The other day my neighbor and I went for a walk and she told me that she was looking for something part-time to do at home. A few years ago, I would be all over her with this kind of opportunity to “share” my business, but I know better these days.

Not because direct sales isn’t a good business to get started in but without knowing anything about what she’s *interested* in, I don’t make any assumptions.

In doing so, I’m not making the decision for her, but using the opportunity to listen. This is a tough one for some networkers to understand because they’re more interested in talking about their opportunity instead of listening.

Seasoned direct sellers are not surprised because they know direct sales isn’t for everyone. But newbies are when people don’t rush to join their business. Remember, only you think you have the best products/business.

It might surprise you that most of the time, people are NOT interested in starting a network marketing/direct sales business. More importantly, they don’t think you have the best products or even business. The more you ramble the more ridiculous you sound to them.

During the walk, I felt like a career therapist in a way, listening to her talk about what she did before she stayed home with her kids, and what her current interests are. I must admit listening intently is still a work in progress for me. Most people think they’re good listeners but really aren’t that good, including me.

I’m not sure if I was of any help to her but I know listening to her, without waiting for an opportunity to tell her about what I do, ended up helping me.

At the end of the conversation, she asked “what do you online anyway?” I mentioned I work online but didn’t offer any specifics. Perhaps that was enough to  intrigue her.

Whether or not she starts a direct sales/network marketing is not the point because people will do what want. The point is, it’s a good feeling to know that you’re able to listen and hear someone else out, without an interior motive to gain something from it.

Maybe it’s not a good recruiting strategy on my part and some of you might even think it’s idiotic NOT to use the opportunity to tell my friend how awesome direct sales/network marketing is. But there’s a way to tell others about what you do without losing friends.

Besides, we don’t need another person to think network marketing is a scammy business. It can be a great business but it starts with the networker.

It’s time to do more listening, whether you get anything from it or not, and stop with the incessant business sales pitch which also includes spamming other people’s Facebook walls and social networks.

What do you think?

’til next time,

Janette Stoll

P.S.  Let’s use our time and build real friendships with others.

There are many rewards for doing your direct sales home business well.  What drives people to succeed isn’t always easy to pinpoint.

But there’s no doubt we’re all motivated by rewards whether it’s external or internal.

If you work in a job the external rewards can be promotions, pay raises, titles, status, corner office, and so forth.

Similarly, the external rewards in your direct sales business can be paid vacations, monthly gifts, free products - which are based on your sales and recruiting efforts.

To some extent, we only have so much control with external rewards. Your pay raises depend on the profits of your company and other factors. As for selling and recruiting, you can do everything right and not necessarily close the sale, or sponsor that new recruit.

Your potential customer didn’t like the product sample; had a bad reaction to the ingredients; or got sick from the vitamins. There are reasons beyond your control. But no doubt the setbacks affect the outcome of your business.

This is why it’s important for your sanity not to become attached to the outcome of every situation. You should always do your best, ask questions, and look for ways to improve, but there’s only so much you can control from the outside.

Instead of driving yourself nuts by taking things personally and getting hung up on all the x’s and o’s on why so and so didn’t buy your products – focus on what you can control and that is your internal rewards.

Your internal rewards is a reward in and of itself because your success is based on the values that are most important to you. 

Internal rewards, to me, is the most rewarding because you are rewarded for doing the work because it’s meaningful to you.

Now, I know *meaningful* can be a catch phrase because sometimes people don’t even know why they’re in direct sales, much less what it means to do work that’s meaningful to them.

Sometimes people just want to have fun; do a few parties; make a few extra hundred bucks to pay the bills. Other times, people really do find value and meaning in what they’re doing. They’re on a mission to change lives.

When this is the case … you’ve found your internal rewards which is a powerful motivation to doing your business well.

At the risk of sounding like a Mastercard moment but internal rewards are “priceless” because you’re doing the work because you love it.

Your internal drive can be your compass that guides you through the ups and downs and many cycles of your business. It keeps you grounded and help you maintain your *truth* which is based on your internal rewards.

The message here is you need to find a balance between internal and external rewards so you can stack the odds in your favor for achieving success.

Rather than seeking external rewards as the primary motivation, focus on your internal rewards, and dig deep on what really drives you?

