Be International

The buzz word in direct sales lately is “intentional”.  What does that really mean?  According o Webster’s Dictionary, the word intentional is something done on purpose.  For example “If you specifically make a plan to be nice to someone you don’t like very much and you are extremely careful to be nice, this is an example of when your nice behavior would be described as intentional.”

Let’s apply it “getting bookings” in our direct sales business.  The obvious thing would be to just “ask”, right?  Maybe you have tried and you keep getting shot down.  Maybe you have run out of contacts.  Maybe you just don’t seem to have the right words.  Whatever the obstacle, there is a way to fix it.

The old message of “just pick up the phone and make booking calls” rings on deaf ears, right?  No one answers their phone.  You try to think of creative messages so that they will return your call.  You offer incentives.  You “beg”.  If we don’t talk to anyone, we get discouraged and we think that no one wants to party.

The truth is that people do want to have parties, we just need to find a different way to connect with them.  Facebook has been the go-to for many lately and it has worked.  Texting is an option. Email is another option.  If you know the preferred method of contact for your customers, you can reach out to them but the message has to fit THEIR need.

When we are at a party, it is easy to talk about the fun you can have at a party.  They are there and experiencing it.  This message doesn’t work outside of the party.  Potential hostesses do not have the emotional connection out side of the party.  So what are some key words:

• FUN!
• Break!
• A Night off!
• Girlfriend time!
• Pampering!

The party should be taking something off of the hostesses plate not adding more to it.  The party should not be stressful for them, it should be a fun time.

Every week (I prefer daily) set aside time to make booking contacts.  Work for the NO’s because after a certain percentage, you will get a YES!  Now, I mean actually talk to people.  Leaving messages doesn’t count as a NO.  Make those pink bag calls and talk to your customers.  At the end of the conversation, ask them if they could use a “night off” or some “girlfriend time”.  After you have listened to them, you will know what key words to use to lock in that booking.

Who is ready to be intentional about booking parties and their business?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!