When you are working your business, things will snowball. Booking from parties from parties, and things will be great. This is what we all work so hard to get to, the idea that we are successful stems from how busy we are, and how much money we are making, not necessarily from how hard we are working.
It is true that we have to work twice as hard when we aren't busy, to make sure that when we get busy again we stay that way. It's the slowest time of the year that can be the most challenging and difficult, which is why when you have the opportunity to snowball, it's always the best option for your business.
The busier you are, the more opportunity you will have to book more and more parties, we all know this, but the hard part is getting your business to the that point.
The only secret I can tell you is to be consistent with who you are asking to have a party, and in order to make that easy ask everyone.
Everyone that you come into contact with it's imperative that you ask if they are interested in having a party, the grocery store, the gas station, the video store, the pharmacy...anywhere you go could be your next huge and best party, or your next stop sales recruit!
When you go to the post office, leave a stack of your cards on the counter near the postal stuff, people may or may not take them, but they are there for someone that might be interested. Go into small businesses on a saturday and ask if you put a flyer on their tables or counter, maybe a box with a drawing so that you have potential customers.
All of these things is going to assist you in growing your business so that you don't have to do things like this anymore, lets focus on getting your business big enough to where you are consistently having parties and reruiting so that you can book parties form parties, and recruit from those parties as well.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Working through the "hard Times"
Anybody that has dalloped in the direct sales world knows that hard times happen. Operating a business and marketing a business can be challenging. This post is going to reflect on some of the things that I do to boost business when it is slow.
1. TAKE A DEEP BREATH....relax....remember why you are doing this business and as long as you work the business, the business will work for you.
2. Check local venues and listings to see if there are upcoming expos/vendor shows/gala's that you can get a table at. This allows for you to meet a group of people interested in your product and what you do, most of my shows come from these event and then it snowballs into more and more parties. Definitely worth your time/money.
3. Contact current customers for referrals, I always make customer service calls to make sure my customers are aware of the products, using my Newletter reports is especially helpful, this tells you who has been looking recently and may be interested in having a show.
4. Previous Hostesses, contact them, make sure they have what they need, see if they would be interested in having a different kind of party, for my business I always ask if they are interested in doing a candy making class as their second party! This usually makes it very easy their party to qualify because I charge for supplies (I then turn around and add that to her party as an order sent to me to replenish my stock) Tweek this to make it work for your business, if you sell wickless candles, maybe have a cash n carry party, or an ugly candle party...everyone brings a candle that has burned and made a mess or is just plain ugly and they get a sample for free or something like that.....i'm sure you get the picture.
5. Lastly...always remember that whatever you do in your business, it's your business....and you need to remember these simple rules:
- Before you do anything, ask yourself...is this going to make me money? If it's not...think about tabling it for something that will make you money.
- you are in this business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself.
- You need to go through 100 no's to get 1 yes, so start asking!
1. TAKE A DEEP BREATH....relax....remember why you are doing this business and as long as you work the business, the business will work for you.
2. Check local venues and listings to see if there are upcoming expos/vendor shows/gala's that you can get a table at. This allows for you to meet a group of people interested in your product and what you do, most of my shows come from these event and then it snowballs into more and more parties. Definitely worth your time/money.
3. Contact current customers for referrals, I always make customer service calls to make sure my customers are aware of the products, using my Newletter reports is especially helpful, this tells you who has been looking recently and may be interested in having a show.
4. Previous Hostesses, contact them, make sure they have what they need, see if they would be interested in having a different kind of party, for my business I always ask if they are interested in doing a candy making class as their second party! This usually makes it very easy their party to qualify because I charge for supplies (I then turn around and add that to her party as an order sent to me to replenish my stock) Tweek this to make it work for your business, if you sell wickless candles, maybe have a cash n carry party, or an ugly candle party...everyone brings a candle that has burned and made a mess or is just plain ugly and they get a sample for free or something like that.....i'm sure you get the picture.
5. Lastly...always remember that whatever you do in your business, it's your business....and you need to remember these simple rules:
- Before you do anything, ask yourself...is this going to make me money? If it's not...think about tabling it for something that will make you money.
