Direct Sales Ideas and Tips

Book Review - The Lessons From Apprentice - Chapters One - Three

2010-02-03T08:20:00.001-08:00

I have enjoyed watching a few seasons of The Apprentice. Although my business is a network marketing business, the strategies I have learned from the show have been numerous. I've always loved watching how the teams who find the most creative forms of advertising often are victorious over their opponents.

I was excited when I found The Lessons from Apprentice during a recent shopping excursion.

I smiled all the way through this book. Many of the lessons I learned from the show were shared in the book.

Right off the bat, Mr. Trump speaks of both name and location. In the first chapter of the book, Mr.Trump shares his thoughts on choosing a name and what that name says about you and the business.

The first task a team receives is to choose a team name. Team names speak volumes about the group as a whole. What I find interesting is that in network marketing, group leaders sometimes choose names that end up hurting them in the long run. Imagine two teams, one is called "Sally's Silly Girls". The other team is called "The Entrepreneurs." Which team do you think men would be more inclined to join? Which team do you think a doctor or lawyer would be more inclined to join?

Chapter two is titled "Brainstorming 101." Mr. Trump speaks of several seasons of the show and explains how simple brainstorming done correctly spelled victory in challenge after challenge.

In network marketing, reading the words of others can very often help you in building a larger customer base and a larger sales team. Over the years, I have enjoyed many different authors, all who take a different approach to sales and marketing.

If you want to know how to sell more, read books written by a top seller. It doesn't matter what they are selling, what matters is that they are closing the sale. If you want to understand more about team dynamics, read books written by an expert in that topic.

The goal here is to know who to brainstorm with for each topic.

Chapter three is about instinct. I have to say that after reading the chapter, I'm not sure I would have given the chapter this title. It was a chapter more on planning and what to do when your plan doesn't quite work out as you had expected.

In network marketing, there are many times that a backup plan is needed. For example, someone orders a product for a gift and the item doesn't come in. What's your plan for this happening? How do you satisfy the customer and keep your cool? Knowing what might happen and how you'll react are key to succeeding.

This is a book chock full of everyday business lessons. It's well worth the cost of the book and the space on your bookshelf.

Audrey :)

Do You Have An Emergency Plan in Network Marketing?

2010-01-18T17:37:00.000-08:00

As I was at the hospital today visiting a friend, it made me ponder how many people in network marketing have a back-up plan. While my friend is going to be ok, she had a few days of being unable to respond to everyday questions.

We don’t always think about the many ways we are involved in our business. I’d like to offer some things to consider:

1. Does someone know your email password? If you were suddenly unavailable, is there someone who could answer business questions that came in? You might consider using an away message that is easily put into place should you become unavailable. Show someone living in your home how to put up this away message. It will let writers know that you’re unavailable and will return their email the following week. This allows a week for you and or your family to make a new plan.

2. If you have an order in transport, is there someone who knows where to find your receipts or order forms so that your shipment gets taken care of? Consider a system in Excel where you put the date the order was placed and the date you’re expecting the order to come in. If you keep this spreadsheet right on your desktop, it’s easy to find for your family. Consider keeping a list of the products ordered either with the spreadsheet or a hard copy right on your desk.

3. Does someone know how to check your voice mail messages for customer leads or business leads? Do they know what to do with these leads once they come in? I’d like to suggest that your family consider calling the people back and telling them that while you’ll be just fine, you are out ill for a few days and will call them back as soon as possible.

4. Does someone know who your upline is and how to reach your upline? Right on your computer desktop, keep a phone list containing your upline’s name and phone number and your companies name and phone number. I actually have a company folder on my desktop that contains this information.

5. Do you have a company website page? Does it need to be checked? My company email happens to be associated with my company page. I know not all companies operate this way. Is this website password protected? Does someone have the password to the site? Again, I suggest someone answering any correspondence by saying you’re unavailable for a few days and will answer them upon your return. You might even pre-write something today that your family could use for both your personal email and your company email should you become suddenly unavailable.

These are just five ways to keep your business running should you fall ill and not be home to take care of your business. Create a plan that works for you and your family and then let them know what to do so that your business stays afloat in your absence.

Audrey :)

Direct Sales - Your Online Photos

2010-01-07T07:09:00.001-08:00

Something happened today that led me to want to write this article. I’m a huge Facebook fan. It’s an awesome tool for any network marketing business.

Whenever I get a friend request, I go to the page to see what information is there. I’m very picky about who I’ll accept friend requests from. Among my friends are my kids and also my mother. I do not want “friends” who say things that I don’t want my kids or my mother to read.

So, I got a friend request today from a man. I went to his page. His front page photo is him flipping someone off with both hands. I quickly hit “ignore” to his request and moved on.

I want interactive relationships with those I’m “friends” with. That means I’ll speak to them both privately and publicly and I hope they’ll do the same. I do not want a photo on my page of someone flipping others off. I find it offensive and am certain others would also.

I have no idea why this person asked to be my “friend.” He did not send me a message. He did not put any reason down with his request, just the request.

When you are networking online, it is my suggestion that you choose photos that are a bit more conservative. None of my photos are professionally done but I tend to stick to photos of me, me and my kids and I even had one of me and the dogs.

I know that both customers and team members are part of my social network on Facebook and so if I ever have photos I don’t want public, I make sure not to tag myself and to keep them rather hidden. And I never use those photos as my profile photo.

The same is true for blogs. I’ve seen really offensive photos on blogs and shake my head in sadness when they post that business is slow or that they don’t have many customers. I’m a strong supporter of letting others know you and sharing who you are but I draw the line at what could be offensive photos.

As you choose photos to put on social medial profiles and your blog, think about who might be visiting these pages. If you’re in network marketing and you’ll be friend requesting strangers, consider this also. Choose photos that let others get to know you while keeping it on a professional level.

Audrey :)

Think Outside the Box

2009-12-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

Thinking outside of the box is a must in direct sales. There are literally millions of distributors out there selling both their product lines and also offering their business opportunities.

The October 2009 issue of Business Week mentioned my favorite social media network, Facebook and shared how Facebook might be thinking outside of the box in the future. There is a possibility that Facebook might charge for a “no ads experience.” There is also a chance that Facebook might charge a service fee if you want your photos printed. You’ll still be able to upload photos, the only difference is they’d now offer a service to print them.

Nothing about the basic Facebook service will change. The service I love will remain the same, but there are now a few ways that this network might bring in additional revenue for themselves.

Thinking of the service and products you offer, what are some ways you can offer more? One suggestion is, if you have a large group is to offer a bulk rate catalog mailing service. Bulk rate requires about 300 pieces minimum. You can offer this as a service to those distributors on your team who may not want to purchase and mail a full package of catalogs. You can also offer this to those who don’t have 300 pieces they want to mail out. You’ll be making money by increasing your team sales though this additional service.

Take your current products and create something new. For example, I sell plastic containers. At gift giving times of the year, I can offer to sell cookies in a jar, or brownies in a jar for a price higher than the stand alone item. This might appeal to someone who otherwise would not have made the purchase.

What are some ways you can think outside the box to further your own direct sales business?

Audrey :)

Using Postcards in Network Marketing

2009-12-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have found postcards to be a wonderful marketing tool in network marketing. Many companies provide company postcards at a very minimal cost and the postage to send a postcard as of this writing is only twenty-eight cents.

I’d like to share several ideas on using postcards for your network marketing business:

1. Send a postcard to customers, leads and team members when it’s their birthday. A regular birthday card with postage can easily cost three dollars or more. With a company postcard and postage you’ll pay only fifty cents to wish someone a happy birthday.

2. Send a thank-you note for a purchase. Most companies have reports that show you orders that have been placed online. Send a note thanking the person for their purchase. Very few people today send thank-you notes. This gesture will make you stand out in customer service.

3. When a team member has a good month, send them a card letting them know what a great job they’ve done. Everyone I know enjoys hearing how wonderful they are.

4. If you receive great customer service at a local retail establishment, send a postcard to thank the business for their great service. Good customer service is not common these days and so when you receive it, let people know their smiles are appreciated.

5. When a potential recruit has taken the time to speak with you, send them a thank-you for their time card. If they are shopping around for a business opportunity, there is a good chance you’ll be the only one who sends them a thank-you note.

These are just five ways you can use postcards in your overall marketing plan for your business. How many other reasons can you think of to send a quick note to someone you’d like to do business with?

Audrey :)

Network Marketing – Promote Yourself as Eco-Friendly

2009-12-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

If you are in network marketing, you have many opportunities to share your eco-friendly practices with team members and customers.

Whenever someone requests a catalog from me, I ask them if they would be interested in viewing the catalog online, thus saving paper. Over fifty percent of those I ask say yes.

For those that do request a paper catalog, I try to put stickers on the catalogs that say “share me with a friend.” I have even offered a discount for sharing the catalog and helping me get an additional customer order.

Instead of printing out company literature, create folders on your computer and store the information in the folders. I have several folders on my computer such as “company information”, “recruiting information”, “product information” and “customer information.”

When I read articles online that I really enjoy, instead of printing them out I save them to my computer. I have several folders for articles on my computer. I have “customer service”, “time management”, “sales tips” and more.

If you host home parties, consider using evites instead of paper invitations. Evites can be personalized and the site will keep track of R.S.V.P.’s and will even send out reminders for the party.

If you offer newsletters, offer an incentive for your customers and team members to receive your newsletter online instead of on paper through the mail. You’ll save money, paper and postage.

If you are delivering products to customers, ask if you can deliver the items without a bag. While a bag keeps the products neat and tidy, it also creates an item that eventually will end up in a landfill. If several people from one workplace are ordering, ask if you can have all orders shipped to one person. Not only will they save on shipping charges, but the company will be able to use fewer boxes to ship the order.

The ideas of being eco-friendly in network marketing are endless. Consider other ways you can help save the earth while providing your customers and team members with excellent service.

Audrey :)

Are You Mr/Mrs Temptation?

2009-12-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

I read the most wonderful blog post this morning http://coachyourmind.blogspot.com/2009/11/hello-who-is-this.html

Dayne describes what I often see in network marketing. We're taught to listen for the "no" and then overcome it. We're told to present an offer that no one can refuse.

When you read Dayne's post, he shares that he never expressed an interest in what was being sold. He never asked for the phone call. He actually said no, yet the caller continued to peruse Dayne as if he were a lead.

Now, what would have happened if Dayne had said yes? The caller would've thought he had made a sale. But in reality, all he would have done is wear Dayne down. Once Dayne hung up, how excited do you think Dayne would have been?

Whether you're selling a specific product or your business opportunity, you want someone who means yes when they say yes. You want someone who is happy they said yes and enthusiastic to begin their new business with you.

Stay away from becoming Mr/Mrs Temptation. Instead make yourself known as Mr/Mrs Thoughtful or Helpful, the person others want to do business with.

Audrey :)

When You Get Spammed In Network Marketing

2009-11-29T09:22:00.001-08:00

If you are in networking and if you have your name and email address available on the internet, I guarantee you will get spammed.

When you get these pieces of spam, you have several options. You have the option to hit the delete button. You have the option to report the offender to their email service. You have the option to report the offender to their company, or finally, you have the option to answer the spam.

I’ve tried all of the above. Hitting delete gets rid of the piece of email but it doesn’t stop the person from emailing you again and again. Or worse yet, it doesn’t stop the person from passing your name and email onto the next person as someone who “might be open to a new idea”

Reporting the offender to their email provider usually produces no result at all. Regardless of the email provider, I find that reports are ignored completely as I’ve often received numerous pieces of spam from the same person.

There are times, if you’re dealing with a reputable company, that reporting the offender to their company will produce results. Legitimate companies do not want their reputation tarnished by those who spam others.

I also like to sometimes hit reply. I have two goals in mind when hitting reply. One, I hope to help the offender know that what they’re doing violates TOS for companies and email providers but I also hope to engage in conversation and begin a relationship that may or may not lead to business for me down the road.

Depending on what the spam says, I’ll usually invite the offender to read one of my existing articles. I offer a brief overview of what the article is about and then I provide a direct link to the article.

I do not offer a link to my business. I simply try to offer something of value to the spammer. I’ve received many varied responses by doing this. Sometimes, I never hear from the person again. Sometimes I get an argument back, that my article is not correct or not something they agree with. I’m not looking to enter into a debate so I usually just hit delete at that point. Sometimes I get a thank you. This allows to me to make another effort at a relationship with the person. This of course is my preferred response.

I will NEVER respond to the email chain letters. This just isn’t the person I wish to enter into a conversation with. The spams I respond to are from those representing a legitimate company or those that have some measure of sincerity in them. If I get an email that says “I earned a million bucks last night”, I know this person isn’t being honest. I just hit delete.

I continually form new relationships, some that lead to business, some that don’t, just from hitting reply on spam I receive. Try this yourself. Respond to those emails that have a sense of sincerity to them. Point them to your own articles or blog that might be helpful to them. You’ll find over time that you’ll build unexpected relationships that often lead to additional business for you.

Audrey :)

Online Network Marketing – A Daily Checklist

2009-11-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

If you are running an online network marketing business, there are several things you should be doing each and every day:

1. Updating your blog – I’ve recently started pre-scheduling posts one week at a time. This means I only write posts once per week, but I write four to six posts when I do write them.

2. Commenting on other blogs – I try to go out at least two or three times per week to comment on the blogs that I follow and subscribe to.

3. Social media updating – Those using the internet to promote their network marketing businesses should belong to one or two social media networks. Updating your pages, groups etc should be part of your daily routine. Facebook is actually my favorite. I invest a little bit of time each day reading my groups, commenting on photos and statuses and answering personal messages.

4. Reading articles and blogs associated with your market – Everyone sells a different product line. Find a few blogs that cater to what you’re selling. For example, if you sell home décor, find a few blogs from experts in interior design and read what they have to say. If you sell dietary supplements, find a few blogs on health and wellness and read what they are saying. Subscribe to Google alerts for a few keywords associated with what you sell and read the daily updates.

5. Contact leads and customers – I do my best to stay in touch with those who order from me and who have expressed an interest in selling my products. Every day, I check to see if I owe anyone a phone call or email. Often someone will say “contact me in a week.” I check my notes daily to see if I need to check back with anyone.

6. Check your company website – Companies update product information, incentives and special offers constantly. Check your company’s website each and every day for new information.

7. Network, network, network – Invest time each and every day getting to know new people. This can be incorporated into tasks you’re already doing. For example, find one new blog to follow and participate in. Or find one new “friend” on the social media network you belong to. Your business will grow through your relationships. Work hard on this one, meeting new people and letting them know who are.

These are just seven ideas on creating your own daily checklist of tasks you should be doing for your business. I find when it’s planned out and written down, I tend to be more successful in following through.

Audrey :)

Who Are You In Network Marketing?

2009-11-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

When you consider how you’re known in the cyber world, it’s important to consider what name you use to present yourself to others.

I am a person who loves social media. Recently, I’ve been getting a slew of friend requests from company names versus people names. Each time I receive one of these requests, I hit “ignore.” I really don’t wish to be friends with ABC Company. I much prefer to be friends with a real person.

Very often these anonymous requests come from people involved in network marketing. I do go to their profiles and I see they represent a network marketing company.

Sales and teams are built through personal relationships in network marketing. If you don’t even use your real name, how can you expect to build relationships?

I’m a strong supporter of introducing yourself to others and then, if and when the time is right, introducing your products to the new person in your life. When I get a friend request from a company name, whoever is behind the company is trying to introduce me to the product first.

Consider your own purchasing habits. How often do you buy items from an unknown source and through someone who doesn’t even use their real name?

If you use social media? as a form of exposure, attach your name. Attach your city and state. Let people know who you are.

If you use a blog as a form of exposure, once again, use your name. I can’t even count the amount of comments I’ve gotten on my blog from company names. I go to their profile and there is nothing personal about them. I have no idea who they are. I only know their company name. I click away. I want to meet and know people. I am not interested in learning about the company or the company’s products.

Consider who you are as you market and put your name out there in cyber space. How do you want to be known? Do you want people to know you as Company ABC, or do you want people to know you are a real person willing to be known?

Audrey :)

Growing a Team of Distributors

2009-11-08T15:52:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share an article written by Lisa Willard. I have always enjoyed reading her words:

I just finished listening to one of our team coaching calls and as always, it got me to thinking and my wheels turning. As a home business owner and coach, my passion is growing a team of distributors. When a new member joins my team, it's really important to get them started on the right track. Here's a few highlights to start your new team members the "right" way.

1. Maximize the excitement. When someone first starts a new business, the excitement is huge and as their partner and coach help them plan the next few weeks to keep that excitement going. What's the best way to do that? Help them make some cash fast! My business has a retail end that allows you to make money day one. And when someone can make some extra money immediately, that is huge.

2. Keep in touch. You want to keep in touch with all of your team members. But you will want to have a plan for contacting your new people one on one at least for the first month. Get to know them. Know their goals. Know their dreams. Have fun!

3. Set up their monthly calendar. Help your new team member plan their first 30 days. Having a plan is one thing, but you must have action steps to go along with it. Whether it's planning home parties, or an open house, or simply sending out a "I have a new business" letter to friends and family, help your new partner plan those action steps.

4. Keep their goals in front. It's so important to have goals in this business. Write them down. Have your new team member share them. Once you have goals, plan your action steps accordingly.

5. Encourage Personal Development. This is so important. Personal development is a huge part to a successful home business. I have a great reading list for all of my new team members. It's so easy to let fear stop you in your business. The fear of rejection, the fear of failure, or even the fear of success. It's important to prepare your mind and to develop yourself into the leader you want to become.

6. Enjoy the journey of your growing team. This simply goes back to having fun! Some of my best friends have become the people I have met through my home business. And most of them live many miles away. It's important to laugh, smile and have fun with what you are doing!

Believe Success!

Lisa Willard
Network Marketing Success
Burn and Earn

~ ~ ~
Audrey :)

Fall Cleaning in Network Marketing

2009-11-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

If you’re in network marketing, then you know products will change with the seasons.
With fall just around the corner, it’s time to clean out supplies and products that you had over the summer time.

We just moved and so I had the opportunity to clean out old supplies during the packing process. I threw out quite a few older items, creating fewer boxes to pack and unload on the other end.

So what should you save and what should you throw out with the change of seasons?

1. Throw out network marketing catalogs with wrong prices. Companies do change and update catalogs. If the prices have not increased, it’s ok to keep the catalogs and hand them out, but if prices have changed, toss the catalogs. When customers see a price, they want the item at the price in the catalog they’re looking at.

2. Throw out old policy and procedure guides. Network marketing companies update their policies and procedures regularly. Make sure that the copy you have is the most recent and accurate copy. If someone has a question, you don’t want to answer based on the policy five years ago.

3. Put aside discontinued products. While the product might be new and sellable, you don’t want to demo or show a product that can not be ordered by a customer. Either put the product into your personal collection or offer the product as a giveaway.

4. If you save company literature on conferences, get rid of old literature. Unless you’re holding onto it to create a scrapbook of a trip taken, get rid of old conference literature.

5. Most companies have incentives through out the year. Get rid of any old incentive information. You want to keep current incentive information at your fingertips, but old information no longer does you any good.

When we moved, I was amazed at how much older information I had. I was able to lighten our moving load quite a bit by cleaning out all of the old network marketing literature I had. Go through your shelves and see what you can discard and what should continue to be saved.

Audrey :)

Social Media Goals for Your Network Marketing Business

2009-10-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

Social media and network marketing almost go hand in hand today. I know very few network marketers who don’t have social media accounts.

With an account on Twitter, MySpace or Facebook, you can communicate with customers, potential customers, team members, upline members and even potential team members.

To make the most of social media for your network marketing business I’d like to suggest some goals:

1. Set a goal of commenting on at least ten items per day. You might comment on a photo, status or tweet. The point is that you’re opening the door to communication with the person you’re leaving the comment for.

