Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Outsorucing

Lately I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about outsourcing. Unfortunately, for a lot of direct sales reps, outsourcing is just not an option. Or is it?

Who says you have to hire an expensive “professional”? Do you have some small jobs that your children can help with? How about helping with the packaging of orders to ship, stamping envelopes, filing, etc. This of course is going to depend on the ages of your children of what they can and can’t do but, get creative. One of the most popular reasons for being at home is to spend more time with your kids. Involve your children and maybe teach them a thing or two about business in the meantime.

Try things like assigning a point value to each job and a reward. For example: Each order processed is worth 5 points. A visit to a favorite fast food restaurant is worth 100 points.

Another idea...
Share childcare with another work at home / stay at home mom or even a downline or upline team member. One day all children are at her home and another day all the children are at your home.

Money Saving Mini Series
Tips to Saving Money in Your Business

Heart Warmer Debby Bieber

Selling Heart Warming Creations for a decade now, Debby Bieber, of Watsontown, PA is one success story we can all learn from. Debby has a heart of gold and does anything that's needed to help her downline become just as successful as her. My interview with Debby...

How long have you been with HWC?
I've been a heart warmer for 10 years and it's the only company I've sold for.

What is your favorite aspect about your business?
I love sharing quality USA made products and being able to help women furnish their homes with a wide variety of products, at all prices and for all seasons for FREE or 1/2 price. I also enjoy meeting all the women and developing friendships with them. It so neat to watch their children grow and become their own person.

What is your best selling tool / technique?
I think the best selling technique is to just show your enthusiasm and really show your love of the products and the business.

Do you have a team / downline?
I currently have a down line of 3 and am hopefully signing a few more in the near future.

How do you keep them motivated - keep in touch with them?
I keep in touch via the telephone and email. Hopefully, when the summer winds down we can get together and everyone can get to know each other. Perhaps once a month will help keep everyone going.

Please list the awards you won at the convention.
At convention I was #7 for the last half of 2005 and #3 for the first half of 2006. I had a show every month in 2005 and one each month so far this year. I had $1,000 shows and there is the $1000 club for that.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Heart Warming Creations is a wonderful company to be associated with. The home office is always available to answer and questions or be of assistance whenever you need. You never need to feel like you're in this alone.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Party Plan Gifts

Of course you want to treat your hostesses extra special but don't over do it. Most party plans have been tested over many years and what your company offers has proven to work. Don't give away too much. Remember why you're in business in the first place ... Chances are what your company offers is more than enough to satisfy any hostess.

Instead, focus on training/helping your hostess succeed with her party. Training your hostess to have a successful party will give her and you both a better outcome.

If you do choose to give "extras", make sure it's within your means and you're still making a profit.

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Heart Warmer Betty Figels

I met Betty Figels (BJ) at The Heart Warming Creations Convention. BJ, a Turbotville, PAer native is a real fun-loving Heart Warmer - I can only imagine how much fun she has with her party guests! My interview with BJ...

How long have you been with Heart Warming Creation?
I started in February, l995 so that makes 11 years.

Is this the first company you've sold for?
No, I started in direct sales with a company, Cottage Collectibles, out of Houston, Texas.

Please share your website address with us
www.bjfigels.myheartwarmingcreations.com

Is this your own personal website or a company issued?
Started thru the company.

What is your favorite aspect about your business?
I have a lot of favorites with Heart Warming but if I have to narrow it down to one ... I think I'd have to say that it's the friendships that I have made with some of my hostesses and some of their guests. There are some that have been doing shows with me for almost as long as I've been selling with Heart Warming and they've become like family. Of course another favorite aspect is that with Heart Warming ... I get my paycheck as soon as I close up that show!

What is your best selling tool / technique?
I don't know that I have a technique but I do believe in being myself when I am in front of the hostess and guests. I try to make the time together as fun as possible and I really believe that Heart Warming Creations merchandise sells itself! We are definitely a 'satisfaction guarantee' company and therefore we carry some of the best quality of merchandise available.

What is your biggest challenge with your business?
At present time I'd have to say that my biggest challenge is getting shows booked.

Do you have a team / downline?
I have one recruit at present time.

How do you keep them motivated - keep in touch with them?
Debby and I are usually on the phone at least once a week and I think she honestly does more motivating for me than I do for her!

