The Flakiness Factor: Why Direct Sales Reps Who Are Serious Get a Bad Rap

With all the direct sales companies out there these days, many NEW Entrepreneurs are joining the ranks.  Unfortunately, this can lead to an influx of flakiness.  Are you a flaky consultant?

Look at yourself carefully and think about the following:

1. Do you know why you are in business?  (you would be surprised at the many who have no clue)
2. Have you opened up your starter kit since you received it, or is it still sitting in the corner waiting until you get around to unpacking it?
3. Have you tried all the products?  (You can't sell them unless you use them yourself)
4. Is your voice mail recording that of your kids, a long minute of loud music, or the generic message?
5. Do you have voice mail?
6. Have you told anyone you are in business?
7. Do you know how to find your online website and know what the password is?
8. Did you order an online website?
9. Do you have a computer?
10. Do you know how to use a computer?
11. Do you know how to take an order?
12. Do you check your phone messages every day or once a week?
13. Is your voice mail mailbox full?
14. Do you know how to check your voice mail?
15. Do you call back your customers immediately or did they move on to a new consultant months ago?
16. Do you hide under the table and not answer the phone when your sponsor calls you.
17. Do you know who your sponsor is?
18. Do you know what company you signed up for?
19. Did you know that you had a business instead of a job?
20. Do you have more than one customer . . .  your mom?
21. Do you know why you haven't made any money yet?

This list could go on and on.  Do you get the picture?

Did you check out the fantastic products and services in the I HIGHLY RECOMMEND section of this blog? (right sidebar) They are people I know, like and trust, whom I believe would bring great value to your business.

The Challenges of Working From Home and What You Can Do About It

For women, especially, working from home can be a God send.  It can also be a huge challenge.  How do you maintain balance and be productive?  Here are a couple tips.

1. How do you get work accomplished when you are constantly being distracted by dirty dishes, laundry, other family members demanding your time, or the refrigerator?

One Facebook friend of mine had a great idea.  He rents out a coop office with other entrepreneurs, who also work at home.  That way he has an office to go to, and doesn't feel isolated in his business.   If you are a mom, an outside office might be a challenge.  However, there is no reason you couldn't get together with other work at home moms to make phone calls, take care of customers for several hours per day and challenge each other. Take turns watching kids or enlist a teenager.  Look into being able to use the parent center at your kid's school as an outside office.

2. What do you do with a non supportive family member, or a spouse who is out of work?

Having someone who is not supportive, or is hanging around the house depressed because they are out of work, is a major drag mentally and financially.  It may make you feel like it is impossible to get ahead.  It is important to put yourself first.  Sometimes men become negative, or are not financially responsible, as a method to gain control over you. Get yourself into the mindset that you are capable of handling your finances by yourself, and then do what you have to do to make that happen.  Don't use your man's issues as an excuse not to work your business.  The fact is, no matter how much you love the dude, he could get run over by a truck at any moment, leaving you alone and having to support yourself.  No matter how lovely it is to depend on someone else, you have to make sure you, and your family are taken care of, no matter what happens.

3. Be clear on what you truly want to accomplish

Are you working for your goals or goals given to you by someone else?  It is easy to get talked into doing something you may not be excited about, rather than be true to yourself and what makes you happy.  That is not to say you shouldn't be a team player, but make sure what you are doing resonates with your over all goals.   It is important to set goals for every aspect of your life.  What would you like your lifestyle to ultimately be?  Do you see yourself leading huge teams, speaking on stage, traveling to motivate other consultants, or would you rather take life easy, go on trips around the world for pleasure, and get massages whenever you like? There is nothing wrong with either of these goals.Your ultimate goal may be entirely different.  Plan your work at home, based on the lifestyle you truly wish to create.

More and more people are going the work at home route.  Write down in a journal what would truly make you happy if you could have anything you wanted in life.  Then, create a plan to make it happen, no matter what.

Did you check out the fantastic products and services in the I HIGHLY RECOMMEND section of this blog? (right sidebar) They are people I know, like and trust, whom I believe would bring great value to your business.

Your Pizazz Factor: Are you Projecting a Classy Image?

The following applies to any business, whether it is direct sales, an entrepreneurial venture, the film industry or just about anything else, for that matter.

