Building Websites
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If you are in direct sales, you should have at least one website of your own. A site of your own allows you to have a unique URL for the search engines, a unique URL for marketing purposes and a place where you can personalize the site each step of the way.
I am often asked how I built my websites since I’m not an HTML expert. My blogs are either Wordpress or Blogger, but my websites have all been built with a program called XSitePro website design software.
When I made my first website, I used Netscape. At that time they had a builder component that was helpful. After that, a friend gave me an old copy of DreamWeaver. Talk about complicated. DreamWeaver is meant for those who have website building knowledge.
I knew there had to be a better way to create a real website without paying a fortune and without knowing HTML. That’s when I was introduced to XSitePro. Patty Gale is the woman who introduced me to the product. She suggested I look at some of her sites. I was blown away. She assured me the program came with a 100% money back guarantee. I trusted Patty and I loved her sites. I bought the program.
Since that day, I’ve built 3 sites and upgraded when XSitePro introduced a newer version. I’ve never looked back.
Several of my webpages have hit the number one spot on the major search engines and I’ve received many compliments over the years on my sites.
The program is as simple to use as a word processor. In fact you build a site with the program tutorial before you ever start building your own site. In addition to the tutorial, there is also a message board community to help you with any questions you might have as you begin building your own sites.
I don’t want to turn this post into a long sales letter, so I’ll end by sharing the links to the two live sites I have up that were built using XSitePro. They are http://www.recipe-barn.com and http://www.scrapping-made-simple.com Take a look at the two sites. They were built using the XSitePro software.
If you decide to purchase the software, in addition to the support from the company, you are also welcome to contact me either via email or by phone. My email is here on the blog. I’m happy to email you my phone number.
Audrey 
Network Marketing and the Gym – Common Ground
I was at the gym working out the other day and all of a sudden I began thinking about the similarities between network marketing and the gym.
When you first begin working out, it’s tough. It’s so tough in fact that many people quit and never come back. In network marketing, I often see people quit before the end of their first six months in the business.
When you first begin a routine at the gym, you do not see immediate results. It takes consistency and commitment before you’ll see results. The same is true with your business. You will not see immediate results. It takes time to develop customers and build a team.
I remember when I first started working out, after twenty minutes I was completely wiped out. As time went on, I was able to handle longer workouts and add more weights to my circuit routine. In your business, it will take time to learn about the company, learn about the products and develop a marketing routine that works for you.
The day I was thinking about all of this, I was doing circuit training, going from machine to machine. Each machine is different. Each machine works a different muscle group and each machine in my routine has a different weight amount on it. Each relationship in network marketing is different. Each person will have different needs and different expectations. It will be up to you to help meet those needs and expectations.
After I had been working out for a few months, I saw a change in not only my weight but also how I felt overall. Results were starting to show. I was becoming more and more motivated to work out each day as I knew I was going to see results. I also add weights and test out the new weight. You’ll find this is true in your business also. Work toward your first customer. After you have your first customer, begin working on your second customer. Each person you come in contact with might want the products you offer. You’ll never know until you ask.
Those who work out at the gym never stop working. They come in each day ready for a complete workout knowing consistency and commitment are the only way to see results. Apply these same principles to your business and you’ll see results there also.
Audrey
Network Marketing and Taking a Walk
I was out with a friend this morning, taking a walk on one of the many trails that Santa Barbara provides us and I was struck by the many similarities my walk had to network marketing.
We took a path we’d been down before but today, with the weather nearing 80 degrees and some recent rain, the view we saw was different from the view we had just a month ago. This can happen in your business also. Perhaps you tried a marketing method several months ago and did not get the desired results. Try again. You may find a different result this time. Perhaps you’ve spoken to someone about becoming a distributor or buying your products. If they didn’t say yes, try again. It’s possible that life has changed for this person and they just might say yes this time. You might also consider trying a product that either you haven’t tried before or a product that perhaps you weren’t crazy about earlier.
As we walked, flowers that were not at all in bloom a few months ago were now in full bloom and both fragrant and beautiful. Your business will also go through cycles. There are times of year that are a bit slow and there are times of the year that sales and sponsoring will be more abundant.