2. Set a goal of requesting two new friends or following two new people each weekday. This is ten possible new friends each week. When you send the friend request, add a message. If you’ve followed someone, let them know why. Send them a message. Let the person know who you are and why you’ve requested they be your friend. Do you share a common friend? Do you live in the same town? What brought you to them? One word of caution, no one wants to read “I’ve sent you a friend request so that I can spam my ads to you.”

3. Answer those who take the time to message you, answer your tweets or comment on your page. Relationships are two way streets. If someone takes the time to send you a message or to comment on your page, answer them.

4. Set a goal of sending a private message to at least one person per day. Find something to talk about. Read their statuses or tweets and send them a direct message.

5. On the networks that allow photos, upload some of yours. Let people see you and see that you are a real person. I’ve received tons of comments on my photos. I post trip photos, family photos and even just fun photos. I give people something comment about.

Use these five tips to help build your following on the social networks. Network marketing is all about your network, so start building your today.

Audrey :)

Removing the Fear In Direct Sales

2009-10-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

Very often I hear people say, “Oh I could never be in direct sales, I’d be too afraid.”

If you’d like to overcome your fear, the first step is identifying what it is you’re afraid of. I’ve found that when someone speaks of fear in direct sales, the fear usually is rooted in a few areas:

Fear of rejection – When someone says no to a product or a business opportunity, the salesperson needs to be able to understand that the “no” has nothing to do with the person. The no means that for today the product or opportunity does not meet the needs of the person you’re speaking to. Have you ever said no to something and then a week, month or year later said yes? This is because at the time you said no, the item you said no to did not meet your needs on that particular day. Your no was not about the sales person but about not needing the product right then.

Fear of being pushy – I think many of us have met pushy salespeople. They’re the ones who will call your house ten times in a one hour period. They’re the ones who forget to say hello and instead, immediately launch into a sales pitch. Those who are like this are probably like this outside of sales also. These are just people who believe they have all of the answers and that what they have to offer is the only possible solution to a buyer’s needs. If you’re not pushy now, then don’t become pushy once you begin selling a product.

Fear that the product will not meet the consumer’s needs – Make sure you clearly understand the return policy of your company. Make sure your customers know what their options are should they not be satisfied. Try some of the products before you sell them. All of us have made a purchase and that purchase did not meet our expectations. We return the product and go about our day. Often we’ll buy again from the seller, we just were not happy with that one product. If you’re comfortable with the company, if you like the company’s return policy, then feel confident selling their products to others.

Spend some time speaking with the person you have thought about joining but were too afraid to join. If they’re a non-pushy sales person, they’ll be able to share some thoughts and ideas with you with no obligation on your part. You still may decide that a direct sales career is not the right career for you, but you may just discover something you’ll love and be a part of for years to come.

Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Eight Benefits of Direct Sales

2009-10-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

I’ve been asked many times the benefits of a direct sales business over a privately-owned one-person business. While I’m not suggesting one is better than the other, I’d like to share what I believe are some of the benefits of having a direct sales business:

1. Lots of options. There are many direct sales companies to choose from. You can choose a company that meets your needs in terms of products and compensation plans.

2. You do not have to develop the product yourself. The company will take care of product manufacturing and product support materials.

3. The start-up costs are usually very minimal. You pay for a starter kit and possibly a few support materials. While you can often purchase a company site, you do not need to invest in site development, shopping carts and other sales related items needed for an internet presence.

4. While the income is completely commissioned, the hours are very flexible. You can work around children’s schedules, outside work schedules and other commitments you may have. If you need to work in the early morning or late at night, it can be done.

5. Many people enjoy the recognition that direct sales offers. It’s really awesome to see your name in print and to be recognized for your achievements. I’ve heard many times that the recognition makes the work very worthwhile.

6. If you are a person who enjoys helping others, direct sales might be a perfect choice. You’ll help people through product sales and you’ll also help people when you bring them into the business and mentor them in sales and leadership.

7. The opportunity for personal growth is enormous. When I look back at where I was ten years ago and where I am today, it’s astounding. There are so many awesome mentors out there very willing to help you and coach you.

8. If you love the products you’re selling, it’s awesome to receive a discount on your own purchases. I’ve met many people over the years who have joined companies strictly for the benefit of the discount for themselves and their family.

These are just eight benefits of joining a direct sales company. Is network marketing right for you?

Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Network Marketing and Taking a Walk

2009-10-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

I was out with a friend this morning, taking a walk on one of the many trails that Santa Barbara provides us and I was struck by the many similarities my walk had to network marketing.

We took a path we’d been down before but today, with the weather nearing 80 degrees and some recent rain, the view we saw was different from the view we had just a month ago. This can happen in your business also. Perhaps you tried a marketing method several months ago and did not get the desired results. Try again. You may find a different result this time. Perhaps you’ve spoken to someone about becoming a distributor or buying your products. If they didn’t say yes, try again. It’s possible that life has changed for this person and they just might say yes this time. You might also consider trying a product that either you haven’t tried before or a product that perhaps you weren’t crazy about earlier.

As we walked, flowers that were not at all in bloom a few months ago were now in full bloom and both fragrant and beautiful. Your business will also go through cycles. There are times of year that are a bit slow and there are times of the year that sales and sponsoring will be more abundant.

We passed by many people along our route. Some were walking, some were jogging, some were on bikes, some were walking dogs, some were in groups and some were alone. We are all different. There is always more than one way to get from point A to point B. Each person we passed was enjoying the path a bit differently but each would end in the same spot. Some would get there quicker than others and some would have company along the way.

We also found that some people went out of their way to say “good morning” to us, while others turned the other way not wanting to engage in conversation. We also began a few exchanges. These exchanges were met in many ways. Some people just nodded their head and moved on. Some smiled and moved on. Others wanted to verbally engage with us and echoed our words of “good morning.” This is just another reminder that as we speak with others about our products and business, we will get a wide variety of responses.

Network marketing really is just another part of life with many similarities to those things you are already familiar with.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Network Marketing and the Gym - Common Ground

2009-10-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

I was at the gym working out the other day and all of a sudden I began thinking about the similarities between network marketing and the gym.

When you first begin working out, it’s tough. It’s so tough in fact that many people quit and never come back. In network marketing, I often see people quit before the end of their first six months in the business.

When you first begin a routine at the gym, you do not see immediate results. It takes consistency and commitment before you’ll see results. The same is true with your business. You will not see immediate results. It takes time to develop customers and build a team.

I remember when I first started working out, after twenty minutes I was completely wiped out. As time went on, I was able to handle longer workouts and add more weights to my circuit routine. In your business, it will take time to learn about the company, learn about the products and develop a marketing routine that works for you.

The day I was thinking about all of this, I was doing circuit training, going from machine to machine. Each machine is different. Each machine works a different muscle group and each machine in my routine has a different weight amount on it. Each relationship in network marketing is different. Each person will have different needs and different expectations. It will be up to you to help meet those needs and expectations.

After I had been working out for a few months, I saw a change in not only my weight but also how I felt overall. Results were starting to show. I was becoming more and more motivated to work out each day as I knew I was going to see results. I also add weights and test out the new weight. You’ll find this is true in your business also. Work toward your first customer. After you have your first customer, begin working on your second customer. Each person you come in contact with might want the products you offer. You’ll never know until you ask.

Those who work out at the gym never stop working. They come in each day ready for a complete workout knowing consistency and commitment are the only way to see results. Apply these same principles to your business and you’ll see results there also.

Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Xsite Pro

2009-10-11T08:58:00.001-07:00

If you are in direct sales, you should have at least one website of your own. A site of your own allows you to have a unique URL for the search engines, a unique URL for marketing purposes and a place where you can personalize the site each step of the way.

I am often asked how I built my websites since I’m not an HTML expert. My blogs are either Wordpress or Blogger, but my websites have all been built with a program called XSitePro website design software.

When I made my first website, I used Netscape. At that time they had a builder component that was helpful. After that, a friend gave me an old copy of DreamWeaver. Talk about complicated. DreamWeaver is meant for those who have website building knowledge.

I knew there had to be a better way to create a real website without paying a fortune and without knowing HTML. That’s when I was introduced to XSitePro. Patty Gale is the woman who introduced me to the product. She suggested I look at some of her sites. I was blown away. She assured me the program came with a 100% money back guarantee. I trusted Patty and I loved her sites. I bought the program.

Since that day, I’ve built 3 sites and upgraded when XSitePro introduced a newer version. I’ve never looked back.

Several of my webpages have hit the number one spot on the major search engines and I’ve received many compliments over the years on my sites.

The program is as simple to use as a word processor. In fact you build a site with the program tutorial before you ever start building your own site. In addition to the tutorial, there is also a message board community to help you with any questions you might have as you begin building your own sites.

I don’t want to turn this post into a long sales letter, so I’ll end by sharing the links to the two live sites I have up that were built using XSitePro. They are http://www.recipe-barn.com and http://www.scrapping-made-simple.com Take a look at the two sites. They were built using the XSitePro software.

If you decide to purchase the software, in addition to the support from the company, you are also welcome to contact me either via email or by phone. My email is here on the blog. I’m happy to email you my phone number.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Getting Referrals in Network Marketing

2008-11-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

If you are not currently asking for referrals, you may be missing a lot of potential business for your network marketing business.

Have you ever called a cold lead? I think the term “cold” came into play as it can be like talking to ice when you speak to someone you don’t know about something they may or may not be interested in.

Now think of the times you’ve spoken with someone you’re acquainted with who knows you and your products. Those conversations are much warmer and much more comfortable for everyone involved.

A referral is very much a “warm” lead. You already share one thing in common, a friendship with the person who did the referring.

There are several ways to ask for a referral. You can let your current customers know that you are accepting new customers and that there is a 10% discount for the new customer on their first order and a 10% discount to the referrer on their next order.

When you hand out catalogs you can add a sticker that says “gift for all referrals.”

When you send out your newsletter include a section that thanks those who have provided referrals for you.

What I don’t suggest doing is saying, “Do you know anyone who might want my products?” We live in a society where we are sold to so often we automatically say no without much thought.

If you’re face to face and the opportunity presents itself, you might say to your customer “I’m so thankful for referrals I’ll give you 50% off that one item you’ve been wanting if someone you refer to me places an order over $35.” Of course you can alter this sentence to make it fit for the company you represent. It’s just another way to get a referral without saying “do you know anyone?”

Referrals are such a wonderful gift to your business that you might consider all of these suggestions to build your warm list of referrals from current customers.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Direct Sales – Selling More Than Your Products

2008-10-21T07:14:00.001-07:00

Being an article writer I have seen many authors offer a variety of items in their article bylines. There is much more to offer in direct sales than your products.

Direct sales is relationship building. What better way to build a relationship than to offer something to someone else. You can offer an e-book or e-series related to the products you sell. For example, if you sell health and wellness products, consider writing an ebook with chapters on nutrition, exercise, recipes, how to choose supplements, how to read labels etc. You can give away this ebook on your own website and you can offer it to others to give away. The ebook will have your name and your URL inside. This is a wonderful way to sell yourself without selling your products or opportunity to others.

What about offering a monthly newsletter? You can have a link to sign up for your newsletter on your website and on your blog. You can put the link to sign up in your emails, on articles you write and on signatures in online communities. Newsletters get forwarded to others all of the time. If I get a newsletter that contains an article I think one of my friends will enjoy, I send the newsletter to them.

Do you have a “title” with your direct sales company? Often companies have managers or directors or executives. Sell your title. When you write articles or when you post in communities, use that title. Let others know about the title you’ve achieved.

I was recently interviewed twice. Both interviews were placed on the interviewers’ blogs. One interview was written out and one was an audio interview. Several people have read and listened to these two interviews.

Do you write articles? If you do, consider buying a URL that links directly to all of your articles. This was an idea from Jeff Herring and I bought a domain that forwards right to each and every one of my articles.

In each example provided, I’ve offered something other than my products to others. I’ve sold others on the benefits of a relationship with me. Try offering something other than your products and see if you can grow your own business.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Create Your Own Flyers

2008-10-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of joining a direct sales company is that usually it’s a very turnkey business. Between your upline and the company, most training materials should already be in place.

In addition to all of the materials already provided, I also like to be unique and do some creating on my own. These small things are what will brand you and make you stick out.

You can create business cards, postcards and flyers for your business, all of which will bring others to you.

Creating flyers is very simple. I use a combination of Microsoft Word, Printshop and Microsoft Publisher. All of these programs have templates you can use and formatting already in place.

Consider creating both a product flyer and also a recruiting flyer. Your product flyers can be given to existing customers, mailed out to potential customers and hung on bulletin boards around town. Import photos of your products and keep the wording to bullet points so that the person reading can glance and not have to read. Here’s an example:

October 1st – October 31st (put this in bold)

Buy one product, get one at half price
Insert photo of product here

Now list 3 reasons why someone should buy this product. Make these 3 points bullet points.

Your name and contact information would then go on the bottom. You are creating this flyer to generate interest in your product. You only want to entice someone to contact you for more information or with an offer they can’t get directly out of the catalog.

The other flyer to create is a recruiting flyer. I’ve made quarter sheet flyers, half sheet flyers and full sheet flyers.

I always like to include a photo of a product or the company logo to let others know up front what the company and opportunity are.

A sample flyer might look like this:

Company Logo/Name (bold and centered)

I have been helping others work at home since (insert year here)

Now list 3 bullet points about your company:

Possibly price to join.
Possibly the amount of years the company has been in business.
Possibly how they can get a company website

Your contact information then goes at the bottom. Again, your goal is to entice, not make the actual sale through the flyer.

Try creating some flyers for your business and set yourself apart from the others.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Direct Sales For the Winter Holidays

2008-10-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

One of the most profitable times of year to join a direct sales is in the months leading up to the winter holidays.

There are so many ways you can benefit from a direct sales business during the holiday season:

You can offer fundraisers to any organization wanting to raise money. You can offer anywhere from a 14 day fundraiser to a 30 day fundraiser. This is a great way for buyers to get holiday gifts while the non profit organization profits.

As a distributor you’ll be able to buy your own gifts at a discount. Imagine being able to save anywhere from 10% to 50% on all of your holiday gifts. (commissions will vary by company and total sales)

Many people spend more money during the winter months. You’ll earn money on all retail sales and on team sales. (commissions will vary by company and total sales) Some companies offer extra bonuses for higher sales. Make sure to check with your company to see what sales bonuses might be offered.

The winter holidays are a wonderful time to build your team. There are more people looking for income during the winter months than any other time of year. Place ads specifically stating that it’s holiday time and new members can earn income for the holidays.

The winter holidays are known as the gift giving season. You can highlight all of your products that will make great gifts. This is an ideal time to build your customer base. Offer to gift wrap and even ship for your customers. These are two extras that many distributors do not offer. Charge a small fee so you’ll break even. Your customers will love this added service.

If you’ve ever thought about joining a direct sales company, the winter months are the ideal time to turn the thought into a reality.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Uniqueness Versus Duplication in Direct Sales

2008-10-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has been involved in direct sales over seven days has heard the term “duplication.”

Duplication has its place, such as form letters, flyers and catalogs, but that’s pretty much where duplication ends.

If you wish to succeed in direct sales, you’re going to need to be unique. If you did only what someone else did and then trained your downline to do exactly the same, pretty soon you’d all be stumbling over one another.

I’d like to give you two examples of stumbling over one another. A woman ran ads in the newspaper. She in turn taught her downline to run ads in newspaper and these women in turn taught their downlines to run ads. All of a sudden there were eight ads for the same company in the help wanted section all saying almost the same thing. What was happening is a prospect would call every phone number until they got an answer. This is tripping all over each other. Ads are great, but use another option. There are daily papers, weekly papers, shoppers, magazines, ezines, display ads on websites, text ads on websites, plug boards and more. Find an area that is not saturated with everyone duplicating the person before them.

One more example I can offer are work at home mom message boards. I do belong to a few. There are probably a hundred out there. What I’ve seen happen is that several distributors from the same company jump to answer questions and place ads on top of each other in the classified section. Message boards are great, but join theme specific boards. I belong to a crochet board. I belong to a scrapbooking board. I belong to a recipe board and I belong to a general parenting board. This gets me away from what everyone else is doing.

Each of us is different. Trying to duplicate someone else can never be successful as we are different from them. Our results will be different. I can talk to strangers all day long and love every second of it. Other people are really not comfortable talking to strangers. Trying to duplicate me would not be enjoyable. I know someone who does three or four home parties every week. That is just not me and I wouldn’t be in direct sales if I had to do those parties.

Direct sales is about sharing the business and products with others. That’s what you’ll duplicate. Where and how you’ll market will be dependent on what you enjoy and what will keep you unique.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Fighting City Hall

2008-10-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

I wonder if some of you can offer your opinion to me.

I write articles. My goal recently has been to write articles for those in direct sales. I've been very careful to make sure most of my titles include the words "network marketing" or "direct sales"

Those articles have all been submitted to a few directories, including www.ezinearticles.com I wrote a series on fundraising in direct sales and submitted them to the direct sales category. Ezine Articles accepted my articles but changed the category. They put the series of articles into their fundraising category.

I did write ezinearticles and said that there might be times that two categories would be appropriate and in this case I really wanted the series of articles in the network marketing category. I was refused.

Here are the 7 articles and the category I was forced to be in:

Plan Ahead For a Successful Fundraiser in Direct Sales - Fundraising
Increase Your Sales in Network Marketing With Fundraisers -Fundraising
Hosting a Direct Sales Fundraiser For a Church Or Synagogue - Fundraising
Fundraising in Direct Sales - Fundraising
Seven Tips to a Successful Fundraiser in Direct Sales - Fundraising
Choosing a Time Frame For Your Direct Sales Fundraiser - Fundraising
Creating a Packet For a Successful Fundraiser in Direct Sales - Fundraising

Unfortunately, the people these articles were written to help won't find the articles unless they do keyword searches.

Since I did write them and was refused, what do you suggest? I have put a few of the articles on my blog. I have also submitted them to other directories and each time they were accepted into the direct sales or network marketing category.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

An Interview

2008-09-30T16:52:00.001-07:00

I was recently interviewed by Greg Cryns. His questions are primarily about Web 2.0 and how that can impact a WAHM. You can read the entire interview on Greg's blog at http://gregcryns.blogspot.com/

Audrey :)

http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Blogging For Your Direct Sales Business

2008-09-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

I am seeing more and more network marketers start blogs in the hopes of attracting new customers and new team members.

I can’t stress enough that if your blog is about business only, people will come, scan the contents and leave.

If your blog offers information that is helpful, people will continue to come back and continue to read. Your goal should be to get regular visitors to your blog.

People do business with those they tend to know. If someone is visiting your blog on a regular basis, they begin to feel like they know you.

Once you have a blog, how can you attract others to come to your blog?

Write some articles and use the blog URL in your bio. Write the articles on the topic of your blog. For example, one of my blogs is a parenting blog. I write articles about parenting and in the bio, I include the URL of my blog. Submit these articles to a few popular directories.

Run a contest on your blog. Give away one of your company’s products. This allows you to introduce your product to readers and to bring in many new potential customers. Submit your contest to any of the contest websites out there. I can get up to 1000 visitors from one contest. I ask them to please look at my site and tell me something, either a favorite product or something they’ve learned.

Join a blog carnival that is the topic/theme of your blog. If you do a web search for “blog carnival” you’ll find many. I’ve seen some carnivals attract over 1000 participants. That’s a lot of potential traffic for your blog.

Make sure you have links to your network marketing business on your sidebars. I use both text links and a button link on my blogs.

Offer link exchanges with other blogs that are the same theme as your blog. Remember you’re not just selling on your blog, you’re offering valuable information. By exchanging links you’ll attract even more visitors to your blog.

Make it a point to comment on at least 10 new blogs every day. Very often when you comment on someone’s blog, they’ll comment on yours too.

