Main Blog

Purposeful Hostess Coaching in Direct Sales

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:37:18 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Eating a healthy Salad Nicoise lunch today.

I was holding a training this week with a team of direct sellers on steps to filling an empty calendar full of bookings. We all know that bookings are the “engine” of your business. Without consistent bookings, your direct sales business will not prosper. Some people think selling their product by doing a lot of one-on-ones is easier because they believe it’s so “hard” to get bookings.

What I found on this call was the real purpose of getting bookings was being missed by many.

I read recently that purposefulness is about blending your abilities with your desire to contribute and make a difference.

At every party your purpose is to serve your hostess. Being purposeful in coaching your hostess is about forming a partnership with her and focusing on “what’s in it for her.”

What is in it for your hostess?

Of course there’s FREE PRODUCT!
Then there are those half-price items
She wants to have FUN with her friends
Some hostesses really want to help you build your business.
Some hostesses love to entertain a lot
They love your product & want to learn how to use it.

How do you purposefully serve your hostess?

We all know the steps of Hostess coaching

Create her wish list and establish her goal of FREE PRODUCT!
Help her with “who” to invite.
Explain “how” to invite and what to say
Explain outside orders and outside bookings
How to promote her party
Get specific information on guests attending
Method of payment
Make reminder calls the night before
Express confidence and keeping it FUN!

The magic of purpose in hostess coaching

However, all of the above is invalid if you aren’t purposeful in one thing, and that one thing is building a friendship with your hostess. When you incorporate being authentic and genuinely interested in getting to know your hostess as a friend, the magic happens!

You feel it! Your hostess feels it! And her guests feel it! The party is a huge success! Your hostess is ecstatic with her FREE product and you are ecstatic because your sales are high. When you have high hostess credits you have high party sales. You are also ecstatic because you connected with two guests who agree to book a future party. And, someone actually asked a question about your business opportunity.

This week focus on creating a friendship with your hostess that is more purposeful, joyful and profitable for both of you!

How many hostess friends are you connecting with this week?

15 minutes in your direct sales business

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:41:41 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Grateful for family, friends and coaching clients today!

Focus on 15 minutes

This week I helped a client take her dreams of her wish list and put them on her "to do" list by focusing on 15 minutes.

Do you ever feel

life is overwhelming and there's just too much to do!
you push your own needs to the back burner?
your business needs get put on the back burner?

Life sometimes seems to overtake you. But then, isn't that the very reason we started our own business?

Your Direct Sales business offers FLEXIBILITY!

I love to say, I work a 40 hour work week with my business, but it's MY 40 hours. If I choose to take a day during the week to spend with family or friends, I make up the time on the weekend. That's my choice.

I first read about 15 minutes from Dr. Tom Barrett in his book "Success Happens." Tom says, to have a great year, you need to have a great quarter. To have a great quarter you need to have a great month. To have a great month, you need to have a great week, and how do you have a great week? You need to have a great day. this is the ultimate question and is the pivotal point on which everything else turns. It is the starting point that determines the end point. Successful people take this question, how to have a great day and answer it with

FOCUS for 15 minutes on important tasks

These 15 minutes of focus are the most important minutes working your business. When you learn how to focus for 15 minutes, it will change your business and your future and set into motion a series of events that inevitably result in success.

I have used Dr. Tom Barrett's theory for many years. I have trained and coached women on this. You can accomplish a lot in 15 minutes. You may be putting off making phone calls, but if you know you have 15 minutes only, it spurs you to action.

Allocate 15 minutes for your Direct Sales Business

If you allocate 15 minute time slots in your busy life, you WILL find the time to

organize your calendar to hold 6-8 bookings every month
follow-up with clients, prospects and hostesses
prepare for team meetings
communicate for positive results with every team member

What about you? What other ways do you fit your business around your busy lifestyle? Share a comment below.

Visualize your Direct Sales Goals

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:18:06 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Helping coaching clients increase their team bookings with my SBT Tool.

Recently, I’ve been teaching a workshop called “From Vision to Decision” where I take women through a series of questions to create a vision board. Once they are clear on their business goals, visually, I give them a tool to use as an exercise in developing a one-page business written plan.

Position your direct sales business by reviewing your goals

We are heading into the 4 busiest selling and recruiting months of the year. It’s a very important time to be reviewing your goals to maximize your income and create a strong year end finish.

This past weekend, I spent time creating my own vision board for “Mymentorbiz.” I love creating these treasure maps because each time the experience leaves me feeling excited and ready to jump into action. This time was no exception. In fact I would say it left me more exhiliarated than ever!

Visualize and focus and write down key words

I begin my vision board creating parameters around the wants and needs of my business. I write down key words, sometimes in a sequence, that are my focus for my goals.

I find this is a tremendous help when looking through magazines for pictures and words. In fact, I find choosing colors, words, pictures have a definite effect on my subconscious thoughts when I focus on the outcome of the goal. In fact, I keep an ongoing folder of pictures and words for future vision board exercises. Use any type of magazine. I used investment magazines, fashion magazines, writing magazines, travel and interior design.

See your direct sales goals come to life

I absolutely love the collage process of pasting the pictures on the board. It’s key for me to keep referring to my key words and vision board tool. As my board came to life, I found my excitement rising searching for the right picture, or the right color to fill the blank spaces. There were times, I had to look through another magazine looking for the right picture or word. I found the right picture on the back of a postcard.

As I filled the last space with a picture of three little plants growing at different stages, I realized it all tied together with my vision of helping women be the best they can be and making every step count on their journey to success.

Keep your vision board direct sales goals in the forefront

Yesterday, I was sharing my vision board with my friend Anne Nelson at www.yourjoyzone.com Anne said, she takes it one step further. She makes an audio CD describing her vision board and listens to it in her car on her way to her appointments. Very cool!

I’d love to share “From Vision to Decision” with your team.

What are your direct sales goals? What are you doing to visualize them?

If you like this blog post be sure to get “mymentorbiz Bulletin” FREE ezine by downloading “7 way to maximize your income” on this website.

What does Cranberry Scones have to do with running your business

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:26:43 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Completing projects this week and beginning new and exciting ventures.

Yesterday I found myself in a baking mood. You know how it is, you see four over-ripe bananas sitting in your fruit bowl and you hate to see them go to waste, so you decide to make some Banana nut bread. (I have a killer recipe from an old Taste of Aloha Cookbook.) Next, I found myself flipping through one of my favorite “Barefoot Contessa” cookbooks and when I saw a picture of these delicious Cranberry, Orange scones, I wanted to keep baking.

