tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49862727607970026452024-03-14T00:27:30.433+11:00WLC's Candle WebsiteFilled with Information for Independent Candle ConsultantsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-32865460541083436552017-06-15T05:21:00.000+10:002017-06-15T05:24:35.455+10:00What you need to know about the PartyLite Conference<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIvHZEq-efU/WUGK_Q1vR5I/AAAAAAAACRk/7CGmQr3TScYhigi_tNBsOS2PiZ5AxyrkgCLcBGAs/s1600/AC53B57F-5DDF-4A15-816A-333442E59431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIvHZEq-efU/WUGK_Q1vR5I/AAAAAAAACRk/7CGmQr3TScYhigi_tNBsOS2PiZ5AxyrkgCLcBGAs/s320/AC53B57F-5DDF-4A15-816A-333442E59431.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>SUMMARY: Conference 2017 is July 20-July 22. Registration is online on the Consultant Business Centre. It is THE best event of the year for your business. </b><br />
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<b>We Love to Party!</b><br />
Here are some the things you need to know about conference.... Everything else you'll learn at our Unit Meetings.... So come to those and get excited! <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Conference Registration</b><br />
Conference registrations are open, and if you're already a consultant, I’d like you to make the commitment now.<br />
<br />
DON'T register if you're not sure you will go. There is a $100 administrative fee for cancellations and only conference attendees get the free products. So, once you do register, put it in your diary and make it a priority. <b> </b><br />
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<b>Conference Accommodation </b><br />
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There are heaps of options for accommodation near the <a href="http://mcec.com.au/" target="_blank">Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre</a>. I strongly suggest sharing a room with someone to save money. Personally, I'm staying at the <a href="http://www.platinum-apartments.com.au/property/lodge-penthouse?PageDataID=94076" target="_blank">Lodge in Southbank</a>. The best place to talk about what other people are doing is at a Unit Meeting or on Facebook. The highest cost (if you arrive on Wednesday night) would be four nights of accommodation at about $150 per person. You can definitely be more thrifty than that.<br />
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<b>Conference Air Travel</b><br />
Conference Registration opens at 12:00 on the Thursday afternoon and the conference starts at about 1:45. I will be organising a brunch meeting at 10:30 on Thursday morning for all of the future Nirvana group. I will be arriving on the Wednesday so that I'm fresh and ready on Thursday. If you need to travel on Thursday, please take a very early flight. There are heaps of sales as the date gets closer. I usually get flights for less than $200. (Note: I NEVER fly JetStar.)<br />
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The gala dinner on Saturday ends after 11:00 and it is usually a late night, so plan your flights out according to your sleeping requirements. I wouldn't leave until after 2:00 on Sunday – no rushing for me.<br />
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<b>Conference GROUND TRANSPORTATION</b><br />
You should definitely share taxis or shuttles getting to and from the Exhibition Centre. You won’t need a car.<br />
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<b>Conference FOOD</b><br />
Breakfasts: Hotel breakfasts or cafes might be a good solution for you. Personally, I eat breakfast in my room most mornings. As always, Vanessa and I will organise some early morning walks and Adrian can run the Run Club.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJv2u3h8a9s/WUGLAt9nNzI/AAAAAAAACR0/NVX5RM9K6x4jZLHyXwKbFW1BapBKwygCwCLcBGAs/s1600/FE05CC56-2F4B-47C8-8E37-660D95888C50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJv2u3h8a9s/WUGLAt9nNzI/AAAAAAAACR0/NVX5RM9K6x4jZLHyXwKbFW1BapBKwygCwCLcBGAs/s320/FE05CC56-2F4B-47C8-8E37-660D95888C50.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Thursday: Light snacks are served on Thursday evening, sometimes it's enough, sometimes it isn't. So if we need to, we might eat a pizza or something after the meet and greet.<br />
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Friday morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are provided. We will be free to go out to dinner. Each Unit might come up with a plan. Cost of dinner is usually less than $50 and the restaurants in the past have been BYO (so I bring a bottle of wine from home).<br />
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Saturday, other than breakfast, all food is included: morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and the gala dinner.<br />
<br />
<b>Conference SHOP</b><br />
You are under no obligation to participate in conference shop, but there are usually some great bargains to be had – exclusive to conference attendees. I buy door prize items and small host gifts. You can also do personal shopping, gift purchases, and stock up on wax (usually discontinued fragrances).<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTlUxXy60ac/WUGK3kPD7TI/AAAAAAAACRU/uMmQ5zSeWWUVMMZlPwYVpwv1aLfkywoiwCLcBGAs/s1600/6CB37F9F-E244-4605-BCF3-ABBF2C12E375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTlUxXy60ac/WUGK3kPD7TI/AAAAAAAACRU/uMmQ5zSeWWUVMMZlPwYVpwv1aLfkywoiwCLcBGAs/s320/6CB37F9F-E244-4605-BCF3-ABBF2C12E375.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<b>Total Cost</b><br />
All in all, with flights, accommodation, registration, breakfasts, 2 dinners, beverages, and conference shop, I suppose I spend about $1000-$1200. That's $300 a day. I get back motivation, inspiration, education, friendships, training, stories, free products (worth about $500!), pride in our company, and incentives to achieve even more in my business. Your return on investment is FANTASTIC.<br />
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OK – I hope I’ve given you lots of reasons to ask more questions, get planning, and get your registration in! You will absolutely LOVE conference. Once you go, it’ll be something you’ll tell other people they shouldn’t miss. I guarantee it! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-60503400168395921232017-05-12T13:52:00.001+10:002017-05-12T13:52:17.958+10:00OBSERVATIONS: Watch a Party and Learn Heaps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How to do a party observation.<br />
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<ol>
<li>Tell a group of consultants that you are available to do an observation on a specific day/night. Ask who has a party that day/night.</li>
<li>Accept the offer NO MATTER WHERE the party is.... Pretend the host is yours and you have to go to her place to do the party.... </li>
<li>Join the other consultant for the ride if you can. Get to the venue at the same time if you can't. </li>
<li>Read the attached <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6zKqCl5KyKfeUNoWGppZVhya0U/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Party Observation Notes</a> BEFORE going to the party so that you know what you're looking for.... </li>
<li>Bring the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6zKqCl5KyKfeUNoWGppZVhya0U/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Party Observation Notes</a> with you and fill them out as the party goes. Don't help the other consultant - observe the other consultant. Do chat and engage with the other guests as appropriate, but remember that you are there to learn. So watch and listen more than you chat. :)</li>
<li>Watch what the consultant does and says before the "official" party structure begins - how does s/he interact with the host, the arriving guests, the other people in the house.</li>
<li>Watch how the consultant conducts Part 1, 2, and 3 of the party.</li>
<li>Come close and watch how the consultant takes orders after the "official" party structure is complete - how does s/he watch what is going on and guide the guests with their orders? </li>
<li>Have a debrief session with the consultant after the party. If it's late, you can do that the next day, but it's great to give and receive feedback and to ask and answer questions.</li>
<li>Share your experience with your sponsor and leader and with the rest of the team on Facebook. Let people know what you learned. </li>
<li>And most of all - HAVE FUN!</li>
</ol>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-80360651311352345952016-04-19T14:45:00.001+10:002016-04-19T14:45:34.362+10:00Q&A<br />
<div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxFCNPMtb-I/VxW3Z2hR_3I/AAAAAAAACPc/wCiiUtAtBPAIwFVYFFImNABHFtUf9KSMgCLcB/s1600/Questions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxFCNPMtb-I/VxW3Z2hR_3I/AAAAAAAACPc/wCiiUtAtBPAIwFVYFFImNABHFtUf9KSMgCLcB/s320/Questions.jpg" width="320" /></a>I absolutely LOVE getting questions from new consultants and one of the newest members of the team just asked such great ones that I thought I'd share them (and the answers) with you.</div>
<br />
<i>Dear Wendy,</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>I would like to ask people about their interest in booking parties using facebook and with a letterbox drop, but I am not sure about the legalities and guidelines surrounding this. I have looked at the literature online and I note there is an application form for this but not sure when it needs to be utilised. </i><br />
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Facebook – There are social Media Guidelines on the CBC under Consultant Guide > Advertising > Advertising >Advertising Guidelines AND Advertising & Social Media Policy - Clarifications<br />
<br />
<br />
Letterbox drops – There are lots of ways to do these and you don’t need permission to do so. Just don’t use PartyLite images or logo and always say “Independent PartyLite Consultant” if you mention PartyLite at all. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A great article with good comments under it…. <a href="http://www.partyplanblogs.com/wp_cms/back-to-basics/2012/02/14/letterbox-drops-dont-work/">http://www.partyplanblogs.com/wp_cms/back-to-basics/2012/02/14/letterbox-drops-dont-work/</a> </li>
<li>Hints and Tips: If you can't resist.... <a href="https://www.business.qld.gov.au/business/running/marketing/direct-marketing/leaflet-marketing-letterbox-drops-handouts">https://www.business.qld.gov.au/business/running/marketing/direct-marketing/leaflet-marketing-letterbox-drops-handouts</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
