What It Really Takes To Be a Winner in Your Solo-Business and Make More $$ in Less Time!

We all want to do it in less time don't we?
Do you ever wonder what makes SOME people succeed, wildly succeed, while others are just scraping by, trying to make 5-figures or barely break 6-figures?

If you really want to know what's going to get you from where you are in your business now to a TOTALLY different level, here's the secret...

The secret is actually a COMBINATION of several key techniques (like a combination lock) that, when applied in a particular order, create phenomenal results in your business AND in what you make.

For herself, She's always interested in looking for more ways to take charge of her OWN life and her OWN business. That's why I was intrigued by Fabienne Fredrickson's new free teleclass on Wednesday July 1st, called "What It REALLY Takes To Be A Winner In Your Solo-Business And Make More Than You've Made In The Next 12 Months Than in The Last 12 Years COMBINED."

Here's the link to sign up:

https://attraction.infusionsoft.com/go/WIABpreview/JoyZone/

And Fabienne is ready to reveal it ALL to you, step-by-step, without holding anything back, on a FREE Teleseminar happening Wednesday, July 1st.

Will you join me? I can't wait to have you with me.

https://attraction.infusionsoft.com/go/WIABpreview/JoyZone/

I love Fabienne's material and know you will too!

What Holds You Back?

I often hear that FEAR is what holds women back and for some that's true. For me - PERFECTIONISM is the excuse I wrestle with all the time. What stops you?

Miley Cyrus Knows the Secret to Success in Direct Sales

In direct sales you can have the dream, see it in your mind, know you want it, be working toward it and yet, there are voices in your head saying you won’t make it, there are mountains that get in the way, and there may even be battles to fight along the way. It isn’t just your business that encounters a few trials along the way.

Miley Cyrus has the insight to what it takes to get to success, even when it’s an uphill battle. Her new song “It’s the Climb” is a great one to listen to when you need to redirect yourself in your business journey. Check out the lyrics,

I can almost see it
That dream I’m dreaming but
there’s a voice inside my head that says
you’ll never reach it
every step I’m taking
every move I make feels lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I’ve gotta keep trying, gotta keep my head held high
There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle
Some times I’m going to have to lose
Aint’ about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb

Will you choose to be bigger than the challenge and keep moving forward? Sometimes there are losses in life that leave us questioning, that shake our faith. BUT you’ve gotta keep trying, keep your head held high, recognize there may be mountains. It isn’t a race against anyone else, so it’s all about the process of getting to the dream, the top of your mountain.

See your dream, keep your faith, and recognize what you gain in the climb. If you need a little reminder, get the song and play it loud and sing along.

What is Your Business Image?

Will customers want to enter your "store"?

Are your sample products in mint condition?
Does your display invite shopping?
Are you using the most recent catalogs?
Do you have enough products on hand at your shows for customers to see?
Are you prepared for your show when you arrive with order forms, pens, hostess packets, your date book and other business supplies?
Are you dressed like the "expert" or do you blend in with the crowd?
Are you packing up your products in nice bags, containers, or luggage?

The business front you display reflects your professionalism, the product quality, and the value you offer with purchasing your product.

What is Customer Service?

Customer service is important in establishing your credibility as a businessperson. Customer service helps you develop a relationship with each customer who purchases your product. It is the relationship that creates loyal customers and motivates hostesses to rebook each season. Customer service is the value-added benefit of buying from you instead of somewhere else. Customer service is the unconditional care you provide to your customers.

When is the next time you'll be making customer care calls?

5 Uses for Your Company Post Cards

Many companies offer great tools to use in your business and if you have post cards, there are multiple ways to use them.

1. Keep a set at your closing table for additional suggestions you can give your customer to take home with her.
2. Address one to your hostess, stamp it and when you get back to your car after her show, jot her a quick thank you and drop it in the mailbox on the way home.
3. Keep 20 in your purse or pocket with the date, time, and location of your next show along with directions to your home to pass out to the people you meet around town.
4. Send a thank you post card to your customers who pass a referral on to you.
5. Pass them out at your shows and ask each guest to address one to herself to be included in the next area sample sale, recruiting event, customer appreciation night, etc.

Just Announced! DSWA Coaching Center Open!

Check it out! The new DSWA Coaching Center blog is ready!

There will certainly be a tremendous amount of knowledge shared there so take advantage of all our coaches knowledge. I'm excited to be a part of the coaches who will be writing too.

Neil Philips first post is a great lead for what's to come. He does mention that coaches read a lot! Here's the book I'm reading now: What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

Become a follower of Direct Sales Professional Blog and the DSWA Coaching Center Blog today!

Working on my Anniversary

Today is our 21 wedding anniversary!

I'm working tonight - even though it's our anniversary. I don't always do this, but this is not the first time. Years ago when I was a relatively new consultant, my sponsor was coming to our city to hold a new coordinator training. I knew I really needed the information if I was going to build my business, which at that point I never even envisioned it would grow to become a Million Dollar organization. It was our 7th anniversary and we talked it over and decided, we'll still be married tomorrow, so why not celebrate on a different day. It worked.

I'm doing the same thing now. I just finished one DSWA coaching certification call and I've got one more to go tonight to get these classes in. We both know I've made an investment in my education, in my coaching clients, and ultimately, for our family, so working tonight works for us.