I was having a lovely time! I measured, mixed, stirred and tasted the dough, just to make sure everything was mixed right. (A chef’s prerogative J The lovely fresh banana bread smell permeated throughout the kitchen and dining room. When I began making the Cranberry/Orange scones, I found myself having to read the instructions twice. I’ve been making scones for years. It’s a tradition handed down from my mother who never looked at a recipe in her life. She threw the scone ingredients into a bowl, mixed everything by hand and baked the best scones I’d ever tasted. But then, I think we always seem to associate our mother’s cooking to some of the best tastes we’ve had.

However, I realized as I followed this recipe, it was different. After mixing all the dry ingredients, the instructions said to mix the wet ingredients in the mixer and ADD the dry ingredients. This was opposite to how I’d been taught to make scones. But I wanted these scones to have that “best” taste like my mothers, so I followed the instructions step by step and voila! Yes, my Cranberry/Orange scones were one of the best I’ve ever tasted!

What does the “taste” of Cranberry/Orange scones have to do with your business? A lot! Are you continually bringing in new customers to “taste” or “experience” your product? If so, are you taking the necessary STEPS to attract at least 10 new customers every month? Getting NEW customers/clients every month is the key to a sustained business. I hear from women every week in my coaching business. They say,

“I can’t get bookings,”

“No-one is interested in my opportunity” or

“I can’t get people to listen to me!”

That’s because you’re not taking the STEPS to attracting people to “taste” or “experience” your product.

Here are 5 vital steps to attracting new customers

1. Find a group, meeting, venue/places to meet NEW people every week!

2. Build a friendship/relationship first before overburdening them with your product or opportunity.

3. Find a way to plant a seed which prompts them to ask you about your business.

4. When you share your product, talk about the benefits and invite them to your next home showing to “taste” or “experience” the product.

5. Hold ONE home show every week! Fill your calendar with bookings. You will also find the right person to join your business. ( Make reminder calls the night before your home show to get firm commitments.)

If you want to try the steps to making Cranberry/Orange Scones, you can get the recipe on my facebook page here. (under Discussions tab.)

More importantly, I challenge you to put the above 5 Vital steps to attracting new customers into your business. New customers who get a “taste” of you and your business EVERY WEEK is the beginning of building meaningful relationships. Meaningful relationships build you a full calendar of bookings, and people who want to join your team.

How many NEW customers have “tasted” or “experienced” your product this month?

Learning to lead from flying with Geese

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:08:20 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Paying attention to my body this week. Walking, Taking Yoga and getting a massage.

The theme for my My Facebook Business page this month is "Leadership Development". Are you an aspiring leader, a new leader, a leader who wants to grow, or a leader who wants to be at the top! This month I'm sharing some of my proven Leadership Development and team building strategies! I was looking through some of the hundreds of my weekly newsletters and came across the wonderful facts of "Lessons from Geese."

I always loved to share these lessons with direct selling leaders because it's a great reminder that "leading" people is more about helping others through honoring each team member, than being the one who achieves the glory of the position of leadership.

I lived in Colorado for 10 years and would enjoy seeing these beautiful V formations heading south overhead.

Enjoy these lessons, and share it with your team.

Lessons of Geese

FACT

As each bird flaps its wings, it create an “uplift” For the bird immediately following. By flying in the “V” formation, the whole flock has at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

LESSON

Know where you’re going. Make your individual plan and as

group keep focused and always look ahead.

FACT

When a goose flies out of formation, it suddenly feels the

drag and resistance of trying to go it alone. It quickly gets

back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of

the bird in front of it.

LESSON

Have the common sense of a goose, stay in formation with

those headed where we want to go. Accept help and give

help to others. Re-examine your goals set new ones

individually and as a group.

FACT

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the

formation and another goose flies to the point position.

LESSON

Listen and learn from each others skills, gifts, talents and

resources. Use others experiences to build each other up.

Be humble, do your job hold parties, book and recruit

consistently. It’s simple.

FACT

The geese flying in formation honk from behind to

encourage those up front to keep up their speed

LESSON

Care about each other. Look for ways to encourage and

inspire each other’s success.

FACT

When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two other

geese will drop out of formation with that goose and follow it

down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen

goose until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch

out on their own or with another formation to catch up with

the clock.

LESSON

Focus as a team, work at creating a group that cares about

each other. Everyone contributes, whether it’s a little or a

lot. When everyone contributes you have a sense of

belonging.

FACT

Geese are the only migrating birds that fly over Everest.

LESSON

By having focus and flying together as a team, you will soar

to the greatest heights and succeed!

AIM HIGH

FLY HIGH

FLY FAR

BECAUSE YOU’RE FREE TO FLY

If you like this information, be sure to get "Mymentor Bulletin" free EZINE by downloading "7 ways to Maximize your Income" on thie website.

Have you connected with a Kindred Spirit this week

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:39:54 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Doing 2 of my favorite things, reading and writing :)

Last week I was traveling home from Seattle. I arrived at the airport to find my flight had been delayed. Now, we all know delayed usually means 30 minutes to 1 hour of waiting time. However, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked at the broadcast message on the board. The flight was delayed 5 hours!!

I had two other connections to make it home that day, and realized I could still get home if I changed my connections. After finalizing the new flights with the ground attendant, I found a quiet corner to read and catch up on emails. (I love Seattle airport because they offer FREE wifi.)

Sitting next to me was a woman on the telephone and I overheard her talking about her own connections and after striking up a conversation we realized we were going to the same destination which was Kona airport. We also realized were were both, ultimately, going to the town of Waimea which is another hour’s drive from the airport.

In training my “Attraction Factor” strategy, I talk a lot about women’s stories. Asking questions, discovering women’s stories has become a life-long habit of mine. Mostly because I love building new friendships. My new friend, Jane (we’ll call her Jane, although that is not her real name) had a fascinating story. She was a physical therapist who was retired from the Army. She had served in Vietnam and Japan helping hundreds of men and women from the front. She had retired from the military and become a Reiki Master and spent several years in India studying with a Guru. She is now retired and owns a beautiful boat that she single handedly navigates up and down the rivers of the West coast.

I was fascinated with Jane and her amazing story. This is a woman who truly gives and helps others in many walks of life. My three hour wait passed so quickly and our plane was ready for departure. We met again when we made our 2 “quick” connections to Kona and continued our friendship when we "happened" to be assigned seats next to each other. (Some things just happen like that.)

