Direct Sales Archives - CROOKED CROWN COUTURE

Pre-Launch To Do List

October 5, 2018 by Maureen Filed Under: Direct Sales, MLM, Multi Level Marketing, Social Media

You’re interested in a brand new direct sales company that hasn’t launched yet or is in pre-launch… and you’re waiting for the green light, so you can GO! The time is getting close but yet so far away. Instead of just waiting around, use this time productively to prepare yourself for your upcoming business venture. Put together your Pre-Launch To Do List with some of these ideas.

Start saving money for your enrollment or starter kit.
Familiarize yourself with your upcoming company’s product line.
Set up a separate “personal” checking account and request a debit card.
- To avoid monthly service charges, check with your local credit unions.
Set up credit card processing. This is a great option if you’re planning to participate in events or offer “cash and carry” products.
- PayPal Here or Square are a few options
Start looking for local events such as craft fairs, festivals, business expos etc.
- Where do you look for events?
  - Church or school bulletins
  - Family and friends
  - Networking with other direct sellers
  - Social media
  - Google search
  - Event websites such as Festivalnet.com
Create a list of potential team members, hostesses and customers.
Start contacting your friends about your upcoming venture. Send a personal message to each of your friends separately… not as a group message or blast. Be genuine. Be YOU.
- Offer the business opportunity first. If not interested, perhaps they would be interested in being a hostess or customer
- Set a goal to contact 5-10 friends per day
- Ask for referrals
Create your Story… your why. Why you are choosing this new journey?
Set up your social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
- Don’t use company name or details, until given permission.
- In the meantime, create “curiousity” and inspirational posts.
- Create your own “Interest” Facebook Group and only add those who have given you permission. If it’s okay with your upline leaders, add them to their group instead. No need to reinvent the wheel.
Create a blog. This is not required but great for your personal branding.
- I personally use WordPress and Weebly, but there are more options, such as Wix and Blogger

Now, it’s time to work on your Pre-Launch To Do List. If you have some Pre-Launch ideas that you’d like to share, please contact me.

How to Avoid Facebook Jail: Be Human

February 19, 2017 by Maureen Filed Under: Direct Sales, MLM, Multi Level Marketing, Social Media

Facebook jail.

If you operate in the social media marketing space, you know this is a hot topic right now. As in, you don’t want to wind up there!

So what does it take to get thrown in the virtual slammer anyway? Let’s start with a definition of Facebook jail: You are prohibited — usually temporarily — from performing basic functions on Facebook. The sentences vary in length, but you could find yourself unable to post or send messages or upload files for several days or even weeks. You will not get a warning, no chance to talk yourself out of the ticket.

In the real world, we know boundaries. Speed limit 55 MPH. Thou shalt not steal. But have you seen the Facebook speed limit signs? No, because they’re not clearly posted. It may be harder to decipher what not to do than it is to learn and follow good practices. Do these few things and chances are you will be well received, loved and a model citizen on Facebook instead of having to beg for that one phone call.

Be original.

Facebook algorithms are not mythical creatures. Algorithms are step-by-step rules and processes created to analyze data accomplish a task. And Facebook uses them to protect its members from being spammed. Certain behaviors on Facebook raise flags and will get offenders thrown in “jail.”

An example that is prime for being flagged would be thousands, even tens of thousands, of people posting the same image or the same exact text or link to Facebook. It’s considered spammy and less-than-human. We are creative creatures, and we are rewarded in more than one way on social media for standing out from the masses.

Not only will you be Facebook safe if you post your own graphics or modified images, but separating yourself from the “autobots” will get you noticed by the potential customers you are trying to attract. When it comes to direct sales, consultants posting the same exact images as the corporate accounts provide no new value. Stand out and be original. Raise your hand if you want to see five or 10 or more of the same exact post in your newsfeed? Bueller?

Be consistent.

Think about normal behaviors of communication. We have conversations, we take turns, we take breaths in between sentences. We do not like to be bombarded with unsolicited rapid-fire messages. Think of a small child tapping on your arm over and over really fast and saying, “Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy…” until you finally stop and scream, “WHAAAAT?”

If you are hosting an event or otherwise sharing information to a Facebook audience, space out your posts in a reasonable timeframe so that your guests or members can digest the information. A good rule to follow is to space out posts every 3 to 5 minutes.

And if you have multiple pages and groups to which you need to post similar content, try changing it up each time, and again, space out the posts by a few minutes. Managing this pace of communication is easy with a scheduling program like CinchShare, Post Planner, or Tiny Torch. You control the exact timing of your posts. You hold the power to control time.

Be human.

