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.

The company reportedly added 6000 new consultants in January, 2011 and put the freeze in place to avoid severe back-orders and shipping delays that might result from continued expansion at that pace. The freeze will also give the company time to expand its physical plant, technology, and staff needed to handle this growth.

Most of the online buzz I’ve seen about the freeze has been positive. Consultants are excited about the company’s growth and future potential. I suppose the only potential negative is that prospects may be anxious to get started in direct sales and will therefore look for a different company so they don’t have to wait. But I would think that those who did wait might be more committed to the product line.

If you are a Thirty One consultant, how has the freeze affected you? If you are with another company that temporarily halted recruiting, was the outcome positive for you? Please leave your comments.

Click the link to get information about the company and find a Thirty One Gifts direct sales consultant who will help you start your home business.

Image courtesy of dominiqs.

Bershelle Jones recently took time out of her Diva schedule to tell me about her skincare business. She sees tremendous potential with Beauty Society and wants to help you share in this opportunity.

Briefly describe the company and opportunity.
Founded in 2004 Beauty Society began as a quest to bring the very highest quality anti-aging skincare at affordable prices to all women. We have since grown into the most sought after skincare and cosmetics line with the hottest and incredibly lucrative business opportunity for women in the US! The company offers the highest personal and team commission in the industry and enjoys an epically high reorder rate. The products are paraben free and sulfate free, cruelty free, and made in the USA. The skincare products come with a 12 month money back guarantee.

How long have you been in direct sales?
4 years. I made the switch to Beauty Society because I see the potential the company has to offer, I fell in love with the products, and they truly care, and treat their divas with respect.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
The connections I have with other divas, they are amazing women (and men), I am growing everyday and I truly believe and know I am helping others; whether that be feeling better, looking younger, or adding an income. They also have diva retreats, and have contests for free products and trips, all very attainable for all consultants regardless of title.

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
Youth accelerator – it is one of the products that uses apple stem cell technology. Simply amazing.

What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
We have company calls, private team calls, and also you can call and talk to the founder if you need to. I am available to my team anytime, they will have my home, cell, and email…. I am never out of reach.

Which sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
Online, home parties, and one-on-one. This is the key to the business, selling is the foundation to running a direct sales business. If you master the products and care for your customers you will be successful.

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
To be passionate, know what you have to offer, and then share it. I do not force this on others I simply share the products and the business and that is all it takes.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
You can get started for $129.Your success has no limit with hard work and dedication.
If you are looking for an opportunity to earn extra money, meet new friends or simply love the skincare and would like the discount for yourself, Beauty Society is the perfect business for you. This is simply and best of fun. Call or email me today!!

Contact Bershelle today to find out how to start your own skincare business.

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.

When approaching someone, first determine whether she is actually a potential team member by asking questions like, “Are you in need of additional money?” and “Have you ever wanted to start your own business?”

Other questions will help you determine motivation. For example, “Do you have children?” or “How does your spouse feel about you working?” and even statements such as “Wouldn’t you love working your own hours?” will give you a feel for what your prospect wants and how to best meet her needs.

When recruiting current customers, or someone who has contacted you specifically to become a recruit, you might ask, “What first interested you in this company?” or “What’s your favorite part about this particular product or company?”

If you’re not convinced your opportunity suits a potential recruit asking question like “Why do you think you’d make a good consultant with this company?” or “What would be your goals as a consultant on my team?” might help clarify things for both of you.

You’ll want to ask each recruit how she plans to promote the business. Will she work primarily online or host parties and shows in her community? How many hours a week can she work the business? These types of questions will help you and your recruits gain a better idea of what they want from the company, and how successful they can hope to be.

Also be sure to give your potential team member time to think about and ask her questions, even if it requires a second meeting time.

Once you both have all your questions answered and you’ve decided it’s a good match, ask “Are you ready to join?” or say something like “If you’re ready to sign up, can we order your kit and get you started.”

Asking the right questions helps ensure that the most new recruits are good matches for your company and your team, leading to a more successful and productive team.

Please comment and share other questions do you ask potential team members. Have the answers ever caused you to discourage someone from joining your company?

