Nine Ways To Do A Show!

By Shari Hudspeth

Nine Ways To Do A Show! Here is an idea that will make scheduling shows a lot more fun! Today's Hostess is busier than ever. To make booking a show more appealing, use the following activity at your shows: To get group involvement, I suggest you write these nine ideas on an index card. Have the guest read the ideas one at a time. After each idea is read, explain it briefly. Make a separate card for yourself with clues to remind you what to say until you become familiar with them.

Customer card - 9 Ways To Do A Show
1. Traditional Evening
2. Day Show
3. Stop and Shop
4. Theme Party
5. Fund Raiser
6. Co - Host
7. Restaurant
8. Saturday Multiple Choice
9. Open House

Consultant card
1. This is the way most of us are used to hosting a show.
2. For those of you who are home during the day, we can do a morning or afternoon show.
3. You’ll find this one easy. There’s no cleaning or preparation. We can do it at lunch or after work and you have a captive audience!
4. These can add an element of fun to your party. Make it a deck party, couples party, or ice cream social (you provide the ice cream and each guest brings a different topping).
5. These can be extremely rewarding. Do you belong to an organization that could use our products for something worthwhile? Host a show and the organization gets the Host credit!
6. Here is a another fun way to host! Partner with your sister or your best friend. One of you hosts the show at your home and the other brings the snacks. You each invite your own guests and receive the credit for the orders of those guests. It's just easier and more fun!
7. This one is as easy as it gets – and super fun! You get free product, and you and your friends get a dinner out together. I’ll bring a few products with me and casually share a little information about these products during our time together.
8. Saturday is my most popular day, so I offer three different time frames to accommodate you – 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
9.Casual shopping with personal service.

What’s great about this activity is, customers who weren't even considering hosting a show say, “A deck party, that would be so much fun!" or "I never thought about a restaurant party!" It just gives them so many more options and can be a real “Aha” moment for your guests! I do want to share with you that the Saturday multiple choice idea was a huge “Aha” moment for me when I first heard someone train on it. It had never occurred to me that I could do three shows in one day. It made great sense: I was already leaving the house. I already had my kit packed and my Hostess and recruiting packets ready. Why not schedule more than one show in a day while I was already out and about? Even if you did two on Saturday or Sunday twice a month that would be four shows in two days! The BIG perk I saw in doing multiple shows on Saturday was that my customers knew that I did this. When they made the decision to join my team, they would naturally do the same thing because they saw me doing it. It was one of the things that contributed to a high-selling Central Team and down line!

Article by Shari Hudspeth, Provided by The Direct Selling Women's Alliance Copyright 2003

Economic "Whoa"

It's everywhere right now: tv, newspapers, billboards, radio, the water cooler at work, etc. It seems everywhere we go now, someone is talking about the economy, and it's usually negative. Discussions of the housing crash, foreclosures, lay-offs, bank fails, bankruptcy, credit levels, bailouts, and "the worst economy since the Great Depression" are popping up everywhere. What we're NOT hearing enough of is that some of the greatest businesses, brands, empires and associations had their start during a questionable economy! While I'll admit, the current downturn is indeed historic, it's a drop in the bucket compared to the drawn out 22 year depression in the US from 1873 to 1895 (sparked by the Vienna stock market crash). During that time a great deal of Fortune 500 companies & major corporations - recognizeable even today - launched their debut including Eli Lilly, Hershey's, Merck, Gillette, IBM, Alcoa, AT&T, Chevron, GE, J&J, Coors, Johnson Controls, and Bristol-Meyers to name a few.

During the Great Depression (1929-1939) companies such as Texas Instruments, HP, and 20th Century Fox were launched. (Mind you, the stock market was crashing nearly 90% and unemployment rates hit near 30% during that time!) Other periods like the Oil shock and market crash of '73-'76 generated companies like Microsoft, Genetech and Apple. In the early '80s when mortgage rates were peaking at nearly 21% companies were beginning to blossom such as Sun, E*Trade, Adobe and Symantec. And even more companies have emerged through trying times - look at Sports Illustrated, MTV, Federal Express, Burger King and IHOP. Good grief - why does this happen? What did they know/do?