We passed by many people along our route. Some were walking, some were jogging, some were on bikes, some were walking dogs, some were in groups and some were alone. We are all different. There is always more than one way to get from point A to point B. Each person we passed was enjoying the path a bit differently but each would end in the same spot. Some would get there quicker than others and some would have company along the way.
We also found that some people went out of their way to say “good morning” to us, while others turned the other way not wanting to engage in conversation. We also began a few exchanges. These exchanges were met in many ways. Some people just nodded their head and moved on. Some smiled and moved on. Others wanted to verbally engage with us and echoed our words of “good morning.” This is just another reminder that as we speak with others about our products and business, we will get a wide variety of responses.
Network marketing really is just another part of life with many similarities to those things you are already familiar with.
Eight Benefits of Direct Sales
I’ve been asked many times the benefits of a direct sales business over a privately-owned one-person business. While I’m not suggesting one is better than the other, I’d like to share what I believe are some of the benefits of having a direct sales business:
1. Lots of options. There are many direct sales companies to choose from. You can choose a company that meets your needs in terms of products and compensation plans.
2. You do not have to develop the product yourself. The company will take care of product manufacturing and product support materials.
3. The start-up costs are usually very minimal. You pay for a starter kit and possibly a few support materials. While you can often purchase a company site, you do not need to invest in site development, shopping carts and other sales related items needed for an internet presence.
4. While the income is completely commissioned, the hours are very flexible. You can work around children’s schedules, outside work schedules and other commitments you may have. If you need to work in the early morning or late at night, it can be done.
5. Many people enjoy the recognition that direct sales offers. It’s really awesome to see your name in print and to be recognized for your achievements. I’ve heard many times that the recognition makes the work very worthwhile.
6. If you are a person who enjoys helping others, direct sales might be a perfect choice. You’ll help people through product sales and you’ll also help people when you bring them into the business and mentor them in sales and leadership.
7. The opportunity for personal growth is enormous. When I look back at where I was ten years ago and where I am today, it’s astounding. There are so many awesome mentors out there very willing to help you and coach you.
8. If you love the products you’re selling, it’s awesome to receive a discount on your own purchases. I’ve met many people over the years who have joined companies strictly for the benefit of the discount for themselves and their family.
These are just eight benefits of joining a direct sales company. Is network marketing right for you?
Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka
Removing the Fear In Direct Sales
Very often I hear people say, “Oh I could never be in direct sales, I’d be too afraid.”
If you’d like to overcome your fear, the first step is identifying what it is you’re afraid of. I’ve found that when someone speaks of fear in direct sales, the fear usually is rooted in a few areas:
Fear of rejection – When someone says no to a product or a business opportunity, the salesperson needs to be able to understand that the “no” has nothing to do with the person. The no means that for today the product or opportunity does not meet the needs of the person you’re speaking to. Have you ever said no to something and then a week, month or year later said yes? This is because at the time you said no, the item you said no to did not meet your needs on that particular day. Your no was not about the sales person but about not needing the product right then.
Fear of being pushy – I think many of us have met pushy salespeople. They’re the ones who will call your house ten times in a one hour period. They’re the ones who forget to say hello and instead, immediately launch into a sales pitch. Those who are like this are probably like this outside of sales also. These are just people who believe they have all of the answers and that what they have to offer is the only possible solution to a buyer’s needs. If you’re not pushy now, then don’t become pushy once you begin selling a product.
Fear that the product will not meet the consumer’s needs – Make sure you clearly understand the return policy of your company. Make sure your customers know what their options are should they not be satisfied. Try some of the products before you sell them. All of us have made a purchase and that purchase did not meet our expectations. We return the product and go about our day. Often we’ll buy again from the seller, we just were not happy with that one product. If you’re comfortable with the company, if you like the company’s return policy, then feel confident selling their products to others.
Spend some time speaking with the person you have thought about joining but were too afraid to join. If they’re a non-pushy sales person, they’ll be able to share some thoughts and ideas with you with no obligation on your part. You still may decide that a direct sales career is not the right career for you, but you may just discover something you’ll love and be a part of for years to come.
Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka
Direct Sales – Providing Information to New Leads
If you are in network marketing, then receiving leads is probably part of your day to day business life.
Often when someone comes to you for information, they are truly seeking the information they need to make the decision about whether or not they want to join both you and the company you represent.
