If you’re a work at home entrepreneur with kids, summertime is one of the hardest times to find any kind of rhythm to work on your home based business, on a consistent basis. Having your kids home for the summer really messes up with the routines you had while your kids were in school.

Instead of having a block of four hours to myself, that block of time is now reserved for summer sports camp, dance, or any other summer activities i.e. family trips or hitting the beach.

Yep, summertime is not my ideal time to work on my business BUT that doesn’t mean you should close up shop either. It’s too easy to use this as a reason to excuse yourself from working on your business.

So, instead of trying to do it all – work and family – it’s necessary to modify your schedule in the interim. This makes life easier on you and enjoyable for your family. Understanding that it’s a short term process and to give yourself permission to be okay with your new schedule.

#1 Modify your schedule

Instead of writing in the morning when my kids were in school. I find time to write whenever I can. That means, sometimes I’m writing in the car waiting to pick up my kids. Or when they’re at a playdate with friends. And sometimes, while I’m sitting at the pool or at the beach with them.

Sure, the start and stop process can be a bit annoying because I like to finish what I’ve started, but hey,  being an entrepreneur means being flexible, willing and able, to adapt to change.

#2 Access to data on my mobile phone

This is one of the easiest ways for me to stay in touch on social networks and having instant access to emails or phone calls so I don’t miss a hot lead.

It also helps me do the small things while on the go so I can use my time wisely. I can easily check Twitter or LinkedIn updates a few minutes through out the day. Or respond to a potential customer’s inquiry by email right away.

#3 Meeting new people

With every new activity that my kids are signed up for, it’s another opportunity to meet new people that I wouldn’t meet otherwise. I use every chance to meet new moms or dads wherever I go. It’s a great way to meet new people and get to know people in your local community.

It’s a lot easier to close up shop during the summer months because the excuses NOT to work on your business is easy to justified. But it’s important to use this time to get something done instead of doing nothing at all. Being in momentum is important. Instead of writing once a week for my blog, I’ve modified for every other week.

Whatever changes you need to make for the summer months, it’s important to be okay with your modified schedule while your kids are home for the summer. Be creative and find time to work on your business. The key is to do something, even if it’s one thing, instead of nothing at all.

How are you using the summer months to work on your business? Would love to hear your thoughts and tips.

’til next time,

Janette

Being on par in terms of price and quality only gets you into the game. Service wins the game. Tony Alessandra (source: customerservicepoint.com)

I don’t know any direct seller or network marketer that doesn’t think their company has the best products. We get it. Let’s focus on something that’s more important than products and that is your customers and potential customers.

Here’s a recent experience of mine …

I emailed a consultant inquiring about her company product and it took five days, yes five days, for her to respond. Unfortunately for her, it was just easier to head on down to my local store to get what I needed. You see, it’s not about the products, because products are everywhere.

I wasn’t just buying products because truthfully, when it comes to products, there are more places that offer what I need than I could possibly do business with. My goal was to support another direct seller’s business because being in the business, it’s good karma. 

Not to mention, you generally (with the exception of this one), tend to get great service when you work with a direct seller. Most consultants are grateful for the opportunity to send you samples, a catalog, or whatever else you need to earn your business. But five days for a response? Enough said.

But it’s not about the products. It’s the experience you offer your prospects or valued customers, that keeps them loyal.

One of the reasons I love the direct sales business is the personal service you get. I love Target but there’s no one in the beauty area  to answer my questions or send me sample after sample to try.  The “personal service” is your unique selling position.

You need quality products at a reasonable price. You also need to go above and beyond because you’re a small direct seller.

There’s a reason people love Zappos, not because of their ”shoes” selection or thousands of other products they sell. People love Zappos because of their outstanding attention to personal service. I recall mentioning “Zappos” on Twitter and within seconds someone responded to my tweet.

If you don’t deliver outstanding, personal service and in a timely manner, you’re dispensable, as Seth Godin would say. You’re NOT going to be able to compete with millions of other companies that will be happy to take your customer’s business.

Instead of focusing on the products and how scientifically superior your products are, focus on your customers. Be responsive,  put a smile in your email, don’t send out a canned product script, be original, be you.

