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!

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.

O.K.I admit it, I bought this dress specifically because I knew I had the perfect necklace for it!  The neckline is a V neck which looks great with a dramatic centerpiece such as the French Silk necklace. Both of these pieces have color and texture and work well together.

This necklace Knotty can be worn with many different necklines. I like it with this layered look.  A simple top underneath a vest or a jacket and the long necklace brings you eyes down to a lower focal point. It give you the long and lean look. This necklace would also look great with a cami, a button down blouse or even over a turtleneck.

I’d love to hear your suggestions on how you wear your favorite necklaces with certain necklines.

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?

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.

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.

2. Ask people if they would be interested in hosting a party.  There are many rewards given to your hostess. In the Sydney Andrew’s program they can earn 20-30% in Free jewelry, half off items  plus montly specials and many other offerings for their guests.  Be sure to ask every guest at the party if they are open to hosting a party of their own. You would be surprised at how many people will consider this. Plus in our program if the new party is booked and processed within 60 days the original hostess receives another $50.00 in free jewelry.

3. Ask your guests or prospective clients if they know of anyone who might be interested in your product or hosting a party. Many people are very generous with offering referrals to help you, but again they probably won’t offer this unless you ask.  A great tool is the wish list that you can hand out at parties.  It is more of a subtle way of asking for referrals that they can complete without being put on the spot.

4. Ask at your next party if anyone is interested in your opportunity.  You can demonstrate how you have been successful and how they can be too. Ask if anyone in the room can use some residual income. These days I think almost everyone can relate to that or at least knows someone who can.

5. Ask if they would be interested in a fundraising.  I have found if there is something in for them, especially a portion of the sales or free product, the door may open letting you host a party or participating in an event.  This way not only are you growing your business but you are supporting a great cause.

I’d love to hear about ways that you have been able to “ask for it” and what suggestions you may have to others.

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.

Indirect activities include social media and email marketing. I admit, I was obsessed with social media a few years ago, I took many classes to keep up with the latest trends. I still think social media and email marketing are important to include in your marketing plan but should not be the only activity to grow your business. It is a slower and indirect form of growth and needs to be combined with your other income producing activites. Spending about 10 percent of your time behind the computer such as on Facebook is a great way to touch base, leave your remarks and keep your face infront of people. Set a timer and don’t get lost in the computer vacuum. Limit your networks so you don’t spread yourself too thin, it’s always better to focus in and do your job well than get inundated with too much.

Of course you must strike a balance with which you are comfortable with. Social media is a great way to support your income producing activities but don’t let it be your only means to growing your business. You got into this business because you love your product and supporting others so make sure you include face to face contacts and reaching people over the phone.

How do you balance your direct and indirect 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.

I love this time of year- the New Year. Everyone is re-evaluating themselves and seeing how they can be more successful in the year to come. It is a time to set personal and professional goals and figuring out a way to be accountable and to stick to them. The important thing is to set realistic and attainable goals so that you can measure and see your results. By having disapline you will be able to see your results.

1. Look at the overall picture in monthly increments, with specific actions you’ll be able to map out and plan for the upcoming month in a broad view.

2. Break down each week, you can start by using a sample week and breaking it down to how long you will spend on your business each day. Mark which times you will make your sponsoring phone calls, which times you will hold sales calls and which times you will block out for your parties/events. By actually marking your calendar you will be able to block out the time for your business and put other respinsibilities into other parts of your day.

3. Every Monday night, for example, block out time to plan your next week-possibly using your sample template you have already created and altering it to your upcoming week. Keep yourself on task during the week by putting it in a place such as the refrigerator where you will see your schedule regularly.

4. Partner up with someone so that you can hold eachother accountable to your schedule. This can be as simple as a weekly call to touch base with someone on your team or even a best friend. Dicuss your accomplishments and your success in your businesses.

Routines are essential for creating lasting habits. Once you get into a steady routine your systems and organization will come naturally. What are your tips for setting up great disapline for the upcoming year?