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Archive for Sponsoring – Page 2

5 Keys to Recruiting Your Direct Sales Host During Host Coaching

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

How's your direct sales recruiting going so far this year? Have you hit your monthly goal? Are you building a great team? If you're not getting the results you want, I'd like to recommend that you start looking at host coaching as a way to change that. Did you know, according to the Direct Selling Association, that 75% of all direct sales representatives start out as hosts? If that’s true, sharing your opportunity with your host at the end of your coaching may greatly increase your sponsoring results.

Here are my 5 keys to recruiting your host during your host coaching appointment.

  1. Whenever possible (and I realize it's not always possible), meet with your host in person. This will increase your connection and build your relationship faster. Get creative – if your host lives more than 25 miles away, are you going to or through her town on your way to a home party soon? Could you leave early and meet with her on the way?

  2. Make sure you're creating a connection with your host in the beginning of the appointment. Get curious about her life, and listen to what she shares. There are often recruiting gems to be learned (i.e., she hates her job, she's struggling with her day care provider, etc.).

  3. Never pre-judge a host or assume that she isn't interested in hearing about your opportunity. Consider that, even if she may not want to join, chances are great that she knows someone who could really use your business. So just share that with her up front (“This may not be for you but you may know someone for whom this opportunity could truly be an answered prayer”).

  4. Make sure your host leaves the appointment thinking about the possibility of starting her business. I'd say, "I don't want you to tell me now. I just want you to think about it, and if you decide between now and your party that you would like to give this a try, we'll turn your party into your kick-off, I'll give you all the bookings, and you'll be on your way."

  5. Finally, if you’re feeling uncomfortable about sharing or worried about coming across as “pushy,” I want to encourage you to simply share from your heart about why you love your job and why you’re passionate about sharing it. The best way to do that is simply to share your story and the stories of the women on your team who’s lives have changed because of your business. If you’re honest and sharing from your heart, it’s impossible for you to come across as “pushy.”

Helping your host understand the benefits of starting your business is a part of your job as a direct sales representative. The key to success in sharing is as simple as speaking from your heart. And anyone can do that. So make the decision right now to start sharing with every single host with whom you work from now on. It's the easiest way I know to grow your business.



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You may, as long as you do not alter it and include the following information (with active links as appropriate):

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 her weekly blog posts, visit her at www.julieannejones.com.


10 Questions for a Strong Direct Sales Business Plan

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Did you know that direct sales is considered a "recession proof" business? Historically, according to the DSA, our industry sees an increase in sales and recruiting during more difficult economic times. What does that mean for you? Opportunity! Think about these questions:

  • Do you know anyone who's struggling to make ends meet at the moment and is looking for a part time job?
  • Do you know anyone who's feeling overwhelmed and stressed out and needs a break?
  • Are you or someone in your company making full time wages working part time with your company?
  • Is it possible that people who love your products and are short on money could get excited about earning your products for free?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, I hope you're beginning to see the opportunity instead of the obstacle in the news of the economic hardship we've been receiving lately. If you've ever wanted to be in the right place at the right time, now is the time and you're in the right place. Start focusing on all the opportunities and take action to begin capitalizing RIGHT NOW! Below are some tips to support you with a strategy for moving through the rest of this year with a strong plan.

10 Questions For a Strong Business Plan

Now is the perfect time to look at your business and either develop new or update existing systems which will bring you the results you desire. You can also focus on clearing and organizing your space so you’ll be more efficient when you do get busy. Last, but certainly not least, intentionally plan your business by creating a schedule which encompasses everything that’s important to you. Schedule your personal time, time with your spouse/significant other, business activities, desired dates for parties, opportunity events, meetings, and family time.

Now, ask yourself the following ten questions, be honest, and make a plan for success!

  1. Do I have a goal for the number of parties I intend to hold each month during the fall selling season?

  2. What is my ideal sales month? (If you don’t know, how will you create it?)

  3. Do I have a purpose? WHY am I in business?

  4. Do I have a set schedule for my business? On a scale of 1–10, how well do I stay on track in committing to my schedule?

