Sometimes, people just want to know their value!

Has anyone ever "unfriended" you?  Did it sting just a little, or did you just laugh it off? 

I have found through social media, that our reactions are so different, than if we were to experience that situation face to face.  For example, when I clean out my "friends list" on Facebook, I often remove 50 to 100 people that I have never even "met". And, sometimes even ones I do know- but feel have drifted away.  I almost always expect at least one of them to message me and say, "What happened? Did Facebook glitch and take me off your list?".  Facebook is about to turn 10 years old. In the past 10 years, not a single person has sent me a message like that. So, for me- it kind of hits you right in the ticker. I often think to myself, "was my friendship even valuable to them? I mean, they didn't even notice I was missing!" or, I find myself thinking ~ "Wow, I guess we weren't as close as we thought we were!". This may not be the case at all. Many times, we don't even notice that we've been removed, misplaced or lost. Not until that person goes to clean out THEIR list, and you aren't there. Or, when they do think of you and want to ask you a question. Then, you become noticed. And, sometimes- they just plain take offense at it all, and post something snarky about it. But then, it's pretty well confirmed that you weren't valued, but rather they thought they were the bag of chips in the relationship.

I've also been on the other side of it all. I've been removed, blocked and forgotten- and never been more pleased about it. Of course, it's usually done by a person who never uplifted or supported me to begin with. 

What if these things were to happen in person? What if you were just hanging out one day, and the person you were chillin' with, just got up and left? Wouldn't you go after them? Wouldn't you do everything you could to salvage that relationship? It's not so easy to just laugh off.  Social media, kind of numbs our hearts, sometimes. 

But, how can all this apply to business, anyway? Well, In my almost 2 years in direct sales- it pretty much means everything. I quickly added so many people to my private profile, I began to feel very out of control in my life. People I didn't really know were liking family pictures, commenting on sensitive situations- even stealing ideas! But, I felt like I was obligated to be their friend. My whole life is about helping people, it's what I was born to do. But, no one took the time to teach me how to do that in business. How in the world can I be "friends" with everyone in my business?

I felt like I needed to friend all my customers. Even though, I had a fan page. I felt like I needed everyone in my up-line and down-line, as a friend. But really, what I was doing, was forcing my family and friends, into a corner. I began to neglect them! I can't have that! I needed to make a line. To draw a boundary. So, I cleaned up.  I did the routine yearly Facebook cleanse, and removed anyone I had never met in person, and those whom I felt had "drifted" away from me. I kept my fan page for my customers, and created a blog for my business friends. Oh boy, was I in for it now!

Did I get the emotions previously discussed? Absolutely! When I thought certain ones didn't notice, it hurt. When, maybe they did notice, and not message me or ask- but rather, make a very public post about it (whether it was about me or not, I'm not sure, but it was about the same situation- so naturally, I assume-). A post, maybe, that was filled with a shaming of sorts- one that kind of stung. Oh, I should let them have it!!! Right? Negative.  

I could get mad. I could let my hurt take over my emotions. I could throw a tantrum. But, as a leader, a business person- as a friend. I stay professional. I still extend a hand of encouragement, and take a moment to uplift and support. Because, honestly- what does Facebook know about friendship? Certainly, nothing. It holds no bars around my heart. I am still free to be friends with anyone I please on or offline. And, I will continue to take notice of people gone missing, and extend a hand of encouragement. Because maybe all they really want to know, is how much value they hold in my heart. Maybe they just need to know they meant something to me. And, who am I to deny that they don't? They were there for a reason to begin with- after all.  Everyone needs to feel and know their worth.

You matter, even if Facebook doesn't say so. 

So keep shining. You are a diamond- And, I value you.

I just started my business- now what?

So, you decided to start your own business and have purchased your starter kit, and now you want to know what to do while you wait for your supplies. Right? Here are a few ideas to help get you on the track to success!!

Start a Facebook fan page for your business: This is a tool to help you engage your customers and keep in contact with them. You can announce events, or when new inventory has arrived, play games, share stories and interact with a large audience.  Stay consistent with it. Post daily, post multiple times a day- as your audience is not always online when  you are, or all at the same time. You want to stay in front of their eyes! Don't be spammy! Be real! Be yourself! This is a way your customers get to know YOU, and customers become team mates and team mates duplicate you and create their own teams and that is how  you build your business!

