I recently received an email commenting about my post on traveling salesmen. This person pointed out that few women are at home during the day as many work outside the home now. This is very true and it just one of the many changes that have taken place in the past 50 years or so.
Today many women are trying to create home based businesses so they can again be 'stay-at-home-mothers' but it is a difficult task as best. Our country's current economic situation makes it harder too. Many women however enjoy the busy life of wife-mother-businesswoman and work outside the home offers them opportunities that would not otherwise be available.
It is impossible to create a 'one size fits all' business scenario that will work for everyone in every community. But, it is my opinion that many of the qualities of the 'traveling salesman' can be adapted to today's businesses and create more opportunities for growth.
1. A personal approach to each customer -- the more you learn about an individual's needs and circumstances the better you can serve them with special products or services that fit them and their families. This doesn't mean you have to be 'nosey', just create a friendly atmosphere for sharing. If, during a conversation your customer mentions that her daughter is having a birthday soon ask her age and when the customer leaves jot it down in a book you create for customer notes. This way you will know next year when the daughter's birthday approaches and may be able to offer something unique to the customer for the occasion. You don't have to be nosey just pay attention to your customer's conversations and you will learn much about their needs.
2. A regular schedule of visits, posts, or notices -- one of the things the traveling salesmen did was to return regularly to visit their customers. You can do the same thing by posting weekly sales, recipes, or other comments on your website, or mailing special notices each month to your customer base. You can focus on one product or service each month and explain more about how it can help your customer save money, time etc . Keep the contact friendly and helpful -- not a sales pitch. Let the product or service sell itself.
3. Samples, free demonstrations -- remember the vacuum salesmen that came and cleaned your mother's carpet free just to show her how great the vacuum worked and the many attachments it offered? You can do something similar by demonstrating a product or creating a video that can be viewed by customers on your website. The more information the customer has about a product or service and how it can benefit them the more likely they are to purchase.
4. One on One contact -- when you address a customer in person, by phone, in emails or written notices personalize that contact. Don't just let an automated address system put in their name and address when you do mailings. Someone may not go by Joseph P. Jones but by Paul Jones and the name on the form letter becomes impersonal and shows a lack of interest on your part. Take the time to edit the names carefully and make changes. When calling or speaking to a customer be sure to use the preferred name whenever possible and if they correct you by saying "I prefer Sally James (instead of Salina James or Mrs. Fred James) be sure to make a note of it for future reference. The same is true of pronunciations of names. My personal case it is amusing. My maiden name is KISER pronounced with a long "i" (as Kizer) my married name is KEYSER pronounced with a long "e" (as Keezer). I much prefer to be called by my married name as I have used that name over twice as long. lol A simple note in the margin of the phone listing is all it takes to make the customer feel more like an individual instead of just a name on a list.
Simple things, yes. But these simple changes can make your customers feel more important to you and your business and create an atmosphere that will be rewarding to both you and your customers.
Think about it. Don't you feel more important when someone addresses you by name (and pronounces it correctly) than when it is a simple Hi there. How many times have you thrown away 'junk mail' addressed to 'occupant' or when it is visibly a preprinted bulk mailing? Personal contact makes a difference.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Traveling Salesmen -- we need them now!
Years ago housewives looked forward to the arrival of the 'traveling salesman' who would bring them the latest news and gadgets. As our nation became more mobile and stores popped up in every town to provide these things fewer and fewer traveling salesmen existed.
Door to door salesmen replaced them in larger communities and these salesmen sold everything from vacuums to cleaning items to brushes and seasonings. Later they too became replaced by malls and online shopping.
That special customer service was no longer available as more and more began shopping in large shopping centers and discount stores. We all lost when that occurred. Not only did those salemen become unemployed but homemakers and others lost not only the ability to view things conveniently in their home and in many cases try them before buying but the no questions asked return policy and guarantees also were replaced by the impersonal 'customer service' department in large retail outlets that often times cause more problems with less results.
It is very sad that the special bond between customer and salesman was destroyed. No longer can the 'lady of the house' expect the salesman to come to her door with the latest products and show them to her, let her try them out and purchase on the spot. In our rush to create bigger and better we have lost that personal contact with customers.