Blogging is a wonderful way to build your network marketing business if done correctly. Try the above suggestions and see if your team begins to grow.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Becoming a Leader in Network Marketing

2008-09-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Network marketing is all about creating sales. You’ll create personal sales retailing the company products to individual customers and you’ll create team sales by building a team and supporting their sales efforts.

In order to lead a team, you’ll need to develop and learn some leadership skills.

Leadership is learned. We are not born with leadership skills. Think of the many leaders you know. There are leaders in your local PTA. There are leaders in your community. There are world leaders. Each leader we know learned the skills that brought them to be the leader they are today.

There are several ways to learn leadership skills:

Read books - Our local bookstore has an entire section on leadership. I’ve read books by several different authors. You’ll find that men and women teach a little bit differently and you’ll find that depending on profession, skills may be taught a bit differently also. If finances don’t allow a book budget right now, use your local library. I’ve found some real gems at our library.

Subscribe to newsletters – One of my favorite authors is John Maxwell. Not only have I read most of his books, I also subscribe to his newsletter. Each newsletter offers new ideas and new food for thought.

Attend seminars – Over the years I’ve attended seminars ranging from how to deal with difficult people to how to improve your listening skills. There are so many topics out there to choose from. Not only will these seminars help you become a better leader, but they will help you in every relationship you are involved in, business and personal.

So what are some of the topics you should consider learning about?

Listening – I know that we all have two ears and we all hear, however really listening to the person speaking is a learned skill.

Communicating – I continue to learn more and more about communication. It is such a fine art. Each person we speak to and interact with is unique. How we communicate with one person may not be the same as how we communicate with another person. Learning how to effectively get our message to each unique individual is key in leading a team.

Problem solving – If you are in network marketing, problems will come up. For example, it’s December and a top selling product has become unavailable. You need the skills to be able to help your team accept this in a positive way so that sales are not lost. You need to be able to help your team present this small obstacle to their customers, so that they also will not lose the potential sales.

Consider investing 30-60 minutes per week into learning and developing your leadership skills to help you build a larger network marketing team.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Thinking Outside Of the Box with Marketing

2008-09-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

When we think of marketing, we often think of the very well knows methods of online marketing, article writing, message boards, etc. Occasionally opportunities come along that offer a refreshing new way to market. One such opportunity has become available:

WAHM Articles is publishing a Christmas e-book, and you're invited to be a part of it!
This is an ideal opportunity to get additional exposure for your business, by having your website and business information listed in our Christmas e-book. Contributors will also be invited to sell the e-book as an affiliate.

All you need to do is write an article, 400 – 1500 words on your best tips, ideas, or share a personal story about how to create a simplified but meaningful family Christmas. Articles and stories will be compiled into an exciting Christmas e-book published by WAHM Articles.
Along with your article, we’ll publish your photo and article resource box, including three links to their website. Each contributor will get their own copy of the book, too.

This is going to be a book that's read and reread every Christmas, so it's ongoing exposure for your business, every holiday season!

If you would like to participate, please send your Christmas stories or tips to WAHM Articles by September 30, 2008. Your submission should be 400 to 1500 words. If you would like to write more than that, please contact us.

You can learn more about submitting your article or story at http://www.wahm-articles.com

The first 15 contributors will get even more exposure for their business - 2 weeks of ad space at WAHM Articles, on each of our nearly 1 500 pages. There's just a few spots left, so send your article in soon to claim yours!

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Outsourcing In Your Direct Sales Business

2008-09-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

While many ads will lead you to believe that direct sales is something that can be done in your sleep, I believe there is so much to do that outsourcing some can save you time, which can help make you money.

So, what can you outsource? Here’s my list of some of the things you can outsource:

Article writing and/or article submission. I’m a strong supporter of article marketing as part of your overall marketing plan. You can hire ghost writers to help with some of the writing and you can hire virtual assistants to help you submit those articles. I will caution you that some directories frown upon authors using ghost writers, so do use extreme caution here.

If you have a blog, you can get guest bloggers to help you keep fresh content on your blog. You can either hire a ghost writer or you can get a guest blogger and allow them a link to their own site from the post.

If you are sending out form letter emails, you can hire someone to keep track of your data and send out the appropriate emails. Perhaps you send emails congratulating team members on sales. Or perhaps you send emails if a team member’s account is about to become inactive. These are excellent tasks to outsource to someone else.

Placing classified ads can be very time consuming. Outsource this task to someone else. Once you’ve written the ad, anyone can submit it. Consider hiring someone to take on this job.

If you are delivering products locally, hire an errand service to do this chore for you. My daughter buys Avon from a woman who personally delivers all of her own orders. This could be a huge timesaver.

Do you hand out catalogs and flyers? This is another job that can be outsourced. Make sure the person you hire for this job can be trusted. I’ve seen pizza flyer employees dump hundreds of flyers in the trash bin and then go say, “I handed them out.” If you mail out catalogs once a month, once a quarter or even once a year, you can outsource this to a home based employee. They can keep track of your database and either address envelopes or produce labels and then prepare the catalogs for mailing and take them to the post office.

Do you send out a newsletter? You can sometimes hire a ghost writer to write the newsletter for you. If you’re sending it by postal mail, you can outsource the copying and labeling.

As a direct sales distributor, your time needs to be spent talking to others, meeting others and networking with others. Consider outsourcing those tasks that you are able to outsource.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Wear Your Company Name in Direct Sales

2008-09-10T18:50:00.001-07:00

Over the years I’ve had many conversations with those in direct sales about wearing the company name on clothing, or just wearing something that says “I work at home.” I will say that men and women tend to have different views on this topic.

I’ve always been a supporter of wearing your company name, or having clothing that lets others know you work at home. It’s a wonderful but very passive way to let others know what you do and have others asking you questions.

Here are some ideas for wearing your business or company name:

Find earnings with a dollar sign on them. If you sell cosmetics, find earrings that are in the shape of a lipstick. I’ve seen many companies offer jewelry as an incentive award. Wear that jewelry.

Wear a sweatshirt or t-shirt with either the company name on it or a catchy phrase. I just read the post of a gentleman the other day who wears a shirt that says "Can You Guess What I'm Doing ... RIGHT NOW?" on the front and then on the back says "Making Money.”

There are several companies that sell buttons. Buttons are also conversation starters. I’ve seen buttons that say, “ask me how I work at home.” I’ve also seen buttons with company names on them. Finally, I’ve seen buttons that say, “I specialize in fundraisers.” Each of these is a conversation starter. Buttons are made and worn to be conversation starters.

When my kids were young I had my company URL on my diaper bag. It was made for me by a wonderful friend. I used to get asked quite often about the company just from my diaper bag.

If you wear baseball caps, consider having one embroidered with your company name on it.

Try wearing your business or company name for 30 days and see if you can get some conversations started with those you come in contact with.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

How To Use Contests To Build Your Direct Sales Business

2008-09-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

I really like to use a variety of marketing strategies to build my direct sales business. Contests have proven to be successful for me over the years.

I’d like to share some contest strategies with you.

Offer a product that a wide variety of people will want and can use. I try very hard to offer products that can be used by both men and women and also by both young and old. Right now, as of this writing, I’m actually offering a collector’s item that was from a previous holiday collection.

Stay away from contests asking people to subscribe to something. I personally almost never enter those types of contests, or if I do, I’ll offer a throw away email address, or I’ll unsubscribe just as soon as the winner is announced. People want to win, they don’t want to sign up. Now, having said that, do make sure that a form to sign up for your newsletter is on the same page as your contest so that if someone does want to sign up they can.

The purpose of a contest is to share your products with others. Make your contest fun. Ask people to visit your site and tell you their favorite product. Or ask people to visit your site and tell you one thing that they learned from your site. While this first visit will not usually result in an immediate sale, you’ll find that people will browse and will bookmark your site. I look at contests as a way to introduce others to the products, not as a way to create immediate sales.

Offer people a way to contact you for more information. Often my contests ask if someone wants a catalog or party information. I use no as my default answer so that if someone does want something, they’ll have to click for it. I never make yes my default answer.

Engage with those who enter. I read every single comment that people leave me, whether on my blog contests, or on contests offered on my website via a form. I respond to everything asking for a response. I’ve read some of the most wonderful stories via these comments and have responded to each of them.

Contests are very inexpensive to run. You only pay the cost of a product and postage to mail the product. If I get one or two orders, I’ve more than made my money back and I’ve introduced the products to a thousand new people.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Using Samples and Demo Products in Your Direct Sales Business

2008-09-04T20:15:00.001-07:00

What better way to introduce prospective customers to your products than by handing out samples and using your demonstration products.

If your company offers samples, I suggest two things:

Hand out samples to non customers. Introduce them to your products/company with a sample and information sheet. Let them know what it is you’ve given them and how they can use it.

Give existing customers either a sample of an older product they have not yet used or give them a sample of a brand new product. Once again, provide an information sheet on the sample.

Does your company offer demonstration products? If so, I suggest you set up a budget to buy a few new products each and every month. You can use these products at parties, at shows and fairs and any time you are meeting with a customer one on one. People are more likely to buy something they can see and use. I use demonstration products in my everyday life. I’ve gotten many orders from taking a product to a potluck. I don’t say a word. People ask me where the product came from.

Demonstration products that are not used, meaning you’ve shown them but not actually used them can be sold. I have a few suggestions for selling off those products:

Hold an open house once or twice a year. Invite all of your customers. Let them come and browse and do a cash and carry set up. Offer the products at cost. This allows you to earn back the money you spent on the product and it allows your customers to get a good deal on products.

If you know a customer wants a product but can’t afford it right now, offer to buy it as a demo product and then after using it for 30 days or even 60 days, you’ll sell it to this customer at cost.

When you sell off your demo products, you now have money to reinvest in new demo products. You’ve also been able to offer your customers a wonderful open house opportunity.

Invest in samples and demo products and watch your sales climb.

Audrey :)
http://www.mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Using Gift Certificates In Your Network Marketing Business

2008-09-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

Gift certificates are a wonderful way to build your network marketing business. You can build your customer base and seek out new team members using gift certificates.

If your company does not offer gift certificates, then create your own using any word processor.

Here are some ideas on using gift certificates to promote your business:

Offer an incentive for customers. If they buy $50 worth of products, they’ll receive a $10 gift certificate. If they buy $100 worth of products, they’ll receive a $20 gift certificate.

Offer an incentive to those who join your team. If they join and place a $100 order in their first week, you’ll give them a $10 gift certificate.

Offer to sponsor a contest with a $10 or $20 gift certificate. Often you’ll get lots of publicity from the people offering the contest and it’s a wonderful way to introduce your products to potential new customers.

Sponsor your own contest and offer a gift certificate as the prize.

If your school, church or synagogue is having a silent auction, offer a gift certificate. Your name will be in the auction program and will be on the table with the sign-up sheet for this item.

When you need to purchase a gift for a wedding, shower, anniversary or birthday, offer a gift certificate for your products. It’s a wonderful way to introduce those you know to the products you are selling in a very non threatening way.

Write a few articles on gift giving and the benefits of giving gift certificates. In the bio section of these articles, include a link to a page where readers can purchase gift certificates for your company. You’ll need to do this with an anchored text link. Most directories offer directions on how to create an anchor text link.

Approach companies that offer holiday gifts. Offer them a discount if they purchase gift certificates for their employees through you.

If you want to thank someone for their hospitality, send them a gift certificate instead of flowers. They’ll enjoy your product(s) long after the flowers would’ve been dead.

Instead of buying teachers gifts that they almost always don’t need or want, offer them a gift certificate instead. I remember one year giving all of the high school teachers my daughter had a gift. Each one of them offered a very touching thank-you. They all loved their gift certificates.

Using gift certificates is a very subtle way to introduce your company and your products to others.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Use Your Own Birthday To Build Your Direct Sales Business

2008-08-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever attended a store sale and the store has advertised that the sale is in honor of their birthday or their anniversary?

You can do that exact same thing to celebrate your own birthday. If the month of your birthday has 4 weeks, offer a different sales special each of the four weeks.

You might offer a bundle package at a reduced rate one week. You might offer a gift certificate for qualified purchases one week. You might offer a discount on a specific product one week. And finally you might offer a free product with purchase one week. These are all ways to get increased sales each week of your birthday month.

You might consider sign up specials the month of your birthday also. You might offer a free product with kit purchase one week. You might offer a small discount on the kit one week (I’d do this the first week, so that those who signed up earlier in the month aren’t upset). You can offer each of these for a two week period.

Publicize that it’s your birthday. It’s a way to open the door for communications. I have my birthday listed in all of my online profiles. I also talk about what I’ll be doing that week or even that month.

Consider offering a contest in honor of your birthday. State right on the contest webpage that in honor of your birthday you are giving away ______ and then let the contest run the entire month of your birthday.

Run a fundraiser the month of your birthday. Let customers know that in honor of your birthday you’ll be donating 10% of all sales to ________. Let them know which organization you’re making the donation to and what the money might be used for.

Your birthday comes around once a year. Take full advantage of those 30 days to promote your business.

How Direct Sales Influences Our Children

2008-08-25T06:28:00.001-07:00

When I began in direct sales my first born child was only 3 months old. Just this past week, this adult child’s boss told me what an incredible asset she is to his department.

I really believe a lot of my daughter’s work ethics came from being the daughter of a direct sales distributor.

There are several things that children learn from their parents’ direct sales businesses.

My daughter saw me work every single day. She never saw me “call in sick”. She grew up knowing that going to work each day was not optional, it was mandatory. Today, she calls in sick only if she can’t get out of bed. There have actually been times that my daughter has been sent home sick as she’s gone in when not feeling great.

My daughter learned to follow through on both projects and on verbal commitments. If I told someone I’d call them in a week, that action item was put into my calendar and the call was made on the appropriate day. If I was researching a marketing technique, my daughter saw me do the research and then make a decision to either not invest or to execute the plan.

My daughter learned communication skills from my network marketing business. She saw me work with lots of people and work hard on those relationships. When she was older, my daughter helped me with my monthly newsletter, one of my ways of communicating with both customers and team members.

I have always read for business. I read books, I read magazines and I read articles. My daughter has a strong love of reading. She enjoys both fiction and non fiction. She enjoys many different authors and enjoys both short stories and long books. She has learned to appreciate many styles of writing.

My daughter also learned to use a database. By the time she was 10 years old, she was working at least 5 hours per week for me entering data into my database. This knowledge has made her very proficient on the computer and very adaptable in learning new software programs.

These 5 skills alone have made her a very valuable employee over and over again.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Your Telephone

2008-08-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

I read a post on a message board today from a gal asking how to get over her fear of calling people who requested information from a fair she worked. I shared with her an article I wrote about 10 years ago when I was cold calling people. This article is still relevant today. I hope you find it helpful.

Does Your Telephone Have A 100 Pound Weight Attached To It?

Think back to when you first learned to ride a two wheeler bike. You were probably both scared and excited. Your first thought was you would get on this bike and win all the nieghborhood bike races. Then you fell down. If your folks were like mine, they insisted you get right back on the bike over and over again. Eventually there were no more falls, no more scraped elbows and knees and you were able to compete in those neighborhood bike races.

Now as an adult, you are faced with picking up the phone and either making a prospecting call, or perhaps a follow up call to a person you met yesterday. You are feeling both exicted and scared. What if the person hangs up on me? What if the person isn't interested?

The fear of one of those two things happening has stopped 200 pound men from having the strength to pick up the phone.

I have had people tell me they ended up rearranging every closet in their home as a result of not being able to pick up the phone.

Believe it or not, you are 2/3 of the way to being able to pick up the phone with ease. There are really only 3 things that can happen when you make a phone call. The person can say no, they can say yes, or they can hang up. Ok, you could get an answering machine also, in which case I always leave a message and have over time recieved calls back.

Let's face it, if telemarketing did not work, I would not continue to be called weekly by many different companies selling many different items.

Just yesterday, my daughter was woken up just after 8 a.m. by a telemarketer offering her a free pager. She did do one of our three options, she hung up on him. She does not know him, she actually loves the company he represented, she simply rejected his poor choice of timing.

When we make phone calls and we are told no, it's our job to listen to what is being said to us. I remember one woman said to me "I don't do business over the phone". Instead of hanging up, I told her I certainly understood and would she like me to mail her information about my company. She said yes. If the gentelman who called my daughter looks at his numbers, he may soon realize that calling that early produces more hang ups. Since we are strangers or virtual strangers to the person we are calling, we know that a hang up or a no is not a personal rejection of us.

Knowing that someones no is not a personal rejection but rather a rejection of some part of the offer you have made them, makes it much easier to pick up that phone.

Remember we did not learn to ride our bike on the first try, we may make mistakes in our calls too. So what? We are constantly learning. If you hang up thinking you should have said something different, GREAT, use that something different on the very next phone call. Each time someone says no, you are that much closer to hearing a yes and learning what triggers those yes's.

How many yes's will you get this week?

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Social Networks

2008-08-16T11:14:00.001-07:00

Are you using social networks in your direct sales business? They are a wonderful way to meet others.

I have accounts on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. I found a great post on social networks http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-steps-to-establishing-a-consistent-social-media-practice/

Twitter is rather new to me, but I'm loving it. If you don't have an account check them out at www.twitter.com. Then follow me. I'm at www.twitter.com/audreyokaneko

Leave a comment here, let me know your MySpace of Facebook page and I'll friend request you.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Handling Resistance in Direct Sales

2008-08-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

I read something the other day that has been on my mind since I read it. A woman was very upset with her family. Her family was not supporting her decision to invest into a network marketing business. Not only were they not supporting her, but many family members were even ridiculing her decision.

I then read the replies to this woman’s situation. I was very puzzled not only by the original problem but by the answers as well. She received advice to push a bit harder, to be a bit more patient in her dealings with her family and to try a different approach when talking to her family.

My answer was very different. I believe she needs to stop talking to her family about her business. I really believe it’s just that simple.

Have you ever spoken to someone about candidates or ballot issues and discovered you both had very different thoughts on the matter? What do you do? Do you keep coming back hoping to change their mind? Do you bring the subject up every time you’re with them? There is a world of difference between mutual respect and mutual sharing of opinions versus a debate over who’s right and who’s wrong.

What about parenting issues? If you believe in co-sleeping or spanking and someone else does not, those conversations can lead to very hurt feelings and in some cases can ruin a friendship. Would you go back and try to change their mind? Would you try to repackage your opinion to present it again?

I really believe when you have a direct sales business and you run up against negative words and resistance, it’s time to stop talking to that person about your business. There is just nothing to gain from having the conversations. We all like support in our decisions. If you are not getting support, quit seeking it. We all want new customers and new team members. Again, this is not going to happen when you’re talking to someone who disagrees with your choice.

It requires an awful lot of mental energy to argue with those whose opinion is different than ours. I would much rather invest that energy into celebrating my business successes. Where do you want to invest that mental energy?

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Create a Vision Board For Your Direct Sales Business

2008-08-08T07:05:00.001-07:00

I’m a strong believer in vision boards. I believe that what you see and what you believe can become a reality.

A vision board is a collage of photos and pictures that represent what you want in your life.

Most people use poster board to create their vision boards. The number of items you want on your board will determine the size of the poster board you need.

One of my favorite vision board activities for those in network marketing is to take your company magazine and cut out the pages of those people the company is recognizing. Now add your photo to that page.

If you company creates a list of names of high achievers, add your name to that list. These items need to be close to your work space. Your vision board should be on the wall behind your work space so that you are constantly reminded of where you want your photo and your name.

Is there a trip you’d like to take? Perhaps you’d like to visit a state or country you’ve never been to before. Get some photos and maps of the area and put them on your vision board. Perhaps you’d like to visit family you’ve not seen for a while. Get photos of them and add those photos to your vision board.

