WAHM Forums

As I look at the gap between DM and AM, it seems likereally big jump! Those of you who have done it, how did you do it and how long did it take you to get to AM?

Hi Cindi,


I'm just getting started and I am not at DM yet, but I believe the most that get to DM put everything on their credit card. It would be easy for somebody that has a $6000 limit on their credit card to just charge everything especially if you can afford it. But you only hurt yourself because then when you want to go to AM you have to have at least 10 people and those 10 people have to have at least $100 PRV. And if you know the numbers it will probably take more than 10 people to get to place a $100PRV order.


I'm saying that's how everybody got to DM, but I know ALL of the DM's in my upline or their legs have done it that way. But then that also makes it harder for them to relate the hard work their downlines have to do in order to get there the "long way" if that's what you want to call it. Because they didn't have to struggle like that. Would you agree?


I know this didn't answer your question, but I guess this is my question to you, how do most people that you've seen get there? You would really have to bust it. Ya know I have a Top Ten challenge thingy I could PM you the website when I find it. Maybe that can help get you following some type of goal. As a matter of fact maybe we can get a couple consultants on it this month and have accountability. It is a Cecilia Stoll thingy. We can call it March Madness like she did when she did it.


Bridget G

Hi Bridget~


Thanks for the help. I really am not wanting to put anything on my credit card. I know that is the long run, it only hurts me :). I want to grow my business, not be my business smileys/smiley36.gif


Anywho, I would love more info on the Cecilia Stoll thing if you find it :)

wow-http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley3.gif
My upline has never suggested putting anything on a credit card. That sounds a little extreme to me and not the way I want to do business. I would never ask anyone on my team or a new BB to build their business this way.

I made DM relatively fast (2mos) and all I ordered were 2 RSVP's. The rest came from really hard work - samples/drop off's etc. Also, my best friend joined 2 days after I did and we worked together every Saturday. She went DM in 3 mos. Now if I could just get that enthusiasm back; I'll be set.


DM can be reached via credit card (not recommended by anyone in this company) but AM is going to have to be a team effort.


Connie

We also have a new strategy right now. Everyone is trying to lose weight by summer soI'm selling the Figure 8 set for $100, meaning yes, I'm selling it at retail. I sold 5 in a Starbucks last week and no one batted an eye over the $100 price. Let them know they get a 100% guarantee if they don't like the product for any reason.


After they get started, I'll let them know about the business opportunity. Plus, I made $175 (less tax/shipping).


I've even thought about wearing a "cheesy" button: Lose weight now - Ask me how!


Connie

Hi Connie,


How did you sell those in a Starbucks? Did you set up a table in there or something? I am going to start advertising that too, but first I need to try it. I'm going to join a Curves and see if they'll let me advertise it there.


Bridget G

Wow, you are kidding right Bridget? That is not the way to build a strong business. That is a house of cards. What happens when they have to maintain & can’t because they have no builders underneath them? This is how companies in this industry get a bad name. People have unrealistic expectations & instead of building the right way they spend more $$ than they can afford to get started, then they can’t maintain so they quit & tell everyone it’s a scam. When are people going to realize there are no shortcuts in real businesses?
<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><O:P></O:P>
Cindi, it is a big jump from DM to AM. There is no secret to it, you already know what I am about to say. To get from DM to AM you play the numbers. Your goal is to help 4 of your business builders to get to DM. That will get you to AM.
<O:P></O:P>
For me personally, I try not to focus on my volume numbers. Instead I focus on people I can help get into the business then help them build. The trick is making sure you are building legs at about the same pace. Right now I have helped build one leg very strong. It’s a great leg &amp; going to be great for the future but I need to get my other three legs as strong, or at least one other leg, b/c you can’t stand on one leg. Also I am not currently getting paid for all the DMs in that leg even though I sponsored them &amp; helped them build. But that’s ok, I’m in no hurry, I’m glad to help those on my team who are serious…even if it doesn’t help me directly at this moment. And I will find others to add to the team directly to me. I know how to get there &amp; know I will, it’s just a matter of when.
<O:P></O:P>
So the way to get to AM is to always be looking &amp; helping. Look for those you can share our products with &amp; then help build those who want to make it a business.


*edited to add that this is not to say that you should build it for them. There is a difference between helping &amp; building. smileys/smiley1.gifEdited by: Soonergirl74

Thanks Jennifer :)

Let me make sure everybody is understanding me. I am NOT promoting you do that at all. My DM is now realizing she screwed herself by doing that and is now back tracking. As a matter of fact when I started in November she told me not to do the RSVP because there was another way to get "more bang for your buck" how stupid of me to listen to her, but at the time I didn't know any better. Now I'M the one that's screwed and I'm having to start all over, but without the benefit of an RSVP smileys/smiley19.gif

well- I have only been with the company since wk of christmas and I have seen the power and push of the credit card! In fact I almost lost one potential BB due to the pushing of using the credit card( not by me! but someone else) This person does not have the money and does not have the ability right now to put buying x amount of demo kits,etc on her credit card-- and I totally understand and respect her decision!


