How to Make Money In Bad Winter Weather

This past weekend was the first of what I am sure will be many cancellations of events and parties during the rough winter months.  I am working on a plan to keep my business consistent while I (and my customers) are snuggled warm at home.  Last winter, I was able to hit my goal as was my team with some planning – I always have a plan B….

Here are some tips to help you keep your sales up during those cold winter months…

1.Flash Sale Fridays (or any day)

Pick a product or a bundle of products and offer them at a discount for a 24-hour period only.  Let your customers know by sharing the products LIVE on Facebook or via an email or even in a text message.  Encourage them to share the flash sale with friends – the more the merrier.  If it isn’t in your budget to offer your own discount, utilize the specials offered by your company by creating bundles  for your customers.  By creating a sense of urgency (today only) you can encourage people to shop.

2. Facebook LIVE parties

Facebook LIVE is a great way to demonstrate products, do drawings, and have fun. By letting your customers see you LIVE, then establish a connection with you, see your personality shine.  Encourage attendees to share the video with friends.  Ask simple questions like where do you live so everyone checks in.  Acknowledge those who check in with a greeting or comment.  The more interaction, the more people will see it on their Facebook newsfeed.  The end result is to take orders by sharing solutions to their every day problems with your products.

3. Show on the Go parties

Pack up some samples of your products, catalogs and share them with 6 of your friends. Encourage each of them to collect $100 in orders.  Give it a fun name and split the hostess benefits between them.  Chances are they will collect more than $100 in sales.

4. If it’s just a flurry

Have a flurry sale offering, get rid of retiring prints and products or excess inventory – we in direct sales always have excess inventory.  Have a home party, offer a discount or special gift if the party holds and guests attend or order.

5. Hold a Mystery Host party

Text, email, phone or facebook message past/ current customers for orders.  Anyone who places an order will be entered in a drawing to win ALL of the hostess benefits.  The more orders, the more benefits.

Be sure to OVERBOOK your calendar in the winter months.  One date is the party date and the second date is fa snow date, just in case the original date needs to get postponed due to weather. If a home party is cancelled, switch it to a ZOOM or Facebook LIVE party. You were scheduled to work, so work your business.

Another fun idea to get people out to a wintery party is to offer a fun theme party with a summer or tropical theme… all the way down to the dress and snacks. It’s a fun way to bring hope the winter will soon be over and allows everyone to dream a little.

What is your best tip for keeping your business consistent during the winter?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Spring Clean Your Business

The first “official” week of Spring – the air is still a little chilly BUT it is a great time to clean up your business.  How many of you have given up on your “New Year’s” resolutions? Or maybe it is time to refresh your kit?  Have you fallen into the “same old same old”  which may be cluttering your profitability and productivity?

I am on the last week of earning our Leadership Incentive Trip so in the midst of pushing for those final “stars”, I am doing some Spring cleaning with the help of Becky Spieth.  Click the picture to watch her video.

What are you saying about your business?

I will admit, in the past I have fallen into the “no one wants to do party with me” thinking.  What about you?   When you are talking to potential hosts or recruits, are you focusing on what YOU think or need versus what they think and need?  When we shift our focus from us to Hostess/Customer/ Team, we see a difference in the way people respond to us.  I work really hard to focus on my team and not on my needs.  I am not normally a numbers pusher/nagger which makes working towards an incentive which requires team numbers a tad more difficult.

Are you trying to sell?

Aren’t we supposed to be selling if we are in business to make money?  The truth is no one wants to be sold to.  When we ask questions of people, we begin to build relationships.  When we are interested in a person for who they are and not for what they can do for us, we make a difference in their lives.  Once I have the answers to some questions, I like to focus on why our product can help them solve “a problem”, “make life easier”, or make them feel pretty or special.  I THINK our products are great but if they aren’t interested because it won’t help them, I’m not going to have a sale or book a party.    Discover everything you need to know about them.  Make them love you so much they want to share you, how you serve them, and your product with all of their friends.

Are you serving your customers so well they are staying with you?

In an effort to expand your circle to get more customers, have you ignored your current clients? Don’t worry, we have all made this mistake.  We work hard to get our current customers and we want them to stay with us FOREVER.  I can’t tell you how many times I have been at a vendor event, and ask someone if they already have a consultant.  When they respond “I shopped with someone but I’m not sure who it was”, my heart breaks for the consultant and the customer.  I have set up systems to reach out to my customers on at least a quarterly basis after I have done all of my “pink glove” follow-up.  It isn’t perfect BUT I keep moving forward.  Find a system which works for you.  Remember your customers and hosts gave you more than just their money… they gave you their trust.  Trust is more important than money, any day, when it comes to customer care and relationships.  People shop and spend money with people they like, know and trust.  You grow your business based on the trust factor.

Does your kit need to be cleaned and refreshed?