What does your car look like? Is there a different car you’d rather drive? Get a photo of that car on your vision board. Better yet, visit the local dealer and get a photo of you right next to that car. Tell the dealer you are working on a business and you are working toward buying the car and you’d like the photo. Those I know who have done this, have never been turned down for the photo.

What about your home? What would you like to be different? Get photos of what you want on your vision board.

Do you have favorite quotes? I know one girl whose entire vision board is filled with meaningful quotes. Those quotes help her to be the person she wants to be. If you have favorite quotes, type them out, get them in color and attach them to your vision board.

Are there people that you really admire? Get some photos of these people and add them to your vision board.

Vision boards can be very powerful in reminding you daily what is it you want and who it is you want to be.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Article Marketing

2008-08-07T10:22:00.001-07:00

If you are in direct sales, one excellent form of marketing is through writing and submitting original contect articles to at least a few of the popular article directories out there.

I recently had the opportunity to submit a few questions to Denise Willms, owner of http://www.wahm-articles.com/

Denise has answered those questions and I'd like to share the answers with you:

Question: I'm told folks will just skim articles, not read them word for word, so what is the "perfect" number of words an article should be?

Denise's Answers - That’s true – people read online articles differently than they do print articles. They tend to skim over them and actually read only a few of the words that stand out.

As far as the “perfect” length for your articles goes, between 300 and 500 words is usually ideal. You should try to keep them over 250 words. It’s difficult to say anything of substance in fewer words than that, and some article directories won’t even accept short articles.

If you go over 500 words, you might lose your reader. However, some of my most popular articles have been around 700 or 800 words, so it depends on your audience and what information they’re looking for.

The best way to help your readers actually read your article is to write in small chunks instead of long paragraphs.

For each chunk, put your most important idea first. Readers will usually read the first sentence of each paragraph.

Use bold for important words and ideas, to help catch your readers’ attention.

Use bullet points or numbered lists to make articles easier to read.

Question - What are the pro's and con's of submitting your articles to every directory out there?

Denise's Answer - It used to be very common for people to submit articles to every directory that would take them. The new trend is to submit your articles to only a few niche sites.

One reason why it’s good to submit your articles to every directory is that you can get exposure in areas you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Perhaps there’s a market for your product or service that you hadn’t thought of. If you submit your articles to every directory you can find, you might find discover new opportunities for your business.

The downside of submitting your articles to every directory is that it is time consuming, with a possibly lower return on their investment. Many article marketers are now choosing to submit their articles to niche directories and a few well-known general sites, where they know their target market will look for them.

Placing your articles on a few well-chosen sites can be a better use of your time, but you could also be missing out on other opportunities.

Denise Willms is the head writer of WAHM Articles, a ghostwriting service that helps online business owners reach the “mom market.” She is also owner of http://www.WAHM-Articles.com, a directory of free reprint articles for moms.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Your Business Card Is An Effective Marketing Tool In Network Marketing

2008-08-05T16:36:00.001-07:00

What exactly is a business card? For me, my business card is one of the least expensive forms of advertising I possess.

Your business card is your introduction to potential clients, and prospects. This is your opportunity to tell every person you come in contact with what you have to offer them in writing. You've heard the expression "get it in writing". With your business card, you can give it to them in writing.

I have found very reasonable prices at both Staples and OfficeMax. They offer white paper, colored paper, black and white ink, two ink colors, company logos etc.

When deciding what to put on your business card, remember you want to entice people, not bore them. Stay away from fancy lacy print; it's far too difficult to read. Don't cram so much into the small space of a business card that each line runs together. So what exactly should you put on your card? People want to know how to contact you. Your business card should include your name, address, phone, fax and website. If you accept emails about your business, then by all means include your email address as well. By including the name of the company you represent, your contact knows exactly what to expect. Many people like to use a one liner describing their business. Make this line something that is a selling point for your business. My cards tell people "Over 50 Years In the Kitchen". With so many businesses failing each year, I feel it's important to let my contacts know that they are dealing with a company that has been around for quite some time.

Have you ever received a business card and turned it over? What do you see? Usually nothing. I see this as a waste of valuable advertising space. You can hand write a personal note. You can put labels on this space that say any multitude of things. My favorite labels say "call me to find out how this card can have your name on the front". I print these on Avery labels and run them off on my printer. Again, this is your opportunity to advertise you and the company you represent.

Now if you are like me, you will soon be looking at a box with 1000 cards in it. When I saw my first box of business cards, I imagined them on the shelf for the next 5 years collecting dust. What would I possibly do with 1000 business cards?

The following is a list of the many places I leave my business cards:

On bulletin boards in stores and fast food establishments.
On the mirror behind the sink in public restrooms (use a magnet on the back of your card)
On the counter of ATM machines
In the shopping cart when I'm done using it at the grocery store.
Inside the pages of library books for the next user to find
On the tables of fast food restaurants
Inside magazines at the doctor’s offices
In the pouch on the airplane seat in front of mine.

In addition, I hand out my cards to anyone I meet during my day. If I'm at the grocery store and strike up a conversation with another shopper, I end by handing him/her a business card. If I visit the park with my kids, I hand business cards to all the other parents there. When I mail bills, I always stick a business card in with my payment. Whenever I write a thank you note to a customer, I add two business cards, one for them and one for a friend.

Make it a goal to hand out 100 cards per week and watch your business grow!!

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Using Your Real Name Online

2008-08-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

I see the question come up often of how to get around not using your real name online. People wish to not use their real name for many reasons. It might be that you are a high profile person and don’t wish for others to know who you are. It might be you are working offline and do not wish to confuse people with your two lives, or it might be you prefer not to be found by someone who might be looking for you. Whatever your reason, you are now faced with whether or not to use your real name online.

I see many work-arounds. If you are a woman, and you have a maiden name, consider going by your maiden name. Chances are, most folks will not know your maiden name.

Another thought is to use only the first letter of your first name, along with your last name.

You can use any variation of your initials that feels comfortable. You can use your first and middle name initials, along with your last name. You can use your first name, then your maiden name initial and a last name.

Other people have chosen to use nicknames. For example if your name is Katherine, you could use Kat, Kate or Kathy or any other spelling of the name Kathy. If your name is Robert, you could use Rob, or Bob, or Bobby, or Robby.

In some cases, I’ve seen women use their husbands’ names online. They believe a man’s name will benefit them.

Another option is to change your last name just a bit. For example, if your last name is Wolfman, consider shortening it to Wolf. If your last name is White and you want a name other than White, consider adding a few letters and making it Whitman.

It is my belief that in business, online, you do need to use a real name versus an “online screen name” or “handle”.

Branding online is very important so consider the name you will use carefully. Choose a name that you want to attach to everything you do online.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Can Article Marketing Help Your Direct Sales Business?

2008-07-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is “how can I advertise for free?” I have never supported methods such as free classifieds. Nobody reads this. If you look, thousands of folks come and post an ad and never read a thing.

I am a very strong supporter of article writing. Article writing allows you to determine exactly what keywords you are targeting and to get very targeted visitors to your site.

I would rather see someone write 3 articles per week versus placing 100 free classified ads in a week.

If you sell children’s toys or children’s books, write parenting articles. Those who read the articles are the very people who are buying toys. If you sell dietary supplements, write health and wellness articles. Again, those who read your articles are going to be people looking for the very product you offer. If you sell make up and skin care, write articles about fashion and beauty.

Who do you want to visit your site? You want potential customers and potential new sales distributors to visit your site. So, how can you make sure that those coming to your site want what you are offering? Write about the topics that relate to what you are selling. Those who search for your articles or find your articles through a keyword search are interested in what you are offering. Parents need toys. When you write about parenting, your audience is the very people who just might buy from you.

Choose a few keywords or keyword phrases that your potential customers might be searching for. Now write about them. Become an expert writer in your field. Write articles that solve every potential problem or question someone might ask you.

Article writing is the best method of free advertising I’ve ever found. Try it. See if you don’t see increased hits to your website that I hope will lead to sales for you.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Managing Your Time In a Home Based Business

2008-07-22T10:13:00.001-07:00

People decide to start a home based business for a variety of reasons. Some people want to be home when their kids get home from school. Some people are caring for a sick parent and wish to be home. Some people just can not conform to the 8-5 mold.

When you work at home, you are in charge of your time. You will decide how much time is spent talking with customers, how much time is spent marketing your business and how much time is spent doing the laundry.

It is so easy to run out to the grocery store, or do a load of laundry, or finish up those dinner dishes; however none of those activities are contributing to your business.

One of the cutest stories I can share with you is the time I spoke with a woman who just couldn’t find her first customer. She and I had created a list of 50 activities she could do that would help her find that first customer. At the end of the week, she still did not have a customer. She was upset and frustrated. We began to talk about the list of 50 activities. She had not done one of them. What she had done was rearrange her office space twice, buy and put labels on several folders for the paperwork she knew she’d have down the road and read some articles on sales.
When you work at home, there is no one telling you when a project must be completed. There is no one asking you for your completed work. You have to have the desire and the motivation to take the steps needed to create sales for any business you start.

I am strong advocator of goals, both short term and long term. What is it that you want to accomplish today, this week, this month and this year? Put it in writing. If you want to find one new customer this week, that’s a great goal, but how will you find that person? Will you place an ad? Will you write articles? What steps will you take to find that new customer?

I know that sometimes we don’t hit our goals. That’s ok, rewrite them. Allow yourself 30 minutes per day to reread your goals, make a plan to execute those goals and if necessary, rewrite them. Remember there is no boss to tell you how to spend your time, but a goal sheet can help guide you through your days and weeks.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Buying Leads in Direct Sales

2008-07-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

I think at least once daily someone asks “where can I buy leads for my MLM business?” I have both had my name bought and sold and I’ve bought leads, so my comments are based on real life experience.

I’ll start with my own name being bought and sold. I am always very careful when I sign up for “free information”. I either intentionally give myself a middle initial, or I misspell my name. I do this to track what offers I receive and from whom. Many years ago, my daughter actually submitted my name to a site that claimed they had lots of work at home information. Knowing I always loved to see the newest fads, my daughter submitted my name. She used her own first name as my middle name. The site itself spoke of work at home newsletters. What happened over the next 5 years was that I was inundated with offers. Five years later, folks were still buying and selling my name. Five years later I was still receiving offers from those hoping to recruit me. A few times I emailed the person that had postal mailed their offer to me and asked where they got my name and address. I was very nice in my emails. The responses I would get would just floor me. It was the same story over and over again. The person was sold my name and was told I was a “fresh lead”. In a few cases the person was even told my name was under one week old. When the name buyer would go to the company and ask for a refund on my name, they were told I lied to them, that I just must have changed my mind and that I was indeed a fresh lead. The fact that this happened so many times over a 5 year period told me that this was a common occurrence.

Please remember, my daughter originally signed me up to receive free work at home newsletters. It was not even a site saying “work at home opportunity”.

When you buy leads, you have no idea where the lead has come from. You don’t know what the person was responding to, what the person was thinking they would be getting, how old the lead is, or even how many others were sold the same name.

I have purchased leads exactly 3 times, each time from a different company. My results were the same each and every time. I met some very nice people but over and over again, I was told that they too had signed up to receive free information and had no idea that folks would be calling them with business opportunities. One woman I called, she and I just clicked, leading to a wonderful conversation. We developed a friendship. We still communicate today and its 10 years later. Over the years she would tell me each time she received a postcard with a business opportunity, or even a phone call from someone hoping to recruit her. She was also amazed at how many times her name was bought and sold.

I had some folks tell me that they received 6 phone calls all in one night saying “I understand you are seeking a business opportunity”. I’m fairly chatty, so folks, both men and women were comfortable to share with me the amount of calls they received and also some of the lines handed to them over the phone.

My suggestion is to seek other ways of finding those interested in learning about working at home and to skip buying names.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

How Do I Reach You?

2008-07-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

If you are in business, I'm going to guess you want folks to be able to reach you. So, make it easy for folks to find you.

Just today, I wanted to email someone. I went to her website. I did not see an "email me" button. So, then I found her profile hoping I'd be able to find a way to reach her there. Nope, she had her email address hidden. It just wasn't important enough for me to keep trying to reach her.

Just so you know, the person I was trying to reach is in business and does have something for sale. While I was not trying to email her about a purchase, my not being able to reach made establishing a relationship not an option. Having a visible email address leads to communication. Communication leads to relationships. Relationships lead to sales.

Look at your website. Look at your blog. Look at your profiles. Are you easy to reach? If someone wanted to email you, how much effort would it be on their part?

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Fundraising in Direct Sales

2008-07-16T07:51:00.001-07:00

Holding a fundraiser as a direct sales distributor is an excellent way to find new customers and possibly even a new distributor.

Fundraisers are a win win for both sides. The group or organization raises funds and you find folks who like, use and buy your products.

It is always my suggestion that you start with small, local organizations. You’ll find more support, have a way to work one on one with the group and you’ll begin to build a local client base.

If you have business cards, add the phrase “Fundraising Expert” or “Ask Me About Fundraisers” alongside your name and phone number. This lets anyone holding your card know that they can raise funds through you.

Prepare a packet to give to potential groups and organizations. Your packet should contain an introduction letter, an earnings sample chart, a catalog, a business card and any flyers you plan on giving to the fundraising participants. For example, I give the following letter to all participants to show to those who might make a purchase:

“Dear Customer,

Thank you for considering a purchase with Tupperware products. The money we raise from this fundraiser will be used to _______________________. Our goal is to raise $______. We hope to make this purchase by ___________.”

I fill in the blanks based on information I collect from the group and then on each catalog I staple a copy of this form.

As you begin hosting fundraisers, collect testimonials from the groups. Include copies of these testimonials in the packet you prepare. If you personally have never done a fundraiser, ask your upline if he/she has a testimonial they can provide to you that shares the company experience. It’s always wonderful to read that another organization was pleased with the company products and service.

If your company does not offer a fundraising program, create your own. If you earn 30% commission on sales, consider giving the group 20% for their fundraising efforts. This allows 10% of the sales commission to be used to purchase the supplies you’ll provide the group. Remember this is not a money maker for you, but rather a money maker for the group and a way for you to find new customers.

At the close of the fundraiser, prepare a thank you form that will go into each order. Your thank you should be very simple and say “Thank you for your product purchase. If you have any questions or comments about the products you can reach me at ________. If you would like to make an additional purchase or receive information about selling ____ I would be happy to help you” Then sign your name.

If you are having the orders direct shipped to the organization or to the individual customers, consider sending out a personal thank you via postal mail.

Begin marketing fundraisers and watch your sales increase and your team grow.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Gaining Customers By Bartering

2008-07-14T07:21:00.001-07:00

If you are in direct sales, you should not be making purchases without first checking to see if there is anyone who might want to barter with you.

For example, if I want to purchase makeup, instead of ordering through a direct sales representative’s website, I’ll first see if there is a makeup distributor out there who needs/wants what I sell. This allows a few things to happen. It gives me additional sales in my own direct sales business. I am ordering products from my business but with money that I was going to have spent somewhere else. In addition, I’ve found a new customer. I’ve found someone who I know needs/wants my products.

There are other examples of bartering in direct sales. Who cuts your hair? Is it someone who might use your products? Ask about an exchange. If the hair cut is $30, is the stylist willing to trade the haircut for $30 worth of your products? Remember, you were going to spend the $30 anyway. Now you’ll spend it on your own business. Keep in mind that $30 worth of products will cost you less than the $30 once you apply your discount. So, that $30 haircut could end up costing you $20 in products. The stylist is happy because she got her products without any out of pocket expense.

What about getting a massage a couple of times a year? If you sell products that the masseuse uses you might be able to barter products for a massage.

There are a couple of “rules” you might want to consider before bartering:

Are the products equal in value? If you want to barter again, both parties must be happy with the value. I’m very supportive of trading dollar for dollar, $50 worth of products for $50 worth of products or services.

Make sure to keep receipts and records. When I mail something, I invest the money to require a signature so that I know the person on the other end has received what I sent.

Make sure both parties understand what they will be receiving. Bartering can be a wonderful long lasting means of doing business as long as both parties feel they got exactly what they had expected and feel that they received the value they believe they sent.

The possibilities of what you can barter for are endless. Think of the places you are already spending money and then see if you can spend that same money on products from your own business, trading those products for the product or services being offered by the other person. Enjoy the benefits of bartering while building your own customer base and business.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Conveying a Positive Attitude In Direct Sales

2008-07-09T19:20:00.001-07:00

If you are in direct sales then you know that life happens. Products get delayed, items don't meet customer expectations and companies even run out of products and must quit manufacturing them for one of many reasons.

When these things happen, how are you conveying the information to your customers and downline? How you convey these things could make all the difference in the world in keeping that customer or keeping that team member.

I'll provide a few examples. The company you represent has a popular item suddenly unavailable. This could be a tragedy in that everyone orders this product or this could be a golden opportunity to help your customers try a new product. You might even offer a one time coupon for folks to try this new product.

Another example, new catalogs are coming out and an older product is being discontinued. Again, this could be a tragedy and you could lose customers or this could be a golden opportunity to contact your customers now with a coupon for a new product, or possibly the opportunity to buy a supply of their favorite product before it's discontinued. If you have samples, use samples to introduce the new product to your customers.

Tupperware (the company I represent) had a huge warehouse fire this past December, yep right during the end of the holiday selling season. Everything was wiped out. This could've been a disaster for the distributors, but Tupperware turned it around and offered us daily specials, which we could pass on to our customers, a few new products that they were able to get from other plants around the world and even some surprise packages which we all ordered as we knew these items were coming from around the world and we all wanted to see these surprise packages. Truly, I only missed a few items for my customers and explaining the fire to them and promising them a new catalog for January kept me from losing sales or customers.

When life happens in your direct sales company, take the time to plan out how you'll convey this information and how you can use this as an opportunity to increase your sales and build your customer base.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Three Business Skills That Will Help You In Direct Sales

2008-07-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

When we think of direct sales, we all think of sales skills and communication skills, but often we forget about the business skills that can and will help us in direct sales. I'd like to share three business skills I believe every person in direct sales should have.

1. Understanding some basic software programs.

a. I've always used a database. There is no one database I recommend. My personal choice has always been FileMaker Pro by Claris. However any database can store and manipulate data. I use a database to keep track of customers, keep track of leads and keep track of income tax information. In past years, I've kept track of where I've placed ads and the results of those ads.

b. I've always used both Microsoft Word and also Word Perfect. Each of these word processors has different strengths have helped me with different tasks. MSW is wonderful for creating documents and mail merges. Word Perfect is my choice for creating data source documents. I also use these programs to create flyers, create letters, write my newsletter drafts and create forms.

c. I use Microsoft Excel almost daily. In fact, I recently attended a seminar to learn how to better use this program. I use a spreadsheet to keep track of passwords, keep track of my articles, keep track of where my articles have been submitted and much more. I am by no means an expert in Excel, but I do know how to create simple workbooks and then manipulate the data.

2. Being able to create a business plan. I've always equated a business plan with a road map. In order to get from point A to point B, you must know where you're going and how to get there.
I have folks come to me often and say "I really want to have a large customer base" yet when I ask them about their plan, they come up empty. It is absolutely wonderful when customers find us and come to us unexpectedly but the vast majority of the time we'll need to find them and bring them to us. We need a marketing plan to accomplish that.

We also need a business plan to be able to see how much money we'll need in a month or a year to run our businesses. One of the things I love most about direct sales is that it is a fraction of the cost of running a franchise or retail business. However, there are still expenses in running a direct sales business. A business plan helps us know exactly what we can expect to spend. You can find basic business plan templates online through a web search.

3. If you are in business, you must have some basic time management skills. For many of us, we have spouses, children, an outside job and even some personal hobbies and interests. Time management is crucial in succeeding in direct sales.

