Saturday, October 29, 2005

10 Key Behaviors to Win and Keep Long-Term Customers

The Trusted Seller business-to-business (B2B) relationship model was created to supplement the more popular selling techniques being taught today. Bishop focuses his expertise as a Senior Vice President of Purchasing on businesses selling to businesses and prolonged customer management. He has observed that “the best B2B salespeople utilize a predictable set of behaviors when building great business relationships.”

(PRWEB) October 8, 2005 -- Forget traditional sales tactics - you can no longer rely only on the idea of relationship or consultative selling. The key to winning and keeping your customers is you. Finally, sales management tools that work!

The Trusted Seller outlines 10 Key Behaviors that break down the barriers between you and your customers or clients. These behaviors are the difference between mediocre and stellar sales results:

- Targeted
- Relevant
- Purposeful
- Persistent
- Personable
- Benevolent
- Credible
- Adaptive
- Responsive
- Advocate

The Trusted Seller business-to-business (B2B) relationship model was created by Mark Bishop to supplement the more popular selling techniques being taught today. Bishop focuses his expertise as a Senior Vice President of Purchasing on businesses selling to businesses and prolonged customer management. He has observed that “the best B2B salespeople utilize a predictable set of behaviors when building great business relationships.”

The Trusted Seller sales training techniques are designed to provide insight into how top sellers build rapport, earn trust and win the loyalty of their business customers. Each chapter focuses on business and sales training techniques that will dramatically ease the greatest challenge of all - building and managing new business relationships.

“The best salespeople know how to position themselves as trustworthy, and how to prove that their company has their back. That combination is the formula for trust,” says Bishop.

The Trusted Seller goes beyond sales tips or sales training. It provides a selling strategy that will help any professional salesperson improve their relationship building skills. Packed with fresh ideas and written from the point of view of a buyer, this book will give you a very unique perspective on strengthening your business relationships.

Visit The Trusted Seller for a copy of the book, free chapter downloads and a workbook to put the B2B selling tips to the test.

###

Press Contact: Mark Bishop
Company Name: THE TRUSTED SELLER
Email: mark@thetrustedseller.com
Phone: 913-871-6146
Website: www.thetrustedseller.com

Friday, October 28, 2005

Direct Sales Industry is Changing Its Image

Once tainted by get-rich-quick schemes, the direct-sales industry is changing its image. See what experts and business owners have to say about going direct...

To buy and sell in the comfort of a home setting--that's the heart of the direct-selling industry. From kitchenware to vitamins to cosmetics to stamps--if it can be made, it can likely be sold via the direct-sales route. Today, direct selling is usually characterized by an independent consultant with a portable kit of wares. The seller visits people's homes by appointment to have home shows where items are displayed; customers invite family and friends to share in the demonstration. The latest available figures from the Direct Selling Association (DSA) show retail sales of more than $28 billion for the direct-selling industry in 2002--and an estimated 13 million independent direct salespeople across the country. This is an increase from about $22 billion in 1997, with 9.3 million salespeople.

How has this industry evolved? "There are five elements I see," says DSA president Neil H. Offen. "We have a lot more people involved, we're more sophisticated as an industry, we have more college graduates [as consultants], we're very global and international, and we're [now] very attractive to Wall Street investors and VC groups."

Direct-sales consultants, though still primarily made up of women, are becoming more diverse. Offen notes that the male contingent is steadily growing; 25 percent of consultants are men, compared with 10 percent in 1990. Offen attributes this change to the pervasiveness of new products on the market--vitamins, food supplements, long-distance telephone service, etc.--that are not seen as typically female-centric products like cosmetics or housewares.

The Stigma

Even with all the growth, entrepreneurs in direct sales often have to deal with the stigma that direct-sales opportunities are like pyramid schemes. Pyramid schemes require participants to lay out cash for the right to recruit others. Usually, no product is involved, and profits for those at the top levels of the pyramid come solely from new recruits who join at the bottom. Direct sales, on the other hand, involves selling legitimate products or services, the profits from which go to the seller and his or her recruiter. At the higher levels of a direct-sales company, consultants usually have a group of recruits selling below them, from which they receive commissions--also known as a downline.