Two days later, I received a phone call from a friend of Jane’s in town. She said Jane had enjoyed meeting me and suggested that we should connect. We met and I found another kindred spirit and I know future coaching and training business will occur from this connection.

Part of being attractive is being open to connecting. Once you strike up a conversation, it's important to focus all your attention on the other person. Jane and I made a connection. I was interested in her story and I found out Jane is an ordinary woman who has done extraordinary things in her life helping others.

Listening is another key to being attractive. I was so engrossed in Jane’s amazing stories, I spent most of that 3 hour wait listening and asking questions.

You are extremely attractive to others when you focus all your energy, attention on the person you’re talking with, and take yourself out of the equation. Jane and I are now what I call “kindred spirits.” We had many commonalities. She reads my blogs and I’m reading hers. We formed a wonderful connection waiting for a plane delay.

Earl Nightingale says, “if you want to be successful, treat every person you come into contact with as the most important person on earth.”

If you like this and want to receive my FREE ezine, click on my "7 ways to Maximize your Income in Direct Sales" FREE report and you’ll receive the next “MyMentorbiz Bulletin.”

Are you focusing on others and making connections to attract new customers, hostesses and prospects? Have you connected with a kindred spirit lately? Share your story below.

My top 10 Seed Planters

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:01:21 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Enjoying being home in Hawaii, playing with my grandson and walking in the early morning sunshine.

Are you positioned to grow your business? We are going into the best selling and sponsoring months of the year. NOW IS THE TIME to be planting seeds for your future business. What you do today comes to fruition in the next 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Planting seeds is working today for the future.

Here are my top 10 seed planters

1. When meeting people for the first time, don’t “firehose” them with too much information, plant subtle seeds about your business that prompts people to ask you questions. e.g. Refer to a benefit about your product. If someone compliments you on your skin, your outfit, your accessory, your health, thank them for the compliment and let them know it’s your product that makes you look or feel great. Planting just one benefit about your product will prompt people to ask you more questions.

2. At networking or social events when people ask you what do you do, answer with a simple one-liner seed planter. “I own my own (blank) business.” Again, this prompts people to ask more you more questions without you spending 2 to 3 minutes rattling off tons of mindless information that people don’t want to hear.

3. Plant booking seeds everywhere you go. How? Refer to the success of your last party and relate a humorous or heart felt story of someone you met. This let’s people know that you are in the “party business.”

4. At your parties plant confident booking seeds upfront at your parties. Describe how your hostess program works. Specifically plant the seed by say, “Ladies, tonight I’m going to ask everyone if they’d like to have a fun get-together with their friends and get some great free product.”

5. Another great booking seed at your parties is to let everyone know how much your last (or previous) hostess earned in free product! This shows the value of being a hostess with you.

6. When making customer care calls to find out how your customer is loving her purchase, plant a seed about one other product that “goes with” her purchase. Let her know the benefits and the savings she’ll make if she purchases the product.

7. When coaching your Hostess coaching, plant the seed by praising her efforts in getting confirmations at her party. Let her know she’s a natural at sharing and plant the seed, she’d make a great consultant.

8. Listen very carefully at your parties for women who are very social and know a lot of people and plant a seed with her at the order desk. Simply say, “Suzie, you know so many people who would love this product, you should think about doing this business.”

9. A woman asks you a question about your business like, “How many nights a week do you do parties?” This is a “green flag” she’s interested in your business. Again, don’t over-sell, simply answer the question and plant a subtle seed by simply saying, “Jane, maybe we should meet for coffee this week and I’ll show you the flexibility of this business and the great hourly income.”

10. When building relationships with your customers and hostesses use a personal success story in your business. If you don’t have your own personal success story, use a fellow consultant’s story. People relate to success stories and these are the seeds you plant at every party. When others hear success stories, it prompts them to ask questions to learn more about your business.

I published this in last month's "Mymentorbiz Ezine". If you like this and want to receive the magazine, click on my "7 ways to Maximize your Income in Direct Sales" FREE report.

Share one of the seeds you love to plant in your business below.

Are you building your customer list

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:09:47 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Getting ready to launch a very exciting new program with Mymentorbiz!

In my last blog post I discussed how making a “shift” can impact your business in a big way. Continually building your customer list is one of the best ways to impact and grow your business.

The first and most important step is to build relationships. Sometimes we forget the old adage, “people do business with people they know, like and trust.” Too often, I see people join organizations, or social media sites and ask people to buy or book or even join their company, and they miss the one important element of getting to know people first.

Once people know you, like you and trust you, they will want to buy your product, book a party and some may even want to join your team.

So, how do you build a relationship? The simple answer is build a friendship and be interested in them? Be authentic and real and show that you want to get to know them. Build a relationship like you would a friendship. This is the first step to my “Attraction Factor” system where I take you through a process in growing a very profitable business.

What methods to you use to build your customer list? Part of being a community is sharing ideas that have worked for you. Share your tips below.

If you enjoyed this article, you'll love my newsletter. Get it FREE at www.mymentorbiz.com by downloading “7 Ways to Maximize your Income” or follow mymentorbiz facebook page.

10 Tips to make a Shift in your business

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:51:56 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Home in Hawaii launching some exciting programs for Mymentorbiz in the fall. Stay tuned.

Are you excited and pumped? Feeling high on the fantastic energy you received at a recent convention, conference or workshop you’ve taken.

This past week I had the great fortune to mix with some amazing women at a direct sales national convention where I listened to great speakers and workshop presenters. I also celebrated a dear friend’s success in achieving a top leadership position in her company at a special party. And I shared my process of “Vision to Decision” with a small group of eager, intuitive and dynamic women.

All of these women want to make changes in their life and their business. Many were courageous and brave enough to declare this change out loud in front of friends and colleagues.

Change is an emotional process, and the word “change” to some people denotes unchartered waters which is sometimes scary and frightening.

Instead of “change,” I believe all you have to do is make a “SHIFT” in your business and life. Maybe you’re willing to make a small “shift” that has an enormous impact on your business. Maybe you realize the “shift” has to be more substantial for you to get what you want from your business.

There’s a saying by author & speaker, Jim Rohn, ”If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got.”

We are at the half way point in the year and now is the BEST time to make your shift. Here are my 10 tips to help you make that shift and step into your success.