This isn’t to say money isn’t a powerful motivation that drives people to succeed but if that’s your only reason, your motivation will be short-lived, when you’re faced with challenges.

As the saying goes … do what you love and the money will follow right? Or am I being a “pollyanna” here?

Your thoughts?

’til next time,

Janette Stoll

P.S. Speaking of doing what you love. I recently started an article writing and internet email coaching that is coming along with paying clients .

Creating content for my blog and promoting it using social media marketing has been my #1 go-to strategy.

By optimizing title posts and content that are keyword-rich in my target market, it has consistently delivered traffic and converted visitors into hundreds of leads. 

Which makes me wonder … why aren’t more direct sales consultants using content marketing to grow their business online? I’m partially biased because creating fresh content is working brilliantly for Marketing Direct Sales.

If you think about it- content is what makes the internet what it is.

People go online to find content to learn something new, research  before they buy, find business opportunities to start …  it’s where people go to find information.

This is evidenced in my family and probably yours too …

We look up restaurants and read reviews on Yelp. We order pizza online and have it delivered without having to talk to a live person. I read book reviews on Amazon before I buy. I can list more examples on how I use the internet to find content to serve my needs but you get the point.

An optimized, content-rich blog or website is what drives traffic to your business.

It’s the first step in your sales funnel. Traffic is the first point of contact before a visitor turns into a lead. But a visitor isn’t going to opt-in and subscribe to your email list if the content is irrelevant.

This is why content alone isn’t enough but optimized content combined with social media marketing are proven formulas in boosting traffic to your site. Leads are built on targeted traffic.

Without traffic, there are no leads, and no leads = no business.

If you’re in direct sales and think you don’t need a content marketing strategy, you might want to re-think.

The latest news on Google’s official blog is the impact social search results have on how relevant your brand is online. 

What does this mean to you?

In the past, social search results from your network showed up on the bottom of Google. Now, it’s mixed in through out the search results based on relevance. This means the search results could be moved to the top or in the middle.

This latest social search enhancement has significant implications for search engine marketers and website owners alike. Social media marketing as a part of your SEO strategy is more integral than ever. (searchnewz.com)

This is great news for small business owners and direct sales consultants.

With an optimized content-rich blog focusing on your niche market, your site can skyrock to the top of search engines. This is possible if your site’s content is geared to a specific group of people you’re trying to reach (target market).

The keys to your success:

Focus on creating content for your target market. I know “target market” gets thrown around online but some people have no idea to whom they’re trying to reach.

In the new world of content marketing online, focus is vital. That’s true both in terms of defining a niche and making sure that your website reflects that niche. (contentmarketingtoday.com)

Here’s an example from my new blog Janette Stoll: my target market is direct sales and my niche business is helping direct sales consultants generate leads with article writing and internet marketing.

With clarity on whom I’m reaching (direct sellers) and what I’m offering (article writing/marketing services) have helped me to create content for direct sellers on article writing, content, and internet marketing.

The point I’m hoping to drive home for you is that it’s an exciting time to get online, create optimized content, leverage social media and web 2.0 marketing, to build massive leads to grow your business.

Those of you that are already creating content on your blogs know the many benefits and probably can’t imagine not having a blog to build your business (like I do). But for those that haven’t … what are you waiting for?

Your thoughts?

’til next time,

Janette Stoll

P.S. Have you visited my new article writing and marketing blog yet? Love to hear your thoughts, comments, questions. Go say “hi” to me over there .

photo credit: freedigitalphotos

I don’t know about you but I’ve made plenty of awful lead generation mistakes early on. These are just five of them – surely there were more .

If you’re in direct sales, do these mistakes sound familar to you?

#1 Talking to everyone about your new business without pre-qualifying them first.

It’s understandable because you’re excited and want everyone to know.  You’re also told to tell your friends, family, neighbors right away about your business.

This isn’t bad advice but there’s a difference between telling someone that you just started a new business versus “I think it’s an amazing opportunity and you should consider joining too”. I’ve certainly done it and it’s a typical rookie mistake.

The more you talk and convince others, the more desperate and unattractive you appear. It’s a lot like dating. It’s a turn-off if you’re always going after some guy or girl.

