Essential Direct Sales Skills

When I share my "why" at parties, I always say that I never did direct sales before but the truth is I was a kit-napper.  I joined direct sales companies for the kit and the discounts then when the shopping bug for that product died - I found another company or just went shopping the traditional way - in a store!  As I have shared before, I started with my current direct sales company as a hobby - for my love of the product which meant discounts.  Somewhere in the back of my mind, I thought "Maybe I could sell this" but it took some time before I actually thought of it as a business.  

I came across a blog called "3 essential skills that Women Lack in Direct Sales" and began thinking about my own journey in the direct selling world.  The three skills that the writer talks about are computer skills, organizational skills and branding skills.    

Computer skills are more than just Facebook and email and should include some other applications like excel, power point and word/ publisher.  This was an easy one for me and I think for most women today.  As a mom, we need to be a little tech savvy to monitor what our children are doing on the computer.  If you have worked outside of the home at all, in all likelihood computers are involved in some aspect of your job.  I have found that many of the direct sales companies have forms, tracking mechanisms, etc. that can be downloaded and used.  An important skill but one that can be learned with a little bit of help.

Organizational skills - so for me this is an ongoing challenge.  I look back at the days when I was crazy busy: working a 40 - 50 hour work week, commuting 1 1/2 hours round-trip to work, single mom with a daughter who had a passion for competitive sports (gymnastics, field hockey, all-star cheerleader) outside of school and a craft business on the side which included making and selling American Girl doll clothes.  Of course I am organized, right?  The busier I am the more organized I am - the more time I have, the harder it is for me to be organized.  Seems kind of crazy but I keep thinking that I can do that later then later doesn't come.  I work best under pressure or deadlines which is not always good for my personal business.  I had a system that kept everything going.  As I moved into Leadership in Direct Sales, I have found it difficult to find a system that works for me to keep everything going.  Probably not the best thing to share with any potential recruit but I believe in being honest - you need to find a system that works in order to incorporate your business into your life.  On the outside, I am organized, supportive and a growing leader.  In my office - I am a hot mess.  I can find things quickly and respond to requests in a timely manner but it looks like a mess.  Something that I am working on.

Branding skills - this was a new one for me.  Branding to me was ONE of these titles: Belinda's mom, COO for Bethel, Social Worker, Bag Lady when in reality I was all of these things.  I often wonder how people see me?  I know that they see me differently than I see myself just by the comments, requests and questions that I get on a regular basis.  I am learning to incorporate all of those things in my brand which I hope will be a "motivator for women".  Thank you Vanessa Coppes for teaching me about branding.  I thought I had to wait to brand myself until I reached a specific level in my direct sales company but the truth is I can start NOW when I am a Director.  I guess I really started when I was a Consultant and was drawing recruits in without even trying to find them.

I don't claim to be an expert in any of these areas but I am growing.  When I don't know something, I ask.  As women, we already have many of the skills necessary to have a successful direct sales business.  I used to tell recovering, struggling addicts to take the skills that they used on the streets to sell and do drugs then apply it in a positive way to change your life.  In essence that is what each of us have to do with the skills that have - learn how to translate them into something that will help us in our business.  Not sure how to do this, ask someone how they see you?  You may be pleasantly surprised by their response.

Would love to hear about your organizational systems?  Please feel free to share you ideas.  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Blogging - Share What You are Learning

Since I was challenged almost 2 months ago - thank you Vanessa Coppes, I have been asked by lots of people why I do it, how I do it and most of all my favorite question "will people read it?".  

Why I started is because it was a challenge that had an accountability factor to it.  I have read many blogs  and enjoyed them but always thought it was something for "other" people to do.  I was curious about blogging and had always wanted to start one.  So, when Vanessa Coppes  challenged me to write for 30 days - I was ready to take the challenge.  Now, my why is to get all of the "stuff" that is in my head out.  I used to tell new employees who wanted me to share everything that I knew - just keep asking questions because I don't know what is in my head.  Sometimes I amaze myself.

