Feeling Stuck? Find Motivation and Change Your Attitude

[lesliec]

I am feeling pretty negative right now. I am in a major slump and don't really feel a way to get out.
I am new. My 90 days is this week. I really worked my butt off in May. I ended up closing 6 shows, but only had about 1700 in sales. A couple of those were catalog shows that barely had $150 in sales, but beyond that I have a pretty low show average. I feel like I am stuck in a circle of low spenders. I get bookings off of them, but not many of them are spending much at the actual shows. I have had 3 shows cancel on me recently.
I am really frustrated b/c my commissions weren't even $400 after working my butt off, and that doesn't even account for gas, business supplies, baby sitters etc.
I was hoping to make this a career, and actually be able to make some money at it, and I have had a few shows, but I don't feel like my business is taking off the way it should. DH is very supportive, and keeps telling me it takes a lot to get a business off the ground, but I am not really sure that it is worth the time or energy.
Please help motivate me and help me change my attitude.

 

[NooraK]

What are you doing to meet new people? Have you tried fairs? Do you talk to people while out and about? Have you truly gone through your list of 100?

 

[vanscootin]

DH is right... it usually takes a year in direct sales to get it going... and it's good he is supportive... I have a supportive hubby too. I barely qualified in my first 90 days but I did... I am still not where I want to be with my business but it's picking up. You have to be excited about it. I realize you worked your butt off and don't feel like you got a real good return. Here's what I've done to get me through....

carry a catalog everywhere... I take it out and read it in the grocery store line and people will ask

joined a local networking group.... this has boosted my business significantly... more with the guys in the group than the women

asked everyone I knew to host a show... I got a TON of No's... especially from my hubby's aunts. I'm a STAHM so I don't actually know that many people.

send out a monthly newsletter and emails from customer connection of the PWS... I make my own newsletters instead of subscribing to one... I have the time and the know how so it's theraputic to me to make them

Follow up with a phone call - I'm terrible with that but you gotta do it

I've also done several events, they are worth the up front costs with the bookings and leads. I've also traded shows with other direct sales folk... if you do a party for them they do one for you. This works.

Seek advice from your recruiter and director... they have good info. This site has awesome info too...

You can do it. Make it fun... you are in this for yourself and no one else. We have all had slumps and we all get through them. Try and stay positive even when you don't feel like you can and I am the most pessemistic person I know.

 

[lesliec]

Noora, I do still have people on my list to call. Thank you for reminding me of this. I am just so discouraged after all of the work I have done. I feel like it has really taken away a lot of time from my children, and then I don't even have the financial gain to show. I really enjoy getting out and doing shows, and that is something DH pointed out, although I don't want to just be a hobbyist at this. I know nothing is easy, I am just not highly organized, so it has been a lot of work for me.
Vanscootin, I like your idea about reading a catalog in the grocery store line. I may have to try that one. I am so bad about talking to people when I am out and about. I don't know how to transition to talk to them about PC.

 

[vanscootin]

I know nothing is easy, I am just not highly organized, so it has been a lot of work for me.

I am not organzied either so don't feel bad... I have 2 kids and a hubby who works 10 hour shifts... in a house that is way too small. I have my pc stuff all over our bedroom. My mother also recently had a stroke and we are moving her to town with us so we will be moving as well. Between my mom, the kids and all their appointments and school and what nots, and the housework I don't know how I get any PC stuff done... but somehow I do and still make it to bed by 10 or 11. Where there is a will there is a way!

Don't get down on yourself. I think it was Frank Sinatra who sang "I did it my way." Now matter how you do it, keep the faith and you will succeed!

 

[raebates]

The hardest work is in the beginning. Though, you don't want to ever stop working at your business. As you slowly work your way outside of your circle of friends and family you're more likely to feel successful. And, yes, for most of us it takes a good year or so to really build momentum and get a business rolling.