  5. On a scale of 1–10, how well do I practice and implement what I learn? What practices have I put off implementing that I KNOW will bring me greatest results? When will I implement them?

  6. Do I make excuses for not applying energy to my business? What are these excuses costing me? Will I schedule a time to look seriously at the truth, or will I sweep this under the rug?

  7. How well do I follow through with my agreements? Am I of my word? What will I change?

  8. Am I fearful of failure or rejection? Have I searched for the limiting beliefs that block me from succeeding?

  9. Do I know my goals for this week? Some examples of powerful weekly goals:

    • Send thank you cards to your new hosts immediately after they schedule a party.
    • Invite every guest to host a party and be creative with your language.
    • Hand out 3 opportunity packets at every party.
    • If you are a leader with a team, schedule a weekly support coaching call with every representative who is interested in developing their business.
    • Make 10 calls a week inviting guests to hear about the business opportunity.

  10. What is my action plan? What will I do to make these weekly goals a reality?

By taking some time to really look at your business honestly and create an intentional plan for moving forward toward the goals you set now, you'll not only weather the economic challenges we're facing, but take advantage of them and grow your business throughout the upcoming fall selling season.



WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN PRINT OR ONLINE?
You may, as long as you do not alter it and include the following information (with active links as appropriate):

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 her weekly blog posts, visit her at www.julieannejones.com.


We're heading into the most busy and lucrative time of year in the direct selling industry. I always loved the fall because the products were fun and I was doing lots of home parties (which I also loved). The thing I loved most about doing home parties was how much fun it was to be a part of the group. I loved creating an experience for my host and her friends that brought everyone together. Part of that experience relies on the host having a party full of fun guests. That's always important, but during the fall it's essential, because so much of your income for the year comes from those parties.

So the million dollar question is, how do you support your host in filling up her living room with guests?

Here are five of my best ideas:

  1. Make sure your hosts chooses a theme. I always ask participants at my live events, "Would you rather attend a bread and water party or a Mexican Fiesta?" Get it? A theme says "Come party with me" not "come to my house and spend money."
     
  2. Create and send a fun, compelling invitation that features that theme. And no, your company's simple post card invitations really don't count. Honestly, think of your reaction the last time you received a post card invitation in the mail to another home party. How excited were you to attend? See what I mean. (You can download our "Margaritaville" themed invitation for free on our free tools page on the website here).
     
  3. Create a relationship with your host prior to her party. Host coaching is the key to success in the party plan business. Period. Your host will work hard at promoting your party and making it a success if she feels a connection with you and likes you. And a nice added perk to host coaching is that, if you're offering your opportunity to your host as part of that experience, you'll generally sponsor 1 out of every five to seven hosts.
     
  4. Give your host clear instructions. This is so important. I say all the time people won't open their mouths if they don't know what to say. And I've found that people generally do what they're told. So give your host a goal to make follow up calls at least two days prior to her party and do a little role playing that shares some enthusiastic language about how much fun the theme is going to be so she knows what to say. Some consultants even take on this task for their hosts. Just make sure it's getting done.
     
  5. Follow-up often. Believe it or not, your party isn't as big a priority for your host as it is for you. And you want them to understand that you're there to support them. So, make a follow up call about a week prior to the party just to touch bases and share your excitement for her upcoming party. Then follow up at least two days prior to the party to remind her to make follow-up calls and the day before the party to make final plans.

The bottom line is, you hopefully have more parties booked from September through November than any other time of the year, and it's up to you to give your host the tools she needs to fill up those parties so you get the results you want, for her and yourself. The host is the catalyst, so take some time to think about how you support her and to implement some of the five tips above. And if you've got a great tip for filling up your parties with enthusiastic guests, I'd love to hear it.



WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE FOR FREE IN PRINT OR ONLINE?

You may, as long as you do not alter it and include the following information (with active links as appropriate):

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 or check out her latest blog post at www.julieannejones.com.