Thankful Thursday: Weaknesses

A weakness is defined as “a quality or feature regarded as a disadvantage or fault”.

Are you wondering why I am thankful for my weaknesses? Believe me, this was not always the case. For many years, I hid in fear of anyone finding out what my weaknesses were.  I  struggled to do everything asked – the people pleaser in me was afraid they wouldn’t like me if I shared my weaknesses.  How many of you can relate to this?

So, I focused on my strengths – to move ahead in my career, to grow my direct sales business, to build relationships and to hide my weaknesses.  Not letting many close enough to see my true weaknesses.  The first time I wrote this post, it was all about being in direct sales, this time it is more of a personal revelation to help those who may be struggling….

In business and in life, we can’t be strong in every aspect. For those of us who feel insecure, this is a hard pill to swallow.  We compare ourselves to others, afraid to admit what we don’t know.  Just because we may have a weakness, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.  Trying and failing is part of learning and growing.

Think about your life (and your business).  Things are probably dictated by what you’re good at.  In your life, your hobbies, your job,  your relationships are all based on the things you are good at and enjoy, right?  What about your business?  If you are in direct sales, don’t you focus on the things you are good at whether it is booking, selling or recruiting?  I mean we can’t all be good at everything, right?  We are usually good at one aspect and struggle on another.  As a result, we place a majority of our focus on our strengths. Makes sense though right? If you’re strong in one aspect then it’s probably the part you most enjoy as well! But is thinking like this letting you grow?

I challenge you to be thankful for your weaknesses. We all have them, but sometimes it can be hard to look in the mirror and tell ourselves we need to be better at the part we struggle with.  I don’t mean in a “beat yourself up” kind of way.  I mean to look at the things you want to change or aren’t good at; find resources to help you learn, and strive to be a better version of yourself tomorrow.

 

I will admit I have always been a “beat yourself up” kind of gal.  MS and recovery have taught me a lot.  I am able to admit my weaknesses, ask for help and then even try some of the suggestions I’m given.  Notice I didn’t say DO them but I said try.  My goal is to be a better version of myself every day.

 

Let’s start by writing down what you are strongest at right now.  What do you feel you do really really well. That’s the pillar you build upon. Next, write out what you feel you do decent. Not great but you can get by with the skills you have. These are items you’ll build up over time. But lastly, write out what you feel like you just aren’t good at, or not comfortable doing at all!

 

The last list is the one you have to go and face head on. These are the topics you should be searching for online, and watching videos to help give you the tools to succeed in your business or in life.   It can be hard to admit these to ourselves but it can be the most freeing exercises, as it’s you giving yourself the direction you need.

 

Some of my weaknesses I am thankful for today are being an introvert (shocker, right?), controlling my graze eating, taking everything personally when someone says something, and the dreaded comparison game.  The two things I am working on right now is controlling my graze eating and playing the comparison game.  Eating on the Wahl’s Diet which is designed for those with MS has helped but I still have the urge to “pick” once in a while.  The comparison game or being self-critical is a tough one to overcome.  Some days are better than others but I am learning to let go and let God on the days when I want to beat myself up for something I have no control over.  I am also learning asking for help allows us to meet some really great people and get to know others better.

 

What weaknesses are your thankful for?  Have a blessed day!

 

Let’s Close the Deal

Yesterday we talked about getting out of the summer slump, today is all about the ASK!  Yes, you need to ASK for the sale.  Yes, you need to ASK if they want to host.  Yes, you need to ASK if they want to join your team.

Do you think “all my friends know I sell (your DS company), if they wanted anything they would ask”?  How about “I have posted all of the GREAT things hostesses can get, if they wanted to have a party, they would ask”?   Or, “if they wanted to make some extra money, they would ask about joining my team – it is only a $1″?

We have all been there.  I was at my niece’s wedding last weekend and to my surprise, someone actually said “I didn’t know you sold Thirty One“.  Okay, it wasn’t someone I see a lot BUT I thought everyone I knew – KNEW!

ASKing seems like a non-brainer, right? When was the last time you asked a friend or family member to buy, book or join your team?  I don’t mean just mentioning it, I mean flat out ASKING!   With more and more parties being online and NOT face-to-face, we sometimes forget about the ask – or at least I do.  You would think it would be easier because you can’t see their facial expressions or body language when you ask.  But I find, it is sometimes the last thing I do.  So whether you are partying face-to-face or online or Facebook or whatever party platform you use…. here are some tips which might help you “close the deal”.

Blogger, Pam Terry wrote an article called the “Do’s and Don’ts for Selling at the End of Your Presentation“.  Granted she is talking about home parties or face-to-face parties but I believe we can use some of the same wisdom in our Facebook/online parties.

The biggest take away question for me was: “Have you ever failed at providing an offer at the end of your presentation?”  When I look back at my last parties (all on Facebook) I realize the answer is a DEFINITE YES!  We talk about full-service checkout when we do home parties but shouldn’t we offer the same thing to our guests when we party online?

