Direct Sales Marketing & Mentoring- Nancy Sutherland

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I have always been told to treat my customers like they are “pure gold”. It takes so much more time and effort to attract a new customer than it ever does to maintain one.

How do you maintain good customer relations? (This is particularly valuable when you sell a consumable product that produces reorders)

• When you spend time with a customer, listen to her, discover her wants, needs, and personal interests. (I try to record as much as I can right away because I don’t want to forget)
• Start developing that relationship from the very beginning. Tell her what to expect from you in customer service. I personally still touch base monthly with all of my customers via phone and/or email.
• When you find out that they are going through a rough time, send a card, or if appropriate a small gift, or even a meal.
• I send out a birthday card to all of my customers offering to get together with me for some pampering and a special discount. (some have told me that is the only card they got!)
• Celebrate their new babies, weddings, and other life changes by acknowledging it with an email , call or  card.
• Let them know as often as you can how much you appreciate them. After all, you don’t OWN your customers. They make a choice to shop with you. Make sure that they know that!
• Although offering a sale from time to time will attract customers, focusing on the relationship more than the discount will keep them. I don’t discount my products very often. So if they are “waiting” for a sale, they are sure to run out unless they stocked a huge quantity of products. ( in that case, why not recruit them?)
• At the end of every year, I send out a thank you card to my customers rewarding their loyalty with a discount that is based on their loyalty to me. This  will not encourage taking other people’s customers, just showing mine how much I appreciate them. Click here to see the card that I use.

Once you start to understand the value of a customer and show them how much you care, you will begin to have second and even third generation customers and many more referrals than ever before because they will be eager to share you with their friends and coworkers!

Technorati Tags: customer relations, customer service, maintaining customers, success principles

As 2008, quickly comes to an end, many of us are evaluating our business and looking for lessons (or excuses) for the outcome. This is also a great time to start planning our new year and how to make it not only better, but reach an audacious goal!  There is a secret that many don’t consider in planning- it’s the power of accountability and tracking! It all comes down to repetition. Here is how it works.

1. Tracking and repetition is the beginning of new thoughts and habits! To create a new habit or replace a negative thought with a new one, you have to repeat, repeat, repeat close together to get a new image! Repetition of tracking and accountability removes the doubt of where production and new growth will come from. You no longer question why you ‘don’t have results’ because either you  have results from increased tracking or you understand why you don’t have results once you are ready to write down what you did and there’s not much to write down. Repetition gives you Fair Averages, YOUR Averages
2. Repetition brings to the conscience mind the reality of  today! Today matters more than what we think that we are going to do tomorrow! We are by nature procrastinators. We think we’re doing more, doing better, because we think about working more than we do the activity of work that counts. So, accountability brings us the reality of today,by tracking your efforts and results you can see the reality of today.
3. Repetition allows us to create better habits. We all have ‘habits’. Are you on time or late? For me, the habit of being accountable with your time is the most important one to start with. Do you practice what you teach? The habit of remaining accountable, On Time and with the right activities creates the right habits. Once you own the skills and habits, you’ll be teaching to others, your new confidence becomes an undeniable magnet. These habits allow you to grow in Leadership on new levels with stability. Show me a leader who doesn’t own these habits, she may rise, but she’ll backslide because she won’t have taken full responsibility of basic habit of the accountability of being on time.
4. Repetition contributes to your personal integrity. It promotes you as a leader. You will find that you begin to receive the accountability that you want and need from those you lead! Without this accountability from those you lead, you will hit a road block in moving them because they’ll miss results and you won’t have the ability to show them specifically what are good at and what they need to master and improve on. This leaves you without valuable and specific direction that fits into their understanding of what they should be doing to get results. Even though you’ve told them what to do, if they aren’t consistently evaluating themselves and their consistency in the form of accountability, they will not comprehend what they should be doing!
5. You will begin to see an increase due to repetition! This leading by example will preserve the integrity of your business. When your business is not doing well, in most cases, if you allow yourself to track and evaluate, you will see that your activity is not where it should be. In most cases, repetition will cause the leader to focus on the income producing activities and adjust her schedule to put the prioritize them as the most important things to do! This brings increase

Start making a list of what habits that you are willing to change with your business. If you are already in a leadership position, by growing your leadership, your production of your team will be seen as well!

For more information on private and group coaching and to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE 15 minute strategy session with me, just fill out the form below!

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Technorati Tags: business coaching, goal setting, leadership growth, personal growth

When you have direct sales business, if you are serious about building a strong team, we need to do a check up from the neck up and back down again! Did you know that you do not make a great team, you find them ! As a team builder it is your job to provide an environment where they can see the abundance and grow personally and professionally on their way to the top! Don’t ever forget that your team is watching what YOU do! Are YOU professional at all times in YOUR business?