Savvy direct sellers would benefit from distinguishing themselves from pyramid schemes. The DSA can help them do this: According to Offen, the DSA acts not only as an industry advocate in Washington, DC, but also as a watchdog. It helps set the standards by which direct sellers should abide, from instilling a 90 percent inventory buyback clause for all DSA members (meaning consultants don't lose huge amounts of money on unsold merchandise if they choose to leave) to issuing warnings about high-pressure selling and pyramid schemes (see "Truth or Dare," below). The result is more entrepreneurs coming into the direct-selling fold.

Leslie Caperton, an executive-director-level entrepreneur with The Pampered Chef in Gainsville, Virginia, entered the direct-selling field part time in 1994. Selling specialty kitchen and cooking aids, Caperton, 40, came from an insurance background. After attending a Pampered Chef home show in 1994, she was impressed by the array of products as well as the discounts and rewards she received as a hostess a few months later. "That got my attention," she recalls. "I said, 'I think I'm going to do this.'"

Wanting to try something with a flexible schedule, the direct-selling avenue seemed to be a perfect fit for Caperton--though she confesses that, at first, balancing her time between planning, doing home shows, and recruiting and training new consultants was a big challenge. Since her business is equally involved with selling directly to customers and recruiting new consultants, she has been able to go from merely supplementing her income to grossing a projected $3.7 million in sales with her group of consultants this year, And she debunks the notion from outsiders who think only a few people at the very top levels of the company make money: "The first month I was in [the company], I made our [monthly] car payments."

To alleviate customer concerns and distance her business from any possible stigma, Caperton emphasizes customer satisfaction and product warranties. "In selling something," she says, "I want the [parent] company to back that product."

That's key in whether or not a company is legitimate says Often, DSA president. Ask them what kinds of warranties and protections they offer; ask their current consultants and customers how their problems and issues are treated. And even if a company has a good track record, make sure you absolutely love the product or service you'll be selling, because that will determine how successful you are.

Loving the Business

It was after falling in love with the decorative baskets from The Longaberger Company that Lisa Lashley decided to become a consultant. She started collecting the baskets from home shows she attended in 1995 and took the leap into her own business in 1998.

All the research Lashley did on the company, and her years of being a satisfied customer, helped her make the decision. Today, she recruits and trains consultants working under her supervision to grow her Salisbury, Maryland, business--in addition to working full time as a social worker for the state of Maryland. Lashley, 44, says the fun, warm atmosphere of selling Longaberger baskets and home decor is a pleasant contrast to the gravity of her day job.

Her biggest challenge, though, is expanding her client base and introducing Longaberger to more people. How does she prevent negative impressions about direct selling? "I try to head that off before really getting started--to share information and to establish [good] customer service" she says. "To really ease someone's mind by not being a pushy salesperson, you establish a rapport and trust with your customers." The focus on customer service has helped Lashley and her consultants grow the business to $100,000 in projected sales for 2004.

Though sales estimates range widely within the industry--because of varying products and work scenarios (being part or full time, or managing consultants and receiving a portion of their sales)--Offen notes that the average annual sales figure falls at about $13,000. But he says that figure encompasses the highest earners with large full-time businesses and a bevy of consultants, as well as people who only do it for a few months out of the year to earn extra holiday cash. Be wary of inflated earnings claims from direct-selling companies, though, says Offen. Be sure that the company and consultants are upfront about how long it took them to reach a certain selling point.

Reaching one of the highest levels in Mary Kay Cosmetics took Lise Clark of Greenwood Village, Colorado, nearly 20 years. She started her business in 1984, when she was 26. Initially, she only planned to sell Mary Kay products over the holidays; but as she started to sell, she saw her income outstripping what she would earn working several jobs at once. She soon went into the business full time and, today, expects her area unit sales to hit nearly $2 million by the end of 2004.

Organizing the needs of her business is her biggest challenge, says Clark. "You have to set yourself up to have a checklist of what you're doing. If you have to [take] a 'power hour' to make calls, [then do it]," she says. Today, she coaches the sales directors who work under her (who are all over the country) via phone, e-mail and conference calls.

Despite any negative associations consumers might have with direct selling, the entrepreneurs we've spoken to attest that the industry is alive and well. Find the right company with a great product or service and the highest ethical standards, and this could be just the opportunity you're looking for.

TRUTH OR DARE

GET THE FACTS BEFORE DECIDING IF YOUR DIRECT-SALES OPPORTUNITY IS LEGITIMATE

According to Neil H. Offen, president of the Direct Selling Association (DSA), there are a few questions you can ask to find out whether a company is shady or just plain wrong for you.