Advertising Forms – Free to fill out and send in, so worth it whenever you are going out where others might be (Chicks at the Flicks, fetes, expos, print ads, etc.). I love PartyLite’s support when I’m doing marketing. They let me know if I’m breaking the rules before I spend money. They also have good advice.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I am also looking to do some fundraising type parties. Are there any restrictions with these? I know Jan has done some and has been running them like a normal party or outside orders so just wanted to clarify that is how i would do it too.</i><br />
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Well, you can fundraise anyway you want to. I find normal parties are great, but most charities wand cold hard cash and I like to keep my commission. So I offer to do a fundraiser by letting the host donate the host benefits to be a raffle prize. I give the raffle prize to the host and let them sell raffle tickets to raise money for the organisation. I do this a lot and have been very successful. Win-win-win. <br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>In regards to the brite start program, is each month dependent on the before month target being met? for example, can month two rewards be received if month one wasn't?</i><br />
<br />
Each month is separate. You can achieve any or all in any order <br />
<br />
<i>On a different note, I have a customer that would like to order the brighter world trio but I am not sure if you receive all 3 of those different fragrances or you get 3 of one type. can you please clarify this. Thanks.</i><br />
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On page 37 of the catalogue it specifies the three fragrances: Vanilla Black Pepper, Cinnamon Orange, and Lavender Verbena. <br />
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<i>Finally......I would love to come watch one of your parties if possible </i><br />
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Yippee! I have one on Thursday, April 28th and one on Friday, April 29th and I’d LOVE to have you come with me. Please let me know which one is good for you. We would meet here at my place and go together. <br />
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Great questions. Hope I helped. X WLC.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-59738439648897331782015-03-23T11:52:00.003+11:002015-03-25T15:54:32.042+11:00Conference 2015 - What you need to know....<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/doFAwmts8ZA" width="560"></iframe><br />
<b>We Love to Party!</b><br />
<br />
Here are some the things you need to know about conference.... Everything else you'll learn at our Unit Meetings.... So come to those and get excited! <b> </b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <br />
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<b>Conference Registration</b><br />
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Conference registrations are open, and if you're already a consultant, I’d like you to make the commitment now. Every Rainbow who registers for conference before the close of business on Monday, March 30 will get a fantastic early bird present when you attend conference. If you register after March 30, you won’t get the early bird present. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY - March 30, 2015.<br />
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Register now - pay later! If you sign up on the CBC for Stash Cash BEFORE you register, you can defer your payment until June. Stash cash takes a little bit of your profit from each party you do and puts it aside for your conference fees. The minimum is $10 per party and the maximum is $50per party. It adds up pretty quickly if you do it that way.<br />
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DON'T register if you're not sure you will go. There is a $100 administrative fee for cancellations and only conference attendees get the free products. So, once you do register, put it in your diary and make it a priority. <b> </b><br />
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<b>Conference Accommodation </b><br />
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There are heaps of options for accommodation near the <a href="http://www.bcec.com.au/">Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre</a>. I strongly suggest sharing a room with someone to save money. Personally, I stay at the Novatel because I'm lazy and don't like to be far from my room. There are other options, including renting a house nearby and having a group of people room together. The best place to talk about what other people are doing is at a Unit Meeting or on Facebook. The highest cost (if you arrive on Wednesday night) would be four nights of accommodation at about $150 per person. You can definitely be more thrifty than that.<br />
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<b>Conference Air Travel</b><br />
Conference Registration opens at 12:00 on the Thursday afternoon and the conference starts at 1:45. The other Unit Leaders and I will be organising a brunch meeting at 10:30 on Thursday morning for all of the future Nirvana group. I will be arriving on the Wednesday evening so that I'm fresh and ready on Thursday. If you need to travel on Thursday, please take a very early flight. There are heaps of sales as the date gets closer. Fly into Brisbane if you can - the Gold Coast will cost you as much in road travel as the cost to fly directly to Brisbane. I usually get flights for less than $200. (Note: I NEVER fly JetStar.)<br />
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The gala dinner on Saturday ends after 11:00 and it is usually a late night, so plan your flights out according to your sleeping requirements. I won’t leave until after 2:00 on Sunday – no rushing for me.<br />
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<b>Conference GROUND TRANSPORTATION</b><br />
You should definitely share taxis or shuttles getting to and from the Exhibition Centre. You won’t need a car.<br />
<br />
<b>Conference FOOD</b><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q6ZSi4ZRYk0/S8eer_qB_SI/AAAAAAAABbU/7kfZSqNu7kI/s1600/PartyLite+Conference+2009+131.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> <br />
Breakfasts: Hotel breakfasts or cafes might be a good solution for you. Personally, I eat breakfast in my room most mornings. We also are going to organise some early morning walks this year.<br />
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Thursday: Light snacks are served on Thursday evening, so we usually eat a pizza or something at the hotel bar after the meet and greet.<br />
<br />
Friday morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are provided. We will be free to go out to dinner. Each Unit might come up with a plan. Cost of dinner is usually less than $50 and the restaurants in the past have been BYO (so I bring a bottle of wine from home).<br />
<br />
Saturday, other than breakfast, all food is included: morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and the gala dinner.<br />
<br />
<b>Conference SHOP</b><br />
You are under no obligation to participate in conference shop, but there are usually some great bargains to be had – exclusive to conference attendees. I buy door prize items and small host gifts. You can also do personal shopping, gift purchases, and stock up on wax (usually discontinued fragrances).<br />
<br />
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<b>Total Cost</b><br />
All in all, with flights, accommodation, registration, breakfasts, 2 dinners, beverages, and conference shop, I suppose I spend about $1000-$1200. That's $300 a day. I get back motivation, inspiration, education, friendships, training, stories, free products, pride in our company, and incentives to achieve even more in my business. My return on investment is FANTASTIC. Do 2-3 extra parties in each of April, May and June and it's basically paid for before you even get there. <br />
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OK – I hope I’ve given you lots of reasons to ask more questions, get planning, and get your registration in! You will absolutely LOVE conference. Once you go, it’ll be something you’ll tell other people they shouldn’t miss. I promise. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-78758541304324108042014-05-10T11:18:00.002+10:002014-05-10T11:19:49.150+10:00Do You Want a Higher Guest Average?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53wbvTL4sso/U21-SD8de-I/AAAAAAAACLs/2DQMpYXTCnY/s1600/Increase+money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53wbvTL4sso/U21-SD8de-I/AAAAAAAACLs/2DQMpYXTCnY/s1600/Increase+money.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>Increasing your average guest spend is NOT about hocking lots of unnecessary products and upselling everything to everyone. It's about guiding the guests into a decorating mindset, story selling to give them emotional connections to the fragrances and decors, and giving them excellent customer service with quantities of fragrance (wax, oil, sticks, etc.) so that they enjoy everything they purchase.<br />
<br />
Here are a few of the ideas I have to share our products. <br />
<br />
TO START: I always start my parties with a story about how some of the pages will call out to them and most of them will not. Focus on the pages you like and think about how those pieces will look in their home. I always say that if nothing calls out to them, that's okay, too. I'd rather have them buy nothing than buy a nick-knack.<br />
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DURING: The Wow! card and the Show it off! Card are great for talking about the specific products I've brought with me. I let people know that the collections are specifically designed so they can purchase smaller items at a party and get larger items for free or half price when they book a party. (I also acknowledge that some people don't like to have parties, so they just buy the larger items outright.)<br />
<br />
AFTER: I hand out the Love it! list and give them information about why they should fill out the front. Then I ask them to use the list to capture their favourites - favourite pages, products, and fragrances. I tell them that PartyLite isn't a one night stand... it's a journey. We can fragrance and decorate their homes one corner at a time.<br />
