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!

By Jill Pfefer

 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! Let us know what you think!

I have talked to many consultants who have been at a party, met a friendly face at the store or have bumped into a neighborhood friend and have been beaming with excitement that they have found another person interested in the Sydney Andrews opportunity.  Why not, it’s a great product that basically sells itself, it’s a fun profession surrounded by people who love to go to a  party and the rewards are generous to both the hostess and consultant.  Why then is it not unusual for people to say they are ready to sign up and suddenly become a person who is MIA?

I believe there are many reasons why this individual does not follow through on signing up. It could be they changed their mind after talking to a loved one, a sick relative, they don’t think they can make the time commitment or just that people ARE flaky these days!  You’ll never know what the reason is if they don’t communicate it to you so it really isn’t anything personal.

The following are a few suggestions to try to get the communication flowing.  You need to understand the type of personality you are working with.  Hopefully you have had a few conversations and have gotten to understand their personality type.

Is she soft spoken and altruistic?  You may want to leave a message that you are sincerely concerned about her and just checking in to see if everything is O.K. Let her know that it is OK to say that this opportunity is not right for her- it may make her feel more comfortable to opening with you.

Is she normally to the point? You may want to leave a message that you will continue to try her until you hear back from her. This lets her know that you will continue to call and will encourage her to call you back with a definitive answer.

Is she organized and a planner?You may want to leave a friendly message that you haven’t spoken in a while and that you wanted to let her know that you are still in business and would like to share some of the new designs and marketing tools your company has to offer.

Have you gotten to know her a little bit on a personal level?  Sometimes knowing a small detail about her life- such as her daughter is a soccer player, you can reach her on a personal level by following up and asking her about her daughter’s team. You are not just trying to sell her the opportunity you are also reaching out as a friend.

By knowing your prospects “why” you can cater your approach to reaching her and get better results.  Please share your experiences of success on sharing your opportunity with us:)

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! 

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!

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?

1. “Jane, my company is holding an annual conference and by booking a party I will be one step closer to being able to go this year”

2. “Jane, I am so glad you enjoy the jewelry as much as I do.  I would love to help you get as many pieces of jewelry as you can for as little cost as possible.  The best way to do this is to purchase an item tonight and book a party as soon as possible so you can earn the rest.  I have a few nights available in the next two weeks, would Tues. or Thurs of next week work for you? This is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your friends and earn free and discounted jewelry”

3. “Jane, I know you are fond of this jewelry line. Would you like to host a party for me?”

When booking parties it is better for the sentence to not end with “for me” type phrase. In option 2, “for me” was not mentioned at all.  When you focus on the other person it is not perceived as a favor anymore but as a geniune opportunity! When you approach it this way you will actually be helping them! Don’t forget, you are providing a wonderful service of FREE and discounted products to your hostesses and guests!

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?

 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!

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!