Affordable fashion jewelry, 50% sales commission, and the opportunity to earn a great getaway trip each year combined with the other benefits of the company lead Mia Redd to conclude that in 20-years of direct sales, “Cookie Lee has been the best by far.” Read on to find out more about why:

Briefly describe the company and opportunity.
Cookie Lee is a well established company offering affordable fine, fashion jewelry for women of all ages. Our jewelry ranges from $16 to $60. We have an amazing business opportunity with start up fees starting from $99. Our consultants earn 50% profit on each and every sales with no monthly quotas.

How long have you been with the company? How long have you been in direct sales?
I have been a consultant for almost three years. I’ve been in direct sales for over 20 years and in my opinion, Cookie Lee has been the best by far.

What is your title or rank with the company and how long did it take you to achieve that rank? Where are you in the structure?
My title is Senior Team Manager which is in the middle of our comp plan. It took me approx. 9 months to achieve it. Our comp plan has been totally revamped and you can start earning commission and bonuses with just one recruit.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
My favorite perk is the dream getaway trip that you can earn each year. They are amazing and very attainable for all consultants regardless of title.

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
One of my favorite items from the Spring Summer 11 catalog is the Slipknot necklace on page 44E. It’s a three strand necklace (silver, hematite, and bronze) with a detachable three stand slipknot. It can be worn separately or layered in multiple combos. Watch Cookie herself demonstrate it in this video:

What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
Cookie Lee offers unlimited training from new consultant and manager training to jewelry tips all online at no extra cost to consultant. I also offer group meeting, one on one training and phone conferences to help my consultants to succeed.

Which one or two sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
I do home, catalog and online shows and fundraisers also. My favorite are home shows so that the guest can see, touch and wear the jewelry. I can also demonstrate all of cool trick and various ways the jewelry can be worn.

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
My key to success is consistency and resisting negativity. Cookie Lee also makes it pretty attainable to succeed with amazing support and an excellent program.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
With any direct sales business, It’s what you make it. Your success has no limit with hard work and dedication.
If you are looking for an opportunity to earn extra money, meet new friends or simply love the jewelry and would like the discount for yourself. Cookie Lee is the perfect business for you. Call or email me today!!

To contact Mia, visit her Coolie Lee information page in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

While you may be having success building your direct sales team online, recruiting new team members in your local area can also be very successful. Here are a few ideas for promoting your business, and hopefully gaining new recruits, around your own community:

Newspaper Ads
Small classified ads in your local newspaper or community shopper are very affordable and can pay for themselves with just one new recruit. Using classifieds helps get the word out about your business opportunity every week.

Flyers
Many local businesses such as laundromats, thrift shops, and grocery stores, provide community bulletin boards where you can post information about your opportunity. Create a small flyer or a page with tear-off tabs containing your contact information and post them where permitted. You might also get permission to leave flyers at your local library, trade schools, daycare, and coffee shops. Be sure to keep track of where you posted your information and check back regularly to replenish them.

Networking Groups
Join local networking groups, including your chamber of commerce. If you can’t find a local networking group, start your own. They’re easy to operate and you may be surprised how many other small and home-based business owners might be looking for just such an opportunity to promote their own businesses.

Community Job Fairs
Community job fairs are usually well-attended. Set up a booth where you can hand out brochures, answer questions about your business opportunity, and collect contact information and email addresses for you mailing list. Consider holding a drawing for a free gift as a means of gathering potential leads to add to your mailing list and to create goodwill.

Create Interesting Recruiting Bags and Gifts
Fill a clear plastic bag or gift bag with a few fun and informative items such as a brochure, an opportunity CD or DVD, a sample product and your business card. You might also add other clever items such as a $100,000 or Payday candy bar or a copy of your last commission check. Add some colorful shredded paper and seal the bag with a decorative label that lists your contact information. Always keep a few recruiting gift bags with you to hand out to prospective recruits at networking events, home parties, and any other time you can.

Always be on the look out for opportunities to share your business and build your team.

How do you recruit in your local community? Please leave a comment to share your ideas.

Going through my feed reader this morning I came across “Mistakes Businesses Make When Establishing Multiple Streams of Income” by Leah Grant. The article very nicely addresses an all too common mistake made by some direct sellers. Often, when a consultant isn’t reaching her income goals with one direct sales company, she joins another, or several other companies.