Please list the awards you won at the convention.
I brought home a trophy for holding at least one show per month something I've been able to do for the last couple years! I also -surprisingly- was awarded a 2d quarter (2006) award for being #18 in sales. I also received recognition for being #18 in the last half of 2005. The company is really great at recognizing even the smallest accomplishments of us consultants by giving us charms.

Anything else you'd like to add?
If anyone would have told me prior to Heart Warming Creations that I would be in the direct sales business for this many years I would have probably given them a 'yeah, right' but I honestly believe I am still in the direct sales business because of the support of our home office and fellow consultants and also the fact that I can make my own schedule. I was able to watch my son and daughter participate in sporting events, go on field trips throughout their school years and now that I'm thru that stage of life I can be as busy as I want and still have a 'life' with out being exhausted because of 'long hours' working for someone else!

Contact Betty Figels at:
bjmane@alltel.net

Or visit her website at:
www.bjfigels.myheartwarmingcreations.com

Monday, August 21, 2006

What is Direct Sales?

Direct Sales - Not Just Mom's Tupperware Anymore

Direct sales is now a multi-million dollar industry that is growing larger and larger every day. Companies are quickly seeing the benefits of opening their businesses to folks to start their own home based business.

Direct sales home based businesses are primarily made up of mothers who have chosen to not only stay home and raise their own children but also bring in a supplemental income. (Work at home moms also known as WAHM)

The reasons for working at home varies from staying home with children, flexible work schedules and even some due to disabilities. No matter what the reason, the goal always seems to stay the same - freedom.

The human race thrives on freedom - freedom to work when you want to, freedom to choose what you want to do, freedom to take care of your own children and hopefully reach the ultimate freedom - financial freedom.

At times it seems as though over the years, direct sales has picked up a bad reputation. To many, a direct sales home business is nothing more than bothering friends and families to buy products, host parties or heaven forbid, buy into yet another home based business opportunity.

This misconception has come from poorly trained consultants and representatives who never stepped outside their own comfort zone - away from family and friends.

Remember, owning your own direct sales home business is certainly not for everyone. It's okay to start with family and friends to get your business off the ground, but eventually you must expand your target customers.

The benefits of a direct sales home based business are plenty for not only the representatives but also the consumer. You'll never find a better form of customer service like you would purchasing from a direct sales consultant.

For example: When was the last time a Wal-mart associate came to your home and gave you a complete makeover to find the perfect foundation to match your skin type?

When was the last time your local grocer came to your home and fixed you a dinner of his newest meal creation?

Did that Wal-mart associate call you a couple of months later to make sure you haven't run out? I'm going to guess not but, I bet your grocer called you a couple of weeks later to make sure that soup mix you bought was to your satisfaction, right?

From children's educational toys to Christian adult books. From hand creme to shower gels and adult merchandise to dietary supplements. You'll find a direct sales company that will have the perfect products for you.

Direct selling is even getting more fun and creative in their lines. There's even spray on tan companies and plant companies - certainly not your mother's Tupperware anymore, now is it?

Don't be fooled by some unconventional claims by some representatives. Can you make lots of money? Absolutely! Is it a lot of fun? Sure! Is it easy? Not on your life!

When I first "came home" from corporate America, I had already been taken in. I thought I was going to make thousands of dollars with very little work in no time flat. I can honestly say that I have never worked harder and more hours at any J.O.B. than I have in my direct sales business.

With that said ... I wouldn't give it up for the world. I love being able to decide how much money I do and don't make.

What it all boils down to is this ... I love being in charge of my future. Now, don't get me wrong ... I didn't say all this to scare you off - more like I said it to make you aware of what you may or may not be getting into. Owning your own direct sales home based business can be one the most fulfilling moves in your life.

Thinking about starting a home based direct sales business? Need help choosing the perfect company for you?

Click here to download your free copy of Choosing - How to Choose the Right Direct Sales Company for You!

Heart Warming Creations Convention

Heart Warming CreationsIf you ever have the opportunity to go to a convention with your direct sales company ... I HIGHLY recommend it! I was recently invited by Pat Noll to a convention for Heart Warming Creations. I had an absolutely wonderful time. It was so uplifting even though I’m not a “Heart Warmer”. I was still able to pick up many tips to utilize in my own business (which I’ll be sharing in future articles for DSH). I met some very inspiring women at this convention and I left with a whole new outlook for my business (and businesses to come).