If the person you’re talking to doesn’t seem interested, don’t keep hammering away. Try not to convince others why it’s such a great opportunity. If someone’s interested, they’ll ask for more info.

#2 You don’t have to sell because the products sell themselves. Really? If that was true you’d see more direct sellers in business wouldn’t you? Products don’t sell themselves.  If you’re told by your uplines or direct sales company to wear the jewelry, you are marketing the product.

We’re bombarded with product promotions, movies, events, everywhere we look. Why? Because products don’t sell themselves – the right kind of marketing does.

#3 Over-promising the opportunity. Yes, direct sales is a simple business but only in concept. Your job is to sell products and sponsor a team. The latter is optional depending on your goals.

The concept is simple. But before a sale takes place, there are pre-selling steps you must master.

That’s one of the biggest obstacles for direct sellers because most people that joined the direct selling business don’t have the skills to sell and market their business. So they go around looking for anyone that seems interested.

It’s simple to sell a few products and even recruit your friends at the beginning. But if you want to growing your business long-term, you’ve got to get real, and learn how to build your business like a real business.

People do not buy products – they buy solutions. -Ewen Chia #1 Super Affiliate Marketer & Author.

#4 Leading with the products instead of offering a solution. There are millions of products on the market. Truthfully, your company product isn’t all that unique. Consumers are bombarded with the abundance of product choices.

In fact, too many direct sales products are on Ebay, to name just one. What’s going to separate your business from others is the solution and personal service you bring to your potential customers.

For example, you can offer product samples to try before they buy. You can follow up with phone calls or emails to offer your assistance. This isn’t something you’re going to get from a regular store.

Remember, successful business people solve their prospect’s problems.

#5 Using the old methods of marketing. I’m not suggesting you abandon offline traditional methods completely.

But you need to consider the return on your investment based on the products you’re selling. If you’re selling $10 candles or lip gloss, is it the best investment of your money to spend hundreds of dollars on a local ad?

There are many ways to generate leads and even free and low-cost using offline methods.

As a small direct seller, your budget is limited. That means you’ll need to be creative and explore different ways to promote your business based on the type of business you’re in. 

Thanks to the internet, there are many free and effective ways to generate leads painlessly that brings results.

How about you? What other mistakes do you see direct sales distributors make?

’til next time,

Janette Stoll

P.S. If you want to learn how to generate targeted-leads using free and low-cost methods, shoot me an email for details janette(at)marketingdirectsales.com

Attending Taekwondo is one of my son’s favorite activities. It’s fun and teaches these youngsters a ton of values such as self-respect, respect for parents, teachers, and building self-confidence.

What’s even more impressive is a mental commitment to getting to black belt. High up on the wall, above this gigantic sparring floor, hangs all the belts starting with the white belt.

The message in bright bold colors – “the goal is getting to Black Belt”.

The moment my son knew Taekwondo was one of his favorites, he had his eye on getting to black belt. Every time he shows up, it reinforces his desire for the end goal.

Here’s why …

Every time you step into that sparring room twice a week you’re reminded not only visually from the signage but from watching your black belt masters training you that the end goal is to be one of them.

You practice twice a week with the objective of testing for the next level. If you have kids in Taekwondo you might guess how giddy at the prospect of getting to the next belt.

It’s competitive i.e. competing for the next level but in a nurturing and fun atmosphere.

So what does this have to do with your direct sales business?

Actually, quite a bit …

Hopefully when you signed on to be a consultant for your company your goal was to be somewhere.

Every company has different levels of leadership, just like in Taekwondo. What’s your goal with your direct sales business? Is it to be a “black belt Star Director”?

Your direct sales company typically offers weekly or even bi-weekly training calls and rah-rah sessions.

Make an effort to show up for those weekly practice sessions and get on those “sparring” training calls. It reinforces why you’re in business and helps you focus on getting to the next level. 

Whatever motivation you use to get yourself committed to your success will be vital to your success. We all need visual or metaphoric reminders, in this example, as to why we do what we do.

You need goals to remind you what you’re working towards.

All I know is every time I drop my son off for Taekwondo and see that huge goal signage, it’s a subtle reminder for me too.

Do you have a goals signage somewhere in your home office?

’til next time,

Janette Stoll

P.S.  Kindly share this post with your pals if you like it … thanks so much!