* IS THE MONEY YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE PRIMARILY FROM RECRUITING OR FROM SELLING THE PRODUCT? Recruiting is generally a part of direct selling; but your primary income as a beginning consultant should come from sales of the product or service. If the company is only discussing recruiting--or discussing it over everything else--be suspicious.

* DO YOU RISK FINANCIAL LOSS BY BEING INVOLVED WITH THE COMPANY? "Almost all direct-selling companies require minimal starting costs," says Offen. "It's usually $500 maximum." Watch for schemes where people make money solely (or primarily) from selling startup kits.

* WOULD YOU BUY THE COMPANY'S PRODUCT IF YOU WEREN'T INVOLVED WITH THE COMPANY? If you don't see a compelling reason to be a customer (a superior-quality product, good customer service, a good price, etc.), you probably don't want to sell the product, either.

* DOES IT SOUND TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? As with any business opportunity, be wary of get-rich-quick schemes, such as promises that you'll make millions of dollars in six months. Investigate the company literature, reputation, consultants and customers before you get involved with any opportunity.

* IS THE COMPANY A MEMBER OF THE DSA? The DSA has a one-year application process for new direct-selling companies as well as ongoing regulations for all members to ensure good business practices. Check out the DSA Web site at www.dsa.org for more industry information.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Want to learn more about direct selling? Check out our Network Marketing Center on the BizOpp Zone at www.entrepreneur.com/bizopp/network for information and advice.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Entrepreneur Media, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

Friday, October 21, 2005

Watch Dr. Phil? - Let's Chat!

Did you watch Dr. Phil's show today "Mom's and Money Conflicts"? Pretty good show, huh? In my opinion I think they need to elaborate now and go into more detail about working at home, don't you??

Hey Dr. Phil ... I think this calls for a whole new episode!!

So, what did you think? Do you think a lot of folk are disillusioned about people who work at home?

-> Are YOU "playing on the computer"?

-> Do you work more or less with your work at home business?
Yes, you do have the option of working or not ... but if you DON'T work then you DON'T get the money!

Regardless I personally don't think any of these women had particularly "Bad" ideas. I just think they needed to do a lot more research. And Alice sweetie ... you really need to work on your marketing skills. Do some research sweetie! I think you'll do fine! I've seen a lot more Worse products being marketed before and have gone a long way.

As for the two who wanted to open the boutique ... well, you know, I remember when I first wanted to have my own business I had pretty much the same idea. I can have my kids there and everything will be fine. Ouch! Not a pretty picture painted for them, eh? But it's the truth. I think one of them had mentioned the fact that they made the circumstances a little worse than normal. Ummm...how unusual is it for someone to call off work? That's not THAT unlikely.

I had a friend once who owned her own salon. She brought her son (toddler) to work with her everyday. She had a little playroom in the back for him to play in while she had clients. Well, besides the fact that it drove me crazy every time I went in there and smelled all those fumes from perms, nail polish etc ... It just wasn't right. (My opinion of course) Especially in a situation like that. Do you know how long a perm would take if she had to go to her son every time he needed her? I personally didn't mind because I was a friend (and of course a friend to her son) and I would go back and play with him. I also didn't mind when she had to stop something with me to go to him. But I'm sure there were a lot of other customers who didn't appreciate it. Are we surprised that she works somewhere else now?

I think you have to make your choices. It might work a bit better (using the boutique for example) to have another room that the children can be occupied...but hire someone else to help take care of the children. Like I said ... I don't think it was a really bad idea ... I just think there needed to be a little more thought put into it.

Okay ... enough about what I think! What do you think?

Home-Party Sales Get Foot in the Door

Local shoe firm sells direct to customers in their living rooms.

SHOES MAKE THE BUSINESSWOMAN: Margaux Jordon started Footprints International, an Orange-based business that sells shoes through home parties, in 2003.
Margaux Jordon's life changed the day she admired the shoes a female acquaintance was wearing.

"My brother made them," the woman replied.

Jordon, who loves shoes, thought, "Women in the United States would go crazy if they could get handmade shoes."

From that simple idea has emerged Footprints International, based in her home in Orange.

Jordon has learned that being handmade isn't nearly the shoe-buying enticement she thought, but buying them at a party is.

Home parties, part of the direct-sales industry, are used by such companies as Tupperwareand Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Footprints could have been nothing but a glorified job: one woman selling unusual shoes at bargain prices in parties hosted by friends. But Jordon had a larger vision of creating a global direct-sales company.