I just saw a video posted on Facebook from some friends that displayed a definite lack of class.  Bad language, crude message, et all.  It was a feeble attempt to be funny.  I now realize why I have drifted away from that particular group. I prefer to hang out with kinder, gentler and more successful people.

What determines class?  There are probably a multitude of answers, but I wanted to mention a few.

1. Bad language usually shows a lack of intelligence, wit and is a cheap way to get attention. Have you ever been to a comedy show where the comedian used 90% potty language.  YAWN!  The most brilliant comedians do not have to resort to this trick.  They are actually clever.
2. Talking badly about other people or another company puts you in the class free category. Those who do it,  have a lack of self esteem and feel it is important to shoot others down, rather than focus on being uplifting and encouraging.  How many times has someone told you their company was better than someone else's?  Sometimes this is hard to do with all the mean spirited reality type shows on the air.  Unfortunately our young people are learning they have to do what it takes NOT to get voted off the island, or the boardroom, even if it is despicable.
3. A classy person helps others to succeed and in doing so, succeeds themselves. A "Me Me Me" person gets old fast.
4. A person with class will sandwich constructive criticism with praise.  This was one of the philosophies that Mary Kay Ash used to build her multi-billion dollar company and why there is great retention for those who embrace it.
5. Treating others with kindness, and making them feel important ,is one of the true characteristics of a person who will continue to grow and earn the respect of others. 
6. Integrity - Doing what you say you will do, not cheating others, and being honest.  That goes without saying.

Remember that the image you project to the world will brand you in a way that will stick in people's minds forever.  Go for the high road and be classy.  What do you think determines class in a person? Let us know.

Did you check out the fantastic products and services in the I HIGHLY RECOMMEND section of this blog? (right sidebar) They are people I know, like and trust, whom I believe would bring great value to your business.

Direct Sales Success: A Tasty Opportunity to Get In At the Top

As everyone knows, there are various ways to create additional income streams, via network marketing.  There are direct sales companies, party plans and MLM's, all with various downline systems.  Through my association with CEO Space, a 21 year old entrepreneurial organization, we often have access to up and coming NEW companies that offer amazing opportunities to those who get in at the top.

One such opportunity is Sensy Chocolate.  This company essentially launched at CEO Space 1209 and has the backing of several major players who have taken top positions in the company.  The reason for this, is to aid in funding a miraculous program called SuperTeaching, that will help school children comprehend what they learn better.  Superteaching has been presented to the United Nations to put its technology into schools throughout the world.  Those who are more right brained, are able to become more left brained and vise versa.

Sensy Chocolate offers organic, healthy, dark chocolate from Peru, that is sweetened with Xylitol.  Xylitol, unlike fructose, has been shown to be one of the safest sweeteners out there, and is recommended to prevent tooth decay. 

Benefits of Xylitol http://www.dentist.net/xylitol-benefits.asp

Sensy Chocolate is also a more affordable alternative to other MLM chocolate products as far as auto-ship goes.  chocolate-compensation-plan1

The company has just launched its online website and it is still under construction, however, it is operational.  Please be patient. That is how NEW this company is, and how ON TOP you would be if you sign up.  The beauty of Sensy Chocolate is that it is amazingly simple.  The dark chocolate is sold in bags of 15 bite-sized pieces.  This is an easy addition to any other direct sales business you may be running.  Simply serve the chocolate as your refreshment..

At this time, you can enroll as a preferred customer, or at levels all the way up to World Leader, depending on how much you are willing to invest.  Obviously, the higher you come in, the higher your income potential.  You enroll 4 people who enroll 4 and so on.  The company is offering the use of a Ferrari Car for top earners.

What if you had the opportunity to start at the very top of Amway, Herbalife, or any other top MLM?   Every woman LOVES chocolate. This chocolate actually helps you lose weight.  Sure, there are other wonderful chocolate companies out there, however, this is YOUR opportunity to be at the top.  The worst that could happen is that you would be forced to eat a couple bags of delicious chocolate.  So . . . . what do you have to lose?  I am still working with my primary direct sales company, and I am going for it.  Why not YOU? 

