Saturday Spotlight: Paparazzi Jewelry

Where are my fashionistas? Are you a jewelry addict?  Do you like to coordinate your earrings, necklace and bracelets when putting an outfit together?  I will admit, I don’t wear a lot of jewelry and I tend to wear the same thing over and over again.  WHY?  Because it can be expensive.  What if I told you, there is an alternative to spending BIG BUCKS on jewelry but you can still look stylish?

Let me introduce you to my friend, Kathy Stine.  Here is her direct sales story:

I’ve represented many direct sales companies in the past – Tupperware, Undercoverware, Partylite, Park Lane, and Avon and a couple of them more then once.

Recently I had a storefront (Bible Book Store of Imlay City) which I closed in November 2016, after 3 years. As a store owner you look for things to carry people might like. When I opened the store, I had a local person bring in her handmade jewelry to sell. Since I wasn’t selling much of her stuff she decided to scale back her display and eventually she removed everything. When she scaled back, I knew I either needed to try making my own or find another source for jewelry, but something a little more affordable.

At the same time, I noticed someone posted about a $5 jewelry company but didn’t think much about it. It wasn’t until a friend started talking about possibly joining the company to sell it, I mentioned I was interested in the products. I didn’t act on things until my jewelry lady pulled her stuff, then I checked back with my friend to see if she joined yet and where she stood.

I reached out to a consultant from the jewelry company, expressing an interest in the products.  I explained I was thinking of carrying the product in my store and maybe even join so I could sell, however I was very skeptical of the jewelry and its quality, after all the stuff was only $5 each. I asked if she could bring stuff to the store so I could get the “bird’s eye view” and see it for myself. So she came in and brought lots for me to see. I was impressed. The pieces were truly amazing and nothing like I expected. They were not small either, some of the necklaces were huge (lots of beads, long in length,etc). I knew right then I wanted to try to sell the jewelry but I didn’t have the start-up money.

Our town’s big event was the next month and I wanted to have stuff by then. She asked if she could set up a display while I gathered the needed funds to join myself and of course I said she could. A couple days later she brought in a huge display. My customers admired the jewelry and couldn’t believe the pieces were only $5 each. I got many nice comments on it. I sold quite a few pieces from her stuff and finally had enough funds together to purchase my own kit. Of course I asked a lot of questions before joining. The main question of course is how much do you earn selling the jewelry – I mean after all the customer is only charged $5.00. She proceeded to tell me we make a 45% commission! I couldn’t believe it as no company gives so much away. However she showed me proof. Plus not only do they give you a large commission, they also give you free products with your orders as long as they are a certain amount.

About the only draw back from this company is they do not print catalogs. Reason being as most items sell out really fast and they’d have to produce a new catalog almost monthly and it would be costly. They do give us a free shopping web site for our customers to shop from. Most consultants carry a lot of stock and do cash and carry. Home parties can be done as well as online parties.

The company I am referring to is paparazzi. To check out what is currently available go to my website . If you are on Facebook feel free to join my VIP group. In this group I list everything I have currently have on hand. If you want the item just let me know and once I receive payment I will ship the item(s) to you. I am really glad I joined paparazzi and wish I knew about it a lot sooner. I have met some awesome people as well. I am always looking for events and places to get into with my jewelry. Its really nice stuff.

Be sure to check out her website and I would love to hear what our favorite pieces are…

Need something to carry all of your new jewelry in?  Check out ThirtyOne’s Shine On Jewelry Case.  Great for travel and practical enough to store everyday jewelry or other small necessities. Features one PVC zipper compartment with two organza bags, one zipper pocket, two jewelry snap tabs and a tie closure. It’s available in new Spring prints and can be personalized for an added touch. Size: Approx 6.25″H x 9″L

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How to Get More A.F.T.E.R.

WOOHOO WEDNESDAY!  I am playing catch up after working my part-time job on a full-time basis last week.  I must really be getting OLD because I am exhausted.  Not only was I working, I had a busy week in my direct sales business – closing parties, coaching hostesses and working with new team members.

I had an BIG event on Saturday so I am working on follow-up.  We all know it is the key to success, right?  Truth be told, in the past, I was not very good at it. So I am working this week on changing my mindset so I can change my business.  I mean it worked for changing my mindset about recruiting and gained 5 new recruits in 3 months.  So, why not put it to the test for booking and sales?

This is an article I found on DSWA and the thinking process started.  I know scary but sometimes it triggers some really exciting stuff.  At a home party 100% of the people buy something – a sale is a sale no matter how small which is good. I seem to struggle on Facebook/online parties and after vendor events.