Order Business Cards: Start implementing the 5 foot rule. Everyone within 5 feet of you should always have a business card. Know your why, and create a little commercial. For example: "Hi, I noticed you are wearing a super cute necklace! Is it Paparazzi?" They should answer yes or no, and you should be prepared. "No? Oh, have you heard of Paparazzi before? It's awesome $5 accessories! I actually sell it! Here's my card, give me a call if you'd like to shop!"  or "Wow! Yeah, I thought I recognized that, I sell Paparazzi! I'd love to hear from you sometime if you need more fabulous accessories, here's my card!"

 Also, be prepared for people to approach YOU. "Wow! That is a great necklace you're wearing! Where did you get that?!"   "Oh this, It's Paparazzi- only $5!"  And, then- spill it. You got this. :)

Plan two launch parties: Yes, two. Plan one for the weekend and one during the week. Invite EVERYONE. Give everyone you see both invitations. Invite everyone on Facebook, everyone you see on your daily errands, everyone within 5 feet of you at all times! Men, women, everyone. Don't be scared- the worst they can say is no thanks! (We'll get to the power of No in a future blog!)

Read your new companies policies and procedures: This is probably the first thing you should do. In fact, you should have done it before you even joined. But, let's face it. Their boring. While this may be true, I promise that 85% of the questions you have about your business, can be answered within these words. So, read them over, and then read them again.

Research: Find out everything you can about your company. You should know what the products are made of, how long they've been in business, how many consultants they have. Where they are located, the website address, what products they carry and all the price points. Find all the free training you can. Join all your up lines support groups if they have them- and look at all the files and pictures they've set up for you, start asking people if they have any experience with the company or products.

Start advertising: Just because you don't have product yet, doesn't mean you should wait. Get people excited and have a box opening party! Get people familiar with your name and your companies name- so they know who to call when they need what you have.

Be confident: You can do this! Whatever your company, product, service. Be knowledgeable about it, be confident in what you say and believe in your company and products. If you are not confident, your customers will see that and it will create doubt and they will walk away! Believe in yourself!

Talk to your sponsor: Do not be afraid of your sponsor. Don't think you are bothering her with all your zillions of questions. If she was bothered by it, she wouldn't be building a team! Sponsors are leaders, and they don't get that way without knowing what they are getting into. They are obligated to help you and teach you how to succeed.

Duplicate your sponsor: If you want to get where she is, do what she's doing!

Keep it simple: Don't get too complicated, if you are stressed out- it comes out in your attitude!

Have fun! That's it, have fun! Smile, be nice, and listen to people. Don't get diarrhea of the mouth. Ask questions that engage your customers or prospects. Listen to what they need. Then, provide them with valuable results.

Please leave me comments! I'd love to hear your #1 tip for a new business owner!

My Why

My name is Amanda and I am a Director with Paparazzi Accessories, an Independant Consultant. I'd like to tell you why I do this!

All my life, I've always wanted to be my own boss- own my own business! When I was little, I'd make up business plans and draw out designs on how to decorate my little business. Over time it would range from being little coffee shops, to variety stores, but mostly, coffee shops. I'd draw tables with aquariums in them, and stages for music. I was always business minded.

As I grew up, I found myself kind of bouncing around. I worked many jobs, starting out as a dietary aid in a nursing home, then working as a CNA. I worked in a factory for awhile, and a laundry mat, I was a hostess for a fancy restaraunt for a short time, and a deli-girl at a local supermarket. I even worked for a short time as a front desk clerk in a slimy hotel. Finally, I landed a job in a video arcade. I quickly was promoted to manager. Now, my childhood dreams started to grow again. I dreamed of one day buying out the arcade and keeping it as my own. I absolutely LOVED it there! Some of my happiest days by far.  Well, I didn't get to buy it. In fact, it closed down shortly after I had my second child. I left a little piece of my soul there.

I was then hired on as co-manager in a coffee shop! While this seems like a major step in the right direction towards my childhood dreams... sadly, I was unable to go much farther than being a pretty awesome barista. My husband and I co-managed the shop for about 3 years. It was exhausting. We would have to tag team, to avoid daycare. When he got done, I clocked in. This just kept going on and on and on.