I am still working with the person letting them know I really believe they can work this business effectively by using samples and following up on them and by just getting out there! I think this will make them work the biz harder- working towards getting a few gold totes to have! I have offered to help them anyway I can- I have no problem letting them borrow some of my samples if they run low! It is a team effort and I am supposed to be their leader! So this only helps me in the long run! We are getting back together this wk so hopefully I will have overcome her fear that she is doing it wrong by not purchasing x amount up front!


I got a great idea from this board this past wk aboutusing the gold totes and putting the samples in there with the RE9 instruction card-- this way they will definetely get back with the person to get their tote back! I plan on converting one of my totes to this to show her how great it can and will look!

I don't think anyone thought you were promoting that anyone do that at all. No worries. smileys/smiley1.gif


I'm not understanding your comment about the RSVP though. Are you talking about playing with the numbers &amp; getting $700+ worth of products by buying $500 &amp; using 2 host products? That is actually abetter deal b/c you pay about $15 dollars more but get $150 more in volume. And you can do it anytime you want rather than just the 1st two months of your sign up.


Now if the person isn't building a business then the RSVP would probably work for them since they don't care aboutvolume&amp; then you get the bonus.


Lots of leaders advocate the $500 &amp; 2 host products insteadb/c, if you are trying th promote, then volume is king.

I'd be curious to know how the consultants are charging $6,000 on their
credit cards to become DM's without the company questioning it. The
agreement specifically states you can't buy</span>
products to simply advance yourself into management (that would be like
a pyramid scheme) and it is assumed that 70% of your inventory is sold
before you buy more. So, how can that be happening? smileys/smiley5.gif Are they pre-selling $6,000 worth of products?

I know in my case they dont recommend the total 6000- but they are encouraging them to do at least 4 demo kits or optimal 8 demo kits to really start your biz off right!


Now I was able to (by using my debit card) to get 4 demo kits and some samples and extra products for myself to start off with- but I realize alot of people out there cant do this- and I would hate to know that I had pushed anybody into doing something that might jeopardize( that spelling just doesnt look right!) their own family situation-

smileys/smiley3.gif6,000!


sheesh! I couldn't imagine trying to push that on anyone! I have a hard enough timesuggesting 4 sets, and will only suggest that to someone I know has a background in Direct Sales andambitious- because they know the work that goes into it.


Edited by: cassandra

Bridget -


I didn't set up any booth at Starbucks. Just casual conversation - they'll offer a dessert and I said - "No thanks, I just started a weight loss program and its really working" - which is true for me. I happened to have some chews and all the employees wanted one. Gave out samples, talked about how easy Figure 8 is and 5 of them ordered the whole kit. Now, this is my "local" Starbucks and I'm in there 3 times a week. Didn't know anyone's name and now I do.


Hope this helps!


Connie

I did DM in 3 months, started in April 2005. I started out with 1 RSVP, then when I qualified for the 2nd, bought that. Then I ended up purchasing almost all of the makeup (except foundations) because my "new" clients were asking me to see it and I didn't have it! Plus, I thought it would be a good idea to start using it.


Anyway, I did AM in 2 months, and finished AM October 1st. I promoted 4 DMs out over that time frame, so that helped. Then in Sept, my RVP was finishing up qual for NVP, so she offered us a HUGE incentive the last week of the month. She offered us to offer everything at 50% off and then she would reimburse us for the extra 15% (on top of our 35% off). So, we weren't making any money up front, but it was giving us a ton of volume. Needless to say, I finished AM that month.


Since then it has been somewhat of a struggle though...most of my team (even those that promoted to DM) have given up. The strange thing is that I cannot understand why people invest money and then give up so easily. Most of the time, they haven't even made their investment back.


So, that's my story....going from DM to AM is a big jump. My only suggestion would be if you are looking to make that jump, make sure you have a somewhat strong team already built and that they aren't going to quit!Edited by: jemaca_jemaca

Jennifer- I listened in on a conference call of Deanna Herrin's last nite and she talked briefly about how she has 4 vps under her that she didnt recruit-they just moved up under her b/c 4 people under her -as she put it- didnt wait for the paycheck! She was talking about how we want everything right now-cant reach someone at home so you immediately call their cell phone, start working out at the gym in january but by Feb no longer there- cant seem to take the time to plant the seeds and wait for fruition- now those are my words not hers! But basically what she said- which I thought was invaluable.....she also talked about how this is NOT a get rich quick scheme- this is something you actually have to work at---you have to sacrifice today for a better tomorrow and another phrase she used is - you earn your mercedes one day at a time!