<br />
WRAP IT UP: When this card comes up, I ask them to think of one person who has a birthday, or is moving into a new house, or has done something special for them recently. I share the Brighter World and Forbidden Fruits collections then. I also offer Gift Certificates in $30 and higher for people who are difficult to buy for. I say I want to be their Gift Service and I promise I'll never go above their budget whether it's $20 or $200.<br />
<br />
SETTING EXPECTATIONS: When I give an example of the party sales for a booking seed, I always use $1000 as the party total in my example. Also I give out catalogues at the beginning of the party to allow them time to get used to our different products and prices throughout my presentation. The presentation captures the essence of the quality and value they get with PartyLite.<br />
<br />
I'm sure you have ideas on how to best position the products and promotions to encourage your clients (new and returning) to buy. I'd love it if you'd share them here and make this post an even more valuable training piece.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-21699092341139645232014-04-23T10:44:00.001+10:002014-04-23T10:44:48.238+10:00How to Follow-Up After a Networking Meeting<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZFTxW3jBkig?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-77120975271906426252014-04-21T16:47:00.001+10:002014-04-21T16:47:46.626+10:00Lost Training NotesDo you take notes at meetings? I have a special notebook I take to all PartyLite meetings so I can keep all of the training notes in one place and re-read, re-inspire, and renew my business when I need to. One of our conference speakers, <a href="https://www.terryhawkins.com/" target="_blank">Terri Hawkins</a>, gave me that advice.<br />
<br />
But I just found a lonely piece of paper. One with some great notes on it... I'm going to capture those notes here and then recycle the page....<br />
<br />
What meeting was it? Don't know.<br />
<br />
How long ago? Don't know.<br />
<br />
Who was the trainer? Don't know.<br />
<br />
Who took the notes? Me.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Bookings</b></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>No one will get you bookings.</li>
<li>You won't get bookings unless you change you.</li>
<li>YOU NEED TO OFFER.</li>
<li>Set a schedule, make the calls. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Ideas:<br />
<ol>
<li>Customer Service Calls</li>
<li>Tealight Surveys</li>
<li>Asking at parties</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Increase your party average</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Increase the number of guests<b> </b>(through consistent CARE calls)</li>
<li>Increase the average guest spend (focus on decorating and fragrance - not just candles)</li>
<li>Ask how they envisage burning the candles.</li>
<li>Upsell as good service for THEM versus higher sales for YOU.</li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-46266177905202751892014-04-14T22:27:00.000+10:002014-04-14T23:13:47.534+10:00Guarantee Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sE62kK_G5fw/U0vSjKN3BJI/AAAAAAAACLE/1Byu1Cl0iG8/s1600/Guaranteed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sE62kK_G5fw/U0vSjKN3BJI/AAAAAAAACLE/1Byu1Cl0iG8/s1600/Guaranteed.jpg" /></a></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">When I do a party, I always mention that absolutely everything in the catalogue is guaranteed. Not just that it will arrive </span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">beautifully boxed and </span></span></span></span>in perfect condition, but also guaranteed that they will LOVE it. That it will be the perfect piece. That if they aren't 100% happy, I will be happy to exchange it for something else or refund their money.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">I let them know that for 90 days after the delivery, PartyLite will support me in that guarantee. If they change their minds, there is a small shipping and handling fee. If something is our fault, we will cover all costs to make it right.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">When a client wants to exchange or needs a replacement, that's simple.... First, assist the client in using the product correctly (hugging, burning long enough, moving diffusers into another space, taking out reeds, taking the little plastic knob off the spike of the Changing Seasons Lantern, etc.). Then, if you determine that the product is faulty, or if the client simply wants to exchange, you fill out a Replacement Order Form (ROF). If a shipping and handling fee applies, you have the choice whether to cover the shipping and handling fee yourself or to charge the client. (If the client decides to exchange the item, I usually get them to pay the exchange fee.) </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><a href="http://youtu.be/RoBjH-ELV2w" target="_blank">Here's a link to a video on how to fill out an ROF</a>.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>So what do you do if clients want their money back?</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">As long as you meet the 90 day time limit, you
have 2 choices with a return. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">(1) Let PartyLite process it (ROF). The
subsequent reduction in party sales affects your commission, host
benefits, and is generally a pa</span></span><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">in. However, this may be your only option if you don't have the funds to do option #2. Be aware that if the exchange takes the compensatable sales of the host BELOW $500, then the host will lose her 20% (reduced to 15%) and will lose her eligibility for the $50 host bonus voucher. Also, your commission will be reduced and PartyLite will reverse your next profit payment accordingly.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">(2) YOU give the client the money back and you now own the product. You
now have the choice of whether to keep it, sell it, or exchange it with Partylite (ROF)
and get something else. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>I CHOOSE OPTION 2.</b> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">If you have exceeded the 90 day limit, you also have two choices.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">(1) </span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">YOU give the client the money back and you now own the product. You
now have the choice of whether to keep it or sell it (or, if you're a leader, raffle it).</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">(2) You politely explain to the client that the guarantee is for 90 days from product delivery and unfortunately there's nothing you can do for them now that the 90 days has gone by. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>I CHOOSE OPTION 1.</b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">There is no right or wrong for any of the choices I've mentioned. My choices are right for my business. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">The number of times I've had to give a complete refund in the almost 9 years I've been selling PartyLite can be counted on one hand. However the number of sales I've gotten by guaranteeing that people will be 100% happy can't be measured. I'm sure it helps make sales at every single party.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">I hope this helps you feel AWESOME about guaranteeing everything when you are at a party. </span></span></span></span></span>Happy selling! </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".b5.1:3:1:$comment583705191736430_583760341730915:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Related Articles: <a href="http://rainbowsandcandles.blogspot.com/2009/11/wrap-it-up.html" target="_blank">What I say for the Wrap it Up! Party Card</a>.</span></span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-55192139801289476502014-04-02T14:44:00.000+11:002014-04-02T14:44:34.895+11:00Customer Service Calls DO Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0WCHBEpZfM/UzuHTRmi11I/AAAAAAAACKw/solJEtCwD_k/s1600/Happy-Phone-Lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0WCHBEpZfM/UzuHTRmi11I/AAAAAAAACKw/solJEtCwD_k/s1600/Happy-Phone-Lady.jpg" height="151" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday's post ("<a href="http://rainbowsandcandles.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/customer-service-calls-dont-work.html" target="_blank">Customer Service Calls Don't Work</a>") got some interesting responses. My favourite one started with "Hallelujah!"<br />
<br />
Well... it was April first and I thought an April Fool post might be fun. It was. But I was just foolin'!<br />
<br />
OF COURSE customer service calls WORK. Not only that, they are in my opinion, the BEST way to do our jobs. We are in a customer service business. Contacting our clients, and sharing our excitement about the parties, the specials, and the business opportunity over the phone is the best and most efficient way to get the job done.<br />
<br />
Here are a few of my top tips for making customer service calls:<br />
<br />
<b>Set aside time specifically to make the calls. </b>I personally like to make them during the day BEFORE children would be out of school and/or while they at at work. So my favourite time is between 12:30 and 2:30. However, you can pick ANY time that works for YOU. How? See the next tip....<br />
<br />
<b>ALWAYS ask if they have time to take your call.</b> I say, "Hi. I
know you're busy, but I wonder if you just have a minute for a quick
candle chat." If they say yes, I keep it short and sweet. If they say
no, I ask when would it be a good time to call back.<br />
<br />
<b>Make a list of the people you want to call.</b> Here are a few examples:<br />
<ol>
<li>Upcoming hosts are important for CARE calls. </li>
<li>Recent past hosts for post party follow-up. </li>
<li>Candle Connection reports provide good lists of people who have opened or (even better) clicked on your email. </li>
<li>Consultants in your unit to say hi, offer support, or organise a party observation (you watch them or they watch you... doesn't matter... it's great training). </li>
<li>People you give Bonus Vouchers to. </li>
<li>People you've met at a networking event (footy training, strata meetings, ladies lunches, or organised networking... it all counts). </li>