The article highlighted the word AFTER as an acronym on how to get more sales..So let me know what you think:

A stands for Attitude.  Your attitude (positive or negative) will determine the results after the event.  Are you positive?  Do you think it is normal for people to place orders AFTER an event or a direct sales party? Or, do you think it is pushy to contact people AFTER the event/party about more sales?  Your attitude will determine the outcome.  Change your mindset, change your attitude.  I have been blessed with repeat business after home parties.  I tend to struggle during vendor events because my attitude is all about leads and NOT sales.  Does your phone weigh 500 pounds, so you can’t lift it?  The Fortune is in the Follow-up.

 F stands for Fun.  The most important part of any home party, right?  Are your parties fun? Would you want to attend or book a party from YOU?  You need to have fun so your guests can have fun.  Even at vendor events, I have fun!   I am learning it is not about perfection, it is about progress.  Thank you Deb Bixler. Who wants to party or be part of a team not having fun, right?

T stands for Tell.  Talk to your hostess and make sure that she knows how to collect orders – if she doesn’t she won’t do it.  I offer an incentive to my hostess for gathering $200 in pre-orders BEFORE the party, this has helped to increase my party averages.  At a vendor event, I tell EVERYONE who will listen how easy it is to host a party with me.  Simply 6 orders of $35 equals a party.  I mean you must know 6 people who are looking for a gift or like to shop.  Telling doesn’t mean DEMAND, it means talk, explain, have a conversation and LISTEN to what they are saying to you.

E stands for Energy or Excitement.  Without this, you don’t have a business – it is the make or break it of direct sales. Translate your excitement to your hostess, your customers and get things rolling.  I get told I am “too perky” – I used to tone things down but not any more.  People want to be a part of my energy.

R stands for Remind, Remind, Remind.  In today’s crazy, fast-paced world, we need reminders – you use post it notes to stop to the store, the grocery list, the to do checklist, and a hundred other things, right?  I’m not alone in this, although, I usually blame my need for reminders on the MS or health struggles. Why would you think your hostess, her guests or those who stop by your table at vendor events wouldn’t need a reminder?  Every time you talk with someone after the initial encounter, talk to them about specifics – an upcoming sale, a product they were interested in or even wanting to book a party.

Things happen AFTER an event or party because YOU have a plan.  What are some of your tips for success AFTER a party or vendor event?  Share your best ideas.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day! #hope

Are You a Lion or a Lamb?

March rolls in like a lion and out like a lamb, right?  I am hoping that the few days of warmer weather is an indication that the temps are going to start creeping up.  I am not a cold weather person!

Are you a busy mom?  Okay, I guess that is a silly question since ALL moms are busy.  How about a business owner on the go?  Maybe you have a child, tween or teen that is looking for a stylish bag?  Thirty One has some AMAZING options this season.

Spring is just around the corner BUT at Thirty One – SPRING HAS SPRUNG!  .

Why not get ready for spring and all of those outdoor activities with four of Thirty One’s crossbody styles.  They will keep your hands free for cheering on your favorite team, or shopping or just hanging out with friends..

Here are some options for you:

Want to be a hostess?

Did you know that for just $200 in orders, YOU can have a qualified party. Did you know that was only 6 orders of $35?  I know that you you want that HOSTESS Special set, right?  So let’s shoot for a $600 party – that is Thirty One’s average party. I LOVE home parties BUT I also do catalog/online, on the go and Facebook parties. Which one will fit into YOUR busy schedule?

 

Do you just LOVE to shop?

Thirty One’s Customer Special for March is FOUR of our cross body styles at 50% off with a $35 purchase. The 4 styles are the Tons of Funds, the Sling-Bag Bag, the Paris and the Organizing Shoulder bag.

Additional prints are available.

How about EARNing money? Want to join my team?

Looking for some me time?  Want to have some extra money to pay for all of those summer activities for the kids?  Want to have a “cash” vacation this summer?  For more details, click HERE.

 

Which option will you pick???

If you just want to get a heads up on monthly specials, play some games and maybe win some prizes, go to click HERE for my VIP Group – Hope’s Purse Closet.

Thank you to Christina’s Creations for the visual.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Now What?

So, you decided to join a direct sales company for some extra money, some girl time. or fill in the blank.  Now the kit or enrollment package has arrived and you are wondering what you got yourself into, right?

I love these simple steps from JulieAnn Jones that breaks down the areas you will need to master to be a success in your direct sales  business.