If you want tips on time management, I strongly suggest you find a few books, a seminar, or even a few articles. I personally use day planners. I've used them for over 25 years and for me they are a wonderful fit. I know others love the calendar that comes with Microsoft Outlook. Others find a to-do list to be the best fit in time management. Regardless of the system you use, you'll need some basic time management skills.

I believe with these 3 basic business skills, you'll set yourself up for success in direct sales.

Audrey
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Five Tips To Help You Succeed in Direct Sales

2008-06-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

I get emails quite often that say something along the lines of “if you could offer just one piece of advice to me what would it be?” Businesses are not built on one secret or on one magical theory. Businesses are built on consistency and hard work. What I’d like to do is share some of my tips that I hope will help you succeed in your own direct sales business:

1. Use whatever materials your company supplies. If your company offers a recruiting flyer, use it. Don’t invest your time reinventing the wheel. Use the company offered flyer instead. If your company offers samples, buy them. As consumers, we all like samples and we all like to try new things. Offer samples to both existing customers and potential customers. If your company offers training, take advantage, whether it’s on the phone, or online. I’ve found company training to be invaluable.

2 Talk to strangers. We all grew up learning never talk to strangers. My two kids will tell you that I’ve always spoken to strangers. I will talk about the weather, a local news story, an item in their grocery cart, a book they are holding, the car they are driving or I’ll even just smile and say hello. Every single person out there either wants what you have to offer or they don’t. They only way to know if they want what you offer is to start a conversation and see where it leads. I am in no way suggesting a sales pitch to everyone you meet, I’m merely suggesting starting conversations and seeing where they lead.

3. After you’ve spoken, it’s now time to listen. Often I find that folks are so anxious to say “want to join my business”, or “want to buy my products” that they don’t really listen to the person they’ve just started the conversation with. Listening is key to finding out if you have what this person wants. Each person we meet will say either yes, no, or not right now. It’s up to us to hear what is being said to us. Just yesterday I said to someone “I’m sorry I can’t speak with you right now” and this person continued to speak for about 6 minutes until I finally said “I really do have to hang up now, bye” and then hung up. They didn’t listen to me. If you concentrate on listening more than speaking, you’ll gather a wealth of information from the person you are speaking with. Really listen to what they are telling you.

4. Have supplies ready. I always have catalogs, opportunity flyers, fundraising information and more. When someone asks for information, we want to have the information available for them. Keep supplies in your home and in your car. Have a couple of folders or envelopes in your car so that if someone wants information, you can hand them a ready made packet.

5. Make a plan and continue to update and work that plan. We all work differently. Some of us need our time accounted for hour to hour, while others can create a list for the day and work from that. Find the system that works best for you and then use it. I very often have folks tell me that life got in the way of their plan. Make your plan and then fit life in. When you try to fit your plan into your life, you won’t always have the time for your plan. If you are in a direct sales business, you must spend time each day returning calls, answering emails and marketing. These are just not negotiable areas. Everything else needs to be worked around these 3 activities.

There really is not just one secret to running a successful direct sales business. Work your business every single day and remember that every person is either a yes, a no, or a not right now.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

A Wish List For Blogging

2008-06-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Some days, the finds never end. In reading the blogging blog, I just posted about, she offered a link to a contest that is offering an awesome prize. Ok..first the link to the contest:

http://www.bloggerbuster.com/2008/06/competition-win-ultimate-blogging.html

This is a contest worth entering. Ok, now my suggestion for a new blog feature.

I would love to see comments numbered. Blogs are becoming more and more popular and the blog owners are running contests.

If we use a random number generator to pull the winner for us, we then have to hand count the entries to reach the number that was generated. In a wonderful world, we might have 3000 comments. What if the generator chooses 2222. That's a lot of manual counting. I'd like to see the comments numbered for us :)

I wonder if others agree that numbered comments would be a beneficial feature?

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

If You Know About Blogging

2008-06-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/101/2008/06/call-for-guest.html

This is a wonderful opportunity to blog for a very well written, high traffic blog.

These are the types of opportunities that can help you market yourself without investing money into advertising.

If you know about blogging and believe you have something of value to offer this blog, please contact the owner and let her know.

We all look for no cost advertising. Take advantage when you find it.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Your Attitude

2008-06-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

If you are in direct sales then you know that life happens. Products get delayed, items don't meet customer expectations and companies even run out of products and must quit manufacturing them for one of many reasons.

When these things happen, how are you conveying the information to your customers and downline? How you convey these things could make all the difference in the world in keeping that customer or keeping that team member.

I'll provide a few examples. The company you represent has a popular item suddenly unavailable. This could be a tragedy in that everyone orders this product or this could be a golden opportunity to help your customers try a new product.

Another example, new catalogs are coming out and an older product is being discontinued. Again, this could be a tragedy and you could lose customers or this could be a golden opportunity to contact your customers now with a coupon for a new product, or the opportunity to buy a supply of their favorite before it's discontinued.

Tupperware (the company I represent) had a huge warehouse fire this past December, yep right during the end of the holiday selling season. Everything was wiped out. This could've been a disaster for the distributors, but Tupperware turned it around and offered us daily specials, which we could pass on to our customers, a few new products that they were able to get from other plants around the world and even some surprise packages which we all ordered as we knew these items were coming from around the world and we all wanted to see these surprise packages. Truly, I only missed a few items for my customers and explaining the fire to them and promising them a new catalog for January kept me from losing sales or customers.

When life happens in your direct sales company, take the time to plan out how you'll convey this information and how you can use this as an opportunity to increase your sales and build your customer base.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Gas, Lattes and Your MLM Business

2008-06-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

Jackie Ulmer has written many excellent articles. When I read this one yesterday, I told her just how much I enjoyed it. So I'm sharing it with you:

Gas, Lattes and Your MLM Business

A financial guy on the news yesterday was comparing the cost of gas to the cost of your favorite Latte or coffee drink. His * is that it's still around $56 a gallon for coffee at your favorite coffee place. Gas where I live is about $4.60 a gallon, average and won’t take me very far. That latte costs around $4.00 and gives me a caffeine buzz and then nothing.

My business, however, at about $4.00 a day creates an asset that I can support my entire family on over time. In other words, that $4.00 investment builds and doesn't stop a short time later (unless I stop.) I use $4.00 to include marketing and business costs beyond the Autoship. Determine your own daily amount based on your business.

If you could look into a crystal ball and know that you could be earning a significant, full time income your Network Marketing business, what steps would you take to get there?

If you had the guarantee that if you followed the "roadmap" you would arrive at your goal, would you commit to the process?

The biggest challenge most network marketers make is that we come into this with an "employee mindset." We are used to putting in XX amount of time and getting XX dollars at the end of the pay period.

When you are a business owner, you are not an employee with a guaranteed salary; you are now building an asset that can/will generate income for you for years to come. And, if done right, and income that will grow steadily with no more work involved than what you start with, and in most cases, less.

The secret is in knowing this; committing it to your brain and putting on your blinders to just see the job through. Your company provides the products and a great pay model; your upline leaders who have already traveled the road provide you with a roadmap. Now, it's up to you to provide the daily motivation; thinking power; and dedication to carry on your end of the bargain.

When I started in my first network marketing business, I forgot that "work" was part of the formula. Actually, it was more about taking action and doing SOMETHING to promote my business. I didn't get very far. And, I didn’t give up. That was the one key thing that brought me to where I am today.

Too many people want to get their initial order; read and study the manual; maybe talk to a couple of people and say "Show me the money!" Remember, you are creating an asset and the investment of time that you make in promoting your business will increase the return on investment of your asset.

Shift your thinking to that of business owner and leave behind the employee gig! That doesn't get many of us where we want to be in life. It doesn't give us freedom or control; and certainly not financial security.

Read books by successful business owners or all types. From Robert Kiyosaki to Donald Trump; to Warren Buffet and others. The message is pretty much the same although the method for getting there can vary.

You hold an amazing tool in your hands with your chosen M.L.M. Invest yourself in these tools and assets. Decide what your daily investment of promotion of your business is going to look like.

And, if you must choose between the Latte and your business…well, need I go there?_________________

EXPECT Success! Jackie Ulmer
http://www.streetsmartwealth.com

~ ~ ~
My own thoughts.....

I have a daughter 25 years old. As parents we dont' always get all of it right. However I can always smile when it comes to money. I know I taught her well.

1. she has money in savings
2. she does not live paycheck to paycheck
3. she knows what the word invest means She is always sad when she wants to go do something and she hears "oh I can't do that I don't have money" yet these same friends drink bottled water, smoke, drink etc.

It really is true that folks come up with money for those things they consider important.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Relationships

2008-06-16T08:48:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I read things and the only way I can digest them is to talk about them. This morning I read a post on a message board from someone who went on and on about relationships. He then spoke of his autoresponder and how his autoresponder helped him build relationships. Huh?? For me, an email blast does not equate to a relationship. So, I decided to look up the word relationship in the dictionary. Here's what I found:

1. a connection, association, or involvement.
2. connection between persons by blood or marriage.
3. an emotional or other connection between people: the relationship between teachers and students.

When I receive a mass email, there is no connection, there is no involvement and there is no emotion, especially when I know that that email is being sent to multiple recipients.

Relationships are built one person at a time and one conversation at a time. Without conversation, with out interaction, there just is not a relationship.

I would love to hear others opinions on this.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Mystery Shopping

2008-06-14T17:02:00.001-07:00

What is Mystery Shopping?

Every day I receive emails from folks asking me about mystery shopping. My very first mystery shopping assignment was for Domino’s Pizza. I don’t know their system today, but many years ago, when I was a mystery shopper for them, I would receive one large 2 topping pizza from them each month in return for taking notes and submitting a questionnaire to them about my overall experience.

Many companies rely on mystery shoppers to help them see the shopping experience through the customer’s eyes.

Mystery shoppers are used in fast food restaurants, in electronic stores and in many retail establishments.

As a mystery shopper you will take note of things such as the name tag of the person helping you and whether that person is dressed according to company code. You’ll be asked if the facility was neat and clean. You’ll be asked to time how long you wait to be helped. Each store has a different set of criteria they ask you to take notice of. Many shops do not allow you to have children with you when you shop. You are always told this right up front. Read through the rules thoroughly before accepting the job.

Unfortunately there are many scammers out there who want to scam you out of your money, promising that for a small fee, they will provide you with books or databases of companies that will hire you to be a mystery shopper. Once you pay, the company is gone and you are no closer to being chosen as a mystery shopper than when you began.

I can not say it enough. DO NOT EVER PAY money to become a mystery shopper. The scammers will say they will reimburse you after you complete your first assignment. This is not true. Scammers will say they are trying to sort out the serious from the not serious. Again, this is not true. One more time, DO NOT EVER PAY money to become a mystery shopper.

So where can you start if this appeals to you? One place to start is secretshopper.com . You can apply once you read the introductory information and take the introductory test. Each new store you shop at will require that you pass a test on that store’s criteria to have you shop.

Mystery shopping can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to earn a few extra dollars each week.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Are You Listening To Your Customer?

2008-06-11T06:00:00.001-07:00

All of us want to make a sale. However that sale will only come if we offer our customer exactly what they want.

Today, there are many many choices, both online and offline. Do a web search for any one product and you’ll find there are thousands out there selling the exact same product. Then look in your local phone book. Again, you’ll find there are many choices.

A friend of mine loves the phrase “I was given two ears and one mouth so that I should listen twice as much as I speak”. This phrase fits right into business and sales. If we listen to our customers and only answer what they’ve asked us, it becomes much easier to close the sale.

Let me provide a personal example. I was looking to buy a new digital camera. I went to the first store and was very clear that I did not want to spend over $200. I was also clear that I hoped to have a larger sized screen. The sales person only heard half of what I said and choose to show me a camera that did indeed have a huge screen, but the camera was $500. Apparently this person had been taught to start high. I once again said “I really don’t wish to spend over $200”. The second camera shown to me was about $250. I said it wasn’t what I was looking for and I left.

I went to a second store. I repeated the two items I wanted, a camera under $200 and a camera with a larger screen. This sales person showed me 3 different cameras, all under $200 and all with screens that were a size I was happy with. He asked me questions about my needs and based on my needs, helped me choose one of the 3 cameras. I made the purchase. He received the commission.

The consumer today does not want to be sold something they have not asked for. If a customer asks about one of your products, concentrate on that product. Sell them what they want. Help them feel good about that purchase. If you’re selling a camera, throw in a guide on how to take awesome photos. If you’re selling health supplements, throw in a recipe book of healthy recipes. If you’re selling jewelry, throw in a guide on how to color coordinate clothing and accessories. Give your customer not only what they’ve asked for but a small bonus for choosing you to make the purchase from.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Balancing Business and Children

2008-06-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

If you have kids, then you know what it can be like to try and type an email or even answer the phone.

One suggestion is to hire older kids as helpers/playmates for your young kids. When my kids were 3, 4 and 5, they loved having a 9 or 10 year old come and play. This would often give me an hour of working time while the older child played with my kids. You, the adult are there for emergencies and to "supervise" from the other room, but the 10 year old can often play and entertain younger children for an hour.

On the flip side when my own daughter was about 10 she used to "babysit" for a wahm and earned money while playing with the 3 year old. I felt fine as I knew the mom was there. My daughter was not "in charge" but rather the hired playmate. It's a win win for everyone. She loved having the extra money.

Have you ever hired an older child or have your own kids ever been hired?

Audrey :)

http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Decide It's Ok

2008-06-04T10:09:00.001-07:00

I first read this article several months ago. I saved it and wanted to share it with you:

Decide It's Ok For You Have you ever been in a position in your business where you feel like you're doing everything you can, and yet the results just aren't coming your way? Maybe someone in your team is experiencing this frustration right now.

At times like this, I recommend looking into yourself and the things you say to yourself on a daily basis. Many people don't realise that the person we speak to most often is ourselves! Every day we experience almost constant self-talk, which forms the basis of our core beliefs and attitudes.

One of the areas of self-talk that can really limit our potential is our attitude to our own success. We grow up being taught that we shouldn't show off. We shouldn't make little Susie feel bad by telling her our math grade was higher than hers. We should not take compliments well. We should blend in and not make anyone feel uncomfortable by our own achievements.

Over time, we can hear these words so often that they become our own core beliefs.

Fast forward to today, when you or someone you know isn't having the success they want or the income they desire, and you can see how our self-talk may be responsible. In this situation, we can have self-limiting beliefs that we are barely conscious of.

So, when you find that despite your efforts, success is just not coming, maybe it's time to Decide It's Ok For You.

Decide It's Ok For You to be Successful (whatever that word means to you)

Decide It's Ok For You to be Rich / Wealthy (in all aspects of life, not just financial)

Decide It's Ok For You to Earn More Than Your Husband (even if he doesn't think so)

Decide It's Ok For You to Become a Millionaire (imagine the good you can do with such abundance)

Once you make these decisions - which only take an instant - you need to change your existing beliefs; the beliefs that may have limited you for years or even decades.

If your goal is to become a millionaire, and everyone around you thinks that is a vulgar aim, you need to teach your own mind how you can not only accumulate such wealth in a way that supports your morals and values, but that during accumulation and once accumulated this wealth can help not just you but the people around you.

Similarly, if you have been programmed to believe that a woman should look after children while the man earns the majority (or entirety) of the household income, you will need to teach yourself that you can earn money while supporting your values and that your doing so will benefit your husband (reducing his pressure, perhaps) and your whole family.

In this particular example, it's important to remember that doing things for your own reasons is not selfish. Starting a business because you want to earn money yourself, or because you want to become successful in your own right, is nothing to be ashamed of. If your core beliefs are telling you that you do not deserve or are not entitled to these desires, start changing your thinking.

Often, this self-sabotage is such a subconscious action that we are not aware of it. But ask yourself these questions:

- Have you ever, on the day of an important meeting or event, become suddenly ill and had to cancel?
- Have you ever had a prospect contact you, only for you to never ring them back because of some fear?
- Have you ever heard about a networking event and, despite being available that day, not attended because you "know" it won't be worthwhile?
- Have you ever spent the day tidying or cleaning the house despite having important work to do for your business?
- Have you ever played down your achievements to friends, relatives or colleagues?
- Have you ever described your business as "a hobby", "just something I do in my spare time", or said to someone who enquires "oh you wouldn't be interested"?

If you can answer 'yes' to any of these questions, limiting beliefs may be holding you back from achieving your true potential.

The good news? These beliefs can be changed at any time. Identify the beliefs that are limiting you, and whenever a thought crosses your mind that supports these beliefs, say (out loud if at all possible) "SCRAP THAT!" and (again, out loud if possible) replace that rogue thought with one that supports the person you are and the desires you have.

e.g. "I'll never do this..." SCRAP THAT! "Just because it's hard doesn't mean I have to quit."

Remember, we are all here to achieve our true potential in all of our relationships, finances, work, spirituality/religion, and community involvement.

So give yourself permission to shine.

Decide It's Ok For You...

(c) Katie Forrest, 2007
Katie Forrest Nutritionist & Network Marketer
http://www.glyco.com/katieforrest

~ ~ ~
Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Know Your Product Line

2008-06-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

This article is for those people representing direct sales companies that manufacture more than a handful of products. When I speak to folks involved in network marketing, representing companies that do indeed manufacture more than a handful of products, I often ask them if they know their product line.

More often than not, I’ll get an answer of “I can’t afford to buy every product”, or “I don’t use every product”. These answers always strike me as odd as I never asked if all products were bought and used. What I did ask was whether they knew their product line.

It is very hard to sell and sponsor if you are not familiar with what you offer. For example, perhaps you sell a line of dietary supplements. Perhaps you only know about the daily multi vitamin product. Great product, you use it every day. However, you’ve just met Susan, a woman in her 50’s and she is looking for a product that truly addresses middle age and menopause. She has no interest in a daily multi vitamin. If you don’t know your product line, if you can’t tell Susan what you sell and why your product is worth buying, you just may lose her as a potential customer or potential distributor.

Perhaps you sell skincare and makeup products. While you wear makeup daily, you personally don’t use mascara. You’ve never worn it. Now I come to you and tell you my daughter is a swimmer and needs a product that will stay on. You tell me “oh we make a waterproof mascara”. When I ask you how chlorine affects the product, you truly don’t know. You’ve probably just lost the potential sale.

These are just two examples of companies that sell more than a handful of products. So, if you are not using the products, how can you know them?

I have several suggestions. As a team collect testimonials. When you work together as a team, there is a great chance that either a teammate or the customer of a teammate has used the product. Keep sheets of testimonials from each product your company sells. Store them in notebooks. When a potential customer asks about a product, you’ll have a full sheet or even 3 sheets of testimonials. And of course, the more you talk about a product, the more familiar you’ll become with it.

Save any and all literature the company puts out on a specific product. Again, should a potential customer ask about a product, you’ll have company generated information that often will answer the questions of a potential customer.

Ask questions yourself. If you do not see the information on the company website, and you don’t have the information from previous write-ups, contact the company and ask your questions. Be prepared when the potential customer comes to you with questions.

If you don’t use the product, find 5 people who want to use the product and sell it to them at your cost. The catch? They need to write you a testimonial. Or, offer to interview them for your next newsletter. What better marketing tool, than a current customer doing an entire interview on a product you yourself don’t use?

These are just a few suggestions on how you can get to know and sell a product you are not using.

Bottom line is you must know your product line in order to sell it.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

80 Ways To Boost Your Business

2008-05-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

This came to me this week from my director. There are tons of great ideas here. Pick a few and see if you can increase your business.

