WAHM Forums

Hi gals...


Well, I need your help. I have been putting off posting this because I'm not really sure what to do, but I figured I'd get your advice and opinions.


Most of you know I am with Linen World...I have been for almosta year now. I came to this board last year looking for a DS opportunity and you all were a great help. I actually found LW on my own, and really thought it was the one for me. We have a great commission plan, awesome owners, products that take the "guilt" factor out of buying for lots of women, wonderful customer service,and probably the best hostess plan I've ever witnessed. Business started off with a bang and I had a huge business going by the end of the year...4 recruits and great sales. Not one of my January parties panned out and short of begging, I have done everything to schedule more, to no avail. I am quickly losing my interest in this company for a few reasons, the biggest being we only change catalogs once a year! New catalogs come out in late July (right when I started) and everyone (myself included) is bored with what's in them. Linens are not all that exciting anywaysmileys/smiley2.gif, but when they don't change, it's even worse. We did get a new spring flyer and I was hoping that would spark some biz, but there are only maybe 6 new products and no one is real interested. They'd rather wait until the new catalog comes out.


When I joined the company, I was very passionate about the biz and all it offered and I still feel that way, however, I was not very passionate about the product line, although my hostessses and guests have all loved it. Was that my problem? Do I look for something else? I am in a postion where I really need to be bringing in some money and this is not cutting it. I do not want to quit the company, because I know when the new book comes out, I'll book shows agin, but maybe I need to add another different sort of business with it? I guess I'm just looking for some opinions and advice on what you might all do.


Sorry so long, aND thanks in advance!


Lisa

Hi Lisa~


If I were in your position and I needed to bring in some money as well, I'd probably look into something else that interested me. A renewed excitement may be just what you need! You don't have to close your other business, but maybe keep that one on the back burner and ramp up a new venture! If that one keeps your interest and it's building in a way that you like, you can always close your linen business ~ or maybe it'll just be a fill in and when your new linen products come out, maybe it'll re-kindle your fire??


Either way, it wouldn't hurt to pursue a new interest in my opinion.


Good luck!


Kim

I agree with Kim, I wouldn't quit that business, but maybe find something new and interesting to you.


Now keep in mind, linens aren't consumable..so you only need so many towels, sheets etc in a time period.....so when looking for something new to do, look at if its a consumable product, if you will get reorders once they use it up.


Goodluck!!

Hi Lisa!


In my opinion, one of the things you needto be successful in a direct sales companyis a passion for the product you're trying to promote. After all, sharing the product line with others is how you earn a paycheck, and how canyou possibly be excited aboutbooking parties and finding leads otherwise?


For example, if you visit a restaurant that you found to be just so-so, likely you won't initiate a conversation about it with someone you know. It won't stand out in your mind. However,if you eat a meal at a restaurant where the food was outstanding, the portions were generous, the prices were reasonable, and the staff was top notch, you're going to enthusiastically tell your family and friends about it andrecommend that they eat there too.


The same goes for what we sell. If we're notexcited about it, we're not going to be as motivated to talk about it with others as we would if we were absolutely crazy aboutthe line.


So, my recommendation would be to start searching for something else that'll create a spark in you. Hope this helps!

I would suggest maybe adding another company that had consumables, either that or try some different marketing techniques. One thing that keeps my business booming is that most of my customers are people I don't know. There's always someone new to reach out to. I would think your company would be a great on this time of the year to promote to newly engaged couples to host a party to earn free products for their new home. A wedding shower party where people can buy items for the new married couple or themselves and the couple gets the hostess points. I know Pampered Chef does something along this line, and I know when I first got marriend I went out and bought all new linens. So that might be a new way for you to market your business to people you don't know.





I think that a food company could also go well with your company though if you are really looking to add another option on.

hi!


this is actually one of my coaching services.


Yes, I believe you need to be passionate about the products or you will get bored again. Often, it's finding a business that can grow with you.


For example, with Discovery Toys, I became interested in Baby Sign, so I started to incorporate Sign classes in my workshops. It made my business new and exciting again. I often take different aspects and apply them to my biz.


So you need something you can grow as as person with.


What is your passion? What do you love to do? What excites you? What skill do you want to apply?


It is very easy to find yourself in a pattern and skipping or addingbusinesses every year.


Look into your heart this time and let it guide you.