<li>Your leader.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<b>Set goals. </b>How many calls do you want to make per week? This should be directly related to how big you want your business to be. If you want to have 1-2 parties per month, I'd set myself a goal to ask 10-15 people per month if they want to host a party. Keep track of your results. If you find you get more parties than you want, you can always make fewer calls. If you find you don't get enough, you can make more.<br />
<br />
<b>Offer parties first, take orders second. </b>The best customer service happens in person at parties. People can see, touch, and smell the products and guests who know PartyLite already can provide testimonials about how great PartyLite is. Added benefits are that you take orders from more than one person (higher sales), you get the items delivered straight to your host (no deliveries for you), and you get to meet new people (expand your network).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Always leave a voice message.</b> Don't waste the call or the opportunity to be friendly. "Hi. It's Wendy the Candle Lady here. I'm just calling to make sure you got my email this month and to see if there's anything I can do to brighten your world. :) I'll try again later, or if you have a minute, you can call me on 0416 239 851. Talk soon."<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Keep a log.</b> Knowing who you call and what action you need to take is important. Don't wait to do your actions. Get catalogues into the post. Send follow-up emails with links to the online catalogue. Pop a Bonus Voucher into a card. Send off and ROF to fix something that went wrong.<br />
<br />
<b>Make lists. </b>Have a list of people who want to be invited to YOUR next party. A list of people who want to be consultants SOMEDAY. A list of people who want a party, but NOT NOW. A list of people who are renovating and definitely want to have a party once the work is done. A list of pregnant clients (with due dates). A list of clients getting married. A list of 17 year olds would would love to do this once they turn 18. <br />
<br />
<b>Force yourself to do it. </b>You don't like to make customer service calls? Boo hoo. (I mean that in the nicest way possible.) This is the "work" part of your business. The party part is easy. The order management is easy. The marketing is easy (only $7.50 per month). This is the sales part. Getting bookings requires courage, tenacity, and follow-up. It's the part that will make you a success.<br />
<br />
For those of you who knew I was just pulling your leg, I hope this article has a few gems in to for you. For those of you who were happy that I didn't want to make calls anymore... Sorry.<br />
<br />
Now I'm going to spell check this blog, post it, and hit the phones. I've got a double bonus month to achieve! :) Happy selling!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-68100073032412469372014-04-01T15:38:00.001+11:002014-04-01T15:39:46.818+11:00Customer Service Calls Don't Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54HwbrA2I-A/UzpCYJZ6JwI/AAAAAAAACKg/vReOONQLj5k/s1600/no-phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54HwbrA2I-A/UzpCYJZ6JwI/AAAAAAAACKg/vReOONQLj5k/s1600/no-phone.jpg" /></a></div>
HAPPY HOUR<br />
<br />
That's what PartyLite calls the hour of your day when you make customer service calls.<br />
<br />
TELEMARKETING<br />
<br />
That's all it really is. Clients don't like it when we interrupt them. They don't want to hear from us when they're working, driving, eating, drinking, playing, shopping, or putting the kids to bed. There's no real way of knowing what they are doing at any time of the day, so really, there's never a good time to call them.<br />
<br />
So, after attending a leader luncheon this afternoon, and discussing whether or not customer service calls are valuable, I've decided they are quite simply a waste of my time. I have enough to do every day putting in orders, cleaning and preparing my kit, stamping catalogues and forms, and training my team. <br />
<br />
Sending out <i>Candle Connection </i>is all I need to do to keep in touch. When my clients are ready for more candles or if they want to book a party, they have my number, and they can call me. Or they can email me.<br />
<br />
This frees my time up for even more of the things I want to do everyday. That's the best part about my business... I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. Think I'll go play the geetar.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-22535103775601328412014-01-09T13:42:00.000+11:002014-01-09T14:06:07.789+11:00Using GUEST Specials to Get BookingsHi. Here's my first Wendy's Weekly Webinar of 2014. I will actually hold webinars soon, but in the interest of starting... here 'tis. :) WLC.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Z7mI7PeIvjY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-36034902942447241802013-07-01T14:32:00.000+10:002013-07-01T14:32:32.942+10:00How to Manage Your Facebook Business Page<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__MUsOSSkRk/UdEGECNq8XI/AAAAAAAACGs/yad2O7jCRng/s546/WTCL+Screenshot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__MUsOSSkRk/UdEGECNq8XI/AAAAAAAACGs/yad2O7jCRng/s320/WTCL+Screenshot.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Managing my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WendyTheCandleLady" target="_blank">Wendy the Candle Lady</a> Facebook Business Page is one part of the customer service and marketing plan for my business. Other parts include my telemarketing division (me), my hostess pack distribution centre (me), my event management division (me), my <a href="http://www.wendythecandlelady.partylite.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a> (<span style="color: black;">designed and hosted by Partylite</span>), my monthly web email marketing group (designed and sent by Partylite), my products (designed, sourced, priced, shipped, and guaranteed by PartyLite) and my literature (designed and printed by PartyLite).<br />
<br />
In other words, my social media activity is only a small part of my plan.<br />
<br />
Many companies get social media wrong. What would you add to this list of hints and tips about how to manage your Facebook Business Page?<br />
<ol>
<li>Update it regularly - at least once a week, preferably daily</li>
<li>Share hints and tips, specials, personal use stories, and client testimonials/pictures evenly.</li>
<li>Create interaction with your clients by asking questions.</li>
<li>Always respond to comments.</li>
<li>Delete spam and negative content. (Unless you can resolve a constructive negative content issue; it may demonstrate that you give great customer service.)</li>
<li>Link to appropriate articles, pictures, and information.</li>
<li>Invite people on your personal website to like your page. </li>
<li>Put a link to your page at the bottom of your emails. </li>
<li>Send the link to your new clients and encourage them to join in the fun.</li>
<li>Read what other businesses you like post and learn from them. They will give you good ideas of what to do and what not to do.</li>
<li>Turn off Facebook for 23.5 hours a day. You don't need to be available all the time for your page to be effective.</li>
</ol>
What's missing from these hints and tips?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-20657168114638793932013-06-12T10:49:00.000+10:002013-06-12T10:49:44.685+10:00Ten Tips for a Successful Party Planning Business
Wow - I wrote this a few years ago and just found it on my hard drive. Thought I'd share:<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Ten Tips for a Successful
Party Planning Business<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Motivate yourself to succeed.</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Know what
you will be spending the money on. Don’t just make extra money. Make extra
money so that you can afford to do something. Examples: pay for your car,
reduce your mortgage by $x per year, go on a family holiday to x, buy a new
refrigerator, buy your family an in-ground pool, pay for school fees, supply
your family’s clothes budget, spoil yourself with monthly luxuries like
manicures, pedicures, maids, massages, and/or gardeners. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Pick a company and a product you believe in. </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Use the products yourself. Don’t reinvent collateral, brochures, or
programs – use what your company provides – spend your precious time talking to
clients, not developing marketing tools.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Network.</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Tell everyone you know what you
do. Ask what they do. Help each other with business advice and referrals.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Control your diary</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> and always have it
with you. Schedule everything – other jobs and appointments, personal time,
family time, holidays, training time. Decide how much time you will put into
your party plan business each week, commit to doing that, and schedule the
time. Activities include: conducting parties, calling clients, submitting
orders, calling clients, writing and sending notes and reminders, calling
clients. Minimise time spent organizing files, updating online social networks,
and writing to do lists.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Duplicate yourself.</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Always promote the
business opportunity to others. It’s a simple formula: more people sell more
products and therefore you make more money. Businesses that use Party Plan to
sell products do not have recruiting expenses. Instead, they pay bonuses to the
Party Planners who recruit productive Party Planners. In a legitimate party
plan business, you won’t be rewarded for recruiting people, you will only be
rewarded when they sell products. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Provide great customer service.</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Finalise
orders at the party – most importantly - including all payments and the host
order. Process parties within 24 hours of finalising orders. Call your clients
to ensure they received their items and are satisfied. Fix problems right away.