A group admin said she was locked out of posting in her Facebook group because she commented with the same exact response to multiple posts in short succession. The algorithms are programmed to flag automation. By design, Facebook wants to protect its members from disingenuous behavior. Similarly, rapidly commenting on posts or uploading too many files too quickly are Facebook no-nos.

Think about your Facebook behaviors and be human. That means original responses and posts even if you want to share the same exact information in multiple places. Change it up each time.

The bottom line is slow down and be original. If you are attempting to outsmart the autobots — well, enjoy some downtime in Facebook jail because there are no grounds for appeal.

Contact me today if you feel that this post has been helpful or if you have any additional suggestions about how to stay out of Facebook Jail!

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Getting Your Direct Sales Business Started on Social Media

April 21, 2016 by Maureen Filed Under: Direct Sales, MLM, Multi Level Marketing, Social Media

Congratulations on starting your direct sales business! You will soon have a great new business box arriving at your doorstep, then it’s off to your launch party, bookings, hostesses, and parties. In the meantime, there are several things you can do to get you going on social media, and help prepare for your debut.

Research whether your company offers social media training, and get started on self study.
Setup your Facebook business fan page or group, and invite your friends and family to come like it.
Create a secret board on Pinterest, and pin ideas that inspire you for your brand. This might include photos, graphics, business tips, or images you wish to recreate in your own branding.
Start a new Instagram account and follow some people who are influential in your brand or who inspire you.
Checkout other consultants’ social media pages, to get ideas and inspiration for what you can build for your presence.
Think about your personal branding, and how you want to be known by your community.
Review your friend connections on Facebook, and start engaging with some of your more “cool” contacts. Like or comment on some friends’ posts to get back on their radar. This will make it easier later one when you reach out to share your business.
Be conscious of your own personal Facebook presence. Avoid negativity, vague-booking, or anything that could be construed negatively.

Doing business on social media is very much about attracting people to you because you are positive, optimistic, social, engaging, and fun. When there are hundreds or thousands of consultants to choose from online, why would someone choose you? We do business with people that we like, and we follow people on social media because they are interesting, entertaining, and inspiring. Whatever channels you choose to be on, you want your presence to convey that personality. Good luck, friend! Comment below and share your social links, and let’s connect! For more social media tips, contact me today!

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Top Ten Direct Sales Sponsoring Tips

April 14, 2016 by Maureen Filed Under: Direct Sales, MLM, Multi Level Marketing

If you’re in direct sales, you probably already know that sponsoring is what builds your future income, as you build and lead a team. Follow these ten tips to direct sales sponsoring, and you will be well on your way to leadership success!

Lead with the business opportunity. Listen for cues from those who may be interested in your business. Your first instinct may be to offer a catalog or card, but think about it… if they say no, where do you go from there? Instead, consider leading with the business opportunity. If they decline the opportunity, you can then follow up by suggesting a home party, online party or sharing a catalog or card.
Fake it ’til you make it! Get yourself into a leadership mindset. Position yourself in the company of those who hold the level you aspire to. What are they doing to maintain that? Do the same. If you are mentoring only one person, you are still a leader. You can do the same things that a leader of 1000 does, but on a smaller scale while you grow. Write a newsletter, share stats, find things to praise and be excited about. As you grow, your system will already be in place, which will save time and energy in the long run.
Set goals. Where do you see yourself in six months? A year? Three years? What is the next level you hope to achieve and what deadline have you set for yourself? Come up with a goal, and then work backwards from that goal deadline to break it down into smaller, more manageable, segments. For instance, if you need four personally sponsored leaders in place to promote, and you’d like to achieve your promotion in one year, you know that you should be promoting one leader every three months to achieve that goal.
Ask for referrals. If the person you are speaking with passes on the opportunity, don’t just thank her for her time and walk away quietly. Instead, politely ask her to take a few business cards, catalogs, or opportunity flyers and share them with friends who may be interested in learning more. Develop a referral program that includes gifts for successful referrals. People love being remembered, and a little thank you will go a long way.
Fire up the laptop! The internet is a world of opportunity at your finger tips. Take advantage of it! In this day and age your business is only limited by the space that surrounds you if you allow it to be.
The fortune is in the follow up. As you walk on your journey you will encounter many people who say, “no.” As you progress, you will come to find that sometimes no means, “No, absolutely not!” and other times it means, “Not right now…” Take notes, and learn to read cues. Unless a person tells you in no uncertain terms that they are not interested in what you have to offer, follow up with them at a later date. Perhaps when new product is released or when your company has a special on new enrollments. Be sure to touch base every now and then for no reason at all, too. An, “I’m thinking of you,” message will go a long way toward building those relationships that are so crucial in direct sales.
Remember the three R’s. Find ways to Relate to others, be Relatable, and work to build Relationships. Life isn’t all about making the sale… it’s so much more than that. If done properly, this industry will help you develop new friendships as you develop new clients and team members. Go out of your comfort zone and open up a little. It will help you in the long run!
Make a list of traits that you envision in a great leader, then work at mastering all of those things as you move through your career in direct sales. People gravitate to leaders. Even if you’re reading this on day one, there’s no reason you can’t start assuming that role today.
Never stop learning. A good leader will always continue to hone his or her skills! Always be on the lookout for ways to improve. Whether you are growing your knowledge base of the industry, honing your customer service and social skills, or learning how to use a new app that will save you time each day, the time spent is well worth it!
Know your product line inside and out. If you are hoping to build a team and move through the ranks of leadership, credibility is paramount. You’ll go farther if you come across as knowledgeable and professional. You already love your company, so take the time to learn all of the ins and outs so that you’re ready to thoroughly and thoughtfully answer any questions that come your way.