80+ Ways To Boost Your Business
1. -send info to co-worker that has moved
2. -send info to other reps, or exchange shows
3. -post a catalog or info in the teacher's lounge at your child's school
4. -post a catalog or info in the employee lunchroom
5. -hold an open house
6. -have a booth at a school fair
7. -advertise in your alumni newsletter and/or local newspaper
8. -give a catalog or flyer to a receptionist
9. -include a wrap or flyer with your bill payments
10. -call past hostesses
11. -put a current catalog or wrap in your neighbor's door - include a 10% off
coupon
12. -ask friends to have a show
13. -advertise in your church bulletin
14. -host an office party or brunch
15. -host a show before a PTA meeting
16. -mail out wraps, catalogs and a wish list
17. -host your own show, could even be a fundraiser for your favorite charity
18. -get a list from welcome wagon, new people may be looking for a consultant
19. -set-up a display at a craft fair and/or flea market
20. -participate in a school fundraiser
21. -have your spouse promote the products at work
22. -have you and your family wear company name products
23. -hold a Christmas shopping show for men
24. -offer a Christmas wish list to your guests and then call the gift-giver and tell
him what the guest wants
25. -set-up a display at the mall
26. -put an "ask me about (company name)" button on your purse or coat
27. -ask past hostesses at shows to talk about their free products
28. -hold an opportunity night
29. -random mailings - open a phone book and choose
30. -mention hostess half-price items and other benefits at least 3 times per show
31. -hold up higher priced products and mention half-priced products to
encourage bookings
32. -mention how much your "average" hostess gets in product
33. -at the beginning of your show, mention the hostess goal
34. -share upcoming specials at shows and during phone calls
35. -tell your hostess how much she saved by having her show
36. -encourage frequent customers to regularly plan shows
37. -encourage hostesses to rebook a show when new catalogs come out
38. -treat hostesses to a special "Hostess Appreciation Tea"
39. -encourage relatives to book a show
40. -call your realtor with suggestions for "new home packages"
41. -offer to do a cooking class for a local grocery store
42. -start an email address book of customers who want to know what the
monthly specials are, don't forget to mention the hostess specials
43. -encourage your hostess and guests to refer potential hostesses to you
44. -offer a bridal registry
45. -promote a bridal show
46. -be friendly and enthusiastic
47. -follow through with every booking lead
48. -describe and highlight the hostess plan during shows
49. -ask, ask, ask
50. -use open-ended questions, especially when dealing with booking concerns
51. -use your products and recipes at home, office, camping, parties, etc
52. -read sales, self-improvement and positive thinking books
53. -call at least 2 potential hostesses every night
54. -dream and imagine the possibilities
55. -set goals and review them constantly, post them where you can see them
56. -ask friends to help you get started or reach a certain goal
57. -use hostess benefits flyer
58. -use postcards and/or newsletters to continue to spark interest
59. -follow-up phone calls to particularly interested guests, they may decide later
to have a show
60. -have the hostess tell why she decided to host a show
61. -give products as gifts or donations
62. -smile when talking on the phone
63. -don't be shy talking about your products or your business
64. -review orders from past shows - who have bought frequently, etc
65. -be prepared to answer questions about your work
66. -write down names of people who "owe you a favor" then follow-up
67. -call the most familiar people first
68. -call potential hostesses who postponed or never booked
69. -spend time everyday working on some aspect of your business
70. -be willing to SHARE the business opportunity
71. -call anyone who said "maybe" or "sometime"
72. -contact schools and church groups for fundraisers
73. -advertise in football or musical programs
74. -leave your business cards on bulletin boards or in local businesses
75. -talk about upcoming specials with everyone
76. -keep a list of special requests and let those guests know when that product
is on sale
77. -suggest hosting a Christmas shopping without leaving home show
78. -offer a bonus for hostesses who book on days and/or months you need extra
shows
79. -give extra service and time to good customers, they will be repeat hostesses
and potential consultants
80. -carry a notepad to jot down names as you think of them
81. -let guests keep a catalog to keep on hand or pass around at work
82. -give a catalog to your mail carrier
83. -set up a table at a career fair
84. -hand out literature and ask at the post office
85. -advertise on your answering machine

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Are You Helping Yourself or Hurting Yourself When You Network?

2008-05-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

We all talk about networking. We all seem to know that networking has something to do with meeting enough folks to continue to build our referral network, which in turn will continue to build our businesses.

Referrals come when someone you’ve met likes you and believes you can offer the solution to someone else’s problem. So, if the goal in networking is to have someone like us, and possibly offer us a referral, then why do people make the mistake of engaging in conversations that do not promote relationships?

My mother attended a party last week. She met a radio personality who immediately began talking politics with my mother. As often happens, the two did not agree and a strong debate developed. Both parties walked away very unhappy with the other. Neither is going to receive a referral as a result of this meeting.

I personally do not discuss politics with those whose opinions are strongly different than mine. It’s also not a topic I would introduce to a total stranger. No good can come of it.

Another mistake I see folks make is talking negatively about other people. It does not matter if the person is a famous movie star or the neighbor around the corner, when we speak poorly of others, it does not endear others to us.

I am constantly surprised when I meet people and I later find out they know someone that I know. What if I had spoken poorly of this person? What if I had said unkind things?

When I meet new people, I ask about them. I truly want to know about them. My views on politics are not relevant, nor are my views on the folks next door. What is important is my genuine interest in the person I’m speaking to.

This is true both online and offline. I often see folks speaking of others publically in a negative manner. I personally prefer to keep a distance. Otherwise I just might be the next person spoken about in an unkind way.

If you truly want to network, in an effort to build your referral network, then be careful about the topics and people you choose to talk about.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Writing Articles To Market Your Business

2008-05-23T05:32:00.000-07:00

I've been writing articles for many years now. A few years ago, Denise Willms purchased www.wahm-articles.com. If you have never submitted articles to Denises database, I strongly recommend doing so today. If you don't have an account there, sign up today. It's free and Denise offers plenty of freebies to her new members. Enjoy this article I wrote on article marketing.

Can Article Marketing Help Your Direct Sales Business?

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is “how can I advertise for free?” I have never supported methods such as free classifieds. Nobody reads this. If you look, thousands of folks come and post an ad and never read a thing.

I am a very strong supporter of article writing. Article writing allows you to determine exactly what keywords you are targeting and to get very targeted visitors to your site.

I would rather see someone write 3 articles per week versus placing 100 free classified ads in a week.

If you sell children’s toys or children’s books, write parenting articles. Those who read the articles are the very people who are buying toys. If you sell dietary supplements, write health and wellness articles. Again, those who read your articles are going to be people looking for the very product you offer. If you sell make up and skin care, write articles about fashion and beauty.

Who do you want to visit your site? You want potential customers and potential new sales distributors to visit your site. So, how can you make sure that those coming to your site want what you are offering? Write about the topics that relate to what you are selling. Those who search for your articles or find your articles through a keyword search are interested in what you are offering. Parents need toys. When you write about parenting, your audience is the very people who just might buy from you.

Choose a few keywords or keyword phrases that your potential customers might be searching for. Now write about them. Become an expert writer in your field. Write articles that solve every potential problem or question someone might ask you.

Article writing is the best method of free advertising I’ve ever found. Try it. See if you don’t see increased hits to your website that I hope will lead to sales for you.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Warm Market

2008-05-20T08:46:00.001-07:00

I was out reading articles this morning and was actually a bit surprised to read that folks are still training new team members to approach their "warm market."

For those who might not know the term, "warm market" refers to those you already know, whether it be friends and family, or the gal who does your hair, maybe even the receptionist at your doctor's office. These are all your "warm market."

Since day one, I've always had a problem with "warm market" marketing. I personally know a lot of people. I've been in this town for 15 years now. I belong to several groups and so many folks have considered me their "warm market." The problem is that I'm almost never looking for what is being offered to me, so I turn into a no for the new marketer.

I am very much in support of letting folks know what you do but without the expectation that this will turn into a sales or a new recruit. There are several ways to let those you already know become aware of what you do:

1. Add a signature line to your current emails
2. In conversation offer one sentence "I'm so excited, I began selling _____"
3. When giving gifts, give a gift you have purchased from yourself, or even a gift certificate from your own personal store
4. Offer a referral gift, allowing you to say "if you ever know anyone who wants _____ please do send them my way. As a thank you, I'm happy to _____" Your gift can be a product, a gift certificate or even something non related to your business, maybe a gift certificate to a local store, hair salon or restaurant
5. Offer fundraisers in your town and get a local reporter to write about it in the local newspaper. This is a wonderful way to let those you know, know what you are doing.

Relationships truly do need to be treated as the precisous gem they are. My suggestion is not to harm those relationships by "approaching" your warm market with your sales pitch.

Would love to hear your comments on this.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Getting Support at Home For Your Home Based Business

2008-05-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

Getting Support at Home For Your Home Based Business

I remember when I first started a business at home, I had no idea how much support I would need. Thankfully I had a very supportive husband who was willing to do whatever it took to help me, so that I could work on building my business.

When women email me, or post that their husbands won’t support and sometimes even go the extreme of making fun of them my heart just breaks. I’ve been working at home well over 20 years now and I almost never meet a woman who is able to build and then maintain a home business with an unsupportive spouse.

Often times, a spouse will become supportive as the business grows and begins producing income, but support is needed to get to this point.

Seek a friend or someone else in the business that can support you. You are going to need someone to run ideas by. You are going to need someone to share the small successes with. You are going to need someone to babysit during those times that you just can not complete a project without some childcare help. And you’re going to need someone to support you during those rough times. There is no business around that does not have rough spots from time to time.

While my husband was an incredible support, I have also had some amazing friends over the years. At one time, a friend of mine went walking around the college campuses with me helping me put up fliers in the areas approved by student relations. Another time, I had a friend who helped me put fliers out in various neighborhoods. We pushed the kids in strollers, walked, talked and put fliers up.

At this point I should tell you that if you are fortunate like I was to have a supportive spouse, tell him. Thank him. Let him know how much you appreciate the support and let him know how happy you are.

If you don’t have the support, by all means sit down with your spouse and explain what you need, how you feel about the opportunity of starting a business and how you feel when he teases you or belittles your efforts. Sometimes a plan is also helpful. I know I have very often started something, been very excited and then 2 months later the excitement is gone and I’m no longer interested. If you have a plan it can be much easier to show your spouse how exactly you plan to build this business over the next year.

If you do not have support from your spouse and a heart to heart talk was not helpful, then seek support elsewhere, from friends or maybe other family members. If your spouse is not supportive of your business, don’t talk about it in front of him. This will only add to your frustration. If you know someone does not agree with you politically, religiously or on a parenting issue, you tend to stay away from those topics. I suggest the same for your business. If your spouse is not supportive, does not agree with your choice to run a business, then make a choice to not talk business with him. Instead talk about your business with other people, people that do support you.

When you experience a success, contact those who do support you. When have an idea and just can’t sleep until you try this idea out, contact those who share your enthusiasm and will encourage you to try out this new idea. Talk to those who will empathize if an idea does not work and will encourage you to try something else. You can get support for your home business; it just might not be from your spouse.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Blog Party

2008-05-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful way to meet others. Join the MommyFest and meet other women from around the country.

Some facts about me:

1. I have two daughters
2. We have two dogs
3. I love to scrapbook and crochet
4. I watch very little t.v. but love Idol and Survivor
5. I'm a morning person

Leave me a comment, tell me a bit about you!!

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Three Prospecting Ideas for the Wild at Heart

2008-05-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

I met Lisa Wilber back in 1985 I believe for the first time. It's over 25 years later and I still enjoy her articles. Here's one of her earliest articles about marketing.

Three Prospecting Ideas for the Wild at Heart
By Lisa M. Wilber

Prospecting - the art of finding customers and recruits - can be a challenge. But by using your imagination, a clear goal, and some marketing techniques you can turn your business from a tiny ant hill into a mighty fortress.

As an independent representative since 1981, I have moved several times and had to re-establish my businesses all over again. I have found the best goal is the simple one: let everyone within a ten-mile radius know what I am selling and about your earnings opportunity.
Here are three of my best ideas for getting the word out:

1. Turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard!

Start out by making posters for your car windows. You can cut out pictures from the catalogs you sell from. Since the sun fades these signs rather quickly, you can make them themed for each season so that you are always “updating” your signs. For instance, feature products for Valentine’s day with your name and telephone number. If your company does not sell holiday- specific merchandise, you can take turns featuring a product. You may want to feature a special sale price. You can use colored markers, fluorescent poster board, glitter paints — whatever gets attention. Make sure to feature your telephone number in large print so that someone driving by can write it down without wrecking their car!

Feeling a little more adventuresome? Call a sign company and have vinyl letters put on your vehicle. It does not ruin the value of your vehicle — vinyl letters come off easily with a hair dryer — yet, the results of this kind of advertising are astounding. I have had people waiting for me when I come out from grocery shopping. Many times I have even found orders under my windshield wipers! So you say that your company is not that well recognized yet? You can change that, especially in your own town. Having the company name, pictures of the products, and your phone number on your vehicle will definitely get people to ask you about the products! Consider having a form of the company name on your license plate. It is an extra fee in most states, but money well spent. One of my recruits has “TRY AVON” on her license plate, and a Princess House friend of mine has “PH LADY” on her plates.

Ready for the “over the edge” idea? I bought a light up sign for the roof of my van that used to belong to a pizza delivery restaurant. I peeled off the word “pizza” and added my company name in vinyl letters — it is the talk of the town! By the way, vinyl letters at the hardware or office supply store are very inexpensive (ranging from 50 cents per letter on up depending upon size). Consider having it professionally done if the lettering is to be very large or if you have a lot of letters to put on.

2. Don’t leave your house without wearing your company name!

Do you remember how Laverne on Laverne and Shirley always had a letter “L” on all her shirts? All my shirts have “Avon” on them! Many of them I did myself with paint art from the arts and crafts store. On some shirts I used puff paints, some sparkle paints. If your writing is not wonderful, consider using a stencil. Many good iron on letters are also available. It does not matter if the company name is well known — people will ask you about it when you have it prominently displayed.

You can also wear company supplied buttons and pins. I have a red jacket that I have EVERY award pin that I have ever won pinned on —it does look a little “wild”. But, every time I wear it, people always want to know what the pins mean, what I had to do to get each pin, etc. I always wear my red jacket when I am traveling to and from the company conventions — and I always get customers and recruits from talking about my pins.

(Here’s another tip to use with a jacket: I keep my right hand jacket pocket filled with my business cards to give to everyone I talk to, and I have my left hand jacket pocket empty to put cards in that I get from all the people I talk to, so I can follow up with them!)

You can also wear hats with your company name or carry a tote bag with the company name on the side. Make sure you always bring lots of brochures/catalogs and company literature with you — people WILL ask you!!

Ready for the wild idea? You can buy necklace and bracelets with letters that have your company name on them. Many companies offer these types of jewelry and feature people’s first names on them. Just request your company name instead. You’ll be surprised at how many people will notice!

Now for the “over the edge” idea: name your children or pets after your products! My Princess House girlfriend named her daughter “Crystal” — my Mom named her cat “Night Magic — after the cologne!

3. Leave a catalog, literature, or business card everywhere you go!

When I go to the shopping mall, the first place I visit is the ladies room — I leave a catalog with a recruiting flyer on the sink near the mirror and on the tank in each stall! I give catalogs to everyone I meet: the grocery clerk, the baker, the butcher, the laundry attendant, the drive-thru window person, the bank teller, the gas station attendant, the toll booth attendant — you would not believe how many opportunities you pass up each day to get your message out!

Feeling bashful today — simply say “This is for you!” and hand them your catalog. To cut down on my catalog expenses, I often use outdated catalogs for this type of prospecting — and I have stickers put on the front that say “Call for current prices and product availability.” This way they get my name, address, and phone number and a sneak peek at our product line. I have my friends in my company save their outdated catalogs for this reason.

I also leave stacks of catalogs at the entrances to grocery stores and in laundromats. Dentist’s offices, doctor’s offices and any other place where people must sit and wait are excellent places for you to leave your information. Ever leave your catalog with the tip at a restaurant? I had special business cards made up that read “YOUR SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT! If you are ever looking for a job, please give me a call! Lisa Wilber, Avon Recruiting Specialist, 1-800-258-1815.” You will be surprised how well these cards work. I try and hand them to the prospect personally with a tip — the impact lasts longer. I always add “I wanted to make sure you knew how much I appreciated your service today!

With this idea you need to set goals for yourself. Example: I will hand out 20 catalogs today. I will hang up 10 posters on bulletin boards today. Be consistent and don’t be discouraged by an occasional “No”.

Ready for the wild idea?

Spend the day driving through bank drive thrus in town and simply put in your catalog, sample, and business card — and drive off! Believe it or not, this works!

Now, let’s go over the edge: next time you are held up in traffic at a traffic jam, jump out of the car and hand a catalog to the person in the car ahead of you! (Yes, I actually know someone who does this!)

Whether you use these ideas or change them to fit your goals — make sure you take action towards your goals today. Remember my favorite saying: “The only place that SUCCESS comes before WORK is in the dictionary!”

Lisa Wilber has been selling and recruiting for Avon Products, Inc. for 14 years and is currently a Senior Executive Unit Leader in Avon's MLM program with 1995 downline retail sales topping $1.9 million. You can reach her by phone at 1-800-258-1815 or FAX 603-529-1816 or by mail at 174 S. Stark Hwy.# 17, Weare, NH 03281 or e-mail at LWilber@aol.com.

Creating a Tag Team

2008-05-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

If you are in direct sales, tag teaming with others can be very beneficial to your business. Tag teaming is beneficial in that your prospect can hear from other people and hopefully make a connection.

Talk to your own upline and start with just the two of you. If you have a lead, notify your upline and ask your upline to contact this lead within 24 hours. You're not asking your upline to do the "selling" for you, but rather to support you in letting the lead know there is a second person available for them.

Here's an example. We'll use ME as the lead. You speak to me and I express an interest in your opportunity. Maybe I'm thinking "well gosh this gal is across the country and not my age and not..", but now you have your upline contact me. Your upline lives closer to me, is closer to my age and just by saying hi to me has me saying "yes, I'm going to join". You upline did no "selling", just a nice introduction that lets me know who she is.

Tag teaming can work with downline and crossline but there are rules that need to be established and so to start I recommend going upline for tag teaming. And of course offering your downline the opportunity to have you tag team with them.

Here's an example of a letter I might send to someone my own downline has asked me to tag team for them:

Hi So and So,

My name is Audrey and I'm upline to So and So, whom you spoke to earlier today about selling Tupperware. I wanted to say hi and just introduce myself to you. I'm a mom to two girls. They are 18 and 25. We live in Santa Barbara, which has been home for 15 years.

Outside of working, I have many hobbies/interests. I love to cook, crochet, scrapbook, play hearts and spades, read, workout and just hang out with friends.

If you have any questions about Tupperware, please feel free to contact So and So, or you're welcome to contact me also.

Audrey :)

That's it, just a really simple introduction letter that lets the lead know that there is at least one more person that they'd be working with. In a perfect world it's awesome for the lead to get 2 or 3 emails, all from different people, living in different parts of the country and all with different interests. Depending on your group, if you can go upline 2 people or 3 people, talk to them about tag teaming leads with you. And again, if you have a downline, offer this to them as well.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Your 30 Second Commercial

2008-05-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

I remember a seminar I attended several years ago. The speaker began by saying "how many here in this room can tell another what you do in under 30 seconds?" Almost no one raised their hands. There must have been 300 people in that room and yet only a dozen said they were able to tell others what they did in under 30 seconds.

So, now I'll ask you. Can YOU tell folks what you do and who you are in under 30 seconds? Imagine you are in line at the grocery store. The person in front you comments on something in your basket. A conversation begins to develop. You're now asked "so hey, what do you do?".

Think of t.v. and radio. Commercials are 30 seconds. There's a reason for this. When you're asked what you do, consider this to be your chance for a 30 second all inclusive commercial. If you can't tell someone what you do in under 30 seconds, it's time to rethink your commercial.

