I'm having a baby!

So I'm going to be offline for the next 2 weeks and just wanted to post in case anyone forgets! Don't forget to check out http://www.babysites.com/sites/dstraub for all the pics and details! I'm scheduled for Monday at 12:30 PST to have little man. I'll miss you all XXOO

Expect to see me back online 2nd week of April!

- SHAWNA

Money sitting on the shelf…

If I heard this phrase once, I heard it a million times from my accountant husband. Inventory is money sitting on the shelf.

Now, while some companies do not allow their consultants to order and carry inventory, mine did. For some of us, because we work many booths and conferences in the springtime, inventory can be a necessary evil, so-to-speak. People come to these events and expect to be able to purchase items on the spot.

However, if you carry (or plan on carrying) inventory - here are some things to keep in mind.
Don't purchase inventory from your `paycheck'. A few days ago, we talked about the 60-20-20 rule in terms of budgeting. (60% is your pay, 20% to reinvest and 20% discretionary). Inventory purchase is an example of discretionary spending.

DO remember, that if you purchase inventory, while it may make your personal sales look amazing for the month - if you don't sell the inventory, it just takes a bite out of what you are selling next month (assuming you are filling orders with inventory that following month)
Don't get into the habit of purchasing inventory to `make numbers'. (Been there, done that) - nothing takes a bigger chunk out of your ability to pay your bills than when you've reinvested your profits back into inventory. Product does NOT translate into milk and eggs at the grocery store.

Are you ready?

A customer phoned me yesterday to place a catalog order. As luck would have it, I was sitting in front of the computer and on the internet. I was able to quickly access my company's website, take her order and check to see how I might be of service in the future.

Are you ready to service your customers quickly and easily? Unfortunately, we aren't always at our computers when people call, but there are some things that you can do in order to make any dealings with your customers as professional as possible.

Have a list of unavailable products readily available.

Have a catalog, calculator, and phone message pad by each phone in your home.

KNOW IN YOUR HEAD when your next several available party dates are so that you can easily offer to schedule a show.

DON'T FORGET to ASK anyone who calls - no matter what they are calling about - if they know of anyone who might be interested in more information about joining you in the business.

I'm just going to make some fliers….

… “and leave them on my neighbor's doors…”

This is the way so many new recruits decide to start their party plan businesses. And,
while this is certainly a very acceptable, non-threatening way to advertise, the reality is that neighbors probably will not come storming to the door, jumping up and down with unbridled excitement anxious to see whatever it is that this new consultant is selling.

The truth of the matter is, that the “flier method”, will net very little (if any) return on the investment of time spent designing and distributing, and money on printing. Marketing studies show a less than 1% .

Think about the last time you received a flier offering to clean your home, sell you firewood, landscape, paint or wash your windows. What did you do with the flier?

a) Threw it away

b) Scribbled a phone message on it then threw it away

c) Read it then threw it away

d) All of the above.

So…the next time you sign a team member and she decides to let her neighbors know about her new business in this manner; don't discourage her. In fact, applaud the fact that she is thinking about how to market her business. However, just educate her on the facts so that she won't be disappointed. Then, help her compile a List of 100 and give her words to use when contacting the people on that list. In this business, relationships count and the personal touch will go much farther than an impersonal flier.

Your car…

I don't know about you, but I do some of my best thinking when I'm driving in my car.
When I'm riding in my car it seems like that's where I think of new marketing ideas for my business, I think of people I'd like to join my team or book a party with, I remember odds and ends of things I've forgotten to do and I even pick up information from some of the signs in front of park districts and churches (for upcoming booth opportunities).

Something that might be handy for you to have in your car is one of those little hand held tape recorders. When these thoughts hit - just press the `record' button and start talking! You'd be amazed when you play the tape back. You think you'll remember what you were thinking by the time you get home but I promise you, you won't. And a little recorder is probably safer than writing it down on a piece of paper. While I'm not a fan of talking on your cell phone while driving - some cell phones do have a “messaging” option to do the same thing - just be sure you can speed dial it easily so you don't get distracted.