That has required building a system that can be taught to others and expanded as the sales force grows. It is neither quick nor easy.

"I have been amazed at the amount of work that has gone into creating this business," she says. "There's one word I hang onto – persistence."

Jordon was working for the Fullerton College Foundation, and still does part time, when she launched her business in 2003.

"I knew nothing about how to start a business, what permits I needed, how to get credit-card (merchant) services set up, where to get shoes," she says.

Shoe suppliers didn't want to talk with a small newcomer. So Jordon went to the World Shoe Association trade show in Las Vegas and trudged from booth to booth seeking companies with unusual shoes in varying sizes and colors that would accept small orders.

Finally, John Kim at Falo Mi Shoes in Arcadia accepted her order. When she left the show, she had eight suppliers.

It was the idea of her husband, Tony, to sell the shoes through home parties. Despite the role major corporations play, small entrepreneurs like Jordon are still the backbone of home-party sales, according to Fortune magazine.

Selling through parties keeps expenses low, with no need for a retail shop or major advertising. Face-to-face selling in a party atmosphere usually holds customers' attention longer than in a shop and can build stronger loyalty.

Every step of the way Jordon has found people willing to help her organize her business.

"I didn't even know how to transport the shoes," Jordon recalls. "I boxed up all my shoes and put them in garbage bags. It took me two hours to set up the first party. I couldn't expect sales reps to do that."

One of Jordon's suppliers showed her large, padded suitcases used to transport shoes to trade shows.

She sought the help of SCORE, a free business counseling service sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Orange County SCORE counselor Joe Di Stanislao suggested that she set up a system to reward her party hostesses. So Jordon gives them a gift certificate for shoes just for hosting the party and tiered discounts for their shoe purchases, based on sales at their party.

Di Stanislao also recommended that she stock inventory.

"I cautioned that if a supplier has priorities elsewhere, she could have a problem filling orders," he says.

That's exactly what happened. Jordon took orders at a party and then discovered that her supplier was out of those shoes. She spent hours trying to track down alternative sources. Now she keeps a supply of her most popular shoes in a range of sizes.

Jordon has also received advice from Greg and Patricia Kishel, Orange County residents and co-authors of several books, including "How to Start, Run and Stay in Business."

"Margaux has all that it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur," Patricia Kishel says. "She is following her passion. She researched her products and market. She has an outgoing personality, which you need to do home parties."

Jordon's sales representatives are independent contractors who run their own businesses based on Jordon's methods. She first had to write a manual to guide every step from buying a startup kit for $400, to networking with party hostesses, to selling, to serving customers.

"I am training my first sales rep and plan to have eight by the end of the year," Jordon says. "I think all the preparation I have done to develop the system will make expansion easier."

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Jan Norman writes about small business for the Register. Buy her new book, "What No One Ever Tells You About Financing Your Own Business" from www.ocregister.com/store

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Stuffed Friend Building Party Plan Building Big! - Stuff A Friend

Stuff A Friend Workshop, founded by Evie McLarty, mother of four from Mobile, Alabama has been growing at an amazing rate. In only about a month the Stuff A Friend Family has grown from only 5 representatives to over 200. Starting out with a line of only six animals and three dolls has now grown to 36 animals and 3 dolls for customers to choose the best friend for them.

Being a work at home herself, McLarty decided not to charge other mother's to become representatives for her business since she already had the business in place. McLarty has set it up so others can also sell the Stuff A Friend products for a commission. Others are able to sign up to be an independent representative and have their own personal website for free without any monthly quotas.

Representatives are able to purchase business materials such as business cards, brochures, labels, shirts, magnetics, postcards, and invitations to name a few at very reasonable costs to help build their businesses.

Products available include both animals and dolls to stuff, a wide range of clothing including shoes, slippers and hats, and last but certainly not least sound chips to give each friend their own personality. Each animal and doll kit comes with the animal or doll, stuffing, birth certificate, wishing star, instructions and even a take home box.

Visit HandmadeFriend.com for more details.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

How to Choose the Right Site Builder

Because we stress the need for a personal website, this week's guest article is all about how to build your own website.
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How to Choose the Right Site builder for Your Internet Business
© Patty Gale
all rights reserved

Html, shtml, java scripts, flash, cms, oh my!

If you've ever looked at any of the terms above and thought they were a foreign language, do not despair.

