For the past month, our family has been dealing with some serious health issues with my mom. All kinds of new people have entered our lives - doctors, nurses, therapists, health care technicians, ambulance drivers - you name it.
I have been privileged to observe absolute masters of rapport building as I watch my parents interact with these folks. It is pure, it is kind and it is honest. My parents are the kind of people who just take a genuine interest in others. What an example they are. It matters not who the person is. It might even be someone on a short elevator ride. My folks just make it their business to get to know people. Between the first and the third floor of a hospital elevator - my dad had a great conversation with a man who was also a Veteran (my dad always wears his Korean War Vet cap). My mom never forgets to ask her home health nurse what her son's Boy Scout troop is doing this week. In a two mile ambulance ride, she was on a first name basis with the EMT who rode with her, knew where he lived and even which route he took to work each day.
No matter what speed bumps the road of life throws you - it is never bad to take a genuine interest in others.
So often at TSF we hear that you are having difficulties talking to strangers. It seems that when we join a direct sales business - somehow all of our normal people skills are forgotten. We get the feeling that we can't talk to anyone without feeling obliged to sell them product, book a party or recruit them and so, we get tongue tied and say nothing at all.
Does this sound like you? If it does, may I make a suggestion for you for the next several weeks? Try this exercise. Start talking to people again. Everywhere you go - just strike up conversations with strangers. Do your best to find out as much about them as you can. You will be AMAZED at what people tell you when you ask them questions about themselves. FAYC (FORGET ABOUT YOURSELF COMPLETELY). Just focus on THEM. Don't worry about talking about anything other than THEM.
The goal of this exercise is just to help you remember your people skills again. You CAN talk to strangers - you may have just temporarily forgotten how. This exercise will help build your confidence and re-teach you the fine art of LISTENING. Listening for needs is the key to true success in sales. So, give it a try - we would love to hear how this works for you
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The advantages of inclement weather
One of the good things about the inclement weather that January and February brings to many parts of the country is that you have a better chance of reaching your customers on the phone. If the weather is lousy, people are usually indoors.
These months are the perfect time to go through your data base and do follow-up calls with everyone you sold product to in the past year. Use your time wisely. In addition to re-connecting with them and asking them specifically about how their products are working out - make good use of your time by covering the following points:
Solve any product issues
Ask for re orders and/or be prepared to share any current related product specials.
Find out when this year your customer would like to hear from you to:
Order more product
Book a party
Join you in the business (be prepared to share why NOW is the best time to start!)
Use the weather to your best advantage. January and February are the months to line up your calendar for the entire year - so don't miss the opportunity that bad weather brings.
These months are the perfect time to go through your data base and do follow-up calls with everyone you sold product to in the past year. Use your time wisely. In addition to re-connecting with them and asking them specifically about how their products are working out - make good use of your time by covering the following points:
Solve any product issues
Ask for re orders and/or be prepared to share any current related product specials.
Find out when this year your customer would like to hear from you to:
Order more product
Book a party
Join you in the business (be prepared to share why NOW is the best time to start!)
Use the weather to your best advantage. January and February are the months to line up your calendar for the entire year - so don't miss the opportunity that bad weather brings.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
There is a price for not asking
Not only do Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, in their book, The Aladdin Factor, help us understand our psyche and why we do not ask. But they also talk about the consequences of not asking.
I couldn't help but remember the people on my personal List of 100, who I spent a great deal of time thinking about - but never actually asking to join me in the business. Time and time again, my feelings were hurt when they took advantage of opportunities elsewhere. After all, I was (a relative, a close friend, a former classmate) - YOU fill in the blank.
The following excerpt is a sobering reminder about the price for not asking from The Aladdin Factor:
A number of years back the University of Chicago received a million dollar grant from Mrs. Fields of the Marshall Fields Department Store fame and fortune. When the administration at Northwestern University read the headline in the newspaper, the people of Northwestern were shocked. How could this be? Mrs. Fields lived in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern was in Evanston, Illinois. She had been a supporter in the past. Why hadn't she donated the money to Northwestern? Why had she given the money to the University of Chicago instead?