Well, for one thing, they realized that spending doesn't come to a complete hault during a soft economy. They embraced the fact that people become more selective. People work harder, nay they search harder for getting more value for their money. However, spending still occurs. Because of this, these companies knew their market, they knew what triggered interest and spending within their company and product line. They sought out their customers' needs and found a way to fill them. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?

Instead of waiting around for our entrepreneurial turn at bailout money, I believe it's time to focus on what we CAN do with our business to become more productive. What need can your product fill? Better yet, what need can YOU fill? How can you be creative with what you have to offer so you begin to stand out and become a long-lasting "brand" yourself?? Did you know that according to the DSA, the highest percentage of recruits have been obtained during an economic recession/downturn? Do you realize what this means for your business? BIG things! Whether you prefer to build a team or not, your company has a solution that many people are currently seeking. It's almost the proverbial fish jumping into the boat! Take this time seriously, and focus on what can really happen in your business. This is not the time for cutting back on your business and confirming that it's turned into a "hobby", no way. Now more than ever is the perfect time to focus on building your team - a motivated team! What joy you all will experience when you can look back and say "we made it through"! Now more than ever is the time to perform incredible, unmatched customer service! I can almost guarantee that because of the severe lack in service right now, when you take care of your customers properly they will be loyal for years to come! Grow your customer base - make them fans of you, your business, your product. Make it happen today. Sure, it's getting ugly out there, there's no denying it. But you were made for greatness, and greatness doesn't recognize hard times as "hard times". Managed properly, your services will thrive. The trick is to stay alive just one day longer than those who decide it's too tough.

© 2009 Jennifer Stoll The Stand Up Coach All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER OR WEBSITE?
Please do, as long as the following blurb is included in its entirety: Entrepreneur Jennifer Stoll, The Stand Up Coach, is founder and editor of "Info Buffet" a free ezine for professionals in the Direct Sales/Party Plan industry. An Author, Speaker and Success Coach, Jennifer provides principal based resources in a fun and humorous way. If you're ready to take your business to the next level, make more money and have more fun in your business then visit Jennifer at http://www.thestandupcoach.com .

"Recipe for Relaxation" - a Great Recruiting Gift Idea

So you have a prospect who is VERY interested in your business opportunity. You have your opportunity packets all set & ready to go - always on hand - and as you hand her your cute little packet you arrange to chat with her to make sure this business is a fit for her & her family. Ever wonder what happens between the time she receives the packet & the time you chat with her?? (You DO chat with her after giving her the packet, right? I thought so.) I'll tell you what happens during that time: if she's really serious about it, she's researching this biz like crazy! She's writing out pros and cons, she's taking note of important details from your site & your packet. She's asking around to see if there's any interest... the list goes on. Wouldn't it be great if all prospects were this involved?? Truth be told, most prospects are looking into it, but life happens in between peeks at the opportunity packet. The kids got into something they shouldn't have, the dog made a mess on the carpet - again - and hubby can't find the scissors. For Pete's sake! :) What can we do to stay in the minds of our ever-busy prospects?? Share the "Recipe for Relaxation" as a special gift - a "thank you" for taking the opportunity packet & considering the business.

Here's what you need: party favor type cellophane bags, tea or gourmet hot chocolate, a small candle (like small "dinner light" candles for placesettings or a votive & holder), sample size bath fizzies or salts, and a delicious chocolate (make it worth-while like a Godiva, or even better yet Merci chocolates - can be found at WalMart; get it? Merci? I digress.)

Arrange all of these gifts with a little "foo-foo" confetti in the party favor bag and please be sure to be tasteful & make sure the chocolates are not going to make contact with the bath product or candle - yucky taste!! In Word, create some little notes (to tuck into the bag) that say the following:

Recipe for Relaxation
Make yourself a nice soothing beverage
Light a candle
&
Relax in a warm bath while thinking of the possibilities of what (Company) could do for you.
(The chocolate is an added bonus) :)
Next, don't think about the business at all for the rest of the night. Go to bed & sleep on it. If you find yourself thinking about the business between the time you wake up & noon - even for just a brief moment - then something's telling you to move forward with this & try it out.

