Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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
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
Monday, November 2, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Direct Selling Success
When it comes to a successful Direct Selling Home business, there are keys to success.
1. Desire - You must have that burning desire. The desire that keeps you going, even when times are tough. I know there are nights, I literally just can't sleep becuase I'm so excited about what's going on in my home business and team. It's just one of those things that is hard to explain. You definitely know if you have it!
2. Hard work - You must be willing to take steps each week to reach your goals. Success doesn't happen over night and it sure doesn't happen without consistent effort. When you look at someone's success, you never see the obstacles or challenges they went through to reach their destination. You only see the "good stuff." But I promise you, there are bumps in the road for everyone.
3. Coachability - Are you coachable? Really, are you? Do you get on team calls, do you learn through articles, videos, books? How much time do you spend per week on training yourself and preparing you for your business. Direct Selling success is really a commitment of learning for a lifetime. I've been in this business for four years and I'm still learning! It's true, leaders are readers. So commit now, to opening your mind to learn from others.
BELIEVE Success!
Lisa Willard
1. Desire - You must have that burning desire. The desire that keeps you going, even when times are tough. I know there are nights, I literally just can't sleep becuase I'm so excited about what's going on in my home business and team. It's just one of those things that is hard to explain. You definitely know if you have it!
2. Hard work - You must be willing to take steps each week to reach your goals. Success doesn't happen over night and it sure doesn't happen without consistent effort. When you look at someone's success, you never see the obstacles or challenges they went through to reach their destination. You only see the "good stuff." But I promise you, there are bumps in the road for everyone.
3. Coachability - Are you coachable? Really, are you? Do you get on team calls, do you learn through articles, videos, books? How much time do you spend per week on training yourself and preparing you for your business. Direct Selling success is really a commitment of learning for a lifetime. I've been in this business for four years and I'm still learning! It's true, leaders are readers. So commit now, to opening your mind to learn from others.
BELIEVE Success!
Lisa Willard
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Building your business during the holidays
As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start preparing your business now to get through the holidays. It's just a fact that we all get busier and if we aren't prepared and we haven't planned accordingly, some things just may slip through the cracks.
Here's 10 tips to help you grow your home business through this hoiday season.
1. Retail your product. Does your business have a retail outlet? Holiday season is perfect for retailing. Make sure people know your product(s) is available. Anything you can do to make the season a little less busy for someone is great. And retailing is a great way to get some fast cash during the holidays.
2. Offer specials or a coupon. Run some specials during the holiday season and post holiday too. It's a great way to strengthen your customer base. Or offer a coupon that can be used at the time specified.
3. Socialize at holiday gatherings. Just touch base with friends, family, and those people that you don't get to talk to as often as you like. Gather their contact information and just find out what is going on in their world. You might be amazed at what you find out.
4. Send out Thanksgiving cards vs. Christmas cards. This is a great way to remind people of your business and product. Place a coupon in the card for holiday shopping.
5. Block out your time now! Schedule time now for the activities of your business. Stick to your guns and do a little extra now, so your not so overwhelmed when the schedule of the holiday season becomes crazed.
6. Follow up, follow up and follow up. Set a face to face or a phone meeting. Get in contact with those you haven't contacted in a while. How can your business and your products fill a need for them now?
7. Refer a friend. Offer refer a friend incentives. Or what about punch cards? Buy xx and receive one free.
8. Give your product as a gift. I use my product(s) as gifts all the time. People love them and I have certainly added to my customer base as well as my team this way.
9. Start looking at the year ahead. What are you goals? What do you need to change from this past year? Keep pushing forward and those actions will shine through on into 2010.
10. Have Fun! A home business is meant to be fun and one you are passionate about. Let your passion shine through your actions.
Here's 10 tips to help you grow your home business through this hoiday season.
1. Retail your product. Does your business have a retail outlet? Holiday season is perfect for retailing. Make sure people know your product(s) is available. Anything you can do to make the season a little less busy for someone is great. And retailing is a great way to get some fast cash during the holidays.
2. Offer specials or a coupon. Run some specials during the holiday season and post holiday too. It's a great way to strengthen your customer base. Or offer a coupon that can be used at the time specified.
3. Socialize at holiday gatherings. Just touch base with friends, family, and those people that you don't get to talk to as often as you like. Gather their contact information and just find out what is going on in their world. You might be amazed at what you find out.
4. Send out Thanksgiving cards vs. Christmas cards. This is a great way to remind people of your business and product. Place a coupon in the card for holiday shopping.
5. Block out your time now! Schedule time now for the activities of your business. Stick to your guns and do a little extra now, so your not so overwhelmed when the schedule of the holiday season becomes crazed.
6. Follow up, follow up and follow up. Set a face to face or a phone meeting. Get in contact with those you haven't contacted in a while. How can your business and your products fill a need for them now?
7. Refer a friend. Offer refer a friend incentives. Or what about punch cards? Buy xx and receive one free.
8. Give your product as a gift. I use my product(s) as gifts all the time. People love them and I have certainly added to my customer base as well as my team this way.
9. Start looking at the year ahead. What are you goals? What do you need to change from this past year? Keep pushing forward and those actions will shine through on into 2010.
10. Have Fun! A home business is meant to be fun and one you are passionate about. Let your passion shine through your actions.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Autoresponders- do they work?
Using an autoresponder in my home business has been key to my successful business. Autoresponders are just a great way to stay "in front" of my contacts. It allows me to build relationships on "autopilot." In a sense, it allows you to automate your follow up.
Yes, there is certainly a wrong way and right way to use an autoresponder. It doesn't take the place of picking up the phone and making that one on one contact. Instead, it helps you stay in front of your contacts until the time is "right." Or if you can't make that one on one contact immediately, it's a way to start building a relationship.
I actually have two FREE newsletters I offer through my autoresponder. One is directly related to my home business. It offers information specifically about my home business, my coaching and my team. The other is about Network Marketing in general. Both of these offer valuable information, tips and techniques and training and tools.
Just yesterday, I had a contact that I met online about 10 months ago email me (it was a reply from my autoresponder) and said she was ready to join my business. I had talked to her about 10 months ago and she signed up for one of my newsletters. So, for the last 10 months, there has been information "dripping" on her. And now, the time is right for her.
Building a list of contacts is vital to your business. So, explore it today and see what it can do for your home business.
BELIEVE Success!
Lisa Willard
Yes, there is certainly a wrong way and right way to use an autoresponder. It doesn't take the place of picking up the phone and making that one on one contact. Instead, it helps you stay in front of your contacts until the time is "right." Or if you can't make that one on one contact immediately, it's a way to start building a relationship.
I actually have two FREE newsletters I offer through my autoresponder. One is directly related to my home business. It offers information specifically about my home business, my coaching and my team. The other is about Network Marketing in general. Both of these offer valuable information, tips and techniques and training and tools.
Just yesterday, I had a contact that I met online about 10 months ago email me (it was a reply from my autoresponder) and said she was ready to join my business. I had talked to her about 10 months ago and she signed up for one of my newsletters. So, for the last 10 months, there has been information "dripping" on her. And now, the time is right for her.
Building a list of contacts is vital to your business. So, explore it today and see what it can do for your home business.
BELIEVE Success!
Lisa Willard
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