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Assertive or Aggressive?
Don’t you just love it when you walk into a store or onto a car lot and the salesperson, who obviously works on commission, instantly pounces on you? You mean you don’t crave that instant attack of desperation? No – me neither. I don’t know anyone who does.
Yet I see it all the time from new direct selling consultants – both online and offline. These desperados are under the false impression that there is a race and the first person to pounce on a potential gets the big prize. Personally, I run the other way when I see someone chase ambulances. There are some who “call it” (remember when you were little … the person who “called” the front seat first, was the lucky person to sit next to Mom?) Hard up new consultants will be all over the poor innocent person who just has a simple question and will announce to the world “PMing you (sending you a Private Message) now!” Meaning to the other forum participants and lurkers: I am sitting here, desperate; doing my impression of a vulture, and by my “calling it” no one else can address this person who has questions.
Personally the passive stance works much better for me. I make myself and my candle business visible. I try to help others who have questions without expectation of them buying or signing with me. I can honestly say that I have never asked for the close – contrary to recruiting gurus. Yet I have a very successful team of consultants who are with me because they chose to be – not because I force fed them and shoved myself down their private message inbox.
Make sure you are not sending the message that you are desperate. There’s a difference between being assertive and well, just obnoxious. There are more leads available than anyone could possibly ever get to; chill, relax and enjoy your business.
About the Author: Laurie Ayers is a WAHM from Michigan. She started her first home business in 1988. As a single parent, Laurie has supported her family by working out of her home. She is currently an Independent Superstar Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles. You can find Laurie at http://www.ThrivingCandleBusiness.com and http://la.scentsy.us
Networking Strategies to Help Your Home Business Grow
Today’s post on networking will give you tips on how to use various online applications such as Twitter and Facebook to get in touch with potential customers and other business owners to help your business grow. This is an area in which many home based consultants could use some pointers. I am pleased to welcome the author of this article, guest blogger, William Eve, who specializes in the area of personal finance.
If you are in business then you will know how important networking is. Networking is the process of reaching out to people who may become either future colleagues or customers.
There are many different ways of networking, and a few years ago most business connections were made in an offline environment, for example trade fairs, business groups etc. However with the advances in technology, and the Internet making the world a much smaller place, the online world has become the prime place to connect and network.
Here is a guide to some of the most effective networking strategies online, and some tips on how to get the most from them. Continue reading
Networking With Your Target Market
Ok, so once you select your target market – then what?
Go where “they” are. If it’s young moms, look for play groups. If it’s working moms, look for day care centers. If it’s college students, go on campus and to local eateries around campus. If it’s business executives, look for chamber of commerce meetings, BNI groups, after hours networking events, and etc. Perhaps your target market may be disgruntled current WAHMs looking for a change in venue; vendor events might be a good place to find them. If it’s seniors, you may find them at senior communities or at the gym.
Then next is very important. Do not go to your target market looking to sell. No, no, no. Let me repeat that. Do not go to your target market looking to sell your wax. Instead go with the intent of building relationships.
What is one thing that people, most all people, like to do most?
Talk about themselves.
So when you meet people for the first time (and this works both on and off line) and you’re attempting to network ask “What is your biggest business challenge?” or “What is your biggest problem right now?” People will #1 be shocked that you’re even asking and #2 not trying to hock wax.
Then listen to the response. Don’t just WAIT for your turn to talk, but truly listen and hear what the other is saying. What you have to offer may or may not be able to help that person. However you may know someone who CAN help.
In that first meeting you may not even get a chance to talk about yourself. But what do you think would happen if you asked what is your biggest challenge – and you could refer someone who could help? You’ve just helped solved his/her problem. Perhaps you could follow up with a phone call to ensure the referral came through and then mention “hey I never had a chance to tell you about what I do. Do you have a few minutes?”
The response is going to be received much better and the person will be more likely to be a customer or return the favor in giving a referral.
The first step to building an effective marketing campaign is to determine your target market. If you haven’t done that yet, take some time to determine which group you can most closely identify with or that you want to have as customers and/or team members.
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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