Then, as if to highlight my point, another article I was reading mentioned a company that sells cell phone services and vitamins. Is there any way to relate those two products to each other? I don’t see it.

To me, there’s nothing better than the individualized, personal attention from a direct sales consultant or small business owner. Yes, I shop at big box stores, but only out of necessity – I’m never really happy there. When I go to a “specialist” I don’t want her to offer me everything under the sun. I’m looking for something special. Whether it’s an exclusive or specialized product, or extra customer service, I don’t want the experience muddied up with all kinds of other offers.

If you aren’t reaching your income goals in your present company, first figure out why. If you don’t know what the problem is, you can’t solve it Adding another line of products may simply compound the problem.

You can add multiple streams of income without joining another direct sales company. Get excellent examples of how to do that in Mistakes Businesses Make When Establishing Multiple Streams of Income.

Recruiting online is a popular and successful way to build your direct sales team. Knowing how to use the Internet to locate new recruits will save you time and effort. Here are some tips for successful online recruiting for your direct sales team:

1. First, develop a landing page specifically designed for online recruiting. This is the page you direct prospective recruits to, so it needs to specifically address the information potential team members will want. Focus on them, not on yourself. Answer questions a new recruit might ask and invite them to contact you for more information.
2. Define measurable goals and be sure to track your efforts. Know what is working and what is not working so you can focus your efforts where you get the most results.
3. Social networking can be very effective in online recruiting. Use popular sites like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to post bits of information that will entice potential recruits into visiting your site to learn more. It’s a fine line between promoting yourself on social media and spamming social media, so carefully develop a strategy to interact and provide value; don’t just post ads.
4. While possibly taking a back seat to social networking, discussion forums can still be a great location for finding new direct sales recruits. Search the term WAHM discussion forum and you’ll come up with plenty of possibilities. Visit the most likely results and see which ones appeal to you. Understand that you’ll be looking for people interested in a work-at-home opportunity or a way to earn extra money rather than those that deal specifically with directs sales. You’re looking for places that attract people who want to earn money, not a forum filled with other company reps.

   Again, be very careful not to spam the boards with ads. Instead, become a valuable part of the community by interacting and providing value. Most forums have specific rules about advertising and the use of signature lines in your posts. Be sure to read, understand, and follow the rules or you may find yourself banned. Becoming a trusted member of a forum can be very beneficial to your business.

   Be creative in the use of your signature line. Rather than just using the name of your company, use a tag line that will interest potential team members and get them to click your link.

5. The use of a signature file on all your outgoing email can also be effective in attracting visitors to your website. Depending on your email client the tools, options, or preferences section usually has a way to set up a signature that is automatically added to all outgoing messages.
6. Carefully placed Craigslist ads can net good results. Again, be sure to follow the rules. Use the correct business slot, or under the employment ads that apply to commission only jobs. Don’t be surprised or discouraged if your ad gets kicked off a few times, even if you followed the rules. Sometimes people will flag what they consider a competing business opportunity simply to get rid of the competition. Keep an eye on the site and if your ad disappears, simply post it again.
7. Be very careful to avoid using spam in all your online recruiting and team building efforts. Even if a method isn’t strictly defined as spam legally or by the online resource you use, the community may consider it spam. Before you jump in to any online community, spend some time observing how others interact and react. Anything that appears to be spam can hurt your reputation and get you kicked off forums, dropped from lists, and banned quicker than you can say “I’m sorry!”

While there can be a lot of competition in online recruiting and team building, the right strategy will be successful. Your strategy doesn’t have to be complicated; with specific goals and persistent effort you will gain new team members and build your business.

Phyllis O’Neill has enjoyed success with her home business as a Thirty-One consultant. And she wants to help you reach your goals too. This is what she told me about her company and her journey.

Briefly describe the company and opportunity.
Thirty-One is a faith-based party plan company, our name being derived from Proverbs 31. We offer a beautiful collection of personalized gifts, including handbags, purses, totes, wallets, stationery, baskets, and so much more. You can start your own Thirty-One business for only $99 and this includes over $250 in products and business supplies. We are ground floor and the only thing missing is YOU!

How long have you been with the company? How long have you been in direct sales?
I have been with Thirty-One almost 2 years. Prior to Thirty-One, I was with several other direct sales businesses, always searching for “that perfect one.”

