As a Direct Sales consultant, it is our job to be thoroughly prepared when doing a home party for a host. The better prepared you are, the more successful your show will be.

Here is a simple checklist of what you need to do before the party.

1. Prepare your hostess packets. You want to have a minimum of 5 hostess packets prepared and ready to go.

2. Fill out the invitations with your contact information and the host’s information. Stamp invitations and mail them out approximately 2 weeks before the party date. Call your host and let her know that the invitations are in the mail. Take this opportunity to build excitement about the upcoming party.

3. Prepare the catalogs and order forms. Stamp and label your catalogs, attach any inserts and get them ready to go. Fill out the order forms with your contact information. Pack all of your ordering supplies and make sure you have enough pens/pencils.

4. Prepare the games. Make sure you have enough games and prizes. I recommend 2-3 extra prizes just incase there is a tie or you need extra gifts.

5. Contact your host 24-48 hours before the party to confirm and get directions. This is a good time to ask your host to remind her guests about the party.

6. The day before, finish up the last minute preparations. If you are personally bringing any food or beverages, this is the time to prepare them. Before packing up your supplies and products, do a visual inspection of each item to make sure they are in perfect clean condition.

You can print out this handy pre-party checklist for your next home show. I can guarantee, when you’re organized and prepared, you will have an error-free and more successful home party.

About the Author:
Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. You can contact Shelly at: Web: www.classybusinesswomen.com Web: my.tupperware.com/Ravish30. Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

I know! I know! This may seem like an obvious question. You maybe thinking I have lost it as selling your product or services are the key to being in business.

Being prepared to sell is both a mental and a physical preparedness in any sales business, direct sales or otherwise.

Mentally means that you are always in a selling mode whether at the grocery store or in your office. If you feel frumpy but you just dashed into the store for something, are you going to be able to chat up they lady in front of you in line? What about the friend you ran into? The kids are wild and she wants to place an order, are you going to be able to switch gears and become that professional you need to be? You have to be mentally prepared and know you will need to work your business every day, any time, any place. Read More→

As a Direct Sales business owner, I am often asked, “How do you continue to grow your business?” My answer is always the same, “You need to be consistent with your advertising, marketing and networking.”

When I speak of being consistent, you need to work on your business 4-5 days a week, for several hours a day. Sit down and draft up a business plan and schedule, stick to your schedule as much as possible. Let your family and friends know that your business is important to you and that you work between the hours of ____ and ____. This will eliminate distractions and keep you on track. A home business does not work itself. You need to dedicate your time to working the business.

If you are a new business owner, I recommend that you educate yourself on advertising, marketing and networking a business. You can do this by reading several books or magazines related to having a home business.

Here are several ideas to get you started.

Advertising

When it comes to advertising your business online, you can purchase button and banner ads on a variety of web sites directed towards your niche. You could also place free and paid classified ads.

When it comes to advertising your business offline, you can do print advertising in newspapers and regional magazines. You can hang flyers and catalogs on neighborhood doors. Read More→

Should you interview your Direct Sales sponsor? I am often asked this question by those who are looking to start a home business in Direct Sales. My answer is…YES, You should be interviewing your potential team leader. Why? You need to find out if this ‘person’ is the right fit for you and your business needs.

What kind of questions should you ask your potential recruiter?

1. Location – If you have never been involved with a Direct Sales business, do you feel you need hands-on training and support? If so, you will need to look for a local sponsor. If you feel you can handle the business and learn from a distance, then by all means, check into joining an online team.

2. Business Experience – This can play a big part in your business success. If you are getting into a home business, do you prefer a recruiter who has experience? These days, you will find consultants out recruiting others before they have even received their business kits! Read More→

Many women that I run into seem to have this problem. I often wonder why some women are prone to undervalue their services and their own work. Why are we afraid to charge what we are worth?

What can you do to increase your self worth and get the price you deserve?

• Focus on your craft and your work. Become an expert in all areas of the business. This increases your customers trust in your abilities

• Give superior customer service. From the initial contact and through each contact after, be special and unique and keep the contact going. Follow up and follow through. Under promise and over deliver. Read More→