If you are like me- you probably have a whole closet full of neutrals. I actually go out of my way to buy a basic and classic wardrobe so that I can spice it up with my accessories. I also always consider the necklines the sleeve lengths and how a garments fits at the waist. With a closet full of neutrals feel free to add color- blasts of color! Combine a fun multi colored necklace such as the On the Fence necklace and accent it with a great pair of hunter green shoes! How about color coordinating fun flowing earrings such as the Peacock earrings with a turquoise colored purse to your bland outfit. Have fun with your accents and feel good wearing it! Love to see your combos!

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.

By Jill Pfefer

Last month I took a wonderful class with Beth Jones-Schall from Spirit of Success. She gave a lecture “From Generation to Generation”based on information from researchers Strauss and Howe.  I didn’t realize it at the time but I took away so much information that afternoon that it has taken me several weeks to absorb it all. It was quite interesting when you break down the 4 generations, you can see how differently you will want to approach people with booking, selling and sponsoring .

Traditionalists (silent generation) 1925-1942 – The people from this generation are very adaptive because they have gone through so many events in their life such as the Great Depression and WW11. They are great helpers, they love their community and most of all they are loyal. It is very important for them to leave a legacy. The best way to communicate with them is face to face, on the phone or with a written letter. When approaching them, let them know that they are needed and they will make a difference.

Boomers 1943-1960- The people from this generation were brought up with if they dream big – the sky is the limit. They are achievement-oriented, competitive and want the very best. They are motivated by perks and prasie and enjoy leadership. Status and appearances are very important to them.  When approaching them  you will tell them about the great leadership opportunities your company has to offer and all about the rewards.

Gen X 1961-1981 This generation has the most flexible and portable people, they have grown up in a time where there is constant change.  They work well independantly and have had to start working at an early age.  They are realistic, seek balance and they want to be in control of their time so they can do both work and be with their family. Flexible hours are a key component to their work. You may want to approach them with the idea of hosting a party and how this can work with their schedule.

Gen Y 1982-2002 This generation has grown up with technology basically 24/7.  They are great  multi-taskers and mostly need to have several careers going at the same time.  They like structure, goals and progress. They work well as a team and are ambitious and influential.  They like to work for a cause.  The best way to communicate with them is through texting and email.  You may want to approach them by describing how your company has opportunities for  leaders and a team culture. This may be one grear opportunity to add to their income.

I’d love to hear some of your thoughts and experiences you have had in approaching different generations in this business.

Feel free to contact Beth Jones-Scall at www.spiritofsuccess.com for more information on this topic and many other topics she has taught on the direct sales industry.

How did your unparty go? Were the men open minded to coming to a home party and selecting items from your collection? Did they like the idea of fashion advice, great products at reasonable prices and free gift wrap and convenient shipping? I thought I might give you a few other suggestions on how to reach the male population outside of the home party.

If the party doesn’t come to you why not go to them. Bring the party to their office by bringing your product, finger foods and offering to give the office manager(or whoever set up the party) the free hostess rewards. Remember, people will go the extra mile if they know there is something in it for them.

Here are a few suggestions of where a good office unparty may be…..
- local dealership
- dentist office
- lawyers office
- realtor’s office
- local coffee shop
- networking group

I’d love to hear your ideas of your success with the UnParty!

According to our records last year, we sold 71% of our products from September to December. That’s amazing! Now is the time to look at your calendar and determine how successful you will be during this holiday season. You are in control! I know some people are out there complaining that the economy is still slow and there is a lack of interest in holding parties while others are out there getting back to back bookings. Why? Because those that are successful aren’t afraid to offer the opportunity to their future hostesses and customers. There is ALWAYS someone out there who wants to have a party- the sky is the limit! These consultants aren’t afraid to ask for the booking, for the sale or for the recruit.

Take note of how you approach your business. Are you afraid to approach people and feel like you are forcing them to do something they don’t want to do? Do you feel like you are asking them to do you a favor? STOP! RETHINK! You are providing a wonderful service people need. At Sydney Andrews our consultants provide helpful fashion advice, we bring gallery items into the comfort of the home and offer an amazing party amoungst friends! This way customers can avoid traffic jams, parking and crowds at the mall.

Focus in on the speciall offers your company provides and explain the wonderful benefits the hostesses and the customers will receive. It’s purely about the service, value and the benefits you provide. Stop being fearful of rejection because I know you believe in your product and your company and for every “no” there is a wonderful “yes” on the horizon!

Your thoughts? I’d would love to read them below.

By Jill Pfefer

The following are a few simple tips to follow that can help you improve your home party business.

1. Have a positive attitude- People genuinely like to be around people who are upbeat and positivie- it’s a magnet that draws people to you when are welcoming and exciting!

2. Organize your life- write down your appointments and dates with either a list or a planner. I find it’s best to be consistent and keep these items in one place- I started using my blackberry for this as my phone is with me most of the time.

3. Define your working hours- Many of us are working from home and are constantly interrupted by phone calls, emails, the laundry, etc. Carve out some office hours for yourself and resist the temptations of interruptions such as answering the phone.

4. Listen- Listen to your customers and your party hostesses. Many times they want to be heard and validated and make sure you make them feel that you appreciate them!

5. Smile- Show that you care and are engaged with your customers. A simple smile goes a long way.

6. Answer phone calls and emails in a timely fashion- people always tell me that they are impressed with how quickly we respond to their incoming calls and emails. I find that if I don’t answer right away it is put on the back burner and sometimes forgotten. By answering, it shows that you are serious about your business and really want to assist your customers

7. Tell the truth- If something does not go as planned, it is always the best quality to tell the truth. An upfront apology is appreciated and respected most of the time.

8. Reward yourself- Acknowledge that you are doing a great job and treat yourself to something special once in a while- you deserve it!

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:)

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!

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.