Eventually, we decided to move. So, we put in our notices, and prepared for the biggest change in our life. We packed a u-haul and moved from North Dakota, to Kansas- in a blizzard.

Upon arriving in our new state, we found ourselves essentially homeless. The house we had planned on, fell through. I had plans to open a coffee shop, that fell through, too. I had such big dreams.


I eventually landed a job as a dietary aid in the kitchen at the local hospital. I was the most miserable I had ever been in my entire life. We got a place to live, a little 2 bedroom trailer. Moving from a townhome, to a trailer is tough business. And moving from a town of tens of thousands of hustling, bustling people day in and day out, to a town of 200- and all the air you can imagine- is less than easy for a city-man like my husband.

I worked in that hot, miserable kitchen for a little over 2 years. I had a meltdown and walked out. Little did I know, I was pregnant with our 3rd child. So, after a brief job as an aid in an assisted living home, I found myself on bedrest and out of work- living in a trailer that was about to come just way to small.

I put myself through some schooling while on bedrest, and had my baby in February of 2012.  I didn't go back to work. I decided it was finally my time to be a stay at home mommy. Well, I got bored. I began seeing my friend from high school post about an amazing new business. I couldn't ignore her no matter how hard I tried. I found myself looking at her posts more and more, and squinting to see just WHAT she was selling. I watched her for what seemed like months. And, then I started asking questions. I knew I needed to start giving my family some income. I knew I needed something to call my own, and still be able to be that stay at home mom.

When I started finding out details, I was hooked. I jumped on board in May- and the ride has been amazing!

I found a way to be my own boss (a true life-long dream), provide financial support for my family, a way to broaden my horizons, and fuel the dreams of my future, all with one little ground-level company, selling jewelry of all things! I never thought that I could, or would sell jewelry. I didn't even wear a lot of it until I started selling it! Of course it was mostly because I couldn't afford to! That's just one of the many reasons why I fell in love with this company! The price point is outstanding! I knew if I could afford to buy it, so could my customers- and THAT was a business I could get behind 100%!!

I've already accomplished so many things with this business, my dreams and goals are constantly growing and getting bigger- because I keep acheiving the ones I have had in the past! My family is getting a well balanced, me.  And, I wouldn't have it any other way! 

Like

It's all about the 80/20, say what?!

Are you constantly pitching ads at your friends and family through social media? Do you find your results a little... on the low side? Have your friends forgotten who you are outside of your business? You need to change your average.

Your social media business page needs a little you in it, actually- a lot of you. Your customers, potential teammates, future hostesses- they need to know YOU. It's all about relationship building. You need to give them 80% personal, and 20% business. Why those exact numbers?

Well it mostly comes from the Pareto Principal, which states:
" for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes." 

This has been adapted and applied to many different layers of business, from time management to organizational skills- to sales and marketing. Plus, it's just a nice even set of round numbers, don't you agree? 

Basically, 80% of your profit is going to come from 20% of your hard work. Because, sales are not about how much you advertise, but the quality and value of what you are offering. It's about trust, and relationships. 

Get to know your prospects. See how YOU can serve THEM, and stop trying to find people who can benefit you. So, up-shift your mind- start thinking from the frontal lobe- give more of yourself and really begin to listen to your "fan base".  I'd be interested in hearing how this change in management changes your business! Leave your comments below! 

Repetition, Consistency, Duplication

I do a lot of research on how to run a successful business. After all, when you stop learning- you stop growing.

Something I see almost every single direct sales coach teach are these 3 keys to success:
Duplication, Repetition and Consistency

Let me just share with you a little about myself. I started my business just under 2 years ago. I had only ever done direct sales once before and it flopped, big time. I couldn't handle the rejection. I didn't know how to cope with any of it. My sponsor, never taught me anything about business. So, when I saw the opportunity for the company I am in now, I will be honest, I didn't think it could work. I didn't think I'd have any help or support. I thought I'd be just thrown into the fishtank with the sharks. But, I was wrong!  The very first thing I did, even before joining- was learn everything I could about the business. I learned what all the products were, I read the policies and procedures. I talked with my potential sponsor, and asked a million questions. I read about the founders, the executive team, and even read through the compensation plan. I started looking up videos and found that there were dozens of training videos available online, for FREE. I knew this was going to be different.

