by Karen Clark on May 8, 2008
I have been listening and learning to Julie Weitz’ CDs and downloads for Designing an Amazing Party Experience. You will have to go get the audios yourself to get the full effect and understand how to implement everything (and be sure to download the paperwork that goes with – wow!) but here are some of my favorite ideas to add FUN to your parties:
- Always have a fun theme for your party – Chocolate Lover’s Party, or Mexican Fiesta Party – or in my case with a children’s product I could do a Teddy Bear’s Picnic party or maybe a Sunday Tea Party. This starts everyone off with a fun party atmosphere vs. a “come buy my stuff” tone.
- Spend the first 15 minutes or so mingling among the guests and getting to know them – become a part of the party vs. “the consultant” standing at the front waiting for everyone to get quiet so you can start. Start building relationships with everyone and they’ll be more likely to buy and book because they like who you are, and start the party off on the right foot.
- Assign a cheerleader – give them pom poms and let them cheer the positives and tell them to cheer when you do your booking or recruiting commercials. I’ve found that former cheerleaders make great recruits – they love being in the spotlight and earning those trips and awards! Maybe ask who was a cheerleader and give them the job! That will liven things up!
- Assign a “party cop” who is in charge of keeping negativity away – give the quietest person in the room a squirt gun and let her spray anyone who is negative! Watch them come out of their shell! LOL One of my friends who sells candles, Cheryl Saucedo, throws a stuffed skunk at her meetings when anyone has any “stinkin thinkin”! I think that would be fun to do at a home party, too! Tell them up front we don’t allow that here and to watch out! It would just add some fun to the party while also keeping the mood positive.
- Make a game out of your “commercials” – let everyone know you are going to have commercial breaks throughout the party but don’t leave like you would during a TV show – stay because it’s important information! Have the cheerleader cheer when you start the commercial and let them all get into it.
- Make things easy on the hostess when you’re done with the demo – tell her to put her feet up, it’s time to be the queen of the party – you can even put a tiara on her head! Tell the guests it’s self-serve from now on!
I don’t want to give it all way, but those are some of my favorite ideas. If perfecting your home party is one of your goals, I strongly suggest you check out that CD series, the audio downloads, or the DVD training on this topic. Julie’s got the home party down!! Duplicate it and your sales, bookings, and recruiting will soar!
by Karen Clark on April 7, 2008
Hi everyone! I’ve come across some unique but successful home-based businesses lately through reps who are people I just love and admire. Of course I think everyone should join Story Time Felts with me, but I know it isn’t for everyone. It takes a special person to be a Story Time Felts Consultant! 
Definitely contact me if you are interested in that, but…
Since there are few (if any) reps that I’ve seen in my area for these companies they seem like a great opportunity for someone who is looking for a direct sales company to join. Or, maybe you’d just like to shop from them and support a fellow business woman!
The first one is a sterling silver jewelry company called Inspiranza Designs. One of my Story Time Felts consultants actually sells this alongside her felt business and her job as a children’s librarian. When she told me about it I was intrigued. I’ve seen and bought (and loved) jewelry from other direct sales companies but this one is unique! They include many gems in their designs and they range from contemporary/trendy to traditional/classic. I ordered a set of the Garnet Flower Necklace and Earrings, got them today, and just love them! I’ve hosted jewelry parties before and it is always so much fun. I am not very talented at picking out pieces so I love h ow this catalog is arranged with coordinating sets that are each unique but would blend well together. All their jewelry is beautiful, it was hard to pick! Here is Vicki’s website, be sure to request information from her, she has excellent communication skills and customer service! http://www.inspiranzadesigns.com/vshall She is in Illinois but can service you anywhere in the USA. If you are in my area and sign up under Vicki, LET ME KNOW! I want to host a party!
Another business I am enjoying finding out more about is Artful Decor. The National Chapter Director for the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance is a wonderful woman named Linda Lucas. She is a shining example of a principled businesswoman and has shot to the top of many successful companies. I know she would make a fantastic upline. Artful Decor is unique in that they carry fine art for your home! They have over 6000 works of art to choose from and a variety of frames and sizes. When I first saw their online catalog I was impressed! I for one need some help in this area – all the art we have on our walls is either a hand-me-down or something my husband bought at a Star Trek convention! Being able to choose fine art with a knowledgeable consultant would be such a blessing and what a fun ladies night out that would be! Linda’s new home decor blog is http://lindadlucas.blogspot.com and the Artful Decor company website is http://www.artfuldecor.com Be sure to request information from Linda, I know she’ll treat you well! If you are in my area and sign up under Linda, LET ME KNOW! I want to host a party!
Do you have any experience with either of these direct selling businesses? Let us know what you think by writing a comment. I will add some other unique businesses as time goes by. I know I love being in a “ground floor” opportunity and would love to help others experience that as well!
by Karen Clark on April 4, 2008
I loved this article I got FREE from Sarah Robinson through the newsletter for directsellingleaders.com
The advice here will apply to anyone in business, whether you are in direct sales yet or not!!!!
Karen
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“Saying ‘No’ So You Can Say ‘Yes’! “ By Sarah Robinson
© 2008 Sarah Robinson, Co.
One of the most common business challenges I hear from my clients is usually some variation on the theme of Overwhelm.
- “How do I get it all done?”
- “How do I set priorities?”
- “I never feel like I’m ‘done’ with work and my family has had it!”
-”I work and work and work.”
Does any of this resonate with you? Please know that you are not alone. Many of my clients and workshop participants struggle with feeling overwhelmed. Even I struggle with it sometimes (yes, coaches struggle, too) though it is not the way of life for me that it once was. [click to continue…]