I’m writing about rudeness not because I don’t have thick skin – that’s a necessity if you’re going to be in sales and leadership. But rather to let other consultants and leaders know if they experience rudeness, they’re not alone and there are ways to handle those situations. Maybe because I’m from the older generation [...]

It’s not uncommon to hear direct sales consultants who are struggling with their business blame it on their area being saturated. That is generally an inaccurate assessment and not the genuine reason their business may be struggling. Let’s look closer. Every business has different phases or cycles. There are various methodologies – “Forming, Storming, Norming… [...]

There are hundreds of thousands of direct sales consultants. Within your own company there are likely thousands of fellow consultants, also known as competitors. What makes you special so that customers and recruits should do business with you? Consider this: Quick, take 10-15 seconds to list as many toothpaste brands as you can. Tick tock [...]

One of the reasons I have been successful with my direct sales business all these years is because I run my business like a business. I consider profit margins. I look at getting the best return on my investment and I consider all actions I do to determine if it is in the best interest [...]

Have you heard the rumor that the J-months (January, June and July) are slow for many direct sales businesses?  Don’t believe it! It’s false! Of course they will be slow if you stop working your business, but that’s a given. Keeping Working Your Business in the Summer Direct sales takes a unique balance of working [...]

Does your direct sales business offer any products that could be enjoyed by children? If so, host an art contest. Advertising the contest and the final submissions will increase exposure to your business. How to Organize an Art Contest There are a couple different ways you can do organize it. You could host a local [...]

‘Tis the season to set up shop at vendor events, craft shows, expos and fairs. Rather than give you a long list of things you can do to ensure a successful show, it’s easier to highlight what not to do at vendor events. The Perfect Bad Example. I approached a vendor to find her in [...]

Spend the next two minutes with me and I’ll show you how to be memorable and effective the next time someone asks “What do you do?” or “Tell us about your business.” Business networking the old fashioned way, in person, can be uncomfortable or awkward if it’s not an activity you’re used to doing. It [...]

If you can complete a jigsaw puzzle, you can have a successful direct sales business. Puzzles and direct sales – you’re not seeing the correlation? Read on. My name is Laurie, and I am a jigsaw puzzle addict.  Time seems to stand still when I am buried in 1,000 puzzle pieces. “Just one more piece… [...]

Direct sales consultants often get frustrated when their business starts off great then quickly fizzles out. This frequently happens because their family and friends initially support their new business venture by buying product and hosting parties. In some aspects this gives the consultant a false sense of success and how easy this business is. After [...]