I do want to take this time also to give a great big thanks to Angie and Sharon (founders of HWC) for putting on such a great event and to Pat for inviting me. I had a fabulous time it was absolutely my pleasure to be there. It was so nice to be welcomed by a large group of women who are so close you could call them family!

Angie and Sharon founded Heart Warming Creations in March of 1986. Their dream was to offer women across the USA the opportunity to be in business for themselves, earn an unlimited income and still put family first in their lives.

Pictures of Angie, Sharon and their famies...

Picture of Pat Noll...

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

One Thousand Subscribers and One Lucky Person

We've been secretly holding a contest right under your nose. And this past week we've met (and exceeded) our goal line. Congratulations to Shelia for being our 1,000th subscriber. For this she won a free Direct Sales Success Kit

Shelia, enjoy your free kit ... everyone else, THANKS for all your support. Thanks for recommending us and passing on our newsletter!

Here's to the next thousand!!!

~ Kara Kelso & Anita DeFrank

How to Take Orders at Craft Shows

Last week we talked about how important it is to have stock on hand, and how you want to sell off the table rather than take orders. However, if you are just getting started and your stock is low, there's several ways you can increase the number of orders you take in at an offline show.

1. Display Order Forms
If you have products which must be custom ordered, display those next to your order forms. It's an extra visual for the customer and understanding of how your ordering process works. They also know they can quickly put in their order if the forms are already on the table. Remember your customers don't have a lot of time!

2. Display All Products
While you may not have a large stock, you'll want to put out as many products as possible. Let the customers see and touch all products. Use those products if possible - such as placing food in a dish which holds food. I once saw a Pampered Chef rep use cookie cutters on meat and cheese samples which were placed on a serving dish. They displayed what could be done with the cookie cutters, as well as the use for the dish.

3. Don't Hide Catalogs
Catalogs can be expensive, but don't hide them. If you don't want just anyone walking away with them, place pages in a binder which can be set out on the table. Shoppers at craft shows want to see prices. Don't hide it from them or they may loose interest! You shouldn't be ashamed of your prices if the product is of high quality.

4. Talk to Customers
This is important no matter how your are selling. Get to know your customers and their needs. Don't assume your display will sell your products alone. Even the worst display will sell hundreds of products if the person behind it is talking. With so much to look at, it's easy for your customer to miss an item they may be truly interested in. Also it's possible you don't have a certain item on your table they would like, and they may not take the time to flip through your catalog.
These are the basic ways to make sure you sell the most products if you are taking orders. Mostly it takes a lot of trial and error, so don't give up after only a few shows.

Direct Sales Helpers on the Road

Outdated Catalogs

Have an overstock of outdated catalogs, brochures, fliers etc? Don't toss them away. Leave them at beauty salons, laundromats, doctor's offices etc. with a note that says "Contact me for a current catalog."

Most companies carry the same products for many, many years. So, having the catalog from last month in circulation isn't going to make that much of a difference. This will also open you up to new good leads.

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Tips to Saving Money in Your Business

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Pampered Chef's New CEO

(Crain's) - At the risk of sounding like a marketing cliché, Marla Gottschalk is not only an officer of the company she’s also a customer.

"I have all our Pampered Chef products," said Ms. Gottschalk, the former Kraft Foods Inc. executive who became chief executive officer of the kitchen products empire on May 1. "I believe in our mission of bringing families around the table and bringing out the chef in [everyone]. You need the right tools and a little inspiration to bring families and friends around the table."

Ms. Gottschalk, 45, joined Pampered Chef in 2003 as president and chief operating officer. Doris Christopher, who founded the company in her basement in 1980, has stepped aside as CEO but remains the company's chairman. Both report to Warren Buffett, who's Berkshire Hathaway bought Pampered Chef in 2002.

While Ms. Christopher is no longer overseeing the daily operations, she's still very much involved with the company.

"Doris and I still collaborate on a lot of things," said Ms. Gottschalk, who has a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and master's from Northwestern University. "We talk about strategy."

For instance, a casual conversation about a lack of Pampered Chef items at bridal showers both women attended spawned an on-line wedding registry.

