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!
