You may find it difficult to approach people, especially strangers, about your direct sales business opportunity. Perhaps it feels “pushy” or unnatural to make your recruiting presentation. Truth is, if you’re starting a conversation with a pitch, it is unnatural. But don’t worry; there’s a way to go about it that will be natural and comfortable for both you and your potential recruit. Julie Anne Jones explains how in her article:
A New Way to Look at “Out and About” Sponsoring…
by Julie Anne Jones
I’m often asked, beyond recruiting at your parties, what are some other ways to find new representatives? In my opinion, it’s all about finding a way to trigger conversations as you move through your life, interact at your kid’s school, church, shopping, etc.
Now, just for the record, I have to tell you, I’ve never been a big proponent of assaulting someone in the grocery store line to share your opportunity. Having them approach you is a much better way to start the conversation. So what are you carrying, wearing, etc. that’s going to have someone approach you and ask you about your business rather than the other way around. Logo-enhanced clothing, a bag with your company name on it, I’ve even seen bags with clear slots that feature small items or your catalog. Think outside the box here and see how creative you can be.
Once you do get one of these golden opportunities and you find the conversation turning toward your business, be sure you keep your sharing short and sweet and make it about them! The best way to do that is to ask questions about their life and needs. Questions like “What do you do for a living?” or “How many kids do you have?” can often lead to conversations about how your business can support them. The more you can tie your information into what they share, instead of vomiting your business plan or experience all over them, the more likely they’ll be to want to learn more.
I always had a catalog and a few party date cards and once we’d conversed a little, I’d offer them a catalog and invite them to fill out the card with their info so I could enter them into my drawing for that month (I did a monthly drawing for a certain amount of free merchandise, a popular item from my product line, etc when they hosted a party). That way I had their info and could follow up. I also asked if it would be ok for me to follow up with them in a few days and when would be convenient. That makes the follow up call much easier to make on your part.
One final idea when it comes to recruiting right now – many people who said no in September or October as fall started may have a completely different mindset now that spring is here. Go through your old leads and find people who may have fallen away or through the cracks and make it a point to connect with them in the next few weeks. The weather is starting to warm up a bit and spring is a perfect time for many people to start a new business.
How do you recruit outside of your parties? I’d love to hear your ideas.
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Julie Anne Jones is a direct sales corporate consultant, coach, and trainer, and the CEO of Julie Anne Jones, Inc. She is known for her authentic and easy-to-use scripting and specializes in specific systems, language, and tools for success in direct sales. To learn more about Julie Anne and her products and services, and to read her weekly blog posts, visit her at www.julieannejones.com.
Reprinted with permission

A webinar is an online seminar. You can find free conferencing programs, online services that start around $50/month, or you can set up your own online video conferencing or Skype system. Webinar services make it easy for your trainees to connect. They simply have to get online, click a link and they’re there.
There are three essential tips that help you appeal to this audience.
Direct sales offers an abundance of opportunities to make a great income. In addition to your own sales success, recruiting other consultants can boost your income. There are many common and effective ways to recruit new teammates.
Goal setting can be extremely helpful for you. It can help you identify a target and create a plan to hit it. Goal setting can also help your teammates find the extra inspiration and motivation they need to achieve success. As a Direct Sales consultant and team leader holding goal setting sessions can help grow your business and your profits. Here are a few ideas to help you hold successful goal setting sessions with your team.
Training your team members helps them feel more confident, which will increase their success. That in turn motivates them to work harder and sell more.
Begin with a commitment to regular, consistent contact with your team. Make communication a part of your daily routine. You can use email, phone calls, and mail to check in with your team and to send company news, tips and resources, success quotes, motivational thoughts, or reminders of deadlines. Consistent communication might include a weekly newsletter, a blog that is updated regularly, note cards, or text messages. Your messages don’t have to be long or profound; the idea is to stay in touch so your team knows you’re available and are committed to communicating with them.
recruiting efforts will help you focus on the most successful and profitable strategies and allow you to stop wasting resources on the methods that aren’t working.
Earlier this month (February 2011) the direct sales party plan company Thirty One Gifts instituted a consultant recruiting freeze. While consultants may continue to market the opportunity, there is essentially a waiting list for new consultants to join at a later date.
When building a direct sales team, asking the right questions will help you find quality prospects who are more likely to become successful. Knowing what your prospects are looking for in a business opportunity will help ensure that neither they, nor you, are wasting time discussing the opportunity.










