WAHM Forums

I thought it would be nice if we all shared one "AHA" we had this year that will make 2006 even better!


For me, it's relationships. You need to build a relationship with your hostessess, recruits, customersand team members. This includes follow-up and hostess coaching. And it does pay off. smileys/smiley32.gif


Debbie

I know I cannot remember the lady's name, but one of the top producers in lia sophia said, "They are not rejecting me, they are rejecting something I am offering." I thought that was something good for me to learn as I start out in the direct salesbusiness world...

I liked, "Offer, don't ask." Offering people a show to earn free stuff not only works better than asking them, but it feels better to.


Melissa

I finally understood that recruiting isnt about "ME" It is about what this business can do for others! The feeling of watching my team grow and seeing their faces and hear in their heart how great it feels to be promoted or reaching a level they were working toward.


Their is no other gift like it! It is so much richer for the soul than money could ever be for the pocketbook!


I absolutely LOVE my job and it took me 3 years and a few tries to get it right, but now that I have found my "home" it is the best thing in the world!

The most significant thing I've learned this year is that all the
things we've heard about POSITIVE THINKING, SELF GROWTH and
CHOOSING SUCCESS are <center>ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!!!
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I don't know why I had resisted believing and trying this simple method..
It's been just one month now that I have been making this effort- working
on self-improvement, & positive thinking, receiving daily positive thought
meditations, reading motivational literature for MLM and DS, and actually
telling myself and believing that "I CHOOSE to SUCCEED and I am GOING
to SUCCEED!".Guess what?

I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE SUCCESSFUL or had such a RAPID SURGE in my
business.. EVER!

So get out there and start tapping into the power of positive thought! If
you haven't read Richard Brooke's eBook, "Mach II With Your Hair on Fire",
I highly recommend this as a must read for all people in MLM and DS! I
cencourage my team members to read this at least once each year.


I wish you all a blessed holiday season, and a joyful and productive new
year! smileys/smiley31.gif

--Kitt Edited by: CreativiTEA

Gosh, there seems like so much, and I bet after I type this, I'll think of more. A few that stand out are when I heard someone say "Take emotion out of the equation and work the numbers". In fact, I think someone here said that not too long ago. Thank you!


I also learned how to Eat That Frog, and that's made a huge difference in my business and home life as well.


Also, while learning more about leadership, I discovered love as a verb. This was fundamentally life changing for me and it made me re-examine how I behave towards my children, spouse, family, friends, business partners, and even strangers.


Oh, and I too am learning how to ask. That getting a "no" is far better than getting nothing at all.


I better stop before I continue on and on!!!

I learned not to give away zillions of samples to anyone who
asks. A small packet of body butter here and there is okay, but
giving away $3 goody bags never proved to be anything more than a
money-waster!smileys/smiley9.gif

Share the whole aspect of your business with everyone. You never know what might interest them or someone they know.





Amber Joy Imhoff

I definetly learned host coaching!!!! smileys/smiley4.gif I found that my gatherings are SO successful and fun when I really connect with the host. I've made so many faithful customers and friends through this process!!!! smileys/smiley2.gif

For me it was learning how to book parties. I learned that sometimes I have to offer a fantastic special out of my pocket in order to get the bookings and I also found that playing a booking game definitely pays off.


Here's to a great 2006!!!!

This is great, Debbie! I realized the importance of providing not only good, but excellent, customer service! I found this month when I decided to change skin care and cosmetic companies, that because I have provided excellent customer service to my customers throughout the years, they have been more then willing to follow me to Arbonne and that has filled my heart with so much joy! They could have very easily told me no, and found another consultant but they decided to stick with me! I am truly blessed with great friends and customers and very thankful! Best of luck to you all and have a very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! smileys/smiley1.gif

I learned that you need to follow your passions. If you are unhappy with a company you are with - don't stay with them hoping things will change. Take that leap and find one that you are happy with. smileys/smiley17.gif

I've learnedthe importancetolisten! It's about others, their need and their wants!

No means Next Opportunity...


If you don't ask, it can't happen..





Debbie

I have learned that to be successful in my business, I had to encounter and overcome many challenging situations.


With every "no" with be 2 more "yes's".


Customer service is everything in direct sales.





Seasons Beadings,


Ellen

I INTERNALIZED this phrase and rethink it to myself every day...

"The end result of any one's life is a matter of personal choice".

I WILL be successful because I will CHOOSE to be. I will be happy because I will CHOOSE to be.

OH...and the most important thing I learned was "WHEW...I'm glad I never had to deal with Debbie's PSYCHO customer myself!" (there would have been a death or a lawsuit of some kind!)

LOL

Don't take tomarrow for granted!