Tip #1 Be authentic and real. Look and act like a women in business. Be a good listener, be present when conversing with people. Build valuable relationships one person at a time.

Tip #2 Feed your mind. Go to work on “you.” Begin a reading program of personal growth and development. Turn your car into a classroom and listen to CD’s or MP3’s on running a successful business.

Tip #3 Get trained! Take the time to attend all training available to you. Attend a team meeting, be on every teleconference offered by your company. Seek out extra help from experts in the industry. Hire a coach or mentor to help you shift your business to the next level. Take urgent action on knowing how to be the best. Hone your skills in every aspect of your business.

Tip #4 Set a goal to get to the next level. Figure out what you have to do to sell more, recruit more, become a leader or rise to the next level of leadership. Study other leaders’ success. Look for the gap in your business that will help you make the shift.

Tip #5 Get organized with your office. Clear your clutter! Make your office “user” friendly so your business will flow. If you’re working off your dining room table, maybe it’s time to shift your perspective and buy a new desk and be serious about your business.

Tip #6 Get on the phone! The phone is a crucial part of your business. Insure you have the best phone plan in place. Organize your phone time calling customers, hostesses, prospects and team members. Use tools that help you become more efficient, like my “Weekly Call Worksheet.”

Tip #7 Pay attention to your “attraction factor!” Attracting new customers and team members is everything in direct sales. You’re in the relationship business and you want to sell your product, book parties, and recruit people on your team every week! Learn how to consistently feed new customers through my attraction factor system, and your business will grow!

Tip #8 Win all incentives! Be aware of all company and team incentives. Strive to win them all. Incentives are designed to build your business! When you win every incentive you will have a very profitable business and you’ll be maximizing your income.

Tip #9 Know that there are times you’ll be discouraged. DON’T QUIT! Find your passion and keep going. Believe! Believe in your FABULOUS product and FANTASTIC opportunity. Know there is so much room at the top.

Tip #10 Get clear on what you want! Ask yourself what qualities would I like to be known for? Generosity, contribution, leadership, fun? How much income do I really want? What would I do if I paid off all my debt? What am I willing to do to make a shift.

Are you ready to make a shift?

Contact Gale for private mentoring and coaching services at galebates@mymentorbiz.com

Follow Gale on FB at http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=113199278630#!/pages/Gale-Bates-Mymentorbiz-Corporate-Trainer-Business-Coach/113199278630

Get her next FREE ezine, “Mymentorbiz Bulletin” by downloading “7 Ways to Maximize your Income”

Assume I am your CEO

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:54:10 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Working in Seattle this week, enjoying the beauty of long summer days and balmy NW evenings.

One of the best gifts of being a direct sales entrepreneur is being your own boss, fitting your business around your family and home life. Direct Sales entrepreneurs have the ability to place an order online, prepare for a meeting, coach a new team member and prepare the family meals all at the same time, working out of your home office.

However, working from home does have its challenges. One is managing priorities and scheduling events or activities that requires effort now and not later. The words, "I'll do that later" can be a challenge to all home based entrepreneurs.

So, today, let’s assume I am your CEO and we are meeting for your annual review. How would you rate yourself with these questions?

· Are you calling your hostesses 3 times before every party?

· Is your opening story powerful enough for guests to want to know more?

· How many booking bids are you dropping at every party?

· Is your presentation simple, and makes people think, “I could do that too?”

· At your order desk do you always suggest an additional product?

· Are you interviewing every hostess before her party?

· Are you planting sponsorship seeds?

· Are you listening for reasons why people might want to join your team?

· How do you follow-up with guests and prospects after your party?

· How many times a week do you share your business opportunity over coffee?

· How many new customers are you attracting every month?

· When do you schedule customer care calls?

· How many times a week do you make customer care calls?

· Have you written a thank you note recently to a customer, hostess or team member?

· What type of communication plan do you have for your team?

· Do you love what you do?

How did you rate? Did you find some gaps in your business? Enjoy the freedom of being your own boss and being an entrepreneur in this great industry of direct sales. Share your comments below.

Gale Bates coaches entrepreneurs in direct sales. Read articles & special tips in her free ezine “Mymentorbiz Bulletin” or contact her for coaching services at galebates@mymentorbiz.com

Use the POWER OF 3 to attract new customers to every party

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 07:00:13 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Enjoying Hawaii's trade wind breezes and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.

A great way to grow new customers is to utilize the POWER OF 3 at every party. Simply encourage every hostess to invite 3 new people you’ve never met before.

Give your hostess an added incentive when she invites those 3 new people. Be specific and clear when connecting and coaching her on how to have a successful party.

Imagine having 3 new guests you’ve never met before at every party who buys, who books and may even become a new recruit.

Here’s the power of 3.

If you’re doing just 52 parties a year (1 a week), that’s 156 new customers you’re increasing every year. Every customer knows 10 people, and so those 156 new customers have the potential to introduce you to 1,560 new customers.

How many parties do you have booked this month where you can ask your hostess to invite 3 guests you’ve never met who become new customers?

The Freedom of being an Entrepreneur

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:30:41 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Enjoying the blessings of a newborn grandson and working on exciting changes in Mymentorbiz!

Today is the 4^th July when all Americans celebrate their freedom. I have read that freedom is a state of “being.” It is the choice a person makes to control their own destiny. As an entrepreneur in direct sales, you have chosen the path of freedom. Are you realizing your opportunity?

I remember when I joined direct sales back in 1994 and my sponsor gave me the gift of freedom. She helped me realize the freedom to build a business anywhere in the world. She helped me realize the potential of earning a large income. She helped me realize the flexibility of being available for my children and providing income for their university education, and most of all she helped me enjoy the process of helping others grow and prosper.

Freedom! What does it mean to you today as a direct sales entrepreneur?

· Are you realizing the freedom of being home when your children get home from school?

· Are you realizing the freedom to be with an ill parent and take care of them at a time of need?

· Are you enjoying the freedom and flexibility of earning a great income working around your busy family life?

· Are you enjoying the freedom to purchase for yourself and your family all the things that they need and want?

· Are you enjoying the freedom of being your own boss?

· Are you enjoying the freedom to pursue your own dreams?

· Are you realizing with this freedom there are no limits on building your income?

· Does your family love the freedom of seeing you as a role model in running your own business. This is the legacy you create.

