I hear lots of objections and excuses as a direct sales coach for why my clients can't (or more precisely, won't) succeed. One of the most common is "I don't want to come across as pushy at my home party." That also translates as "I'm not good at selling at my home party."
So, as a successful direct sales coach I just want to clear this up (and if you're one of my clients, you know this already, but LISTEN UP anyhow!): Your job is never, ever to "sell" anyone anything in your direct sales business. Not your products, not your direct sales opportunity, not on the idea of having a home party with you. Not anything. Now, I'll admit that it's a little annoying that it's called direct SALES, but just get over that. Sales has nothing to do with what you do.
What the best, most successful direct selling experts have figured out how to do is SHARE. They share their enthusiasm – for their products, their direct sales opportunity, their hosts, their guests, their company. Period. I have several direct sales tools in our online store that provide direct sales training for getting results from your business. The honest truth? If you just shift your focus from selling to sharing, you could almost figure it out on your own (although I do think my products, courses, and direct sales coaches help A LOT!)
So at your next home party, do yourself (and your home party guests) a favor and just forget about selling. Make it your intention to share all night long and see how that works for you. I'm smiling just thinking about what will happen. 
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Julie Anne Jones is direct sales corporate consultant, 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, and to read more blog posts, visit her at www.julieannejones.com.
What a great story, Diane! Thanks for sharing.
I emailed a friend who lost a loved one recently to let her know I was thinking about her and her family. It never dawned on me that she would actually read my signature file at the bottom of the page that has my phone number and website link. Well she checked out the site, gave me a call, and asked for a catalog and sample so she can order gifts for some coworkers! That mailing is going out today. Imagine that! Who's to say how many orders will result from that ONE mailing? We'll see!
Excellent advice! I can testify this to be true. I just blogged about this last week. It's funny when I shared how I started in direct sales, I explained it was because I went into it not to sell but to share my love and excitement for the company and products. Business grew and it grew fast!
As always Julie Anne, you are right on target. LOVE it!
Love & Success,
Jill Shea
Two Thumbs up advice. I am so uncomfortable trying to push people into buying from me. I love this concept. It feels natural and very comfortable.
Thank You Julie
Jodie Hecker
Like I've heard you say before Julie…it's about the language you use. Sharing is so much more in fun with prospective sponsors, hosts and guests than selling.
When it comes time to mention my opportunity or talk about hosting a party with me, I find myself even telling people that "I'm not a pushy sales person". I have to break that habit and fast. LOL
Kelly