There are many ways to grow your business and build your team, but following these ten suggestions will set the groundwork for success and ensure that you are well poised for promotion!

For more information, check out more Direct Sales Sponsoring Tips or contact me today!

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Booking Parties for your Direct Sales Business

April 8, 2016 by Maureen Filed Under: Direct Sales

Have you ever heard of direct sales referred to as a “Party Plan” business? That’s because the party – whether at home, online, or catalog based – is the heart of this business. Large events are wonderful for spreading the word about your business. One on one appointments are amazing ways to build individual relationships with your customers, but when calculating earnings per hour, you’ll likely find that the biggest return comes from an intimate gathering of friends. So let’s talk about booking parties!

Talk with the people you meet every day. If you find yourself discussing your business or even sharing a business card with someone, be sure to mention the hostess opportunity with that person and plant that seed. Be sincere, honest, and relatable. Listen more than you talk, and then present the hostess opportunity as a solution for whatever their need may be. Perhaps someone shares that she is looking for gift ideas. As a party hostess, she would have access to hands on experience with multiple products to choose from. Maybe someone absolutely loves the product but is a little short on funds at the moment. By hosting parties, these people would be eligible for hostess rewards. Just by having a few friends over for an evening they could potentially get a great amount of bang for very little buck.

Once a party has been scheduled, use that opportunity to book some of those guests as your future hostesses. Be yourself and have fun. Guests are likely coming out after a long day at work and looking for a way to laugh a little and relax. Give them that opportunity to unwind. Present your product, but inject a little of your own personality into the presentation, too. Don’t be afraid to share a personal stories and anecdotes with them where appropriate. This builds trust, and trust is a cornerstone of relationship building. Be confident and purposeful. Practice your presentation at home if you have to. Try doing a dry run in front of family or a few close friends to get a feel for how things will go once you’re in front of people you don’t know as well.

Be mindful of the fact that you are going to talk to a lot of people, and as a result you will get people who say no along with those who say yes. Remember that every no puts you one step closer to your next yes, and don’t let it discourage you. Also remember there are always options. Your apartment is too small for a home party? Why not take some catalogs and collect orders from your friends! Your friends don’t have time to get together and some live hours away? Let’s book a virtual party using Facebook or Periscope and we’ll connect everyone for some online fun!

The glass is half full, my friends. There are hostesses out there just waiting to help you with your business and reap the rewards. All you have to do is keep talking, keep smiling, and keep asking. If you don’t, someone else will! Contact me today for more tips on booking parties!

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Planning Your Direct Sales Launch Party

April 1, 2016 by Maureen Filed Under: Direct Sales, MLM, Multi Level Marketing

You’ve ordered your Starter Kit! You’re excited about the future and the opportunities your new business will hold for you. Hopefully you’re sharing this excitement with those who are closest to you when appropriate. Now it’s time to channel that energy, host your launch party, and share that enthusiasm on a broader scale. Although I don’t advise you to rely heavily on those inner circles of friends and family long term, the people you are closest to will be instrumental in helping you get the word (and excitement!) out about your new venture.

Plan on booking your launch party within two weeks of the date you receive your Starter Kit. Your enthusiasm is high, and there is no time like the present! Your attitude and approach to business will directly affect those around you. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Truer words were never spoken! Positive thoughts will yield a positive outcome, and will draw more people to you. At the end of the day, network marketing and direct sales is a numbers game. The more people you talk to… or more importantly, the more people who want to talk to YOU… the stronger your business will be. Set yourself up for success with a positive can-do attitude and you’ll go far!