On this joyous day when you’re eating good food with friends and family and celebrating your freedom, give thanks and think about the freedom that awaits you in your direct sales business. No matter where you are in your business. If you’ve just started, if you’re a new leader, if you’ve built a successful downline, or even if you’re re-newing and refreshing your business, you are in control of your own destiny. You have the freedom to determine your own priorities, set your own goals and increase your income and help others do the same.

It’s an exciting road ahead when you have the freedom to make your own choices in life.

Enjoy the freedom you hold in your hands today! HAPPY 4^TH JULY!

Amazing Follow up statistics

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:26:07 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Resting after a looooooooong Walk across England. Follow me on my Face book page at www.facebook.com/pages/Gale-Bates-Mymentorbiz-Corporate-Trainer-Business-Coach

Are you making your customer service calls every week?

I recently came across these statistics on how frequently sales professionals follow up with their prospects.

48% of sales people never follow-up with their prospects.
25% of sales people make a second contact with their prospect and then they stop.
12% of sales people make three contacts with their prospect and then they stop.

Only 10% of sales people make more than three contacts with their prospects.

2% of sales are made on the first contact with a prospect.
3% of sales are made on the second contact with a prospect.
5% of sales are made on the third contact with a prospect.
10% of sales are made on the fourth contact with a prospect.

80% of sales are made between the fifth and twelfth contact with a prospect.

If you are a part of that 90%+ who are not adequately staying in touch with prospects or customers you probably have a myriad of reasons why you are unable to do so.

The two big reasons are

1. You don't have the time.
2. You don't have a system

Today, think about setting up your own system. I created a “Weekly Call Worksheet” which included calling customers, hostesses, prospects for the business and team members. This little tool became my lifeline in keeping track of selling, booking and recruiting calls. If you’d like a copy of this tool, please email me at galebates@mymentorbiz.com

To read articles & special tips on time management and other direct sales help download my 7 Ways to Maximize your income in Direct Sales” and you’ll receive my free ezine “Mymentorbiz Bulletin.”

Staying in Touch with Your Customers

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:16:34 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Listening to music on my Ipod and writing articles for “Mymentorbiz” Bulletin.

What does it take to build customer loyalty? Simply touching your customers in a timely manner and building solid relationships. You work hard to bring in customers, and once they buy your product, it’s important you stay in touch so they don’t feel ignored.

When you stay in touch on a regular basis, you’re apt to squash complaints before they occur.

One of the best customer service methods I’ve seen was from my top seller, Kathy. She had a golden rule. After every party, she would come home, sit down and write a very short “thank you” postcard to every person who ordered at the party. It was a short note saying, “It was great to meet you today. Thank you for your order.” I always say, a handwritten note is a treasured thing. Kathy held consistent parties every month. Her hostesses lined up to be on her calendar because she developed amazing customer service.

You might want to offer a Customer Newsletter through Constant Contact or other service. I developed a great following through my Customer newsletter. It was filled with content about my product with tips and tricks on how to use it. I would also post any party openings available and “specials” for the month. I wrote a short paragraph on my business progress in building my team and my referral program, so my customers knew how to send me business.

How do you make your customer service calls? Do you hit her immediately with, “How are you liking your product? Would you like more?” Well, that’s a bit over the top, but you get what I mean. Customer service calls are truly about building relationships. What do you know about your customers? Where they work, their family life, their hobbies, the movies they like? Learn to build a friendship with your customers. When you call to ask them how they are enjoying their purchase, begin with a chat like you would a friend.

To keep your existing customers happy, build friendships and offer extra value. It’s important to communicate that value clearly so they understand they should choose you over the competition.

Your customers are the life blood of your business. How do you stay in touch with your customers?

What does your business do for you and your family

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:48:24 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Coaching and training direct sellers in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

I was reminded this week when I published the “Mymentorbiz” Bulletin and wrote about milestones in life. I was thrilled to attend my youngest daughter’s graduation in Sydney Australia to receive her Masters in Letters, in Creative Writing. It was a great milestone for her in her career as a teacher and a poet.

We all have milestones in our business and when I posted an entry to Facebook about this, I received a wonderful response from other mothers. Linda Short, a leader in Direct Sales, witnessed her son’s graduation from college as magna cum laude! Linda said her commission checks paid for his college expenses over the 4 years so he didn’t have to get a part time job and could focus on his studies.

For some mothers the cash earned every week pays for groceries for the family. For others, it makes the difference for the children to attend a private school.

Most of all, I think, women in direct sales continue to be amazing role models to their family, to their children, to their communities. They are great influencers for everyone when they share a goal they achieved, or earn a company trip incentive, and are a major part of a team making a difference in others lives.

It’s important to share with others how your direct sales business makes a difference in your life. In today’s economy there are many mothers like you looking for a way to have a steady cash flow to help make ends meet or improve their family’s lives. They want and need to add to their family budget and still have the flexibility of being available for their kids when they come home from school. When they hear your story and realize this opportunity is available to them as well, they will want to join your team.

I’d love to hear how YOUR direct sales business is making a difference in your family’s life.

What does the money from your parties pay for?

Do your commission checks pay for something special?

How does your family benefit from your direct sales business?

The Magic Question in building NEW Business

Sat, 08 May 2010 05:06:15 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Reading my Kindle on airplanes and in airports

Here is the rest of my interview with Lyn-Dee Eldridge who is co-author in the book, “Direct Selling Power.”

Her Chapter starts on page, 167 called, “Follow-up - How to be Persistent and Respected” - building new relationships & creating a Warm Market.

Lyn-Dee has made a name for herself and is recognized as being in the top 1% of the direct selling industry. I fell in love with her warm, caring and authenticity. Pay attention to these next tips about the skills and patterns that helped her build a team in the Millionaire Circle in her company that contributes to her ongoing six figure income!

Question # 4.

Lyn-Dee, how do you move forward with your day, when you receive so many “No’s”, what is your mind set?

In direct sales or for that matter anything we do, the one with the most “no’s wins!” Because, you are doing more exposures and you are closer to your YES!

I love the “no’s”, it gives me,

#1 more practice,

#2 I always turn the no around and make it my “ON time!”

Positive successful leaders just go through a lot more “no’s” than the unsuccessful.

Successful leaders truly understand the more exposures we do, the more we are becoming known and most of the time a “no” just means not no-w! Keep all doors open and ask to call back in a month or two!

Question #5

What is the most powerful question you would ask your prospects when following-up after they looked at your information?

“What did you like Best?”

And duck tape your mouth. The one who talks the most loses! Allow your prospect to answer the question and then agree.

Question #6

How do you close and offer the business opportunity? What is your magic question?

