New to Direct Sales...any advice??

Maggie - posted on 05/25/2009

Before I place a phone call to a referral, I prepare myself and get dressed as if I were going to meet in person. I inhale and exhale a few times and I remain standing the whole time. That puts me in a position of command and I smile from begining to end. People know when you're smiling even through the phone. Tell yourself: "what the worst that could happen, that the person would say no!" Well move on to the next. And remember, practice, practice, practice!

Taheerah - posted on 05/20/2009

Hi Lisa, Alot of people are shy includung myself, that are in business for themselves. However, you must understand that the your current mindset is not going to get you to where you want to be, so you need to be willing to change. Im still working on it myself and what helps is reading some powerful books and having a great mentor or coach you can always talk to. I know several great books but currently Im reading "Awakening the Giant Within." I cant think of the author's first name but his last name is Robbins. As women we tend to worry alot about what other people think. Just remember F.E.A.R is just False. Evidence. Appearing. Real.

Jen - posted on 04/29/2009

I took Michelle Koonce's advice and joined mompreneurs and am very impressed with the community she started. I would totally recommend other moms who are serious about learning more and growing their business to join as well.

Michelle - posted on 04/23/2009

Hi Lisa, you must learn everything you can about Network Marketing/Direct Sales. I have a blog and a social network where I provide information on how to be successful in Direct Sales. You can join http://bit.ly/ozR0V and follow the blog http://www.themompreneurmentor.com for consistent advice. You also must remember that MOST people do not become successful in a year or two. I would also suggest reading "My First Year In Network Marketing." I recommend several books on my social network to help you.

Jen - posted on 04/22/2009

I've been a struggling single mama and know how hard it is to grow a business with little ones under foot who aren't old enough to watch themselves. Add in the shyness factor and I really think it sounds like online marketing would be best for you. Go viral-network for business on facebook, joe popular (and any other marketing site you can find). You can set up your own website for more exposure.



Squidoo is another free website that you can really use to your business benefit. Write up lenses on your opportunities to get people interested in what you have to sell. It's awesome, fun and I've learned soooo much there: http://www.squidoo.com



If you have actual products you keep an inventory of you can even set up an Ebay store and sell that way.



Facebook also has a business card application where you can make up a business card and help grow your business that way. If you can't find it just message me and I'll send you mine so you can create your own.



Join Facebook Marketing groups. People that like direct sales or marketing are generally open to new things and you can learn SO much from them! I first turned to the groups to promo my main opportunity and am now doing very well with everything else my networking friends showed me.



I have a lot of the links to sites and articles I loved that helped me so much on my website: http://www.jroering.com under the 'internet success' tab. There's lots of information to help you grow your business, lots of things are free, too. I LOVE helping people not have to struggle as much as I did when I went online.



Best wishes!

Cheryl - posted on 04/18/2009

You might find some local businesses to work with that sell complimentary products (for example hair salons and nail salons are great for selling makeup). You can put a box on their counter for customers to enter for a chance to win a free gift certificate. You could also demo your products in their store on weekends or special events too.

Na'sia - posted on 04/15/2009

Hi Lisa,

What you just described is the number 1 reason many mlmers do not do well in the industry. I stumbled upon a book called the to attract prospects.  Check out the videos if you have a chance. I think it really may help you with your situation, especially since you are shy and don't know many people.

BTW, check out my blog for my advice when you have a minute.  It is fairly new with only a few postings, but I will be working on it consistently so hopefully you will find something useful to you.  www.nasiasmithconsulting.com/blog

Good luck.

Stacy - posted on 04/06/2009

Oh! and right before you get on the phone, do some jumping jacks to get your blood flowing! Smile the whole time, and don't worry if you get NO's !!!!! expect them!

Deirdre - posted on 04/06/2009

For the phone calls or even in person conversations you should check out Dynamic Production Telephone Flashcards.  She custom tailors them to your company.  She spoke at an Arbonne event and the flashcards really helped me get over my phone shyness.  Chekc it out. They're only $15 a very small investment for a huge business builder.  I still get nervous when I sit at the phone but I know that that is one of the way to build my business. So have a pic of your son for motiviation by your phone.  That should help you.

http://www.dynamicproduction.com/HB/prod...

Stacy - posted on 04/05/2009

The key to direct sales is that you have to A) LOVE the product you sell and B) overcome your hesitance to talk to people you don't know. 

Pick a product, write a script, and get the phone book out. Dial a number. They don't know you, they aren't going to walk down the street and say 'HEY. You're the one that called me yesterday!!!" If it doesn't go well, pick another number!

Michelle - posted on 04/05/2009

I sell Rodan + Fields skincare products. NO parties, NO inventory, NO delivery... http://daliesio.myrandf.com I would suggest leaving business cards everywhere, putting your ad on your facebook page, check out cafemom.com, advertise at your PTO/PTA meeting also ask if they run ads in the directory or yearbook. Good luck!