Provide advice. Ask for referrals. Offer promotions. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Send handwritten thank you notes</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> and
reminder cards liberally. The art of writing words with a pen and paper is
amazingly simple, low-tech and effective. Buy some stamps, buy some nice paper
or postcards, and write. People respond to real mail when it is written by a
human. They throw away printed mail as “junk” and they rarely open email. You
will stand out from the crowd.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Host monthly home parties.</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> There is no
better way to grow your business than to always have something to invite new
contacts to. Schedule your home parties and promote them all month long.
Introduce new clients to your services without pressure. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Run it like a business. </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Set financial
targets. Develop strategies to achieve those targets. Keep track of your
income. Deposit payments made to you in cash or cheques. Keep track of your
expenses. Make sure you are making a profit and an acceptable hourly wage after
expenses. Set aside money for taxes (successful people pay taxes).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use an accountant. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Lead by example.</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Whether you are a new Party Planner or have an established Party
Planning business, you choose what you do every day. So choose to follow these
tips and make them a part of your business every day. </span></span></div>
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-18925080508938328342013-06-07T08:24:00.001+10:002013-06-07T08:32:35.320+10:00Change Your Perspective on Networking How do I network? Will it pay off to network? I don't like to network. Networking is awkward. Networking is a waste of time. I'm too shy to network. I'm too busy to network.<br />
<br />
Now... Replace the verb <i>network</i> with the phrase <i>making friends</i>.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">How do I make new friends? Will it pay off to make new friends? I don't like to make new friends. Making new friends is awkward. Making new friends is a waste of time. I'm too shy to make new friends. I'm too busy to make new friends.</span><br />
<br />
Hmmmm.... Is it really that similar? Making friends is personal. Networking is business. Right? Wrong. Developing personal relationships with new people and deepening those relationships over time creates friends.<br />
<br />
Let's start with a really simple practice activity.<br />
<br />
Before your next unit meeting, call another consultant in your unit and organise a time to meet for a coffee. (If you don't have a contact number, ask your unit leader.) Ask each other the following questions:<br />
<br />
1. Where were you born? Where have you lived?<br />
2. Where was your last holiday?<br />
3. What do you like to eat when you eat out? Where?<br />
4. What PartyLite products do you have on display at your house?<br />
5. What are your favourite fragrances?<br />
6. Do you need any help working on your PartyLite business?<br />
7. Could we set up a catch up call or coffee every now and then to keep each other accountable? (Set up the next one.)<br />
<br />
Getting to know someone better is a fundamental part of making friends (and networking). So go and try this out. Then tell your unit about it at your next unit meeting.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more tips on <i>making friends.</i> :)<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-2074993071410752422013-06-05T10:38:00.000+10:002013-06-05T11:07:27.487+10:00How to Use Retiring Products to Build Your Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyVd71nd20E/Ua6IC6tZ5RI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_PSGfuJIg0o/s1600/Catalogues+(Small).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyVd71nd20E/Ua6IC6tZ5RI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_PSGfuJIg0o/s320/Catalogues+(Small).JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
Twice a year, PartyLite refreshes our catalogue with new and exciting products. Catalogue launches are exciting and great opportunities to touch base with all of your clients. <br />
<br />
But you must know that the two months before a catalogue launch are just as important. Marketed correctly, a retiring product list can be a real boost to your business.<br />
<br />
The list of products being retired is a gold mine. Here's how I take advantage of it.<br />
<br />
<strong>My Kit</strong><br />
<br />
My kit for June and July will be almost exclusively retiring products. This creates a sense of urgency for my clients and they will buy products now that they won't be able to get in August. ("Will they go on sale?" is often asked by my clients. The answer is, "Usually, no.")<br />
<br />
HOT TIP: The Aurora Hurricane with a Glolite jar inside is simply so beautiful that I sell at least one at every party.<br />
<br />
<strong>At the Party</strong><br />
<br />
Other than point out the retiring items in my kit, I actually don't worry too much about retiring products. I instruct my guests to make a list of everything they like on their wish list <u>whether or not they plan on buying it</u>. Then when they come up to me to place their order, I review their wish list and let them know if any of the items they like will be retiring. This gives them an opportunity to decide if they want it now.<br />
<br />
HOT TIP: "Just so you know, the Songbird Tealight Holder will not be available after July. If you don't get it today, just be aware that you have until the end of next month...."<br />
<br />
<strong>Customer Service Emails</strong><br />
<br />
My client list on the CBC is very big (I've been selling for 8 years now, so I have a lot of clients). However, I do have VIP clients. These people will get a personal email from me with a Retiring Accessories attachment. As PartyLite fans, I know they will appreciate receiving and read this email.<br />
<br />
HOT TIP: Don't email them all at once. Email 5 at a time, then call them. Then email 5 more. <br />
<br />
<strong>Customer Service Calls</strong><br />
<br />
The fragrances being retired will be inspiration for me to contact some clients. For example, it looks like the Scent 4Me (USB) and Scent 4U (Car) diffusers are being retired completely. Refills will be available for the Scent 4U, but the holders look like they're going away completely. <br />
<br />
So what does this mean?<br />
<br />
I LOVE both products and use them everyday. Don't you think I'd want refills for my S4Me before they are retired and gone forever? Of course I would. And people who use the S4U in their cars might want to buy another one for themselves, get refills, or have friends who want one, too. They're honestly the best smelling longest lasting car fragrances I've ever encountered, so why not offer?<br />
<br />
That was only one example. I can look up a different retiring product every day. A different retiring fragrance every day and make a list of calls to make.<br />
<br />
HOT TIP: French Vanilla, Honeydew, Sea Salt and Driftwood and Black Raspberry have been popular fragrances for a long time. As for Geranium Citronella in the layered 3-wick... they should have one to refill when the one they have is done. :)<br />
<br />
<strong>Assume Price Changes</strong><br />
<br />
Every good business will take advantage of a new catalogue to change prices to stay competitive and profitable. PartyLite is no different. There may be price rises in August. Be ready for them and encourage your guests to get in with the current pricing. June and July are the last months to get products at these prices. <br />
<br />
<strong>If You're New to PartyLite</strong><br />
<br />
You might be new and not have existing clients to call. THAT'S EXCELLENT. You don't need to share much about the products that are going away, because your clients have never seen them before. If they haven't seen it, it's new to them, so be excited about your catalogue and let them know about the retiring products at the party. No need to bring it up before.<br />
<br />
HOT TIP: Use the current catalogue to really engage people to book and hold a party in June or July so that they can see this catalogue ("the best one you've ever seen"). <br />
<br />
I hope that helps. I love this time of year. Customer Service calls have incredible purpose and are easy to make. Go for no and make that call! WLC<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-4217602378954296522013-05-13T16:46:00.000+10:002013-05-13T16:52:13.063+10:00What I Learned From Letting My Friend Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jAQTmei0Xc/UZCKrnXjXJI/AAAAAAAACGA/OHeX6gQQbA8/s1600/business-mistakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jAQTmei0Xc/UZCKrnXjXJI/AAAAAAAACGA/OHeX6gQQbA8/s320/business-mistakes.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
It's taken me a few weeks to get the courage up to write about this. But I've been talking about it in training and I've learned HEAPS since it happened.
<br />
<br />
On Sunday, 28 April, I receive a text inviting me to a home party that Wednesday for a new fashion company I've not heard of. The invite was cheeky and fun and from someone I really enjoy spending time with. I immediately checked my calendar, saw that I was free, and RSVPed back in a text. "Count me in!"