I am only responsible for asking, I am not responsible for the response.


Sponsoring comes from the heart.


It's all a numbers game, for every no - you are that much closer to a yes. SW, SW, SW, WN? Some Will, Some Won't, So What, Who's Next?!


Enough cannot be said about customer service!!


I'll probably think of more....


Nora

That your immediate circle of friends (and family for that matter) isn't always understanding or supportive. Grow outside of your normal circle to experience REAL growth!

I learned that if I don't ASK, then I never give people the opportunity to say
"Yes". I am not doing them any favors by not asking...

In business, I must be TRUE to my personal integrity. Sounds kind of goofy,
I know, but there you have it...

Nondy

Thank you Debbie for starting this thread. It is nice to revisit
lessons learned. That is one of the things I have come to value
in this site, everyones desire to help each other with honesty and
integrity.



This year has been one of many "Ah Ha" moments. One of the
biggest lessons learned is to never prejudge. "You never know"
has come to be my saying. Embracing this philosophy has
encouraged me to invite anyone and everyone with an interest in wine to
explore this business. I give them the information necessary to
make the right decision for them. Everyone has a different reason
and need for getting involved in a Direct Sales Company, some may have
nothing to do with the company or me so I just put it out there and
offer them the support they need in making that decision and then
follow through with the training necessary to be successful.



I have also learned that you can't be everything to everyone and be an
effective leader. Each person will require different levels of
support and communication and you need to recognize that and respond
appropriately. My goal in the coming year is to be more in tune
with this fact. I love what I do, but understand that with continual
self development and open communication I can be more effective.
It is my desire to be a better leader for my team and not only talk the
talk but walk the walk. "When you lead by example others will
walk beside you." (Which is a lot more fun!!)

I've learned that I need to lead by example. If I'm asking my team to book more parties, increase sales, and sponsor, I had better be follwing my own advice.


In 2005, I have lead my team in sales and I really saw my team follow.


My lesson... "Don't just talk the walk.... walk it!"


Susan Scarborough Smith / Star Director

That your immediate circle of friends (and family for that matter) isn't always understanding or supportive. Grow outside of your normal circle to experience REAL growth!


Amen!

I am new to Direct Sales and pretty much everything has been a learning experience. My most learned for the year are:


Get out of your circle of friends is crutial.


Reward and acknowledgeyour friends/family support is crucial.


Not all of your hostesses will be cooperative or even nice.


Don't get caught up in the business and neglect your or your family needs.


Never take anything for granted.


Nothing worth anything will just fall in your lap





Happy Holiday to all

I agree that you have to get out of the circle of friends and family, i found out they really dont want to help you out.

K.I.S.S. = Keep It Simple, Stupid smileys/smiley36.gif


Sometimes we (this happened to me) focus so much on training, learning, etc., and doinga great job that we forget the basic principle of just plain having fun. Not that I was ever bored and not enjoying myself, but I realized that there really is no need to try to be a perfectionist at everything. In fact, when I relaxed and focused more at my events about having fun, laughing and giggling with my guests, is when I saw more positive results!


Guests and hosts at a party like you to know what you're talking about, but they really don't care if you speak with absolute perfection or not. They don't know if you forgot to mention a little something, so don't worry about it. And, perhaps when you do stumble over your words here or there, it just makes you more human and someone they can relate to!


So, I guess to summarize it all, I could also say, "Don't sweat the small stuff."

I love K.I.S.Ssmileys/smiley36.gif

I learned that it doesn't matter how much you change companies, finding
the right one is what is important. It might take several tries and you
may leave a company that you have been with a long time -but in the
end-it is what is in your own heart and passions that will make you a
success! I don't worry anymore about what others think, it is what
works best for me and my family that is important!

I learned a lot this year - First health is primary - everyone in my immediate family had surgery this year - including me so a rough year- and it sure disrupts all of life's cycles.....but learned gratitude for having health in the end!!


Second - no matter how many times you explain to some people that you must pay for one order before they send you another - they just don't get it - smileys/smiley36.gif


NEXT !!!!

One "AHA" that I will share is sending out invitations from the Host and not from myself. The invitation becomes actually that... an invitation from the host and not fromDebbie the Designer (no pun intended, Deb..lol) that you don't know and have never heard of. Of course, the invitations are just reminders of a personal invitesmileys/smiley2.gif


Another "AHA" that I am still focusing on learning is to not let people use or take advantage of me in my businesses. I need to value my time and expertise more and not "give away" my time as well as products or money.smileys/smiley18.gif In 2006, I am making a conscience effort to focus on my "valued" customers and hostesses and not spend so much time on those who need to be "won over" with freebies and lots of valuable time.