What is your title or rank with the company and how long did it take you to achieve it? Where are you in the structure?
I am a Senior Executive Director with Thirty-One and reached this rank in 23 months. This is the highest position in the company.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
I love the incentive rewards that the company offers us. So far I have earned a new lap top and printer, an all expenses paid trip to Riviera Maya, and most recently, a trip for four (which I haven’t decided where to yet). I was also awarded as #2 top dream builder in the entire company and was 1 of only 13 selected to be on Thirty-One’s PAC (Presidential Advisory Council), as well as being selected to be on Thirty-One’s Leadership Council. In August, 13 of us were flown to Chicago for PAC, all-expenses-paid, and met with Cindy Monroe, President and Owner, along with the support team from home office. The PAC members were able to give lots of input and feedback into current and future products, etc. with the company. In September, as a member of the Leadership Council, I flew to Columbus, OH and we were provided specialized training and had more input into our Thirty-One business.

I will have to say that probably the greatest benefit as a leader with Thirty-One is teaching and training others to success. This is my true passion! Celebrating team members who are reaching goals and dreams that they may have never thought possible is so rewarding to me!

And, last but not least, now that I am debt-free and financially secure, being able to give to others is one of the greatest rewards ever! God has blessed me and continues to do so, and I love being a blessing to others.

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
One of my best selling products is our Large Utility Tote. I use one for trips to the grocery store, one for laundry, and one for linens. Other uses include packing for vacations and/or camping trips and carrying inventory to parties (many other direct sales reps love these totes for their products, too!). There are so many uses for this bag!

Another favorite is our Skirt Purse. Within a matter of seconds, you can change the look of your purse by removing one skirt and replacing it with another!

 
What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
My team is never lacking for training. From new consultant calls, to bi-weekly team meetings, to topic-specific training courses, to specialized training for future leaders, I want my team to have the best training and support possible, and I pride myself in providing that for them.

Which one or two sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
I primarily do online parties, but my teaching and training covers all types of parties and selling. Every consultant who joins has the opportunity to run her business the way it works with her schedule, her family, lifestyle, and personality. The consultants’ success is my ultimate goal!

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
Learning to be the leader I would follow, and making others my “why.” I believe you lead by example and I always strive to be the best leader I can possibly be. I also believe that a huge key to success is participation. From involving yourself in team meetings, participating in training courses, reading motivational books and/or listening to top direct sales speakers, I firmly believe we can never stop learning. There is always another gold nugget we can learn and pass along to others. Participation in company events, company incentives and national conference is also HUGE! Communication is also key. When I know what a consultant or potential team member wants from Thirty-One, we can put a plan of action into place to help her achieve her goals.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes … take the words “I can’t” out of your vocabulary and believe in yourself! The only one who can hold you back is YOU!

To start your own home business selling personalized handbags and other gifts, or to request more information, visit Phyllis’s Thirty-One page in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

A motivated team is a productive team. And motivating them doesn’t have to be a huge, complicated process. Here are some quick and easy ways to get your direct sales team energized and active.

1. Email your team on a regular schedule.

   Taking the time to create a weekly email for your direct sales team will pay off greatly in terms of added sales, team unity, and longevity of team members. Topics to cover might include sales updates, team member welcome notes, contests, selling tips, home show tips, hostess coaching ideas, business promotion help, and anything else of interest to your team.

2. Online Team Chats

   If your team is scattered across the country, as many direct sales teams are these days, holding a regular sales meeting at a local meeting spot is quite a challenge. But that doesn’t mean your team can’t get together. Instead of a local meeting, host an online team chat that will serve the same purpose. This will help your team develop stronger relationships, as well as keeping them updated with important information.

3. Training Tip Sheets

   If you aren’t able to prepare a full-fledged weekly newsletter or detailed email, offer your team some training tip sheets to help them succeed. Your team members will appreciate all the business building help they can get. Cover one training tip at a time and help your team learn to sell more, book more shows, promote their businesses, deal with difficult customers, build a website, handle rejections, and anything else you can teach them to better their business results.

4. Contests

   Monthly or quarterly contests can be a huge boon to your business and will tremendously motivate a large number of your team members. Look for simple ideas such as the most sales in a given period. Offer a prize, then let your team’s ingrained sense of competition take over and make it fun.