When the university officials called Mrs. Fields to discover why she had given the money to the University of Chicago rather than to them, she replied, “The people of the University of Chicago asked. You didn't.”
Think about it and order and read The Aladdin Factor to help you get over your fear of asking!
I couldn't help but remember the people on my personal List of 100, who I spent a great deal of time thinking about - but never actually asking to join me in the business. Time and time again, my feelings were hurt when they took advantage of opportunities elsewhere. After all, I was (a relative, a close friend, a former classmate) - YOU fill in the blank.
The following excerpt is a sobering reminder about the price for not asking from The Aladdin Factor:
A number of years back the University of Chicago received a million dollar grant from Mrs. Fields of the Marshall Fields Department Store fame and fortune. When the administration at Northwestern University read the headline in the newspaper, the people of Northwestern were shocked. How could this be? Mrs. Fields lived in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern was in Evanston, Illinois. She had been a supporter in the past. Why hadn't she donated the money to Northwestern? Why had she given the money to the University of Chicago instead?
When the university officials called Mrs. Fields to discover why she had given the money to the University of Chicago rather than to them, she replied, “The people of the University of Chicago asked. You didn't.”
Think about it and order and read The Aladdin Factor to help you get over your fear of asking!
Monday, January 28, 2008
New marketing materials hit the mark!
For those of you that haven't received the new company marketing materials (brochure/catalog) make sure to order some as it's definitely worth the new strategy and some great new offerings we haven't had ready made to order.
I know I've mentioned to a lot of you the success with the TWEEN bday parties and I was so excited to see a Bday party unscented product package. Even if you aren't able to service all your bday party clients they can now do it theirself!
I hope this helps to jumpstart a few of your February's! Don't forget to send in your parties and keep up the great work! Looking forward to seeing some sucess stories on catalog parties as well now!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Success May Mean Being Different
One of the great paradoxes of life is that being "normal" or "reasonable" often means settling for ordinary results, while success requires that we step outside our normal boundaries, be different and, often, uncomfortable. Highly successful people are, by definition, not average people!
All of us have been pressured to conform at one time or another. We've been told to "sit still" in school, to "stop interrupting" or "not make a scene." We've been criticized for dressing, speaking, acting or thinking (or being) "different." The subtle and not-so-subtle pressures to accept conventional norms are powerful. "To get along, you have to go along."Well. Madame Currie, Florence Nightingale, Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Oprah Winfrey are not admired because they were "average" people! Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, Franklin Roosevelt and Bill Gates were not "conventional" people.
Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as the greatest American president, yet the thing he was most known for among his friends was his obnoxious refusal to quit running for office, even after he lost thirty-two elections! That is not normal!
One of the things that has made America, and capitalism great, is our love of individuality. We have always had a loving attitude toward our "mad inventors." The Wright brothers thought they could fly! Henry Ford thought he could put a car in every garage. Ben Franklin flew a kite in a thunder storm (didn't his mother tell him to come in out of the rain?). Mary Kay thought she could make a living selling make-up, while Mrs. Field tried to support her family selling cookies! That's just crazy!
Now, we need to tell the truth here. A lot of crazy ideas really are...crazy. We've all had brilliant ideas in the middle of the night, only to find that in the clear light of day they weren't worth pursuing. I've made many fortunes while taking my shower, only to find them going down the drain when I tried to tell my partners about them. Just because an idea is weird doesn't mean it's wonderful.But many great ideas (and the fortunes) have been lost because the genius who thought it up was shy or lacked courage or was intimidated by someone commenting, “You can't do that!”
All great ideas were crazy before they were brilliant. Alexander Bell thought he could talk over copper wires, and even worse, Marconi thought he could send messages through thin air! When David Sarnoff wanted to launch the first radio network (now NBC), one investor ridiculed him by asking, "Who would pay to send a message to no one in particular?" Jules Verne thought people might one day travel under the ocean or, even more ridiculous, fly in outer space. How crazy was that!?If you can read this, you are a genius. You have had thousands of wonderful, creative, brilliant ideas--most of which you've never pursued, and that's a shame.