So often I've heard consultants say they can't attend a training being held in their town (even when the trainer or corporate exec is coming) because it's their anniversary or birthday or a child's birthday. When the opportunity to learn and grow your business is available to you, which ultimately impacts your family positively, you take advantage of it! I'm talking here about the trainings that are not offered frequently or a special company exec or guest is coming. If your marriage can't be flexible, you've got to wonder how's that working out for you? Kids will get over it and they'll learn that they are not the center of your universe, an important part, but not the one-in-all. Find ways to make the day special, go to your training, and schedule a time to celebrate when you can be fully present.

Certainly family is a priority for me, it's one of the reasons I built a direct sales business and now coach and train. However, balance is a priority. Being present with my family when I'm with them is a priority.

I get to be on my call in a few minutes here, and then, when it's all over, I have a tray of shrimp in the fridge waiting for the two of us.

Single Daily Activities You Can Do for Your Direct Selling Business

1. Interview a hostess
2. Write Thank You notes
3. Hold a cyber show
4. Review your manual
5. Watch your training DVD
6. Download an MP3 from your company
7. Listen to training CDs
8. Make customer service calls
9. Place an order
10. Make a list of prospects
11. Make 3 follow up calls
12. Attend an area training
13. Listen in on a training teleclass
14. Do your hostess coaching
15. Ask for a referral
16. Plan for Nat'l Convention
17. Review your goals
18. Call your leader for a one on one business review
19. Review your booking & recruiting commercials
20. Get a coach (You knew I had to put that one in there!)
You can ALWAYS do something for your business every day - and these are only a handful of places to start.

Give Yourself a Raise with Better Hostess Coaching

You've got the date, make the most of it by coaching your hostess. The higher your sales and bookings the more she gains in hostess credits. Make sure she knows what it takes to get what she wants through hostess coaching.

1. Schedule it. Whether you give her a hostess packet or a brochure, set a coaching call within 48 hours of setting her show date.
2. Help her determine what she wants to earn. When she has a concrete idea in her head, she'll work harder to get it. Show her how many orders and bookings she will need.
3. Help her generate her guest list. Although FRANK works, you can take it one step further with some more specifics for her. Who does she know that just built a new home,who is a realtor, who has teenagers, who runs a daycare in her home? Think about what kind of buyers you want, who would be attracted to your products and help her think about specific people.
4. Explain the best way to invite. Phone calls are critical, post card invites are great reminders. Emails to save the date can help. Reminder calls a couple days in advance are wise.
5. Give her the words to say when she invites her guests. Ask her what she loved about your show or products and suggest she share that with her guests because her enthusiasm will shine through.
6. Set a goal for outside sales and bookings.
7. Call her 5 - 7 days out from her show and ask "How many guests do we have confirmed?" Help her to build on that list, encourage her to make more calls, assist her in making calls, and show her why the date she picked is still a good date to prevent a postponement.
8. Call her 3 days out to remind her to make those reminder calls, let her know how excited you are and reassure her that her show will be a success.
9. At her show, let her know she sets the pace. If she encourages her friends to book, she's more likely to have more bookings. If she gets involved using your products at the show her guests will feel more comfortable doing the same.

With better hostess coaching, you'll see higher sales, better bookings and put a stop to postponements.

How to Raise Your Sales Without Raising Your Work Load

Simple steps to raising your sales at your shows:
1. Focus on your company's specials. If your company offers a buy one get one at half price, spend $50 get special item for only $25, be sure you point these out during your show and at the order table. I attended a home decor show and ended up spending an additional $31 because of the specials my consultant pointed out at the order table.

2. Sell in sets - Women need the entire set when it comes to a skin care system right? If you sell baskets, then a liner and protector are necessary. Why buy one necklace when it looks better layered and accented with earrings? Think about your product and what items can go together to create a set.

3. Always build the sale - certainly there is one more item in your catalog that your client will wish she had to complete her set, make the most of her investment, and so on. When the check book is out, your customer is ready to buy. Remind her of the extras that complete what she has started. Napkin rings are smart if she's buying the napkins, a couple spatulas if she's buying a new piece of cookware, candles if she's buying the new centerpiece for her dining room table.

4. Teach your hostesses to get outside orders from all her guests that can not come. Set a goal for how much she could sell before you even arrive. Make sure her guests who can not attend can place on line orders. My girlfriend recently held a show that I could not attend. I ordered online and her consultant later told me she had $400 in outside sales before her show even began.

Consider this: If you held two shows a week with ten buying guests at each show, and you raised the sale by $30 a person (which could be one more item), you would add $2400 to your sales total in one month's time. Hmmm. What would you do with the extra cash flow? If you earn a 30% commission, you'd be adding another $720 to your bottom line.

You may think your products sell themselves, but if you really want to increase your sales, you'll work to sell your products.

Tips 9 & 10 for Direct Selling Success

9. Don't Compare your Progress or Success to Others
No matter what is happening in your life, it isn't the same as what is happening in another person's life so why use someone else as your benchmark? Set your own goals and determine for yourself what is best for you. Determine what does success really mean for you? It may not mean being #1 in your company, but instead, it may mean earning enough money to be able to stay at home full time. Success may mean that you have reached the point where you feel good about standing in front of people to do your presentation. Progress may be for you to get 6 shows on the calendar. If you do better than you have done before, that's progress.

10. Ask for Help Along the Way
When you do get stuck, you need to seek out someone who knows how to help you out. It may mean calling your sponsor or director, maybe listening to company CD's, read the company manual, read a self-help book, or get a coach. Attend national convention and go to your local meetings. You don't have to know it all to build your business. You just have to start and believe that there will always be someone who will know the answers to the questions you don't know.