Today with both parents working in many families shopping becomes a hassle and a quick run to the local discount store for groceries, tools and school supplies. How many times have you gone to a discount store and needed help to find a product or learn more about it? Were you able to find a salesman, get their attention and get the information you needed quickly? Or were you not only unable to find a salesman but if you did find one they did not know what you needed or how to find it.
We need the traveling salesmen back! We need that friendly, personal attention more now than ever. We need to open the door to a friend that not only knows your name but can help you get the products you need quickly and easily and offer a money back guarantee too! We need the salesman that remembers:
- Your daughter's birthday is coming up and you need a gift for her -- the salesman can offer just the right thing for you at the price you can afford because he knows your family.
- That you last bought vanilla 3 months ago and probably need a new bottle about now especially with the holiday baking you will be doing.
- Your son has allergies and the new laundry detergent his company now offers is just what you need and he even has a sample for you to try!
- You love the scent of lavender so he makes sure to have the lavender scent available in the cleaners you enjoy and some new ones too.
Can you be that person? Sure you can! No matter what company you represent offer friendly, personal service to your customers, know their needs and their families, know their budgets and their special likes and dislikes. Create a special bond with your customers and build on it each month. Not only will you establish a loyal customer but you will also get many other benefits including repeat sales, word of mouth recommendations (which we all know are the best kind of all) and a new friend -- something we all need today.
Become a traveling salesman! Treat your customers as the special people they are and your business will grow and prosper. Let's not forget the old ways but update them to help today's customers.
My business travels with me, does yours?
My Home Business Travels with Me, Does Yours?
Just recently my husband and I temporarily relocated to Mansfield, Arkansas (for 10 weeks) and now to Del Rio, Texas. During this time I have ontinued to service my Watkins customers without problem. Not only could they order directly online from my website but they were also able to contact me and I was able to mail them products as well. I also sold products at yard sales, flea markets and other venues during this time.
Currently we are workkamping (working at an RV park in exchange for lot rental and utilities as well as a small wage) in Del Rio Texas and I have a couple of tables set up outside the trailer under our tent where neighbors can come by and see the products I have on hand to purchase. I have already made several sales.
With many home based businesses this is just not possible. Not only are you restricted by your location but also by your abilities to take care of your customers long distance. Some home businesses require licensing and fees that further restrict your activities.
If you plan to travel during retirement or just want to be able to move your business with you for other reasons be sure to check out the company thoroughly. Territorial restrictions, licensing fees and other problems can create more problems than you may want to deal with in some cases.
Mary Keyser, The Vanilla Vagabond
Independent Watkins Associate #367235
www.MarysVanillaShop.com for more information
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
Your Future is at Stake
Do you have an alternative to Social Security?
Stocks and bonds are NOT the answer!
The recent economic changes have shown us that we cannot depend upon our 401k plans, stocks, bonds, or other savings programs to support us in the future. Many are now suggesting that a home based business may be your best safety net for the future. But where to start?
Selling products is not often something many enjoy. And, many home based businesses are based solely on selling products to customers and getting others to do the same. I enjoy selling but I do not want to spend the rest of my life looking for new customers for my products. But, if I don't sell my products who will? If I don't get sales, how will I earn income?
What if instead of 'selling products' to hundreds of individuals you could instead be rewarded for telling them about a way to save money, earn money, and have a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle that is better for our environment as well? It is possible. Now, Costco or Sam's Club is not going to reward you for telling others about their membership program and the money you save. But, if you let others purchase a membership to save money, help them earn money, and get healthier, better quality products so their families live better and help the environment too you could build a fantastic home based business that could build and grow beyond your wildest dreams.
The products must be of the best quality, offer a money back guarantee, have a reliable delivery system, offer better health options, and be environmentally safe. The company must be long term - too many fail within the first five years. And, the membership program must be simple and easy to follow, right? We don't want to have to rewrite the book we just want to follow it.
I found that company, and that simple easy to use program, with Watkins and the Summit Group.
Watkins offers a plan that can help you build a residual income for the future. If you begin now in three to five years you could be earning $100,000 or more each year AND what is even more important building a residual income that will continue for you long after you 'retire'.
The Summit Group offers you training, a free sponsoring website, and great day to day support to help make your dreams a reality. This is the most successful group of Watkins Associates. Why not join a successful team?
