Direct Sellers: 7 Tips for A Successful Fall - Starting NOW!

As most of us are enjoying sunny days, it is not too early to be making our fall plans. One of the philosophies I coach on is that growing our business is like planting a garden….the seeds we plant now will be ready for harvest in 6 weeks. So, the actions we do now, will be the actions we are reaping from in September and October.

There are many actions we can do now that will build our businesses into the fall and even holiday season. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Connect with all the “summer friends” you meet and be sure to have their contact information and add them to your emailing list. You can also add them to your “friends” on Facebook and be sure they LIKE your business page.
2. Think back to school — friends with children may be looking for extra income for the back to school supplies or a part-time job for when the children are in school so be prepared to talk about the opportunity.
3. Back to school is also a time for fundraisers. NOW is the time to start making the connections to see who is in charge of various programs and be able to provide how your opportunity may be a perfect fit. (If you are too late this year, be sure to get connect information for a spring fundraiser or even next year's event.)
4. Yes…some people are already thinking Christmas and holiday shopping.  Again, your business opportunity may be what a friend or customer needs to enjoy a credit card free holiday.
5. New fall catalogs are wonderful reservicing tools. Connect with all of your customers and be sure they know about your new products. Start booking September and October parties now.
6. Fall and holiday events will start their search for vendors. Check out local events and see which ones are a fit for your product and opportunity.  Not every event is a fit. Choose the ones that will benefit you, your team and your business. (Watch for events posted on Facebook and even on Craigslist. Local Chambers of Commerce and Networking groups are a great source for event information as well.)
7. Stay focused and do small, consistent actions every day!

Remember, it is easier to keep a rolling stone rolling than to start the motion over every day.  Choose just one or two actions to focus on at a time and complete that action before moving on to a new one.  With planning your fall, the follow-through is just as important as the getting started!  Happy harvest!

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Marian (Brown) Smith is Director of Sales Development with a DSA member Direct Selling Company. She has over 20 years in the direct selling industry both in the field and corporately. She is also a Certified Vision Board and Life Coach.

3 Key Elements of Vision Boards

Vision boards are a collection of images or words glued to a poster board that displays where a person wants to go, goals that they wish to achieve or material items that they’re striving to acquire. However, when created and used properly, vision boards can really change one’s life.

In addition to the general images and words, there are three key elements that should be included in a vision board project. These are:

• A picture of you;
• A power word or two; and
• Images that convey emotion
  
  

Be the centerpiece of your vision board

The first element — a photo of the vision board’s creator — is critical. Vision boards created by an individual should have a positive image of the creator as the centerpiece of the vision board.

If the vision board is created by a couple, a family or a group, an image of the group should be the center focal point. It is important to have this image as it gives “ownership” to the creator. For individuals, it is important to be reminded, it is your vision and you must be a part of it.

Include a power word

The second key element is the “power word.” This concept is new to many vision board users. The power word can be a term that’s used to describe the theme of the board or it can be a phrase, motto or mantra. It must be positive and the term or word must be in the future or present tense. A couple examples are “Happiness Abounds” and “I enjoy being my ideal weight of 150 pounds.”

Choose images that reflect emotion

The third and final element of the vision board that is key: images that reflect emotion. The images need to show happiness, satisfaction, accomplishment, etc. As humans, we often “mirror” the attitude and energy of those around us. This is true of images as well. If we are surrounded by the “negative,” one’s attitude will become negative. If an individual focuses on the positive, he or she will have a positive attitude.

When creating a vision board, it is important to take a few moments to examine your feelings. How will you feel when you have lost weight, bought that new car or secured a new job? These emotions should be depicted on the vision board.

These three key elements –- you, power words and emotions — will add power and success to your vision board.

Networking: A New Approach of Pay It Forward

A couple of years ago, after ten years of tele-commuting, I jumped back to the “real” world and into the new world of networking. It has come along way from the “Chamber of Commerce” events I had been a part of many years ago.

Networking has taken on a new look and new feel.  Networking is more about relationships than about business.  I am finding more and more groups lead by females and embracing home-based businesses, including direct sales and party plan businesses. As I looked at networking events, I took the approach of filling my calendar with every event possible. I attended those that were “free”, the paid groups and those supported by vendors.  I learned a great deal through my own experience — more about that later.  I also looked for advice from the “pros”.

I read information online and looked at several books. I’m at a Networking Event–Now What???: A Guide to Getting the Most Out of Any Networking Event by Sandy Jones-Kaminski was by far the most helpful and comprehensive one I found. It covered a variety of situations and scenarios and outlined the practical steps and uses of networking in today’s society and fast-paced world.

Sandy’s unique approach to “networking better” and “pay it forward” philosophy changed the way I looked at networking.  Networking is not about collecting names and business cards. It is about CONNECTING people with people – not necessarily connecting YOU with people!

The quote “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” resonates with her philosophy. Network to help others not just yourself! WOW – what a concept!

