Coaching People Who Seem Willing....

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by a participant in coaching new, young consultants on their business practices. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on accountability, networking, and strategies to help these consultants succeed.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration with her two new, shy consultants who struggle to engage their friends and build a customer base.
  • Another participant shares that some team members prefer not to be held accountable, raising questions about how to motivate them.
  • Several users mention the importance of expanding one's network beyond close friends and family to find potential hosts and customers.
  • One participant suggests using a "mystery host" open house as a fun way to generate interest and encourage participation.
  • Another participant notes the effectiveness of asking consultants what support they want, rather than imposing accountability measures.
  • One participant reflects on a metaphor comparing the List of 100 to a wedding guest list, emphasizing the need to think outside one's immediate circle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to accountability and motivation, with no clear consensus emerging on how to effectively support the new consultants.

Contextual Notes

The discussion centers around personal experiences with coaching new consultants, particularly those who are young and may lack confidence in their business endeavors.

Who May Find This Useful

Participants within the consultant community who are navigating similar challenges with new team members or seeking strategies to enhance accountability and engagement.

PamperedK
Silver Member
Messages
1,126
I have 2 new, very young, very shy consultants on my team. I want them to do well and I think they want to do well...but I can't seem to get them to do what they say they will do. They are both friends, btw and have the same circle of friends.

neither of them have a full list of 100 - they say they can't think of anyone else. Both of them have had "Grand Opening" shows where 2 people showed up and no one bought anything. These girls are having a hard time getting their friends to host because they live with their parents and none of them have the money to buy anything - and I also did shows with a few of them before these girls signed.

One of my girls is also calling one person at a time. She'll call Sally and leave a message (or Sally will say let me think about it I'll call you back) and then she'll wait to hear back from Sally before she'll call the next person on her list. I've gone through bookings training with both of them and tried coaching them on who to call, how to ask, what to do when someone says no....but I can't seem to get them to actually do it!

any suggestions you have for keeping them accountable to themselves would be greatly appreciated.
 
Winnipegk said:
I have 2 new, very young, very shy consultants on my team. I want them to do well and I think they want to do well...but I can't seem to get them to do what they say they will do. They are both friends, btw and have the same circle of friends.

neither of them have a full list of 100 - they say they can't think of anyone else. Both of them have had "Grand Opening" shows where 2 people showed up and no one bought anything. These girls are having a hard time getting their friends to host because they live with their parents and none of them have the money to buy anything - and I also did shows with a few of them before these girls signed.

One of my girls is also calling one person at a time. She'll call Sally and leave a message (or Sally will say let me think about it I'll call you back) and then she'll wait to hear back from Sally before she'll call the next person on her list. I've gone through bookings training with both of them and tried coaching them on who to call, how to ask, what to do when someone says no....but I can't seem to get them to actually do it!

any suggestions you have for keeping them accountable to themselves would be greatly appreciated.

not to be Debbie Downer, but I think we are all seeking the answer to that question!;)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Haha yeah I guess, eh? I guess I could ask...how do I keep them accountable to ME? I know when I have a call scheduled with my Director, I want to have good news for her - the last thing I want to do is say I didn't do it. Maybe that's just me.
 
I asked some on my team this, "How would you like me to hold you accountable?" Most of them said, "I don't want you to."What do I do with THAT?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Oh my. What do you say to that?? I guess it's their business....
 
Help those new consultants (not just the young ones) to think of people outside of their circle of friends. Take the time to ask them, "Do you have any cousins that would have a show? What about your mom or your aunts? What about your neighbors? Do you think your friend's mom would have a show?"

If they are not comfortable asking these people to have a show, they might want to have another open house. Who did they invite to their first open house? We all know that a successful open house takes 100-150 invites; did these young women send out 10 and both to the same people? Even if you can help them each come up with 40 different people to invite they would each have 10-15 people attend. Then help them extend their cirlce to invite even further than family. Who do you know from church and your bank? Have you gone to the same hair dresser all your life; invite her. What about the front desk people at her doctor, dentist and chiropractor. Do they have jobs? At the same place? Could they ask people at work?

It might also work for these young women to walk them step-by-step through another open house. I always like the "mystery host" open houses for new consultants. It doesn't cost them to give away the host benefits and it generates a lot of interest and it is a fun way to start their businesses.

For myself, I find that it is so easy for me to tell my consultants what they need to do to fix the problem. And, of course, they don't do it. I have found that if I ask them if they want ideas, they say yes and then they do it. I have also found that I need to set up a follow up appoitment. I say, "Let's set a follow-up phone call. What ideas that we talked about today do you like the best?" Once they pick one or two I ask them how much time they need to do these ideas, 2 or 3 days, and then scheduled the follow up appointment.

If you have consultants that don't want to be held acountable, ask them, "What do you want me to do for you?" You will know exactly what they want from you. You can still go through asking if they want ideas and then giving them one or two. They can still pick an idea and try it. Instead of setting an appointment they can call you when they have done the idea and fill you in on how it went. Of course, if it is not your office time, they can leave a message!!!!

A great line that WORKS when they say I don't know what to do is: If you did know, what would you do? :devil: It is amazing the ideas they come up with! Have them call you back with their results when they have done their idea. If they don't call you back and they don't do anything, I hate to be harsh, but don't waste your time. I have learned that I can't want my consultants to succeed more than they do.

Michelle
 
I was once told to think of the LIst of 100 as if it were the guest list to your wedding....for that event, you would typically invite people that were out of your loop.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to coach people who seem willing in direct sales?

Coaching people who seem willing in direct sales refers to guiding and supporting individuals who have expressed interest in joining the business or improving their sales skills. This involves providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and encouragement to help them succeed in their direct sales journey.

How can I identify individuals who are willing to be coached?

Individuals who are willing to be coached often show enthusiasm, ask questions, and demonstrate a desire to learn and improve. Look for those who actively engage in discussions, seek feedback, and are open to trying new strategies. Their willingness to participate in training sessions or team meetings is also a good indicator.

What are effective coaching techniques for direct sales?

Effective coaching techniques include setting clear goals, providing constructive feedback, and using role-playing scenarios to practice sales pitches. Additionally, offering personalized support, sharing success stories, and encouraging accountability can help motivate individuals to achieve their goals.

How often should I check in with those I am coaching?

Regular check-ins are crucial for effective coaching. Aim to have weekly or bi-weekly meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and goals. However, be flexible and adjust the frequency based on the individual's needs and preferences. Consistent communication helps maintain motivation and accountability.

What resources can I provide to support my coaching efforts?

Resources can include training materials, online courses, sales scripts, and product knowledge guides. Additionally, consider providing access to webinars, motivational podcasts, and community groups where individuals can share experiences and learn from one another. Tailoring resources to their specific needs can enhance their learning experience.

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