I remember when I first tried to create a website, I had no idea what I was doing. I had no clue what html was, much less trying to build a website. The options available were very few and very costly.

Today, there are many more choices available such traditional site builders, page generators, basic html editors, and more. You no longer need to have a technical degree to build your own website.

How do you decide which site builder is for you? The first thing to consider is your primary objective for your Internet business. Are you looking to build one or two very large content or e-commerce sites or do you want to create numerous smaller, niche websites instead?

Here are the top 3 things to look for.

1. Is the software user-friendly?
What is the learning curve and will it take you weeks just to figure out how to use it when you could be spending your time putting a site online.

2. How many extra features are built in?
For example, can you easily store scripts or other frequently used information from within the program? Will you be able to upload your site directly from the
program or will it require additional ftp software?

3. Is there responsive support and free (or inexpensive) upgrades?
Most traditional site builders have very limited (if any) technical support and will charge you every time there is an upgrade to the software.

The newer site builders on the market have made it their mission to provide exceptional customer support and some offer free lifetime upgrades.

If you are in the process of building your own internet "real estate", you know how important it is to present a professional-looking targeted website allowing you present content and information for your specific visitors. More content will attract more visitors. The more visitors you attract, the more money you can potentially earn.

The primary purpose of a great website is to serve the visitor. If you serve your visitor well with a professional, search-engine friendly website, you will be successful.

Choosing the right site builder will help make your path to Internet success a fun and profitable journey!

About the Author:
Patty Gale is a successful entrepreneur who has traded in her suits, hose and heels to work from home in her jammies. She is on a mission to empower others to do the same and can be reached at http://www.CommuteInYourJammies.com

Favorite Mom's Site - Vote Now!

Watch Mary & Heather from Momstown on Dr. Phil!  CLICK For More Info ...Kudos to Dr. Phil and his producers! The Dr. Phil team recognizes the issues facing moms today go beyond disciplining children. Today's mom is hip, savvy, and looking for ways to lead a vibrant and fulfilling life. In an effort to connect with real moms, Dr. Phil tapped our very own friends, Mary and Heather from MomsTown.com to head up the Mom Squad.

MomsTown.com has been asked to put together the top sites, to be listed on the Dr. Phil website as the MomsTown Picks.

Visit the Moms Town Blog to vote for your favorite mom's website!

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

WAHMs on Dr. Phil


Our very own friends Mary and Heather from MomsTownReality.com were recently guests on the ever-popular Dr. Phil.

The title of the show, that aired on October 5th, was Moms, Cut the Chaos! Affectionately dubbed the Mom Squad, Mary and Heather, along with Dr. Phil production crews, were sent to two homes to help the moms get out from under the chaos in their lives. On October 5th audiences saw them in action, helping two moms, Tara and Amy, pull it all together.

Dr. Phil's producers were so happy with the outcome of the Cut the Chaos show that they are inviting MomsTown back to produce another show for moms. They are airing again on October 21st!

Depending on the results from the airing of this show the producers are considering having Mary and Heather as regulars on the show! I think this is a fantastic opportunity for both MomsTown.com and the work at home mom community both! Let's all tune in and help these two fellow work at home moms become regulars on the Dr. Phil show!

Visit http://www.momstown.com/ for more details.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Can You Take Care of Business?

Nobody wants to think about bad things happening to family or themselves, but the sad fact is unfortunate things DO happen. In the event you have a family emergency, is your business taken care of?

While it's true, family comes first; your business needs to come second. Customers, business partners, and others may not be so understanding to your family problems. Could you imagine if you went to a local grocery store, gathering all your items, only to find all the employees were
gone and no one able to check you out? Or worse yet, paying and not getting your items? How frustrating would that be? In direct sales, you ARE all the employees.

Here are some things you can do to make sure your business is taken care of:

1. Let everyone you trust know where your files are
Should you be suddenly pulled away from home or your computer, other family members and friends need to know where your files are, and how to contact certain people.

2. Share your passwords
I realize you aren't suppose to share passwords with others, but when an emergency comes up it may be vital. Either keep this information in your files where they can be accessed by someone you trust, or share them.

3. Teach someone close about your business
While they may know where your files are and what your passwords are, they may not know what to do with them. Explain the details with at least one if not two people you trust.

4. Have your phone book and contact handy
Regardless of the emergency, phone calls can be made. After important calls to other family members in an emergency, start calling those you have made promises to. They deserve to know what's going on and why you have to take leave just as much as other family members need to know what's going on.