Success in life is not achieved by being "ordinary." It is not achieved by being "different," by following your own path and trusting your own instincts.One of my heroes, Henry Thoreau, recommended "marching to beat of your own drummer." No two people have the same DNA or the same fingerprints. No two lovers "do it" quite the same way. No two parents (not even spouses) raise their children quite the same way. Sea Biscuit was too small and ungainly to be a champion, but lives in history as one of the great race horses of all time.
To achieve your unique version of success, follow your heart. Yes, you'll want to learn from others. Yes, you'll want to obey the law and applicable regulations, but aside from those things, you become great by being exactly, and uniquely yourself. This is a call for more eccentrics, more individuals, more creative, unrepentant adventurers. Go where you heart and your instincts lead you. Follow your dream. Instead of following the "normal" highway, blaze a new path and leave a trail for others to follow.
Published by:
The Philip E. Humbert Group, Inc
PO Box 50910Eugene, OR 97405
U.S.A541-342-1030
All of us have been pressured to conform at one time or another. We've been told to "sit still" in school, to "stop interrupting" or "not make a scene." We've been criticized for dressing, speaking, acting or thinking (or being) "different." The subtle and not-so-subtle pressures to accept conventional norms are powerful. "To get along, you have to go along."Well. Madame Currie, Florence Nightingale, Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Oprah Winfrey are not admired because they were "average" people! Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, Franklin Roosevelt and Bill Gates were not "conventional" people.
Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as the greatest American president, yet the thing he was most known for among his friends was his obnoxious refusal to quit running for office, even after he lost thirty-two elections! That is not normal!
One of the things that has made America, and capitalism great, is our love of individuality. We have always had a loving attitude toward our "mad inventors." The Wright brothers thought they could fly! Henry Ford thought he could put a car in every garage. Ben Franklin flew a kite in a thunder storm (didn't his mother tell him to come in out of the rain?). Mary Kay thought she could make a living selling make-up, while Mrs. Field tried to support her family selling cookies! That's just crazy!
Now, we need to tell the truth here. A lot of crazy ideas really are...crazy. We've all had brilliant ideas in the middle of the night, only to find that in the clear light of day they weren't worth pursuing. I've made many fortunes while taking my shower, only to find them going down the drain when I tried to tell my partners about them. Just because an idea is weird doesn't mean it's wonderful.But many great ideas (and the fortunes) have been lost because the genius who thought it up was shy or lacked courage or was intimidated by someone commenting, “You can't do that!”
All great ideas were crazy before they were brilliant. Alexander Bell thought he could talk over copper wires, and even worse, Marconi thought he could send messages through thin air! When David Sarnoff wanted to launch the first radio network (now NBC), one investor ridiculed him by asking, "Who would pay to send a message to no one in particular?" Jules Verne thought people might one day travel under the ocean or, even more ridiculous, fly in outer space. How crazy was that!?If you can read this, you are a genius. You have had thousands of wonderful, creative, brilliant ideas--most of which you've never pursued, and that's a shame.
Success in life is not achieved by being "ordinary." It is not achieved by being "different," by following your own path and trusting your own instincts.One of my heroes, Henry Thoreau, recommended "marching to beat of your own drummer." No two people have the same DNA or the same fingerprints. No two lovers "do it" quite the same way. No two parents (not even spouses) raise their children quite the same way. Sea Biscuit was too small and ungainly to be a champion, but lives in history as one of the great race horses of all time.
To achieve your unique version of success, follow your heart. Yes, you'll want to learn from others. Yes, you'll want to obey the law and applicable regulations, but aside from those things, you become great by being exactly, and uniquely yourself. This is a call for more eccentrics, more individuals, more creative, unrepentant adventurers. Go where you heart and your instincts lead you. Follow your dream. Instead of following the "normal" highway, blaze a new path and leave a trail for others to follow.
Published by:
The Philip E. Humbert Group, Inc
PO Box 50910Eugene, OR 97405
U.S.A541-342-1030
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Stress Less in 2008
Stress Less in 2008
By: Aurelia Williams
STRESS. "Yes, the S word." Stress is the 'wear and tear' our bodies experience as we adjust to our constantly changing environment. Stress has both physical and emotional effects on us, and it can create positive or negative feelings.As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action; it can result in a new consciousness and an exciting new perspective. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, insomnia, ulcers and other health problems.