Isn't that a nice gift?? She'll be thinking about the business for sure, and the great thing is you now have a conversation starter when you call to chat about the business. "Sue, did you take the time to 'relax' and think about what (Company) could do for you??" She won't forget you at all; in fact she'll appreciate the fact that you put her first. The timing might not be right for her, and that's okay. She will remember the lovely gift you gave her & will know exactly who to go to when the timing is right.

© 2009 Jennifer Stoll The Stand Up Coach All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?

Please do, as long as the following blurb is included in its entirety: Entrepreneur Jennifer Stoll, The Stand Up Coach, is Founder and Editor of “Info Buffet” a free ezine for professionals in the Direct Sales/Party Plan industry. An author, speaker, and success coach, Jennifer provides principle based resources in a fun & humorous way. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, make more money and have more fun in your business then visit Jennifer at http://www.thestandupcoach.com/.

There May Be Hope Yet

It's no secret that Direct Sales tends to get a bad name, particularly from those who don't completely understand exactly how it works and how it can drastically change people's lives for the better. Recently, however, I've seen Direct Sales mentioned with high regard in the media (which let's face it, means alot). To that I say "FINALLY"! There may be hope yet for Direct Sales to gain the name it deserves - a dern good one. We've seen many women reach six and seven figure incomes as a result of their Direct Sales business; women who in corporate society would have never otherwise come close to that sizeable income. This didn't fall into their laps by any means. It's hard work. It's consistent work. It's meaningful work, and that very well may be one of the greatest reasons WHY they've excelled so far. I'm excited to see these updates on what is normally a stream of bad news. I normally avoid the nightly news because the reports are either so unbelievably negative and sad or completely useless information. However, on occasion, there are a few diamonds in the rough. Watch this short CBS Evening News report:

I've heard time and time again that during a recession two things increase in sales: booze and lipstick - both because people want to feel good. I must say though that it's not simply the cosmetic companies that will be feeling and seeing an increase in both sales and consultant sign-ups. People are now searching for low-cost solutions to fill their needs of additional income and socializing. Because of incredibly dedicated, educated and experienced Direct Sellers, more and more people are coming to realize that a business opportunity in Direct Sales is an incredible option. Look what MSNBC's Mad Money had to say:

Now trust me, I'm the first to admit it's hard to stomach his cheezy sound effects, but the man has a point. And notice the longevity of the companies he discusses - they've seen quite a few moments of economic down-turn. What's the deal?? Consistency, my dear friend. I'm doubtful they've EVER sat back, put their feet up and hoped for the best. They understand it's hard, consistent, meaningful work that got them there and they understand that's what it will take to continue this incredible growth. How about you? Do you have a grasp of what you have before you?? We're making history here, dear friends, big time. Now is the time to shine, baby! Work that consistency NOW - I'm telling you it will pay off. We're at the gate, the roller coaster is about ready for us to hop on. It's about time Direct Sales is beginning to get some decent recognition! Buckle up, keep your arms and hands inside your vehicle at all times and enjoy the ride.

© 2009 Jennifer Stoll The Stand Up Coach All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?
Please do, as long as the following blurb is included in its entirety: Entrepreneur Jennifer Stoll, The Stand Up Coach, is Founder and Editor of “Info Buffet” a free ezine for professionals in the Direct Sales/Party Plan industry. An author, speaker, and success coach, Jennifer provides principle based resources in a fun & humorous way. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, make more money and have more fun in your business then visit Jennifer at http://www.thestandupcoach.com/.

What Direct Sales Consultants Can Learn from Deadliest Catch

Have you ever seen the show, Deadliest Catch? (Or at least seen the commercials for it?) We haven't seen every episode ourselves, but we have tuned in a few times to see what the hub-bub was all about. Even if you haven't seen the show - or the commercial for that matter - you'll still get the basic idea of this post. ;) Essentially, viewers follow eight crab-fishing vessels as they go about their "normal" work day. But this is far from your typical rod & reel retreat; virtually every moment at sea is captured as the captains & crew endure struggles and weather conditions that make their jobs one of the deadliest - thus the name of the show. So what can Direct Sales/Party Plan consultants learn from Deadliest Catch?