Do you ever wish you had more CASH!

(I have yet to get a “no”! :O)

Wow, these are powerful positive questions with powerful positive

answers. Be sure to check out Lyn-Dee’s website at www.lyn-dee.com

Most of all be sure to purchase “Direct Selling Power” on my product page. Everyone who ORDERS in May will get a FREE 30 minute coaching call from me on “How to maximize every interview.”

What tip did you like best in Lyn-Dee's questions?

The Fortune is in the Follow up with Lyn Dee Eldridge

Tue, 04 May 2010 20:46:19 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Packing, walking, packing, walking.

I had the most amazing interview this morning at 5am with Lyn-Dee Eldgridge. She is one of the powerful women that co-authored with me in our book, “Direct Selling Power.” Her Chapter starts on page, 167 called, “Follow-up - How to be Persistent and Respected” - building new relationships & creating a Warm Market.

Wow, getting to know Lyn-Dee was such an honor . When it comes to Direct Selling, Lyn-Dee has made a name for herself and is recognized as being in the top 1% of the direct selling industry. You immediately fall in love with her warm, caring and authenticity. Lyn-Dee has developed the skills and patterns that have helped her not only with her own personal sales but also building a team that has contributed to her ongoing six figure income!

You’ve got to read the IMPRESSIVE answers she leaves to my questions. This is a person who truly knows how to be in the Millionaire circle in her company and build a six figure income.

Question 1. Lyn-Dee you built a massive organization, how do you FIRST get your prospects information?

Always having your product information with you. Have a portable office in your car at all times and your business cards.

No matter where you are and you see someone you want to engage with, find something to compliment them on.

Introduce yourself and say, “I would love to share with you what I do and how I help people. Can I give you some information to review and ask you for your feedback by following up with you on ___” (if it is Sunday, say, on Tuesday, 48 hours after you give your material and pick 2 times that are good for you to follow-up). It is very important that you follow up when you say you will, so make sure the times you set up for your follow-up call is good for you.

Read back the phone number they give you to follow up, making the last number wrong so you know if they gave you a good number or not. So if they say their phone number is (123) 456-7890, you repeat back, (123)456-7891, they will correct you if they gave you the correct info. If not, just say, you know this might also be for someone else you know, please pass on the information.

Great tips everyone – pay attention to the compliment, the way to say a day instead of 48 hours and how to get a proper number to follow up

Question 2. Lyn-Dee, in your chapter, you speak a lot about building new relationships & creating a Warm Market, what is the one key ah-ha that really helps you stay connected so when you are following up, they will answer your call?

Gale, right after you meet someone new, make sure you write down everything about that person you can, what they were wearing, where you met them, what they were doing, etc. (do not leave it up to your memory, write it all down).

Then in your follow up, be friendly, use your first name and theirs. E.g. “Hi Gale, it’s Lyn-Dee, how’s your day going? You really made my day on Sunday, just your smile alone, so thank you for that. Is this a good time to talk? (make sure you have their full attention)

If it is the right time, ask, “Did you have the chance to review the information I shared with you? (YES) Fantastic, What did you like best? (positive Question, will give you a positive answer) (and then allow them to answer) What ever their answer is, agree that is exactly what you liked, (if the answer is no, “not a problem, how about I call you back tomorrow at 3pm .... Again, picking a time that is good for you).

Question 3. You talk about sharing and educating and not "selling," can you tell us more about this theory of yours?

Remember, no one likes to be sold anything so always give them information. Share and educate them in a conversation manner so you engage and share their thoughts. (Just like you would tell someone about a good movie) Allow your prospect to share why they need it, they will sell themselves. Also, this enables you to keep the lines of communication open as you are a friend not a sales person.

These are THREE very important questions in building your Direct Sales Business, be sure to check out Lyn-Dee’s website at www.lyn-dee.com I’ll be posting more of this interview next week and you’ll learn a magic question when following up with prospects.

Most of all be sure to purchase “Direct Selling Power” on my product page. Everyone who ORDERS in May will get a FREE 30 minute coaching call from me on “How to maximize every interview.”

Leave a comment below on what you love about Lyn-Dee’s fantastic tips.

8 Success Habits in Beginning New

Sun, 02 May 2010 20:41:43 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Writing my next ezine on over-filling your pipeline. Sign up for 7 Ways to Maximize your Income in Direct Sales and get this ezine FREE.

When you begin a new enterprise it's important to have guidelines or principles for success. Success principles are universal and people who understand and practice these priniciples always get the same results. The same goes for those of you who are re-newing this month. It's never too late to pick up and start again. That's why I love direct sales.

The bottom line is feeling confident about your new or re-newing business. The following EIGHT success tips are a great guideline to begin anew.

1. LOVE your product! When you love your product, your enthusiasm overflows and people want to know more.

2. BE CONSISTENT! TOUCH your business every day! There is nothing more simple than CONSISTENCY in holding parties, making phone calls, placing orders, hostess coaching, interviewing prospects, customer care calls, setting goals, working with your upline or downline. When you consistently touch your business every day, and hold TWO parties every week, you are a success!

3. ATTEND ALL MEETINGS! Whether online or offline. Associate with the people who are moving in the direction you want to go. Don't miss a monthly sales or regional meeting or leader training ever!

4. Give WORLD-CLASS Customer Care. When you go the extra mile and take care of your customers, they will be loyal and send you referrals over and over to build your business.

5. LEAD by Example. Become a leader as soon as possible, and show your team the power of duplication. Holding 2 parties a week, 2 interviews a week, and following up with customer care and prospect calls.

6. READ 15-30 minutes every day. Read books in your industry like "Build it Big" and "Direct Selling Power". Develop a habit of listening to positive attitude materials in your car or working out. Keep feeding your mind with uplifting, empowering messages.

7. BE AUTHENTIC AND ACCOUNTABLE. Do what you say you're going to do. Be present and in the moment with everyone you meet.

8. BE WILLING TO LEARN MORE. Submit yourself to a coach or mentor, someone who guides you and helps you learn more in building confidence and leading others.

These are the 8 success habits in starting new or renewing. Find a way to stay in integrity with these 8 success habits and teach it to every NEW consultant who joins your team.

If you want to learn more success tips and habits to help you build a strong direct selling business, order a copy of “Direct Selling Power” . Click on this link! Everyone who ORDERS a copy in May will get a FREE 30 minute coaching call from me on “How to maximize ever interview and find the perfect close.”