Best of luck,


Debbie

Hi Lisa ~


Sorry to hear about your situation. I know its tough to decide if leaving a company is the best thing after you've put so much time and effort into building your business. Only you know if your feelings are going to take a turn for the better or if your going to continue feeling the way you do now.


I definitely would not do anything (join something else or quit) beforethinking every option through. You could alwaysjoin a company with a product that wouldcompliment your current business.However, would that truly solve the problem? Only you know if it's just a "business slump" which everyone goes through or if you need to cut your losses. There's no point in sticking with something just for the sake of saying you stuck with it.


I personally feel you need to love your product and the company. That is the only way your "excitement and passion" will not fade over time. Not to say that love forthe product is not the only thing you need! I've seen people succeed just because of the compensation plan and the potential of their business.


Only you know your situation best. Are you not able to book parties because it's the same circle of people who have booked in the past and they just don't need anything right now? Or are these all new contacts you've made? Are home parties the only way of marketing your product? Are there others ways you can get sales?


Best of luck to you! I know it's a very hard decision.

I can understand where you are! Right now I have 2 businesses and one I'm just not that excited about. I love the products, but I am just not getting the sales. So I am going to focus on the Romance biz because I am getting the bookings and sales and the other biz will still be there just on the back burnner. smileys/smiley1.gif

Hi Lisa, Enthusiasm is the key that turns the door to your business. When you don't have it, your business has no momentum. If you have lost your enthusiasm, you could look around for something else, or you could recommit to your own company and see if it will work. I am also a believer in consumables, and that is why I am in my 16th year with Mary Kay. There was one point in time that I felt that I had lost momentum. So, being committed to my company, I had a Hostess Special month where I gave out more hostess gifts than usual. I booked 10 classes within 5 days, and it turned my business around, because I had over $4500 in sales and 4 new recruits in the month, one of whom has gone on to earn her pink cadillac! So, your next decision is do I recommit and do something different, or do I try another product. I do have an opinion about trying to build two businesses. Mary Kay said you can't chase 2 rabbits and catch either one. If you have goals to get higher in a company, I feel that you should find that "rabbit" and run with it. Keep us posted, and if you would like any info on MK, PM me.

Valerie
Driving Free is for Me!!

Wow...you all are incredible...I knew I could turn to you and get some great answers and advice.


I agree with all of you who said your must have a passion for your product and company, which I do believe I had. I truly believe through all my research ( and believe me, I researched!) that this opportunity is awesome, I just have never really felt the passion for the products and the fact that they don't change that often really doesn't help matters. Yes, I am kind of stuck in the same circle of people..not all of them are family or friends of mine, but people who have attended their friends parties and don't want to see the same stuff again. And your right...it's not consumable...my first mistake, however, there is a wide variety of products in the catalog.


I've been in direct sales on and off over the years...started with AHA and left after 4 years when I got married and didn't have as much time..Mary Kay a few years later...which I still am a personal use consultant, but my SIL, MIL, and a great family friend were all MK gals so I never really went gung ho with it, and now LW. I don't want to lose credibility with family and friends and for people to think I just jump around alot, because I don't...I really put a lot of time and effort into my research when I lost my job and decided to find a company that would enable me to stay at home with my son. I really thought this was it.


Well, thanks for allowing me to vent...it has truly been helpful and thank all of you for taking the time to post and PM me...all of your points and suggestions are very valid, and incredibly helpful. I'll keep you posted on what whether I decide to add a company, or just stay with LW...leaving them is not an option, as I think business will pick up and I'll put in place some things I've learned fromthe mistakes I made...thank you all so much!


Lisa

Hello Lisa,

If I may make one suggestion. Since you are committed to staying
with LW why don't you try going to a new area. This is the time
of year when fairs and other marketing events pop up. It may mean
getting out of your comfort zone and traveling a little bit further
than you are use to, but it will open a whole new market to you.



I too believe you must believe in your product and company and be
passionate about your business to succeed. It is that passion
that keeps you focuesed and working when the tough times rear their
ugly head.



Wishing you the best of success!

Well, I don't belive it, but a guest who owed me a party called today and would like to have a book party! Hopefully this is the beginning of something, and Icanbuild fromhere.However, I have not ruled out adding another business. I'll keep you all posted...Thanks Again..All of you!


Lisa

Hi Lisa -

Sorry to hear of your dilema - I have a friend in the same company as you with the same situation. You might want to add a complimenting product line/company with LW - and see which company your heart falls with/which product line seems to be selling better.

Nora