Do You LOVE What You Do?

Do you know what day it is?  YUP, it is HUMP DAY!  For many, you are DREADING the rest of the work week.  Are you already longing for the weekend?  I LOVE Wednesdays (even Mondays).  The truth is…. I don’t mind going to work.  I am a recovering work-a-holic BUT when you LOVE what you do, it is really work?  I have talked about the struggles I have over the last few months to find what I truly LOVE again.  Living life on life’s terms has  been a struggle and has me rethinking what it is I really LOVE to do.

I saw on a blog a checklist for figuring out if you truly LOVE what you do… so I decided to give it a shot and see what happens.  Why don’t you try it with me?

First up…Never a dull day!  Okay, my days have gotten a little dull. MS has caused me to struggle in doing things but on those days when I am focused…. WATCH OUT!  I tend to have so many ideas going through my head, I tire myself out!  LOL!  The ideas are great but I just can’t seem to put them into gear.  Last minute parties – of course.  Last minute fundraiser – wouldn’t miss doing it.  BUT now I have added the love of creating angels.  The joy an angel can bring to someone as they share a story of someone who has passed is something I treasure.  The creativity gets my blood flowing!

Meetings? Love them!   I love leading discussions to help others grow their business.  I do struggle when there are multiple conversations going on at the same time – my brain goes into overload.  I feel like the teacher telling students “only person can talk at a time”. LOL!  So, do I LOVE them? No, but they do get my juices flowing.

Inspiration is around the corner.  Hubby said something the other night “You see the possibility of angels in everything” and it’s true.  I had a friend give me some jewelry pieces to combine and make an angel for her and I’m over the moon excited.  Don’t get me wrong, I still LOVE Thirty One.  I LOVE being around other Thirty One consultants who are smart, confident, funny, giving and dedicated.  They each inspire me in their own way to be better and to reach for the stars.

Work = part of life.  You enjoy life and work. You feel alive and joyful not just at home but also at your desk. When you love your work, it’s a part of your life.  

I think this says it all.

S0 much to explore!  When you love your work, it’s like peeling an onion. There are always more layers to discover and explore. When you hate your work it’s also like peeling an onion – but all you find are more tears.  

Are you discovering or are you shedding tears?

You hardly ever look at the clock.  This is definitely me.  I can get lost in my office working on my blog, crafting angels, creating ideas and planning the future.  You know the saying “time flies when you are having fun” well it does for me!

So what is the result of this check list for YOU?  Do you LOVE what you do or are you just working to pay the bills?  Don’t get me wrong, I do the same thing – I mean, the bill collectors want their money but I enjoy all of it.  I LOVE the combination of my Thirty One business and my angels.  Want to know more about my Thirty One business and how it might be able to change YOUR life, just ask.  Not only do you get paid BUT there are some AWESOME perks.

If you don’t LOVE what you do, maybe it is time for a change.  Life is too short to wait for “it” to come so you can retire and enjoy life.  Why not enjoy it NOW!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Quality vs. Quantity

It is the time of year when many direct sales companies encourage their consultants to recruit. When you get people making money during the holiday season, hopefully they will stay around for the rest of the year, right?  Now I am all about sharing the opportunity all year long BUT I will admit it can be a struggle sometimes.

This brings up the question….When RECRUITING is it  quality or quantity?

There are pros and cons on both sides so no hate mail, please.  When I decided I wanted to be a Leader with Thirty One, I was encouraged to make sure certain some basic components were in plan in my business.  First and foremost,  my personal sales/ parties had to be consistent.  Then I had to show my team how building a team can make a difference in their life.  I have talked about my initial step (or fall) into leadership.   When I started to grow my team, I quickly realized the difference between quantity and quality of recruits.

When I started with Thirty One,  it was recommended I follow the  2 – 10 – 1 model.  What it means is to hold at least 2 parties a month with at least 10 guests per party and 1 recruit per catalog season.  I know you are thinking,  ONE recruit per season will take you forever to grow your team, right?  Some do 2 recruits per season with the goal of each of those recruits being successful or maintaining their business.  I mean what good is it to have 100 girls on your team if only 10 of them are working their business and the rest are  barely staying active.  Leading by example is a great way to build your team.  I have found consultants who are on a recruiting mission to see how many new recruits they can get per month.  Is that you?  Are you helping your new recruits to grow, learn and nurturing them?  Do you compare the size of your team with those of other leaders?  Be purposeful in your recruiting – focusing on how your company can best meet the needs of your potential recruit.  What is their WHY?  What good is recruiting lots of people only to have them be part of the revolving door – coming and going all of the time?

I LOVE my team because it is a diverse group of women who all have their own goals for their business.  I have been blessed to only have a few kit-nappers over the last 7 plus years.  As a Director, it is up to me to help new team members – CELEBRATE, ENCOURAGE & REWARD them as they reach for their goals.  Sometimes life gets in the way.  That is okay!  Maybe their vision for their business has changed. Maybe they only want to work their business for some extra money.  Maybe they are not interested in having a team or recruiting.  Maybe they are a one party a month or just vendor shows or just collecting retail orders. There will be others who will go from the initial plan of 2 – 10 – 1 to wanting and growing their business to full-time potential.  The beauty of direct sales is YOUR business is YOUR business!  I truly believe a team needs to have diverse members to be successful – you never know who your next ROCK STAR will be!  If you focus on just those people who KNOW what they want and ignore those who have some great qualities – you may be missing YOUR next ROCK STAR.

Do you believe in QUALITY or QUANTITY when recruiting?

If you want to learn more about joining my amazing team, contact me for details.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.

Want to Be Taken Seriously as a Business Owner

I have been in direct sales for almost 6 years and for most of that time, it has been my primary source of income to pay bills.  Yet, when asked “What exactly do you do?”, I stumble looking for the right words so that I avoid the preconceived idea that many have of direct sellers.

