Jackie Ulmer, Direct Sales Coach and Social Networking Trainer » recession

5 Tips to Move Your Direct Sales Business Forward

Jackie Ulmer — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:00:18 +0000

Whether you are in Party Plan or Network Marketing, these 5 Tips are for you, if you are serious about moving your business forward.

Tip #1 – Host Your Own Party – this can be a business launch party, for those in Network Marketing; or a Home Party more centered around retail sales and the “retail to recruit” platform if you are in Party Plan. Choose a fun theme and do some simple decorations. People still love being social in these economic times and you can offer a great gift to those who may be looking.

If it’s a business launch party, let people know you are going to have some fun and learn about some options for adding an extra paycheck each month. Have fun music playing; great guests and get them into the fun, social side of things and then plan on about 20 minutes to show your business

Tip #2 – Ask for Referrals – stay in business mode wherever you are and be prepared to meet people, pass out a card and ask the question – Who do you know?

Who do you know who loves getting free stuff and hosting home partes?

Who do you know who is looking for some extra income?

Who do you know who…….(insert a problem you can solve?)

Tip #3 – Follow Up – Go back through your names list and list of those who you have previously spoken with about your business; either as a potential party host; or business builder. When was the last time you refreshed them on what you are doing? Mail a postcard; make a phone call; invite to take another look; send an email (least responsive!) Do something to get back and touch. Studies have shown that a person has some sort of change in their life about every 6 months. You never know when it’s something big enough to cause your prospect to take a second look.

Tip #4 – Join a networking group. Networking groups are designed for business. What a great way to pick up retail sales and also potential team partners. Check with your local chamber of commerce; bni.com; meetup.com and Google for other ideas. You can create an endless stream of people to talk to and network through by joining a group designed for networking.

Tip #5 – Re-define your goals; and re-evaluate your philosophy. Did you know that two huge companies were started during a recession? Microsoft and Disneyland! In fact, more than half of the companies that make up the DOW Jones industrial average began during a recession. So stop using the economy as an excuse for why you business isn’t working. If you will define your goals, and then get your thinking straight, you’ll figure out how to make your business soar.

Stop listening to the news and start listening to advisors like Robert Kiyosaki (The Business of the 21^st Century) and Donald Trump (Why We Want You to Be Rich). After all, wouldn’t you rather be advised by someone who is making millions than a newscaster only scraping by?

Get your education from someone who has accomplished what you want to accomplish.

Put these 5 simple tips into play and see what happens.

Easy to do; easy not to do. The choice it yours.

I would love to hear your feedback and comments. Let’s exchange ideas
below. Just leave your thoughts/questions.

And, if you would like to learn the methods, tips and secrets I have used, please get my report below!

Retail to Recruit Through Party Plan

Jackie Ulmer — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:31:53 +0000

The Party Plan business model in Direct Sales offers an incredible platform for building a team; residual income; all while putting immediate cash in your pocket through each event. It creates a perfect scenario for leveraging your time.

It’s funny, my own company has a very strong retail product and while we are not a party plan, I have spent hours lately researching party plan companies to see what they do, and how they do it. I want to offer this type of training and coaching to those on my team who WANT to retail and keep that easy, immediate cash rolling in.

And, I am no party expert so I’m in learning mode.

Party plan companies grow very solid businesses by starting with that warm market list, booking home shows and expanding their contact list through the guests of their friends and contacts. Imagine growing your list each week by 20-30 people, all connected by someone who you have established a relationship with.

Party Plan, when done most effectively, uses each retail event as a strong recruiting platform in their businesses. It’s really quite fascinating and different than some experiences in more traditional “Network Marketing.”

I think the reason for this is that the distributor hosting the party is immediately modeling for the “prospects” how to do the business; the simplicity of the business; and anyone who can do simple math can see the amount of money being made on an hourly basis.

Many people would jump at the chance to work 6-9 hours a week, and earn $67 – 75 an hour. That is in line with what many in my own company are experiencing right now and it is so fun to watch the difference that type if income is making for their families. Especially in this economy.

This is what a party plan company can do, and so it makes the prospecting and sponsoring process a little more simple because it’s not theory. Anyone attending a party and watching can see what the potential is.

With network marketing, we offer the “promise” of part time/full time incomes, but no one actually SEES us earning that income, pocketing that money right then and there.

While I have built both ways, online and offline, I personally prefer the online methods, and yet recognize that it can be a slower way to build; and a more “technical” way to build, which slows some down.

I am also embracing the value in the home party/retail model as well, and learning to factor that into my own network marketing business, for those who want to do that.

And, in today’s economy, I am finding many more people receptive to the idea of “partying for a living!” With the right product; the right price point; and the right personality, this can breathe some life into “old School” methods!

I would love to hear your feedback and stories on how you or your team have used this concept; or how you might see it making a difference in your business.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

My Direct Sales Interview with Julie Anne Jones

Jackie Ulmer — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:18:31 +0000

It’s an exciting time in Direct Sales and Network Marketing, especially given the state of our economy. If you knew you could earn between $2000 and $3000 a month working 6-9 hours a week, partying for a living, what would hold you back?

