Understanding the Jamberry Compensation Plan

The Jamberry Compensation Plan is designed to help you achieve success in every step of your journey.  There are rewards at each level of achievement, and those rewards continue to grow as your team grows!

Work Smarter NOT Harder: using auto-responders for hostess coaching

My mantra (all the time, every day!) is “Smarter not Harder”.  I pretty much just try to pay very close attention to what I avoid doing and why, and then I try to solve that barrier. I worked for a time management consulting company for many years as an administrative assistant, I learned a lot from all that stuff I typed!

That means that if it can be automated, streamlined or eliminated, I do it. If it is not a “business building activity” I try to avoid it. If it is something that has to be repeated (consistency and follow through are my arch nemesis) then I find a way to make technology my slave!   See the example below:

• One of the things that was falling through the cracks was hostess coaching.  I had really good intentions about calling my hostesses.  I also have 2 small children at home during the day, and that number grows when school lets out! (Barrier: Me, my memory, time/quiet to call) 

Work Smarter NOT Harder: Mailing Packages

My mantra (all the time, every day!) is “Smarter not Harder”.  I pretty much just try to pay very close attention to what I avoid doing and why, and then I try to solve that barrier. I worked for a time management consulting company for many years as an administrative assistant, I learned a lot from all that stuff I typed!

That means that if it can be automated, streamlined or eliminated, I do it. If it is not a “business building activity” I try to avoid it. If it is something that has to be repeated (consistency and follow through are my arch nemesis) then I find a way to make technology my slave!   

Mailing packages is a chore for me. It's not HARD, it's time consuming. And boring. And I'd rather do something exciting and productive!

Work Smarter NOT Harder: Saving Electronic Files

My mantra (all the time, every day!) is “Smarter not Harder”.  I pretty much just try to pay very close attention to what I avoid doing and why, and then I try to solve that barrier. I worked for a time management consulting company for many years as an administrative assistant, I learned a lot from all that stuff I typed!

That means that if it can be automated, streamlined or eliminated, I do it. If it is not a “business building activity” I try to avoid it. If it is something that has to be repeated (consistency and follow through are my arch nemesis) then I find a way to make technology my slave!   

Every business needs to have a way to store and retrieve information.  In Direct Sales, we have customer files, hostess files, team member files, prospective customer files, prospective hostess files, prospective team member files... and then we have training materials, product photos, recognition letters, the list is long and can be overwhelming.

Work Smarter NOT Harder: Managing Time Online & Avoiding Information Overload

My mantra (all the time, every day!) is “Smarter not Harder”.  I pretty much just try to pay very close attention to what I avoid doing and why, and then I try to solve that barrier. I worked for a time management consulting company for many years as an administrative assistant, I learned a lot from all that stuff I typed!

That means that if it can be automated, streamlined or eliminated, I do it. If it is not a “business building activity” I try to avoid it. If it is something that has to be repeated (consistency and follow through are my arch nemesis) then I find a way to make technology my slave!   

When I log into the internet, it is really easy to get lost!  I don't mean that I don't know where I am, I mean I forget what I'm supposed to be doing!  You know how it goes - you are going to log in and look at email.  So you open up your browser and it comes up with the default home page.  This usually has news stories on it.  Even though I couldn't really care less about the Kardashians... I still click to see.  I didn't come here to watch the latest viral video sensation... but I still watch it.  I don't "need" to know the due date of the Royal Baby... but I'm tempted!

Work Smarter NOT Harder: Mailing Party Postcard Invitations & Reminders

My mantra (all the time, every day!) is “Smarter not Harder”.  I pretty much just try to pay very close attention to what I avoid doing and why, and then I try to solve that barrier. I worked for a time management consulting company for many years as an administrative assistant, I learned a lot from all that stuff I typed!

That means that if it can be automated, streamlined or eliminated, I do it.  If it is not a “business building activity” I try to avoid it.  If it is something that has to be repeated (consistency and follow through are my arch nemesis) then I find a way to make technology my slave!

Most Direct Sales companies offer postcard invitations or reminders for in-home parties.  If you've gotten a hostess packet from your consultant, you probably had a stack of pretty postcard invitations and the instruction to fill them out and mail them to your friends.  If you actually did this - you deserve a gold star for sure!  I never did it.  Which is one reason I didn't have very good turn out at my home parties!

