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Befriending Team Members on Facebook – Good Idea or Bad?
Social networking is a wonderful tool to build your business, but should direct sales leaders befriend their team members?
To befriend or not to befriend, that is that question. The answer is: It depends. This isn’t really a Yes or No question. Continue reading for perhaps a new sense of enlightenment and possible outcomes. Then you decide if it’s a good idea for you to befriend your team members.
I recently heard a self proclaimed expert encourage leaders to befriend their team members, and her reasoning was so that you could get to know what is going on in the lives of her downline. That is certainly one opinion.
I’m sure there are a few fans here of the TV sitcom, The Office. I am reminded of the episode when Jim was having a party at his apartment, invited all his co-workers, except his boss, Michael. He didn’t want the boss at the party for a variety of reasons, but mainly… because he was the boss.
Those who work outside the home, are you good friends with your boss? What about your boss’s boss? Does this person regularly share photos of grandma’s birthday party or of himself at the ballgame? Does she share with you her frustrations, her personal highs and lows? Perhaps for some of you, this is true. Though for many others, you do not socialize with the boss on your off time.
Some will argue that this is direct sales and it works a little differently than a “real job.” And for those who treat their direct sales business as more of a hobby or social network that statement above is absolutely true. Yet for those who run their business like a business, then direct sales absolutely is a real job. Continue reading
Drama in Direct Sales
You Don’t Have to Like Your Coworkers
Being at the highest rank of my direct sales business is a wonderful thing … usually. Though along with that title are also opportunities to hear about all the drama that goes on within my group. Drama in direct sales is not unique to my group or my company. It happens within every downline in every company out there. Some scenarios aren’t as dramatic as others, but conflicts do arise. It’s the nature of the beast.
Not to let the male direct sellers off the hook, but generally the drama occurs between or among women. I get to hear She said/She said or She did/She did. My role as a director is not necessarily to moderate, as I rarely have any evidence to support what has been accused; but rather to listen, advise and encourage particular action on the part of the individuals involved.
Our company does not allow any changes in sponsorship. I suspect other companies have the same policy. This is another reason why I encourage everyone to take their time and carefully select a sponsor before enrolling. Because you’re generally stuck with the person you signed up with, it behooves everyone to figure out a way to get along.
As is more common due to the internet, my entire team is long distance. I have met face to face with very few team members. I don’t have the ability to sit across the table to look each in the eye and determine who is blowing smoke up my skirt. I can only go by gut instinct and by listening carefully to what I am being told by each caller. It’s my role to remain impartial. Continue reading
Didn’t Ask, Don’t Care
Wow, that’s a pretty rude title, don’t you think? How do you feel about:
• Your lips are moving but all I hear is blah, blah, blah
• She sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher
• Does this look like a face that cares?
• I’m sorry, you’ve obviously mistaken me for someone who gives a rip
• Here we go again, someone please poke me in the eye with a fork
• Oh for the love of Peter, make it stop
• The world does not revolve around you
• Perhaps some cheese with that whine?
• Just put me out of my misery, now!
‘Can’t imagine too many people would be thrilled if someone actually said those things to them, though I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but people have likely thought those things about you.
Who is the You I’m referring to here?
I don’t know. Is it You? Do you know someone this could be written for? Oh gosh, could it be directed at You? Are you feeling guilty or paranoid? Do you think I could be talking about you? Are you searching your last conversations to see if this applies to you?
For the record, this is not directed at any one person, and it’s not even directed toward anyone specific I have in mind. But rather it’s directed toward a group of people, in general. We all know who they are in our lives; and some of you may not even realize you are the ones who do this.
The ones who do what? Continue reading
Where to Leave Samples
sam•ple
[sam-puh l, sahm-]
a small part of anything or one of a number, intended to show the quality, style, or nature of the whole; specimen
Yup, talking about the use samples yet again. First was the article addressing the importance of using samples to market your business. Then I showed you detailed instructions on how to make samples. That covers the Why and How, so it stands to reason, there must be a Where.
Where Should You Leave Samples?
Keep in mind that the cost of a sample (pennies) is minuscule compared to the return on investment you can reap. With that in mind, don’t be stingy with the samples. I’m not referring to spewing handfuls all over the place, but rather strategically placing samples here and there. Before you accuse me of soliciting, remember you’re leaving free samples – something that someone can actually try before they buy.
The list below is not meant to be inclusive, but merely to stimulate your creative juices.
1. On your table when you leave a restaurant
2. In public restrooms – in stalls and/or near the sink
3. On the bleachers when you get up from a sporting event
4. In the self-pay credit card slot at the gas station
5. In every envelope that you mail
6. In library books that you return to the library Continue reading
13 Important Words for Shy Direct Sellers
For some consultants, talking with people they do not know is no big deal. Yet for others, the hardest element in promoting their direct sales business is opening their mouth to talk with strangers. It truly does get easier with practice, though let’s face it, some people will never be terribly outgoing. These cautious, observant people can be just as successful as those with sanguine temperaments.
Two questions I am frequently asked is “How do you approach people?” and “What do you say to the waitress, store clerk, receptionist, etc.?”
If you want an easy to remember lead in, one that is almost guaranteed you will not receive any rejection, try this:
“If you know anyone who likes [product], could you please pass this along?” Then hand the person a business card, sample, or catalog.
Most people will not refuse to take it. Worst case is that they make take it, and later throw it away; but then you still were able to get out of your comfort zone and practice talking to people. Best case is that you could get a new customer or recruit out of it.
This is a non-threatening approach because the person you’re talking with doesn’t immediately get on the defensive thinking you’re trying to sell anything; you’re merely asking for a referral. The person you’re talking with could very well be the person who loves candles, lotions, supplements, jewelry or cooking.
Try those 13 words and then let me know it goes.
If you know anyone who likes [product], could you please pass this along?
About the Author: Laurie Ayers is a WAHM from Michigan and a Superstar Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles. She enjoys helping others start and maintain a candle business. You can find Laurie at https://la.Scentsy.us, http://www.ThrivingCandleBusiness.com or http://www.Twitter.com/thrivingcandle
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