Register with me TODAY at http://www.chocolateyum.com

For a detailed ingredient list sensy-chocolate-ingredients2

More Business Owners Taking on Direct Sales and Networking Marketing to Increase Income Streams

One thing that I have found, is that business owners and entrepreneurs are signing on to direct sales or network marketing companies, in droves, to supplement their "passion" income.  An MLM, may not necessarily be a business owners true calling, but they recognize the business model, the amount of residual income that can be made, and have the business mentality to make it work. 

Although direct sales, has often focused on work at home moms, especially in party plan models, a more qualified candidate may be your family lawyer, accountant, or beauty salon owner. 

I haven't seen many real estate agents lately who aren't touting the latest juice, or beauty product.  And practically everyone is sending those handy little greeting cards.

Many look for cutting edge products or product launches, so they can get positioned at the top for greater income potential.  You have to be careful, of course.  Some brand new pre-launches end up sinking before they sail.

Business owners understand the value of receiving commissions.  The other advantage is that a direct sales or network marketing company comes pre-branded, with business materials, supplies and products available all on one website.  It can usually be worked on a part time basis that will not interfere with the primary business.  I have seen many business owners with not one, but several mlm businesses.

Business owners are looking for the easiest way possible to market their network marketing projects.  You may not see them attending live preview events, because of time constraints, but if they LOVE the product, they will promote it in one way or the other. 

Here's a brand new product that will be launching in one week.  Why not check it out?  Hint:  It tastes yummy!

See you at the TOP.  www.chocolateyum.com

PS, as an actor for over 30 years, I recommend that all actors have a network marketing business.  However, many are thick headed and would rather struggle and starve.  Oh well.  You have to slap them over the head and say "Residuals in acting - get smaller.  Residuals in network marketing get bigger." 

Did you check out the fantastic products and services in the I HIGHLY RECOMMEND section of this blog? (right sidebar) They are people I know, like and trust, whom I believe would bring great value to your business.

Direct Sales Reality Check: Be Accountable to Someone Else to Manage Your Money

I haven't written in this blog for a while, mainly because I have used my direct sales experience to go into something that I am very excited about.  It is not direct sales, but my position is similar.  I am helping business owners pursue their passions no matter what business they are in. CEOSpace.

However, I was listening to an audio by Carrie Wilkerson, the Barefoot Executive, and she talked about something that is near and dear to my heart.  She, herself, had gone into debt because she hadn't been able to properly manage her money.  She suggests that you assign someone else to do your book keeping to stay accountable and not embezzle from your business.  This could be a spouse, parent, or any other outside source.  GREAT idea!

If your heart is not with what you are doing to make your production, get a reality check and step down.  Don't keep putting in more than you have earned simply to maintain your position.  Instead, come to CEOSpace and discover what your passion really is!  LOL.

That is not to say I advocate company bashing sites.  I personally hate them.  I wish someone would blow up the PINK YUCK!  (a site dedicated to bashing a company that is dedicated to improving the lives of women)  I personally had an encounter with the witch who runs that site, when I decided to step down as a director.  She seeks out directors who step down.  We had a hideous conversation in which she ranted on and on about how I failed, etc.

Those types of people are whiners and complainers who did not take personal responsibility for managing their money.  They blame everyone else but themselves.  I still have a large inventory and I don't think I would ever be able to run my business without one.  I wish I had more in stock right now.  Just listen to what Carrie has to say and run your business like a business.  No one forced you to spend more than you earned.  Get over it!

Here is the link to Carrie's Teleseminar.

http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=10159662

(I didn't even add my affiliate link, because frankly, I couldn't find it.  Hee Hee!)

Did you check out the fantastic products and services in the I HIGHLY RECOMMEND section of this blog? (right sidebar) They are people I know, like and trust, whom I believe would bring great value to your business.

The Straight Skinny on Marketing Your Direct Sales Business Online

I am only giving you my personal opinion.  Some of you out there may have had different experiences and I would love to hear them.  I have tried many of the options available for online marketing for direct sales: Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, Social Networking Specific Groups, Online Lead Generator Programs, etc..  They are all great for getting your message out, socializing, and clarifying your goals, visions and dreams.  They can also be huge time wasters.  Fabulous for procrastinating.  Hey, we all do it, right?

You can spend hordes of money figuring out how they all work or do it all for free.  What works and what doesn’t?

