The following are some tips of where you can leave your business cards behind in your direct sales networking efforts. It is such a simple gesture but can lead to more business for you.

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Social media is such a fantastic tool for your direct selling business.  However, it IS social, which means that there are LOTS of people there…not all of them good people.  Now some people decide that they’re not going to engage in social media at all because of this.  However I believe that this approach will cause more harm than good for your business.  After all, if you want to attract leaders to your team, studies in our industry show that most director-level people started the business in their 20’s.  This is Generation Y, and they’re more comfortable communicating through social media tools than talking on the telephone!  And because there are SO many people engaging online these days, chances are you’ll miss out on a LOT of potential orders and reorders if you choose not to engage.

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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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In Direct Sales: 5 Secrets to Fill Your Calendar Without Overcoming Objections

By Lisa Robbin Young

With the changing economy, direct sales consultants are pulling out their hair trying to secure bookings and keep their calendar full. Even the most experienced consultants are “getting back to basics” in an effort to fortify their fading calendar.

But savvy consultants I know are still holding a consistent book of shows, with calendars that are full and steady.

As a business coach, I work with consultants with many different companies, and the successful consultants have revealed their ‘dirty little secrets to massive success – even during tough economic times. At first blush, these “secrets” are common sense ideas that will make you roll your eyes into the back of your head. Before you get dizzy, however, ask yourself how well you are implementing these secrets.

1. Create a schedule and stick to it. Top consultants will tell you that they work when they want to, and fill their work calendar around their life calendar. This is a critical component for any successful consultant. You need to know WHEN you want to (and are able) to work.

Mark it down and do your work when you’re working. By scheduling and utilizing time that is set aside to work, you’ll be a million miles ahead of the consultant that prays for bookings to fill the empty white space on her calendar.

When you know your next two or three available work dates at a moment’s notice, people take you and your business more seriously. And if you don’t have a show planned on a day you have scheduled to work? Work anyway! Practice your demo, download a teleclass, read up on product knowledge or network. Do SOMETHING to grow your business.

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1.   A good night’s sleep
2.   Finding forgotten money in your pocket
3.   Cuddling up with a partner in bed
4.   Crying with laughter
5.   Having a lie-in (staying in bed after waking up)
6.   Sleeping in newly laundered bedding
7.   Getting a bargain
8.   Making someone smile
9.   Catching up with an old friend
10. Laughing at things that have happened in the past

What are some of your greatest simple pleasures?

It’s the New Year and a new start! Now is a great time to start evaluating you and the direction of your home party jewelry business.  Take advantage and start with a clean slate.

1. Changing your focus changes your outcome! You are in control of your business in 2010 and ask yourself what it is you truly want.  Focus on the right things to help you achieve your goals.

2. Break your goal down into logical monthly steps.  What you do today will benefit you in the next 90 days!

3. Small changes add up to big results.

• Make a commitment to ask everyone at the party to see if they are interested in having their own party
• Offer and explain to everyone the Sydney Andrews opportunity
• Plan to spend at least 15 minutes a day working on your business such as prospecting calls, social media and networking.

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Do you assume that all successful business people are outgoing and extroverted? Well, that is just not true. Many successful business people are shy and like to work behind the scenes. It may take some practice but interacting with the public and promoting oneself is imperative to continued success.

The following 4 tips are great suggestions to help combat shyness and conquer self-promotion.

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Here are a few ideas to help you overcome common objections to starting a business…

1. I don’t have enough money to get started.

Solution: I will be happy to show you how you can pay yourself back by holding a couple of parties in the next 30 days. Let’s put in perspective how little it takes to start a home-based business versus a franchise or brick and mortar style business.

2. I don’t have time to add a new business into my busy life.

Solution: How much time do you think it takes? If you can utilize drive time to make calls and watch TV or operate a computer an hour a two less each day, you can have a very successful Sydney Andrews business.  Busy people make the best Consultants because they are typically very organized and have a built in support system. They also know a lot of people and come in contact with propspective customers on a regular basis. (more…)

“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…)

Home presentations are the foundation of your home-party business. However, adjusting and expanding any business strategy to suit the sales and economy climate just makes sense. You will find more doors opening when you begin selling what your clients are buying. What are they buying today or better yet what aren’t they buying?

1. Time and Convenience (I’m too busy to make a commitment.”)
2. Money (“Everyone I know is out of money or work.”)
3. House or location (“I’m never home”, or “My house is a mess.”)

For the time and location issues, try using the Low-Carb Alternative party*–in other words, just give them the meat. Low-Carb dining is popular. Just as a Low-Carb meal needs to be light, flavorful, instant and satisfying, so it is with low-carb booking success. (more…)