Direct Sales Marketing & Mentoring- Nancy Sutherland

Avoiding Distractions for WAHM’s

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:56:05 +0000

Set House Rules To Avoid WAHM Distractions

Now that I am spending more time with my two

and five year old granddaughters, I am reminded

of how important it is to set rules when working

at home with children. I have worked my business

since my children were small, so I agree with

many of the ideas here and wanted to share

it with you too! (Nancy)

(the below is an article by

Six Figure Work at Home Mom, Debbie LaChusa.)

Read this story…might sound familiar. But even if your situation is different, I’ll bet you’ve had to deal with distractions in your WAHM (work at home mom) business.

So I wanted to share it..

My children are grown now and live away from home. I wish I could have been a stay-at-home mom and enjoyed their growing years.

Recently I decided I’d had enough of my job and decided the stress had taken it’s toll on me physically, mentally and emotionally.

Although I enjoyed the income (small as it was), I also knew that I couldn’t continue going to work each day and then come home to care for a disabled husband (disability was not in the marriage/life plan).

I am wondering now what is the best plan to help family members realize that I am working and the home office is off-limits?

When my daughter-in-law visits with the grandchildren she thinks it’s just fine to set up the babies sleeping in my office which means I have to clean and put items away. It also means that my business comes to a complete stop.

I am very glad to find your internet site as just today I was thinking about throwing the towel in and returning to a regular paying job.

My first response is “NO! Don’t go get a job!” While that will certainly solve the problem with family members not respecting your workspace, it’s not the long-term answer if you want the freedom, flexibility and creative control running your own business can provide.

So what’s a hard working WAHM to do? How do we deal with family members and friends who either don’t understand that we are WORKING, or refuse to respect our workspace?

We Set House Rules!!

One of the first things I had to do when I started my WAHM business was establish a clear set of house rules for my family. Yes, it was a bit of a challenge because my children were elementary-school age at the time, but it was an important step to take nonetheless.

I also created house rules for my husband, and for myself so I would know how to deal with neighbors stopping by, family members phoning and wanting to chat during the day, looming piles of laundry, dirty dishes and the myriad chores that seemed to always call my name while I was working!

Here’s a list of 5 house rules that I started with. You may want to consider implementing them in your house to help curb your distractions so you can get down to business!

5 House Rules to Save You From WAHM Distraction

(1) Work hours are work hours and mom is not to be disturbed

Schedule working hours that work with your family and other obligations, and stick to them. Even if you are only able to block out short chunks of time to focus on work, stick to your schedule and allow NOTHING to disturb you during these times. Your family and friends will learn to respect your work hours when you respect them yourself. When you abuse them, you send a message that your work hours are not sacred.

(2) Do not answer the front door during work hours

Neighbors, friends, family members and anyone else who may be knocking on your door during the day would be greeted by a “no answer” if you were working in a job away from home. Just because you happen to office out of your house does not obligate you to answer the door. They’ll leave a note or come back later. And over time they’ll come to respect your workspace and learn that you are not available during certain times.

(3) Do not answer the home phone during work hours

God invented answering machines so you never have to miss a call if you can’t pick-up the phone. Okay so maybe God didn’t invent them but someone did … so use yours! I even urge you to NOT answer your business line during your solid blocks of work time. You’ll be more productive and you can schedule a time that is convenient for you to return all of your calls.

(4) Do not do chores during work hours

Just as you schedule work hours, schedule chore hours. That way everything has a time and place to get done. Additionally, as a WAHM, there will always be more to do than there are hours in the day, so learn to let some things slide. A happy mom and family are more important than a spotless house. Or do as I have done, and hire a housekeeper and enlist family members to help with the chores. Remember, a WAHM business is a team business – don’t be afraid to ask for help!

(5) Don’t schedule leisure or family visits and appointments during work hours

If you were working in a job, you would have to contain your leisure activities to before work, during your lunch break, or after work. While one of the benefits of working for yourself is you can create a more flexible work-life balance, it’s important to create a schedule that designates when you will be working and when you will be playing, and stick to it. If you have to schedule appointments during your normal work hours, compensate by rescheduling those work hours to another time.