I just received an email newsletter from a friend and he is claiming that Facebook is the BEST landing page there is.  I have to agree with him.  Facebook is a constant party.  If you want to connect, voice your opinion, let people know what you are up to, you have to be on Facebook. That doesn’t mean just sign up and leave.  It means you must participate on a daily basis.  Usually several times per day, without being obnoxious.

Don’t sell, ask people to help you reach your goals,come to your party or, heaven forbid think they will sign up online.  That is pretty ridiculous.  Many of your FB friends live thousands of miles away.  Simply connect and carry on real conversations.

I have decided not to use Facebook events.  They get buried in the mix.  People are getting overwhelmed by the constant stream of invitations.  The same honestly goes for groups and fan pages.  Hardly anyone can find them. Well, I can’t anyway!  Just talk to the streaming feed and carry on conversations.Conversing with the feed and messaging friends is all you need. When it comes to events,  I much prefer www.meetup.com

The other thing you must have is an email service such as Constant Contact or Aweber.  That is the only way you should be sending group emails.  Did you know that if you have more than 10 people listed in your TO column or even BCC on your regular email, it will end up in a Spam folder?  I just learned that from a person who works for Constant Contact.

Enter your existing customers on your email service list and add as you get new ones (always asking for permission)  On AWeber, people have to confirm that they have given you permission.  Then send out a regular newsletter with 80% tips and useful information, and 20% max  promotion.  By regular, send it out like clockwork (weekly, bi monthly, monthly) Do not send out a shopping cart.  I personally do not subscribe to my direct sales company customer EZINE because of that very reason.  It is a shopping cart and nothing more.  Customers opt out of it.

I blog for fun and enjoyment.  I cannot say I have recruited  new team members or added to my customer list.  Direct Sales is personal and usually locally based.  It means you have to get out and meet people face to face.  I love passing on useful information and I hope people appreciate it.  You can create additional streams of income from blogging by participating in affiliate programs, tele-seminars or ebooks. Multiple streams of income are good and recommended for everyone.

Lead generating systems:  OK, I tried two of them.  I earned some affiliate income from them but did not build my team.  Some types of direct sales companies may find this helpful, but for most party plans I would say it is a waste of time and money unless you are in it strictly for the affiliate income.

For those who are claiming to be building teams online and making sales, I would say their income mainly comes from offering coaching programs and not directly from their direct sales income. Coaching is a noble profession if you are hugely successful in your business. The majority of direct sales income will usually come from meeting real life customers.  Sure, some people do online parties, but I would guess that is not a large percentage of their income. People buy from party plan companies to have fun at parties.

What has your online experience been like?  I would love to know! 

Did you check out the fantastic products and services in the I HIGHLY RECOMMEND section of this blog? (right sidebar) They are people I know, like and trust, whom I believe would bring great value to your business.

Build Leaders By Supporting Your Local Direct Sales Consultant Community

I have always felt fortunate that my direct sales company made it part of their business plan to have their leaders support all consultants in the organization no matter if they were directly connected to them or not.  It makes a huge difference in the success of one leader over another. We call it the Go Give Spirit, and the most prestigious award the company gives is for the person who gives back the most.

Unfortunately, in an ideal world, this doesn’t always happen.  When it doesn’t, you will see local direct sales leaders of a particular company, in a community, start to flounder. Or, you might see a top leader who is strong in one area, for example, sales, but who is not building strong leaders in her own organization.

Those who are new, or have not built up their business, need support.  This helps everyone as a whole.  The bigger you can build a local area meeting, the more exciting it is, and the easier it is to recruit and build strong leaders.

If a local leader feels that they are an island, they will end up falling off.  Here are some tips to support your local sales force and build more leaders:

1. Band together for regular events.  Have a monthly career breakfast, or evening event to include area leaders and their teams.  Make sure everyone is connected via email or a phone tree.
2. If you are a strong leader, but your strengths do not lie in organizing events, enlist another leader who is better at it.
3. Use sources such as www.meetup.com or Facebook, to find other consultants, leaders and guests in your area with like interests.  Be careful not to promote this as a selling event, or you will be blocked.  Promote your event as educational or for networking opportunities.
4. Create a monthly management meeting for leaders in your area to share ideas and bring in guest speakers.
5. Treat other consultants and leaders as if they were just as important as your own team members.
6. Edify all local area leaders in your company to give them confidence and strength.  Delegate portions of the event or responsibilities to each leader
7. Create a support network for your community to serve  local area needs or help when someone in your company is in a crisis.
8. Group events for all direct sales reps (in any company) is helpful for all because you can learn, and do business with each other. This is a great way to build your customer base.