YES I talk about recruiting.  YES, I talk about the benefits of hosting your own party.  YES, I share the gift of Thirty One.  But during a full-service checkout at a home party, I ASK each of those questions when I talk to each customer.  Why not do it with an online/Facebook party?

Here are some tips from Pam and I am going to shed some light on how we can use these same tips for our Facebook parties:

1. Your presentation content should tie closely to your offer, but not sound like you are selling during the major part of your talk.  During our Facebook parties, we play games and share information.  I share products and the versatile uses of Thirty One‘s purses, totes and accessories.  I sprinkle in booking and recruiting seeds BUT I usually fail to remind everyone how easy it is to get all these things FREE or discounted by being a consultant or booking a party.  What if you asked each one in a private message after they placed their order?
2. Prepare your offer so that it creates value and is at a special discounted price just for today.  I heard someone recently talk about offering “packages” to customers to make it easier for them to shop.  I have done “bundles” with discounted prices based on the monthly Customer Special but the concept of offering 3 packages took this one step further.  It is like building a set of products to be used together with the more you buy, the greater the value.
3. Provide a way for your attendees to easily sign up for your offer.  Once you have ASKed or made the offer, you need to be ready with your calendar to book a party or have recruiting information ready to send someone who may be interested in the opportunity.  I am always ready but if I don’t ASK for the PARTY or offer the opportunity what good is it?

Pam’s concept of building audience trust and fostering a relationship works in ALL businesses.  The key is DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR THE SALE or THE PARTY!  This is something I sometimes forget to do because of FEAR.  So, who is ready to close the deal?  Who is ready to book those parties and find those new recruits to offer the opportunity to make their dreams come true?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Change the World or Money

The 3 components of a successful direct sales business.  We have heard it all before, right?  It is drilled into our heads from the first day.  For many, the book and sell is easy.  But when it comes to recruiting, they freeze.  Why?  Fear of having to lead others?  Fear of competition?  Fear of having their sales drop because their best hostess/customer is now a team member?  Or maybe it is the fear of not knowing what to say?  How do I share the business without being a “pushy salesperson”?  How do I find the right person?

I came across this great analogy:

Finding new recruits can be like attending a birthday party for 7-year-olds. Some children run and jump. Some scream and laugh. And some sit and watch. When you meet a new person who is interested in your business, it’s natural to assume that the same things that motivate you will motivate them. But you don’t know for sure, do you?

There is the theory “Share your why and talk about the benefits to you” and others will want some.  Or, “share about the income and what it has done for you”.  In both of these, it is all about you.  You have no clue what is going to appeal to the other person.

You jump right into your story, your heart’s in the right place BUT many back away.  WHY?  Because they feel like you want them to support YOUR goals and they will get little in return.  The good news is that there’s a way to share the business opportunity and be 100% authentic.

There are two types of people in the world:

Those who are motivated by money and titles, and…
Those who are motivated by making a difference in the world.
Almost everyone has both types of motivational styles, but usually one is dominant.

When “money and titles” motivates, hearing about promotions, bonuses, trips, and other incentives excites them.

But if they want to “change the world,” they will love stories about how your products improved customer’s lives, the financial freedom experienced by your team members, and how customers and team members have achieved their desires and goals. They love the friendships that are developed and seeing people becoming all they can be.

So, how do you find out which type of person they are?  Get your ASK on!!!  Share AFTER you have asked some questions so you know how to appeal to them.

Ask questions that will reveal what inspires them and how your business can best serve them:

What has been your favorite job and why?
Did they tell you about the job that made a difference in people’s lives? Or did they talk about the fantastic money they made?

What would you do with an extra $500 a month?
If they are clear about what they’d do with $500, they’re likely to be a “money and titles” person. If they’re vague and seem uncomfortable, they are likely to have a “change the world” motivational style.

What is your favorite part about your current job?
This way you can share your business based on how your business can offer them the thing they most enjoy in their current job.

If you could change one thing about your current employment, what would it be?
This let’s you know what their motivation style is and what aspects of your business you should share with them first.

Now it’s time to share the opportunity. If their motivation matches yours, share your own story. If it doesn’t, file some stories in your memory to share about other successful people in your company who are inspired by the same things your recruit is.

Recruiting or finding new team members is all about building relationships.  It is about asking questions to find out their interests, motivational style, and employment situation.  When you spend more time talking about them than about yourself, you will understand what inspires them, and you’ll double your team building efforts.

Have  a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Tips from the Million $ Party Girl

Halfway through November with only about 6 weeks left in the year.  YIKES!  Was one of your resolutions or goals to build your team?  Or maybe be consistent in your business?  One of the biggest struggles that most direct sellers have is getting out of their own way.  They think that leadership (and success) requires knowledge and ALOT of time.  Guess what neither is true.

