By Jill Pfefer

I fell in love with this wrap. I liked the design and I especially like the colors in it. All my neutral colors wrapped into one accessory. My mind was swimming as to how many ways I could wear it and how many things I could wear it with. Of course, the jewelry is first to my mind for me. How many times in the past have I bought my outfits to go with the collection.

Here are some examples of outfits and accessories I thought would look good with just this one wrap and with Trixie! Here I have a chocolate brown long sleeve t-shirt, the Oh Bee-Have necklace and the wrap is tied like a scarf. The browns and the golds are picked up in the wrap and both accessories make the outfit look complete. This would look great with jeans and a pair of brown boots!

This is a black long t-shirt with the Stirred Not Shaken necklace and the scarf with the tie in the front. This looks great with a jacket or just plain as is. Again this is a great casual look and will keep you warm.

I have seen a ton of sleeveless tops for this Fall season. I loved the neckline and texture on this top. It is a little fancier and looks great with the It’s Just Black and White Necklace. I like the necklace with this top because it is not exactly the same colors but it all gets tied in with the colors in the wrap. Tie it around the waist to accentuate the waistline and show off your neckline.

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By Jill Pfefer

I fell in love with this  new store called Hot Mama-their website is www.shopmama.com. It’s a great small chain of stores geared towards helping women accessorize and feel good about themselves.  I love the assistance they give and helpful ideas to arranging outfits.  I like that they had me try on things that I never thought would look good on me- nice try with the skinny jeans but at least I tried. I really thought that this way of approaching customers with an educational angle was the way to go.  I did not feel like I was forced to buy something, I felt like they were taking the time to explain what looked good on me and how I could use these changeable pieces to enhance my wardrobe.

I think this is a great example of how you can apply education to your home party business. At your next party bring a few t-shirts, sweaters and jackets and show how one necklace can be worn in different fashions. Sydney Andrews has many pieces that are colorful and can look completely different with many outfits.  Demonstrate this with your creativity some people can’t see outside the box unless you show them.

How about on your next party invitation- invite your guests to bring one outfit that they struggle to accessorize. See what people come up with and challenge yourself and your guests to come up with creative ideas with your collection of jewelry. I think people value your opinion and if you offer something beyond the product they will recognize the value.

I would love to see and hear your ideas about how you educate your customers.

By Jill Pfefer

When choosing a perfect necklace to finish off your outfit you should consider your neckline.  Here are a few examples of how you can accessorize and compliment your look. I used our manequin Trixie to demonstrate a few pieces.

This choker necklace mimics the roundness of the blouse.  The reds and oranges are accents colors that repeat in the blouse.  Although it is not an exact match the two pieces are similar in feel and compliment each other.

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By Jill Pfefer

Most likely your company is giving you great resources to increase your sales. Take advantage of these resources to leverage your sales. Make sure you discuss these additonal offers with your future customers and hostesses. It’s to your ticket to increase your sales!

Every six months Sydney Andrews introduces new styles and designs. In addition to your new contacts, make sure your past customers and hostesses are aware of the new products. It is quite common that your hostesses will host a party every 6 months to showcase the new designs.

Every month Sydney Andrews offers incentives. For example, this month in October we are offering – hostesses an additional 5% of free bonus jewelry- that’s 25%-35% of FREE JEWELRY for hosting a party! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, our customers will get 10% off our “For A Cure” products in addition to the 10% donation to the Komen Foundation. Also, our cutomers will receive a FREE Sydney Andrews Travel Jewelry roll with any purchase of $125.00 or more.

These are all great lead ins to get your conversation going and get your parties booked. I’d love to know what you have found to be the best way to leverage your sales.

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.

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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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