A Purposeful Leader

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:34:15 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Just arrived home from the DSWA Convention sharing latest trends and ideas in Direct Sales.

Conventions always motivate people and the DSWA Celebration event in Los Angeles last week was a very motivating and uplifting event with amazing speakers and workshops.

This is a conference where consultants, leaders and executive professionals come together to learn and share ideas.

One of the trends in our profession right now is being a "Purposeful" leader. A purposeful leader has a target and knows where she's going. The question was asked, "Are you in management mode or leadership mode?" Leadership mode is leading by example, focusing on the task and connecting with your people. Insuring every new consultant who joins your team achieves her quick start success, attends basic new consultant training and has observed at least 2 parties from her upline or leader.

Knowing your targets is extremely important. Are you reviewing your goals every day? Are you on target, or do you need to review and re-adjust? Ask yourself, "Am I focused and on purpose every day!"

How do you balance your personal business and your team business? A top leader who has a $4 million business replied to this question with two words.

MODEL FIRST. Lead by example and have a strong personal business with 2 or more parties every week. Your strongest recruits come from your parties. Model first and make time for your team, and most of all be "accessible to your team."

Are you a "Purposeful" leader? Do you know your targets? Are you modeling first?

Direct Selling Power books have arrived in-house! Take advantage of my April discount at 30% off. Click on the link on this website and write in the discount code of 30APRIL to receive this great bargain. This is one of those books like "Build it Big" you'll use as a reference over and over in learning to grow your business or train your team.

My BEST Time Management Tool, My Moleskine

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:41:49 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Packing for the DSWA Celebration convention in Los Angeles.

As I was writing the day and date into my Moleskine notebook today, I realized this is my BEST time management tool of all! I have tried other notebooks, but I am so in love with Moleskines it’s like the notes I write in other notebooks are not as important.

In case you’re not familiar with them. Moleskine is the legendary notebook used by European artists and writers for the past two centuries from Van Gogh to Picasso, from Ernest Hemingway to Bruce Chatwin.

The notebooks come in various colors and sizes and have a bound cover with rounded corners and an elastic closure. They have an expandable inner pocket made of cardboard and cloth in the back of the notebook which contains the Moleskine history. I love this feature and put in special notes, receipts on my trips and even dollar bills for a coffee if I’m writing at a local Starbucks.

The acid free paper pages are thread bound. The formats of pages are fascinating. You can get plain, ruled, sketchbook, memo pockets, info book, storyboard notebook. My favorite is the squared. For some reason I love writing on squared paper.

They are the right size for every purse, although they even have smaller versions which I use for writing down my goals. They are mostly black, but lately they’re offering colors in red, green, blue and even pink!

As far as time management, this is where I keep my every day “to do” lists. I love the feeling of crossing out and starting a new list. (I learned a trick from my dear friend Nicki Keohouhou to draw a smiley face when crossing out as it gives you a feeling of great accomplishment.) If I’m attending a meeting or teleclass, I write notes in this book to type up later, but if I’m on the road, I can always refer back to these important notes. In the front of every Moleskine, I have important phone numbers and addresses (in case I lose my Iphone) and in the back are important personal journaling notes.

It’s like my whole life’s record is in each of my moleskins and because I date them every day, I have the old ones stacked on my bookshelf in date order.

In today’s world of technology with Iphones and Ipads, there is still nothing more satisfying than putting pen to paper for me. It’s become a bit of an obsession with me. I never leave the house without my car keys, Iphone, glasses and moleskine!

Are you a Moleskine lover? Share your best time management tool with us today.

Is there ever enough time

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:53:48 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Finding time to shop this week in the city.

On one of my coaching calls this week a new leader shared with me her biggest obstacle was balancing her time and asked me if I had a tool to help her organize her time. Well, it so happens I do have a couple of tools that are very useful.

I always recommend organizing your time around “High producing income” activities first. The three biggies are

1. Holding parties. Parties produce immediate income with sales on the night and future income when you get 2 or 3 bookings.

2. Holding interview appointments. Scheduling time on your calendar every week sharing the business opportunity with a prospect, is worth the time it takes. When you recruit her, your income level rises in the first 30 days of her business.

3. Customer Care phone calls. If you want a steady stream of income making calls to customers consistently every month builds high customer loyalty and brings more re-orders and bookings. This consistent income can make the difference when a party has low sales or even cancels.

Tool #1 – Time Blocking Study Sheet

Holding parties and interviews takes careful planning on your calendar around your busy lifestyle. I love to help women plan these 3 important income producing activities with a little weekly time blocking sheet. You simply figure what areas of you week you have “committed” time. This is time that is non-negotiable. It’s those things you “have” to do at the same time every week. Then you look at “family” time. Maybe Sunday is a family day. This is time that is sometimes flexible. Then you look at “personal” time. Maybe you go to the gym once a week. Once you’ve filled in these 3 areas you get a great overview of the blank spaces or time that is not regularly structured time.

Tool #2 - Traveling Weekly Call Worksheet

I created this Weekly call worksheet for myself because I wanted a “system” when making my customer calls. This is a very simple tool with a place to put your customer name, telephone and reason for calling. However, it’s a big time saver because it’s one sheet that fits in your purse or daytimer and it travels with you allowing you to make calls in pockets of time during your day.

What are you best time saving tips? Share with us in the comments section below. If you’d like a copy of my tools, email me at galebates@mymentorbiz.com

What ONE thing will get you closer to your goals

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:40:46 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Getting ready to walk the hills.

It’s the last day of the first quarter of the year!

How are you doing?

Are you where you want to be in your business?

Have you achieved what you set out to do in the first three months of the year?

What ONE thing do you think will get you closer to your goals?

At the beginning of the year I teach Vision Board workshops with clients, companies and even my family. It’s a very fun experience, but more importantly, it’s a highly effective tool in business planning. We begin with a worksheet of goals and a question list and spend time planning, dreaming and visualizing the success we want for the whole year. From there we develop a one page Goal sheet or Business plan for the 4 quarters of the year. Then plan a monthly accountability sheet. (I am big on accountabilityJ)

Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attraction. Visualization or the act of creating compelling and vivid pictures in your mind may be the most underutilized success tool you possess because it greatly accelerates the achievement of any success.”

So, what is the ONE thing you can do to get closer to your goals?

You guessed it, WRITE THEM DOWN! If you don’t have time to complete a vision board, write your goals down.

Write them down and keep them in clear view where you see them every day!