I have been following the AMAZING Lynn Bardowski, the Million Dollar Party Girl and have been getting some great tips.  So whether you are a leader, working towards leadership, had a momentary thought about being a leader or just want to grow your personal business here are some tips from “How to Build Your Direct Sales Team“:

1. CREATE your vision. Successful leaders create their vision – before setting goals. Mix 1/3 passion with 1/3 purpose, add in 1/3 crazy and blend well with massive action. Vision will inspire you and others to act.

LEADERS LEAD BY MOBILIZING PEOPLE AROUND A COMPELLING VISION OF THE FUTURE.

2. BUILD belief. Lack of belief and confidence is the #1 reason people don’t start a direct sales business, or give up. Your belief in others is what will motivate them to take a leap and go for it. Send cards, texts and Facebook messages that let your hostesses, potential sponsors and team members know how awesome they are.

3. SERVE others. Successful leaders put the team before themselves. This is true for direct sales success as well. Plan on devoting your time, energy and sometimes profits to mentor and coach consultants. Don’t worry about the party chain you’re giving up to give a new consultant a great start, or the profit you just lost by helping a Consultant at their Grand Opening party. That’s small change compared to the lives you’ll help shape, and the bigger income that will come back to you in the future. Let this question be your guide: “Is what I’m doing serving myself, or serving others?”

4. ASK open ended questions. You don’t have to know all the answers, just the right questions. Here’s my top 5: 1) What interests you most about [leadership, the company, hosting a party, earning the trip, etc.]? 2) What is your BIG WHY? 3) On a scale of 1-10, how committed are you to making your WHY a reality? 4) Tell me about a recent success; what did it take? 5) What do you attribute that to?

5. RECOGNIZE effort, progress and results. Social media is your best recognition tool, and it’s free. Give shout-outs on your group page and create a wall post with a fun graphic. 

6. INFLUENCE with your attitude, actions and belief. Successful leaders are caring, empathetic and grateful. You are influencing all the time, even when you post on Facebook. Are you the dream consultant that you want to sponsor? If yes, keep doing more of that. If no, then work on being an awesome consultant first. Do what you want duplicated.

Lynn has some great tips on vendor event set-up which is especially great during this holiday season.  Stay tuned for an upcoming boot-camp with Lynn sponsored by Jersey Shore Direct Sellers.  A great opportunity to learn how she grew her business to be the Million Dollar Party Girl.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Is the Law of Attraction Working

Dreaming of success yet it doesn’t seem to come?  Want to see your bank account grow but all that seems to arrive is bills?  Do you wish for something so hard but that wish never comes true?

Have you heard about the “law of attraction” and thought it is CRAZY?  The truth is that you can reframe a situation and attract wonderful things into your life.  Has my unexpected income arrived? It is on its way because I BELIEVE and I am ready to receive it.  Here are some reasons why the law of attraction may not be working for you:

1. Your request wasn’t clear and specific.

Just like you would order a meal in a restaurant – exactly like you want it, you need to ASK specifically for what you want.  If it is a dollar amount, write a paper check and hang it on the wall.  Want a specific goal in your business, be specific and ask for it.

2. You didn’t visualize it.

Clearly ask then visualise it. Imagine yourself having it. Feel the feelings having it would give you.  Use your imagination and all of your senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. What will it feel like when you receive that unexpected income?  What will you do with it?  Feel the emotions that go with it – excitement, happiness contentment etc.

3. You didn’t believe it was really possible.

Be honest.  You asked for something that you didn’t believe was attainable?  Either you didn’t really believe in the law of attraction, or you didn’t believe that this specific thing you are asking for could  happen. Not believing blocks you from attracting whatever it is that you want. If you are struggling, start with something small that you can actually BELIEVE will happen. Once you get that, you can ask for more and get it. Work your way up as your faith builds.

4. You felt you were undeserving of it

This was a big one for me!  You are worthy! You are so deserving of everything you desire. The people that are successful, rich and happy – are not better than you. All of us are equally valuable, important and worthy. We all have our own unique gifts, talents, and necessary contribution to this world. It is why you were born.

5. You didn’t allow it, accept it or take action

Don’t try to force things to happen.  Don’t require it to happen the way you want it. Don’t keep checking on it. What you ask for could happen (and probably will happen) in a way that you never guessed it would. Trust that God (or the universe) knows more than you, knows everything actually, and has the power to make it happen.  Be willing to step out of your comfort zone.  Take action when you feel inspired. Do the things that make sense to get you closer to what you want.

6. You don’t believe you already have it

Believe it is yours.  Know that it is yours.   Imagine your name is written on it and it’s on its way to you. Own it. You are sure that when you order something it will be delivered, right? Even though you are not holding it in your hands, you know it exists, it’s yours and it will be here soon. This is the same thing.

7. It was something you didn’t really want, or part of you didn’t want it

Maybe you asked something that you really didn’t want but something that you thought you “should” want. Ask yourself what is the reason behind what you are asking for and what you really want.

So, who is ready for that promotion? Or new job? Or raise? Or whatever it is that you truly want?  Share it with us.  Speak it into the Universe so it will happen.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!