She also suggested taking the time to build a strong team-and you are right about having a strong team built before going towards AM - a team who is committed--b/c unless you are out selling 24/7 no way you can get up the volume needed by yourself to make the jump!


I know for me- I had to "find" the time to start listening in to these conference calls- but they have been so worth it for me- in February Imade as one of my monthly goals that no matter what I would listen to at least one call per wk..


Curious- Jennifer how many do you have under you? I had hoped to do as some have talked about - get to my car in 4-6 months- but realized that is a rarity- now I have backtracked and slowed down--I had to really look at what I wanted after a disappointing January- well to me it was- I fully expected to go out there and in one month time finish DM and move on towards AM-- isnt that funny! But there is a bright side to my January- those seeds I started planting in Jan started sprouting in Feb and hopefully will start to harvest on them in the coming wks! Some - like myself- will want to start this biz in just a few hours after hearing about it- others just need that time to let it grow in their minds--


Oh my how you ramble when you do not get enough sleep! Had less than 3 hours last nite- baby just didnt want to do anything but cry--so I have said my 2 cents worth!

This is NOT a get rich quick scheme. YES, there are a few who have "made it" in half a year or so, but that is rare. When I am sharing the opportunity with someone, I like to use EOA stories from those who have taken longer to build their businesses, because it's more realistic andIdon't want them to get discouraged easily. It's hard to give someone that dream of a Mercedes in 6 months then have them feel like a failure when it takes them 3 months to reach District, how could they possibly reach Region in 3 months if it took them 3 months to reach District? That's how they feel andthat's when they will give up. But when you share stories of those who took longer, then it's more realistic toyour team3 or 4 months down the road when they are a District (and seeing Area as a struggle) and they wont' be as quick to give up because they know that it does take time to build a strong organization. I do tell them about those rare few who make it in short periods, but I emphasize that it is rare.


If you take a look at the back of your commission check, you'll see that it says, "My acceptance and endorsement on this check is also my verification that I have sold 70% of all products purchased from Arbonne International."

Does anyone here garden? Have you ever started a plant from seed? It goes through stages and it takes time to have a hearty, healthy. flower or vegetable producing plant. You see a few outward signs that the plant is progressing but you have to look beneath the surface tosee what is really going on. As a plant sprouts, it has a very weak, very tenuous hold on life through the short root that sustains it. As you feed it, give it sunshine &amp; water, the roots spread out and become stronger. On the outside you see the stalk or backbone of the plant become stronger and stand straighter. Even so, you can train this still tender stalk to turn &amp; bend around anything you put in the pot with it. Place a straight stick in the container and use plant ties to help give the plant the support it needs to grow strong &amp; tall. You have to add more as the plant grows, helping it along the right path to growth. We use tomato cages or stakes to help wayward branches of the plant to stay strong and not break off. We continue to feed the plants and even protect them from pests that would like to destroy them. If the plant is in a pot inside the house, you will see it "reach" towards the sunshine and to have a well balanced plant, you have to rotate the planter so that the entire plant gets what it needs and seeks out.


Not all plants make it to fruition but the ones that do most generally havea tremendous root network, working below the surface taking the nutrients from the food, sunshine, &amp; water that is given to it. While these 3 elements are essential to a healthy plant, there is a 4th that you cannot buy, steal, or rush and that is time.


I guess I share this to say that it takes time, a balanced diet of learning, teaching, and sharing once the seeds have been sown. Remember that different plants require different things and produce different results. Find out what your team needs from you. Not everyone progresses at the same speedor needs the same things from you. I heard Debra Fox talk about identifying the personalities of your team members and working with them instead of sometimes (unknowingly) against them. This is something I have struggled with in my years as a manager/coach in different businesses.


Good luck to us all!

Teresa what a wonderful analogy of our business- you said it so much better than I did!


I think this is the key to being successful in this bizor just rushing to the finish line!

Great analogy Teresa! Cassandra, you are exactly right...it is rare that people go that fast. And even more rare I thinkis going that fast &amp; having a solid foundation.


A lot of people who could have been successful do quit before payday. I believe it's because of unrealistic expectations. We keep hearing about those who do move fast &amp; next thing you know you feel like everyone but you is promoting in the blink of an eye. So you begin to doubt yourself &amp; the opportunity. We also need to know thatfor a lot of them to move fast things had to go just the right way. As we all know, that doesn't happen for everyone, lol.


Most of us encounter obstacles throughout our journey. And that is a good thing b/c you learn from those obstacles. And they will help you to become a better leader. However, if a person has unrealistic expectations then when they hit a stubbling block they freak out &amp; possibly quit.


It is our responsibility to give them a realistic picture of this opportunity. Prospects need to understand that this is a real business &amp; because of that things are going to happen &amp;the road might not be completely smooth. The important thing &amp; the mark of a real business person is how we react to those twists, turns &amp; blocks when we stubble across them.