Have you heard of “the Lipstick Factor?’ This is what occurs during tougher economic times, when people begin to buy more affordable things that make them feel good instead of what they need, necessarily.

Listen in as I interview Julie Anne Jones and she shares some exciting information on what is going on in our amazing profession. This is a generic call, and it’s worth noting that Julie Anne is doing a private coaching series for my leadership team. You may want to consider putting together the same for your team!

We also touch on the power of Social Media and how you can develop an online business; booking events through this concept; and how to create an amazing business for yourself through the gift you give to others through your retail/party events! Success in your business all comes down to building relationships! Look at every party/retail event that you do as the chance to leverage the contact list of others; and recruit for the long term. Share the gift of your opportunity at every event.

It’s about much more than immediate cash in your pocket, although that is a nice benefit as well.

Listen in and get excited about the possibilities!

Share your comments and your plan of action for success! Ready to book those party and retail events? I’m excited to hear your plan to pay cash for the holidays.

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer

Are you in Big Business Mode or Stuck in Small Thinking?

Jackie Ulmer — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:59:10 +0000

Are you thinking small or big business?

Business slowdowns are occurring in much of the business world, so if you’ve been thinking that it is limited to just you or your business, ask around. It doesn’t matter what your home business or what your product, chances are, you’re experiencing a drop in business. This is not the time to throw in the towel, however. It’s the time to do a full court press and take your business to the top.

I’ve been conversing with other networkers who are sharing the same sentiments. Some are starting to let fear grip them; and others are taking a proactive approach.

If you’ve read the business section of your newspaper, or jumped onto Yahoo News lately, you’ll see what’s happening elsewhere in the world of business.

Car makers are downsizing; governments are downsizing; and the list goes on. This means the loss of jobs by more workers all around the country and in many departments. These companies are’f currently closing their doors, but they are refocusing their businesses and going through everything to see what works and what doesn’t. Many other types of businesses are doing the same.

What are you doing with your business plan? Are you going through everything? Seeing what works and what doesn’t? Sharpening your focus and re-working your business plan? This is the sign of someone thinking big business.

I’ve heard from networkers inside and outside of my business who are quitting. Things are getting tight and instead of looking at their business as an asset, they are choosing to see it as a liability; something that must go. This is an interesting way to think about a business, designed to bring in money.

Now is not the time to throw in the towel. Leave that to your competition. That is very small business thinking and is not the type of thinking you need to move your business forward. Tough times mean increased opportunities, if you’ll look for them and put yourself out there.

So, let’s get out that business plan and give it an overhaul. Let’s start with an inventory of what you have been doing. Get out a sheet of paper and write out what your daily action plan has consisted of over the last few weeks; months or even years. What has brought you the greatest success? What has brought you the greatest passion toward working your business? In what areas can you make improvements?

What type of monthly advertising budget are you working with? Where are you committing that budget monthly? How effective is this for you? What have you learned from this advertising? What can you do to increase your advertising budget without taking from your family budget?

Success in your own business involves just a few simple things. After all, when you think about it, there is nothing different from someone who is not having success compared to one who is except action, belief and consistency. These are the essential ABCs of business success.

Action means doing something to move your business forward each day. These can be small, meaning not a long list or super time intensive.

Here is an example of some action steps to take daily –

Pass out your business card to two people each day.
Make 2 new friends on Facebook, Twitter or another social networking site.
Call two leads who have responded to an ad for home business.

There are others, but these are two that are simple to do. Find the methods that work for you. This checks of the A part of the success plan.

Belief is the next one. How do you know that the sun will come up tomorrow; that the seasons will change? We have no real proof except that it has happened before, so it should happen again, right? This is belief, and it plays an important part in your success.

How to you make yourself believe that you will be successful, especially if things have been rocky? Who do you know who has already had the kind of success you are seeking? What is it about this person or these people that makes it work for them? What steps do they take each day? Are these steps that you could also take?

If you know that others have been successful in the same company, then you must believe that if you follow in their footsteps you will be, too. Belief is powerful, and a necessary part of your business.

Consistency is the final piece of the “big business thinking plan.” McDonald’s did not become successful by offering French fries only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Or, by opening only when they feel like it. Their success has come as a result of being open for business at posted, scheduled times, and remaining open and in business even when no customers are in the store. They have a big business approach.

How well will any business do if it is only open an hour or two a month? What if those two hours consist of reading email; checking into the back office to see how many hits the website has received; and wondering why no business is coming in?

The key piece of Consistency is taking Action, based on Belief. No one has ever failed who has pursued this avenue of business success.

So, as other businesses and competitors close their doors, do you see this as a trend you should follow, or opportunity to increase your market share?

Put your big business sunglasses on and use this time to be a business success story, surviving in an environment where a large percentage of your competition is quitting, leaving a wide open opportunity for you!

EXPECT Success!

Jackie Ulmer