Please take a few minutes to view my website and learn about this exciting program. You will not be disappointed. When you have viewed the website please jot me a quick email about what you have seen and what you liked, disliked or questions you might have. I will be happy to help you and if finances are a problem I can help you find a way to earn your starting membership too!
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Mary Keyser, The Vanilla Vagabond
Independent Watkins Associate #367235
Visit my website www.MarysVanillaShop.com to learn
how you can get a FREE $10 Gift Certificate when you join my team.
The recent economic changes have shown us that we cannot depend upon our 401k plans, stocks, bonds, or other savings programs to support us in the future. Many are now suggesting that a home based business may be your best safety net for the future. But where to start?
Selling products is not often something many enjoy. And, many home based businesses are based solely on selling products to customers and getting others to do the same. I enjoy selling but I do not want to spend the rest of my life looking for new customers for my products. But, if I don't sell my products who will? If I don't get sales, how will I earn income?
What if instead of 'selling products' to hundreds of individuals you could instead be rewarded for telling them about a way to save money, earn money, and have a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle that is better for our environment as well? It is possible. Now, Costco or Sam's Club is not going to reward you for telling others about their membership program and the money you save. But, if you let others purchase a membership to save money, help them earn money, and get healthier, better quality products so their families live better and help the environment too you could build a fantastic home based business that could build and grow beyond your wildest dreams.
The products must be of the best quality, offer a money back guarantee, have a reliable delivery system, offer better health options, and be environmentally safe. The company must be long term - too many fail within the first five years. And, the membership program must be simple and easy to follow, right? We don't want to have to rewrite the book we just want to follow it.
I found that company, and that simple easy to use program, with Watkins and the Summit Group.
Watkins offers a plan that can help you build a residual income for the future. If you begin now in three to five years you could be earning $100,000 or more each year AND what is even more important building a residual income that will continue for you long after you 'retire'.
The Summit Group offers you training, a free sponsoring website, and great day to day support to help make your dreams a reality. This is the most successful group of Watkins Associates. Why not join a successful team?
Please take a few minutes to view my website and learn about this exciting program. You will not be disappointed. When you have viewed the website please jot me a quick email about what you have seen and what you liked, disliked or questions you might have. I will be happy to help you and if finances are a problem I can help you find a way to earn your starting membership too!
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Mary Keyser, The Vanilla Vagabond
Independent Watkins Associate #367235
Visit my website www.MarysVanillaShop.com to learn
how you can get a FREE $10 Gift Certificate when you join my team.
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Family Support?
Family Support -- Is it essential for your home business success?
Many feel their families or friends just do not support them in their efforts to succeed in their home based business. Can you succeed without it? Or does that lack of support doom you to failure?
Certainly it is much easier to succeed when you have the support of others. Knowing that you have the support of your family and friends can give you the added confidence in yourself that helps you to succeed.
But, even though your husband scoffs at the idea, the children think you are crazy, your friends think you are wasting your time, and your parents are calling this another of your follys YOU can succeed. Their negative outlooks do not have to overshadow your positive plans and dreams. Focus on the important things -- the building tools of your business -- and you will soon be showing others that YOU CAN SUCCEED. Ignoring their comments and ridicule is not easy but by keeping a positive focus on the goals you have set for yourself and continuing to work diligently toward those goals you can accomplish much.
Share your accomplishments with your family and friends. Let them know when you reach that first goal you have set for yourself. Whether it be that first all important order, your first party, or your first sponsoring success, when you achieve things let them know you are succeeding even if it is only a bit. There is much you can accomplish. Take the family out to eat with your first large commission check or bonus. Purchase a small gift for the famly -- movie tickets, a game, a video, let them share in your success. Sometimes even a small gesture can make a big difference in their opinions of you and your business.
Everything takes time and even when you reach a large goal like manager or regional supervisor some may still feel your business is not really important. But it is important to you and while you continue to build and grow your business you are gaining much more than just income. You are gaining confidence and pride in yourself. You will find a new sense of accomplishment that is not dependent upon others opinions but comes from within.
Stick with it! Don't give up! You can succeed! YOU WILL SUCCEED!
Mary Keyser, The Vanilla Vagabond
Many feel their families or friends just do not support them in their efforts to succeed in their home based business. Can you succeed without it? Or does that lack of support doom you to failure?
