By Jill Pfefer

It’s true, more and more I am seeing a strong trend today in providing education and letting your guests experience your product.  It’s how you can provide information and stand out amongst the rest!  The trend to sell with hard core tactics and by convincing your customer into a sale  is quite “passe”. I see more and more people explaining practical purposes for their product and how it can enhance their life.

Show your customers that by adding a simple accessory they can feel better about themselves instantly!  How great is it to get a compliment on something that they wear and get noticed by people they simply pass on the street! Teach them by adding, for example, a necklace they can mix up their wardrobe and and save money.  Instead of buying a new wardrobe, the necklace can compliment and tie into a lot of  their pieces they have had in their closet for years.

Here are some ideas you can mention at your next party….

1. Try before you buy.  At the party you have the actual samples.  Encourage your guests to try it on- let them try things they think are outside their comfort zone.  People get attached once they touch and feel it, it is something they can’t experience from a catalog or the internet.

2. Offer a personal closet consultation. Explain that you are there to show them how they can take one piece and tie it into their wardrobe. Bring out several outfits and show the diversity of your jewelry pieces. Give examples of how they can save money and look good at the same time.

3. Wow your wardrobe- Give examples of how your life and wardrobe has changed with the jewelry and how theirs can too. Share stories of how people have asked about the jewelry and how it really sells itself. Give examples of how a piece of  jewelry completely changed the outfit. Wearing neutrals are very popular today, why not show them how a bold colored pendant can completely change the way she presents herself.

Take note of how you see other businesses are offering education and experience.  Do you see it in the retail forum?  Are you experiencing it in social media and in reading about it in other blogs? I’d love to hear your feedback on how you integrate education and experience in your business.

This week I asked the question on my Facebook Page, “What’s the number 1 thing you need to do this week to build your business?” And there were a lot of responses. But I found that I often had to encourage folks to be specific in what they needed to do.

You see, it’s very easy to say “find new leads for my business.”

But how?

We all know the outcome we need. But what’s more important is the road map. HOW will you generate new leads? Will you:

Make a new List of 100 people you know, and then start calling those folks?
Participate in a vendor or networking event to collect leads, and then follow up within 3 days?
Host a free webinar related to your product line (for example, learn about the latest fashions this season) to gain new leads, and then follow up with a special offer for attendees?
You see the difference between the three items above, and “find new leads”? The three items above are specific things you can do to find new leads. The leads are the outcome, not the activity.

If you want to grow your business, you have to get specific. Growth requires specific, intentional actions that are planned out. Hoping you’ll think of something to achieve the end won’t do it.

What specific actions do you need to take this week to achieve your desired growth? Share with us in the comments, and then make your plan to get it done. Go!

Jennifer Fong is a direct sales and social media consultant and speaker who helps direct sales companies and independent direct sellers put the power of social media to work for their businesses. A former direct sales company CEO, Jennifer knows that social media does not replace the core business activities of book, sell, and recruit, but rather enhances these to achieve even more success. She provides free articles Jennifer Fong is a direct sales and social media consultant and speaker who helps direct sales companies and independent direct sellers put the power of social media to work for their businesses. A former direct sales company CEO, Jennifer knows that social media does not replace the core business activities of book, sell, and recruit, but rather enhances these to achieve even more success. She provides free articles about using social media successfully for a direct sales business on her website at http://www.jenfongspeaks.com/.

You just had an awesome party! You had a great turnout, with a generous hostess and you were able to drive up your sales to one of your most successful events! You had the time to explain why your product is the one of the best  and/or most unique out there and you walked away feeling that this party was a great success. Do you think the next time your customers need a similar product they will seek you out or go down the street to a store? What can you do to ensure that the repeat business will actually come back to you?

1. Explain how your product is unique. For example, Sydney Andrews jewelry is a custom designed jewelry line.  You can’t find these pieces at the local  mall or in a retail store. Therefore, if they are really enjoying their product and get lots of compliments on it and want to seek out other styles, they know that they have to come back to you to buy it.

2. When closing out the order at the party,  hand your customer a catalog, a business card or postcard with all of your contact information on it. Be sure to include your email, your website, your cell number and your facebook page on it. Make it easy for them to contact you in whichever way is easiest for them. Remind them when they order or reorder that their products will be shipped out almost immediately and it will be within a week when they receive it- in many cases it will be at their door before they even had the chance to get to the store!

