Lead and They Will Follow

I know that you have heard the saying “build it and they will come” from that baseball field movie, right?  Well, building and leading a team works along the same lines.  In direct sales, you move up the career path by adding more people to your team and helping them to achieve their goals.  I love this saying by Zig Ziglar:

BUILDING begins with identifying characteristics in your potential recruits that they may not even see in themselves.  I am sure you have heard people talk about “tight budgets”, wanting to be home with the kids BUT also help with the household finances, debt and the list goes on of those cues that would indicate that this person may be a possible recruit.  Now, look at the person – great personality, fun at the party, knows ALOT of people, or maybe God is just nudging you to work with this person.  Building a team is like hiring an employee – is it a good fit for both of you?  Once you have identified someone, TALK to them, ASK them questions and then sit back and LISTEN!  I had another direct sales leader give me a mini quiz (personality test) that she gives all of her guests at a party which helps her to learn the best way to approach them not just for recruiting but also for sales.  An “AHA” for me – something that I am going to revisit Thirty One style and see how my business starts to change.

LEADING is something that I never thought I would do but I have found that when I let go and let God – great things happen.  My first recruits fell into my lap – people I met who I had a connection with right from the start.  When I decided to move into leadership, I thought I needed to be something MORE.  Why? Was I comparing my business to someone else’s way of doing things?  Did jealousy and pride get in the way?  Sadly, I have to say that all of those things are true.  My 4 best tips for growing and leading my team NOW are:

1. Acknowledge their talents.  We recruit a person because of certain characteristics so why not continue to REWARD them for their talents.  I don’t just mean when they are tops in Sales, Booking or Recruiting but even some of those baby steps that they have taken during the month.  For some may not see what you see in them so inspire them to DREAM BIG and to continue to reach for the stars.
2. TEACH.  Share your knowledge with them.  Thirty One offers an array of learning opportunities – 31 minute calls, video, Facebook, and especially Celebrate and Connect meetings.  Encourage them to ask questions and then help them find the resources with the answers so that they can help their recruits when the time is right.
3. Challenge them. Encourage them to think outside of the box.  Help them to DREAM BIG.  Guide and nurture them along the way so that they can accomplish their goals.
4. HONESTY.  In addition to being leaders, we are also consultants.  Consultants who may struggle on occasion like members of our team so share it with them.  Let them know that they are not alone.  Burst the balloon of “she has it all together, all of the time” especially when it will help to encourage a new recruit or a team member.

So, what will you do today to grow your business?  Remember that building a team takes continual planning along with professional and personal development.  What is your BEST tip for creating a better team?  Share your tips and comments below.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!