On occasion I work late at night when everyone is asleep. It’s not a solution for everyday, but it allows me to take time off during the day to spend with my son, and get my work done when there are NO distractions.

As a WAHM, you learn to find a schedule that works for you. It may be unconventional, but if it allows you to get it all done, that’s fine. It’s your business and it’s about what works for YOU!

Debbie LaChusa feels blessed to be a work-at-home mom who gets to spend time with her family, do work she loves and earn a great living. She founded 10stepmarketing and 6FigureWorkAtHomeMom to help other moms do the same. Check out her most current resource for Moms who want to earn a 6 Figure Income at Home here. You can even request a free preview chapter!

Syndicated by Nancy Sutherland-Direct Sales Marketing Queen

Technorati Tags: homebusinessdirectsales, partyplanbusinesstips, wahm

My First Booking in the New Town!

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:15:34 +0000

It’s finally happened! Last week my goal was to book at least one person, and although I fell short, I accomplished this on Monday! Ever since our home was unpacked to where we could go out each day, we have been doing that. It was pretty easy to find places to go because we needed lots of odds and ends, like curtain rods, draperies, etc. In addition, we attended community events with my grandchildren, joined the local American Legion and Chamber of Commerce. My Company spends a great deal of money producing approved advertising that you can edit with your own name, phone number and web address. So I was able to do that even before my new business cards arrived.

I put these Company Approved ads on bulletin boards all over town to get my name out. Because this is a small town ( population around 12,000) I began to see some of the same people in other places! So it was great to be able to say hi and introduce myself as a new member of the community. People have been genuinely very friendly and easy to talk to. I started handing out coupons for $10 off and a free pampering session with me, and got the contact numbers of anyone who seemed interested. Then I followed up the same day with an invitation to my Wednesday or Thursday night pampering sessions or Saturday afternoon. (those are the times that I decided to hold appointments here in my studio) If those times or my location is not convenient to anyone, than I am willing to go to the client, too.

Once a have the appointment booked, I always ask- “who do you know?” offering to double the coupon if they share their appoinment with a friend. After all, women like to do things with a friend- we don’t even go to the bathroom together, do we? This is only the beginning. I plan to build a whole new addition to my business in this area. Subscribe to my weekly free e-newsletter to follow my progress! (remember, I have only been here a couple weeks now)

Meeting People and Developing Relationships in a New Town

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:11:48 +0000

Finding a church is one of the best ways to get connected in your community. For that reason, we decided to go to church even the first week when we were not even unpacked. ( we are still not entirely unpacked, but it’s more livable) Lucky for us, our new home is right across the street from a church! So last week, we got up late, got dressed and walked over to the service. We were greated by friendly people, and even stayed after the service to talk to other members of the church. The service was more traditional than the church that we were members of in our East Coast home, but that won’t entirely be the deciding factor in the church that we decide to call home here. We even had a visit later that week from a church member with cookies! (Alex said this church wins hands down, but I insist we look at a few others.)

Understand, that I am NOT using a church as a way to solicit my direct sales business,nor do I encourage others to do so. I do feel that it is important to be connected right away with others in your community for various other practical reasons. Yesterday we attended a different church in town. The church was much larger, but not as large as our former church. The service was more contemporary and we loved it! We were not approached or spoken to by anyone. I guess if we continue to attend, they will warm up to us. In the meantime, next week we will try another church.

We have 3 other churches on our list to attend. I don’t encourage church-hopping and don’t plan to continue doing this longer than our first month here. That leads us to some important questions. What is most important to us in a church? Is it the size, the music, the congregation, or the ministries and special programs that they offer? It is definitely NOT going to be based on a particular denomination, although we will examine their professions of faith before we join.

What about you? Has anyone recently moved and had success in finding a new church? I would love to hear your suggestions!

Syndicated by Nancy Sutherland-Direct Sales Marketing Queen

Getting Ready to Launch!