<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, 30 April, I receive a call asking me if I can substitute at a networking event in the city on Wednesday morning. I checked my calendar, saw that I was free and proceeded to get up at sparrow's the next morning to head into the city and meet some new people.
<br />
<br />
I suppose you know what I did wrong... I didn't go to the party that night.
<br />
<br />
In fact, I forgot about it completely.
I got a text at about 6:00 from the host reminding me of her address, but I didn't see it at 6:00 - I saw it at 7:00... By then I'd started dinner and was coveting my bed. I was tired and I was feeling incredibly guilty.<br />
<br />
How often does this happen?
<br />
<br />
In my eight years of experience as a candle lady, it happens ALL THE TIME.
<br />
<br />
Hosts invite people quickly and in group messages. Guests say yes, but don't make a note of the event. Hosts feel like they're being pushy if they send reminders, so they don't. Guests get called by the host after the party was supposed to start and say that they completely forgot.
"That's okay... maybe next time," the host says, trying to hide her disappointment....
<br />
<br />
As a consultant, it's my JOB to help the host organise the party to make it a success. My experience has led me to the following recommendations.
<br />
<br />
<strong>Keys to a Successful Party</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Make a (written) list of who you want to invite</li>
<li>Create a Facebook Event and invite those specific people (including your consultant)</li>
<li>Send a non-facebook personal invitation to each person (in order of preference: in person and/or by post and/or by email and/or by text)</li>
<li>Track everyone's responses and follow-up:</li>
<ul>
<li>YES/MAYBE with an email confirmation</li>
<li>NO with an invitation to order anyway</li>
<li>NO ANSWER with a personal phone call encouraging them</li>
</ul>
<li>Send reminder texts to all invitees THE DAY BEFORE the party</li>
</ol>
For the record, I'm not blaming my host for me not showing up. That was all me. I didn't put the item into my calendar when she texted. I should have. My bad.<br />
<br />
I do think it speaks to our busy lives. I don't know why I didn't add the event to my calendar. Did the phone ring again immediately following the text? Did I have someone at the house? Was I immersed in writing a blog? I don't remember....<br />
<br />
Following up, making it personal, and sending reminders isn't being pushy, it's being smart. <br />
<br />
Every guest at a party is a potential sale, referral, booking, and maybe even a future consultant. A successful party is the best testimonial you can ask for from a host. Help her succeed by helping her invite people with enthusiasm.<br />
<br />
And keep your calendar up to date.... Lesson learned.<br />
<br />
Do you have a story to share? What have you learned from your mistakes?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-65602436785269904562012-11-27T12:47:00.003+11:002012-11-27T12:49:05.956+11:00Personal Websites Have Arrived!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FDaEcMmp0I/ULQbf0iqRPI/AAAAAAAACCY/RM1_VpBTBZM/s1600/www-graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FDaEcMmp0I/ULQbf0iqRPI/AAAAAAAACCY/RM1_VpBTBZM/s320/www-graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Right now, the leader team is experimenting with the personal websites. You can see mine at <a href="http://www.wendythecandlelady.partylite.com.au/">www.wendythecandlelady.partylite.com.au</a>. <br />
<br />
So, now that I have a website, what will I do with it? Here are some hints and tips for you.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Add the web address to my email signature.</li>
<li>Suggest to my clients that they save my website in their favourites so they can easily contact me to reorder or to book a party.</li>
<li>Include a link to it in my thank you emails to guests.</li>
<li>Send the link to hosts so they can share our online catalogue and guest specials with their friends and collect some outside orders.</li>
<li>Send it to potential consultants so they can see the marketing support that PartyLite provides and so they can read my story.</li>
<li>Add it to my business cards the next time I have them printed.</li>
<li>Update my Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts with the new site address.</li>
<li>Include a link to it when I make candle related updates on Facebook.</li>
</ol>
<br />
The benefits of using the personal website instead of the company website are incredible. When we to send out the PartyLite website, we are sending the client away from our personal business and potentially losing them to another consultant. Of course, if the client already knows you, they will probably find you, but if they are a new person to PartyLite or a new contact you've made, you want to keep them in your sights.<br />
<br />
The biggest benefit to having your own website is in networking away from the party arena. When you meet new people and they have not experienced you or PartyLite, you want to be able to give them information about your business, get them excited, and ensure that they contact YOU for more details. Having your own page is so much better than making them look you up.<br />
<br />
The second benefit to having your own website is that, you can bet your bottom dollar, we will eventually have online ordering like they do in the US. Your clients will be able to order from your site and you will get the commission. You want your clients to get used to finding you online now. Tease them with what the future holds....<br />
<br />
When the sites are released to consultants (estimated to be in January 2013), read the instructions clearly, enroll ASAP, update your details, add your picture, and keep it up to date. Then launch it with a big fan fare. (It's a great reason to call people.) <br />
<br />
Practice getting people to your site now and you will be learning marketing skills that will work very well for growing your business as PartyLite continues to expand our online capabilities.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-6050938076654945752012-05-15T06:45:00.000+10:002013-06-05T11:08:51.585+10:00Persistence is the Key to Success<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9oFrhGxoVM/T7FpE8IIx4I/AAAAAAAACAs/4sOKsLqNp0U/s1600/never-give-up-winston-churchill-mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9oFrhGxoVM/T7FpE8IIx4I/AAAAAAAACAs/4sOKsLqNp0U/s320/never-give-up-winston-churchill-mag.jpg" width="314" /></a>
<a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/" target="_blank">Seth Godin</a> (a hero of mine) recently wrote, "Consistently showing up on the radar of the right audience is more highly prized than reaching the masses, once then done."<br />
<br />
He inspired this post.<br />
<br />
Persistence.<br />
<br />
When you start your candle business, you go out and tell lots of people about your new adventure and you ask them for help in getting started. <br />
<br />
Some consultants start with a bang and then get stuck. Where to next? What do I do? <br />
<br />
And if it's all seeming too hard, they might... just... let... it... go....<br />
<br />
Persistence is a word that comes up a lot in my Unit Meetings, New Consultant Training, and Weekly Coaching calls. <br />
<br />
Here are some hints on how to persist.<br />
<ol>
<li>If you didn't do this when you started, do it now. Seriously, write down a big long list of people who you are going to tell about your business and contact them on the phone or in person to tell them about it. </li>
<li>Use the Connect 25 strategy every week after you start. (I'll write a blog about that strategy soon, but ask your Leader if you don't know what it is.)</li>
<li>Ask each person in #1 and #2 if they would like to receive your monthly email update on specials. (I just assume you have signed up for <em>Candle Connection </em>- the easiest, simplest, and cheapest way to touch every one of your clients on a monthly basis.)</li>
<li>Add every contact who says yes to receiving your monthly email update into your customer database on the CBC (not just guests at shows... everyone you meet who wants it). Include, at a minimum, the email address and phone number. (Including the home address if you have it will really help your host when she makes deliveries later.)</li>
<li>Have a special book of lists where you write down people in categories. Want some examples? People who collect elephants, love blue, don't have school age children, told you they'd love to be a consultant someday... just not now, love Mystery Boxes, want to buy the GloLites (but only on sale), don't like to have parties (but love to order), book a party every time there is a 30% hostess credit offered.... There are lots of lists. </li>
<li>Read the specials each month when you get them and use your lists to make a new list of people who you know would want a personal call to highlight them. (For example, if their favourite colour is purple, this month we have 3 beautiful pieces in purple that are only $10 each.)</li>
<li>Read the specials each month when you get them and use the<strong> </strong>CBC to look up every client who bought those products in the past. Print those lists and contact those people to let them know that those items are on sale.</li>
<li>Each week (at least), look at your order tracking online and call the hosts who received their orders. After each show, call every guest and thank them for coming. Tell them you have placed the order and can't wait for them to get their stuff. Ask them how they are doing with the unpacking, bagging, and pick-ups/delivery. Give her advice.</li>
<li>After your host has delivered all the guest orders, contact each guest to make sure she is 100% happy with what she got. (Buy more ROF forms in your next consultant order.)</li>
<li>Wear your PartyLite Pin everyday.</li>
<li>Read a book on successful network marketing. (Don't just buy it, read it.)</li>
<li>Re-read a chapter of your Consultant Guide each month.</li>
</ol>
I could go on. There are so many ways to persist. One of the best ways is to always attend your Unit Meetings. Always.<br />
<br />
So what is pushy? Calling someone without a reason. Not taking no for an answer (of course you need to learn how to overcome objections, and how to offer alternatives, but you also need to take no for an answer). Calling the same people over and over again without a targeted, relevant message (friends and family will start to avoid you if you don't have a specific reason for approaching them again). Sending people email they didn't ask for. All of these are pushy. None of them feel right. Rarely do they work.<br />
<br />
You have the power. It's your business. It's not just about shows. You need to give yourself customer service jobs to do to make it grow. That's what the list above is all about. Growing your business. Making it worth your while. Making it something you enjoy AND something you benefit from.<br />
<br />
Keep spreading the light.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-26525609716049852362012-04-27T17:24:00.000+10:002012-04-27T17:25:45.609+10:00The Joy List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBZ9t0vZ7qA/T5pJmfNKqKI/AAAAAAAACAg/i7FTeAKW5_w/s1600/joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBZ9t0vZ7qA/T5pJmfNKqKI/AAAAAAAACAg/i7FTeAKW5_w/s320/joy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We have just launched a new 3-month promotion to support new people becoming Independent PartyLite Consultants. Instead of booking 6 shows to start, a new consultant can start with 2 firm dates. With free training for new consultants, we can teach new consultants how to turn those first 2 shows into a reliable income stream.<br />
<br />
A few years ago, my friend Angela and I learned about a list of all the benefits you get when you start a PartyLite business. We call it The Joy List. Here is the letter we created. Feel free to adapt it to your business.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Joy List</strong><br />
<em>"Find what brings you Joy and go there." </em><br />
<br />
You deserve the freedom to have...
