another and building long term relationships.

Please share some of your mentors and how they have helped you in your business!

The definition for success is different for each individul. A methodical and logical way to acheive this success is attained by setting goals and having a clear vision. Learning to set goals takes practice and a strong focus.  It’s like going to Weight Watchers and having set that weight goal and planning each step as to how to get to your desired weight.  With practice, focus and support you can acheive your goal and the more you do it the easier and better you get at doing it. By creating a good habit you will see positive results and your behavior will likely repeat itself.

I recommend writing down your goals and actions that will lead to your ultimate vision.  By writing it down you have a visual and it will make you accountable.  Look to the positives and see your progression in your home party business- learn from your negatives and move on.   Believe in yourself and your desires. Visualize the end before you begin. Take control instead of waiting to see what happens. Surround yourself with people who are your mentors and people who support your vision.

Create good habits, acheive your goals and visualize your success! Please share your ideas of your habits, goals and vision!

I have been working out with the same teacher, “Aray” for nearly 7 years now. The exercise classes keep on changing but this devoted and amazing teacher remains the same! Aray is energetic, very funny and absolutely an  inspiration to me. Every class is different and I always appreciate her creatively and levity! I have taken everything from Barbell to Salsa dancing with her and “it’s all good!”

I’d like to outline many of Aray’s phrases and actions that demonstrate how these can be applied to you and your home party business.

1. Are you warmed up yet? At the start of class we always do a warm -up getting ourselves ready and prepared for class. Have you planned out your day and have a logical list to follow and stay organized?

2. Are you breathing?  Check to make sure your day is going at a pace that works for you. Many times I find myself going 100 miles and hour and glazing over the details- I stop, I breathe and get back into focus. My Dad always says “Cool heads prevail” and I think of that often.

3. Are you working on your core? Most movements come from the center of your body. Are you in touch with your spirituality? Do you know your “why” for being in this business?

4. Keep your head up- you will get many no’s before getting some yes’s. Keep your head up and look to those yes’s.  A positive attitude is always more contagious.

5. Have attitude- a good one of course! People will be drawn to you if you exude confidence and a positive outlook!

6. Shake it (Fake it) till you make it!  We all don’t know everything in this busines.  Many times I need to dive into something and learn it as I go along. 

7. Laugh- This one is so important and I look forward to when I am struggling with the 7.5 pound weights and Aray cracks a joke about herself.  It is wonderful to find humor in oneself and lighten up the mood.

8. Pat yourself on the back- We always end class with a last minute breadth and an applause that we made it through the class. Take time to acknowledge the hard work you have done and all of your accomplishments!

Please comment below and fill me in on your comparisons with exercise and your home based business! 

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!

2. Missy P. is a brand new consultant.  She’s a teacher and asked her fellow co-workers at the school to “model” the jewelry.  This allowed her to have a preview to her grand opening party. The jewelry always looks best in person and what better way to get her friends and co-workers excited and curious the product.  Missy’s first party was over $1,000.00!

3. Diane K. has had success with asking for referrals.  When discussing the jewelry she may not make an immediate sale but she asks her new contact  if they might know someone else who would interested in the jewelry or hosting a party. Referrals are usually great leads because the person really wants to give a recommendation and be helpful.  Diane also asks it they would take her card and pass them around to which the person is more than happy to help out.

I’d love to hear some of your creative ideas to get bookings. 

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!

2. Hold a multi host party. This is where a 2-3 or more friends have a joint party and and each invite their groups of friends. There may be some overlap but each host will have her own list. The party space is shared and the more the merrier!

3. Offer a “ special bonus” to those that book a party either on a weeknight or during a weekday.

4. Contact either your past hostess or past customer and offer them an incentive to book a party. A suggestion may be a gift certificate towards your product or a free piece of  jewelry.

5. Sometimes hosts do not want to have the party at their home- why not offer up your home? What about an e-party?

6. Get involved in community events. Local craft shows, women’s expos or even displaying at your children’s athletic event if they let you set up tables there (I have seen this at soccer tournaments, volleyball playoffs and even dance recitals.)