#1: Parties and Bookings

If you joined a party plan business, this is the lifeblood of your business.  Now, there are a variety of different types of parties – home parties, catalog/online parties, Facebook parties, restaurant parties and open houses.  Honestly the best parties are home parties because face to face is the best way to build relationships and get more business.  Sales, sponsoring, and more bookings all flow from there.  Be ready to show potential hostesses why having their own home party is a great idea.

#2: Hostess Coaching

Your hostess is the key to a successful party, and parties are important (see #1 above). So a huge part of your job is creating a strong connection and building a relationship with your hostess.  When they are excited about the party (whatever form), it will get their guests excited and then they will want to book a party.  You want to make sure that they have everything they need to make their party is a success.

#3: Sales

I think this is almost as important as parties and bookings. You have to love your AMAZING product and use it.  I mean, how can  you tell people how wonderful it is, if you are not using it.  You don’t have to be “that pushy sales person” to be good at selling it.  “The key is to figure out how to share with people in a way that peaks their interest and desire to have your product.

#4: Sponsoring

I can hear the groans and see the rolled eyes.  A million reasons why you don’t want a team are already formulating in your head, right?  The truth is that to make any real money as a direct seller, you have to grow a team of successful consultants.  No, not an MLM scheme. You to create additional income as you support others and make money based on their efforts. Your mindset around building your team are crucial to your success in this area.  Honestly, I was there – I never wanted a team in the beginning. Now, I can’t imagine a world without the friendship in addition to their valuable addition to my business.

#5: Systems

I have learned the hard way that you will work harder when you don’t have a systematic way of working. That means you have to look at not only what you do on a consistent basis, but why you do it and, most importantly, whether or not it’s truly supporting you and your dreams.  As a leader, you have to make sure that everything you do is duplicatable and easy to teach your downline. Without this critical element, you truly won’t succeed as a direct seller.

You can grab a copy of JulieAnne’s “Book Yourself Solid In The Next 30 Days” roadmap by just subscribing to her mailing list.  Click here to grab your roadmap now!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Google Door Prize Slips

It is Throwback Thursday!  Just a little something for those of you who thought Thirty One was JUST purses.  This is from the early years!  I am so excited that we are moving back to our roots with Promising Picks….

 

Door prize slips……. do you use them?  If so, when do you use them?  What do you do with them once you have them?

Traditionally, these slips have been used to obtain information from perspective customers and hostesses at a vendor event.  You entice them with a prize.  Now, they already know that this is a way for you to get their information.  If you are diligent and work your business, chances are whether they win or not, you are going to call them.  You are going to try and build on that initial interaction in the hopes of growing the relationship and booking a party.

Some consultants use them at their home parties as a way to avoid the “dreaded” booking and recruiting conversations.  I know Consultants that NEVER ask guests to book a party at a party. They believe that people are there to enjoy, not be solicited to book their own party PLUS people don’t have their calendar.  Okay, now I know there are a lot of people that will disagree with this BUT it works for these consultants.  Follow-up is the key to their success.

Some use the slips as a drawing for a door prize at their home party.  The results are always the same, you are soliciting information from the guests in the hopes of booking, recruiting or selling to them.  Now you have additional information that will help you when you follow-up with them.

So, what about an online party or a Facebook event, what do you do?  You don’t want to miss out on these contacts.  What if people are invited but don’t order?  You either miss the connection or you are left to connect on Facebook, right?  I wish I could remember where I heard this great idea (probably another amazing idea from Melissa Fietsam) BUT it is AWESOME.  Use Google docs to create a Facebook Door Prize Slip.

Click HERE if you want to see the one that I used at my last Facebook party.  As each person RSVPed, I sent them the form.  It gave me so much information.  I got to find out about their interests – kids, products, shopping, booking a party, fundraising and even joining my team.  It helped when setting up my party to focus on those products.  Just like when you hostess coach and prep for a home party.  Genius, right?

I am going to create an “Enter My Drawing” google form for my VIP Customer group and on my business page.  Every month, I will post it so that visitors can enter the drawing to win.  WHY?  Just because a person says “not on your life” this month, next month may be a totally different story.  Each month, they have a chance to win.  Let them share the form with friends so they get extra entries. A win-win for everyone – they win a prize and you get more contacts.  I will also add it to my round of blogging every month with a picture of the prize!  A GREAT way to expand your circle of contacts, right?

What is your best tip for online and Facebook parties?  Share it with us

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!