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View Full Version : Are you Being A Pest?
Andrea1627
05-24-2006, 12:30 PM
This is good....
Kelley O'Malley writes: "I am new to trying to sell and book home shows. I feel like I am being a pest and need all the help I can get!"
Dear Kelley,
Thanks for writing. Here at TSF we generally have found that if you are wondering about something, the chances are good there is someone else out there wondering about the same thing.
Often people who are in sales for the first time feel the same way you do. When you are beginning your business and contacting friends and family to share with them about your new business, sometimes the people who you expected to be supportive of your business can let you down. Here are some tips to help you get past the feeling that you are bothering people.
F.A.Y.C. Forget About Yourself Completely! You probably wouldn't have decided to join your company if you didn't LOVE your product. Think about the reasons you joined and what you love about what you are selling. Stop worrying so much about what people will think of you and think more about the great qualities and benefits of your product AND the benefits of being a hostess. Hostesses are usually rewarded quite nicely for having a party. Think about what's in it for them vs. them doing YOU a favor by having a party. When you remain “other centered” as you invite people to host, you take the focus off yourself.
It's as simple as ABC! We always suggest that new consultants develop a contact list of at least 100 people that they know. No prejudging as to whether or not they would like your product because even if they aren't interested, they can be a valuable source of referrals. After you have compiled your list (or at least gotten a good start), categorize the people into three categories. Your “A” list contains the names of people you KNOW will love your product and will want to host or join you in the business. The “B” list are the people who might be interested and the “C” list are the people you think probably would not have an interest at all. Now, when you begin calling people and asking them to book a party, begin with your C list. This is a great place to start because your expectation is that they will say “no”. You will not be disappointed when they do, you will become comfortable with talking about your new business AND you might actually have some surprise bookings! From the C list, move to the B list and finally to the A list. Our experience has shown that consultants often are more successful booking the C's and B's when they first begin than the people on their A list (usually a list with good friends and family…these folks often come around later, after you've been in the business for a while).
Say what you fear most. When you are talking to people about your business, if you are worried that you are being a pest, then state that right up front. You may find that people do not think you are being a pest at all and, the fact that you are being honest enough to admit this to them makes them feel more receptive to what you are asking them.
Don't just guess, ask! Another reason you may be feeling pesty is that you are guessing when someone might like to hear from you again. If someone puts you off about having a party by saying that “now is not a good time, maybe down the road”; clarify what they mean. I always say, “That's fine, I understand and I appreciate your honesty. Just so I'm not bothering you before you'd like to hear from me again, when should I call you back?” Once you have mutually agreed upon a time to that would be better to hear from you again, then you are not being a pest when you do call back because it is at an agreed upon time. If however, someone keeps putting you off and putting you off, it may be that you need to give them permission to say “no”. You might say something like, “Mary, I am really starting to feel like a pest because I've followed up with you now four times and we never seem to be able to schedule a date for your party. Is this something you just aren't interested in doing, please be honest with me - I promise I won't be offended!”
Remember, we are in the sorting NOT the convincing business. Keep the numbers in mind…usually one in every 4-5 people will say yes when you ask them to book a party and 1 in 10 will say yes to the business opportunity. Most people need to be asked five times before they agree to buy what you are selling (whether it is the opportunity to host or the opportunity to join you in the business).
Finally, try not to take things personally. In this business, we need to develop thick skin. Try not to take a “no” personally. This can be difficult when dealing with friends and family - especially when you expected them to be supportive of your new business and they are not. Remember, SWSWSW…NEXT! This should be your mantra - SOME WILL, SOME WON'T, SOMEONE'S WAITING…NEXT!
Andrea Kroll
Don't have time to cook? Gourmet To Go can help you whip up something fast in the kitchen tonight for your family! Delicious meals, desserts, soups, dips, etc… Buy or sell today! www.islandbaygourmet.com (http://www.islandbaygourmet.com)
Help Wanted! Spa Consultants Nationwide...Join us in May for ONLY $125! A $655 VALUE! http://www.spastorelax.com
Got Stress? Let me pamper you with a Spa ESCAPE...Help me SPA America!
Kelley O'Malley writes: "I am new to trying to sell and book home shows. I feel like I am being a pest and need all the help I can get!"
Dear Kelley,
Thanks for writing. Here at TSF we generally have found that if you are wondering about something, the chances are good there is someone else out there wondering about the same thing.
Often people who are in sales for the first time feel the same way you do. When you are beginning your business and contacting friends and family to share with them about your new business, sometimes the people who you expected to be supportive of your business can let you down. Here are some tips to help you get past the feeling that you are bothering people.