This company had an excellent support team. The first thing I noticed, is that the leaders in the company were right there with their team. They were duplicating what they had done to achieve success. I quickly saw that part of this process was very repetitive. They had to answer questions over and over, the SAME questions, from every new consultant. They were brilliant at creating a positive and energetic atmosphere within their team. As they grew, so did I. I began to see a very consistent pattern emerge. They put out emails every month. They did team calls every week. They spent many hours on their team for Q & A. And they did it with passion and fire. They did it with a smile. While they might cringe on the inside for answering the same question 7,000 times- they smiled and did it 7,000 times.

We need to duplicate this within our business. Not only with our success teams (our down line) but also with our customers, hostesses, event coordinators. We must keep duplicating what works. So, if you are a prospector, you need to keep doing it. Keep at it day after day, week after week. Answer the same questions over and over again, and keep following up. Be confident, that answering that one annoying question 7,000 times- will bring you sound residual income for your entire life. Be confident in your answers and yourself, your products, and your company. If you have been doing the same thing over and over again, with no result. You need to go back and learn again. Look up some coaching videos, recruiting blogs...whatever is out there for you to learn from- do it. If you are not moving forward, then you need to learn something new. Then....go out and apply it.

If you are a partier- you need to be out there asking everyone you see if they want to party, too. You need to apply the 5-foot rule. Everyone within 5 feet of you at all times gets a card and your "30 second commercial".  (I'll cover ways to start a conversation in a future blog!)

If you are a leader/trainer- you need to make yourself duplicatable. Be on top of trainings, opportunity calls, updating and maintaining training materials, marketing materials, etc.. Also, be motivational. Your success team does not need a bunch of rules reminders, direct them where to go and then ENCOURAGE them. Motivate them. Challenge them. And absolutely do NOT abandon them. You can't run their business for them or hold their hand through everything. But you can point them in the right directions, make yourself available. Check in on them. Let them know you are still there- even if they are busy and workin' it! Just a quick note will do enormous amounts of good.

Not only must you repeat the process every day, you must be consistent with your plan. You don't want to be all over the place with your business, telling your customers one thing and your hostesses another. If you are going to offer an incentive, make it consistent. If you are going to have opportunity calls, pick a day each month and stick to it.  Make a plan, write it out, read it daily and follow through.

A wise mentor once told me, that it takes a person 7 times, when reading something, for you to comprehend it. Because, each time you read it, you will find something else about that statement (book, blog, video, etc) that will apply to where you are at in that moment. That's why I read books 3 times. I read it and take notes, read it again and apply the notes, and then read it again and apply it to my business. That is applying repetition and consistency to my business.

 You are going to get tired. So make sure to put in your plan, time for yourself. I've noted on this before, that you need to take time out of life- to just breathe. Designate one day a week to just be, to veg out and watch tv, or spend exclusive time with your family. Whatever it is that relaxes you- you have to put that in your calendar.

Now, read this again- and put it into action! Also please feel free to leave comments, other tips and tricks or motivational replies. Follow me on Twitter, Pinterest and, Facebook !!!

Give Back!

How much profit do you make on each sale? How much commission? Do you give back? You might be asking, what do you mean?! I earned that, fair and square!

Well, no- you didn't. You are where you are, because someone did something to help you get where you are. I don't want to really focus on all the details about why the previous statement is true, so let's just move on to why you should give back.

Who should you give to? Why? What's in it for me?

You should make a plan. A budget. You should give at least 10% to something you are passionate about. For instance, your church. If that's not really your thing, give to a charity or organization. Don't feel compassionate about that? Why not volunteer your time? No matter what you choose to donate, or in what form (time, money, etc) ~ It's important for your business. There are countless ways that donating back to something can benefit your business. There are benefits, such as tax benefits, or spiritual if you may- but perhaps it's just a pay it forward system. Perhaps your donation could save someone's life. You are showing your community that you care. That you are someone worth working with. It gives your company/business value and worth. It gives you a reason to connect with a group or cause. It also gives people hope.