How I do it is just by writing like I would talk to someone.  Sometimes I write about personal struggles or business tips that I read or just sharing some amazing personal development items.  I make notes on my planner on topics (words or phrases) that will motivate me to write when I get stuck.  I just read an article by Belinda Ellsworth  that talked about sharing what you are learning so that you can remember it better.  What a great way to start blogging?  As you learn something - share it.  Of course some of my learning lessons seem like they should be no-brainers but I am a slow learner.  I always say that is because I am OLD, you know creeping towards that Senior Citizen classification. 

Will people read it?  I am still amazed (and humbled) that people actual read my blog.  The numbers may not be great but it is the emails and the comments that are shared on a personal basis that touch my heart.  No, you may not become a professional blogger.  No, you may not have thousands of readers.  What you may have are friends, family, employees, team members or followers who not only read what you write but will share it.  I share my blog on Facebook for all to see.  Most people don't comment on the blog publicly but they do write me or tell me when they see me about something I wrote and how it helped them.  It is the person in Weight Watchers who is inspired to keep going.  It is the team member who finds encouragement or an idea to help their business.  That is who I am writing my blog for.  

The direct selling business is all about building relationships and I am building relationships every day through my blog.  Some people I already know while others are learning who I am.  When all is said and done, if I have helped one person to smile or get through a day - my job is done.  What do you have to share?  Remember it takes 21-days for something to become a habit - so try it everyday for 30 days.  Then, if you want, do it weekly.  Try it.  Don't let fear stop you from building relationships or sharing your knowledge.  Believe me you probably have more to share then you think - I know I am finding out that I do.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Social Media

Social Media can help a business or for an "addictive personality" it can put the kabash on what was starting out to be a productive day....okay, so maybe it is not a great beginning to a blog but so true in my life.

An article in Direct Sales Education Foundation last year called "How to Manage Your Time on Social Media" has some great tips for things to help you run an effective social media presence.  You can click the link to get the details but here are some of the tips in a nutshell:

1. Start from the results you want
2. Plan ahead
3. Go Mobile
4. Avoid spreading yourself too thin (You mean I can get thin by Facebooking or Tweeting?)
5. Stay focused

These are all great tips that I am sure work well for the average person.  I on the other hand can easily loose myself in Facebook reading everyone's comments, likes, etc.  So for the "addictive personality", here are some tips that I am trying to manage my time and become more productive while still incorporating social media into my business...

1. When I am in my office for "office hours" - I have a picture of a security camera that makes me think others are watching.  It helps me focus on work and tackling that to do list.  
2. I write my blog first thing in the AM, this way I don't get sided tracked.  Yes, blogging has become an every morning thing that I absolutely love.  Thank you Vanessa Coppes   
3. I am changing the "news feed" to the people and things that I want to hear about daily.  No, I don't want to hear about every meal or little detail of your life so I will check in with those people when I have time.  Less is sometimes better.
4. When I am ready to spend time on Facebook, I limit it to a certain about of time - usually AFTER I have finished my to do list.  This is how I stay focused.  

Yes, these are basic but sometimes I have to K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid).  Social media has helped my business by helping me to build relationships with customers, friends and family across the country.  Sharing tips, new products and even blogging about my life (who would have thought some one would want to read about it) has helped to build those connections.

If you are not using social media in your business, you should for so many reasons.  Conquer the fear (for the techno challenged) and meet your customers where they are hanging out.  

Do you have any great tips for managing time on social media?  How do you use social media in your business?  I would love to share your comments with others.  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

One Month....I DID IT!

Morning - I am doing the HAPPY DANCE!!!!!

I can't believe that I did it - no I haven't reached goal at Weight Watchers but getting close.  

I have done 30 days of blogging and am ready to keep going.  Thank you Vanessa Coppes for the encouragement.  It is now part of my morning ritual - coffee, devotions and a blog posting.  I am learning to make notes for future blog posts to share with everyone.  At some point, I am sure I will share more of my personal life's journey but for right now, the spark has not been there nor do I want to be know as a blogger who just shares "their drama".  I want to inspire and encourage other women to reach for their dreams no matter how big or out of reach they may be.  

