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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The number one reason consultants in the Party Plan business hold themselves back is because they are afraid of being too pushy and hearing the word “no”. When you think of a pushy person, what comes to mind? Someone who is aggressive, someone who is not concerned about their customer’s needs, someone who has their own agenda and someone who does not let their customer say “no”. Does this sound like you? Of course not! Your objective is to simply offer a customer an awesome product, to host a party and get free items or to tell them about the great opportunity it is to make extra money with flexible hours!

What is the absolute worst thing that could possibly happen if you discuss your direct sales opportunity with someone- you may get a “no”. Quite frankly, several no’s brings you closer to a “yes”, and every “yes” brings you closer to your goals! Don’t be afraid to hear the word no. In fact, this week Becky with Sydney Andrews is running a contest for everyone to seek out 100 no’s so that everyone gets used to hearing the word “no” and will learn to not be afraid of rejection. It’s a numbers game and the more people you expose to your business, I guaruntee you will hear no’s but with that there will be many yeses!

By Jill Pfefer

One of the best parts of my job is that when my consultants go out in public the number 1 feedback we get is how much people love our jewelry! It is just amazing that people will genuinely stop you in your tracks and share how much they appreciate the accessories you wearing.  No one put them up to this, they actually have noticed something about you that they appreciate and have gone out of their way to let you know it.  It is like a gift they are giving to you. Isn’t it proper to give them a gift back?

A gift back can be handled in many different ways.  Basically you want to tell them how great the jewelry makes you feel by getting such great compliments like the one you just received and offer them an invitation.

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Have you heard that sales during the summer are notoriously slow?  A lot of this has to do with attitude, if you are told it’s going to be slow then it will be.  But if you take advantage of some of the points below and share your enthusiasm for your home party business - you will spark excitment during the summer months!

1. Highlight the specials your company offers- Many companies beef up their incentives for hostesses and consultants during the summer- take advantage of this and let people know why, for instance-  ”June is the best month to have a jewelry party”At Sydney Andrews, the summer special is that hostesses earn an extra necklace or bracelet for holding a qualified party in addition to all the standard hostess rewards. 

2. Have a Theme Party- Put a fun spin on your party and ask your guests to dress up or bring a special dish to go with the theme. I am have tried to research themes that start with the letter J for jewelry- not so easy:) What about Jimmy Buffet and Jewelry, Sex and the City party or Christmas in July.

I’d love your “J” suggestions:)

3. Gather your Play Group together- Hire an older child or a babysitter to entertain the children. Supply a craft such as beading a bracelet- while the moms can talk and shop. It’s a win- win the kids get to play with eachother as well as the moms!

What great ideas have you come up with to get keep your sales consistant during the summer months?

A successful consultant of mine, Amy T. was brainstorming with me about helping out a local organization and getting some exposure for her own business.  On her own she came up with this great idea of proposing  to an auction volunteer about having a  party and for her to donate her hostess rewards. 

Below is a copy of the letter she wrote…..

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“The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.” Joan Didion

In Carl Casanova’s book, What every Successful Person Knows!, he notes that if you plan on being a success in business or life, consider self-responsibilty first.  Each person is the source of her or his success.  At Sydney Andrews, taking responsibility means you are fully accountable for everything you are, everything you have and everything you achieve.  Your dreams, your home-based business, your education, your relationships, aspirations, goals and endeavors belong to you and you only. (more…)

In October 2008, Vic and I were just beginning the initial launch of Sydney Andrews and a friend introduced us to Monica H, a woman who lived in South Florida who was battling a malignant brain tumor. Monica had received a piece of our jewelry and loved it. Although she was receiving radiation and chemotherapy, she wanted to do something to help keep her mind off of her own medical condition. Monica joined Sydney Andrews as one of our very first consultants.

Monica threw all of her energy, when she was well enough to work, into Sydney Andrews. She held numerous parties, introducing her friends, neighbors and their friends and neighbors to Sydney Andrews. Her parties were very well attended because not only were the women in love with the jewelry, they were supporting Monica in her journey to be social and productive throughout her tough and grueling battle with cancer. (more…)

People often ask me where I get my ideas from for my designs. Every 6 months I come up with a Spring and a Fall line. Being the CEO of Sydney Andrews, I have several responsibilities but wherever I go I constantly have my mind on designing. When I am at the mall, on vacation or even at The Great Indoors store my mind is on what my next piece of jewelry will look like.

Color is a very important component of my work. I love being surrounded by color and why not bring it to your everyday wardrobe. Accessorize with colors that make you feel good. My customers seem to really like my multi color designs for their versatility. I look to a lot of Israeli designers for their color combinations.

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I have spoken with hundreds of people who are trying to figure out which direct sales company is right for them. Some people call and have no idea what to ask whereas others have a huge list of questions. Personally, I like it when they have a bunch of questions, it shows me they are really considering the opportunity and thinking it through before making a big decision.

I recommend asking the following questions when you are doing your search.

1. What makes the product different than other similiar companies?
2. What makes this opportunity stand out from the rest? Explain the compensation plan, quotas (if any) and recruiting requirements(if any)
3. Who is responsible for collecting taxes?
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I have found THE BEST way for my consultants to continue booking parties is to educate their customers that they can earn free products by booking a party themselves. A wonderful way to ensure this is to provide an assortment of drinks and food and to make sure everyone gets to know each other at the party. To break the ice why not play a game or two – specifically to introduce the products and the guests.

There are a number of websites that offer a ton of information about home parties and game ideas that can help you have a successful party. I highly recommend www.homepartyplannetwork.com and www.directsellingopportunities.com.

Here are a couple of games that can really add excitement to your party!!

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