- you are in this business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself.
- You need to go through 100 no's to get 1 yes, so start asking!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
How to Maintain and Grow your Business
There are many ways you can maintain your business, however most of you will want to grow your business, not just maintain it. This post is going to give you some great ideas on how to do that, without jeaporadizing your family life or full time job.
Customer service is key to maintaining your business, regardless of the business you are in, it's key to make sure you are doing everything you can for your current customer and host base. This will ensure re-orders and additional parties from these customers and hosts.
When I say customer service, I mean a courtesy call after they get products, a courtesy call a month after the party to make sure there isn't anything else you can do for the customer or any re-order they may have. Make sure they are on your e-mail list if they want to,. also make sure at this time they have your website and phone number so if they do need anything from you they can get a hold of you. I also use this phone call to warm chat them, if they are a customer I ask them if they have ever thought about having a chocolate party of their own, if they are a host I use this time to let them know of all the different kinds of parties I offer just in case they are interested in my theme parties for future events. If you don't tell them they will never know.
Now lets get into growing your business. There are a few ways I use to market my business to others.
1. offer the opportunity to everyone do not pre-judge
2. talk about your business at all events/parties/shows/expos
3. hand out your card to everyone you meet, let them know to pass it along to people they may think would be interested
4. know your I-story. The reason you do what you do...this helps others relate to you and your business.
I hope this blog helps you with your business! I am open to suggestions on what posts I should do!
Have a great week!
Customer service is key to maintaining your business, regardless of the business you are in, it's key to make sure you are doing everything you can for your current customer and host base. This will ensure re-orders and additional parties from these customers and hosts.
When I say customer service, I mean a courtesy call after they get products, a courtesy call a month after the party to make sure there isn't anything else you can do for the customer or any re-order they may have. Make sure they are on your e-mail list if they want to,. also make sure at this time they have your website and phone number so if they do need anything from you they can get a hold of you. I also use this phone call to warm chat them, if they are a customer I ask them if they have ever thought about having a chocolate party of their own, if they are a host I use this time to let them know of all the different kinds of parties I offer just in case they are interested in my theme parties for future events. If you don't tell them they will never know.
Now lets get into growing your business. There are a few ways I use to market my business to others.
1. offer the opportunity to everyone do not pre-judge
2. talk about your business at all events/parties/shows/expos
3. hand out your card to everyone you meet, let them know to pass it along to people they may think would be interested
4. know your I-story. The reason you do what you do...this helps others relate to you and your business.
I hope this blog helps you with your business! I am open to suggestions on what posts I should do!
Have a great week!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Another week done!
As the week winds down to a close I thought I would touch base with my followers! I apologize for the lack of posting this week, I have been down and out with the flu in addition to working and of course taking care of my 18 month old !
I wanted to talk about bookings with this posting. There are many different ways that I use to achieve my goals in bookings on my calendar. I am going to discuss them throughout this posting in brief, however in weeks to come I will go into more detail on each idea.
1. Door Prize Slips/previous customers
- I use these all the time, they are truly great ways to book additional parties even after your party is over. I simply call the customer and follow up on whatever they purchased and let them know of whatever new products/items are available, new hostess specials use whatever you have, but make sure that you are asking for the party!
2. Vendor Events
- I try and do at least 1 vendor event a month, I set up a booth and usually have a door prize so that I can get contacts. I have samples of what a hostess can get free (dollar value) and ask EVERYONE that fills out a door prize slip if they would like to have a party, if they say no, I ask them if they would like to be contacted at a later date....I also always ask if they want to be added to my monthly newsletter..mentioning of course that I will not spam them.
3. Warm Chatter
-this one I have to be honest about and state I rarely use. This is when you are at a store/event and start talking about your business and ask for shows. It can work very well, but it can also backfire, I try not to be too overwhelming when I work with people. When I do use this technique it is usually at the hair dresser or nail salon when you are talking to someone for a longer period of time.