Certainly it is much easier to succeed when you have the support of others. Knowing that you have the support of your family and friends can give you the added confidence in yourself that helps you to succeed.
But, even though your husband scoffs at the idea, the children think you are crazy, your friends think you are wasting your time, and your parents are calling this another of your follys YOU can succeed. Their negative outlooks do not have to overshadow your positive plans and dreams. Focus on the important things -- the building tools of your business -- and you will soon be showing others that YOU CAN SUCCEED. Ignoring their comments and ridicule is not easy but by keeping a positive focus on the goals you have set for yourself and continuing to work diligently toward those goals you can accomplish much.
Share your accomplishments with your family and friends. Let them know when you reach that first goal you have set for yourself. Whether it be that first all important order, your first party, or your first sponsoring success, when you achieve things let them know you are succeeding even if it is only a bit. There is much you can accomplish. Take the family out to eat with your first large commission check or bonus. Purchase a small gift for the famly -- movie tickets, a game, a video, let them share in your success. Sometimes even a small gesture can make a big difference in their opinions of you and your business.
Everything takes time and even when you reach a large goal like manager or regional supervisor some may still feel your business is not really important. But it is important to you and while you continue to build and grow your business you are gaining much more than just income. You are gaining confidence and pride in yourself. You will find a new sense of accomplishment that is not dependent upon others opinions but comes from within.
Stick with it! Don't give up! You can succeed! YOU WILL SUCCEED!
Mary Keyser, The Vanilla Vagabond
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No Selling Required?
No Selling Required?
Many home based businesses tell you there is no selling required. But, is that really true? Isn't every business really about selling? Without sales of a product, service, or idea there is no business. I caution my downline that 'selling' is not required but that telling is. No hard sale tactics are required but if you know your product, use the product, and tell others about the product you will succeed.
It's really very simple. When you find a great restaurant that provides tasty food at a reasonable price with good service you tell others about it. If someone asks you about your car you tell them the good things about it, the dealership and the warranty, and the bad things you have learned as well. When you take a dish to a pot luck and people ask for the recipe, you tell them how to make it or how simple it really is.
But, if you never tell others about your home based business you will never succeed. No, you may not have to sell them products or convince them to buy but you do have to tell them why you like the products and why you use them personally. You have to tell others about the program your company offers and how it works for you personally and for others you know.
No Selling Required? Maybe not, but TELLING IS ESSENTIAL.
Mary Keyser, The Vanilla Vagabond
Independent Watkins Associate #367235
Visit my website www.MarysVanillaShop.com to learn
how you can get a FREE $10 Gift Certificate when you join my team.
Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. See how.
Many home based businesses tell you there is no selling required. But, is that really true? Isn't every business really about selling? Without sales of a product, service, or idea there is no business. I caution my downline that 'selling' is not required but that telling is. No hard sale tactics are required but if you know your product, use the product, and tell others about the product you will succeed.
It's really very simple. When you find a great restaurant that provides tasty food at a reasonable price with good service you tell others about it. If someone asks you about your car you tell them the good things about it, the dealership and the warranty, and the bad things you have learned as well. When you take a dish to a pot luck and people ask for the recipe, you tell them how to make it or how simple it really is.
But, if you never tell others about your home based business you will never succeed. No, you may not have to sell them products or convince them to buy but you do have to tell them why you like the products and why you use them personally. You have to tell others about the program your company offers and how it works for you personally and for others you know.
No Selling Required? Maybe not, but TELLING IS ESSENTIAL.
Mary Keyser, The Vanilla Vagabond
Independent Watkins Associate #367235
Visit my website www.MarysVanillaShop.com to learn
how you can get a FREE $10 Gift Certificate when you join my team.
Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. See how.
Network Marketing -- Evil Scheme or Real Income Possibility?
Network Marketing -- Evil Scheme or Real Income Possibility?
I recently attended a conference based on network marketing and I learned a great deal. Not only about the company I am involved with but the basic idea of network marketing itself.
Many consider network marketing a pyramid scheme where only those at the top receive any substantial income and those at the bottom must do all the work without hope of reward. If that is your definition of a pyramid then I guess all businesses are pyramids. The CEO gets the largest share of the income and the workers down below building the products receive only an hourly wage and benefits.