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:44:35 +0000

Getting our home and office set up has taken much longer than I anticipated. Moving from approximately 3000 square foot to almost half of that presents it’s own unique set of challenges. We spent an entire day setting up our office, and then yesterday putting together my “studio” to see clients. In my previous home my dining room was made into a “Beauty Boutique” where not only did I pamper my customers, but they could all of the products on display. During the “staging” process of selling my home, I had to take it all down, but there was plenty of room in my training center to recreate it for my customers.

This home is much smaller, so my entire dining room set doesn’t fit in one room. So I chose to put the buffet with a display of some of the beautiful prizes that I have earned through the years ( including china and golden goblets) I put together a small cafe style table with four chairs to do parties around and used a small card table in the corner to make a small display. It feels femine and very welcoming and intimate. Now I feel ready to go out and meet people!

Another aspect of my welcoming people to my home is a gourmet “coffee bar”. I have a 40 cup coffee maker that is always filled with specialty coffee and accumulate different flavored syrups. So when I talk to people, I can tell them to stop by anytime for coffee. I know that will become something that I will be known for here as well.

I contacted some of the other Sales Directors in my Company and have already made arrangements to attend some of their events. I know that I will feel very much at home here quickly.

So today we went out to run errands for the first time. I opened a bank account, and visited two other banks to cash checks that were drawn on their bank. Each time after introducing myself I gave them my business card, telling them all the information is still correct except the address that I wrote on the back of the card. I really think that these cards will do for now, the personal touch of writing my new address for them seemed to go over well.

I’m just about ready to begin now. I would love to hear from others who have relocated their business to share tips. As I continue to build my business here, I will be journalling for all of you to read.6

Syndicated by Nancy Sutherland-Direct Sales Marketing Queen

Long Distance Moving Your Direct Sales Business

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:20:00 +0000

Many of my regular readers have sent me messages asking what has happened to me? Why was I not posting to my blog on a regular basis anymore? There are times when “life” just gets in the way. This has been one of those times. My husband Alex and I put our home on the market about 9 months ago in an effort to downsize. Our children are grown and being part of our grandchildren’s lives became a more important priority than a 3000 square foot home.

When we first put the home on the market, we began the process of “staging”.( For anyone who doesn’t know what this is, it is a basic de-cluttering and undecorating to make your home more appealing to the potential buyer) That led to a series of home repairs, painting, and just going through the entire home and start to decide what will go and what will stay. That sounds easier than it is, I might add. We built the home in 1988, raised a family there, and it seems like we never threw away anything. There was plenty of storage, with a complete floored walk up attic that we eventually filled.

As summer turned to fall, and we continued to drop the price of our home, we felt as though there couldn’t be anyone within 50 miles of our property who had not gone through at least once for a “showing”. Each time, we would leave our home for 1-2 hours and go somewhere wondering if this was the one. Amazingly, I still managed to work my direct sales business, but nowhere near my normal level.

So we had to decide if we were to “wait it out” until next spring or be couragous and move now before winter hits, and attempt to capture the peak holiday season in a new part of the country. We chose the latter.

The first weekend in October, all of our adult children assembled in the home to go through their things and decide what to take and what to leave behind. Then the move began. I thought this would be an excellent time to journal how I took my business from one location and start to grow it in another area. Today is the beginning of that journey…

Syndicated by Nancy Sutherland-Direct Sales Marketing Queen

How to Make Money for College in Direct Sales

admin — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:48:28 +0000

Many women are faced with a decision whether to take time off from their education to make money for the following year. This is a difficult decision because it becomes easy to put off returning to school indefinitely. There is another option, that allows you to continue your education and build a business on the side. Take a look at this independent video to learn more. If this is something that interests you, fill out the contact form above and I will give you more information.

Syndicated by Nancy Sutherland-Direct Sales Marketing Queen

Technorati Tags: collegejobs, directsaleshomebusiness, workathome

Instantly Improve Your Attitude and Appearance- Smile!

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:44:29 +0000

I haven’t posted in longer than I should have, so I felt the need to get some encouragement out today to my readers. Many of you are feeling discouraged or going through all kinds of difficulties. Did you know that there is something that you can do RIGHT NOW that will instantly change things? Just smile!

