Win Long Term Clients by Doing Simple Things

UPDATED TO INCREASE THE DELIVERY TIME TO 2-3 WEEKS.

I collect email addresses from more than half of my clients. Diligently, I add that information to my client database on the CBC. Candle Connection has been good for my business. It's a great talking point. I know it works.

But I've been missing out on a golden opportunity. Using that email address one time at the beginning to establish a better relationship with my clients from the start. Many of you may already do this. For me - it feels silly that it's taken me so long to think of it.

The email is below for your perusal. I will send it to every new client I add to my database. I'll customise it each time, of course, but I thought you might want to see it, and maybe comment if you have suggestions. If this is successful, and if I'm really diligent, I might actually see if sending snail mail equivalents to people who don't use email is worthwhile. I might test that on a few people this month....

Here's to your success! Cheers and happy burning, WLC.

Hello. Thank you very much for coming to XXXXX’s candle party. I wanted to send you this email so that you have my email and phone contact details as well as some important information.

Delivery
The order will be delivered to XXXXX directly and she will contact you to organize pick-up or delivery. I processed the order today, so it should be delivered to her in 2-3 weeks. Please contact me immediately if there are any problems with your order as I do want you to be 100% satisfied. Remember that we have a 90 day limit on returns or exchanges.

Candle Care
If you have any trouble with your candles or forget any of the tips I gave you, feel free to contact me. I love to help.

How to Reorder
When you need more candles or if you decide you want more things you can call me to order. I take a lot of orders over the phone. If you collect $150 in orders I’ll give you a 15% more in free products. If you collect $400 in orders, I’ll give you 20% more. Of course, having a party yourself is the most fun, best value, and I do the work instead of you. When you host a $400+ show, not only do you get the 20% more for free, but you also get a $50 voucher. On average my hosts get over $150 in free products at every show.

How to Become an Independent PartyLite Consultant
If you want to know anything at all about my business or how you might be able to start your own, please just let me know. I’d love to share what I know with you. This business is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It could be for you, too. There’s no harm in asking questions. Let me buy you a coffee and let’s have a chat.

Candle Connection
To keep you informed, I will send you a monthly email called Candle Connection. This email comes out every 28th of the month and it includes links to all our new specials and promotions. When you get it, if you see something you like, please give me a call! If you change email addresses, just send me a note and I’ll update your address.
Thanks for letting me be your candle lady! Happy burning!
WLC.

Is This Business Really Just All About Numbers?

"It's a numbers game."

That's what many people will tell you about the party plan business. Even I have said this at Unit Meetings, to my husband, or at a training session.

But it's wrong.

This business is all about relationships. It's all about being human. It's about touching a person and making a difference in her life. It might not be a monumental difference, though sometimes it is, but simply teaching someone who doesn't light candles to light the candles she already has... well, that is a real a breakthrough.

Mass marketing is all about numbers, and party plan is definitely not about mass marketing. PartyLite is no exception.

So why do people (even me) sometimes say it's a numbers game? Well, one customer won't make this into a business. To be successful, you need to develop long-lasting relationships with a lot of people. Some will become your favourite customers. Some will decide to become consultants themselves. Some will call you when they tell friends about PartyLite because they are excited to help you. Some will write you emails when they get Candle Connection just to say hi.

Some will order once and never be heard from again. Why? Because you don't have a relationship with them. You didn't connect.

Here are a few thoughts:

• Emails, facebook, and websites don't form relationships. They are simply a one way form of communication and they are probably not even close to the first priority of your clients. Use them as talking points only.
• Clients don't get action items. Always (always) be the person getting back to them. Unless they ask you not to contact them, it is your responsibility to get back to them. Successful sales people never leave a conversation without taking an action item.
• Be personal, but don't take "no" personally. In fact, turn it around in your mind. "No" simply means that they are happy with their current situation. So, if a client doesn't want to have a party or to order the June specials, that means she is happy now. It doesn't mean you shouldn't ask her again in July.

Instead of thinking about this business as a "numbers game," think of it as a way to meet more and more people. You are asking people who you connect with to introduce you to their FRANK list. That list is sacred and important. Treat every client individually, professionally, with kindness, and as a person, not a number, and your business is sure to grow.

What Goes Around...

Hello! In May, I earned $4,347.50. Yay for me, but why am I telling you this?

Fulfilling a Promise

You might remember that in March and April, when I knew I needed shows in May because of my travels, I promised to give 10 percent of my earnings to the McGrath Foundation. Since my friend Lisa passed away, I have been a big supporter of any organisation that benefits people and families affected with breast cancer or any group that works to get us closer to a cure. I figured I could do a good thing and fill up my calendar.

So I am exposing my income to you and the world, so that I can shout from the rooftops that I have sent the McGrath Foundation a donation for $434.75. I've never donated that much to a single organisation at one time. It feels great!

Food For Thought

For those who think PartyLite is only a hobby, I have news for you: you can and will make lots of money at PartyLite if you follow your leader. It might not happen overnight, but it can happen quickly. Over time, if you just keep your store open, your business will grow if you simply follow your leader. Do shows, make calls, offer the opportunity, and give great customer service and you will build yourself a great little business.

Imagine what $1,000 a month would do for you. Now imagine what $4,000 a month would do for you. What about $10,000 a month? The best part is that there is no limit. The other best part is that you don't have to give up anything else to do this. Your family can remain a priority. Your other job can remain a priority. Spending time with your friends can remain a priority. Do PartyLite when you want to.

Be Unselfish!

This is not about me, and growing your own business is not all about you. It's all about unselfishly sharing our great products, our incredible hostess benefits, and our unlimited, flexible, free, fun, amazing consultant opportunity. Give it all away with passion. Share all of what you already have.

Now is always the time to talk about the business opportunity. Always aim to bring a guest to your Unit Meeting and let them see the camaraderie, the training, the rewards, the recognition, and the benefits of being with PartyLite!

And when you can, give a little. 'Cause what goes around....

Happy Burning! WLC.

Aloha

Last August at Conference, Angela and I were in the audience at our Gala Dinner when they announced that the incentive trip destination was going to be Hawaii. I'd already made up my mind to go. It didn't matter where we were going or when. I was going to go. The moment that Hawaii was announced, I started singing, "We're going to Hawaii! We're going to Hawaii!..." It wasn't a question... it was a statement.

The picture to the right is Angela and me in our Mustang Convertible on our day trip around the island of Oahu. What a great day. What a great holiday.

There is nothing I would love more than to have you come with me to our next destination.

On August 8, 2009 we will find out where and when our next incentive trip is. The points required, the way to earn points, and the terms and conditions will all be revealed. But you don't have to wait until the announcement to prepare. You just have to build your business.

Do YOU want to go?

If you do, my strongest recommendation is for you to build your business now. Have a strong June, book for a strong July, then pack August and September with bookings. We don't know what the contest dates or requirements will be, but it really doesn't matter. You'll be better placed for the incentive trip if you simply build your business now.

Practice sponsoring now. You will certainly have to sponsor in order to earn the trip, so give it a go now and see how easy it is once you start. Simply offer the opportunity at every show. The seeds you plant now may be the ones that bloom for you later. Inspire others to start their own PartyLite business.

Basically, I'm telling each and every one of you that I guarantee that you can achieve this. If any other business you've been in offered you a free overseas trip just for doing your job, you'd do it. So if you want to go.... just do it.

Dream it. Believe it. You will achieve it!