There are many other ways to protect your business in a time of crisis, but these are just a few simple ideas. Customers should be treated in the same manner as your family and friends!

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About the Authors: Kara Kelso & Anita DeFrank are two busy wahms, and the owners of Direct Sales Helpers. Learn how you can be successful in your company by visiting: www.DirectSalesHelpers.com
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Note to authors: The above article may be reprinted in your publication as long as the bio is kept intact and links are not altered. Please send a courtesty copy to mommyshelperonline@yahoo.com

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Thinking Outside the Book – Top Line Creations


Scrapbook company Top Line Creations (aka TLC) is Thinking Outside the Book with the launch of their new exclusive Wall Avenue Line. This new line is made up of three categories:

Wall Avenue Frames - There are 2 sizes, 6x6 and 12x12, of shadowbox-type frames. They are padded with a classic matte finish, and ready to hang. The 6x6 frame comes with an easel back for table display. They come in 3 neutral colors-black/white/stone. The shadowbox feature allows room for layout/page embellishments, and the frames themselves can be embellished as well.

Wall Avenue Words - Here are 15 sayings, in a variety of fonts, which are sized large enough for rub-on transfer to a wall. They range in length from 9 inches to several feet. Wall Ave. Words can be used to decorate a wall, or a page layout. Words can be cut up to embellish the Wall Ave. Frames, or our classic albums.

Wall Avenue Art - These are art images (also rub-ones) designed to compliment the Wall Words. Again, these can be transferred to a wall, or used to embellish frames, page layouts, albums.

Visit Top Line Creations for more details.

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Demystifying the Mysteries of Advertising

What’s the best type of advertising? What advertising works best? Where is the best place to advertise? Does advertising work? These are just a few of the questions we hear quite often about advertising. There is so many factors to be considered that there is no clear cut answer for everyone. What we can do though, is tell you a bit about advertising and what to look for to make an educated choice.

First of all, yes, advertising does work. However, just as anything else, it needs to be done correctly. You need to research available opportunities, contact website/ezine owners and find your target group.

Next, let’s take a look at a few different types of ads….

--> Banner/Button Ads – This is probably you next least effective form of advertising available.

--> Text Ads – When having the option between graphic or text…text is always the best way to go.

--> Directory Listings – Some of the best advertising available online would be getting listed in directories.

--> Ezine/Newsletter Ads – Most ezine publishers allow only a 4-5 line ad with a link in "sponsor" spaces, and vary for solo ads. These types of ads can also get more ‘bang for your buck’. The best ezines/newsletters to advertise in would be those that are archived.

Another thing to keep in mind is the focus of your ad. What exactly is it that you’re aiming for? Are you looking for sales or are you looking to recruit? Hint: Don’t do both in the same ad. Focus on one thing at a time per ad. What to Know…Don’t be afraid to contact the website owner or newsletter publisher and ask questions about the publication you’re interested in.

--> How many visitors does their website receive? (NOT Hits!)
--> What pages are the most popular?
--> What is their target group?
--> How many subscribers does their ezine/newsletter have?
--> Is their newsletter/ezine archived?

Be sure to remember to always TRACK your ads. If you don’t have a tracking system in place how are you possibly going to know if it worked or not? Another hint to keep in mind is to repeat ads. Studies have shown that most customers don’t purchase the first time they see an ad. Create yourself a brand to be known by and use it over and over again. And lastly test, test and test some more. Find out what works, what doesn’t and tweak it till it does work.

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About the Authors: Kara Kelso & Anita DeFrank are two busy wahms, and the owners of Direct Sales Helpers. Learn how you can be successful in your company by visiting: www.DirectSalesHelpers.com
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Note to authors: The above article may be reprinted in your publication as long as the bio is kept intact and links are not altered. Please send a courtesty copy to mommyshelperonline@yahoo.com

Successful Consultant of the Month

Each month we'll feature a new Successful Consultant of the Month of our choice right from our very own members of the Direct Sales Helper's private forum. Please help us congratulate each and every one of them by stopping by their respective websites and let them know that DSIN sent you!

