Looking for Your Sweet Spot

“There are different kinds of gifts. But it is the same Holy Spirit Who gives them. There are different kinds of work to be done for Him. But the work is for the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NLV)

When I am looking for inspiration, I scroll through past blogs and on this day in 2014……..I was talking about finding my “sweet spot”.  I truly believe God nudges us in the direction we need to go.

Suzie Eller’s blog post on crosswalk.com has me thinking seriously (yes, AGAIN) about my “gifts”.  She talks about her Pinterest frenzy and how she tried all kinds of things.  Then one day her daughter after surveying her efforts said “Mom, you need to know your sweet spot and this isn’t it”.  YIKES!  How many times do we try things in an effort to be something we aren’t?  OR maybe our sweet spot has seasons, and it is time to move on.

WOW!  I know I have been talking about this A LOT lately but life has been changing for me.  I’m sure I am not the only one who experiences seasons with their gifts and talents, eight? I struggle with people pleasing so change is not easy.  Each of us is designed differently on purpose so we can come together to make a whole. So, what is your sweet spot? How has God gifted you for His purposes?

I struggle because although I know I have gifts and talents, Doubtful Debbie comes a knocking just when I think I am making strides.  Along with age (hitting 65 this year), recovery and MS issues all seem to play a factor.  Here are a few of my sweet spots:

• Making a difference – I truly believe this is one of my greatest gifts.  I am a glass half full kind of person and believe in sharing it.  Don’t get me wrong, there are days when Negative Nellie is around but they are fewer and far between lately.  Whether it is as simple as a card, a kind word or an angel to brighten someone’s day – I want to bring a smile to others.
• Crafty.  Angels have become the center of my crafting world – from sewing them to jewelry pieces to plastic canvas.  I love to share them with others and hear the stories as to why people pick certain ones.
• Writing.  I love to write.  Crazy as it sounds,  it started with poetry as a child then it moved onto grants in my professional career.  The initial challenge to blog was scary but exciting at the same time.  It is my hope I can inspire others through my strengths, hopes and experiences.
• Cooking.  Since moving to our forever home, I have found I LOVE cooking and sharing it with friends and family.

God can use these sweet spots for His purposes. God uses my unique design when I invite a neighbor or friend for dinner.  If your sweet spot is hospitality and making a home beautiful, then there are people who will be touched by this gift. If it’s humor and laughter, then someone needs to find that joy, too. If it’s teaching, teach.  Whatever your sweet spot, God has a purpose for you.

Time for me to focus on my sweet spots and make strides in all areas of my life.  How has God formed and fashioned you? Share your sweet spot with us.  It is not about being like someone else, it is about being ourselves and ACCEPTING ourselves including the gifts and talents God has given us.

Have an Epic day!

 

Finding Your Potential Customers

Happy LAST day of JUNE!  This is the first time in a LONG time that I am still crunching numbers on the last day.  My personal sales goal reached but team sales are a little shaky.  Blogging, then off to work my business which brings me to the topic today of “Do You know YOUR Customers?”.

I have been a chronic people pleaser all of my life. This double edged sword (blessing and curse) is how I have approached my business.   Of course I truly believe that Thirty One has a solution for everyone but I am learning how to reach customers that really want or need my products.  Some would call it “niche” selling while others would just say “I know my customers”.

In direct sales, I heard that you cast your net wide without judgement to find your customers, hostess and team members.  Don’t get me wrong, I still pass out cards and catalogs to people I meet to share my business.  I still cast the net BUT the difference is the net is cast in places where I will connect with people who will be open to hearing what I have to say.  You need to be able to “let go” (yes, I did start humming the song) when people say “no” or refuse your information but as a recovering peoplepleaser, that is not easy.

As a part of several Facebook networking groups, I am learning the importance of knowing my customers, specifically new potential customers.  Yes, I have heard it before.  The difference is this time, I was ready to listen.

Do you know what your customer or hostess look like?  

When we start in direct sales, the excitement is contagious.  We share with everyone we know.  Those that know us and love us want to support us so they buy our product.  They find something so they can help.  Fast forward to year 2 or even year 4 – who are your customers now?

What do they look like?  What is their age range?  What is their life like?  Who do you enjoy working with?  Who are the people who find the most value from your products and as a result will refer business/ customers to you?  Who are your favorite type of hostess?  Are you more successful with home parties, catalog parties, online/ Facebook 0r fundraising?

If your business is rocking, don’t fix what isn’t broken.  But I would be curious to know if your customers/ hostess fall into a common profile.  If you are struggling with booking parties, then maybe give this a try.  I was shocked – my profiles have come similarities and some differences for potential customers, hostess and the sponsors for my “giving back” programs or fundraisers.

Many of us are on social media, right?  When you know the profile of your potentials you can say what you do, share who you are, and connect with them via posts or displays that target their profile.  That’s where the magic happens. That’s how we get to do the work that we feel inspired to do – the work that moves us, challenges us, and allows us to serve those who we can serve best, while also paying the bills and making a living doing something we love.  Isn’t that all we want?

Maybe it is connecting to your emotional why and being able to share it with others in a heart filled manner.  Maybe it is the common threads of your life – mom, kids, work, etc.  Maybe it is someone who just needs a friend.  Whatever your potential looks like, when you know who they are, you being to look for them, and then you will begin to attract them.

So who are YOUR customers?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!