Ms. Gottschalk said she isn't intimidated by taking over the job of someone who built Pampered Chef from 71 products and nearly $7,000 in annual sales to its current catalog of more than 300 products and hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. A privately held company, Pampered Chef does not release annual sales figures, but said it reached $500 million in 1998.

"I'm really focused on enhancing many things that Doris put into place," she said. "And I continue to look for opportunities to grow our market."

That growth will come from a combination of launching 60 new products this fall, reaching out to the growing Hispanic market, a test kitchen that created 400 new recipes this year, and, of course, working closely with the more than 60,000 independent contractors who sell Pampered Chef products.

Those consultants are the bread and butter for Pampered Chef, and their sales events, dubbed cooking shows, generate the bulk of the company's sales.

That’s not surprising to those in the direct sales industry.

There are roughly 1,500 direct-selling companies in the U.S., and collectively they racked up $29.7 billion in sales in 2004, the most recent figures available, according to the Direct Selling Association in Washington, D.C.

While the Internet may have been expected to hamper the direct sales industry as increasingly time-pressed individuals turn to the always open online shop over a personal sales pitch, direct sales have grown each year for 20 consecutive years, said Amy Robinson, spokeswoman for the DSA.

"The Internet has enhanced companies doing direct selling," Ms. Robinson said. "It is giving sales people worldwide access, not just access to people in their community."

Consumer product manufacturers are launching direct sales units - last year underwear maker Jockey International Inc. created Jockey Person to Person Inc. and in 2003, Crayola maker Binney & Smith launched Big Yellow Box.

Ms. Gottschalk has never worked in direct sales, but she has experience in the food industry. She joined Pampered Chef from Kraft Foods Inc. where she joined as a senior financial analyst 14 years ago and left as executive vice president and general manager of its Post Cereals division. Ms. Gottschalk has also worked at KPMG as an auditor.

Crain's Chicago Business

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Is Inventory Important?

One of the hot questions when it comes to direct sales and offline shows is this:

"Do I need a large inventory, or can I just take orders?"


Honestly, this is no easy answer and it's going to mostly depend on what products you are selling. Some items (such as custom products) are near impossible to have on stock and must be ordered. Other items (such as candles), the shopper wants to have in hand before they leave. Candles are one of those items which are NOT unique (no matter if you have a great product), and a shopper knows they can easily pick it up at just about any store.

For the most part, you are going to want a large display of products to sell right off the table. When shoppers are roaming around craft shows, they are looking to shop. If they wanted to have items shipped to them, they would probably be shopping online. I'm sure they do, but only because they have no other option when shopping online or at a home party. People LOVE to walk out with something in hand.

I know one of the benefits of a direct sales company is not to have large amounts of stock on hand. However, if you plan to have tables at offline events, stock is a must. Even when taking orders, you must have some type of display. This way the customer can see and touch, knowing exactly what they will be getting should they order.

Be warned though, even with large amount of stock on the table, it's like pulling teeth to get orders. For example, occasionally we'll have a 12oz Jelly Jar in a scent they really like but no 8oz Jelly Jar. We'll suggest they put in an order and have it delivered (no shipping for local orders since we deliver). Almost always they'll go with a different candle or none at all.

In over a year, we've taken in a total of 3 orders. The reason for each order was as follows:

Order #1: Previous customer who had purchased a candle at another show. She smelled a candle she liked and bought it, but wanted 2 more in a larger size. So she not only already knew the candles, but wanted more than what we had on the table.

Order #2: A customer wanted 4 of the same candle while we only had 2 in stock. Because it was a gift for a special occasion, she decided to order.

Order #3: Another previous customer. This one had smelled each scent on the table and wanted different colored votives all in the same scent. Again, she knew what the product was like and wanted more than what was on the table.

In conclusion, while you can get away with taking orders only, it's better to sell outright. Shoppers are ready to impulse buy, and you don't want to miss out on it!

Direct Sales Helpers on the Road

Recycling Packaging

Some consultants have no other choice but to ship out orders themselves. If you’re in this boat, be sure to save and recycle those packing peanuts, bubble wrap and boxes. Many grocery stores will give you their old boxes for free. Check with your local market.

If you must buy...
If you must buy your packaging materials, buying from the postal services can be relatively expensive. Buy your materials from a department store or office supply store.

Money Saving Mini Series
Tips to Saving Money in Your Business