December 2005
Jeanne Wokurka
Just A Little Naughty
http://direct-sales-news.blogspot.com/2005/12/jeanne-wokurka-just-little-naughty.html

November 2005
Karen Balmforth
Crafty Kids Pty Ltd
http://direct-sales-news.blogspot.com/2005/11/karen-balmforth-crafty-kids-pty-ltd.html

October 2005
Elena Bedner
MemoryWorks
http://direct-sales-news.blogspot.com/2005/10/elena-bedner-memoryworks.html

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser - The Greeting Cake Company


The Greeting Cake Company has designed a new cake for their yearly fundraiser for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund called Hope Cake 2005. A portion of the sales for this cake will go directly to the fund to help those living with the deadly disease Breast Cancer and to help make aware the need of early detection. This years design represents that "hope runs through us." The ribbon signifies all that have been touched by this disease and the heart resembles those of us who love them and fight for them. The Greeting Cake and all their distributors hope you enjoy the design. It will be available for the month of October.

Visit The Greeting Cake Company for more details.
Click on Catalog and then Cakes then Special Causes.

Got News?

New products?

New company?

New payment structure?

Helping out a special cause?

Do you have something newsworthy about the Direct Sales Industry that the world should know? Send your news, press release, newspaper articles etc to mommyshelperonline @ yahoo.com (take out spaces) with Direct Sales News in the subject line.

Please include any "online proof" so our reporters can do some investigating.

Please do not send advertisements. They will be deleted and NOT considered to be published.

Monday, October 03, 2005

Ultimate DS Guide - Deadline Looming

If you haven't secured your spot in our printed direct sales guide "The Ultimate Direct Sales Guide" please don't wait any longer. My goal is to finish up ad spots by the end of this week or early next week at the latests.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Here's a little about our guide...
The Ultimate Direct Sales Guide provides detailed information on topics you need to know before signing up with any direct sales company. It addresses items such as finding out the companies advertising policies, quotas and territory guidelines, whether a website is included and can you do online marketing, party planning tips, money issues to look into, the companies policy on recruiting, dropshipping, etc.

If you want to go into direct sales the first thing you need to do is read this book! This resource guide will help you choose the perfect Direct Sales Company.

The Ultimate Direct Sales Guide isn't just another ebook or directory. In fact, it's not an ebook at all ... this is a real printed book that includes step by step directions on how to choose the best direct sales company, a Direct Sales Comparison Checklist that can be copied to use over and over again, and a full description of over 50 direct sales companies.

Over the years we have been very involved with direct sales both directly and indirectly. We have seen new consultants come, go and jump from company to company. The reason for this is usually because the consultant hadn't thoroughly researched the company and jumped in head first. They found out that the company they were involved with just wasn't right for them. Unfortunately, that's the wrong time to discover this ... after all the time, energy and money has been poured into building a business that was doomed from the beginning. Luckily this problem can be easily solved by making sure you choose the right company for you first!

Companies already taken:
- Country Bunny Bath & Body - Kerri Knack
- Fruta Vida International
- Good Books & Company
- Kitty's Spa Delights
- Mia Bella
- Passion Parties
- Patty's Pretty Paper - Patty Gale
- Simply Fun
- Spice It Up Parties - Jen Hasseler
- Stuff A Friend - Anita DeFrank
- The Greeting Cake Company - Anita DeFrank
- The Official Baby Company - Cassie Davies
- The Pampered Chef
- Watkins - Melody Thacker - Just Added
- White Lily - Terry Johnston

Don't see your company?
Go to http://www.mommyshelperonline.com/direct-sales-guide.html#advertise to find out how to get your business listed. Listing are only $25.00 for exclusive listings.

Elena Bedner - MemoryWorks

October Successful Consultant of the Month

Elena Bedner
Cheyenne, Wyoming

Childrens Names & Ages:
Jimmy and Derek are age 3 and 9

Direct Sales Company :
MemoryWorks

Website Address :
http://www.scrapbookenthusiast.com

Please tell us a little more about the products you offer:
I offer beautiful, affordable, scrapbooking products for scrapbookers of all skill levels.

How long have you been with this company?
2 years

What is your favorite aspect of your business?
That I can work it as often as I wish. I can take it with me wherever I go.

Why did you join your company?
I joined my company because of the laid back approach the company has. It is like family. You can sell as little or as much as you want, with no minimums. So, although I love the product line, I am not my own best customer.

Approximately how much time do you work on your direct sales business?
I am also owner of DirectSalesMoms.com ( a work at home resource site), so my businesses are my full time profession. I work them at least 40 hours a week.

Elena's Direct Sales Tips:
Keep abreast on your company's changes, news, and new products. Product knowledge is probably one of the most important skills/attributes you can have.