5. Recognition

   While money motivates some people, and the sense of freedom in entrepreneurship motivates others, some people will be more motivated by simple recognition of their efforts and successes than by anything else. Let your team know you’re proud of them. Use your weekly emails to share team members’ successes such as a first party, a record-breaking sales week, a birthday or anniversary, etc. You might be surprised at the encouragement this provides.

There are any number of ways to get your team members excited and wanting to sell more. Start with these five simple ideas for motivating your team and then build on them as you see what works for your specific, changing team.

There are some direct sales companies that seem to enjoy greater customer and consultant loyalty and enthusiasm. Lia sophia is one of them. Region Manager Tina Gibbons clearly demonstrates that enthusiasm in her answers to my interview questions below. I appreciate the time she took to reply.

Briefly describe the company and opportunity.
Lia sophia is a high quality fashion jewelry company with a continued focus on affordability, an incredible lifetime replacement guarantee and amazing benefits. Reps can earn up to 40% commission and monthly bonuses. Reps also receive a 70% discount. Lia sophia allows its hostesses the opportunity to earn 40% in free product for only $15 along with multiple $15 items and half priced items. Lia sophia has a huge celebrity following and is often in featured in some of the hottest fashion magazines in the country! Whether you’re interested in working part-time or are ready for a full-time career, lia sophia invites you to join their amazing opportunity.

How long have you been with the company? How long have you been in direct sales?
I have been with lia sophia for over 7 years and was personally making a six figure income by my third year. I have supported my family for the past 4 years and have done so well that I have inspired my husband to go into direct sales too.

What is your title or rank with the company and how long did it take you to achieve that rank? Where are you in the structure?
I am a Region Manager. lia sophia has 5 levels (Advisor, Unit Mgr, Division Mgr, Region Mgr and Zone Mgr). I became a Unit within 6 months, A Division within 3 years, a Region within 5 years and I would expect to get to the zone level within a couple years. Your income increases with each level as your are able to make higher commission from deeper levels, along with higher monthly bonus opportunities.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
A great perk to selling lia sophia is that we can earn amazing vacations based on our personal sales and team sales. I earned my first trip (to Hawaii) within my first 5 months of selling the jewelry! Anyone can earn the lia sophia incentive trips by just doing shows on a consistent basis! Another perk is lia sophia provides me with more family time. I love that I am able to be more of a “hands on mom” than I was able to be when I worked as a Human Resources Manager. I am making more money but yet have more time with my family! Also it doesn’t even feel like “work” when you love what you do! Any amount of effort I put into lia sophia hits my bottom line! I love that!

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
My favorite products come from the “Kiam Family” Collection. Its featured in the center insert of our catalog. These exquisite pieces make great “booking items” you can get these items at a huge discount when you decide to host a party!

What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
I offer a very comprehensive personal one on one training. meetings, conference calls and we also have a great corporate website with access to “lia sophia university”, web classes and so much more.

Which one or two sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
This is definitely a home show party business. I tell all my potential teammates that if they consistently hold 2 shows a week and share the opportunity with others, they can grow an amazing business!

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
The key to success is hard work and consistency. Jewelry is the perfect thing to sell, women love jewelry and it makes a great conversation starter. I am able to share the opportunity so often because people compliment my jewelry everywhere I go! This company has such a formula for success. They have an amazing product coupled with a lucrative business plan!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
This is an incredible opportunity that rewards you for your efforts. If you want to work this part time, you will earn amazing part time money. If you decide to work this full time, you can make a very lucrative living.

Our starter kit is only $149 which comes with over $1, 000 in merchandise (some of of our hottest styles) and supplies. Its hard for me to believe that my $149 investment has led to such an amazing income!

To join lia sophia and have a successful start you have to line up some initial shows. I lined up 8 parties when I first started (with some of my closest friends and family) and as a result, in 7 years I have never been out of business and am making a multiple 6 figure income. This is the type of business that rewards you for your efforts. You will get out of this business, what you put into it! This is the right opportunity at the right time! Women love jewelry and our jewelry is so on point with the latest styles and trends!

I am looking for some hard working, no nonsense people to join my Executive Team! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! I would love to help you get started!

To start your own home business selling fashion jewelry, or to request more information, visit Tina’s lia sophia page in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.