F.A.Y.C. Forget About Yourself Completely! You probably wouldn't have decided to join your company if you didn't LOVE your product. Think about the reasons you joined and what you love about what you are selling. Stop worrying so much about what people will think of you and think more about the great qualities and benefits of your product AND the benefits of being a hostess. Hostesses are usually rewarded quite nicely for having a party. Think about what's in it for them vs. them doing YOU a favor by having a party. When you remain “other centered” as you invite people to host, you take the focus off yourself.
It's as simple as ABC! We always suggest that new consultants develop a contact list of at least 100 people that they know. No prejudging as to whether or not they would like your product because even if they aren't interested, they can be a valuable source of referrals. After you have compiled your list (or at least gotten a good start), categorize the people into three categories. Your “A” list contains the names of people you KNOW will love your product and will want to host or join you in the business. The “B” list are the people who might be interested and the “C” list are the people you think probably would not have an interest at all. Now, when you begin calling people and asking them to book a party, begin with your C list. This is a great place to start because your expectation is that they will say “no”. You will not be disappointed when they do, you will become comfortable with talking about your new business AND you might actually have some surprise bookings! From the C list, move to the B list and finally to the A list. Our experience has shown that consultants often are more successful booking the C's and B's when they first begin than the people on their A list (usually a list with good friends and family…these folks often come around later, after you've been in the business for a while).
Say what you fear most. When you are talking to people about your business, if you are worried that you are being a pest, then state that right up front. You may find that people do not think you are being a pest at all and, the fact that you are being honest enough to admit this to them makes them feel more receptive to what you are asking them.
Don't just guess, ask! Another reason you may be feeling pesty is that you are guessing when someone might like to hear from you again. If someone puts you off about having a party by saying that “now is not a good time, maybe down the road”; clarify what they mean. I always say, “That's fine, I understand and I appreciate your honesty. Just so I'm not bothering you before you'd like to hear from me again, when should I call you back?” Once you have mutually agreed upon a time to that would be better to hear from you again, then you are not being a pest when you do call back because it is at an agreed upon time. If however, someone keeps putting you off and putting you off, it may be that you need to give them permission to say “no”. You might say something like, “Mary, I am really starting to feel like a pest because I've followed up with you now four times and we never seem to be able to schedule a date for your party. Is this something you just aren't interested in doing, please be honest with me - I promise I won't be offended!”
Remember, we are in the sorting NOT the convincing business. Keep the numbers in mind…usually one in every 4-5 people will say yes when you ask them to book a party and 1 in 10 will say yes to the business opportunity. Most people need to be asked five times before they agree to buy what you are selling (whether it is the opportunity to host or the opportunity to join you in the business).
Finally, try not to take things personally. In this business, we need to develop thick skin. Try not to take a “no” personally. This can be difficult when dealing with friends and family - especially when you expected them to be supportive of your new business and they are not. Remember, SWSWSW…NEXT! This should be your mantra - SOME WILL, SOME WON'T, SOMEONE'S WAITING…NEXT!
Andrea Kroll
Don't have time to cook? Gourmet To Go can help you whip up something fast in the kitchen tonight for your family! Delicious meals, desserts, soups, dips, etc… Buy or sell today! www.islandbaygourmet.com (http://www.islandbaygourmet.com)
Help Wanted! Spa Consultants Nationwide...Join us in May for ONLY $125! A $655 VALUE! http://www.spastorelax.com
Got Stress? Let me pamper you with a Spa ESCAPE...Help me SPA America!
Pamper&Profit
05-24-2006, 02:00 PM
Andrea,
Who is TSF?
Dora
Who is TSF?
Dora
Spas4u
05-25-2006, 05:58 AM
The Success Factory...
I love them! They sell stationery products, but they also send out emails with tips and advice to increase sales, recruits, and bookings, plus ideas to build your team and business. They're neutral and the tips can be applied to any direct sales company.
You can subscribe for free at The Success Factory (http://www.thesuccessfactory.com).
I love them! They sell stationery products, but they also send out emails with tips and advice to increase sales, recruits, and bookings, plus ideas to build your team and business. They're neutral and the tips can be applied to any direct sales company.
You can subscribe for free at The Success Factory (http://www.thesuccessfactory.com).
Pamper&Profit
05-25-2006, 06:37 AM
Thanks Jennifer :)
Has anyone ever orderd their training CDs and if so - what has been your experience and opinion with the product?
TIA,
Dora
Has anyone ever orderd their training CDs and if so - what has been your experience and opinion with the product?
TIA,
Dora