But, those same employees have the opportunity to work and raise in the company to foremen, or other positions gaining more rewards and greater income. Network marketing is much the same -- the more time, energy and work you put into your business the greater your rewards as you move up. The biggest difference is that with network marketing YOU control your advancement. In most businesses you must wait for an opening to become a foreman and be recognized by those in charge as someone who can handle the job. Your advancement depends upon others above you.
One of the speakers said, "Jesus was the greatest network marketer of all." When he first said that I was shocked but as he explained it became clear. Jesus started with a core group of 12 disciples. Although many more heard His voice and followed Him this core group of 12 became the backbone of His "network marketing". These twelve people began what has become the most well known and most beloved "network marketing" program in the world. Even today thousands of years after His short life was ended here on earth people continue to worship Him and learn about His love and the program He set in place for all of us. This 'pyramid' does not require you to win the approval of those above you to advance it requires only your hard work, dedication and belief. Think about it.
Network marketing is simply a way of building a business by adding others to your team that spread the word and in the process build businesses of their own. By promoting this way of reaching others you can achieve great things. BUT, remember you must help those below you to advance to advance yourselves. Unlike most businesses you are not dependent upon those above you but upon those below you. If you do not help others to succeed then you will not succeed. If Jesus had not taught the disciples well and helped them to grow they would not have been able to achieve their greatness. These people built great churches that in turn brought more and more people into them and started more churches and Christianity grew to the enormous faith it is now. People helping others is the only way a network marketing program will succeed.
Those who maintain that network marketing is a pyramid scheme fail to see the difference between 'buying' your way to the top and helping others to build and grow to achieve your own advancement. Network marketing offers real income potential if you treat it as a business and dedicate time and energy to helping others build their businesses as well. Jesus was the greatest network marketer of all and He showed us that only by helping others can we succeed.
Mary Keyser, The Vanilla Vagabond
I recently attended a conference based on network marketing and I learned a great deal. Not only about the company I am involved with but the basic idea of network marketing itself.
Many consider network marketing a pyramid scheme where only those at the top receive any substantial income and those at the bottom must do all the work without hope of reward. If that is your definition of a pyramid then I guess all businesses are pyramids. The CEO gets the largest share of the income and the workers down below building the products receive only an hourly wage and benefits.
But, those same employees have the opportunity to work and raise in the company to foremen, or other positions gaining more rewards and greater income. Network marketing is much the same -- the more time, energy and work you put into your business the greater your rewards as you move up. The biggest difference is that with network marketing YOU control your advancement. In most businesses you must wait for an opening to become a foreman and be recognized by those in charge as someone who can handle the job. Your advancement depends upon others above you.
One of the speakers said, "Jesus was the greatest network marketer of all." When he first said that I was shocked but as he explained it became clear. Jesus started with a core group of 12 disciples. Although many more heard His voice and followed Him this core group of 12 became the backbone of His "network marketing". These twelve people began what has become the most well known and most beloved "network marketing" program in the world. Even today thousands of years after His short life was ended here on earth people continue to worship Him and learn about His love and the program He set in place for all of us. This 'pyramid' does not require you to win the approval of those above you to advance it requires only your hard work, dedication and belief. Think about it.
Network marketing is simply a way of building a business by adding others to your team that spread the word and in the process build businesses of their own. By promoting this way of reaching others you can achieve great things. BUT, remember you must help those below you to advance to advance yourselves. Unlike most businesses you are not dependent upon those above you but upon those below you. If you do not help others to succeed then you will not succeed. If Jesus had not taught the disciples well and helped them to grow they would not have been able to achieve their greatness. These people built great churches that in turn brought more and more people into them and started more churches and Christianity grew to the enormous faith it is now. People helping others is the only way a network marketing program will succeed.
Those who maintain that network marketing is a pyramid scheme fail to see the difference between 'buying' your way to the top and helping others to build and grow to achieve your own advancement. Network marketing offers real income potential if you treat it as a business and dedicate time and energy to helping others build their businesses as well. Jesus was the greatest network marketer of all and He showed us that only by helping others can we succeed.
Mary Keyser, The Vanilla Vagabond
Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. See how.
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