Consider using information sheets to answer the most frequently asked questions. I prepared a sheet with the answers to the ten questions I’m asked most frequently:
1. What is the start up fee? I listed not only the start up fee, but also what comes in the kit. This lets the “lead” know exactly what they can expect.
2. How much do the catalogs cost? If you offer multiple catalogs, write down the cost of each and how they are sold. Are they in packages of 10, 25? How often are new catalogs introduced?
3. Are there samples and demonstration products? Let the “lead” know exactly what is offered to support their new business.
4. How are orders placed? Explain the options in placing orders and how the potential distributor can pay for those orders.
5. What is the commission structure? I don’t outline the entire compensation plan, but I give some very basic information on both sales commissions and team bonuses.
6. Does the company offer and/or allow personal websites? Explain what your company does and doesn’t allow in a few quick sentences. If there is a fee for a company website, put this into your information sheet.
7. Are there minimum order requirements? Most commission plans require a certain amount in order to collect higher retail commissions and/or group bonuses. Since my goal is no surprises, I put as much information into as little space as I can.
8. How are taxes handled? I am asked this yearly even by distributors who are new to direct sales for that tax year. Explain both state sales and federal income tax just enough for the potential distributor to understand their responsibility.
9. What kind of training can they expect? Every company and every team offers something a little different. Explain what you/your team/your company offer in training.
10. Am I required to buy every product the company makes? This is a question asked by those considering joining companies with a large product line. Explain the policy of your company.
When someone requests information, send them your information sheet, but personalize it for them. Let them know they are unique and not just someone getting a form letter.
Information sheets can be posted on your website, on your blog and mailed out to those who request information.
Consider using an information sheet to help automate the lead process.
Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka
Direct Sales Moms – Step Away From the WAHM Community
I belong to a few “work at home mom” communities, WAHM for short. What I see is a lot of competition for the consumer dollar. I also see many distributors from many companies all trying to recruit the one person who comes along saying, “I might be looking into direct sales.” In fact, I’ve had those very people tell me that after they posted a request for information, they ended up with 30-50 private messages and emails. That’s a lot of competition.
I’m a strong supporter of online communities as a means of networking. I also believe you need to step away from the WAHM community for some of your networking efforts.
I have a few hobbies. I love to crochet. I belong to a couple of craft communities that offer a section on crocheting. I also love to scrapbook. There are many scrapbook communities out there. If the community allows a signature, I put my website into my signature. If the community does not allow a signature, I put my web address into my profile. I also use my profile to let people know everything I can about me.
When I step outside of the WAHM community I’m able to connect with other women who are not already involved in direct sales and I’m able to talk about a variety of topics, not just business and direct sales.
Invest some of your time seeking out communities that are outside the WAHM community. If you can’t find a message board, take a look at yahoo groups and see if you can find some interactive groups there that are on a topic you enjoy. I’ve found both crochet groups and scrapbooking groups through yahoo.
Once you find these communities, consider paid advertising on the sites. For example, if you sell cosmetics, find some women’s groups or some fashion groups and then consider taking out a paid button ad.
Also, if the community does not allow signatures with links, consider a slogan as your signature. For example, if you sell kitchen items, sign your posts “the kitchen lady” or “the kitchen expert.” Leave the URL out but put the slogan in.
Step away from the WAHM communities and watch your business grow!
Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka
Does Your Family Support Your Direct Sales Business?
When I began my business my husband was wonderful. He would bathe the kids. He would make dinner. He would even run errands. He did all of this to allow me time to work on my business. This was actually pre-internet days and so my time was spent almost entirely on the phone talking to those who had expressed an interest in either my company or my team. Without his support, I’m not sure I could have balanced being a mom, a wife and having a business.
As I started to build my business I was finding that other women did not have this kind of support. In fact I was learning that the support I had was very unique. I began looking for ways to support my team members in getting support at home for their businesses. I would like to share some of the ideas that I’ve seen work:
1. Set business hours. The hours can be flexible and they can change from day to day, but have a schedule in writing that the whole family can see. They’ll know that from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. you are working but they’ll also know that at 8:00 p.m. you can read stories, help with baths and follow your families’ bed time routine.