Your thoughts?

’til next time,

Janette Stoll

P.S. On a positive note, I have several friends that offer excellent service in skin care, beauty, home decor, if you need a referral. I’m not affiliated with their businesses or get anything for it, just pointing out some great ladies in direct sales .

In a recent article on cbsnews.com, “Great Turnkey Companies for Women”, experts share tips on why starting a business with a turnkey company can be less daunting than starting your own business from scratch. I couldn’t agree more. What does ”turnkey” mean? 

Turnkey companies already have the infrastructure set up for you. The direct selling industry is known for its turnkey systems.

For a low start up cost, ranging from free (yes, free) and upward to $100+, many of these companies offer products that are ready to be shipped to your customers; company replicated website to sell products, and a ton of training on personal and business development.

Starting a business is a huge undertaking as a solo entrepreneur. There’s the business infrastructure such as business operations. But you also need marketing materials, brochures, catalogs, AND products or services. You’ll need inventory, know how much to charge, and have some understanding of the marketplace.

With a turnkey company, the business operations are already in place. Your job, as a consultant representing the company, is promoting and selling the products.

Your success or failure is entirely up to you but with a lot less risk than starting a business on your own. These are some of the reasons why direct sales generates billions of dollars a year in the US alone.

In many cases, with one home party, you’ll make more than enough to cover the initial cost of becoming a consultant.

Here are some benefits when you partner with a turnkey direct sales company:

*Low start up cost to become a consultant and thousands of companies to choose from.

*Most companies shouldn’t require purchasing inventory when you sign up so be sure to check out the company.

*Flexibility. How much you want to earn is entirely up to you. There is no glass ceiling but that doesn’t mean you can sit back and the money will roll in either. There’s no such thing!

The more products you sell, the more commission you’ll make. Your direct sales success is based on products being sold. A legitimate company pays you for retailing products and not on recruiting people to the business.

*It’s not just for stay-at-home-moms but baby boomers are joining the direct selling industry as well as college students. The ease of entry creates an equal opportunity for anyone looking for a low-cost opportunity to earn money.

That said, not everyone will succeed, because we all have different goals, working styles, and depending on how motivated you are to build your business.

More importantly, find a business that you can really get excited to promote. It’s not a cliché but worth mentioning: find something you’re passionate to promote. It’s hard to sell something if you don’t love the products, use them, or wear them yourself. You are your #1 customer first.

If you’re artsy, jewelry lover, fashion type of person, it would make more sense to find a business within these areas. Loving the products is your first step to success. You’ll also need to know basic business skills i.e. how to make money, marketing your business, understanding your expenses, take home profit, and so forth.

If your goal is to build a business, operate it like a business. Don’t make excuses or wait for opportunities, but take the lead, and commit to your success from day one.

Direct sales is a great business model for anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur. It’s not for everyone but it’s a great business if you are the one looking for a home based business that offers the infrastructure ready for you to get started.

If you are in direct sales, what do you love about it?

In every business, you need to know the revenue your business generates to sustain itself. Generate enough revenue so you can pay for the business expenses and what’s left over is your net profit.

Depending on what success means to you. Maybe success isn’t about money and you’re in it for the fun, camaraderie, product discount, or other reasons.

For others, success in their home business means replacing their full-time income, earn extra money for travels, or other expenses. In this case, revenue matters, and affects how long you can sustain your business.

Why revenue matters because you need to know if the business you’re in is profitable or not. Forget about consuming the products because that’s one aspect as to why you’re in business. The bigger picture is, your business needs real, paying customers to sustain itself.

You don’t have a business unless you have customers willing to pay for the products you’re offering.  Do you know if you’re profitable in your business?

A good friend of mine was telling me about her network marketing business and I asked her if she’s making money? She gave me a dozen reasons why she hasn’t yet.

Sure, it takes some time to build a new business, but after six months, a year, two years and zero profit to show for it, maybe it’s time to look at the bottomline.

The problem, I suspect, is the fear of loss that keeps people where they are in their business. If I keep sticking to it things will sure turn around. Not necessarily. Doing the same thing over and over doesn’t always generate new results.