<br />
<ul>
<li>Quality time and a career that you love and enjoy!
</li>
<li>Flexible working hours</li>
<li>Quality family time</li>
<li>Time for you and your passions</li>
<li>No deliveries
</li>
</ul>
Starting your own business as an Independent PartyLite Consultant is simple!
With no costs at all (simply host a Starter Show with $550 in sales) and by investing about 10 hours a week of your time you will receive:
<br />
<ol>
<li>A selection of PartyLite current best selling products worth over $600 in your Starter Kit
</li>
<li>An immediate income (start at 22% of all your sales) as soon as you join
</li>
<li>A comprehensive training guide and on-going support from your Leader from day one
</li>
<li>Literature, stationery and a fragrance set free to compliment your business
</li>
<li>Monthly unit meetings that are fun, informal and encouraging
</li>
<li>Gifts worth $112.50 when you hold six shows in your first three weeks of business, Sponsor in your first month you will receive another $73.50 of gifting.
</li>
<li>Products, gift certificates & commission of approx $3,000 when you are a bonus earner* in each of the first three months of your PartyLite business
</li>
<li>Consultant discounts on every product in the catalogue (40% off everything)
</li>
<li>A subscription to Reflections, PartyLite’s monthly Consultant magazine
</li>
<li>Access to Candle Connection, PartyLite’s monthly E-newsletter for all your clients
</li>
<li>Free $50 hostess gift vouchers in your first month of business
</li>
<li>Direct online access to PartyLite’s internal website (CBC) for news, updates and events
</li>
<li>Online ordering and credit card processing (offline still available if you prefer)
</li>
<li>Direct access to your own personal sales information and client management database
</li>
<li>An invitation every year to the PartyLite Annual Conference (Aug 2-4, 2012, Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour)
</li>
<li>An opportunity to receive a free vacation (Hayman Island in May, New York in June for PartyLites’ 10 years in Australia!)
</li>
<li>Your own personal business coach… me!</li>
<li>PartyLite is about enjoyment. You run your business and invest the time that suits you and your family. There is no pressure, you simply choose how much you want to earn and your Leader will support you to help you achieve the goals you set for yourself and your business.
</li>
<li>On top of that, you get paid weekly 22% profit of all your Sales from your shows and independent orders. Bonus earners* get 28% profit.
</li>
</ol>
And finally, you work when you want to work.
Family and personal time comes first. And that's the way it should be!
<br />
<ul>
<li>How much difference would an extra $100 a week make to your life?
</li>
<li>How much difference would an extra $1,000 a month make to your life?
</li>
<li>Does your job pay enough for you to live the life you want?
</li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-64051662823759473402012-03-08T16:06:00.000+11:002012-03-08T16:10:33.656+11:00Results and Actions: Week 1Here is my weekly update on my progress. This is more for me than for you. I've been honest. :)<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Have 10 shows</strong><br />
<u>Status</u>: Now have 7 booked in March (2 complete, 5 to go). Still want 3 more. I did follow-up on the 5 potential parties discussed last week at my networking group. Booked 1 for a show in April and 2 for shows in May. Got an order from one. Still waiting for a date back from another. Great result.<br />
<u>Actions</u>: Follow up with hosts who postponed in January and February, follow-up with people I've sent information to, book a home show.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Lose 4 kilos</strong><br />
<u>Status</u>: Oops, didn't weigh in last week, so I can't report results. Did shop for food and cook at home, did watch my portions, did write down what I eat and drink (that helps a lot), drink lots of water.<br />
<u>Actions</u>: Weigh myself in the morning. Add yoga to my diary for Wednesdays, add group fitness 2x other times per week, watch my portions, write down what I eat and drink, drink lots of water. Keep cooking at home.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Hold 8 latte appointments</strong><br />
<u>Status</u>: Still only have 1. Did offer the business opportunity to my Saturday host and to one of her guests. Have sorted heaps of door prize slips and should have an easy time making a list.<br />
<u>Actions</u>: Make a list of people who told me they might be interested this year (look on door prize slips for my notes), call (don't email) each one, invite people to my Unit Meeting, follow up with excellent candidates after a show and offer them a free coffee for 20 minutes of their time.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Practice my guitar for 3 minutes everyday</strong><br />
<u>Status</u>: Getting better, Wendy. Didn't play everyday, but the guitars are organised and one is permanently plugged in and ready to go. Easy to pick it up.<br />
<u>Actions</u>: Keep it up.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Follow-up every lead</strong><br />
<u>Status</u>: Cleaned office. Yay! Even used my label making machine. <br />
<u>Actions</u>: Organise a way to capture business cards (my husband says there's an App for that), referral slips, sms, emails, and facebook requests for information/orders, use Outlook to capture next steps required. I've got this started. Expect more progress this week.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Complete my 2011 taxes</strong><br />
<u>Status</u>: Cleaned office. Yay! Have one drawer with 2010/2011 and one with 2011/2012. Ready for next step... Excel. Made appointment with Accountant for March 15 (a full one week early).<br />
<u>Actions</u>: Collate 2010/2011 receipts into Excel file on Friday. Before EOM, do through February 2012 to be ready for 2012 taxes in July.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-38800667592720133442012-03-01T16:23:00.000+11:002012-03-01T16:23:54.667+11:00Goals versus StrategiesIn February, I went on a 2 week holiday to the USA. After a big January (which I can barely remember because my brother got married, turned 40, and then came out to visit), I set my February goals to bonus before I left, to help Angela prepare for the Unit Meeting, to complete New Consultant Orientation for a few new Rainbows, and then to leave and RELAX. <br />
<br />
Done and done.<br />
<br />
So here it is, March 1st, and I’m back from my holiday and raring to go. My goals are to have 10 shows, lose 4 kilos, hold 8 latte appointments, practice my guitar for 3 minutes everyday (ask me why if that sounds silly), follow-up every lead, and complete my 2011 taxes. <br />
<br />
Notice, I didn’t say HOW I was going to do each of the above. Sometimes I hear people ask how I achieve all I set out to do. Well... first of all, I don't. But I like to set aggressive goals anyway. However, the real reason it looks like I achieve so much is that I do actually think about HOW I'll achieve it and then I schedule time and activities that will move me from where I am to where I want to be. After I make the list of WHAT I want to achieve (sometimes that's the hardest part), I then put a little effort into HOW I will make it happen. <br />
<br />
This month, I've decided to blog about the HOW.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Have 10 shows</strong><br />
Status: Currently have 5 in my diary<br />
Actions: Follow up with hosts who postponed in January and February, contact people I've met through my networking and offer them the opportunity to host a show, follow-up on 5 potential parties discussed this morning at my networking group, book a home show.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Lose 4 kilos</strong><br />
Status: I ate lots of food in Colorado and Arizona. I need to eat less and exercise more. One kilo per week.<br />
Actions: Shop for food and cook at home, add yoga to my diary for Wednesdays, add group fitness 2x other times per week, watch my portions, write down what I eat and drink, drink lots of water.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Hold 8 latte appointments</strong><br />
Status: Currently have 1 in my diary<br />
Actions: Make a list of people who told me they might be interested this year (look on door prize slips for my notes), call (don't email) each one, invite people to my Unit Meeting, follow up with excellent candidates after a show and offer them a free coffee for 20 minutes of their time.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Practice my guitar for 3 minutes everyday</strong><br />
