Toothpaste and Clean Underwear

Have I got your attention?  Every since Thirty One’s National Conference two years ago, I have been trying to focus on the fact

“Success is a journey, not a destination.”

I have heard it forever BUT I usually think of it as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  I loved a recent blog post by Dana Phillips of Team Connections.  She shared about the various things we need when we pack for a journey and translated it into the journey we take in our business.  Here is the packing list she shared:

So what do we need for the journey?  Is there a packing list for the journey of success?  I came up with some “essentials”.

Knowledge:  the toothpaste.  All the knowledge you have and all the ability you have to obtain more knowledge is a valuable asset on your journey.

Resourcefulness:  the toothbrush of success.  You have it packed with you every day.  Just remember to use it and use it with knowledge.  Every day we need to practice figuring out ways to make our lives and the lives of others, better, easier, more fulfilling.

Self-Awareness:  don’t forget to floss!  Think about it.  Being self-aware is getting down to the nitty-gritty of your strengths and weaknesses; discovering actions you can take to improve.

Positive Attitude:  This is like underwear.  Most of us wear it, but clean is more comfortable.  All of us have an attitude, but positive is more comfortable.

Planning:  We need a few changes of clothes in case the weather changes.  We all need to be ready to adapt to change.  Being prepared to be adaptable can make our journey more successful.

There may be more things you need on the journey, but I think it is safe to say that you have everything you need to succeed inside of you.

I believe you have all that you need to pack for the journey right now.  Just make sure you pack for success every day.

So, what do you think?  The truth is we have everything we need for success, it is just a matter of unpacking it and using it!  Which one do you struggle with most?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Hostess Engagement

Happy Monday…. No, I am not talking about getting engaged to your hostess.  I’m talking about getting your hostess engaged in the planning process when they book a party – online, on Facebook or a home party.

I have heard it a million times from team members and other consultants, “How do I get my hostess to be involved?”; “How come one is active and the other is a flop?”.  The truth is, each hostess is different and each one will react to things in a different manner.  The trick is to have a conversation with your hostess when you are planning the party.  I know we all “talk” to our hostesses BUT do we ask questions to help us figure out what is best for them.  Are we asking questions but then just going about our usual way of doing things?  SMACK!  Sometimes the truth hurts.

I have made the same mistakes and sometimes fall back into the old bad habits.  I can usually tell the difference in the parties when I ASK questions and LISTEN for the answers then those where I just move along doing the same old, same old.

The goal of the initial conversation is to plan the party with your hostess.  If you ASK these questions and focus on her answers, you will see an amazing different.

1. What does she want to happen at the party?
2. What does she want to earn?
3. Who does she want to invite?
4. What does she expect of me?
5. What do I expect of her?

This conversation should happen early in the planning stage, so everyone is on the same page.  I love this sample script from Team Connections BUT be sure to make it sound like you.  It may take some practice till you find the format which works for you…

“Susie, this is Mary from XYZ Company. I am so excited about our party on the 29th. I am calling today to spend about 10 to 15 minutes planning our party. Did I call you at a bad time?”  (I prefer this instead of “is now a good time to talk” because it is never a good time to talk for busy women.  When we ask if I called you at a bad time, you may tell me what you are doing but agree to talk for a few minutes).

“Susie, I want this party to be a great night for you and your friends. What would make it one?”  

LISTEN for her answer – not what you are going to respond with.

“Super, to create a night for you, we are a team so let’s work together to make sure there are people attending and everyone has a great time.”

“Is there anything specific you would like to earn as a result of hosting a party?”

Connect this to the number of people and orders required!

“Let’s talk about the invitations. How do you and your friends typically communicate? I still love paper invites and am happy to send them for you. Even if you connect via text or FB, a paper invite lives on the frig and is a great reminder!!”

Even when hosting a Facebook party, I do paper invites.  Many people do not see the invites on Facebook so paper invites gives them a heads up.  At the same time, if they can’t make the party, they have all of the information they need to place an order.

“Having 12 to 15 people in the room is a comfortable and fun number. There will be great energy and no one will feel pressured to buy. To make that happen we will need 20 yeses. Something always happens at the last minute for a few people. It usually takes 30 to 40 invitations to end up with 12 to 15 attending. How does that sound to you?”

LISTEN to her response.  This number could sound overwhelming to her especially for a home party.  It is also to reassure her if there are NOT 12 – 15 people attending, it is still okay to have the party.  Overcome her fears of failing with reassurance of other ways to gather orders to reach her goal.

“It’s my job to help you create the list, so let’s work on it together.”  

MAKE suggestions on who she could reach out to.  I also do a VIP invite to at least 5 people who are a “must” be at the party.  These people are sent an incentive along with a catalog to encourage them to help the hostess collect orders.

“I will continue to stay in touch.” (Tell her exactly how often and by what means. Also, repeat any other promises you have made, like sending out invitations.)

“I will be expecting your list on Friday.” (Repeat any other expectations of her.)

“We’re a team, so be sure to call on me if there is anything you need or I can do to make your party a success.”

“Thank you, I’m looking forward to meeting your friends and having a great night.”

Remember hostess engagement is a result of hostess coaching.  It’s all about creating a relationship and forming a partnership!

Share your best tips with us…

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

It is More Than a Purse Thing

It has been almost 4 years since I made the decision to become part of the Thirty One.  I LOVE the bags.  I wanted the discount.  I had no intention of ever selling the products.  I know you have heard me say this all before, right?  This isn’t a pitch to join my team, although, I would love to have you as a Ray of H.O.P.E.

I want to thank Mary McLoughlin for this article because I hear so many people talk about how difficult recruiting is during the holiday season.  Here is the Top 10 Reasons that Mary gave that people DO join during this time:

1. They like you!
2. They love your product!
3. They can include the ‘big news’ about their new business in the annual Christmas letter.
4. They see lots of people in November and December and it’s easy to share their new business with friends and family.
5. They have time off during the holidays to ‘learn the business’.
6. November and December are big Shopping months and it’s easy to earn those first month bonuses!
7. They have Christmas gift money to spend.
8. They need money to pay the January’s Christmas bills.
9. They want to earn their Christmas gifts for FREE.
10. Someone (like YOU!) offers them the gift of a new business.

I am sure that you have heard many “cues” from friends and family that could start the recruiting conversation.  Why not share all that YOU love about your company with them?

If you are curious about how Thirty One can make a difference in YOUR life, contact me.  I would love to share the gift of Thirty One with YOU.

Name(required)

Email(required)

Comment(required)

Submit

Δ

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

#joinmyteam

#thiryoneincentive