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

Personally, I tend to not be “matchy matchy” I feel more confident when I can accent my style with different trends and looks. I like to make my own fashion statement. I coordinate my pieces of clothing and jewelry but not do not necessarily wear all the same pieces at once. Have fun and put together different textures, metals and colors. Experiment and feel good with how you present yourself. What trends are you comfortable with?

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.
1. Be bold and experiment. Any color combination is great if you can pull it off.  For example, blue, green and orange make a great statement.
2. Do not combine more than 3 or 4 colors.
3. Decide which pieces of your wardrobe you want to color block and leave the rest neutral. Such as colorful top and bottom but neutral shoes and accessories.
4.Do not combine two color blocked items. This look is bold but not that bold:)

I think is would look great to combine the Sydney Andrew s Circle of Life Pendant with a red and pink top and green pants. How have you brought this trend into your wardrobe?

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!

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..

Share with your hostess the wish list prior to the party.  This is a tangible way that she can see “what’s in it for her.” Instead of saying “you earn 20%-30% of jewelry based on party sales” She can see that $800.00 of party sales equals 3 necklaces, 3 earrings and a bracelet which were on her wish list.

You also can offer her something like a hostess challenge.  When giving her your hostess packet with order forms, a catalog and an opportunity piece - give her a challenge- it’s a check off list that if she accomplishes the goals she can receive a special reward that you provide.  I have seen the 10-5-2 challenge be successful.

10-  Have 10 adult guests in attendence

5- Collect 5 outside orders before the show

2 – 2 bookings from the show ( booked within 30 days of this party)

Not only will your hostess receive the hostess rewards from your company but she will receive the added bonus you offer her! Some people really thrive on a challege like this and it motivates them to hold an incredible party. At the end of the party recognize her by announcing  to her friends and family that your hostess acheived the Hostess Challenge and show them what great gifts she gets!

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