Her practical tips from choose the events to introducing yourself and following up lay the foundation for successful marketing. Don’t leave an event with 20 business cards – leave the event with quality connections. This changed the way I networked and lead to many successful business and personal connections that changed my life and the lives of others.

If you are looking to build your business or find a new career, I highly recommend reading this book and learning how to use networking events to build your relationships.  Direct Sales/Party Plan businesses are built on relationships.  Exchanging cards at the event is just the first step…after you have chosen the right events to attend.

Direct Sales: 5 Tips for Making the Most of Events

The Fortune is in the Follow….THROUGH

As many of you head out to fairs, festivals and events this season, I would like to remind everyone that the fortune in our business does not just lie in the follow-up….it is in the follow through!

In talking with a coaching client this week, she commented that she had done the follow-up phone call to a customer and was “gonna” mail her a new catalog. My question to her was “When is GONNA?” She had talked with the prospect three days earlier and still had not mailed the catalog.  The follow-up was spot on…the follow through was missing the mark.

Be on target with follow up and follow through - 
Set Yourself Apart From the Rest for Success

A key to successful events is not just in getting a box full of leads, but is in the follow-up and follow through with these leads in a very timely manner.  “Very timely” meaning within 48 hours…or sooner when possible.

These actions alone will set you apart from 80% of the other vendors.

In a nutshell, here are five tips for having successful events:

1. Before starting any event, have a plan.  Be sure you set (and write out) realistic goals for the event so you can evaluate it. Did it met your goals, needs and expectations?  Note that going into an event to get “name recognition” or “product exposure” means you don’t expect any monetary gain. Don’t be disappointed when you hit that goal!
2. Be prepared for the event.  This will vary greatly on your product, company and goals.  At minimum be sure to have a way to collect prospective client, customer, etc information.  Include asking, “What is the best way to reach you?”  TEXT, EMAIL, FACEBOOK, PHONE, etc.
3. Contact every lead within 48 hours of the event. Preferably this is by their “best way“…but if needed it can be an email sent to everyone (privately — no CC) thanking them for visiting your booth and you will be in touch soon. If you did a drawing, this is a great time to announce the winner such as “Mary C from Appletown won our grand prize.” Including a picture of your booth in the email or a link to your Facebook business page with a picture there is a great way to stay fresh in their minds.
4. Follow up with each lead using their “best way” as soon as possible.  HOT leads should be followed up with immediately. Personalized follow up is key to developing the long-term relationship and even securing the initial sales.
5. Follow through as promised. This seems to be the step that is overlooked.  Once you have made the initial follow up, be sure to provide the information or future contact the prospect needs.  Do not wait two or three days to mail a catalog. Have packets pre-made or materials ready to assemble as you make the follow up calls.  Mail, email, Facebook information as you commit to doing so.

Following those five tips will help you make the most of every event and build your success.

Direct Sellers: 3 Ways to Boost Your Creativity and Stay Ahead in Your Business

As a direct seller, you know how important keeping your business fresh and exciting is to attracting and keeping hosts and customers. As a Director of Field Development with over 20 years in the direct selling industry, I understand the need for keeping creativity flowing and have found articles which offer insights and tips on growing and maintaining creativity.

In an NPR (National Public Radio) article, “Wish You Were More Creative” , Dr David Fessell, professor of radiology at the University of Michigan Medical School, explains that emerging science is finding that creativity isn’t inherent but can be learned, practiced and improved. Dr. Fessell sites specific MRI scans of the brain are unlocking the secrets to creativity. They are finding that creativity is not due to some people having different parts of the brain but rather they have learned to improve creativity with practice. The ways to improve creativity are both common and uncommon and could be utilized by direct sellers to boost their creativity.

Travis Bradberry, Co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, examined the habits of highly creative people and outlined his findings in the article “ 6 Unusual Habits of Exceptionally Creative People”,  in Entrepreneur. Bradberry examined habits of creative writers and found several common factors that lead to their creative success. These included exercise, having a schedule and learning to work anywhere, anytime. Bradberry summarizes his findings that creative people are intentional and don’t stop their creativity from flowing.

Creativity is not a gift of the few but can be enhanced and developed by all. To increase your activity, try the following actions:

• Get active – Physical exercise and active, such as taking walks enhances creativity. Take a brisk walk before setting down to work on your business ideas.
•  Start early – Studies find we are most creative before daily tasks take over. Set aside one morning to write out your ideas before the bustle of the day begins. Let your creativity flow and write down every idea.
• Play games – Simply improv games develop quick thinking and deeper thinking skills.

If you are looking to grow your business, out of the box thinking can have a huge impact. Increase your creativity by taking these actions today!

Marian (Brown) Smith is Director of Field Development with a DSA member Direct Selling Company. She has over 20 years in the direct selling industry both in the field and corporately. She is also a Certified Vision Board and Life Coach.