Pastels are really popular this time of year. Especially with the hint of Spring weather and Easter around the corner, everyone is ready to breakout their pastels. How about a pastel party? Decorate your table with some pastel M & M’s and and drape your favorite spring pieces around them such as Awesome Blossom, Twisted Sister, Cairo- Glyphics or our best selling Multi Tasker. Enhance your decor with tulips and celebrate with some fun pastel drinks and appetizers. It has been a long winter and everyone is itching to get out and socialize.  Why not be the first to offer a fun Spring party with Sydney Andrews!!

By Jill Pfefer

You know what you like but do you always know what you need? How many times have you gone to a store and thought about how much you liked something but was not really sure if it went with anything you already own? Most of us want to purchase accessories that will compliment items that they already own in their closet. Why not make a list of your 10 favorite items and see what you think would be a great addition to these items. This way you have a specific idea of what you are looking for and are not just impulse shopping. Why not encourage your guest at your Sydney Andrews jewelry parties to come with a list of their top 10 items so that they know what they need to fill in with in their wardrobe? How many times has a guest waivered on an item to go home and check her closet. Be proactive and offer a small reward to those that bring their lists.

I see it in the stores – color is in! Be bold and and strong with your color choices. Look around and see that color blocking is a real trend. In People StyleWatch the experts say “This season, celebrate bold color and prints. The craze began last year with denim-now everything is infused with color!” Even the jeans are infused with color. It’s all over the magazines that the celebrities are sporting this colored jeans look. I especially see lots of stars in the red jeans. How about pairing red jeans with a simple white button down top and the Sparktacular necklace and earrings?

How are you expressing your boldness?

By Jill Pfefer

I have been asked many times about my thoughts on “Matchy-Matchy.” Matchy- Matchy means wearing the same coordinates together such as the same necklace, bracelet, earrings and/or ring together. Well, I guess I would have to say it depends on your customer.

Yes to “Matchy-Matchy” if your customer

- is very tailored and all pieces of clothing are very similar

- does not mix and match gold and silver

- dresses conservatively

No to “Matchy Matchy” if your customer

- Dresses contemporary

- is confident in making a statement

- likes to think “outside the box”

- daring to be bold and individualistic

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By Jill Pfefer

Trend Alert! Color Blocking is huge here in Fall 2011!  It is not a new concept but it is big- now. This fashion statement combines the use of two or more blocks of color in an outfit. This can be from a shirt, blouse, pants, purse or jewelry. It can include monotone, bright colors, muted colors, contrasting and complimentary colors. Clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories can all feature color block designs or can make up different color blocks of color to be put together to get the color block effect.

Here are some tips to keep in mind with this trend. (more…)

By Jill Pfefer

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!

By Jill Pfefer

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..

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By Jill Pfefer

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! (more…)

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!

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Home parties are plain and simple the core to growing your direct sales business. Sometimes you may need creative ways to help you get these home party bookings. The following are 9 ideas that may spark that creative pulse for you!

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! (more…)