4. Booking parties from Parties.
- at each of my shows I mention the great benefits of the hostess and SPOIL her rotten all night !I make sure to make others want what she has, specials, free treats...whatever I can do to make it appealing to host a show. I also mention the hostess specials and of course how easy it is to have a party! I also bring a sample of what the hostess typically get for free and have it on my display so people can see everything they can get for having friends over!
5. Referrals
- whenever someone says that they are not interested in hosting a party, I mention referrals. I give discounts to people that refer for me, so if they refer one person that has a qualified party, the person who referred gets 25% off their next order. This is a good way to keep people thinking about my business, and also keep them coming back for more!
Easter is right around the corner! Use it to your advantage and fill your calendars with Spring parties! Pump up people's spirits and offer them what you have! Don't forget to offer the opportunity to everyone you meet !
I wanted to talk about bookings with this posting. There are many different ways that I use to achieve my goals in bookings on my calendar. I am going to discuss them throughout this posting in brief, however in weeks to come I will go into more detail on each idea.
1. Door Prize Slips/previous customers
- I use these all the time, they are truly great ways to book additional parties even after your party is over. I simply call the customer and follow up on whatever they purchased and let them know of whatever new products/items are available, new hostess specials use whatever you have, but make sure that you are asking for the party!
2. Vendor Events
- I try and do at least 1 vendor event a month, I set up a booth and usually have a door prize so that I can get contacts. I have samples of what a hostess can get free (dollar value) and ask EVERYONE that fills out a door prize slip if they would like to have a party, if they say no, I ask them if they would like to be contacted at a later date....I also always ask if they want to be added to my monthly newsletter..mentioning of course that I will not spam them.
3. Warm Chatter
-this one I have to be honest about and state I rarely use. This is when you are at a store/event and start talking about your business and ask for shows. It can work very well, but it can also backfire, I try not to be too overwhelming when I work with people. When I do use this technique it is usually at the hair dresser or nail salon when you are talking to someone for a longer period of time.
4. Booking parties from Parties.
- at each of my shows I mention the great benefits of the hostess and SPOIL her rotten all night !I make sure to make others want what she has, specials, free treats...whatever I can do to make it appealing to host a show. I also mention the hostess specials and of course how easy it is to have a party! I also bring a sample of what the hostess typically get for free and have it on my display so people can see everything they can get for having friends over!
5. Referrals
- whenever someone says that they are not interested in hosting a party, I mention referrals. I give discounts to people that refer for me, so if they refer one person that has a qualified party, the person who referred gets 25% off their next order. This is a good way to keep people thinking about my business, and also keep them coming back for more!
Easter is right around the corner! Use it to your advantage and fill your calendars with Spring parties! Pump up people's spirits and offer them what you have! Don't forget to offer the opportunity to everyone you meet !
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Career Plan is based on Timeless Priciples
Your dream to become a top sales person or manager in your business is real. I live by a basic principle that includes a few steps. Throughout this post I am going to discuss exactly what that is, and how it has worked for me.
Live
Love
Learn
Leave legacy
Each time you get a new recruit, they are precious your growth comes from your recruiting and depends on it. The success of your team and yourself is based on building and keeping yourself a leader in your business. In addition to that, you have to build and develop successful leaders in order to develop yourself into a successful manager. As a leader of your business, you need to lead by example. Your team is counting on you to assist them in reaching their goals, help them come to terms with exactly what they want out of their chocolate business so you can help them achieve it. You will never be able to help someone obtain a goal, if they don't know what goal they have.
The smarter you work, the more money you make !
Follow these 5 behaviors in order to be a successful rep of your company.
Selling
Recruiting
Building Managers
Building Leaders
Retaining the Team
Every person on your team should be striving to become a manger. We have an amazing ability to change someone's life for the better, making a difference in the lives of others is part of your job, and we all know what our businesses have done for ourselves, now is the time to share that passion with other people.
You will never know if you don't ask people.....
Do you see yourself being able to do what I do?
Do you know anyone that you think would be great at doing what I do?