Work Smarter NOT Harder: Taming the To-Do List

My mantra (all the time, every day!) is “Smarter not Harder”.  I pretty much just try to pay very close attention to what I avoid doing and why, and then I try to solve that barrier. I worked for a time management consulting company for many years as an administrative assistant, I learned a lot from all that stuff I typed!

That means that if it can be automated, streamlined or eliminated, I do it.  If it is not a “business building activity” I try to avoid it.  If it is something that has to be repeated (consistency and follow through are my arch nemesis) then I find a way to make technology my slave!

I like lists.  A lot.  I make really pretty lists.  They are serious works of art.  If I only had staff to actually DO all the things on my lists...

Work Smarter NOT Harder: How do you do it all?

My mantra (all the time, every day!) is “Smarter not Harder”.  I pretty much just try to pay very close attention to what I avoid doing and why, and then I try to solve that barrier. I worked for a time management consulting company for many years as an administrative assistant, I learned a lot from all that stuff I typed!

That means that if it can be automated, streamlined or eliminated, I do it.  If it is not a “business building activity” I try to avoid it.  If it is something that has to be repeated (consistency and follow through are my arch nemesis) then I find a way to make technology my slave!

People ask me all the time "How do you do it?  You have so many kids, an immune deficiency that makes you tired and sore, your blog, successful businesses... how do you do it all?"

Jamberry Conference #JamCon2013 - sort of an installment of "Working Smarter NOT Harder in your Direct Sales Business"

I can't believe that I leave for Salt Lake City THIS WEEK!  All the planning and cramming is SOOO worth it!

Last year was the first ever conference for Jamberry.  The excitement was palpable.  I went, knowing no one!  I had never even met my upline sponsor in "real life" - only on Facebook!  From the moment my husband dropped me off at the airport...  (by. my. self. as. in. no. children.) I was practically giddy.  I couldn't stop smiling!  I wore my sparkly Jamberry T-shirt, had pink highlights and carried plenty of brochures and business cards!  I chatted up many ladies, and met up with another Jamberry gal that was flying out at the same time (a pleasant coincidence!)

Working Smarter NOT Harder: Using Stickers (get a 25% off coupon!)

Everyone loves stickers!  From the time I was little, I was just in love with stickers.  Scratch 'n' sniff, puffy ones, the ones you color yourself...  Fast forward a few years and I was obsessed with making photo albums and memory books with stickers!  Blink and I was making Creative Memories albums for my own kids - with an impressive collection of stickers :)

Jenny B. of TheBooster.com has taken a love of stickers and turned it into a fun and creative way to boost your Direct Sales business!

Okay, What Now?

Okay, What Now?
Originally posted Monday, October 01, 2012 by Marilyn MacKenzie

As you probably realize, the home party business is mostly a woman’s business. That’s not to say that men don’t do well in the business. They do. I once met a man who was a top seller for Avon. In my own sales group years ago, there was a gentleman whose average party was over $400 while the rest of the district had average party sales of only $285. His secret? He could tease with the woman at the party in an entirely different way than the women sales reps. could. Still, it remains a business of interest mostly to women. And sales, at least at parties held in the home, are usually to women as well. (One noted exception to this is in the cookware line. Typically, men have sold more cookware, although they often did that one-on-one and not to groups of women or couples.)

Grow your Business … Book, Sell, Recruit & more!

T0-18 – Grow your Business … Book, Sell, Recruit & more!

Explore the similarities between growing a garden and growing your business. Are you planting the seeds to grow your business in the way you desire?

Plant the seeds to grow what you want in your garden!

Have you ever considered the similarities between growing a garden and growing your business?
Let’s say there are two people who want to grow a garden:
•    The first only has a bucket to carry water and a shovel.
•    The second has the bucket and shovel along with a hoe, roto-tiller, hose, sprayer, fertilizer applicator and a myriad of other tools.
Who is going to have the easier time growing their garden?

Developing Systems—The Foundation of Your Brand

Many years ago, after I graduated from college, I was forced to become a secretary due to the grim job outlook at that time. I rankled at this idea for a long time. Frankly, administrative work is boring to me. I’d much rather be thinking of ideas or creating a product.

