By Jill Pfefer

Do you think outside the box? Have you ever been shopping for an item but didn’t think that item was for you?  Why not try it on and see how it looks?  Many times I think something is not “me” but when I see it on me- I might change my mind.  How about encouraging your jewelry party guests to try something on they normally would not pick up? I have seen many times at parties that people are shy about touching and feeling the jewelry. Once it is in their hands and they actually try it on they become attachedto the piece plus their friends are there to encourage them as to how great it looks.

By Jill Pfefer

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

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

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

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….

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By Jill Pfefer

I admit it, growing up I was a very shy little girl. Even through adolescence and early adulthood I would consider myself timid. But, as I have gotten older I have learned to be more specific with my needs and my goals.  How have I achieved my success? I have learned that quite plainly if  ”you don’t ask- you don’t get”. Granted “you don’t get” every time but the odds of reaching your goals are much greater if you just simply ask for it.

Don’t be afraid to introduce your business with just a few questions….

1. When you receive a compliment on your product- such as the necklace you are wearing that day, tell the person that you are selling this product and would like to know if they would like more information or would like a copy of the current catalog.  This is a great conversation starter because the person actually opened the door by telling you she likes your product. Give back information as to how they can purchase it or receive it as a hostess gift.

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There are many benefits to selling products through direct sales, specifically through home parties. Many advantages to shopping with a direct seller versus going to a local store or shopping on the internet are outlined below.  Feel free to take note of these  key points and share them with your potential customers.

1. The store/boutique is in a home setting and comes to customer!  How convenient to be able to shop in the neighborhood, usually on a weeknight evening when it is easy to get away from the family for a little bit!

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By Jill Pfefer

How do you spend your time building your business? I bet some of the actions you take to build your business are direct while others are indirect. You may want to analyze and actually look at and the time you spend doing both your direct and indirect marketing.

Directly growing you business involves parties, opportunity interviews, one on one sales, follow up calls and building long term relationship with your customers. These activities directly result in making sales and having faster growth in your home party business. For example, up to ninety percent of your time should be spent on your income producing activities. Make it a goal to speak to at least 3 people a day about your home party business. This includes talking to people face to face. So many times we hide behind our computers and chat online but a solid contact is built more solidly face to face. Set goals whether they are having a party once or twice a week, 5 one on one sales or participating in a local event. Follow through with your goals by putting yourself out there and check off the milestones you have achieved each week.

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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.

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