7. Donate a necklace or bracelet to your school auction and put up flyers about hosting parties and the hostess rewards.

8. Hold a trunk show- literally! By keeping your product (jewelry case) in your car – you may never know when an opportunity to show it off may arise! I have done many drive by sales in my day!

9. Offer a “cliff book” version of a party. People are so pressed for time these days. You can offer your host an abridged version of a party. Instead of a typical 2-3 hour party you can have an hour party- be there or be square!

I hope these ideas are helpful for your home based business. Please share any other creative ideas you may have when booking your home parties!

By Jill Pfefer- Founder and CEO of Sydney Andrews

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.

2. Write lists- I am constantly writing lists because I am a visual person. If I have written it down I can see the list in my head even if it is not infront of me. I find myself writing lists on sticky notes all over the house, which drives my husband nuts. Instead, I made a great discovery this week – I can keep an ongoing list on my blackberry which follows me wherever I go.

3. Learn something new- Each week I set a goal to learn something new. Whether it is a topic on social media (such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter,) blogging, networking etc. I know I have gained something each week by accomplishing a new task or topic.

4. Clean your work area space- About 6 months ago I took an Incubator class with Ladies Who Launch. It was a wonderful class where I learned a great deal from fellow female entreprenuers and every week we had an assignment to help us grow our businesses. I thought the assignment of cleaning one area of your home/ work environment was a bit strange but I found it really helpful . It was sort of like a cleansing or a fresh start. I love to pile up stuff but it is amazing to have a clean slate! (OK, I admit, I still need to work on this!)

5. Make yourself accountable- whether it is a weekly task or something that is montly be consistent and just do it! For example, every Friday I try to go through my emails and delete the ones I no longer need. Another one is setting specific times like Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00-3:00 for phone calls to grow my business.

I hope these are helpful tips. I would love to hear how you organize yourself in your home based business!

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.

- Visiting doctors, dentists, hairdressers, bank- basically anytime you are doing a business transaction around town you can explain what you do by handing out your card.

-When you are paying for a product such as checking out in a clothing store- that’s a great time to strike up small talk with a salesperson. Many times the conversations starts with a compliment on the necklace I am wearing and I explain that the necklace is from a home party jewelry party and we would be happy to show her the rest of the line or do a home party.

- Slip a card in your outgoing mail and bills.

- When someone hands you a card be sure to hand one of yours back.

- In FREE LUNCH drawing boxes.

- With every product that you have sold and deliver.

-To every person at your events or parties.

-Put your card on magnets and stick to bathroom stalls.

- Write a note on the back of the card with the monthly special.

- On bullentin boards- I am always reading the board at Panera.

It’s a good idea to have your cards your home number, cell number, email address and replicated site if your company has one.

What other creative and successful ways have you found to pass out your cards?

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

I’m glad you like your bracelet and I LOVE hearing that you get so many compliments.

 I would LOVE to help you out for your Spring Gala. I have a proposition for you that would make it a win-win for both of us.

 Are you willing to host a party for me? Assuming you are, with just $300 in sales, you would earn $60 in FREE jewelry (20% of your total sales), which would be enough to “buy” the necklace of your choice to use as an auction item. In addition, I would be willing to donate the earrings to match.

 Hosting a party is easy. All you need to do is invite a few friends – think of all the people who have previously complimented you on your bracelet – and the jewelry sells itself. Actually, the average Sydney Andrews party is well over $500 in total sales. (I used $300 in the above example to be conservative). And, once you hit $500 in sales, the FREE jewelry reward bumps up to 25% – that would be $125 in FREE jewelry….enough for a silent auction item AND something for yourself!

 Let me know what you think…..

I thought the letter was clear, concise and upbeat.  I am optimistic that this will be a win- win for Amy T. by her booking a party and having the hostess gift be represented in the auction.

I would love to here your feedback on thinking “outside the box” and getting party bookings.

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!