In the classic Disney film “Bambi”, the rabbit Thumper offered some great advice. He said, “If you can’t say somethin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.” What does this have to do with direct selling? The answer is “a lot.” When people join a direct selling company, they are in search of something and…
Ask Victoria: What Is A Leader?
In direct sales, leaders must have many of the same qualities as company owners because they essentially own their own businesses. Some of these qualities include: Discipline. Treat a direct sales business like a commission-only corporate job, with no base pay or income guarantees. Consistency. Continually perform the same tasks for the best results. Motivation….
Ask Victoria: Why An Hour?
You may be wondering why our direct selling startup guide comes with an hour of consulting. Some people buy our guide without realizing that it comes with an hour of direct selling consulting. When they find out about this powerful hour, I’m often told the book is of great value without it. There are three…
Ask Victoria: What Is A Successful Conference Call?
Successful conference calls truly are great because they produce wondrous results. Participants not only learn important information but also get motivated to do something positive for their businesses afterward. Here are my tips to have a successful conference call:
Ask Victoria: How Do I Create A Unique Selling Proposition?
Differentiation is the key to successful marketing. A Unique Selling Proposition is one or more unique selling points. Creating a USP is work, work best accomplished by completing an exercise. Jot down the following information: Sales Methods How is this product sold? One to one? At-home parties? Is it demonstrated? If so, what are the elements of the demonstration? Delivery…
Social Media and the FTC
Social media is not going away anytime soon. How should we use it to help us, not hurt us? Out of Control You may have heard horror stories about social media being used by representatives to inaccurately promote income opportunities or products. Unhappy distributors or customers sometimes express their grievances publically for all to see. …
Ask Victoria: How Do I Get My Reps To Improve Their Customer Service?
“I shop quite a bit and spend a lot of money, but it isn’t often that I have encountered a company or a representative that is all about the customer. I will certainly be a repeat customer!” Wouldn’t you like to receive this kind of letter or blog post? Here are some things you need…
The Golden Rules of Customer Retention
Golden rules are the rules you should follow. You probably know this one: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” However, when it comes to customer retention, the golden rules are different.
Ask Victoria: Why Should Direct Selling Companies Send Newsletters?
In these days of instant communication, you might be wondering if newsletters are “old school” and if your direct selling company should stop creating and sending them out. The answer is absolutely not.
Ask Victoria: What Is Rapport?
Rapport is what we all seek. It can help bring harmony and balance into our daily lives. Rapport is part of the foundation on which we build our success in life and in business. What exactly is rapport? rapport (noun) Definition: friendly relationship: an emotional bond or friendly relationship between people based on mutual liking,…
Ask Victoria: What Advice Do You Give Most Often To Established Direct Selling Companies?
As a senior consultant at Sylvina Consulting, each week I talk with many executives of party plan and MLM companies. I hear firsthand about a company’s successes and challenges. I love direct selling because it’s a people business. Sometimes, a company has a specific issue or group of issues in which our help is requested. …
Ask Victoria: Why Is The Direct Sales Attrition Rate So High?
The rate of attrition of independent representatives of direct selling companies is high for many reasons. Here are several of them: Direct selling is a “sales” job, but the average person joining a direct selling company may not view herself as a “salesperson.” While people are often led to believe that it is easy and…