As you can see, as we adjust to different situations, stress can either help or hinder us, depending on how we react to it.I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you shouldn't let things concern you, but what I do want to say is that you can slowly reduce the stress in your life.As women we wear many hats, and as moms our hat racks are overflowing. Be sure to recognize stressful situations and notice how you deal with them both mentally and physically.You remember the saying, "If mama' ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"? Well, I tend to agree with it, so I am very conscience of the stressful situations that I am confronted with, and I am sure to take time off so I can replenish my mind, body and spirit. Sit back, relax, and see if you can apply some or all of the action steps below into your life and take the road to less stress.Write it down.
Write down goals, errands, chores, due dates etc, and instead of creating just a To Do list, keep a Have Done list, too. Move things from your To Do list to the Have Done list after having completed them. At the end of the day, review how productive you were.Express yourself. Unloading your worries and concerns is a terrific way to clear your mind and reduce stress. It's very important not to keep everything inside, so try finding a friend or professional with whom you can talk. You can also write your feelings down in a journal. Moving things out of your head and onto paper can help you release a lot of the inner turmoil you may feeling.
Drink some orange juice. Scientists have discovered that vitamin C can reduce the production of stress hormones. Try eating an orange, drinking some juice, or taking a Vitamin C supplement. Here are a few foods that are rich in Vitamin C: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, strawberries, grapefruit and cantaloupe. Exercise. Studies have shown that taking a brief 10 minute walk during intense times will increase the amount of oxygen to your brain, allowing you to think more clearly and ultimately helping you to make better decisions.Give yourself a license to be imperfect. No one is perfect. Give yourself a break.
Try to reach a healthy balance between what really needs to be done now and what can wait. Also, give yourself permission to ask others for help when you need it. Adjustments. Let's face it -- there comes a time when we have to make adjustments. Try to identify your stressors and adjust yourself so that you react differently to them.
By: Aurelia Williams
STRESS. "Yes, the S word." Stress is the 'wear and tear' our bodies experience as we adjust to our constantly changing environment. Stress has both physical and emotional effects on us, and it can create positive or negative feelings.As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action; it can result in a new consciousness and an exciting new perspective. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, insomnia, ulcers and other health problems.
As you can see, as we adjust to different situations, stress can either help or hinder us, depending on how we react to it.I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you shouldn't let things concern you, but what I do want to say is that you can slowly reduce the stress in your life.As women we wear many hats, and as moms our hat racks are overflowing. Be sure to recognize stressful situations and notice how you deal with them both mentally and physically.You remember the saying, "If mama' ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"? Well, I tend to agree with it, so I am very conscience of the stressful situations that I am confronted with, and I am sure to take time off so I can replenish my mind, body and spirit. Sit back, relax, and see if you can apply some or all of the action steps below into your life and take the road to less stress.Write it down.
Write down goals, errands, chores, due dates etc, and instead of creating just a To Do list, keep a Have Done list, too. Move things from your To Do list to the Have Done list after having completed them. At the end of the day, review how productive you were.Express yourself. Unloading your worries and concerns is a terrific way to clear your mind and reduce stress. It's very important not to keep everything inside, so try finding a friend or professional with whom you can talk. You can also write your feelings down in a journal. Moving things out of your head and onto paper can help you release a lot of the inner turmoil you may feeling.
Drink some orange juice. Scientists have discovered that vitamin C can reduce the production of stress hormones. Try eating an orange, drinking some juice, or taking a Vitamin C supplement. Here are a few foods that are rich in Vitamin C: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, strawberries, grapefruit and cantaloupe. Exercise. Studies have shown that taking a brief 10 minute walk during intense times will increase the amount of oxygen to your brain, allowing you to think more clearly and ultimately helping you to make better decisions.Give yourself a license to be imperfect. No one is perfect. Give yourself a break.