Be intentional with your launch party. Select a specific date and time as opposed to an “open house” type format. An open house holds no sense of urgency and can easily be forgotten while a specific start time remains in our memory and typically will yield a higher turn out. Make your invitations personal, and consider the idea that different people do better with different types of delivery. One friend may always be on Facebook and do best with a quick and personal Facebook message. Another may need that hard copy postcard invite to stick on her fridge if she has any hope of remembering. A third friend may prefer a text or phone call. These are your people – you know them best. Tailor your invites to each person and don’t be afraid to shake things up a bit when needed.

Pro Tip: Avoid creating a Facebook event and blindly inviting every person in your friend list! This does not speak to the sort of relationship building you need to anchor and grow your business. It is impersonal and easily forgotten.

Be confident in your display. You may not have as many pieces as your sponsor, but that’s ok! Don’t compare where you are on day one to where she is on day 1000. She started out the same way you did. Your company has given you every tool needed for success in your Starter Kit. Make the most of what you have and create an uncluttered display with clean lines and a focus on the product. Your guests won’t find it lacking unless you give the impression that you believe there should be more.

Encourage your guests to bring friends, and consider giving a small gift to those who do. You may want to also have small gifts available for anyone who books a party.

Finally, set up a small check out area away from the action. A place you can take you guests after your presentation is over when they are ready to check out. Have packets available for people who are interested in the business opportunity and another for those who are interested in hosting a party. Have some business cards on hand, a calculator, your calendar or planner, order forms and a pen.

Take a deep breath, smile, and shine like the diamond you are! You’ve got this!

Contact me if you would like additional tips on planning your direct sales launch party!

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Direct Sales Sponsoring Tips

March 23, 2016 by Maureen Filed Under: Direct Sales, MLM, Multi Level Marketing

If you are interested in building a direct sales team, you will need to master the art of sponsoring. Checkout these direct sales sponsoring tips to get you started strong.

Sponsoring vs. Recruiting
- Learn the difference to avoid making some key mistakes early on. A recruiter’s sole focus is to bring new team members on. Once a new team member is recruited, or added, to the team the recruiter’s sights are set on the next prospect. Sponsoring takes recruiting to the next level. As a sponsor, you bring that new team member onboard, but then go one step further and work closely with them to help them learn the in’s and out’s of your company, direct sales, and help them to create goals for the future and a roadmap to success. Anyone can be a recruiter, but to really grow your business you must perfect the art of sponsoring.

Relationship Building is Paramount
- Get to know your prospective and new team members. Some of these people may already be friends and family members, but most will be people you barely know or have never met before. Take some time to figure out what makes them tick. How do they approach business? What goals to they have for this venture? Where do they see their business in six months, one year, three years? What do they perceive to be their strengths and weaknesses? Find ways to learn these and other key pieces of information about your prospective Ambassadors so that you can help them create goals and strategies that utilize their strengths. As independent business owners, there are many ways we can approach our individual businesses. Be sensitive to the idea that works for one may not work for another.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
- As you start out on your journey as a leader, take some time to get to know other leaders around you. How do they approach their business? What are they sharing that has worked for them? What advice does your mentor or company offer about becoming a leader? Direct Sales is a very simple business plan to follow. You may feel as though doing more will yield better results, but that may not be true. You may find you are doing meaningless work for no reason. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple, and never stop reevaluating your processes to determine what the best course of action is for your own business.

The Fortune is in the Follow Up
- Always, always, always, follow up. Your telephone is your friend. Without being overbearing, follow up with any prospective team members you speak with. Phone calls and emails are great ways to touch base. The more personal you are able to make that connection, the better. Remember you are working on building relationships. Whether they choose to join you on your journey as a team member, a customer, or an influencer who helps spread the word, you want to make sure you are doing what you can to make them feel valued and appreciated.

Whether you’re new to direct sales or a seasoned consultant, these are great tips to help you with sponsoring. Check out my Top 10 Sponsoring Tips or contact me today!

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Three Steps to Direct Sales Success

February 8, 2016 by Maureen Filed Under: Direct Sales, MLM, Multi Level Marketing

New to direct sales? Checkout these key steps to direct sales success.

Step 1: Love Your Product

It’s a funny thing if you think about it… Direct Selling isn’t really so much about actual selling as it is about LOVING the product you represent. If you can find a product line that you adore and are willing to use every single day, that product will sell itself because people will see your excitement and enthusiasm radiating out from within. Enthusiasm begets enthusiasm, and that alone will take you far in this business.