Let's dive in (pun intended, so sorry) to the concept here. The crew uses gigantic 800-pound cages called crab pots to bait & capture their ideal Alaskan crabs. There's a strategy to placing these crab pots as well as making sure the floating markers don't catch on anything - or anyone - as they're being cast over the edge of the vessel. It's a great deal of work (by the looks of it anyhow, never tried it myself, but I digress) especially considering their ship is being tossed about by waves that literally envelope the deck. It's even more difficult in the midst of a storm, but the job needs to be done (and, quite frankly, the show must go on). So I'm sure by now you're thinking "yes, Ferf, we should be 'casting our nets' out there to find our host & recruit prospects, we already know that". Novel idea, yes, but that's not where I was going with this. ;) As these massive crab pots are cast into the sea, they don't stand around and wait. They move on to yet another area and "bah-loop", into the sea another pot goes. They're not hanging all their hopes on one pot. They also realize the task is far from over. Is it conceivable that one or more of those pots could come up empty, or with very few crabs? Absolutely. Harsh truth for a crew who just plummeted an 800-pound crab hotel into the sea. Do you think the crew pouts when this happens? Well, perhaps a few newbies, but the learned members of the crew know as well as the captain that there's more "business to be had", they just need to move on to another area. Do you think a captain would be a captain for long of he continuously griped "We can't seem to get anywhere with this business"? (Hello, leadership tip! Leaders understand there is great diversity in business and where business can be found! They also understand the term "speed of the leader, speed of the pack" - leaders with the "I can't" or "We can't" mindset will have a team who "can't".) So again, the crew would move on to another area if the pot came up empty. The next place may turn up with the same results. What really intrigued me about the few episodes I saw was this: the experienced captains KNEW the best areas, they could easily spy/seek/find/recognize the ultimate nesting ground, head the vessel in that direction and BOOM - loads of crab! (So glad there wasn't a typo on that... just sayin'.)

I noticed that as the crew hoisted these massive crab pots onto the ship, they wouldn't just hoard every crab for the taking and say "alright, good enough" nor were they satisfied with the great number of crabs they caught. We tend to do that in our direct sales business, don't we? Take every customer, hostess & recruit we can cuz there are prizes to be won, there's money to be made and there are records to break - we're just SO happy to have them no matter who they are or what they can really do for the business. Do you really want just anybody and everybody? Let's go back to the Deadliest Catch analogy; The crew has to sort through and keep only the crabs that regulation allows, or the ones that will - let's face it - return the most profit. They handle each one in a manner 1) not to get pinched and 2) not to damage the crabs - they make sure the crabs are in the environment they're most comfortable/used to - water. What happens later on is a completely different story, what I wanted to drive home is how they handle them NOW while they have the crabs. In your direct sales/party plan business, what are your regulations? I'm not talking about regulations that your company has in place, I mean what regulations to you have in place as a real catch (pun intended again) for customers, hostesses & recruits? Have you compiled a list of what your ideal customer, hostess and recruit is? If they don't meet your "regulation", do you think they'll really bring you the business you need or simply cause headaches, grief and cost you money? If they're not a perfect fit, then you're basically trying to jam a square peg into a circular hole. If you haven't made a list of your ideal prospects, your "pot" has been coming up empty or with very few I'm sure. Like the experienced captain, scope out the area - where do the best ones nest? Where are your ideal prospects going to be? Go there. How will you handle them? Give them great service, be on time, etc so you won't "get pinched". (An angry customer, hostess or recruit can have really nasty pinchers!) For hostesses, are you invading their environment by barging in with your product hoping there are people and sales? Or are you partnering up with your hostess and doing what you can to make HER guests feel as welcome and comfortable as possible? Remember, even though it's your product, and your business, it's HER house and HER friends that she's been gracious enough to introduce you to. Be thankful for that. Her guests are not there for you and your product - they're there because the hostess invited them to see you and your product in her home.