Do you have product in retired prints?  When was the last time you hosted your own party so you could earn FREE products to refresh your presentation?  It is SPRING….so add some Spring color, and fabrics after giving everything a thorough cleaning.  I’m going to host my own party this month to get some new SPRING products. I’m also going to hold a FLASH sale to clear out some of the old stuff.  It doesn’t help me sitting in a box gathering dust.

How will you refresh and revive your business this Spring?  Share your ideas with us..

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

#BeYourOwnBoss

The quaint streets of Sylva, North Carolina were my office last week.  Yes, I was on vacation BUT I was also a walking billboard for my business.  I started conversations and made connections.  I have to admit, it was out of my comfort zone BUT the streets of NC seem so much more welcoming then the streets in NJ.

One of the best “perks” of being of being your own boss and have a direct sales business is I get to have total freedom on how I run my business. Honestly, running a successful direct sales business can become an all-consuming task.  To keep that from happening, you have to stay on top of everything that’s going on in your direct sales business. I know, you are wondering is it worth all of the effort?  Let me tell you – it absolutely is!

Here are some tips and tricks for keeping everything manageable:

#1 You need to stay hungry for success.

This is one of the toughest things for me.  Set goals for your business around bookings, sales, and recruiting and create a strategy for going after them on a daily basis. This helps you to stay focus and succeed in all three areas. Not only will it help you to keep creative, but you’ll be modeling things that your team can follow to grow their business.

#2 Keep an eye on your business facts and figures.

Keeping you eye on the numbers doesn’t mean just checking your reports to see if you and your team has sales.  I have gotten better with “organizing” my expenses BUT they still are not logged in my records.  The bottom line is that if anyone asked me what it costs me to do business, I would have to just guess. This is not good. You need to “know your numbers” before the end of the year and doing taxes so you have a true read on how you’re actually doing in your business. This means you need to organize accounts, track expenses, and keep everything up to date so you know where you are at any given moment. I use a simple tickler file to organize expenses, now the key is to put them on the excel spread sheet every month.  When you know your finances are in order, then you will know how your business is doing,  NO, it isn’t much fun but if you do it at least once a month, life will be easier.

#3 Stay Educated and Execute what you learn!

Keep up to date on trends in your company and in the industry by reading magazines, blogs, and your company information and publications.  Things happen and you need to be sure you’re on top of any changes as soon as they happen. Some would recommend reading newspapers like Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal because the information in these publications can have an impact on you even if it’s not business specific. I find some of the best information coming from expert emails and newsletters, like Julieann Jones or Becky Spieth or Desiree Wolfe.  Reading is great but if you don’t DO SOMETHING with the information, there is no real value to you.  If you read something which sounds like a good fit for your business, make a plan and take action to try it. Even if it doesn’t work out the way you planned, you’ll learn from the experience – win or lose.

#4 Social media – pick two!

Social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, SnapChat, Google Hangouts and the list goes on.  It seems like every day there is a new spot to promote your business.  Overwhelming?  To me it is.  The key is knowing where your target market hangs out.  If most of your customers are on Facebook and Instragram, start there.  Be consistent.  Share and don’t constantly ask for sales. Don’t be that “pushy” sales person.  You want to be seen as a trusted expert in your product area.  I am consistent on Facebook by using Cinchshare.  I LOVE it.  The minimal cost allows me to plan my posts even when I am on vacation.  CLICK HERE to get a free trial.  Taking the time to post for a week will same you time and will help to increase your visibility online.  This is a great way to keep things simple.

What are your best tips for staying on top of the “business” of your business (or home projects).  Share them with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

You be You

 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves …” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

I have a confession!  Over the last 10 days, I was a Facebook addict.  Yes, I proudly stalked Facebook at every possible moment.  Why?  My Thirty One sisters were at National Conference and I was at home.  It was not an easy decision but one that I was at peace with.  My Sponsor even said “you have a peacefulness in you that I have never heard before”. It was a nice surprise.  Yes, Eryka, I did say “Thank you, it is true“.

So, where is this all leading?  In direct sales, there are thousands of sister consultants.  Some in the same neighborhood and maybe even on the same block.  I used to feel threatened by this.  I wanted to be the best. I wanted everyone to give me “words of affirmation”.  When others succeeded where I didn’t, I used to feel envy, jealousy and downright lousy.  This would be followed by a period of anger and frustration.  The end result, my business and my personal life suffered.

I have been blessed over the last several months to have gone through a transformation – okay, I am still a work in progress but HUGE changes have occurred.  Here are some things that I did:

1. Becky Spieth kicked it off by touching my heart at our Leadership Conference.  Check out her videos, she is AMAZING!
2. I read The Secret, TWICE.  This changed my perspective on life totally.  I now speak the positive into the Universe, leaving Negative Nelly at the curb.
3. I learned how to CELEBRATE me – my accomplishments, my faults, my inner gremlins.  The whole mess.  Thank you Eryka.
4. My morning devotions include the NIV Leadership Bible.  Okay, I will admit that there are actually parts of the Bible that I never read before.  I will admit that I don’t always get the point they are trying to make.  That is all okay.  The fact that I keep going is what is making a difference.