Try to reach a healthy balance between what really needs to be done now and what can wait. Also, give yourself permission to ask others for help when you need it. Adjustments. Let's face it -- there comes a time when we have to make adjustments. Try to identify your stressors and adjust yourself so that you react differently to them.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Aladdin Factor - Why we don't ask for what we want
I don't like to shop. This has always been a weird concept for people to grasp because I am a woman. Some people believe that as a woman, part of your DNA is programmed to NEED to shop and spend money as a source of enjoyment, entertainment and excitement.
One of the reasons I don't enjoy shopping is that if you get something home and it doesn't work or fit, you have to take it back to the store and return it. I have never liked to return things. I'm not exactly sure what I am afraid of - probably a potential for conflict. But the bottom line is that if you don't shop, you don't have to return.
Well, you can imagine my interest when the first chapter of the Aladdin Factor addresses the whole issue of asking for what you want. There are actually REASONS and BARRIERS that keep people from asking and consequently settling for a not-so-great meal at a restaurant, a job that is less than fulfilling, even from getting help at school. It amounts to a life of settling for less than you want or deserve.
The five barriers are:
IGNORANCE (We don't know what's available or possible)
LIMITING AND INACCURATE BELIEFS (Programmed by our parents, school, media)
FEAR (Fear of rejection or looking stupid)
LOW SELF-ESTEEM (My needs are not important)
PRIDE (Fear of appearing weak or needy)
Not only will this book transform you as a businessperson, but also as a parent, spouse, child, volunteer, etc; It will change how you look at things forever!
Recommended Reading
The Aladdin Factor
Anything is possible.... if you dare to ask! Personal happiness. Creative fulfillment. Professional success. Freedom from fear -- and a new promise of joy that is yours for the asking. We have the ability at our fingertips to achieve these things. It is the Aladdin Factor, the magical wellspring of confidence, desire-and the willingness to ask -- that allows us to make wishes come true. Now bestselling motivational authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen introduce us to the Aladdin Factor -- and help us put it into effect in our own lives.
The Aladdin Factor helps us by pinpointing the major stumbling blocks to asking -- and teaching simple techniques to overcome them. With inspirational stories about people who have succeeded by asking for what they want, this book shows us how to turn our lives around -- no matter what kind of obstacle we face. And with this knowledge, we can reap the riches of a truly well-lived life -- a treasure that comes not from an enchanted lamp, but from the heart.
One of the reasons I don't enjoy shopping is that if you get something home and it doesn't work or fit, you have to take it back to the store and return it. I have never liked to return things. I'm not exactly sure what I am afraid of - probably a potential for conflict. But the bottom line is that if you don't shop, you don't have to return.
Well, you can imagine my interest when the first chapter of the Aladdin Factor addresses the whole issue of asking for what you want. There are actually REASONS and BARRIERS that keep people from asking and consequently settling for a not-so-great meal at a restaurant, a job that is less than fulfilling, even from getting help at school. It amounts to a life of settling for less than you want or deserve.
The five barriers are:
IGNORANCE (We don't know what's available or possible)
LIMITING AND INACCURATE BELIEFS (Programmed by our parents, school, media)
FEAR (Fear of rejection or looking stupid)
LOW SELF-ESTEEM (My needs are not important)
PRIDE (Fear of appearing weak or needy)
Not only will this book transform you as a businessperson, but also as a parent, spouse, child, volunteer, etc; It will change how you look at things forever!
Recommended Reading
The Aladdin Factor
Anything is possible.... if you dare to ask! Personal happiness. Creative fulfillment. Professional success. Freedom from fear -- and a new promise of joy that is yours for the asking. We have the ability at our fingertips to achieve these things. It is the Aladdin Factor, the magical wellspring of confidence, desire-and the willingness to ask -- that allows us to make wishes come true. Now bestselling motivational authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen introduce us to the Aladdin Factor -- and help us put it into effect in our own lives.
The Aladdin Factor helps us by pinpointing the major stumbling blocks to asking -- and teaching simple techniques to overcome them. With inspirational stories about people who have succeeded by asking for what they want, this book shows us how to turn our lives around -- no matter what kind of obstacle we face. And with this knowledge, we can reap the riches of a truly well-lived life -- a treasure that comes not from an enchanted lamp, but from the heart.
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