But now that I’m a business owner, I realize the importance of having administrative skills. And even more so since my husband just started his business and I am assisting him!

I have discovered that developing systems is the best way to handle administrative work. It not only helps with my sense of boredom, it helps me be more efficient so I have time to do what I really love!

42 Ways To Find Customers

42 Ways To Find Customers
1. Take advantage of the advertising of others.
2. Call others about their ads and offer them your service.
3. Post flyers in apartments.
4. Leave catalogs a auto repair shops.
5. Wear a badge.
6. Wear buttons.

A Recruiting Mindset

When you think about asking someone to join you in the business – where are you, mentally?

 

Is this something you are doing to someone or for someone?

Are you bothering/pestering/pushing or are you inviting?

Are you focused on your goals or on her needs?

 

If your paradigm is in need of a shift – let’s look at things a little differently.

Finding Business At Expos Tip

Dos and Don'ts for Fairs and Expos

Fairs and expos will definitely bring new energy into your business.  Here are some quick do's and don'ts that will improve results. I hope that you have scheduled some fairs or expo events into your business. Expo Do:  Use multiple levels to display your products.

Would you rather have a penny or a quarter?

Subject: The “R” word…
 

The “R” word - I think you know what I'm talking about - Recruiting
(also called sponsoring, signing someone up, getting someone happily involved in the business, etc;)

However you describe it, we are talking about building a team and it is something that some consultants avoid when they first join the business themselves. In fact, some consultants never do begin to build a team. More often than not, those consultants do not last long in the business.

Let me tell you a story...

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get someone’s attention by saying “Let me tell you a little story…” Even if you’re sitting in a restaurant and you overhear someone in the next booth say that to someone else, aren't you straining to listen? Sure you are! Telling your story at the beginning of your party will help engage your guests in the same way. It’s simple to create this. Answer the following questions and then weave them together into a short story that your audience can relate to.

So, it's payday...

Consider carefully how you will spend your money. How much will you reinvest into your business? Will you order business cards? Invest in a tablecloth? A banner? Add a little inventory? Maybe purchase some stamps so that you have them on-hand for mailing thank you cards and reminder postcards? Maybe you'll get paper and ink for your printer? Keep you receipts; these are business expenses and can be counted in next year's taxes

Will you pay for some marketing or advertising? A listing on a website, a blog sponsorship, an ad in the local highschool yearbook... Replenish your business supplies, catalogs, brochures, samples, postcards...

How To Get Strangers To Do Business With You - Vendor Events

Websites mentioned:
festivalnet.com
craftmasternews.com
craftlister.com/

Visit Becky Spieth's website for more inspiration! http://beckyspieth.com

Facebook Group Messages. Just Don't...

Don't use "group messages" to promote your business or mass message customers!

Here is my response on a heated thread discussing this very topic today:

"In my experience, unsolicited group messages are ALWAYS a bad idea. It's one thing to do a group message to plan an event after you've talked about it over FB or coffee. It's something else to send a message to 100+ people at a time. Even if people are interested in the subject, they almost ALWAYS get pissed off by their notifications "blowing up", then the questions from people who don't understand why they are getting messages from people they don't know. Then the "how can I get removed" and the responses, then the notifications that so and so left the conversation. 1 group message to 100 people can easily turn into 500 notifications. Many people get notices by email or text. This pisses people off.

Having said that - the majority of the time that someone uses a group message, they have NEVER been part of one before, so they have no idea what to expect! I've never been included in one that was intended to be rude or insensitive, it just sometimes seems that way."

Booking parties - it's all in the attitude!

SUBJECT:  HELP!  with TEAM motivation
 

Angela writes...
Help! I'm new to your site so I'm looking forward to learning ideas on how to help us motivate our teams during this economy when so many are scare to book parties b/c they "don't want to do that to their friends:?


Dear Angela,

 WELCOME to The Success Factory and THANK YOU for your great question.

 The objection that you mention in your question is as old as party plan.   My assumption is that you (and your team) are fearful that people feel as though inviting people to a Home Party is some kind of imposition.

