I know, it is getting close to Christmas and Vacation Veronica is ready to creep in. You know who I mean…. the inner gremlin who tells you “it is time for you to take a break” or “everyone is shopping at the malls” or any of the crazy thoughts which keep us from moving forward with our business during the busiest selling season of the year.
For me, I am at Day 2 of an event at AT & T in Bedminster. My first time taking a big event like this in a long time but I am grateful for momma’s help. A closed event for employees, and vendors. Okay, so more about how to increase your sales….
No matter what your business, I know there are many of us in direct sales struggling with the same thoughts. Some are shutting down their businesses getting ready for their own holiday while others are plugging along. With so many exciting things happening at Thirty One with Customer Appreciation month coming and the NEW Spring Catalog Premiere, I am too excited to be winding down my business yet.
For many of us, our direct sales business has been changing from home parties to parties dominated by social media. From Facebook Live to Zoom parties to 31 minute parties to texting parties…. the home party has gone away for many. I came across a blog by JulieAnne Jones which made me giggle. She starts off with:
I know, I know, your home party plan merchandise sells itself. I’ve heard that a million times from my direct sales clients and friends and I believe it…to a point.
So why does it make me giggle? Because I have said it a million times to potential hostesses when we are talking about booking a “shopping experience”. Admit it, you have too. We know the “face to face” parties are where things really happen, right? When people are having fun and you are providing them with solutions to every day problems, they will shop. Believe it or not, there are ways to provide the same personalized shopping experience on social media but it is for a different blog post…
None of us want to be the pushy sales person BUT you need to be using some sales techniques or you are going to leave money on the table. Okay, maybe not literally but you will miss out on the opportunities in front of you…..
So here are some tips on how to maximize your sales at the end of your home party or at your social media base party.
1. A Wish List. This is a great way for your guests to keep track of the items they like and helps with checkout. Getting customers to tell you what their favorite products are or what is on their wish list is a great way to help them with the best deals when placing an order, hosting a party or joining your team. I am going to create a google form for my online parties to not only be able to gather information on the guests but to ask for their “wish list” offering a ticket to be drawn for all who complete the form. A minimal cost but worth it in the end.
2. Shopping. Help you guests with shopping whether in person or online. I have been utilizing the Tag Team version of a Facebook party and my guests loved it. No need to go to the website. Be sure you include how to shop in at the end of your presentation or during your social media party. Make it easy for them. Be sure to talk about customer specials, shipping times, etc.. This seems like a no-brainer but the truth is sometimes we forget something.
3. Provide a Nordstrom, not a Wal-Mart experience for your guests. Honestly, this is my favorite thing to do. Spending one on one time with guests. I will help them find the best deals so they get the most value for their dollar. Dedicated time to each customer to answer their questions and help them with choices will increase sales and build relationships which will lead to future bookings and sales. I have been known to spend 45 minutes on the phone with a customer sending sample shots to them just to ensure they receive exactly what they are looking for in a product.
4. Add-on Products. Solution sets have always been a part of Thirty One’s party experience (as well as many other direct selling businesses) A core product teamed with two other products. Asking guests if they want the monthly special is easy and usually a welcome reminder according to party guests. Your job is to know your merchandise and catalog so well you can suggest add-on products based on what your customers like (upsell). A high percentage of people will say yes to relevant suggestions, increasing your bottom line.
So, which one of these tips are YOU going to implement to increase your sales for the rest of the holiday season? Better yet, what is YOUR best tip for increasing sales? Share with us…
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 