It's time for you to perform, make something happen in your business. Don't just sit around hoping that the bait you cast out on one rod & reel trip is going to generate the exponential business growth you desire/deserve. Yes, cast the net, but cast several different nets to suit the different areas and people you're seeking. The Deadliest Catch crew doesn't use just any bait for their Alaskan crabs, they use what they know will work for exactly what they are seeking. You can too.

(photo courtesy http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/deadliestcatch/about/about.html )

© 2008 Jennifer Stoll The Stand Up Coach All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?
Please do, as long as the following blurb is included in its entirety: Entrepreneur Jennifer Stoll, The Stand Up Coach, is Founder and Editor of “Info Buffet” a free ezine for professionals in the Direct Sales/Party Plan industry. An author, speaker, and success coach, Jennifer provides principle based resources in a fun & humorous way. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, make more money and have more fun in your business then visit Jennifer at http://www.thestandupcoach.com/.

*If planning to use photo as well, please give credit where credit is due.*

"If Not Now, When"

On this final day of 2008 I want to not only extend my wishes to you for Success & Blessings in the New Year, but I also feel compelled to share this great thought as the world reflects on the past year & sets out to move forward in 2009.

Now more than any time throughout a given year, people from all over are setting goals - or at least have thought about preparing to set goals (tee hee!) - for the new year. Now is the time that commitments are being made to finally step up to the plate and make things happen, be it losing weight, business growth, etc. So why lose momentum halfway through February? Not enough pepper on that launch? Within each of us is the incredible ability to accomplish anything we set our minds to! Isn't your business worth great success?




In your party plan business - in your life - do you realize you're not the only one out there setting the goal to be #1, to be successful, to be extraordinary? January 1st offers a clean slate for everyone. Even the top leaders in your company have $0 in sales at some point on the first of the month. If you don't step up to the plate and jump on in there, somebody else will. If you don't stay committed to your goals - even halfway through February - somebody else will. If you don't get those bookings, somebody else will. If you don't get those prospects, sales, opportunities, events, recruits... somebody else will. If you don't get those things NOW, when? Why hurry up and wait? Worry and fear have never served anyone anything but bondage. (What a delightful picture, bondage on a silver platter.) When mid-February rolls around, will you remain on target? Ask yourself each and every day "If Not Now, When"? Your gain will be a direct result of your efforts; how great will your gain be? That is entirely up to you. Abundance is yours! You CAN be unstoppable - there are no limits. Make your life extraordinary - begin with today!

Wishing you a New Happy Year! Yes, a "New Happy Year" - because this and every year is a happy one if you make it so.

Success and Blessings to you in the New Year!

© 2008 Jennifer Stoll The Stand Up Coach All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?
Please do, as long as the following blurb is included in its entirety: Entrepreneur Jennifer Stoll, The Stand Up Coach, is Founder and Editor of “Info Buffet” a free ezine for professionals in the Direct Sales/Party Plan industry. An author, speaker, and success coach, Jennifer provides principle based resources in a fun & humorous way. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, make more money and have more fun in your business then visit Jennifer at http://www.thestandupcoach.com/.

Customer Service - Delight or Disaster

I must say, customer service has increasingly become a thing of the past. Are you finding the same thing? It is becoming so obsolete we are almost accustomed to NOT having genuine service when we are out and about. From calling the phone company and getting their automated system ("press 1 to hear me say the words 'press 1' again, press 2 to hear other options NOT including the ability to speak to a live human being...") to cold attitudes at department stores; customer service as we know it is indeed a lost art.

Maybe it's just me - let's see if this scenario rings true for you.

Upon approaching the 'gates' of WalMart you're greeted with a grizzly "Welcome to WalMart" (interpretation: get your stuff and get outta here, I'm only saying 'welcome' cuz I have to). As the greeter is clearly glued to the official greeter stool/bench, you almost feel compelled to say "Hey, you know what, I'll get a cart for myself - thanks - don't get up" but you want to be polite so you bite your tongue. It doesn't take you long to realize they've completely rearranged the store from last week so everything as you know it is now flipped around and in completely different aisles. (It's actually a marketing strategy to keep customers in the store longer. Their hopes are that you'll come across something you didn't realize you needed until now, thus buying more.)