The fear of failure makes it hard to accept reality especially if you’ve invested thousands of dollars and your time. You’ve become emotionally vested in your venture that it’s tough to walk away.

But you’ve got to know when to cut your losses and move on. Ask any successful business person and she/he will have a few “failure” stories to tell. You have to think of your business as a business and it’s pretty basic: revenue, minus expenses, your take home profit.

If you’re in a home business and you’re spending $15 a month on your company replicated website, that’s an expense. If you’re on autoship at $100 or $200, that’s an expense.

Years ago I was associated with a skin care/wellness company and the monthly requirement to collect commission was $100. The products weren’t cheap but there was an incentive because I was making 10x the amount in profit. My business was profiable.

Revenues matter in your home business. At some point, if you’ve done the best you can to grow your business with little growth to show for it, it’s time to get honest.

I don’t agree you need to keep sticking to a business by putting money into it and hoping things will turn around. It’s important to know when to cut your losses and move on. Keep sticking to it to recover your loss isn’t always the best strategy.

When you’re able to take your emotions out of the equation and see your business as a business with real numbers, revenues start to matter, and it’s the difference between making money in your home business or continue pouring money into a project that’s not profitable.

Your thoughts?

’til next time,

Janette Stoll

My afternoons are spent driving my kids from one activity to another. I spend a good amount waiting -  either in the car or in the lounge for them.

Today, I’m chaperoning my daughter’s field trip. Although my priority is watching the kids but I’ll have some time to check in on my mobile phone and tend to urgent emails, if needed.

Having a mobile phone with data keeps me in the loop for urgent emails; follow up on a new lead, or touch base with a new customer while on the go.

If I’m working with a hot lead, I want to respond as soon as possible. If there’s an issue wtih a team member or an unhappy customer, I want to take care of it sooner rather than later.

My iPhone gives me the flexibility to build my business while on the go and instantly. This could be the difference between signing up a new customer or not because people want answers quickly.

The other day I was chatting with a mom about my business while waiting to pick up our sons at taekwondo. In the past, I would have handed her a business card or a flyer and maybe it’ll transpire into something.

But she too has an iPhone and was able to check out my website right on the spot. There we were, both of us on our iPhones, looking at my website.

Granted this doesn’t happen often but being able to gauge her levels of interest on the spot allowed us to talk about it in the moment. In the past, she may or may not  have checked out my website on her own or bother to call.

People get busy, lose interest, and move on to the next thing that catches their attention.

Using mobile to build my business is another way to reach and connect with potential customers and meet them wherever they are. This is important because not everyone sits at home but if your target audience has  mobile data and you do too, it’s a great way to reach them, while they’re on the go.

Here’s what Ziamond, an online jewelry company, has to say about mobile marketing …

Mobile users were making purchases from their mobile devices and we wanted to make their mobile shopping experience faster, easier and better. (internetretailer.com)

These days, I Google the person’s name, company, or whatever I need and more often than not, while I’m on the go with my kids.

If you’re a marketer, reaching me on my mobile phone is sure to get my attention. Likewise, I imagine others just like me, that are in your target market you can reach with immediacy if you’re using mobile to reach them.

There’s no doubt texting/mobile marketing has grown significantly in recent years.

ABI Research says sales increase to $3.4 billion this year from $1.4 billion in 2009. (internetretailer.com)

Even if your prospects don’t have mobile data but most likely has a phone and texting option. Texting is an alternate option to follow up and stay in touch with your prospects faster.

Not everyone reads their emails right away and sometimes they end up in the spam folder.  Texting is another option to reach your prospects in addition to emails or phone calls.

Reaching people by phone can be time consuming and some people don’t like being called on. I prefer getting a text or email to remind me of any upcoming event than a phone call.

It’s convenient and saves me time because most of my time I’m not at home which means you’re more likely to reach me on my mobile.

There are so many ways to use your mobile/texting to build your business while on the go. You can quickly text a message to remind your hostess about an upcoming party or your potential recruit about an opportunity call. More companies are adding shopping apps to make mobile shopping even easier.

You can either use your smartphone to kill time or use it productively to build your direct sales business while on the go.

’til next time,

Janette Stoll

P.S. Would love to know how you’re using your mobile phone to build your business.