A New Way to Look at Creative Sponsoring…
September 16, 2009 by Julie
Filed under Sponsoring
I’m often asked, beyond recruiting at your parties, what are some other ways to find new representatives? In my opinion, it’s all about finding a way to trigger conversations as you move through your life, interact at your kid’s school, church, shopping, etc. Now, just for the record, I have to tell you, I’ve never been a big proponent of assaulting someone in the grocery store line to share your opportunity. Having them approach you is a much better way to start the conversation. So what are you carrying, wearing, etc. that’s going to have someone approach you and ask you about your business rather than the other way around. Logo-enhanced clothing, a bag with your company name on it, I’ve even seen bags with clear slots that feature small items or your catalog. Think outside the box here and see how creative you can be.
Once you do get one of these golden opportunities and you find the conversation turning toward your business, be sure you keep your sharing short and sweet and make it about them! The best way to do that is to ask questions about their life and needs. Questions like “What do you do for a living?” or “How many kids do you have?” can often lead to conversations about how your business can support them. The more you can tie your information into what they share, instead of vomiting your business plan or experience all over them, the more likely they’ll be to want to learn more.
I always had a catalog and a few party date cards and once we’d conversed a little, I’d offer them a catalog and invite them to fill out the card with their info so I could enter them into my drawing for that month (I did a monthly drawing for a certain amount of free merchandise, a popular item from my product line, etc when they hosted a party). That way I had their info and could follow up. I also asked if it would be ok for me to follow up with them in a few days and when would be convenient. That makes the follow up call much easier to make on your part.
One final idea when it comes to recruiting right now - many people who say no in May or June as summer is starting may have a completely different mindset now that the fall is here. Go through your old leads and find people who may have fallen away or through the cracks and make it a point to connect with them in the next few weeks. The kids are back in school and this is a perfect time for many people to start a new business.
How do you recruit outside of your parties? I’d love to hear your ideas.
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Julie Anne Jones is a success language consultant, a direct sales coach and trainer, and the CEO of Julie Anne Jones, Inc. She is known for her authentic and easy-to-use scripting and specializes in specific language and tools for success in direct sales. To learn more about Julie Anne and her products and services, visit her at www.julieannejones.com or check out her blog at http://julieannejones.com.
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I love the idea of the buttons and name tags! I wore my name tag one day and I had to take it off because I ran out of catalogs! I booked 3 parties that day.
I always keep information about my business opportunity with me. That way if it comes up, then I have a brochure, a catalog, a scent sample, and a business card to share with them instead of me getting so excited, talking too fast, and giving way too much information.
LOL Dee. That’s a good one!
I have a male friend who is a networker and he wears a badge that says “I talk to strangers.”
Hi Julie.. I was never comfortable stocking strangers in the store until this method was introduced to me. At a check out stand, when talking to anyone you don’t know etc.. i finish the conversation and then say… May I hand you my business card? They say yes or no. I hand it to them about 98% of the time. They take the card and in 9 out of 10 cases they say… xyz company.. what do you do? ( I am with a company truly new to Oregon) I then give them a SHORT description of what I do.. in my case I say,” I am introducing a new cosmetic company to Oregon and I do that by giving free make overs.. are you interested?” If they say yes, I say, “would you mind if I jot down your information and give you a call when you are not so busy?” This is so casual that people often just say sure! I get name and phone only and put it on a referral card, ask what time is best today or tonight, then I call.. simple as that. This works so well and I do not feel like I am stocking because If they are uninterested they do not inquire about my card. they have the chance to say no at every avenue..I hope someone else finds this as comfortable as I do..
Warmly,
Barbara Jo
Jhanna,
Great idea! In fact, we offer an office organizational program called “Office on the Go” that includes a bag just like the one you’re talking about and has a stand up file box that fits inside it for the business essentials and folders you need. It’s in our store at http://julieannejones.com/store.htm in case anyone’s interested in checking it out.
Love this Julie Anne! As you mentioned, my conversations with people are usually about them. I can’t tell you all of the intesting people I’ve met and great stories I’ve heard by asking about THEM.
No matter the person or situation, after asking questions, I can usually find at least a grain of common interest between us. Then it just naturally blossoms from there.
Now, I was never a purse carrying person. I’m a tomboy, usually dressed in workout wear. However! I found a bag that I have designated not as a purse, but my ‘business in a bag’.
I carry catalogs, samples, business cards, and so on in there. Oh, by the way, it does also carry my wallet, keys, and cell phone.
By having these supplies right ON HAND, I can be at the school playground picking up my child, or at the gym getting ready to teach, in case someone asks or the opportunity arises.
Thanks for your wonderful insights to our amazing industry.
In Gratitude,
Jhanna Dawson
Great information, I often wear a shirt that says “Ask Me About Wholesale Travel” who wouldn’t want to know right? You’ve got to be read to share what you’ve got and do it. All of those wearable your company offers are for YOU to build yourself more clients.
Jay NaPier
Thanks for sharing, Jackie.
Great ideas, Helen. I used to wear a button that said “I lost 25 pounds. Ask me how” when I had my mulit-level marketing business and I sold a lot of product wearing that button!
Julie Anne! Another awesome bit of great advice. I’m like you – the grocery store thing was never comfortable for me. And, I would never say it doesn’t work, because I know people who have a ball with it and are highly successful!
For me, I like to think in terms of people moving towards me, vs. me moving towards them. So, I am always thinking of how I can set myself up to create curiosity and a desire to know more.
This allowed me to blossom in our profession and further develop the skills I desired to learn, and do so in a way that I felt was more comfortable to both of us.
And, again, each person is different, but I realized that I don’t like people I don’t know approaching me when I am out. Not sure why, but it’s just a personal thing of mine. That is what it was never a fit for me to do the same!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
I like to wear a t-shirt, ball cap, or a name tag when I’m out and about. The most useful tool that I’ve found for me, is wearing one of those stick on name tags that you get at parties or events and putting on it my name, my business title, and “Ask Me For Your FREE Sample Today!” on it. Has worked a lot for me and that way, they approach me, because they want their free sample and it opens a window of opportunity for me to begin building the relationship. Plus, those name tags come in packs of like 50 or more for just a few dollars!