It doesn't matter how much you give, or in what form. It just matters that you do. Your business will be blessed 10-fold when you start giving consistently! I have seen this happen time and time again- the more I give, the more I am blessed. When I don't give, I struggle, my business struggles-  Don't make the decision to be selfish, Give Back!

Ideas of places to donate :
Church
Shelters
Hospitals
Suicide Prevention
Awareness Causes
Senior Centers
Crisis Intervention Hotlines
Food Banks
Animal Shelters
Pregnancy Counseling Centers
Rape and Abuse Crisis Centers
Missions
Suicide Hotlines
Local families in need


Feel free to comment below with suggestions!

Balance

Direct Sales/ Network Marketing takes a great deal of patience. Chances are, you are not just a direct sales consultant or a network marketer. If you are anything like me, you are a parent, a counselor, a nurse, a maid, a spouse, a narrator, an enforcer, a leader, a chauffeur, a moderator, a chaperon, a lesser of two evils some days. The point is- we all have a lot going on.  So, we need; Balance.

How does one do all this? How can you prospect, party, raise your family and still stay sane? Balance.

One of the best things I ever learned was to get a great big calendar and block out your time. Whether you do this in a planner, a desk calendar, on your phone or a big wall calendar doesn't matter. You need to limit yourself. Focus on the place that gives you the most leads, and spend the most amount of time there. Set timers, and stick to it. Don't forget to schedule family time and time for yourself! Just as it's important to dedicate yourself to your business, it's more important to spend time with your family and have time to rest!

The fastest road to burnout, is chaos. This is completely unnecessary and a waste of your skills and talents. The good news is, it's completely preventable!  Keep coming back for more tips and advice- and, I'd love to hear from  you! Leave a comment and find me on Facebook! Have a great evening! xoxo-Amanda

The Importance of your Upline

Do you know your upline? Do you KNOW them? You should! They should be your first contact when you seek success. They should be training you, supporting you, uplifting you. If they aren't- you need to find someone who will.  But, if they aren't- is it because you are not reaching out to them? You need to reach out.

Anytime you get a chance to talk to your upline, to learn from them- it's an opportunity. It's a little piece of the puzzle towards success.

Taking advantage of the free trainings, free calls, free advice....is wise. You need to constantly seek new knowledge, new experience. If you are not willing to learn- you won't grow. You need to attend team meetings. You need to listen to every single training call you can. You need to watch the videos. You need to duplicate your leaders.

Today, I had an opportunity.  A leader (husband/wife team) in my company was traveling through my state. She is in my upline, but not my sponsor. I admire her, seek her knowledge, crave her secrets. She was coming within 2 hours of my house-so, I made a choice. I decided to make the 1 1/2 hour drive to see her. She wasn't putting on a training, they were actually on a family vacation. I contacted them, and they invited me to come stay with them for awhile while they were passing through.

While with them, they uplifted me, motivated me, encouraged me. We brainstormed, vented (or they let me vent, rather), and had fun. We made some good memories, and made plans to talk again soon.  I look forward to being motivated, taught, encouraged and inspired by them more!

Welcome!

Welcome to  my new blog page! I would like to tell you a little about myself! I am a 33 year old, mother of 3 incredible boys! My kids are ages 13, 8 and 2 years old at the time of this posting! I live in the middle of northern Kansas- literally, the middle. I moved here 5 years and 6 days ago. I've been married for 8 1/2 years to a good man.
 I work part time as the manager of a Senior Center, and also am working on building my own business. I have been with the senior center exactly 1 year and 3 days. I have been a Paparazzi consultant for 20 months. I describe it like this, as if it's still in infancy- because it is.
In all the different roles I own, there is one consistent thing- I am here to help people. So, this is where a blog comes into play. I have created a blog on Facebook, which will only act as a lead to this. My goal is to help other direct sales persons find motivation, inspiration and help in building their business, family and life. My goal is to reach the top of the company, and this will be my journal to the top. In this blog,  you will find encouragement, business lessons, resources to other amazing direct sales motivators, and stories of my mistakes and lessons learned. I should have started this blog on day one of my journey- but, with the turning of a new year, comes more focused goals and dreams- and you can help me grow my business, as I help keep you motivated! I hope you find what you need here and I cannot wait to get to know you better, and for us to reach our dreams together! Blessings- xoxo Amanda