When we work from home, it is easy to become comfortable in our casual clothes all the time. Now is an excellent time to pick up some professional looking outfits and accessories while they are on “After Christmas” sale! When you are seeing clients, or potential clients, it may take a few extra minutes to prepare, but looking professional will make such a difference for you! It can increase sales, and even inspire others to emulate you! (This also includes the image that you portray when you are doing a video that is used for training!)

• How is your hair? Has anyone said lately, What a great cut! If not, go to the best stylist you can find and get it done! This is well worth the money spent.

• What is the look of your best business suit? Is it out date? Does it fit? You are making a statement … what is it? I’d rather have one suit that is ‘slammin,’ than a closet full that doesn’t make me feel like a million!

• Shoes and hose … Are they comfortable? Attractive? Good condition?

• Make Up … who is especially good with product in your area? Ask for advice or have a sister consultant do a makeover. Make sure you look your absolute best!!!

• Personal … have you had your teeth cleaned recently? What do your fingernails and toe nails look like? Having a regular manicure and pedicure should be in your budget as a business woman. How is your breath? Do you carry breath mints with you when you go to conventions or seminars?

• What does your ink pen look like? Brief case or folio? Purse?

• What are your business card being carried in? How accessible are they?

• Are your earrings outdated? Cheap? Too big? Other jewelry? Too much, too little? Go for classic! If you are not sure, less is better.

• When using social media, your photo is most important. Use a recent photo, and remember to smile. People start to identify with you if you look friendly and approachable!

Take an honest look at yourself and ask the opinion of a ‘classy’ friend who will tell you the truth. Appearance is the first element a person has to judge whether she wants to do business with you. You will get a chance at ‘heart’
later, but first your look will sell or send! Take a close look at yourself and dress for success. Remember, you will never have a second chance to make a first impression!

Technorati Tags: business appearance, dress for success, image and attire

The anticipation leading up to the holiday is not only with children, but adults (the young at heart) as well. This year I was so busy up until the day before Christmas eve. Then the reality of how close we were to the holiday set in for me. A flurry of activity around our house included last minute shopping, wrapping gifts, and a marathon cookie baking session! As we were rushing to get ready for the holiday, our excitement grew.

On Christmas eve morning, we quickly packed our car and headed out to our destination- my son, daughter-in-law and two grandchilden where we are spending the holiday season. The drive to our destination quickly changed from excitement, to anxiety. Although the temperature was 32 degrees and rain was predicted, it was icy for over half the journey, causing us to have to drive slower than normal and our anticipation changed to the temperature rising enough for the ice to turn to rain. When it did, it was heavy and consistent.

Even though our journey took twice as long as it usually does, all of that was quickly forgotten when we were greeted by my two beautiful granddaughters! From that point on, everything was perfect from my perspective. The rain finally stopped when we went to church for the Christmas eve service. Since our family had to travel in separate cars, we were already seated when my grandchildren arrived. When my youngest granddaughter Anne noticed me across the aisle and shouted “grandma”, it melted my heart!

After the service, eggnog and some light refreshments while the “assembly” process began. The children went to bed with excitement and anticipation of Santa, but mom and dad had hours of work before they could rest! Morning came all too quickly for me, but the beautiful smiles of my two little granddaughters telling me that it was Christmas morning was so cherished!

In those moments everything is perfect. The things that weren’t completed didn’t matter, none of the family had too much to drink, and everyone is happy. The moments of driving in less than perfect conditions are already forgotten, replaced by the new memories of the smiles of children is as close to perfection as possible in this lifetime. It was as though time stood still. The perfect Christmas really and truly still happens!

It was a lovely holiday – there will never be another like it – because children grow, and some family members are getting older and may be their last. For now, it is one to be stored in my memories forever!

I have just a little more time to enjoy with my family before the journey home to reality and everyday life continues. For me, I want to treasure the moments that I have and enjoy them. Isn’t that the way that holidays are meant to be? The magic of Christmas with children is one of the most incredible pleasures of this life!

I hope that all of you had lots of wonderful holiday experiences to store in your “memory bank” as well. Thanks for sharing your time with me here on my site!

Tags: Christmas, holiday memories, holiday traditions, family holiday

Technorati Tags: Christmas, family holiday, holiday memories, holiday tradions

Many of you will be traveling this holiday season, spending time with friends and family, and of course watching football. Here is a movie that I recommend watching. It shows you the power of believing. Another favorite that you can watch with the children,is The Polar Express. I believe that when you watch a movie, besides the entertainment value, there should be a message attached. I’d love to hear feedback on either of these movies from those of you who have already viewed them.

NEVER STOP DREAMING!!!

Believe from Polar Express:

What other movies with a message would you like to share?

