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).

Service- Be sure to meet the needs of your customers.  Assist your hostess by calling all of the party guests for a reminder to the party and/or write and send a postcard invitation to all of her guests. We all know how we like to be treated and good customer service always stands above the rest.

Trust- Build great trust with your customers. For example when you make an appointment to follow up with your hostess to confirm a date - always call when you say you are going to. By being reliable and accountable you can build a great trust with your hostesses and customers.

Authenticity- Be real when you are doing a party. Being sincere is endearing and helps people become loyal to you. Many times people buy your products because they like YOU!

Integrity- Follow through on business interactions. For example if a customer has a question and you can’t answer it on the spot be sure to call her back with the answer.

Respect- Find out the needs of your hostesses and customers and be understanding of their needs. Ask her for her opinions and honor her beliefs. You may not always agree but be respectful of her point of view.

Do you believe there are any other attributes that are a necessity to builing your direct sales business? We’d love your feedback.

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!

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.

Attract- Give examples of how your information or product may benefit your audience. Buy giving out tangible information you will support customer trust and  loyalty. Participate in writing  a blog or newsletter and give out free information.

Nuture-speak to your audience as if you understand them and can relate to them.  By knowing how they are thinking and what they want you will keep them excited and interested.

Convert- By creating loyalty, trust and understanding – your audience will convert their focus on you and your product.  Most of the time it is YOU that they like and the reason why they buy YOUR product.

Continue Serving- continue contacting your audience and servicing them.  This shows that you are commited and value their business which people really appreciate.

Studies show that it takes at least 7 times to reach a potential customer before converting them. Companies like Aweber and Constant Contact have very simple programs to help you keep up with your mailing lists, events and newsletters.  These prograns start for as little as $15.00 a month and can help you generate a successful following. I recommend using photos to enhance visual interest and to send out 2 contacts month- this will keep your name infront of them without inundating them.

What are your thoughts and tips to staying connected?

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?

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..

Share with your hostess the wish list prior to the party.  This is a tangible way that she can see “what’s in it for her.” Instead of saying “you earn 20%-30% of jewelry based on party sales” She can see that $800.00 of party sales equals 3 necklaces, 3 earrings and a bracelet which were on her wish list.

You also can offer her something like a hostess challenge.  When giving her your hostess packet with order forms, a catalog and an opportunity piece - give her a challenge- it’s a check off list that if she accomplishes the goals she can receive a special reward that you provide.  I have seen the 10-5-2 challenge be successful.

10-  Have 10 adult guests in attendence

5- Collect 5 outside orders before the show

2 – 2 bookings from the show ( booked within 30 days of this party)

Not only will your hostess receive the hostess rewards from your company but she will receive the added bonus you offer her! Some people really thrive on a challege like this and it motivates them to hold an incredible party. At the end of the party recognize her by announcing  to her friends and family that your hostess acheived the Hostess Challenge and show them what great gifts she gets!

by Vic Pfefer

The lives of educators can be rewarding and frustrating. Most entered the field because of their interest in helping people, especially children. Unfortunately, the pay scale of educators tends to be be in the lower quartile of the  salaried occupations (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), especially when you consider the amount of time that is required for lesson planning, grading, etc, that tends to take place after “working hours”. This situation is compounded by the fact that school budgets are being slashed and many teachers feel obligated to pick up the slack and buy supplies out of their own pockets.

Direct Sales is a perfect way for educators to generate additional income for themselves and can also be a great way to raise funds to help support their school, if that is a motivator.  Many direct sales products ( jewelry, handbags, cosmetics, etc) are well positioned to take advantage of the demographics of both the teacher/seller and the buyer/parent, which tend to be dominated by women. The majority of direct sales take place in the evening and on weekends which also works well for their schedules.

Besides earning a commission on personal sales, many direct selling programs also provide for commission “overrides” on the sales of other individuals who are sponsored.  This team building can provide a stream of income to supplement individual sales commissions.

Whether you are looking for a summer job or something you can do year-round that is extremely flexible and will work around your schedule, direct sales may likely be your best bet!

Besides teachers, there are other professions that lend themselves nicely to direct selling – such as those that revolve around relationship building, interacting with the public, etc.  We’d love to hear your thoughts on those who could be benefit from the income building opportunity that direct sales provides.

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!

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!

Social media is not “sales” media.  Social media is about having a conversation and easing into a relationship with someone. This could be compared to dating.  People who are too forward about their intentions are usually a turn off.  Most people like to become friends before commiting to a serious relationship.  The same is true when selling a product.  Customers prefer to buy from people they like and trust. Engaging in a conversation is the best way to build upon a relationship and trust.

The trend today is about inviting people to learn about a topic or a product instead of convincing them to buy it. That’s why writing blogs, posting links and joining in the conversation are great ways to build your network. Wouldn’t you rather selling to an informed customer who really wants to buy your product rather than a customer who felt pressured to buy it?

What are some of your suggestions to starting a conversation and building relationships?

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! 

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! April and May are the second biggest direct sales months next to the holiday season. Women are out buying for their moms, aunts, sisters, friends and themselves. But what about tapping into husbands, fathers, sons etc. who would like to get a unique gift for the special mom/woman in his life. The following are some ideas that I have seen consultants utilize.

1. E-Party- Send an invite to the husbands or men on your mailing list to shop at your e-party specifically set up for Mother’s Day. By the press of a computer button he can have the gift delivered without having to go shopping at a live store. Jewelry is always a winner!

2. Open house- Open up your house and  welcome local friends and neighbors for a family night. A suggestion would be to have the women and children upstairs and the men downstairs watching a sporting event and picking out a giftfor their loved one.

3. Daddy/Daughter night- Host a party and have the daughters pick out something with their father for their Mother. This is a nice way to have the children involved in the gifting process and feel a part of the holiday.

4. Gift Certificate- Send an email to your list and offer them the opportunity to buy a gift certificate. This way his loved one can pick out exactly what she’d like for Mother’s Day.

5. Free Wrapping and/or Shipping- offer your male customers a Mother’s Day special! You can offer free gift wrapping and/or get a bulk shipping and distribute your product(jewelry) directly to him.

6.Wish List- At your next home party distribute a wish list tp the guests.  This way if she is not comfortable purchasing everything she would like that evening she can jot down what else she wishes for and you can subtly give that list to the man in her life.

What other creative ideas have you come up with to market to men around Mother’s Day? I’d love to hear your ideas.