Business Tips and Tricks

How To Be a Remarkable Recruiter

For those in direct sales, we know the best way to build our income AND to make a difference in someone’s life is to share the opportunity.  We call those individuals new to our teams “recruits” so we are in essence “recruiters”.

A term I am not thrilled with.  Why?  The term recruiter by definition is “a person whose job is to enlist or enroll people as employees, in the armed forces, or as members of an organization.

For years, I would say “I’m not good at recruiting”.  I would play the comparison game with those who grew their teams by leaps and bounds.  By no means would I call myself a remarkable recruiter, at best an average recruiter and most of the time not recruiting at all.  I tend to miss cues of those who may be interested, or not sharing with everyone while asking if they would be interested in the opportunity.  I could blame the MS but the truth is I worried about those I invited to be a part of this pink bubble.  I worried if they would be successful. I worried if they would think I mislead them.  

Then one day, I stopped worrying.  I just shared the difference Thirty One make in my life and things started to happen.  Did all of those who joined, stick and stay?  NO!  But the odds are getting better.  

Here are FIVE habits which make a REMARKABLE recruiter – rate yourself on  a score of 1 – 10 with 10 being ALWAYS to see how you do.  Don’t score yourself on where you WANT to be or be too hard on yourself.  Be honest, this will help you to achieve your business recruiting goals.

  1. Remarkable recruiters work consistently smarter and not harder.  They consistently have parties booked on a monthly basis.  They are sharing their products with EVERYONE they run into whether they know they or not.  
  2. Remarkable recruiters ALWAYS smile.  No matter how bad the party or the day, they always have a smile on their face and a positive thought to share.  Did you know smiling is a reflection of what’s inside of you?  Share the joy you feel about your business with everyone simply by smiling.  I remember a comment a friend made “your face lights up when you talk about Thirty One“.  I am learning to wear the joy all of the time so people are curious why and I can share the blessing given to me.
  3. Remarkable recruiters are active not passive.  They take the lead when someone shows interest in the business.  They get on the PHONE (I know the dreaded 500-pound one) and don’t rely on flyers and emails to recruit new consultants.  
  4. Remarkable recruiters think about what is in it for someone else!  Yes, more recruits mean more money for us.  The key is to focus on how your business will help someone else – make more money to reduce debt, have a vacation, pay for their kid’s activities  etc.  CONNECT with people.  Our business is all about relationship building – go out and BUILD one today.
  5. Remarkable recruiters stay in control of the recruiting process. If a potential recruit says they want to think about it – do you wait for them to call you?  The fortune is in the follow-up.  How about asking them what the TWO things are that keep them from jumping in?  LISTEN to their answer and see if you can overcome those doubts.

Okay, so how did you do?  What were your weaknesses – where you scored yourself below a 5. Now focus on developing those skills.  Habits can be learned so if you are trying to GROW your business – find some training calls and then practice these habits.  Honestly, I have some weaknesses but I am working hard to overcome them by listening to training calls, talking with those who are successful in this area and seeking out ways to overcome my fears.  
 
Love to hear from REMARKABLE recruiters with their tips for success.  
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Unclutter Your Life

Need Help Achieving Your Goal?

Yesterday we talked about “drawing a line in the sand”, hitting reset when we are stuck. Each month I set goal in my business – some months I struggle while others I knock it out of the park.  I am one of those always looking for the next coaching opportunity to help me get through a rough spot.  Did you know you, can actually coach yourself?

Thank you Valerie Burton for sharing these seven questions and inspiring me to troubleshoot some of my own challenges.  I’m not saying business coaching is not necessary or helpful but sometimes we can work through the challenges on our own to help us grow and move out of our comfort zone.  Let’s get started:

1. What are your three most important values?

Values are the concepts and principles you feel are most important – what you value in your life. For example, one of my values is caring/ concern for others. Taking care of others has always been important in my life.  I always wanted my own business because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others – from the early days making premature baby clothes till now – caring for others is always in the forefront.  Research says we stick to our goals when they revolve around our values. Not sure what your values are?  CLICK HERE for a link to some examples.  What are your three most important values?

2. What goal would best reflect those values?

Once you know your values, think about your goals and ask, “Does this goal reflect what I value?” If it doesn’t reflect them at all, then it may be time to drop the goal. If the goal reflects a little, tweak it so it represents what matters most to you. When you make your goal more meaningful, you increase the likelihood you will persevere until you reach it.

3. What are the measurable signs I’ve reached my goal?

We have all heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals, right?  The bottom line is your goal should be very specific. For example, my goal to goal weight.  A more specific version of this goal could be, “I’m going to lose a pound a week for the next 3 months.” It is a goal you can measure at a doable pace. It becomes about you consistently changing small habits to be successful. With a specific goal, you are able to get very specific about what you need to do in order to achieve it.