Technorati Tags: Inspiration, motivation, movies

Technorati Tags: Inspiration, positive attitude, successaffirmations, visualization

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Technorati Tags: directsales business opportunities, legitimate direct sales companies, make extra money in direct sales

http://budurl.com/adoptagrandparent on 12seconds.tv

This charity project provides gifts to the elderly in the Pocopson Home without family. It is the only gift that many of them receive. I have been doing this for 5 years now. What started out as a unit project became just me this year when a key consultant who worked with me every year was recently diagnosed with cancer. Instead of letting those people down, I decided to use social media to promote it and work towards still providing gifts for all 275 residents for their holiday party on Monday. You can help by donating any amount here.

Thanks so much to those of you who have already donated, or published this on their blog or even offered to help me assemble and deliver. The joy will come back to you for helping those who are less fortunate!

Technorati Tags: adopt a grandparent

Reporting
Jorge Estevez

MIAMI (CBS4) ―

A new trend has women looking for a way to make extra money. Not only are women working full time jobs, but they’re taking up a second part-time job in the beauty industry.

“I love the way the company works I love the way the products feel on my skin,” said Jackie Alvarez, who signed up to be a Mary Kay Consultant. She is enjoying the extra boost to her pocket book. Alvarez already works in human resources during the day.

“I want to have a baby within the next two years and my current income isn’t enough,” said Alvarez to CBS4′s Jorge Estevez, as she showed him her home office full of make up supplies.

Alvarez can make thousands a month, like with many reputable stay at home sales jobs. The money is something you are hoping will help get you ahead of the game. “Money doesn’t buy happiness but it opens doors, ” said Alvarez, who wants to supplement her family’s income.

In fact, reports suggest the Mary Kay Company has a seen a forty percent spike in women signing up to sell. and here is why, with most beauty companies there is no money up front and you get as much as fifty percent commission.

“I have noticed that a lot of women are coming to Mary Kay starting their business in Mary Kay because they spouses are loosing their business or their jobs or simply because they earn extra money,” said Leslie Martinez, Independent Sales Director for Mary Kay.

So with Mary Kay, Jackie is prepared for a downturn in the economy. “If I should loose my job. or if my husband should come into hard times with his business, then I have something to fall back on,” said Alvarez.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

The Mary Kay Party Makes A Comeback – cbs4.com (Read the entire article here)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON A DIRECT SALES BUSINESS CLICK HERE

Technorati Tags: direct sales home business, direct sales work at home, directsales in any economy

This time of year, we tend to have so much to do, that at times it becomes overwhelming. Since I have worked from home for 23 years now with the same direct sales company, I have learned a few tips that can make you holidays less stressful and more fun. Here are a few-

1. Each night compile a list of the six most important things to accomplish the next day. ( not sixty) This allows you to prioritize and take whatever you did not accomplish today to be added to the list for tomorrow.
2. If your direct sales business includes products that you sell, consider giving those as gifts to your friends and family. I did that since the very beginning of my career. One year, I thought that maybe they were tired of those kinds of gifts, so I bought other gifts. Everyone complained! They really did like getting my products for gifts, and I could afford to give better gifts when I pay wholesale prices.
3. Shop online whenever possible, after the kids are in bed. Many companies are offering special “online discounts”. That saves you not only money , but your valuable time.
4. Put all of your children’s holiday commitments on your calendar as soon as you are informed so that you can schedule around it. I attended every holiday party, field trip, concert, etc. that my children gave me advance notice. I can only think of one time where I had to miss a concert because my son didn’t tell me about it until that day. (I still felt terrible because I had scheduled something else that I couldn’t change)
5. Make family traditions and findtime to do them every year. They create memories. For example, I took my children on the train into Philadelphia each year to see the light show at Wanamakers, and visit Santa. They looked forward to it, and loved it!
6. Prepare a double recipe of each mealand freeze one. It doesn’t take any extra time to do that, and it gives you choices of quick meals.
7. When making a gingerbread house, buy a “kit”. We got one this year at Walmart, and it was so much fun and much less time consuming and stressful- plus it looked terrific!
8. Spend 20-30 minutes a day doing your holiday decorating. That eliminates having to set aside an entire weekend to do that.
9. “Freecycle” any of your decorations that you have become tired of, and look for others who are doing the same.Even though we have a few favorites, it’s awesome to get new things each year, and we don’t have room for all that we have accumulated.
10. When time to do your baking, decide on all of your recipes first. Then do your shopping. You can create stations for dry ingredients, moist ingredients, baking, and cooling and make many recipes in one day. A good source for cookie recipes is here at the Northpole !
11. Consider doing demonstrations or open houses with other direct sales businesses toallow your children to do their shopping. This also works for the dads.
12. Don’t forget to schedule some pampering time for yourself this season! A massage, manicure, pedicure or other special treatments will go a long way for making your holiday bright.

Don’t forget the day after Christmas to pick up any wrapping paper or accessories for next year. Do you have any other time saving ideas to share with us? I’d love to hear from you!

Technorati Tags: balancing family and business, holiday time savers, make each day count, one minute time manager, timemanagement