Discovering that locating just one particular item from your list will now be more like a scavenger hunt, you try to find an associate to help you. Lucky to have found someone after about a 10-minute search, you hear "Oh, that's not my department so I don't know" and they walk off. You feel compelled to say "That's ok, you could use that big ol' intercom system to find the appropriate associate (hey that rhymes) but, you know, I've been looking for that item for an hour and a half, I'm sure I'll find it eventually" and you decide you don't need that item today. (Hello - lost sale.)

Now it's check-out time. Well, sort of. Only 2 out of 22 possible check-out lines are open. (I ask you, why did they build 22 check-out lines when they were only planning on opening up a few at a time? Even around the holidays only half of them are open. We wouldn't want to interrupt the important discussion between the 4 or 5 teenage checkers hanging out around the courtesy desk by asking them to - I don't know - do their job? Ok, I digress.) Exhausted, paying customers are now pooling at the front of the store, making it nearly impossible for those who are still shopping to make their way through.

Woo Hoo - now it's your turn to check out! You're thinking you can brighten her day with a smile, after all you're the chipper one of the bunch and you're a professional. Too bad she's not making eye contact, right? You're lucky to even get a 'hello' from her, let alone a smile. Instead you receive a glare of inconvenience because she's not able to engage in the teen conversation at the courtesy desk, thanks to you. The glare returns if you're not taking your bags full of twice-beeped items off that spinning carousel of doom. (I kid you not - I once had a checker who stopped scanning my items and stared at me because I didn't take my bags right away to make room on her carousel for her. After saying "Ugh!" she stomped from behind her cash register and threw my bags into my cart. Nice.) You receive a complimentary, yet swift, kick in the behind when the checker hands you your receipt. The grand finale is: NOW the greeter is kind as you're leaving and says "Thanks for shopping at WalMart." Now in all fairness, not every WalMart I have ever been to has been like this, just our local store.

Where has all the service gone? It must be where lost socks go in the laundry. I mean really, don't they understand they're in the service industry? Let's look into that a bit. Herein lies the difference: Those who lack service are working there solely to pay their bills. That's it. They're not in it to improve their skills, reach a higher goal or fulfill a lifelong dream - it's just a J-O-B to them. It's all about their perspective. So why should it make any difference to them whether or not the customer is satisfied?!? This is truly their perspective, otherwise they would behave differently on the job. You can tell the ones who are truly thankful for their jobs. We as direct sellers have a GREAT opportunity to give unbelievable customer service. It's very easy for us because there is such a lack of service everywhere we turn; so even the tiniest snippet of customer service will go a LONG way! We are in our businesses to help people (and, oh ya, the paychecks are mighty nice too). That's where we can come from a place of service and really serve our customers! What a privilege! What an honor! It's about more than making money, we're helping people and making them feel good (which, in turn, makes us feel good)! We're making a difference, leaving a legacy and building on something that will outlive us! Doesn't it make sense that our business will flourish when we come from a place of service? I can hear it now: "Hello, Customer Delight Department, my name is Jennifer. How can I serve you today? Billing discrepancy? No problem, Mark in accounting will take good care of you as that's his specialty - my pleasure to connect you!" Aaahhhh... breath of fresh air! Next time you experience a lack in customer service, and it's almost a guarantee that you will, be thankful that you can enjoy what you do. Remember, others can tell whether you're thankful for your 'job'. Makes you think about sharing the business opportunity with that 'spinning-carousel-of-doom' checker, doesn't it? Hmmmm...

© 2008 Jennifer Stoll The Stand Up Coach All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?
Please do, as long as the following blurb is included in its entirety: Entrepreneur Jennifer Stoll, The Stand Up Coach, is Founder and Editor of “Info Buffet” a free ezine for professionals in the Direct Sales/Party Plan industry. An author, speaker, and success coach, Jennifer provides principle based resources in a fun & humorous way. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, make more money and have more fun in your business then visit Jennifer at http://www.thestandupcoach.com.