When I first started my direct sales businesss, I had a mirror in front of the telephone. I discovered that my results were much better when I had a smile on my face, even though they could not see it! I have since discovered with doing Skype and other webcam communications how much better it turns out when you just smile! It helps to instantly make a connection with others, builds trust and a good start to any relationship!

If you are using social media at all, take a look at your profile photo. Are you smiling? If not, find a photo where you are smiling, and crop it if necessary. Taking the extra time to do that will go far in building your friends and followers relationships even across the miles!

I have been a bit distracted with having my home on the market and trying to continue to run my business. Although I appreciate the fact that I can do my business no matter where I live, I am getting anxious to find a new home and get back to focusing on other things. Thanks for continuing to subscribe to my blog. I appreciate you and hope to inspire you to do great things!

Syndicated by Nancy Sutherland-Direct Sales Marketing Queen

Technorati Tags: attitude, direct sales obstacles, look better and feel better, smile

Wendy Y Bailey Says That I’m an “Exceptional Expert”!

admin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:19:04 +0000

LISTEN-mp3 (right click to download)

Today I was featured on Wendy Y Bailey as an “Exceptional Expert”. I was thrilled and honored to be interviewed by her! We talk about some of the steps that I have taken to achieve success. I would love for you to listen to the interview. You can also subscribe above to my FREE weekly ezine and you will be one of the first to be notified of any new podcasts, or my upcoming new ebook!

To listen to more of Wendy Y Bailey’s “Exceptional Expert” interviews, click here.

Syndicated by Nancy Sutherland-Direct Sales Marketing Queen

Technorati Tags: Interviews, Nancy Sutherland, podcasts, Wendy Y. Bailey

USA Today Article on Direct Sales

admin — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:32:17 +0000

If you are still considering a home business in direct sales, but have not yet made that decision, today’s USA Today had an excellent article in the Money section. CLICK HERE TO READ IT

After reading this article, it should be a simple decision on which Company to choose. Here are a few questions to consider-

Are the products sales a big part of the income? If so, are they quality products that you like, use and have a passion about sharing with others.
Is it a consumable product, giving you a reorder business?
Is it possible to make money WITHOUT recruiting? ( some people choose not to add that extra avenue of income for whatever reason)
Is there a big turnaround in representatives, or do you know of many who have been in business for over a decade?
Does the company do advertising for you?
Does the company provide a web site for you?
Is education available for you as needed, using whatever method you choose?
Is it possible to find a mentor who has already been successful in direct sales?
Look at other avenues of income for leadership positions, including cars, life insurance, retirement packages and other benefits.

Feel free to fill out the contact form above if you would like for me to give you a free 15 minute consultation. I’d love to help you decide what is best for YOU!

Syndicated by Nancy Sutherland-Direct Sales Marketing Queen

Technorati Tags: careerinformation, home business in recession, USA Today

The Power of an Entrepreneur!

admin — Sat, 09 May 2009 22:25:59 +0000

If you are reading this you probably are already an entrepreneur in a direct sales home business. Or maybe you are still just “thinking” about it. There is NO perfect time. The lights are never all green at the same time. Maybe you just need to stop thinking and start doing. Whenever you make a decision from your heart, it is usually the best one for you and it comes quickly. Whenever you over analyize things, it makes your decision more difficult and you forget what your heart is telling you to do.
I can’t promise you success in my company or in any other direct sales company. What I can promise you is that you will never know unless you try. Give it an honest year of your life, and follow the lead of someone that you know has already been successful. Just do it! I’d rather be a person who says “I’m glad that I did “,instead of “I wish that I had!” Your investment of money is minimal for what you can get in return. Your investment in time will give you life lessons that you can always use and pass on to your family! I’m changing lives- one face at a time. What about you?

Syndicated by Nancy Sutherland-Direct Sales Marketing Queen

Technorati Tags: Inspiration, starting a home business, why to begin direct sales

Direct Sales Marketing & Mentoring- Nancy Sutherland

Avoiding Distractions for WAHM’s

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