How to make money in direct sales

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A great quote to remember when tackling direct sales/social selling/network marketing.  Think of the farmer, to plant a crop is to believe in the future harvest.

Last month I highlighted 7 things which can hold people back from making money in direct sales.  I know this might seem backwards to share those first however they are fairly common mistakes.  If we get those cleared up and out of the way then we make room to get the income flowing in.

Let's dive into the basics to making money in direct sales.

1.  Find the follow up system which you are comfortable with.  On average only 2% of sales happen on initial contact, which means not following up is costing you 98% of you potential sales.

                    Examples of follow up systems:

•  2-2-2: 2 days after they ordered, 2 weeks after they ordered, 2 months after they ordered
• Notify their ordered shipped & send a thank you, connect before the exchange period ends, and then approx 6 months later for reorder (varies depending on product)
• 3 a day (or week):  connecting with 3 people that you've given a catalog/sample to, who have ordered, shown interest in enrolling, or you want to introduce the products to.

Many will say it's a relationship business to avoid saying sales, though both require that you talk to people in some fashion.  May sound silly but as a reminder you can connect in person, via phone, email, text, messenger, or social media.  Oh and if I missed one I'd love for you to share!

Having a phone/text number or email list is much more valuable than 10k social media followers.  If you are serious then look into a CRM (customer relationship management) system.  I'm very frugal so I am still using Mailchimp's free email version, I do pay to use Project Broadcast, and then I also utilize my direct sale's company's virtual office (which I can get data in an Excel spreadsheet as well).

And let's not underestimate the old pen & paper.  A tip I learned early on but not soon enough was one notebook.  Instead of 500 sticky notes all over & a planner plus who knows what else...just use your imagination!  I've finally got into the habit of putting the details in my notebook.  Plus I print off a calendar each month onto a label so I can adhere it into my notebook.  That one I really wish I'd learned sooner as I spent so much money on planners which didn't serve the way my brain functions.  Keep reading as #4 talks about it takes time to find what works for you!

2.  Provide free value or service.  Let your imagination run wild or borrow an idea then personalize it.  

                     Examples

•  Live or recorded video of a tutorial, how to, demonstration, class, workshop, etc.
• Tips around your products
• As mentioned above with follow up; check in to make sure they are using the products, answer questions, etc
• Create a guide, checklist, recipe card, etc which compliments the products you offer

Take initiative! Dive in, practice on humans, try new things but try them 3 to 6 times before moving on, and keep practicing to make progress!

3. Invest in you.  If you don't have the money to do it, then make the time.  Personal development is the secret sauce.  Teach yourself new skills.  Stretch yourself and yes that might mean getting uncomfortable.  Don't just consume all the trainings from your direct sales company, though you will need some of that.  Search out other resources from local networking groups, free online trainings, TED Talks, any movie with a business focus, books (visit the library if you don't want to buy it), and so many other resources which are free to us.

To get you started check out these basic tips we can easily forget when trying something new.  Click to read.

Let's not forget to be open to ideas from those who've been before you.  However if it feels ick to you skip it, there's plenty of other options available.

4. Be serious and treat it like a job or business whichever you’re comfortable calling it.
Stick with a routine for at least 6 months. It will take some time to figure out your routine, some say an hour a day others say 15 minutes a day. It’s about your work ethic & focus.

Create a free bank account & keep spending/expenses separate to determine how you’re progressing. Plus it’s handy come tax time.

5.  Be open to meeting new people.  Hi I'm a complete Introvert and I'm telling you this.  On every personality test I've taken and that's been a lot over my years in Corporate America, they always come back that I don't have any people skills.  I can laugh very hard at this because while people can overwhelm me I have great customer service skills and have been a top recruiter not just in my direct sales company but in a corporate role.

There's so many reasons we should meet new people and even when I'm overwhelmed I remember there is something I could learn from a new person I meet.  Not everyone will become our new best friend, some will come & go in a blink of an eye, others will stick around to teach us a lesson, and then those few who will stick to us like glitter.

We change the world when we change ourselves,

then tell some friends, and then change our community...and it grows from there!

#SpreadLoveNotToxins

Keep in mind it's a marathon & not a sprint that will look like the wildest rollercoaster if you were to draw it out on paper.   We learn our best lessons from our challenges, so remember the below quote when you think you've made a mistake or failed.

Pursue something you are passionate about, make money doing it, and live your life the way you want to live it!  In true transparency, many times direct sales is just a stepping stone in discovering a true passion and getting the building blocks to transform into a another business journey.

Where will your journey take you?

One box can create a variety of journeys to venture down.

90% enroll to be a shopper

5% fall somewhere between Hobby & Part Time

5% eventually make it a career

Don’t know where the journey will take you if you don’t try!  

Click Here to Start Your Journey

Think about it!  

We provide a solution for a market that's under served - handcrafted, affordable & clean bath, body, and cosmetics for the entire family!  

Will you be leading the trend in your neighborhood, town, or maybe even your state?

Listen to Heather's story, click the video above.

Alright if you read this far, I know you have all these questions brewing in your head.

Let's connect:

Email me (connect@aprilcarnahan.info) or text me (402-204-8070)

Already know you want to dive into?

Click Here to Start Your Journey

Which way will you start your journey:

1) Sign up online and pick one of the kits, plus tax...FREE shipping on which ever option you pick (click to start now)

2) Share the products with friends and use Host Rewards towards the cost of the kit! What day of the week works best?

3) Still have questions? Send me a text 402.204.8070 or email connect@aprilcarnahan.info  or we can set up a time to chat quick.

4) Now's just not a good time for you, no problem you can either sign up for my newsletter or join my monthly Text club. Send a text to 402.204.8070 with keyword SS.

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