If you're thinking "but my situation is different, I can't possibly tell someone what I do in under 30 seconds" consider why every brand imaginable can do a 30 second commercial regardless of what they're selling. Think about how you can repackage your commercial to let others know what you do.

I like people in general. I'm happy to give a 30 second commercial and then say "wow this has been nice, want to meet for coffee?" Some folks will say yes, some will say no. Some yes's might turn into business for me, some might lead to a wonderful friendship.

Play around with how you can make the most of your 30 seconds. See if you can do what major brands do, get folks interested in just 30 seconds.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Who Are You?

2008-04-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

Linda Locke of MLMWoman.com wrote a wonderful article. This is one of her first pieces, yet it's still very relevant today.

These days it seems like there is more and more competition in the MLM field - new companies spring up out of nowhere overnight and everyone else is touting their hot new “product du jour.” So what’s an MLMer got to do to stand out in this over heated, over-hyped market? Well, fortunately, it’s not that hard. Most people don’t really think too much about how to market their MLM business in an effective and creative way. Most people are lazy and just do the minimum and wait for the money to roll in.

What you MUST do to stand out from the MLM masses is to make the benefits of doing business with you so powerful that your potential customers and recruits will see you clearly as the best choice for their sponsor.

This is especially important if you want to successfully recruit people long distance -- you don’t have the advantage of being able to speak to them face to face -- you need to have a strong offer that really will convince them that you are the person they should do business with.

I’m always amazed when I receive information packs in the mail from distributors who obviously think that it’s not important to tell me who they are and why they are sending me this information. They don’t include a letter or note introducing themselves; they just throw a bunch of company sales literature in an envelope, stick their name and phone number on the back and expect that to do the trick. What a waste! With no personal letter or note and no information as to why I should consider them as a potential sponsor, how can I make an informed decision about whether this great opportunity is for me? And if they don’t follow up with a phone call, letter, or e-mail (which happens 95% of the time); most likely I’ll toss their expensive package of sales literature and keep looking for something better.

One of the most difficult things for people building an MLM businessis learning how to market their business effectively. Getting the company literature and becoming familiar with the products is just the beginning -- you need to really spend some time crafting a dynamite marketing system that gets results.

So, here’s some tips you can use to make your marketing efforts more productive and set yourself apart from the crowd:

Target one or two niche markets to focus on. Develop a marketing campaign designed to get their attention. What’s a good niche? Here’s some ideas to get you started - stay at home moms, downsized middle managers, women, men, generation Xers, baby boomers, seniors. Tip: Pick a niche that you are a part of - this will make it easier for you to figure out what that group’s needs and wants are.

Always send out a personalized letter with your information packages. Tell them your story - this will help make you more “real” to your faraway prospects and customers and help them get to know you. People like to do business with people they know and like -- do everything you can to make an emotional contact with them.

Develop a “Success Pak” for your downline - offer them a customized sales letter, free leads, free postcards etc. Give them a plan to get them started on the right path.

Develop a short customer/downline newsletter and send it out at least monthly; include success stories, info on new products, business tips and resources etc. It can be sent via e-mail, fax or mail. I have never known any successful MLMers that didn’t provide some sort of “newsletter” to their downline. It can be 2 pages, 4 pages or more; letter or postcard size; elaborate or simple. The idea is to just keep in contact on a regular basis.

Develop a web page that offers “real” information to help your potential customers build their business. There’s a lot of MLMer’s with web pages on the Internet that are just basic billboards. You can stand out by offering a little something more.

Write some helpful “tip reports” to share with people online and off. I know of one superstar MLMer who gives away free reports to anyone who’s interested. She provides valuable information that acts as a powerful “recruiter” for her business.

THINK SERVICE! Put yourself in your prospect's shoes and think of all the ways you can help them succeed in their business and then DO THEM! If you help your people to succeed and reach their goals, then you will be successful too.

~ ~ ~
Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Make It Happen

2008-04-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me by my Tupperware director. I just loved it and wanted to share it.

March 2008
Get'r DoneCommit to working this system every day for the next year and you will enjoy financial success in your business by
Mr. Rod Nichols

We've heard it from the NASCAR circuit, in movies, on television, and even out of the mouth of President Bush. Well now it's time to get'r done in network marketing. This month's theme is Getting Started, Finishing First. The key here is that in order to finish first, you have to get started and in this article I'm going to address how to get started right. Whether you're brand new to the network marketing industry or have been around awhile, but aren't making money, it's time to get'r done!

A very high percentage of people fail in network marketing and after interviewing hundreds of those people, I am convinced that the primary reason is that they never get started. Oh, they attend some meetings, read materials, look at web sites, watch DVD's and listen to CD's.They are on all the conference calls and webcasts. They've got their office organized and systems in place. The shelves are full of marketing materials and their associate web sit e is operational. Sound familiar? The problem with this is that none of these activities will directly build a network and that's what this is all about.

Okay, let's get started getting you started:

1. Purpose - in order to be successful in network marketing you must have a solid "why" for your business. Are you building a business to have more time freedom to enjoy family? Do you want to get out of a dead end job? Are you trying to secure your financial future? Would you like to do mission work or help out in your community? These are all purposes for building a network marketing business, so what is yours?

2. Goals - once you have a solid purpose that will keep you going through thick and thin, you must set specific goals that will enable to you accomplish your purpose. Here you will probably need the help of your sponsor or a successful up line leader. In order to accomplish your purpose, you will need to be at a certain income level. Work with your up line on what is necessary to reach that income level and set the necessary goals to accomplish that.

3. Objectives - now that you have a list of specific goals, begin to break them down into bite size objectives or activities that you can work on each day. Work on one goal at a time until you have all of them broken down into singular activities.

4. Schedule - at the beginning of each week, use your calendar, planner, or PDA to schedule activities for the week. First, block out fixed activities such as sleep, meals, job, and anything relating to your family. Then fill the open blocks of time with business objectives. If other activities are presented, you will need to evaluate whether the new activity is more important than the one already scheduled.

5. Review - begin and end each day by reviewing your purpose, goals, objectives, and schedule. Adjust as necessary.

6. Do it - now it's time for action. Work through your daily objectives and complete everything every day. Make sure that you are working on the highest priority activities - prospecting, presenting, follow-up, sponsoring, training, and supporting, as they will help you build a large and successful business.

7. Do it over and over and over - once you have a plan in place, the key is to do those high priority objectives over and over. Keep prospecting, presenting, and following up until you sponsor someone. Then train and support them properly, so that they can duplicate what you've been doing. Meanwhile continue prospecting, presenting, and following-up, until you sponsor your second person. Now train and support that new person. Do this over and over and over. At first things will build excruciatingly slow, but soon you'll pick up some momentum. The next thing you know people will be joining your network from all over the world - people you don't know. The checks will s tart rising and one day one of the corporate people will ask you to speak at the annual convention. But, it all starts at the beginning with getting started.

So, don't wait until Monday (unless today is Monday), get started right now. Begin with #1 and work through #6 today. Then commit to working this system every day for the next year and I know that you will enjoy financial success in your business.What are you waiting for? Get'r done!

Audrey :) http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

$100

2008-04-16T06:19:00.001-07:00

If you had an extra $100 for your business, how would you use it?

Would you buy more catalogs?

Would you buy demo products?

Would you buy advertising space?

I found a website giving away $100 in a contest http://www.tw3o.com/april-mini-contest/ The contest ends on April 20th. There are several ways you can enter, including subscribing to the RSS feed.

Whichever method you choose, enter her contest and then post here how'd you spend that extra $100.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Looking for "Hidden" Opportunities

2008-04-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

When considering marketing our businesses, we often need to think outside of the box from time to time.

My daughter came across a contest this morning that really piqued my interest. There are three prizes involved. One is free advertising. If you are in business, free advertising is a wonderful way to spread the word about your business. Their second prize is an interview. Again, as a business owner who can't benefit from an interview? Their third prize is one of their products, a trailer bike. Even if you personally don't need/want the trailer bike, you can use this prize as yet one more way to increase exposure to your own business by accepting the bike and then donating it or giving it away. This is such a win win opportunity.

The link to enter the contest is http://www.5minutesformom.com/3176/caboose-trailer-bike/.

Kudos to the owner of this company for offering such a wonderful opportunity to others.

I thought I'd share one more blog contest with you http://www.sparkplugging.com/momsational/win-a-toaster-oven-plus-45-in-tyson-anytizers/#respond I entered to win the free toaster oven they are giving away.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

The Coyote

2008-04-13T17:09:00.001-07:00

I read the most delightful article today. http://www.mlmknowhow.com/articles/marketing/coyotes.htm What an awesome job Lisa does at painting a picture that anyone in sales can relate to and understand.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Marketing Online

2008-04-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

Over and over again I see both women and men asking how they can advertise for little or no cost. Advertising does not always mean “an ad”. I advertise constantly but almost never use an ad.

Here are several forms of free advertising:

1. A signature line in outgoing emails. I send and receive emails every single day. While some emails are from my kids or from mom and dad, many emails are from those who might benefit from visiting my website. I never email out an advertisement, but I always put my first and last name and my URL. I do know some folks use a one line advertisement in their signature. I choose not to, but one line is great.

2. When you join an online community, use the profile and introduction board to tell folks who you are. Do not use this space for an advertisement. Use this space to let folks get to know you. I always let folks know I live in Santa Barbara. I can not tell you how many times I’ve gotten emails from others who have told me they have visited Santa Barbara and just loved it. By simply letting others know where I live, I have formed relationships and made sales. I also use this space to list my hobbies. How can someone make a connection with you if they don’t anything about you? I happen to have two dogs. I almost always let folks know I have dogs. This too has started conversations with strangers. We tend to buy from those we know and if we find something in common with someone, we feel like we know them.

3. Start a blog. A blog allows you talk about any topic you want to talk about. I know many people who have both a personal blog and a business blog. I have very often searched the web for something specific and been taken to someone’s blog entry.

4. Post comments on other peoples blogs. Not all blogs allow you to put your URL. I choose to post comments on blogs that allow me to put my URL. One of my favorite blogs to comment on is whatcanimakewithit.com This blog lists one food ingredient and asks you what can you make with that particular ingredient.

5. Article writing. This is one of my favorite forms of marketing. Every person who reads this particular article will see a link to my website. Some will click, some won’t. Of those who click, some will make a purchase, some won’t. If a publisher sees my article and likes it, he/she will use in their ezine, or on their site. This gives my link even more exposure. I wrote an article almost 10 years ago about passwording children. I still occasionally get emails from moms who tell me that my article has helped them. I wrote this article over 10 years ago. That’s an awful lot of free advertising for my sixty minutes of time to write the article. The more you write the less time an article will take. This article you are reading will take about 30 minutes to write. If you invest 30-60 minutes per day and write one article per day, you’ll have 365 articles online in a year’s time.

6. Offer a contest. Whenever I offer a no purchase required contest, I see hundreds of additional hits to my website. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that not all traffic received in this manner is targeted traffic; however for the price of one product as my prize, I do indeed find some new customers. I usually give away a Tupperware product as my prize. The cost to me is about $25. If I can get just 5 new customers from this contest I’m a very happy camper.

7. Write an ebook and give it away. If you write an ebook not only can you give it away to those who visit your site, but if the book is of value, meaning it contains great information you will get others who also want to give away your ebook.

8. Participate on message boards. I visit and participate in about 8 communities daily. I then have another dozen or so communities that I visit on a weekly basis. Most communities offer an assortment of message boards. One of my favorite boards is a current events board. I was so active on that board, I soon became a moderator. If a participant in this community wants what I sell, who do you think they will buy from?

9. Interview someone in your field. If you interview someone in your field, you’ll have the opportunity to advertise using their name and they in return will be sending folks to your site to read the interview. Very recently, I read two interviews that Chris Knight from ezinearticles.com wrote about. These interviews allowed Chris to promote the sites of the folks that interviewed him and it also allowed the two interviewers to promote Chris’s site. I personally visited two sites I would not have visited if Chris had not promoted them.

10. Create a newsletter. I subscribe to a few really wonderful newsletters. The folks who publish these newsletters have their own sites, and are selling something. Every week, or every month, by offering quality content, these newsletter owners generate traffic to their website. The folks who subscribe are interested in what is being sold, or they would not have opted in to receive this newsletter. Provide them with great content and they’ll stay subscribed. How wonderful to have several hundred or several thousand people asking to read your newsletter and every one of them has an interest in what you sell.

Try some of these forms of free advertising and watch both your web hits and your sales go up.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Fundraising

2008-04-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

If you are in direct sales, are you using fundraisers to find new customers and create sales? Every group out there needs money and many groups are on the lookout for something different.

If your company does not offer a fundraising program, create your own. Offer a specific percentage to the organization for all sales brought in. If you can, offer a free product to the person with the highest sales.

Fundraisers put a lot of people to work for you. Even if the organization only has 10 members collecting orders, you've got 10 people out there with your catalogs, getting sales for you and potential new customers.

Again, depending on what your company allows, make sure to include your business card in every order. Maybe even include a special thank you coupon, 10% off their next order with you. You know they are a potential customer. You know they like your product, so once they've ordered keep them as a customer.

Create a packet to mail to potential fundraiser groups. Include an introduction letter, a sample letter they could use for their customers, a catalog and your business card. Let them know when you'll be calling them to follow up.

Fundraisers are an excellent way to grow your direct sales business.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Choosing Your Words for Your Ads

2008-03-27T12:12:00.001-07:00

I read an ad today that prompted this blog post. The ad was written in the negative. It said "if you are doing this, you are harming yourself". While the statement may or may not be true, what's happened with just that one sentence is that anyone who is doing that now feels as if they've been scolded. This is not the way to attract business to you. The same is true of the sentence "stop doing this". Whatever "this" happens to be, no one wants to be told they need to stop.

Change your advertising to say "I can help you do this better". Ahh we all want to be better at what we're already doing. Many are looking for a way to do it better. See what a huge difference that slight change of words can make?

Have you ever seen an ad that was 3 miles long? Did you read it? Why not? It was too long. While I'm the first to agree we can often find pages of information to give to others, it's so important that we chooose a few key points to advertise and then as asked provide the remainder of the information. No one is going to read a 3 mile long ad.

When you write an ad, ask someone to read it and provide feedback. Choose your words carefully!!

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Catalogs

2008-03-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

If you have catalogs, get the most out each and every one by using labels on them. I use both plain white labels and I also use the neon colored labels.

On the back of every catalog I put a label with my name, phone number, email address and web address.

On the front I'll use one or two of the following:

"Share me with a friend, when you both order, you'll both recieve 10% off"

"I'm expired, please call for a current catalog"

"Ask me about becoming a (fill in company name) distributor"

"Find out how to get free (fill in company name)"

"When you open a party, you'll get free (fill in company name)"

Don't throw away expired catalogs. Leave them in laundromats, in doctors offices etc.

Leave me a comment and let me know your ideas for catalogs.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Marketing Your Business

2008-03-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

I was reading a message board yesterday and a gal asked if she needed to do more than place classified ads. Here's part of my answer to her:

Everyone in business should be marketing. There are tons of ways to market. You can place a classified ad. This is completely straight forward. Either the person clicks and responds or they don't.

You can write articles. This is much more subtle. Folks will read and then maybe click. Very different from the ad, where only those who are interested will read it. Your articles might be shared with others. They might be picked up by publishers. They might even be emailed between friends.

You can post on message boards. Again, folks will read your messages. Some might click your link, they might not. Even if you don't make a sale today, folks might bookmark your site.

A blog is just one more way to reach out to others. I have folks email me saying they loved my blog post. They might or might not click on my business. They might or might not share that post with someone else. Think of the classified ad. Who is going to share a classified ad and say "gosh I saw this ad, you should check it out?" However, you might say "I saw a great blog post, you should check it out." I love getting emails saying "my friend/sister/aunt/mother send me a link to your post."What about comments on other people's blogs? I have met some awesome people from their comments. Some incredible conversations have developed from comments I've left.

Newsletters are yet another way to connect with others. Month after month you are able to put your name in front of other people. Month after month you'll keep folks thinking about you and what you have to offer.

Profiles and signatures are a wonderful way to let others know what you do without really "advertising". Almost all communities allow you to create a profile. Use that profile. Let others know who you are and what you do. I don't mean just in business. When I tell folks I love to crochet and scrapbook, terrific conversations can follow. I look for common ground between me and others. It might be that we both enjoy working out. It might be that we both love to cook. It might be that we both have adult children. Without a profile, folks won't know about here. Even here on blogger.com use your profile, let folks know about you.

Hold an online party. Look for Vendor Fairs. I see them advertised all of the time. The folks holding the fair do the marketing to bring in potential customers. This is equivilant to renting a booth at a local show. The organizers of the show market for potential customers. Shop around, not all vendor fairs are the same.

Offline, get a magnet for your car. Or get a catalog holder or business card holder for your car. Use your vehicle. Get lettering for your back window.

Summer is coming. Get your website printed on your beach towel. Get it printed on your diaper bag or towel bag. If you have an umbrella, get your website printed on your umbrella.

Do you subscribe to magazines? Get a label on them and give them away after you are done reading them. Leave them anywhere where people gather.

Wear a name tag everywhere you go. You'll be amazed how many folks will stop you when you wear a nametag.

These are just a few ideas of how you can market your business.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

7 Tips For the New Network Marketer

2008-03-15T09:34:00.001-07:00

7 Tips For the New Network Marketer

Oh, how exciting. You’ve signed the contract. You paid for the kit. Now, once that kit arrives you’ll be set to go. You have such big plans. You have such wonderful ideas.

The kit comes at the end of the next week. Gosh, what took so long? You’ve now committed to a volunteer project once a week. You’ve also committed to a new carpool for your child. You actually did talk to two people in the last week and both of them said no. Maybe you can get your money back for the kit. This isn’t really what you want to do anyway.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Here are 7 tips for the new network marketer to help get the ball rolling:

1. Read and learn about the company. How old is the company? How was the company started? Where are corporate headquarters located? How many distributors does the company have? Who owns the company? What can you learn about that person, or family?

2. Read and learn about the product line. What products are offered? How often are new products introduced? Are there catalogs? How does a distributor order? And how does a customer order? Is there a money back guarantee?

3. Join any online communities you can with other distributors from your company. Sometimes you’ll find team boards, or team groups. Sometimes you’ll find company boards, or company groups. There are tons of work at home message boards out on the internet. Find those that have boards with other distributors from your company. Join them and read what other distributors are saying. Start developing a support network within the distributor circle of your company.

4. Go to either the local book store or a used book store and find a couple of books about business and/or leadership. I really like John Maxwell. He’s written several books on leadership. Another favorite of mine is “Love Is The Killer App” by Tim Sanders. The entire book is about networking,

5. Create a simple business plan. Or at the very least write down both your short term and long term goals. A business plan and goals are your roadmap. Almost no one leaves their home for a cross country trip without some sort of map. If you’ve never been in business before, it’s like going cross country. Without a map, you’re bound to get lost.

6. Sign up for a couple of newsletters or ezines. These can either be about business in general, about network marketing or about your specific industry. If you plan to market online, join one or two newsletters that will help you learn about marketing online. If you plan to host home parties, join one or two newsletters about party plan. Regardless of company affiliation, you need to find hostesses, give presentations, introduce products, etc.

7. Put together your first product order. Even before your kit arrives, you can put together your first product order. Order those sales aids you’ll need also, whether it be catalogs, or information sheets, or samples. Order the supplies you’ll need to sell the product and to talk to others about joining the company.

With these 7 steps completed before your kit ever arrives, the kit will only be a formality, not the starting point. You will have already immersed yourself into your new business and will already be working towards those first goals you’ve set. As you begin sponsoring others, share these 7 steps with your new team members. You’ll develop a team that begins working the day they say yes.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Message Boards

2008-03-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

I've been asked by many of you to write more business help posts, so watch for more of a mix of business posts and recipes.

