CB048898I’ve always been very independent. From the day I was born (according to my mom), I’ve had no fear. I tend to plunge into projects before I even really know how I’ll actually make them happen. It has taught me to be brave, which is great. Unfortunately, it has also taught me to be somewhat of a loner because (blessedly) most people don’t work at the pace or with the same energy I do. That’s why, when I started my company, I pretty much did “it all” by myself. I was a one woman show.

Once the company grew to a point where it was humanly impossible for one person to run it all alone, I had to bring on support staff to help with that. What that has meant for me in the past year or so has been learning to let go and “give” part of my projects, tasks, dreams, even trust to other people. When Nancy (whom I affectionately now refer to as my ‘VP of everything’) first came on board, I was a horrible micro manager. It took a long time to trust that she could handle things without me. Now, with our Julie on board as well, I am watching Nancy go through the same thing. Turning it over is hard.The realization I had around this over the past month or so is that Nancy (and now Julie) are, hands down, my most valuable business assets. They are both as committed to my company as I am. That value to me is priceless. Realizing that has made me take better care of them and make sure they know how important they are to me often.
 
You’re an independent contractor. As a direct seller, you work alone. Except, if you’ve been doing this for any time at all, you know you don’t. Your business is more dependent on others than mine is. You depend on your hosts to partner with you to create successful parties. You depend on the passion your guests have for your products. And if you’re a leader, you depend on your downline, quite literally, for your income.
 
So ask yourself today, “What do I do, on a consistent basis, to take care of my most valuable commodity?”
 
  • Are you thanking your hosts before, during, and after their parties?
  • Are you appreciating your guests by providing them with an experience that’s fun and fulfilling at your parties?
  • Do you create a team for your downline that supports their growth and learning continually?
I promise you, as you shift your focus to what you are doing on your own and focus on how you can impact and support the human commodity in your business, everything you’ve dreamed your direct sales business could ever be will begin to unfold for you.
 
How do you take care of the people in your business?
 
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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