I have learned that even though I may not think something is important - it may change someone else's thought process and help them.  Thank you to those who have been following me and sharing my stories.  Like with any business - word of mouth is the best way to promote your business.  

Here are a list of tips from Direct Selling Education Foundation on promoting through word of mouth:

1. Join a local event, get your business in the local media and get people talking positively about your business.
2. Use social networks to connect with your customers, engage in conversations, use it to provide better customer service, and build relationships and buzz.
3. Make each interaction with your business a memorable one, and you’ll make your business memorable. Follow up with a thank you call or card. Offer a free branded gift and other memorable services.
4. Offer your customers an opportunity to comment, or take a poll and act upon their suggestions to create buzz.
5. Ask loyal customers and local influencers to refer your business to others and give them a reward for it.
6. Treat your customers like VIPs and share their testimonials wherever you can.
7. Offer customized/personalized customer service to create a buzz.
8. Ask for reviews from loyal customers and local influencers.
9. Once in a while, surprise your customers with extras and tell them to share it with others. Give them a discount that they can share with another to help bring new customers.
10. Start a campaign to help others in your community and create an online forum to encourage conversation and positive word of mouth.
11. Become the town “know it all.” Post and host on your site interesting facts about your town and residents to encourage conversations.
12. Offer contests, start trends and other promotions to generate buzz and build brand recognition.

If you haven't blogged - try it!  If you are, share your link below and I will be happy to pass it on to others.  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.

Saturday Morning......

This has been an AMAZING week filled with tears of joy and tears of sadness.  A chapter in my life (and my daughter, Belinda's) closed this week with the final payment being received on the mortgage that I held on our old home but many new chapters opened......  

The first as a proud Momma!  Belinda has been accepted into the University of New England's Masters Program for Social Work on the accelerated program.  She starts online in May and will be done in 18 months with her Masters in Macro Social Work.  All this while working a full-time and an on-call job with troubled kids.  

Next, Jennifer Jones, my only long distance recruit, added two more women to our Thirty One team - Rays of Hope.  I met Jennifer on my way to National Conference last year and was so excited when she signed up.  Our team is growing deep which is great news! 

I won a door prize at the Family Wellness and Beauty Day so yesterday I got to pick up my prize (and place an order) for Quenchwear clothing.  This is a line of clothing that is all about fit, style, versatility and sun protection.  I can't wait to show off my new interchangeable outfits.  These will definitely be making the trip to HOTLANTA in July for National Conference.

The greatest blessing came on Thursday at my Weight Watcher's meeting.  No, I didn't loose but actually gained .4 (a VERY minor setback).  I had TWO AHA moments though - 1) tracking is key to my success & my weight loss journey and 2) people actually helped by my blog.  Thank you AnnaMarie for sharing how my one blog post helped you.  Your kind words made my day and helped to reinforce what Vanessa Coppes (my blog mentor) told me.     

Time for family as hubby has off tomorrow.  Enjoy your weekend and have a ThirtyOne-derful day.

Blogging Week 1 Complete

WOW!  I did it - a whole week of blogging completed and I actually am enjoying it.  Who would have thought that this technically challenged woman would be able to accomplish such a thing.

I just wanted to share a few thoughts:

• Blogging is not as hard as it seemed if you talk about what you know.  Thank you +Vanessa Coppes and Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Moms for helping me to see that.
• Be yourself!  
• People actually read what I write.  I know this sounds crazy because why else would you blog, right?  I didn't think I had anything to say - SURPRISE!  I love sharing about things that mean something to me.  Who knows somewhere along the way, it might actually help someone else that is struggling.  
• Along with this goes the fact that if people read it, you may be asked to step out of the realm of cyber space and actually share in person about what you have written about in your blog.  Welcome to "stepping out of your comfort zone"!  
• Lastly, the easiest way for me to keep up with the blogging (since Vanessa said do it for 30 days - EVERY DAY) is to make a list of things as I think of them.  Then in the morning I can look at the list if I can't think of anything to write about, and I have a list of topics or ideas to get me going.

I will share more of my life's journey - the good, the bad and the not so pretty - as time goes on.  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!