4. What skill do I need to acquire in order to be able to reach my goal?

I dream big – some would say too big.  What about you?  If you dream big and you haven’t reached your goal yet, maybe there is a good reason.  Maybe you don’t have the skill set to fully achieve your goal.  Don’t get discouraged! Acquiring the right skills can become a goal to help you reach your goal. Why “acquire” instead of “learn”?  Sometimes you need to personally learn the skills and sometimes you need to find someone who has the skill so they can help you reach your goal.  You might hire someone to help you or team up with a partner, or it maybe have a conversation with someone who understands what it takes to reach the goal. “Be honest with yourself ” about the skills you need to reach your goal.

5. What is my game plan for handling a setback on my way to the goal?

Let’s face it, we will have setbacks. There will be disappointments. There may be failures along the way.  What happens when I don’t lose the pound a week or when my business calendar is not full?  Are you ready for them or are you convinced it will never happen?  SMACK!  We need a game plan so 1) it’s not a surprise because you’ve already planned for it, and 2) you already know what to do. Think ahead and ask yourself: “How will I handle a setback so I bounce back quickly and keep moving forward?”

6. Who is the best person(s) to give me feedback on my progress?

Feedback or accountability is necessary for success. Talk to someone who is objective, someone who can look at your work and say, “I’ve been there, done that and here’s what will work.” Remember the old saying “Iron sharpens iron”?  Ask and willing accept help from those who understand the process.

7. What is an alternative path to my goal?

Do you have a list of action steps and think there is only one way to achieve your goal?  Guess what?  You need to be flexible. Your path might not be the path meant to be used to reach the goal. Be open to an alternative path if your path is not working. Be flexible and creative, and sooner than not, you’ll arrive at your finish line.

What is your goal and does it reflect your values?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

Unclutter Your Life

The Benefit of Board Games

We live in a world controlled by the signal on our phone and if WIFI is available.  I know it sounds crazy but the truth is what happens when we can’t get a signal on our phone?  Or what happens when the internet goes down?  Is there sheer panic in the house?  Do your kids begin to complain there is nothing to do?  Do you panic trying to figure out how to entertain not only your children but yourself without the internet.13466261_1072249162814235_5737085668642488373_n

When Belinda was younger, we played board games.  I may have dreaded the never ending Junior Monopoly.  Then there was Hungry Hungry Hippos. Rummekube was a hit too.  We also played card games like Skippo and Uno. The truth is it was fun.   13310591_1062006360505182_3337841790709831875_n

Board games (and card games) are great at any age and provide a lot of fun and laughter, but there are also many other benefits that you may not realize.

#1 – Teaches problem-solving

Board games provide a lot of opportunities to practice problem-solving.  Kids are always thinking about their next move and how they can keep you from winning the game.

#2 Encourages teamwork

There are a few games where you have to work together. Hi Ho Cherry O is one of the first ones with a team aspect to the game. Even when the games which don’t call for teams you can pair an older child with a younger to “help” during a game which may be too advanced.5197pt1mh8l-_sl75_

#3 Teaches children to follow directions

Learning to follow directions is a biggie when it comes to board games. Kids need to learn to take the time to understand and follow the rules so there isn’t complete chaos. This also provides some teaching moments when a rule doesn’t work in your favor but you need to follow it anyway.

#4 Sneaks in some learning

Board games are a great way to sneak some learning into your day without your kids complaining. Even the preschool games like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders have some basic skills. Learning to count your moves, match up colors and shapes and even practicing math facts can all be accomplished with games.  Did you know that on Chutes and Ladders good choices are often rewarded with a ladder while the naughty children are the ones going down the chutes.12743976_992100247495794_5472616629628768676_n

Some favorite family game recommendations:
Monopoly
Candyland
Chutes and Ladders
Chess
Battleship
Scrabble

Does your family do game night? What are some of your favorites?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Hope Wissel

Money Wisdom

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We are halfway through the year and the fiscal year closes for Thirty One today.  Each year, I review my goals and my finances.  It has been a rough few months adjusting to the diagnosis of MS (#MSwillnotdefineme) and another possible auto-immune disease but I am not using that as an excuse to not move forward.  For some that may seem harsh, for others they will understand that staying positive and moving forward is what gets me up every day.

I have learned (yes, in my 50’s) a few things that I wish I had of learned in my 20’s.  Learning is an ongoing process and I am determined not to give up on my goal of being debt free from credit cards.

#1 A bigger and better job doesn’t mean you get to spend more.  By keeping your costs the same when you increase your salary you’ll be able to save some.  I always thought more money meant that I could spend more.  Silly me!