Some would say “your why” isn’t big enough. Or it must not be a business, it is just a hobby.  The truth is that the “people pleaser” in me was seeking approval from everyone else while I lost sight of what it was that I wanted out of my business.

Over the last 6 weeks, I have been working with a business coach, Desiree Wolfe, who has helped me to get clear on what I wanted from my business and who my ideal customers were.  I have been changing things up in my blog, on my Facebook page and other social media and the results have been AMAZING.

The truth is that I can and do make a real, sustainable income from my direct sales business – it is so much more than just a bag.  I am practicing NOT getting frustrated and a little defensive with people who aren’t familiar with the industry.

So after lots of brainstorming, numerous conversations about my business and suggestions from my coaches, I’ve come up with a plan.

Here are 3 simple tips and a few helpful facts for next time (because there will be a next time). How to be taken seriously as a business owner

1. Take your business (and yourself) seriously

Let’s be honest, we have all said “with confidence” that we are in business for ourselves, right?  We try hard to convince others that it is a viable source of income, the truth is deep down, you are a little hesitant which makes it difficult for others to take your business seriously. When you seem unsure, you’re bound to get doubts and questions. Lately, I am more confident about my business and as a result, others are willing to listen and accept it as a real business. Have you also noticed that when you are more confident, people are much more likely to take what you’re saying seriously? No matter what you are talking about….

2. Create a killer product

If you are in direct sales, you already have your product.  The question than becomes “do you love your product?”.  Do you believe that your product meets a real need. When you are sharing product solutions that meets someone’s needs, the product will sell. And the ripple effect is that you will quickly gain respect from others.  The best way to silence the doubters is to have success – whatever that means for you.

3. Help others catch the vision

Casting the vision for your business to others is probably one of the best ways to gain support.  I have always known what I wanted in my heart BUT I struggled with conveying the vision to others.  I am ready to share my vision with the world!  I’m working on mini videos that help me to share the vision not only with my team and my customers but with everyone.  I want them to know that this “bag lady” is on a mission to make a difference.  Having a plan is important for your business because it not only keeps things on the right track; but it allows others to see the direction your headed in.  I find it funny that as a grant writer, I always had a plan yet with my own business, I struggled.  I now have a plan and I am gaining the respect of others by sharing where my business is, and letting them know where I believe it is going.

Starting a business is not something to be doubted or ashamed of. The next time someone asks you, “what do you do?” (because they will), you can tell them with confidence that you’re a business owner, share your vision, and provide them with the facts. You never know – they might end up being your biggest fan.

Some content courtesy of Elle and Company.  What is your best tip for being taken seriously as a business owner?  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

 

In Just Five Minutes

“The limit is not in the sky. The limit is the mind.” ~Unknown

I have been working with some direct sales consultants on getting organized so that they can maximize their time.  I know you are thinking the usual “physical space” things like their office, their home, their car, etc.  The truth is that it was more about re-framing their thoughts.

Let’s be honest, life gets in the way. Maybe you have a full-time job plus hubby plus kids so who has time for a business, right?  Maybe when you are the local mom taxi.  When you started your business, you were excited and everyone seemed to be on board.  Bookings and sales came easy.

For me, I think friends and family were on board because they thought it was “a phase”.   They thought it would slowly die BUT it hasn’t.  There is something that keeps us coming back (or staying).  Maybe it is the only time just for YOU.  Maybe it is the only time that you get a break from the craziness of being the mom taxi.  Maybe the extra money comes in handy to pay for the kids extras.  Whatever your reason, you are not ready to give up. So the trick is to  earn how to work smarter.  What if you had a list of things that would only take 5 minutes to do?

I asked each girl “What is holding you back from (fill in the blank)?”  The biggest thing was “no time to do ANYTHING”.  We talked about how a typical day went.  As they explained their day, I asked if they had a few minutes in various spots – lunch time, waiting for the kids to get off the bus, etc.  We found small blocks of time (the average was 5 minutes) that they could do something to work their business.

So what could you do in just 5 minutes that would help you in your business?

• Each morning (or I do mine on Sunday night) list 3 things that you want to get accomplished. JUST 3 and put them on an index card.  Easy to carry around & remember. Cross off as you do each item.
• Reach out to a customer via phone or text that just received their order for great customer service.
• Reach out to a past hostess to check in on her life – no hidden agenda, just see how she is doing.  Continue to build a relationship.
• Reach out to a past (or current) team member to see how they are doing – again no hidden agenda.
• Post a picture on Facebook with your product somewhere in it. Admit it, we are all posting picture on Facebook with our kids, why not include a product in it.

• Use the NEW Facebook Live to share your life/ personality with people.  Remember that people buy from people they like and know. CLICK HERE to see one.

• Post a question on Instagram or Facebook asking people something that will help you to build a relationship with them. CLICK HERE to see one.

• Respond with  more than a “thank you” when someone comments on the product that they were carrying or using.  Share a mini catalog with them.
• Share a catalog/flyer with the cashier as you check out at the grocery store.  Don’t forget to get her name and email address.
• Write a card to a past customer, hostess or team member to let them know that you are thinking of them.

Am I guaranteeing instant bookings, sales or team members? NO!  What I am saying is that when you consistently do 3 things every day on your business, the rewards will follow.

If you think you can’t work your business because you don’t have time, you’ll never push yourself to start taking that first step, you’ll limit yourself by your minds perception.

Doing what you want to do starts with believing it’s possible, no matter how difficult it may be. Achieving what it’s beyond our pre-conceived limits is what strengthens not only our bodies, but also our own minds.

So, who is ready to find 5 minutes to work their business?  What could you do in 5 minutes to help your business?  Share your ideas with us.

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!