Status: I am haphazard about practicing and need to develop a habit.<br />
Actions: Keep guitars out, pick up one everyday, play for a minimum of 3 minutes (FYI, I can't do that... once I pick it up, I usually play for at least 30)<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Follow-up every lead</strong><br />
Status: I am pretty good at following up on my leads, but I am horrible at documenting what I've done and what the next step is. I think I'm letting things slip through the cracks.<br />
Actions: Clean office, organise a way to capture business cards, referral slips, sms, emails, and facebook requests for information/orders, use Outlook to capture next steps required.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goal: Complete my 2011 taxes</strong><br />
Status: Room full of paper<br />
Actions: Make appointment with Accountant for third week of March, schedule 4-5 one hour time slots to collate receipts into Excel file. Do through February 2012 to be ready for 2012 taxes in July.<br />
<br />
Okay... there you go. On the interwebs for all to see. I'll write an update next Thursday and let you know how I'm going.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-58460233521838547002012-02-13T11:43:00.000+11:002012-02-13T11:43:14.427+11:00Rainbows Meetings 2012Never miss a meeting or coaching call and you'll be well on your way to a successful business. <br />
<br />January 28, Saturday - 10:00-3:00 – Regional Meeting - Blair Athol<br />February 21, Tuesday - 7:30-9:30 – Angela’s House<br />March 9-11 – CANDLE CAMP NSW/ACT<br />March 21, Wednesday - 7:30-9:30 – Wendy’s House<br />April 23, Monday - 7:30-9:30 – Regional and Unit Meeting – Wendy’s House*<br />May 22, Tuesday - 7:30-9:30 – Unit Meeting – Angela’s House<br />June 20, Wednesday - 7:30-9:30 – Unit Meeting – Wendy’s House<br />July 23, Monday – 7:30-9:30 – Regional and Unit Meeting – Angela’s House*<br />August 2-4 – CONFERENCE<br />August 22, Wednesday - 7:30-9:30 – Unit Meeting – Wendy’s House<br />September 25, Tuesday - 7:30-9:30 – Unit Meeting – Angela’s House<br />October 13, Saturday - 10:00-3:00 – Regional Meeting - Blair Athol<br />October 24, Wednesday - 7:30-9:30 – Unit Meeting – Wendy’s House<br />November 20, Tuesday - 7:30-9:30 – Unit Meeting – Angela’s House<br />
<br />
* The webinar regionals can be attended via the web if you cannot make the meeting in person. <br /><br />All of these dates are on Google Calendar <a href="http://rainbowsandcandles.blogspot.com.au/p/unit-meeting.html">http://rainbowsandcandles.blogspot.com.au/p/unit-meeting.html</a>. <br />
<br />
Location information is sent out in personal emails to active candle consultants. If you would like to attend a meeting, visit, or invite a guest, please contact wendy at wendy @ wendythecandlelady . com.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-13274763512467183502012-02-01T16:54:00.000+11:002012-02-01T16:59:42.586+11:00Hints and Tips for Online InvitationsToday, PartyLite launched online email invitations for our hosts. I have been using these for the past month and have the following hints and tips.
<br />
<ol>
<li>Read the instructions before setting up your first host. This is a professional service and you need to know how it works before sending it out.</li>
<li>When you get the booking, offer your new host the option of email and postcard invitations in addition to facebook and SMS.</li>
<li>Explain clearly that the set-up is completely private; you will never have access to the email addresses she enters.</li>
<li>Write a confirmation email to your new host and reiterate your two available options to assist her in inviting guests.</li>
<li>Test the system once with a friend as the host so you can see what happens on the host side and explain it more clearly for other clients.</li>
<li>Make the benefits all about THEM not you. DON'T say, "It's cool because I can see how many people you've invited." DO say, "It's cool because the emails are beautiful, you can see who has responded, and you can send out reminders automatically a few days before."</li>
<li>Give your hosts incentives to use the online email invitations. For example, if they invite 25 people using e-invites let them know you'll buy them a box of tealights.</li>
<li>Encourage them to use the online email invitations as just one of their invitation methods. Personally, I use email, facebook, SMS, and postcards for every show. Not necesarily for every person, but different people get different invites.</li>
</ol>
I hope these hints help you. Let me know what successes and suggestions you have with online invitations. Happy selling!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-71602677360879461312011-12-01T11:43:00.001+11:002014-06-18T16:33:23.026+10:00How to Email Good Looking Order Summaries<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">I use a free software to create a pdf (portable document format) of the
order summary.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;"><a href="http://www.cutepdf.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.cutepdf.com</span></a> is where I
downloaded the free software. I get no commission from CutePDF.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">After downloading and installing the software,
when you print the document, you select the CutePDF printer. Instead of your physical
printer starting, a window will open up for you to name the file. Save your order
summary in to a specific folder (perhaps one named: Order Summaries) and name it
so that you can find it easily (I suggest the Hostess Name followed by the Month
and Year). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">You can now attach that pdf document to any email. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">Have fun!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986272760797002645.post-87886814661411504192011-11-23T16:52:00.001+11:002011-11-23T17:29:18.751+11:00How to Save Time Writing Emails<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pacsoftllc.com/images/vitualization/desktop-virtualization-saves-time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://www.pacsoftllc.com/images/vitualization/desktop-virtualization-saves-time.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After a party I write an email note to my hosts letting them know that the order has been submitted and thanking them for their business. I also attach a pdf version of the Order Summary. <br />
<br />
Then I write an email to all the guests who gave me their email addresses. I blind carbon copy them so that their email addresses are hidden from each other. I thank them for their order and remind them about how to order more later.<br />
<br />
I frequently email people with my banking information so they can pay me through direct deposit.<br />
<br />
Often I write to people to explain our hostess benefits.<br />
<br />
What I found was that I was retyping the same things over and over again. Or I was looking in my sent items to find a note I'd written before and then I was copying it into the new message.<br />
<br />
I don't do that anymore. <br />
<br />
In Outlook, I now use a variety of signatures to pre-write all of these standard emails. One is called Host Thank You, one is Guest Thank You, another is Banking Details, and a new one I just wrote is PartyLite Benefits. My contact details are at the bottom of all of these signatures. I simply select the signature I want to use and then customise the "form" to suit each recipient.<br />
<br />
It's been an amazing timesaver and I was introduced to it by Karen from <a href="http://www.alittleelf.com/">A Little Elf</a>. She is brilliant.<br />
<br />
Try it with one and see how you go. <br />
<ol>
<li>Open Outlook</li>
<li>Tools > Options > Mail Format</li>
<li>Select Signatures</li>
<li>Select New and name your signature (e.g. Host Thank You)</li>
<li>Type in the words you want to use in most every email you send to hosts. Include contact details at the bottom</li>
<li>Save </li>
<li>Now Create a new message</li>
<li>Click on the Signature icon and select the one you want to use</li>
<li>Voila! No typing other than to personalise the email.</li>
<li>Relax and feel super smart. :) (Then create more....)</li>
</ol>
I hope this is a good a timesaver for you as it is for me. :) All for now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0