Starting Over in 2008: Need Advice on Growing My Business

[cpaylor]

I have decided, that 2008 is a make-it or break it year for me, but I need some help. I have been a consultant for 2 1/2 yrs and need to make a honest effort to have several (2-4, or more) definite shows a month. Any suggestions from anyone on how to start again?
I had a holiday mystery host show that was a bust and I think family and friends are tired of my invites (maybe 2 per yr). I have one definite for January and I'm participating in a Quarter Auction.

 

[janetupnorth]

You need to find a way to break outside the "family/friend" circle. Think creatively...invite teachers, fellow moms (more acquaintances not friends).Maybe do a kids show with kids and moms....Think of businesses you go to...look up pampering a business on here.Ask family and friends for referrals. Give them a gift for referring someone you don't know that hosts a show for you. That way they are helping you but not having to "have another invite".

 

[cmdtrgd]

Do a week long show blitz - book 5-7 shows in one week. You will be exhausted at the end of the week, but you will have the bookings you want to continue. Make sure you have your calendar with you and highlighted. Try not to book more than 2 months out. And, most importantly, make the same recipe all week!

 

[scottcooks]

Sobering thoughtMaybe a "getting your head right" can help - it has helped me several times in the past. Here is a thought that stirred me to act better...

Lately, I have heard so many people say how difficult direct sales is. "It's
hard." "I can't get bookings." "This just isn't for me." "I didn't know how
difficult it would be."

Well, I am a single mom of three who, before joining the direct sales
family, held down two jobs. I would get up at 4:00 in the morning and not
get to bed until midnight most nights, after returning from my part-time
retail job, packing lunches, checking homework and relieving my mother, who
helped out with the kids.

That, my friends, is difficult.

It is difficult always having to lower your dreams to meet your means. It is
difficult to miss your son's football game because you have to work. It is
difficult knowing the rust bucket you call a car is eating you alive in
maintenance, but you can't afford a new one. It is difficult to realize that
someone else is going to watch your daughter take her first step or have
your son say mama to the preschool teacher.

It is difficult knowing that you have spent 40 years of your life working
for someone else, only to realize that you will be retiring on one-third of
what you can live on today. Or, worse yet, it is difficult knowing that you
have diligently worked all your life, only to be given an early retirement
and replaced by someone younger, more capable.

I will tell you what is difficult. It is difficult waking up one morning and
realizing that your children, the most precious things imaginable, no longer
need bottles, diapers, have tea parties, or are shorter than the baseball
bat they are trying to swing. It is difficult realizing it is too late and
that the time frittered away can never be retrieved. It slips through our
fingers one second at a time.

It is also difficult watching the spark in your partner's eyes fade because
both of you realize the house you have been wanting is just a dream because
someone else is controlling your finances.

We have nasty habits about rationalizing, procrastination and skirting
important things, rather than facing the issues. Too often we allow others
who do not pay our bills, who do not share our dreams, to direct our
futures.

As children we have absolutely no freedom; we rebel in our teens and scream
for freedom. We reach adulthood and are finally free, only to relinquish
that freedom because we think it is too difficult. We do not want to take
responsibility. We do not want to make a wrong decision, so we obligingly
give that awesome power to someone else. We wake up too late. We hear
ourselves uttering phrases like: "I wish I had only . . ." and "If I could
do it over again."

You have no one but yourself to blame. You had the chance. Perhaps the
opportunity was presented many times and each time you elevated the trivial
to a higher priority than yourself.

Let me ask you: Is direct sales really difficult?

Is it so traumatic to show someone an exciting product or idea? Is it so
difficult to understand that if you work this marketing idea for three to
five years, you just might finally be able to send your children to a
college chosen by excellence, rather than one chosen by price? That you
could finally put your family in the home of their dreams?

Would you work really hard for eight to ten years, so you could mold a
lifestyle of your choosing, so your family could live a lifestyle of their
dreams, rather than trying to live how someone else thinks you should live?

How difficult is it to pick up the phone and call your hostess? How
difficult is it to pack up your kit and meet some new friends? How difficult
is it, really, to share what you love with others? Think about it.

Realize the awesome power you have in your hands with direct sales. There
are people out there working three jobs. There are people drowning in debt;
or agonizing through bankruptcy, realizing they only needed a couple hundred
more dollars per month. That is difficult!

This business you have chosen has the ability to change lives. Direct sales
cannot do anything. But YOU can change lives with it. You are the one with
the life-changing ability. What are you waiting for?

There is difficulty and pain in success, and! there is difficulty and pain
in failure. Difficulty and pain in success will last a short period of time;
but pain in failure lasts a lifetime. Which one is really more difficult?

You will pay a price for your actions, and your choices.

Which choice will you make?

Attached are five very supportive energizing ideas...the two different 90 days are from two different people who took notes over the course of a seminar.

 

[Bren706]

Pick up the phone and call past customers. Also, advertise yourself when you are out doing errands, with PC clothing, tote bags or buttons. Be sure to ask for contact information from those you speak to, and follow up with them within a day or so.

 

[chefmeg]

WOW!Now that was a reality check! Off to call hosts and potential recruits....will no longer find me complainin'.....thanks, Scottcooks!

 

[heatherkiss]

This is soooooo perfect.

Thank you,
Heather

 

[pamperedlinda]

I love the 100 Creative ways to advertise! Thanks Scott for posting these.

 

[CookingwithMary]

Thanks Scott! UGH! No shows in December, but this will help me get back on my feet in the new year

 

[chefann]

Anyone who's looking to start 2008 with a bang should check out the "Golden Week" thread. Lyn Conway, who was the guest speaker at National Conference 2007, has been pushing this week as a great week to contact potential hosts and customers. People get so down after the holidays, and if you call with a positive word, they'll remember that.

 

[heatherkiss]

Hey everyone! Did you do your calls. I spent alot of the day on the phone. alot of my people were working. I'll see what my results will be soon. hopefully I'll get some call backs.

I got alot of good feedback........... I'll report any patys......... waiting....... waiting........... Oh got to go my phone is ringing!

Heather

 

[cpaylor]

Thanks! You guys really know how to put things into perspective. I just got back to check things. I've printed the papers and plan to get started this weekend. My family (parents) have upset me tonight, so it's not a good time to call, but it has given me motivation to get this thing going. I'll keep you updated.

 

[cmdtrgd]

Christina - I understand when you feel it is not a good time to call. Sometimes when that hits me I curl up with a cat, blanket and hot chocolate. Sometimes I watch a chick flick and sometimes I watch a DVD from my PC library. I also will make my LIST of people to call and why.

 

[carolina]

Scott, this is a Real reality check for me.
Thanks