Listening to Our Own Advice

Some say you can't teach a old dog new tricks.  Some say if you are going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk. As for me, I have lots of "stuff" in my head.  I have taken many classes to grow my business, for personal development and on how to be a leader.  From each of those experiences I have gathered tidbits of wisdom that I tuck away and that randomly comes out when I am talking to someone.  I usually quickly tell people, that the information was gotten from XYZ class or from a professional coach.  

You may be saying "so what is the point?", right?  Usually after a great training experience where we have heard a lot of good ideas - we are motivated to try them all.  I know, I know - I have always talked about making small changes but I am an all or nothing kind of gal.  Yesterday, I got my "DUH!" moment about follow-up and making small changes.  You know that moment when someone smacks you on the forehead and says "you should know that".

After spending the last few weeks worrying about hubby, hospital visits and now doctor visits.  I took a stand and told him that I needed to spend about 3 hours playing catch up.  Okay, typically for me that means emails and Facebook   As I was cleaning off my desk (another busy task), my leads file emptied out.  Mind you these are all of those wonderful guest care cards that people fill out at vendor events.  They know that you will probably call them, asking them for business or to host a party.  SURPRISE!  Mine are all piled neatly in a folder waiting.  They have been entered in my back office so people are at least getting my monthly emails but the majority of them have NOT been called.

After listening to a 31 minute training call on goals - I decided that I needed a SMALL one to get me moving.  I was going to make it a GOAL to call at last 5 people per day from my lead file.  For accountability, I even shared the goal with my hubby who thought this was a no-brainer.  I have repeatedly coached my team and others on the importance of making calls.  I have come up with every reason why they should and shared multiple training calls with them to help with the process.  Did I take my own advice?  No.  I may for 1 or 2 days but never for the 21-days it takes to make it a habit.  Even with the inspiration of another direct sales consultant, Maggie, who has a nightly hour that she does follow-up, I was slow to jump in.  

I DID IT!  The benefits were very surprising.  I called a hostess that I haven't really talked to since her party in December of last year (I know practice what I preach).  She said, we were just talking about you - I would LOVE to place an order.  Okay, well when I got to her house to pick up her order, it was a $200 party with just 3 orders.  So, out of the 4 calls that I made, one turned out to be a sale.  Now I know that doesn't happen all of the time but it was just the right "kick in the butt" that I needed to start my NEW 21-day challenge - calling 5 people a day (lead follow-up, past hostesses or past customers).  I do love a good challenge so we shall see.

If you are coaching others, sharing tips or sharing advice - LISTEN to what you are saying.  Take stock of your own actions.  Do you practice what you preach?  If not, take one thing and change it!  Can't wait to hear what small change you are making - please feel free to share.

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.

Some Favorite Products

As the days get closer to Mother's Day, our 2nd Anniversary and my birthday - all of which are in May; the big question is always what do you want for _________?  So, I thought I would share some my top favorite products and their websites..

1.  My NEW favorite clothing line is Quenchwear!  I mentioned it yesterday but I LOVE it.  I ordered a few pieces but I am thinking that I will need a few more to mix and match.  For those that know me - I love comfortable and am NOT a dress up kind of person.  This line is perfect

2.  I have become a new fan of Mary Kay makeup.  Annamarie has been GREAT helping me to find a color that I like.  I have switched from Bare Minerals to the Mary Kay minerals - AWESOME.  Try it for yourself.

3.  Over the winter my hands were rough and dry.  Hubby even complained which is something that he seldom does.  So with the help of Maggie at Beauticontrol, I now have soft hands.  I know that they have more skin care products but this is my first daily routine for my hands.  

4.  Names On the Jersey Shore has a few things that I have been looking at and thinking about. Check Susan out on Etsy.  I would load pictures but I have yet to figure out how to do this when I am blogging.  Susan's writings on the beach are done right here at the Jersey Shore.  I LOVE her sea glass necklaces and earrings too.  The fact that she has two of my favorites - an angel and my name with sea glass is also a plus.  

5.  Hungry Girl recipe books.....you can never have enough.  I use a lot of these recipes and tips as I continue on this Weight Watcher journey.  Simple and good - hubby even likes some of them so that is a true testimony about the tasty recipes.

6.  Toms - my daughter has been wearing these for awhile but I have just started checking them out.  I love the wedges but I am not sure how this "old lady" would do in 3 inch wedges.  I mean I wouldn't want to topple over while walking. I do like their classic styles too - they even have a PINK pair.  They might have to be on my list to pack when I head to National Conference in HOTLANTA.

I have more products/ companies that I love along with some wonderful friends who are in business that I will share as time goes on.  Have a ThityOne-derful day.

 

Working for Yourself

Today, I am off sharing Thirty One at the Family Wellness & Beauty Day at Shido Martial Arts in Freehold, NJ.  All monies raised from the $10 tickets will be donated to We're Kickin It AntiBullying Program.  I can do things like this because I am my own boss!

When I first went to work, I never wanted to be my own boss but as I got older, had my daughter and saw what I was missing as a single mom - that changed.  I took the skills I learned in grants management for a non-profit and opened my first business "H.O.P.E. Consultants". I worked for 4 years while my daughter was in High School as my own boss.  Then I found a grassroots non-profit that I wanted to help so I joined the Monday-Friday workforce again.  After 6 years, I left that job that I LOVED (and hated - LOL) to go back into business for myself as a Direct Sales Consultant.  Why?  The freedom to make my own hours and no commute to work far outweighed the cons to owning your own business.  

Here is an portion on an article that was in Forbes about What to Expect When You Work For Yourself...

So do you have what it takes to be your own boss? Here are some hurdles you will certainly face if you decide to go off on your own:

Obstacle: It’s Just You:   If you become a sole proprietor or member of a small business, all responsibilities fall on you. Or maybe it’s not just you; perhaps you’ll have new employees or interns to manage, and this might be new territory. You’ll also be managing your own schedule, which can be difficult if you’re used to structure. You might be able to adapt to these changes, but personality can play a large role in what you’re comfortable with. Personally, I’m a bit of a control freak so I love having a hand in every aspect of our business. Time management took a bit longer to master, but I now know how to maximize my productivity.  Advantage: It’s just you! No more office politics, micromanagement, or working for someone who doesn’t appreciate you– the list goes on and on.

Obstacle: Blending Your Work Life with Your Home Life:  Most people enjoy that an office job gives them the ability to, both physically and mentally, leave their work at the office. This can be tricky to maneuver if you’re now working in your home, and could also be an obstacle for those you live with. You may benefit from renting a separate office space, but this isn’t always practical. After years of working from home, setting up a separate area for our books and “office” has helped us to stay more organized. It also prevents our business from intruding into every aspect of our personal lives– for the most part.  Advantage: No commuting! And blending might not be bad at all if you build your business around something you’re personally passionate about.

Obstacle: You Will Work Longer and Harder Than Ever Before:  You’'ve probably heard entrepreneurs say “I work from the minute I wake up until the minute I go to sleep.” It may not be like this all the time, but for the most part, it is absolutely true. It will be especially true in the beginning, as you’ll need to do whatever it takes to get your startup going.  Advantage: You will work longer and harder, but it’s ultimately for your own gain. Nothing is more satisfying than that! While you will make time sacrifices, you’ll also have more flexibility. I'’ve gotten over the fact that I will work during every Super Bowl for the foreseeable future (and I am a huge football fan!) because I have a trade show that weekend every year. But even though I work most weekends and many holidays, I ultimately have the ability to change my schedule when I really need to.

There are certainly sacrifices toward owning your own business, but for successful entrepreneurs, the advantages far outweigh the difficulties.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!