Finally, always be sure that you carry supplies with you in your car. Use an extra briefcase or a small file box that doesn't ever leave. Keep it stocked with business cards, consultant information - including agreements, catalogs and hostess packets. ALWAYS be prepared wherever you go!

Are you thinking, or are you doing?

Have you ever been surprised, annoyed, or angry to find out that a friend or family member joined another direct sales company? OR even worse, that they'd joined YOUR company but with another consultant?

If you've never had this experience, trust me, it is one of those true `kick in the guts' moments. It has happened to most of us at one time or another who are in direct sales. You've thought about this person, even imagined in your mind how the conversation might go as you approached them about joining your company. But, once again, you don't pick up the phone because “I don't want to be PUSHY”.

Today's challenge is to put together your `chicken list'. This is a list of people that you are chicken to ask to join your team. Be sure you put their phone number next to their name - that is the first step in `lightening' that 500 pound receiver.

Now, before you pick up the phone, think about why they would make a good consultant. Perhaps they are lots of fun, or a hard worker, or have lots of friends and a large circle of influence. Maybe they just need to earn an income but do it flexibly.

Why would you company be a good fit for them? Do they love the product? What things about your company do YOU most appreciate that might appeal to them?

Here's a script thought-starter: “Hi Cindy, this is your cousin Sue - do you have just a couple of minutes? You have been on my mind and I've been too chicken to call you because I didn't want to appear pushy - but I am having such a good time with my home business - I wanted to talk to you about it. I would feel terrible if I didn't share this information with you because you are such a people person, but I also want you to know that the most important thing to me is our relationship as cousins. I don't want you to avoid me at upcoming family gatherings. I'd like permission to sit down over a cup of coffee and talk with you about this just once, so that you know what I'm doing and then I'll leave it up to you if you would like to pursue things further - how does that sound”

Make the script your own and get going on that chicken list!

Welcome Michelle Fields from CA!

My name is Michelle Fields… but my nickname is Kitty. My husband, Greg and I live in Salida, Ca located in beautiful Northern California near Modesto. We have 2 fur baby yorkies: Marley and Jezebel, no children yet, although we treat them like children! Absolute doggy lover all-the-way! I’m allergic to cats, ironically! My birthday is October 30th. I am a total night owl, and love communicating via the internet. I am a full-time Esthetician, and love making people look and feel, and now smell great! Skin is my passion.

I loved how unique the product is. It seems so innovative~ I wish I could have thought of it. I have worked in the fragrance industry before for Armani and Ralph Lauren, always wanted to have a foot in it somehow, and what a great way to do it. I have an extensive fragrance collection. I pick out fragrances to match my mood, outfits etc. It’s like picking out shoes to match. More than anything I was really impressed with the quality of the product. Wow!


I love to chat & socialize; this is one of my hobbies. I am fairly new to the area I live in, and I don’t have a big family. I am looking at ways to “branch out” and meet new people. I could always use more clients! So far everyone is excited about UB. How can I get started successfully & rapidly? What has not worked? How can I make the most money?? All those questions from the team will be helpful!

I was a floral, which totally describes me. Especially the part: “always trying to improve yourself.” I laughed out loud! Tied for floral and Spicy. I was kind of surprised about the spicy, but I like spicy with floral together, so that makes sense! I have a few scents like that already. Hmmm?!

I love freesia and honeysuckle. I want it in everything!!

Where do you see yourself with Urban Botanic in the next year? Are you a business builder, In it as a hobby, or somewhere in between?

I see myself at the top somewhere. Hopefully my esthetician business grows simultaneously too, so I consider it somewhere in between, but I definitely want to have fun, and grow, grow, grow!

What is one personality trait you have that you think will help you be successful at UB?
I think I am great at sharing enthusiasm, and being passionate with what I do. I am not flaky, and I don’t like letting people down, so I am always professional about things.

Thanks for the welcome. :O)