#2 Never spend more than what comes in.  And limit your card to the lowest possible. This has been the toughest for this recovering addict to conquer.

#3 Pay off any debt first.  Pay your credit card debt as soon as possible, those high interests won’t be doing you any good. Then once they are paid off DON”T use them anymore.

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#4 Student loans on autopilot.  Students loans usually have a really small interest rate so make regular, steady payments to pay of your loan and it’ll soon be a thing of the past.  Check out too if you are eligible for a “forgiveness program”.  Make 120 payments on time & the balance of your loan is forgiven.  WOOHOO!

#5 Build a back-up.  YES, saving is still important even if you have debt.  Make sure you always have a few hundred set aside for unexpected costs and bills.

#6 Insuring yourself is essential.  A crashed laptop, unforeseen doctors bill or stolen bike can wreak financial havoc if you’re not insured. That cost per month will pay off in the long run for any unexpected mishaps.

#7 Set long term goals to help you focus on what you really want. Figure out how much you’re gonna need and start saving now.

#8 Monetize your talent if you can.  Write blogposts, take photographs or try to monetize your special skills as (additional) income.  I have been a crafter for as long as I can remember.  I just wish I had of saved some of that money.

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#9 Think about retirement.  This is especially important if you are your own boss.  Sadly, I learned too late that it’s essential to put away money for the future.

#10 Lastly, here is a marvelous piece of advice given by StickleyMan on Thought Catalog. It’s reaaaaaally good.

Take some more chances. You know that idea that’s been ruminating in the back of your mind for years? That one that doesn’t have anything to do with your job or your mortgage. That one that falls outside your schema of living and routine and that you shrug off as some immature or impractical idea; as just some silly fantasy. Maybe it’s a crazy business idea or a trip to go live in a hut in India for three months or to breed Pygmy hippos or to become a juggling street performer. Whatever it is, explore it. Maybe even try it. I don’t mean take a stupid, life-threatening risk. I’m not suggesting a trying a lifestyle of meth addiction and bare-knuckle Fight Clubs. But something outside your comfort zone. Try it. Maybe you’ll fail miserably at it. But just try it. Because in about a decade when you’re responsible for more things and more people, you won’t be able to. And you’ll find yourself in a self-imposed mental prison of ‘what-ifs’. And take it for someone who didn’t because I was too scared, too embroiled in my own insecurities and addictions, and so heavily conditioned to fear failure – you’ll wish you did.

Any cash lessons you learned in the past year? Tell us in the comments, we’d love to hear how you spend and save.

Business Tips and Tricks, Hope Wissel

MOMS ARE GREAT AT BUSINESS

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I came across this blog on mydirectsellingblog.com which I thought would be helpful for those Moms who think they are NOT cut out for business.  Here are 6 characteristics that make moms great at business.

1. Ability to Multi-Task
Few groups on the planet are better able to multi-task than moms. Particularly within an entrepreneurial setting, this characteristic is invaluable, and mothers have it down. Why wouldn’t this skill translate to better abilities in business?  I have heard many people talk about the pros and cons of multi-tasking but I have seen some AMAZING things accomplished by a mom who is trying to juggle every day.

2. Listening Skills
Moms are, at their core, listeners. They listen to their children’s needs all day long (which sometimes requires translation abilities, too) as well as that of their husbands, their bosses, and even the pets. Listening and absorbing information is a critical job skill that’s surprisingly difficult for some people to learn, particularly young workers who are used to being somewhat selfish. Moms already have it down.

3. Big-Picture Thinking
The ability of mothers to keep the big picture in focus while checking off the little things is unparalleled, and one that serves them well in business too.

4. Organizational Skills
Who’s better at organizing than moms? Time management is a critical aspect of organization and most moms are pretty darn good at physical organization, too. Moms are just built (or learn quickly) to arrange life better.

5. Networking Abilities
The old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is truer now than ever. Moms consistently coordinate with teachers, carpool participants, other moms, and even fellow kids and that kind of networking takes some serious communication skills. In business, the ability to seamlessly network and make ‘friends’ is one that serves moms well.

6. Dedication
Motherhood isn’t a profession and it’s not a calling. It’s a decision. Even the most tentative moms are loyal, reliable, and dedicated to their role as Mother and women are typically very successful at carrying over this trait into business.

So, how many moms are out there looking for a “night out”, “a chance to make some extra money”, “some me time” or maybe even the chance to have your own business.?  Direct sales is a great way to not only use your “mom” skills but also allows you the opportunity to make your own hours.  Thirty One is not just a “purse thing”, it is about building relationships and changing lives.  If you would like to know more about Thirty One and all it has to offer, contact me:

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