2. Use the time when you’re alone to be out in the community. For example, many work places will allow lunch time parties. If you can, schedule a party from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and then another from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Make your demonstrations short and get two parties done in one lunch time. If you’re hosting evening parties away from your family, schedule two in one night. Make your first one from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and your second one from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This gets you two parties in only one night away from your family.
3. Book tables at shows and fairs and bring the family. My family used to love fair days. They got to walk around the fair, see everyone in the community who came by and of course they got junk food. Your family is together when everyone participates.
4. Set specific hours that you’ll be online. I know for many, myself included, I can lose two or three hours checking mail, reading message boards, checking Facebook etc. Schedule the hours you’ll be online and stick to it. One woman I know has an auto-response set up on her email that basically says, “I got your email, I’ll answer within the next 24 hours.” This lets others know when they can expect to hear from you and it acknowledges that you did indeed receive their email.
5. Talk to your spouse. Share your expectations of him/her, or the kids and of the business. Sometimes sharing your business goals and sharing your expectations can help your spouse understand and better support your efforts.
Try these five tips and see if you can get a bit more family support for your business. Everyone will be happier and your business will grow.
Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka
Direct Sales – What Are You Reading?
I remember many years ago a mentor of mine told me that I needed to be reading at least ten minutes per day for my business. In fact he was so adamant that he refused to have conversations with me unless I could share with him what I had learned. I admit he was one of the best mentors I’ve ever had.
There are so many benefits to reading. I’d like to share a few:
1. Increased knowledge – You can gain product knowledge, company knowledge and industry knowledge. You can learn marketing methods, recruiting techniques and overall new business practices.
2. Resources to share – The more you read, the more you’re able to offer others the titles of those books you believe will be a benefit to them. I’m huge on networking. I love to recommend Love Is the Killer App by Tim Sanders. When people tell me they want to learn about networking, I immediately recommend this book.
3. Increased topics to talk to others about – The more books you read, the more you’ll be able to converse with others on a wide range of topics. It was through reading that I discovered a seminar in my town that led to even more knowledge on my part.
I actually went from ten minutes per day in business related materials to double that on a wide variety of topics. My vocabulary increased. My general knowledge increased. My list of resources increased.
Reading has given me ideas for blog content, forum posts and articles. I’ve been able to share the long list of books I’ve read with those in many different industries.
Visit a used bookstore. I love shopping the business section and finding the many treasures they have there. Look online and find a couple of ezines to subscribe to. If you commit to reading just ten minutes per day, that’s over an hour per week. You should be able to read one or two books per month. That’s quite a bit of information you’ll gain in a year’s time.
Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka
Five Tips to Build Your Direct Sales Business
Quite often I’m asked if there is a “secret” to building a direct sales business. The answer is both yes and no. I say no because there is really no one secret. I say yes, because there are many things you can do on a regular basis to build your business. I’d like to share five things you can do that will help you in building your business.
1. Learn about the company and the products. When you speak to others about what you are selling or joining your team, you’ll sound much more professional if you know about the company and about the product line.
2. Take an interest in self-development. Direct sales is a relationship business. We improve our relationship skills when we begin working on self-development. I attend seminars, take classes and read books all devoted to helping me become a better person. Even those who teach the classes I attend will share that they continually take classes to learn more themselves.
3. Make a one year commitment to your business. It takes time to find customers, build a team and develop a base for your business. While I always hear and read the words “businesses aren’t built overnight”, the reality is many people don’t really believe these few words apply to them. Commit to one year in business. After one year you’ll have enough experience and knowledge to make a new decision if a new decision is necessary.
4. Set an example for your team. As you build a team, your team members will look to you for guidance, support and training. If your team sees you market on a regular basis, they too will market. If your team sees you attend trainings and other company functions, they too will realize the value in these events. If you communicate regularly with your team, they in turn will learn to communicate with their teams.
5. Return phone calls and emails just as quickly as possible. Understand that not every communication will result in a sale or new team member, however each communication will aid you in building your own brand and your own reputation. If you get a complaint, take care of it immediately. If you get a product question, get an answer just as quickly as you can. You want your reputation to be one of a person who responds in a timely manner.
As you can see, there is no magic answer on how to build your business. The answer is to take steps daily to build your business and to build your name and reputation.