If you find you have become successful in one particular area, but have not built leaders along the way, it could be that you have neglected to focus on your local area of consultants and leaders. You can’t go to the top alone.  Plus, with help and support, you won’t have to work so hard.

Did you check out the fantastic products and services in the I HIGHLY RECOMMEND section of this blog? (right sidebar) They are people I know, like and trust, whom I believe would bring great value to your business.

Business Mentality and Systems Make the Difference For Direct Sales Success

It’s difficult to watch people who have invested good money into top level training who are still stuck and wondering why their business is floundering.  We all know the fortune is in the followup.  Are you doing it?  I can’t even count the times that I have found a new customer or recruit because their previous consultant wasn’t on the ball.

Many times when I have asked a new customer who their previous consultant was, they couldn’t even remember their name.  Potential recruits have searched corporate websites because they wanted to sign up to start a new business and never received a response.  One person told me she had attempted to contact 9 consultants until she finally got a hold of a director who called her back.

And you wonder why direct sales and networking marketing has a bad name?  People associate direct sellers as being flaky, or as those who have no job skills, who sign up because they couldn’t find anything else to do.

Unfortunately, flaky consultants do not possess the capability to be business owners in the first place. So, why do we keep recruiting them?  They spend money they can’t afford and then lose it because they do not have any inkling of how to take manage or take advantage of it.

We recruit them because we want the numbers.  Who hasn’t heard that success is a numbers game?  But why have numbers that do not produce results, or turn off future customers?  Sometimes you just have to say,  I don’t think this business would be a good fit for you. You aren’t ready yet.  Don’t quit your day job.  If someone is determined to succeed, they will dispute this and prove that you are wrong.  Let’s hope they do.

If you want to be successful in direct sales or any business for that matter, you must develop the business mentality for success and a system to make it work.  These are  learned skills.  However, learning skills is not all there is to it.  You have to  take action on them. 

When you wing it, you get wing it results.

If your business isn’t working, quit crying about it and develop a system.  Then make sure you take action on it and work it. Keep it simple and teach it to your recruits.  Be more discriminating on who you bring into your business. Who you bring in is a reflection of you and your company. If you have a precise system that works and you are implementing it yourself, others will follow your lead.

For more info on developing a sales system, I suggest you check out Eric Lofholm at

www.saleschampion.com  He is a wizard and has worked with many top companies including Mary Kay.

Did you check out the fantastic products and services in the I HIGHLY RECOMMEND section of this blog? (right sidebar) They are people I know, like and trust, whom I believe would bring great value to your business.

Team Member Retention: What is the Disconnect?

How many times have you recruited a new team member only to have them quit or never get started?  It happens all the time.  What causes this to happen?  There are, of course, many reasons, but it comes down to not having the proper mindset for success in the first place.  Much of this has to do with not indoctrinating a new team member as to what is really required or expected of them to succeed.

They may initially be excited about the product or the prospect of making extra income. Inevitably, an obstacle, fear or disappointment evaporates that excitement. Much of this comes from having an employee mentality.  Face it, the main purpose of a school or college is to prepare people to become part of the workforce . . . as an employee.  It doesn’t teach them to be entrepreneurs.  An employee mentality comes from waiting to have someone else tell you what to do. It is not so much taking it upon yourself to be responsible for your own success. 

That is why only 5% of direct sales consultants achieve significant success in their business.

The Direct Sales Mindset Manual For Success is a guide to prevent new team members from falling into the employee mentality trap.  It should be the first thing they ever read before the first obstacle strikes.  As we know, that can happen even before they open up their starter kit.  I suggest you sign them up and have a copy ready to put in their hot and excited little hands.

Once they read it, they will never have any reason to blame you if anything goes wrong in their business.

To order, simply go to:  It is only $9.97

 

Did you check out the fantastic products and services in the I HIGHLY RECOMMEND section of this blog? (right sidebar) They are people I know, like and trust, whom I believe would bring great value to your business.