A Simple Tool for Dealing With Difficult People

Sometimes being a coach sucks. Let me explain. I really hate confrontation. I'm not good at it. It affects every part of my physical and emotional self. In the past week, I've twice found myself on the receiving end of some pretty unhappy energy (and that's putting it mildly). In both situations, the event that was actually causing the frustration in the other person wasn't my fault and there was nothing I could do to change it. Unfortunately for me, even the knowledge of that fact didn't stop the frustration with me. Probably because I was the only (or the most convenient) target at the time.

Develop Your Persuasion and Selling Skills to Increase Sales & Bookings

How would you like to have an abundance of people saying YES to you and your offers? Would it be worthwhile for you if you could have more people say YES to booking a party? What would happen if more guests purchased at every party? It’s not as hard to get people to say YES as you might think and actually you probably already know several ways to do so BUT you may not be implementing what you know or you might be missing one element that makes your presentation less effective.

I’ve been avidly studying and practicing persuasion and sales techniques for thirty years. I have sales programs and books from Zig Ziglar, Tom Hopkins, Dan Kennedy, and numerous others and I have to confess even though what I hear or read is often a repetition there are also some BIG AH-HA moments when I read something or hear something and I think to myself, WOW, where has this idea been all my life! 

Use the Law of Averages to Increase Your Income

How many prospects do you need to talk to before you get one booking?
How many people do you need in attendance to have a $1,000 party?
How many parties do you average per week? Per month?
What’s your average party and how can you increase that amount?
How many bookings do you average per party? How can you increase this?
How many prospects do you need to interview before you get a recruit?
How many recruits do you need to sign before you get one new leader?
How many new leaders do you need before you get one great leader?

Many salespeople do not fully understand the importance of finding out their averages in order to improve in certain areas of their business. Tracking yourself in your business can help you find areas that you need to improve and then work on ways to improve your stats.

How Do MLM Legends and Network Marketing Pros Build Big?

New Blog Posted To ROCK Your Business=>  Hey there Rock Stars! ~* When I started my business, a small article was forwarded to me that made a BIG difference in my business. I just found it after cleaning up my inbox and wanted to share it with you! After you read it I will tell you the real lessons I learned that led me to seven-figure success in network marketing=> THE PRICE OF THE PROMISE: The Power Of Network Marketing Mark Yarnell, a minister in a small town in Texas, was headed for bankruptcy and just about to lose his car and home. He looked for a way out and discovered network marketing. Luckily, he had a wise sponsor. The sponsor gave Mark "THE PRICE OF PROMISE".

Social Media Resources

http://www.likealyzer.com  A free Facebook page analysis and suggestions for improvement!
(times are shown in GMT, use http://www.timeanddate.com to find your local time)

iContact - This is what I use to capture and maintain my lists.  Clients, Team Members, Hostesses, Prospects... They all go into this database.  I have set up auto-responders to manage hostess coaching, new team member on-boarding, prospect follow up, you name it!  I also use it for my customer and team newsletters.  It is easy to use and I love the tracking and reporting features.  They offer your first month for free to try it out, and the monthly plans are very reasonable and based on the size of your list.  I have upgraded twice (which is very good news, it means my lists are GROWING and so is business!)  If you sign up through this link http://icontact.extole.com/a/clk/2ZQWNS you and I BOTH get a $50 gift card!

MyeSig.com - I have a corporate subscription to myesig.com.  This makes my emails look really professional, gives my contacts a way to instantly act on interest and I can track my "click-thrus" on their site.

Pagemodo - Schedule Facebook page posts in a few minutes for the whole week.  I chose them because they are very affordable, easy to use and they have a very clean interface.  They have a free plan, which is good for starters.  They are also owned by VistaPrint, which is another company I've used for a long time!

SimplyBook.me - Allow team members and hostesses to book online, with real-time access to your current calendar.  This integrates with Google calendars (and others)

HELP! I need to book a party!

Subject: HELP! I need to book a party!

Mary writes: I've had a < party plan business> for three years and have yet to do a show. I have picked up lots of customers but they only seem to want to shop at my cash n carry room. I don't have a problem talking to people, I just don't know how to "close the sale." I need HELP!
I hope you can.
Thank you.

Dear Mary,

Thanks for your question and WELCOME to The Success Factory free E-mail subscription service.

I have a couple of thoughts regarding your challenge of closing the sale and booking parties.