Write them down today and share them with us below!

Honoring women leading extraordinary lives in Direct Sales

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 03:27:35 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Working and planning the second quarter of the year.

“Hush Baby girl, It’s nigh nigh time. Momma loves you..”

These were the words I heard as I waited for a moment in a direct seller’s life while she put her little one back to bed in the middle of our coaching call.

It was 9:00 pm on a Friday night. This direct sales Momma had finished her work week of teaching, fed her husband and 3 children and settled into her scheduled coaching call.

As I waited in that moment, I thought about all the wonderful women around the globe like my client. Women who have chosen the path of direct sales to earn extra income for their family. They are role models for their children, they are confident business women who are extraordinary going beyond because they want more in their lives, and they are dedicated to achieving it.

I heard the gentle tone of this extraordinary woman soothe her child, and pictured the baby closing her eyes reassured with her mother’s last words as she drifted off to dreamtime. My client came back to the phone energetic and ready to discuss new ways to build her business. She was organized, eager to work on the next steps to success on building her team communication plan.

I am in awe of women like my client who are committed to their business and are in action every day. Another extraordinary client put it like this, “I am consistently persistent!”

Working, running a household and building a direct sales business takes commitment, perseverance and an enormous amount of energy. A day in the life of a direct sales woman is filled with highs and lows like every one else, but to me these women are heroines.

In one day, they are heroines to 4 year olds or 14 years olds.

In one day, they accomplish tasks from being a janitor to a CEO.

In one day, they delight a customer sharing their product at a party.

In one day, they impress a hostess with a ton of free product.

In one day, they motivate a team member to stretch beyond herself.

And when there is room left over in this one day they schedule time with a coach because they want to grow and learn.

I finished my call with my “Inspired action assignment.” She was positive and committed to fulfilling her goals before our next call. She is one of the many ordinary women leading extraordinary lives I have the pleasure of touching every day. These women have chosen the path to building a business that offers an income from zero to high six figures!

Today, I honor you! You are the heroines! Women in Direct Sales living your extraordinary lives!

If you’re one of these extraordinary women, share a comment on one of your positive outcomes this week.

What is your confidence level in getting bookings

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:43:13 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Walking up and down hills, stretching those muscles and enjoying the dewy early mornings on the Big Island of Hawaii.

I've been coaching and training a lot on bookings lately. It seems some people fill their calendar every month, to the point where they tell clients they'll have to book into the next month and put their name on a cancellation list for the current month!

Others are frustrated because they're having a difficult time filling their calendar with 'any' bookings.

Why is this? They say they are asking. They say they are ready, willing and able to do a party whenever and whatever time the client wants! Wait, stop! Maybe that's the problem......

If you are ready, willing and able to do a party "anywhere" and "any time," think about the messages you're sending.

Your business is doing parties with a hostess and 6-8 of her friends who are getting together for a fun evening to shop and swap stories.

You form a partnership with the hostess. She gets some great free product and you earn immediate income with sales, look at your future income with 2 or more bookings and enjoy getting to know some future prospects for your business.

This IS your business!

Be confident and send messages to customers that your work is filling those circled dates on your calendar with the # of bookings you want every month. If you're too wishy washy about when you want your next party booking, maybe you're sending a message that it really doesn't matter if they book or not.

I remember one of my first parties. I had been taught by my sponsor to ask EVERYONE when taking the order. My customer was a very wealthy woman who bought a lot of product, and I felt very intimidated to ask her. In my mind I was thinking, "She's not the type who would have a party. I think I'll skip asking this person." But my sponsor's voice kept ringing in my ear. "Gale, if you want bookings you have to ask EVERYONE!" So, I felt the fear and did it anyway all the time thinking I was going to get a big fat NO!!!

I nearly fell of the chair when she not only wanted to book, but she knew 2 people who were definitely looking for an opportunity like mine and would I be interested in contacting them.

Top tips in getting 2 plus bookings at every party

· take the next 4-week calendar with highlighted party dates available.

· When asking for the booking share your next 2 dates and ask for a decision. “Which dates work best for you?”

· Set a goal to have 10 plus parties scheduled in your 4-week booking calendar at all times. (allow 2 extra for postponements and cancellations)

· Make at least 3 booking offers at every party.

Learn to make general offers and individual offers.

· At the order desk, ask EVERYONE to book.

· Be prepared for a “Yes”, “No”, or “Maybe” answer. What are you going to say?

· Create a “maybe later” list of women to call later. These people have given you permission to call.

What are your thoughts on getting bookings? Help a fellow direct seller and share your booking tips in a comment below.

Number 1 High Income Producing Activity

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:42:00 -0500

Where in the world is Gale? Listening to the very needed rain coming down. We are in #4 drought situation on the island and the rain is good!

This month’s blog focus is on the high income producing activities in your business, and the #1 high producing activity (sometimes referred to as HIPA) is, of course, THE PARTY! Afterall, in the party plan direct sales business without parties, you really have no business.

How often are you holding parties? It is said holding at least 2 parties every “week” brings you consistent income every “month.”

David Bach, who wrote the book “Start Late, Finish Rich” and more recently, “Start Over, Finish Rich” says building a home-based business in direct sales where you can earn $300, $500, or $1,000 a month is a fast way to make extra money.

My goal was to shoot for the $1,000 sales at every party. Here’s my 5 big tips to have high sales at every party.

1. In my hostess coaching, I focused on learning as much about each of the guests who were attending. I made it a rule to learn about the guests who would be my next 2 bookings. I wanted to know the guests stories. These stories told me who would make a great prospect for the business.

2. As I packed my car, I visualized the hostess and her friends having a fun time. I visualized each guest at the order desk and building a friendship with her. I always listened to positive CD’s on the way to the party.

3. I made sure my product demonstration was outstanding! Women loved my presentation. When you know and love your product, women want to buy!

4. At the order desk, I focused on “upselling” every order. I always suggested a “goes with” product to every order. Not everyone added, but overall upselling every order increases your sales average.

5. I always thanked my hostess leaving a little mint chocolate and recruiting brochure on her pillow. When I learned that 85% of people who joined were hostesses first, I focused on recruiting hostesses at every party. Not everyone joined, of course, but the averages for recruiting definitely worked.

The party is your #1 HIPA for everything in your business! Immediate income from sales, Future income from bookings and lifestyle income from the recruit leads you’ll meet who join your team.

Are you holding the number of parties you want to earn the amount of income you desire?