Step 2: Find Your Mentor

Odds are pretty good that you were introduced to your chosen company or product line by a well-meaning consultant, friend, or acquaintance. Alternately, maybe you found the company on your own and are thinking about asking around to see if anyone knows a consultant you could sign up with.

Choosing a mentor is arguably the most important decision of your direct sales career. I understand that you want to help a friend out and join her team. Maybe she is working towards a certain goal. But what happens when she reaches it? Will she keep working towards the next one? And if she doesn’t, what happens to you and your business then?

If you’re serious about direct selling, you need to lay a strong foundation for your business. That foundation is solidified with a strong mentor. Look for someone who is a leader with the company you intend to join or, if the company is new, has a strategic plan in place to get her to the top and a proven track record of success in her previous roles. Talk to potential mentors in your chosen field. Don’t be afraid to interview them and get to know them a bit before you make a decision. How much time are they willing to dedicate to bringing you up to speed? How well do you two mesh when you chat? Do you find yourself wanting to speak with her again, or hoping she doesn’t call back? Follow your gut, and steer clear of anyone who pushes you too hard in a direction you simply do not want to go.

Step 3: Launch Your Business

You’ve chosen a mentor, joined the company, and your Starter Kit is on its way. Now it’s time to dig in and get down to business. Start thinking about how and when you would like to launch. Consider hosting your own party or presentation to introduce your business to family and friends. Although you cannot rely on those people to keep your business afloat for the long haul, they are instrumental in helping you spread the word about your new venture and can help launch you to success in your early days. Set a date, and set a goal. If you are offering home parties, perhaps your goal could be to book six home parties in your first month and then one to three parties off each of those. Write it down, reach out, and make it happen. Some people will say no, but others will say yes. Remember, this is a marathon – not a sprint. Financial freedom is a real possibility in this industry for those who are willing to stay the course. Keep setting goals and building momentum. That little snowball you are starting with will continue to grow and grow if you keep steadily pushing it along.

Interested in starting your own business? Contact me today for more details about getting started.

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Kickstarting Your Direct Sales Business

February 8, 2016 by Maureen Filed Under: Direct Sales

You’ve chosen a company and ordered your Starter Kit. You’re excited and looking forward to starting strong with your new venture. Congratulations! Let’s take a look at a few reasonably priced ways to help kick start your new business. Although it’s true that you have to spend money to make money, there’s no need to break the bank.

Here are some economical ways to spread the word:

Order Business Cards. Some companies require that you use a specific vendor for your cards, while other companies are more lenient. See what requirements you must follow and then shop around for the best deal and the most eye-catching design. Consider using a high quality photo of yourself on your card. People will remember your face long after they’ve forgotten your name. Seeing it on the card will help customers jog their memory and may lead to more contacts. Once you have your cards in hand, start handing them out! Ask friends and family if they would consider taking a pack of 25 business cards to hand out to their co-workers and friends to help you spread the word. Leave your card on bulletin boards and with your tip at restaurants. Keep them on you at all times, and always be ready and willing to share your information.

Buy Branded Merchandise. Wear a shirt with your company logo and your nametag while you are out running errands. If you sell jewelry, simply wear your jewlry! In doing so, you become a walking billboard for your business and help to strengthen your personal brand.

Look for opportunities to reach new people. Think about your target market and then think about where you would be able to meet most of those people. Is your target market a mom? Call the school and ask if you could speak to the president of the PTO about a fundraiser. Fundraisers are a great way to get your name out in the community in the early days of your business. Offer a percentage of your profits back to the school or other organization for allowing you to be a part of their event. You could also offer to donate a portion of the profits back to the organization off of any parties booked the day of the fundraiser. Think of all the potential customers you could be exposed to that you wouldn’t otherwise meet!

Establish yourself on social media. In this day of technology, social media is a great way to get your name out there and reach people you never would have meet otherwise. Be purposeful and genuine. Remember to let your personality shine. They need to like you to trust you, and they need to trust you to buy from you. Start with a platform (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope) you know well and once you feel comfortable maintaining that account, add another platform. It’s better to do a few sites well than to do all of them poorly. Set goals, manage your time, and put yourself out there. If used correctly, the Internet can be your biggest asset.

Most importantly, never give up. It may be slow going at first, but it takes time to build up momentum. No train comes out of the station at top speed. Likewise, your business will need time to grow and gain momentum. Keep working at it every day and sooner than later that little engine will be chugging along at a steady clip and you’ll be on your way to success!

Interested in more ideas about kickstarting your own Direct Sales business? Contact me today.

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Facebook jail.

Be original.

Be consistent.

Be human.

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