3. Invite them to connect with you on Facebook. Facebook is a great way to stay connected and really get to know eachother through quick entries and photos. This business is all about building relationships and this is a great way to do that.

4. Create a Facebook customer group. Invite your customers to join you for discussions on the latest fashion or product tips. Offer special incentives or discounts and start discussions.  It’s great when you get the conversation going and people contribute and discuss amongst themselves too! Send out a message to this group at least once a month inviting them to come back and check out the latest and greatest. Again include all of your contact information making it easy for them to find you.

5. In your customer group, make sure you describe the reorder process on the wall, as well as on the discussion board, so people understand exactly what they need to do and how long it will take.

6. Create your own monthly newletter that they can subscribe to. Make sure you have good content in it not just self-promotion.  Gently remind them if they might need more product and add a link to your own website.  Also, include all the other contact information I mentioned above.

7. Send your customers a birthday card each year with a discount or a free gift order. Again, this is a great way to gently remind them of your business.

It’s better in the long run to build a relationship with a customer for $50.00 with someone who reorders every 6 months than to have a one time customer for $150.00. It’s all about connecting and building strong relationship with customer service.

Remember, to keep your information in front of them and with all the various methods of contacting people – different tools work for different people.  Try them all- email, texting, phone calls, postcards, newsletters and Facebook.  Remember, it’s not likely they’re going to dig out their receipt from the past to find you. If you make it convenient for them- all they will have to do is pick up the phone and the reorder will be complete. Do you want to share any ideas to keep the reorders coming back to you?

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!

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.

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

Here are three things that should be included in an optimized social media profile. Have you done all three on yours?

1.Profile Photo: First (and I’ve said this before), make sure you include a picture of yourself as your profile photo. Not your kids. Not your dog. People aren’t doing business with them. They’re doing business with you. (By the way, make sure it looks like you and not the skinny version without gray hair that you’re walking around with in your head.  We’re going for transparency here, folks.) And don’t stand so far away from the camera that I can’t make out who you are, because you’re so tiny. An ideal profile picture is a headshot, which shows you from the top of your head, to halfway down your torso (or so). The sides of the photo frame your shoulders. You should be looking directly at the camera, so we feel like we have eye contact with you.
And this doesn’t have to be a professional photo, taken by a pro. My husband took my profile photo, and it works fine. Although if your company is offering photos this year at convention, be sure to get one taken. And the best part is, once the photo is taken, you should be using the same photo on all your social networking profiles (so people always know it’s you, no matter where they meet you), so you only need one good photo.

2.Use Your Real Name. Next, be sure your profile is in your own name. Not “Sue XYZ Company.” First of all, this is in violation of the terms of service for some social networks, such as Facebook. But second of all, it tells people that you’re there to sell them. And people don’t like to be sold on their social networks. By avoiding the alias, and using your real name, you can begin where you’re supposed to (and where it’s most effective)…at the point of the relationship. And people won’t run in the other direction when they see you coming, because they think you’re there to try and sell them something.
3.Website Links. Include your links to your personal website, and your blog if you have one. This is such an easy one, and yet I see people neglect it all the time. If you’ve got a personal website through your company, or a blog you use to market your business, make sure you’ve got a link to it on your profile. Both Facebook and Twitter give you an area to include a link…Twitter gives you one link, so include a link to your blog if you have one (personal website is 2nd choice, because typically when people click it, they want to find out more about YOU, not your products yet. An About page link is ideal.) On Facebook, you can include multiple links, so put them both up.
Your social networking profiles are the places that relationships online start. You meet people, listen to them, and get to know them. These can be a great place to introduce people to your business through conversations, as opposed to outright sales pitches. But there are things we can do to help that curiosity along, so people don’t run in the opposite direction because they feel like they’re going to be “sold.”

Take a minute today to go through your social networking profiles. Where can you make adjustments so that you come across as a human being, rather than a sales attack waiting to happen?

What tips do you have about profiles? Do you have any stories about your own profile, or the profiles of others that you’ve seen? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Jennifer Fong helps direct sales companies, direct sales professionals, and other home-based business owners leverage the power of social media to grow their businesses. A former direct sales company CEO, Jennifer is passionate about teaching direct sellers how to use social media tools to enhance their businesses in a strategic way. Visit Jennifer’s blog at http://www.facebook.com/l/d7813;jenfongspeaks.com and follow her on Twitter at http://www.facebook.com/l/d7813;twitter.com/jenfongspeaks

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!