Six words that should never be uttered by a WAHM are “Can you do me a favor?”  Correction, the only time those six words should be uttered by a work at home business person is if she is asking someone to assist her by holding the door open.

If these words describe you, never, never say them again: “Can you do me a favor and host a party for me?”  “Can you do me a favor?  I’m only $200 away from reaching my goal.  Can you place an order from me?”  “Can you do a favor for me and place an order.  I’ll place one from you next month, I promise!”

That thinking is backwards.  You are not in business so that customers can do YOU a favor.  You are in business so that you can make your customers’ lives easier, better, healthier or prettier (and yes to make a profit too!).  If no one needs or wants your product or service, why bother to be in business?

Don’t manipulate people to patronize your business.  Can you really feel good about yourself and your business if you need to guilt or pressure people into buying? What message are you sending?  That you believe in your products? Or that what you’re hocking may not be that good or of value, but if they’ll do you a favor – you might actually make a sale?

Consider this – if you went to a restaurant where the food was second to none; or if you saw a movie that was one of the best you’ve ever seen, wouldn’t you want to tell the world about it?  You probably couldn’t shut up about it and want everyone within ear reach to have the same pleasant experience.

Or would you say, “Can you do me a favor, try that new restaurant?”  That just sounds ridiculous.  If you can’t stand behind the product or service your business offers, then now might be a good time to close up shop.  You should be able to have the same enthusiasm you easily have when talking about the fettuccini Alfredo as you do when sharing your business with others.

You were just getting ready to say, “But I don’t want to impose,” weren’t you? Bite your tongue!  You’re not even allowing your contacts to make their own decision whether or not they are interested in your products.  How audacious of you to take that decision process away from them. Remember:  Some will.  Some won’t.  So what?

At least give people the opportunity to hear about your exciting, fabulous product.  If they didn’t care for the pasta or were bored with the movie; it’s no reflection on you.  Neither will it be when you offer them the opportunity to host a party and receive free product.

Stop asking for favors and start offering choices; you’ll be pleasantly amazed at the results!

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 http://la.Scentsy.us or http://www.ThrivingCandleBusiness.com

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