Live
Love
Learn
Leave legacy
Each time you get a new recruit, they are precious your growth comes from your recruiting and depends on it. The success of your team and yourself is based on building and keeping yourself a leader in your business. In addition to that, you have to build and develop successful leaders in order to develop yourself into a successful manager. As a leader of your business, you need to lead by example. Your team is counting on you to assist them in reaching their goals, help them come to terms with exactly what they want out of their chocolate business so you can help them achieve it. You will never be able to help someone obtain a goal, if they don't know what goal they have.
The smarter you work, the more money you make !
Follow these 5 behaviors in order to be a successful rep of your company.
Selling
Recruiting
Building Managers
Building Leaders
Retaining the Team
Every person on your team should be striving to become a manger. We have an amazing ability to change someone's life for the better, making a difference in the lives of others is part of your job, and we all know what our businesses have done for ourselves, now is the time to share that passion with other people.
You will never know if you don't ask people.....
Do you see yourself being able to do what I do?
Do you know anyone that you think would be great at doing what I do?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Role of a Manager
As my team grows, I find myself growing as well. I wanted to take some time for this blog and really talk about what it means to be a manager and what your role as a manager should be.
1. A Manager role models the behavior they are preaching about. A Great manager continues to sell and recruit as if they are simply a consultant on their team. The difference is, a manager guides, motivates, and coaches new recruits and team members and helps them set their goals, along with setting goals of their own and for the team as a group.
2. A Manager duplicates themselves. Teaching others to sell and recruit is part of the job, you learn to grow individually and as a group, You also learn to teach others how to grow and prosper in their business. A Manager develops new managers on their personal team, so the team is always growing and promoting within itself. Teaching others to achieve success is the only way to maintain manager status.
This post is short and sweet this week, but I really feel it gives you a fantastic idea of exactly what it means to become a manager and the role behind growing your team. I am going to leave with a quote
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way" - unknown
Have a great week everyone!
1. A Manager role models the behavior they are preaching about. A Great manager continues to sell and recruit as if they are simply a consultant on their team. The difference is, a manager guides, motivates, and coaches new recruits and team members and helps them set their goals, along with setting goals of their own and for the team as a group.
2. A Manager duplicates themselves. Teaching others to sell and recruit is part of the job, you learn to grow individually and as a group, You also learn to teach others how to grow and prosper in their business. A Manager develops new managers on their personal team, so the team is always growing and promoting within itself. Teaching others to achieve success is the only way to maintain manager status.
This post is short and sweet this week, but I really feel it gives you a fantastic idea of exactly what it means to become a manager and the role behind growing your team. I am going to leave with a quote
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way" - unknown
Have a great week everyone!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
When there is nothing left to do but juggle
As I re-enter the work force full time, I realize the difficulties associated with juggling work/family and business. I am a full time Legal Assistant by day…..a mom and business owner by night and I wouldn’t change anything about it! My son Connor is 16 months old going on 20 and my full time job is demanding and time consuming as can be expected.
Time management becomes the most important part of my day, my day planner is also my life saver, without this small black book I don’t know where I would be. Lists and schedules rule my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know with these lists and schedules that everything is being completed as it should be, when it should be and nothing is left to the way-side.
I sell Dove Chocolate Discoveries through in home tasting parties and love every minute of it. This provides me with the part time income to supplement my full time income, but still have the time and energy to take care of the rest of the things that add up on life. Running a business can be stressful and time consuming, and juggling this with the rest of your life can be a challenge, but I manage to handle things just fine.
The most important thing in maintaining your business is to always be networking. Have your catalogs, business cards and hostess information with you at all times, because you never know when you will meet your next hostess or team member. Talking to people about what you do is the only way to get word out of exactly what you do, and why it’s so fantastic.
I bring with me a catalog, a few order forms, business cards and a promotional flyer. I also have notecards or paper to get information, and I always have my calendar so that I can book whomever I am talking to right then there, and mail them an official hostess packet as soon as I get home. This is how I book many of my parties, and how I maintain my monthly sales goals.
Life has a way of sneaking up on you, there will be times when your business won’t be at the top of your list, however it always have to make the list in order for you to succeed and achieve your ultimate goal. My ultimate goal will be the ability of turning my part time Chocolate money, into Full time Chocolate money on a Part Time schedule. I know that time will come soon and I cannot wait!
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