Social Networking - The New Networking

Networking used to mean attending chamber of commerce meetings and trying to start conversations with strangers. These events still exist and are certainly useful get togethers. But today, much of the interaction is taking place online. Not only do you not have to leave your home to meet people, but you can narrow your search or create your "niche" to people who are more likely to be interested in your product and business.

According to a recent report by Forrester Research Inc. more than four out of five U.S. adults who go online use social media at least once a month. And it also indicated that the most rapid growth occurred among adults 35 and older.

Although networking has gone high tech, some things haven't changed. There are certain rules of etiquette that apply online as well as offline.

1. Don't use social networking to make a generic sales pitch to thousands of people.

2. Do start a dialog of conversation by sending updates that will be interested to people. Offer valuable information.

3. Don't use public forums for private messages.

4. Do ask people if they want to receive your FREE newsletter before you start sending it to them.

5. Never, ever post negative comments on other peoples blogs, profile pages or websites. You always want to be positive.

6. Don't rely on one group or one website for all your networking needs.

7. Be sure to read other people blogs, tweets, websites to keep up to date on industry changes as well as staying connected to like minded people.

BELIEVE Success!


Lisa Willard

"Make time" for your home business

When I first started looking into Network Marketing, one of the first questions asked to me was "how much spare time do you have?" My answer, " I don't have any spare time." And most of us don't have spare time. When I started my home business journey, my kids were ages 1,3 and 9 and I had a more than FT Corporate America job. So yes, my home business was something I had to make time for.

Whether you are devoting 5 hours per week or 40 hours per week to your business, make time! And do it consistently. Calendar in your time in each week. Plan ahead.

At the beginning of each week, it helps me to x off the "non negotiable" times. These are times when something is going on. It might include things such as church, kids activities, etc. These are time I know I can't work my business. So, I then schedule around those. That's certainly one of the advantages of a home business. Your hours can be flexible. Just make sure it's consistent.

Windshield time is great. I use commutes in the car for following up with leads, partners, etc. Or while I wait for my little girl at gymnasatics, I use that time to follow up with customers, prospects and team members. The point is you can squeeze in an hour here or an hour there if you are prepared.

Keep a planner. Know when company calls, conferences and events are scheduled. This will help you plan accordingly. If you are commiting x amount of time to your business, keep that commitment and it will pay off.

BELIEVE Success!


Lisa Willard

Did you know the Direct Selling Association reports show that the party plan home business segment
reports $7.2 BILLION in sales. And the primary benefit? Yes, immediate income!

Remember who your most important customers are, your 20 percent that create 80 percent of your income. And make sure you take good care of them.

Tips on choosing the Right Home Business

One of the most important aspects of earning a reliable income from home is making sure you have selected the right company for you. The Direct Selling Women's Alliance recommends you consider these steps when choosing your home business company.

1. Select a product you love and would be excited to share with others.

2. Don't rush the decision. Select a few favorites and research.

3. Inquire about training programs offered to new distributors.

4. Talk to distributors within the companies you are considering.

5. Be clear about all the start up cossts and ongoing sales requirements.

6. Learn about the company, their mission, vision, and track record.

7. Study the compensation plan to maximize your earning potential.

BELIEVE Success!


Lisa Willard

Growing a home business team

I just finished listening to one of our team coaching calls and as always, it got me to thinking and my wheels turning. As a home business owner and coach, my passion is growing a team of distributors. When a new member joins my team, it's really important to get them started on the right track. Here's a few highlights to start your new team members the "right" way.

1. Maximize the excitement. When someone first starts a new business, the excitement is huge and as their partner and coach help them plan the next few weeks to keep that excitement going. What's the best way to do that? Help them make some cash fast! My business has a retail end that allows you to make money day one. And when someone can make some extra money immediately, that is huge.

2. Keep in touch. You want to keep in touch with all of your team members. But you will want to have a plan for contacting your new people one on one at least for the first month. Get to know them. Know their goals. Know their dreams. Have fun!

3. Set up their monthly calendar. Help your new team member plan their first 30 days. Having a plan is one thing, but you must have action steps to go along with it. Whether it's planning home parties, or an open house, or simply sending out a "I have a new business" letter to friends and family, help your new partner plan those action steps.

4. Keep their goals in front. It's so important to have goals in this business. Write them down. Have your new team member share them. Once you have goals, plan your action steps accordingly.

5. Encourage Personal Development. This is so important. Personal development is a huge part to a successful home business. I have a great reading list for all of my new team members. It's so easy to let fear stop you in your business. The fear of rejection, the fear of failure, or even the fear of success. It's important to prepare your mind and to develop yourself into the leader you want to become.

6. Enjoy the journey of your growing team. This simply goes back to having fun! Some of my best friends have become the people I have met through my home business. And most of them live many miles away. It's important to laugh, smile and have fun with what you are doing!

BELIEVE Success!


Lisa Willard

Keep your home business strong during economic turmoil

1. Apply the 80-20 to customers and products – This rules states that 80 percent of your business comes from 20 percent of your customers. And the 80-20 rule is now more important than ever. Remember, who your most important customers are. Offer them more for less and give them exceptional service. Think about how you acquired these customers and duplicate it. Where did these customers come from? How did you land them?

2. Keep the momentum. With the holidays around the corner, this is a great time to really get out there and keep your business going. If your running an advertising campaign, keep it going. If you enjoy networking, network even more. This time of year, people are looking for great gift ideas as well as extra money. Don’t you provide both?

3. Give special deals. Have a sale. Offer some unique specials. This is certainly a great way to reward your current customer base and expand it. Vamp up your referral program. Get creative!

4. Market, Market and market some more. There are so many different ways to market your business. And you can do so inexpensively. Business cards to social marketing to blogging are all ways to create awareness about your business and your products. The key is consistency.

5. Seek Corporate Clients. During this time of year, businesses are looking for unique employee and customer gifts. Targeting corporate clients is a great way to earn some great cash during the holiday season. Make a list of possible targets. Identify the people in charge and let them know what you have to offer. Remember, you are a problem solver. You never know where it will lead.

6. Get Creative! The holiday season can be stressful at times. Even during times when most people are set to a budget, you can be there to help. Make holiday shopping easy! Put together gift baskets. Have an array of different priced items. I know my product line goes from great stocking stuffers to Corporate Client gifts. You can spend $3 or you can spend $300. Find out your prospects needs and be willing to fill them.

7. Be your best. There really is not substitute for the basics. People will buy from you (or not) because of your reliability, your customer service and because of the relationship you have built.

8. Have fun. Running a home business is about having fun. And the people around you will see your passion shine through.