 

What did I learn?  Everyone’s journey is different.  I need to be ME!  I have been called and given an assignment by God.  Okay, so I may not know what it is but I know he has a plan for me.  I am not going to let comparison, jealousy or envy take me off his path.  God has given us gifts but not to make ourselves better than the girl next to us.  The gifts are ours to share with the world.  The road maybe rocky but I know that when I give my insecurities to God – truly turn them over – I can confidently be myself while watching someone else live out theirs (and maybe even my) dream. It is an ongoing struggle but we need to put our insecurities aside so we can embrace the place where we have confidence and assurance.

So stalking Facebook allowed me to CELEBRATE the accomplishments of others and I am blessed by it. I am ME! You are YOU!  We may have the same business but our paths are different.  God has a unique plan for each of us.

Are you willing to forgo the envy and the jealousy to live the life that God has planned for you?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

Claiming the Blessing

Was your June a bust?  Did you have an AWESOME May and then sales slumped in June?  The”J” months can be tough if you are not prepared and we are rolling right into another one, right? What do you want to be different?  Are you wishing and wanting for success or are you making it happen?  Are you casting the “I wish” vision or are you claiming the blessing?  Believe me the difference in our words can make a difference in what the Universe gives us.

Why am I so sure that this positive claim works?  I have seen countless people cast the vision and claim the blessing.  I have seen team members reach for a goal, claim it and then achieve it.  I was one of them the year that I promoted to Director with Thirty One.  I have shared the struggles, the tears and the successes of the last two years.  In the last few months I have learned so much.  Why?  Because I BELIEVE that my dreams are obtainable.  Better yet, I have CLAIMED them.  How did this amazing transformation occur?  No, there is no magic wand.  It took being coachable.  I was open to change and willing to learn.

So many people helped in the transformation to Hope 1.5 on the way to Hope 2.0.   The women of the Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Women who started the transformation of this “shabby chic” momma into a “real” business owner.  The Beacon of Hope Leadership Retreat with Hope Shortt and Becky Spieth broke down the final barriers.  Then I was ready to accept the coaching from: Britt Bolnick, In Arm’s Coacching, Desiree Wolfe with her Rebel Mamapreneur Think Tank, and Eryka Peskin, Abudance Coach and Fierce Cheerleader.

Remember that you deserve to be happy, truly happy with a joy that comes from within.  Believe in yourself just as others believe in you.  See yourself through their eyes.  You are AWESOME. Feel it.  Believe it.  And know that you deserve it.  Here is a great way to do that: practice visualizing where you want to be every day, then take the steps to make it a reality.  I wrote a letter to Hope 2.0 telling her how proud I was of all that she had accomplished in her business:

Dear Hope 2.0:

I am so proud of all that you have accomplished in the last 5 years:

• Your office  is organized.  I am glad that you finally have a part-time assistant to help with the busy work.  The family room looks AMAZING and I know that your team loves hanging out with you and learning all of your great business tips.
• Where did you say your last cruise went to?  WOW!  I know hubby loves the fact that you can take a vacation every year and you treat.  What a great way to say thank you to him for taking care of you every day.  Of course, those mini getaways are nice too.  You can never have enough of them.
• You got to walk the stage as a Senior Director.  The best part was that hubby was there to greet you along with Belinda.  I know you cried because he never wanted to enter into the pink bubble but he was so proud of you.  He finally sees your business as a business
• Your calendar is full with home parties & events.  Your hostesses are scheduling their next party when they close their current one because your calendar gets so full
• Your Annual Hostess Appreciation party has become the talk of the town.  In 5 years, it is the must attend end of the year event
• The many charities that you have helped with your seasonal events for kids and families are a blessing.  Don’t forget the multiple fundraisers you hold every month.  Not only are you helping organizations find discretionary money but you are also helping people who are struggling. You never forget where you came from – a homeless, addict who just wanted to please everyone.  By remembering, you are able to encourage others
• You have inspired so many on your team to reach for their dreams, to overcome their inner gremlins and as a result their lives are changed forever
• Your willingness to share your office systems, your party ideas, your presentations and even allow consultants to tag along with you even if they are not on your team is a great example of a leader.

I want you to remember that success is always within your reach.  There will be struggles but that simply means that there are lessons to be learned.  Your  journey is yours alone but others can learn from it.  Comparison is not in the plan.

I am on the road to being Hope 2.0.  I am not waiting for “when” or “if”, I am claiming the blessings NOW.  I have seen things change in my business since I did this exercise – thank you Eryka. Give it a chance, what have you got to loose.  You deserve to have all of the blessings waiting for you.  I can’t wait to celebrate your successes.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.