That being said, I wanted to talk about message boards in today's posts. For those who have never participated in message board communities, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to meet others, share information and even pick up new clients.

Message boards are interactive communities on a variety of subjects. I'd like to share a list of message boards that I help moderate on, so you'll find me there daily:

http://athomeresources.com/Message_Board/index.php

http://real-wah-jobs.com/forums.html

http://itsfree.proboards43.com/index.cgi

http://www.freelancemom.com/forum/index.php

http://wahmforums.com/boards/index.php

http://smartmoms.freeforums.org/index.php

and then a few others where I am not a moderator but am an active participant:

http://classychics.freeforums.org/index.php

http://www.mommyshelpercommunity.com/phpBB2/index.php

Finally, I'd like to share a wonderful article written by Tammy Embrich, who owns a message board of her own.

The Basics Of Forum Marketing
By: Tammy Embrich

You've finally created your website and you need ideas to promote it!

But where do you promote your website? How do you promote it?

There are literally tons of marketing ideas out there. But I wanted to focus on the concept of Forum Marketing. There are message forums everywhere. Work at home, home business, webmasters, affiliate programs, and articles...are just a few of the various types of forums out on the Internet today.

So which forums do you promote on?

Well, this will depend on what your website is all about. Is your website about working at home? Is it about a particular home business you are a representative for? Is your website about affiliate programs? You will need to base your marketing around what your website is about.

For example...If your site is basically about "work at home," you will want to join "work at home" forums. Makes sense, doesn't it?

So...you've joined some message forums that relate to your website, what is your next step?

Here is a simple laid-out plan on forum marketing:

1) The first thing you will want to do is find the "Introduction" folder. Make your first post, introducing yourself to the forum members and share a few things about yourself. Important...NO ADS in this post! If you post an ad here, it will most likely get deleted.

2) Browse the forum and get aquainted with the community. Take the time to read through a few threads and get a feel for what the forum is focused on and what it has to offer.

3) Check out the Forum Posting and Signature Rules. On most forums, this is usually located fairly close to the "Introduction" folder. Make for sure you fully understand the rules of the forum and follow them carefully.

4) Post in a few topics that you are interested in or share some advice. Try and make your posts consist of as much quality as you can...not just, "I agree" or "nice post." Forum members usually just scroll by these type of short and sweet messages and don't even bother to find out what YOU have to offer the community...thus, resulting in a complete waste of time on your part.

5) Create your signature. While doing so, make for sure you follow the forum signature rules. A signature is a block of text that displays your name (if you care to share that information), and links to your website or affiliate programs. There is usually a character count limit. Always include your signature in all your future posts. If you are unsure of how to create a signature, click on the FAQ link, (usually found at the top of the forum).

6) Post your ads ONLY in the advertising folder. If you post your ads elsewhere, you run the risk of losing your forum account. ALWAYS read the rules of this section.

7) Get to know the community...have fun and make friends. Share your work at home experiences and any knowledgeable advice or tips. Ask questions on areas you need knowledge or more information about.

The idea here is to establish a good reputation for yourself and gain trust and loyalty from the forum members. You will quickly discover that you will bring in far more traffic to your business or website by doing this rather than spamming ads in the advertising section and not engaging in good quality work at home conversations.

Something that most forum spammers are not aware of...I have found out through forum marketing, most people don't read the advertising section anyway. Most of them are there for searching out knowledgeable marketing techniques and related business resources. So, it is much more beneficial for you if you utilize the message forum for what it is really intended for...NOT for spamming your ads and then leaving.

The forum members will get to know you and grow curious about what your signature links have to offer. The end result...they will be much more inclined to sign up for a business opportunity under you if they grow to trust you by conversing with you on a day to day basis in a friendly forum atmosphere.

This is called "Proper Forum Networking." Give it a try...it works like a charm everytime.

Article written by: Tammy Embrich

Tammy is an Internet Marketer and is the
Owner of: http://www.onestopwebemployment.com/
And Owner of: http://www.real-wah-jobs.com/

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Make Dinner Easy

2008-03-08T15:16:00.000-08:00

I found the most wonderful site this week. www.makedinnereasy.com is a delightful site with recipes, shopping lists, cooking tips and more.

Here is one example of Crystal's wonderful recipes:

Beefy Onion Strudel
(Prep Time: 20 minutes. Baking Time: 20 minutes)

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon butter
1 large onion thinly sliced, then cut each slice in quarters
1 Tablespoon flour
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 cups beef tenderloin cut into 1” cubes(or 1 - 1½ lbs deli roast beef, thickly sliced and then cut into ½ “ cubes)
4 slices provolone cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages unbaked crescent roll dough (i.e. Pillsbury)
1 egg, well beaten

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet, sauté onions until tender and slightly browned. Remove pan from heat and stir in flour very well. Return to medium-low heat and add Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, stirring well until blended and thickened. Remove from heat and add beef. Toss to coat.

3. Unroll 1 package of crescent roll dough – do not separate. Arrange longest sides of the dough across the width of a cookie sheet. Repeat with the second package of dough, slightly overlapping the two packages of dough (you are trying to form 1 large piece of dough). Using your fingers, press the edges of the two pieces of dough together. To make serving easier, I often line the cookie sheet with a piece of parchment paper prior to laying down the dough. This prevents the strudel from sticking (it’s not critical to do this).

4. Spread the filling down the middle of the large piece of dough. Top with cheese. Using a knife, cut lines 1 ½” apart down both sides of the dough that has not been covered with filling To form a “braid”, start at one end and lift 1 strip of dough from the right side of the beef mixture and lift it up and half way across the beef mixture. Repeat with a strip from the left side. When the strips meet in the middle, slightly overlap them and press together. Repeat until all strips have been braided together.

5. Brush beaten egg over top (you don’t need to use all of the egg, just enough to slightly coat the braid).6. Bake 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into 1 ½” slices and serve. Serves 10

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Baking

2008-03-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

It was just last week that I used the Tupperware Silicon Wonder mat. What an incredible baking tool. You put the mat right on top of your cookie sheet. Using this mat means no more calories from greasing a sheet and very even heat distribution. Ok...enough on the "ad", let me share some cookie recipes with you:

Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies

2/3 cup Crisco
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup Hershey's cocoa or Dutch cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat Crisco, brown sugar, water, and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs; beat well. Stir together (in a separate bowl) flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating on low speed just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 7-9 minutes or until set. Cookies will appear soft, do not over bake.

Spice Cookies

1 1/2 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
4 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
additional sugar

Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add eggs and molasses, mixing well. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, soda, salt and spices; sift together. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. Shape into 1/2 inch balls, roll in additional sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 6 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.

Butterscotch Potato Chip Cookies

2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon soda
6 ounces butterscotch pieces
2 cups potato chips, crushed (measure after crushing)

Mix butter and sugars. Add eggs and mix. Add flour and soda. Mix again. Finally, add in the butterscotch pieces and potato chips and lightly mix.

Bake at 300 degrees for 12 minutes.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Microwave Recipes

2008-03-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

I so love my microwave. Although I'm dating myself I do remember a time when microwave ovens were not in every household.

Although many folks use their microwaves to heat up leftovers, or warm a cup of coffee, you can actually prepare entire meals in the microwave.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef

1 egg

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs

6 ounces grape jelly

2 tablespoons lemon juice

chili sauce to taste

Mix hamburger, egg, bread crumbs and water until well blended. In deep 3-quart casserole, combine chili sauce, grape jelly and lemon juice. Shape meat mixture into small meatballs and place in sauce mixture. Heat 12 minutes on full power, skim off fat, stir. Heat 8 minutes on full power until sauce bubbles and meatballs are cooked.

BBQ Ribs

2 pounds ribs
1 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 - 15 ounce can tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Place ribs in a 2-quart microwave-safe dish. Combine remaining ingredients except salt and pepper. Pour over ribs. Cook in microwave oven, covered, on level 5 (slow-cook) for 25-30 minutes or until meat is tender and temperature of 170 degrees if reached. Turn ribs over halfway through cooking time. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Tuna Casserole

2 - six ounce cans of tuna
3 cups of egg noodles, uncooked
1/2 cup of celery, chopped
1/3 cup of green onions, sliced
1/2 cup of sour cream
2 teaspoons of dry mustard
1/2 cup of miracle whip
1/2 teaspoon of thyme
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup of Monterey Jack Cheese
1 tomato, chopped

Drain and flake the tuna and set it aside for later. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain & rinse in hot water.

Combine the noodles with the tuna, celery, and green onions. Blend in the sour cream, mustard, miracle whip, thyme and salt. Spoon half of the mixture into a buttered 2 quart casserole dish. Top with half the zucchini.. Then add the rest of the mixture, and the remainder of zucchini. Cover the dish. Microwave at high power for 6-8 minutes. Top the dish with the cheese and tomato. Microwave at high power for 2 more minutes, and let stand for 3 minutes before serving.

Garlic Shrimp

1 pound shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper

Mix oil and garlic in bowl, cover with plastic wrap and cook on high heat for 1 minute. Add oyster sauce, soya sauce and lemon juice. Cover and cook for 30 seconds on high. Pat prawns dry with paper towel, add to sauce and cook 4 minutes on high. Sprinkle with pepper and serve.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Article Writing For Your Home Business

2008-02-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

One of the most common questions I see asked is “how can I advertise for free?” I have never supported methods such as free classifieds. Nobody reads these. If you look, thousands of folks come and post an ad and never read a thing.

I am a very strong supporter of article writing. Article writing allows you to determine exactly what keywords you are targeting and to get very targeted visitors to your site.

I would rather see someone write 3 articles per week versus placing 100 free classified ads in a week.

If you sell children’s toys or children’s books, write parenting articles. Those who read the articles are the very people who are buying toys. If you sell dietary supplements, write health and wellness articles. Again, those who read your articles are going to be people looking for the very product you offer. If you sell make up and skin care, write articles about fashion and beauty.

Who do you want to visit your site? You want potential customers and potential new sales distributors to visit your site. So, how can you make sure that those coming to your site want what you are offering? Write about the topics that relate to what you are selling. Those who search for your articles or find your articles through a keyword search are interested in what you are offering. Parents need toys. When you write about parenting, your audience is the very people who just might buy from you.

Choose a few keywords or keyword phrases that your potential customers might be searching for. Now write about them. Become an expert writer in your field. Write articles that solve every potential problem or question someone might ask you.

Article writing is the best method of free advertising I’ve ever found. Try it. See if you don’t see increased hits to your website that I hope will lead to sales for you.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Chicken

2008-02-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

Neither of my kids are big meat eaters. So we eat a lot of chicken. Here are several chicken recipes for you. I fyou are a dark meat eater, substitute thighs or legs for the chicken breasts.

Cranberry Chicken

6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 - 16 ounce can whole cranberry sauce
1 large apple, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon curry powder

Place chicken in baking pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Combine remaning ingredients and spoon over chicke. Bake until chicken is done.

Lemonade Chicken

6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 - 6 ounce can frozen lemonade, thawed
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Combine lemonade, soy sauce and garlic powder. Place chicken in baking pan and cover with sauce. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Uncover, pour sauce over chicken and bake 10 more minutes.

Sweet and Spicy Chicken

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 - 11 ounce jar chunky salsa
1 cup peach preserves

Cut chicken into 1/2 inch cubes. Place chicken in Ziploc bag. Add taco seasoning, shake and coat chicken.

In a skillet, bronw the chicken in a bit of oil. Combine salsa and preserves, add to skillet and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and cover. Simmer until juices run clear. Serve over rice.

Oven Fried Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2/3 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

In a small bowl, combine breadcrubms, cheese and garlic salt. Dip chicken in salad dressing, then roll in breadcrumb mixture. Place in baking pan and bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

For Bread Lovers

2008-02-26T19:56:00.000-08:00

I am a bread lover. One of my favorite parts of going out to dinner are the many breads I've been served over the years. A few of our favorites are the biscuits at Red Lobster and the garlic bread at Elephant Bar. Here are a few very simple bread recipes:

Gingerbread Muffins

1 egg
1/4 cup applesauce
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup boiling water
Sugar

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin cups.In a medium bowl, beat egg, applesauce, oil, molasses and sugar, mixing well. Stir together dry ingredients in a medium bowl; add to egg mixture. Stir in water, mixing well. Fill muffin cups two-thirds full, then sprinkle lightly with sugar. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until muffins test done.

Ranch French Bread

1 loaf of french bread (uncut)
1/2 cup softened butter
1 tablespoon dry ranch salad dressing mix

Cut bread in half horizontally. Blend the butter and dressing mix. Spread on bread. Wrap in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Lemonade Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg
1 - 6 ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Mix dry ingredients. Combine egg, 1/2 cup lemonade concentrate, milk and oil. Add to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Gently stir in nuts. Fill greased muffin cups and bake 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until done. While hot, brush with remaining lemonade concentrate and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Chile-Cheese Bread

1 loaf of french bread (uncut)
1/2 cup melted butter
1 - 4 ounce can diced green chiles, drained
3/4 cup grated monterey jack cheese

Slice bread into 1-inch slices. Do not cut all the way through. Mix the butter, chiles and cheese. Spread between sliced. Wrap in foil and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Apple Roquefort Bread (bread machine)

3/4 cup apple juice
1/3 cup crumbled Roquefort cheese
1 tablespoon shortening
1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup bread flour
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Add the ingredients to the bread machine as directed by the manufacturer. Add the cheese and juice together. If possible, use the light crust setting for best results.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Appetizers & Dips

2008-02-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

I am an appetizer lover. I can not count over the years how many times we've gone out to eat and I've ordered appetizers. No main course, just appetizers. I found a whole slew of very easy dip recipes that I wanted to share. You can serve these with crackers, cut up bread, bread sticks, vegetables or tortilla chips:

Taco Dip

1 pound ground beef
2 - 16 ounce packages cubed processed cheese
1 1/2 cups salsa
several drops of hot sauce

Brown the ground beef and drain. In a seperate saucepan, heat the cheese and salsa until the cheese melts. Add the hot sauce. Add the cooked meat and mix well. Serve warm.

Taco Dip with Beans

1 - 15 ounce cans of bean dip
1 pound ground beef
1 - 4 ounce can green chiles
1 cup salsa
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Brown the ground beef and drain. Layer the bean dip, ground beef, chiles and salsa in a 3 quart baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake 350 degrees until cheese melts, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Veggie Dip

1 - 10 ounce package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 - 16 ounce container of sour cream
1 package of dry vegetable soup mix
1 bunch green onions, chopped
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients well in a bowl. Chill to blend flavors.

Spinach Dip

1 - 10 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 package of dry vegetable soup mix
1/2 cup minced onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream

Mix all ingredients well in a bowl. Chill to blend flavors.

Avocado-Onion Dip

1 package dry onion soup mix
1 - 8 ounce container of sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 ripe avocados, mashed
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix all ingredients. Chill and serve.

Crunchy Asparagus Dip

1 - 14 ounce can asparagus spears, drained and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients and chill.

Hot Broccoli Dip

2 - 16 ounce packages cubed mexican processes cheese
1 - 10 ounce can mushroom soup
1 - 10 ounce package chopped broccoli, thawed and drained

In a saucepan, melt cheese with soup. Stir in broccoli. Heat through and serve warm.

Cucumber Dip

2 medium cucumbers
2 - 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
1 package dry ranch salad dressing mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
several drops of hot sauce

Peel and seed cucumbers. Grate cucumbers. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, hot sauce, salad dressing and garlic powder. Beat until creamy. Add cucumbers and mix well.

Artichoke Bacon Dip

1 - 14 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
5 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour into sprayed 8 inch casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Serve warm.

Shrimp Dip

2 - 6 ounce cans tiny cooked shrimp, drained
2 cups mayonnaise
6 green onions, finely chopped
3/4 cup chunky salsa

Crumble shrimp. Stir in mayonnaise, onion and salsa. Chill several hours.

Hope you enjoy these very easy to prepare dips.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Create a Budget For Your Home Based Business

2008-02-21T19:29:00.001-08:00

Reading message boards, one of the things I see regularly is “I don’t have any money to invest” or “I have very little money to invest”.

I believe you need to create a budget before you ever begin a business. Without a budget, you are setting yourself up for failure.

I know you can find ads that say “no money required” or “free to join”. However, money can only be made if something somewhere is bought and sold. In order for you to buy and sell whatever it is you are now in business with will require money to invest.

To begin with, whatever you are selling, you need to try yourself. While it might be free to “join a program”, there will be a fee to try the service or product.

Now consider the actual business aspect of your venture. There are fees to purchase a domain and fees to host your domain. “But the program gives me a free website” you might be thinking. There’s not a lot you can do with an affiliate site URL. If you want to advertise, write articles etc, you’re going to need your own domain. Free websites give you what you pay for. They are loaded with ads and try to find 10 people, just 10 people who have made purchases from a free web site.

To put up a website will also take an investment. You’ll either need to purchase a site building program or you’ll need to hire someone to build the site for you. Either way, this too is a financial investment.

What about marketing? How are you going to market whatever it is you are selling? Again, you might be thinking “but I know you can advertise for free”. Yes, there are forms of advertising that are free, such as article marketing, plug boards and message boards. However, these methods of marketing need to be combined with paid advertising. You’ll need to place classified ads, place banner ads and put ads into ezines. This all costs money.

Are there any supplies you’ll need? Often folks will buy a software program to help keep track of inventory, or help them keep track of customers. Sometimes folks will buy an accounting program to help them keep track of money in and money out. What about your work space? Do you have everything you need at home for your work space?

Often in business, you’ll need a long distance service for your phone. I use a combination of the free long distance on my cell phone and a phone card that I pay only a couple of cents per minute on.

I believe one of the first things you’ll need when considering a home business is a realistic budget of how much this business will cost to get off the ground. There really is no such thing as a “free business”

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Cake Anyone?

2008-02-19T20:01:00.000-08:00

I believe cake is one of the few foods that can be eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner. I've had coffee cakes many times in the morning, I've also had pound cake in the morning. Lunch and dinner, I say bring on the chocolate!! I love the Tupperware Cake Takers. They make transporting cakes a breeze. No more ruined frosting, lopsided cakes etc. In fact, the rectangular Cake Taker even reverses and holds cupcakes. So, for all those that love cake as I do, here are some yummy cake recipes to try:

Pinapple Angel Cake

1 - 4 ounce package Jell-O vanilla flavor instant pudding and pie filling
1 - 20 ounce can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
1 cup thawed Cool Whip
1 box angel food cake

Prepare cake according to package directions. In a bowl, mix the dry pudding and pineapple. Gently mix in whipped topping. Cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place 1/3 of pudding mixture inbetween each layer. Place remaining 1/3 on top of cake. Chill at least 60 minutes. Top with fresh fruit and serve.

Notes: Use the low calorie cool whip and the sugar free pudding. You'll cut calories without taste. You can create this either as a round cake or a rectangular cake.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake

1 box white cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/4 cup water
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanuts or walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan or two 8-inch round pans.
In a mixer bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and peanut butter; mix on slow 1 minute; scrape bowl. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 30 minutes if using round pans, 35 minutes if using rectangular pan.

Chocolate Cake

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beating after each addition.
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt, stir in half of the flour mixture, add milk and vanilla, then stir in remaining flour mixture. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Banana Cake

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups bananas, overripe, mashed
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped fine (optional)
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together the butter, sugar and eggs. Add the bananas, nuts and vanilla. Prepare the sour milk by stirring the lemon juice into the milk. Sift the dry ingredients and add them to the banana mixture. Mix in the sour milk gently. Pour into a prepared 9 x 12" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour (or until firm in the center).

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

What Can You Do With Hamburger Meat?

2008-02-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

I was recently involved in a discussion about all the things you can do with hamburger meat. So I thought it would be fun to post some recipes here.

Hamburger and Potatoe Casserole

3 potatoes, sliced thin
1 pound hamburger (you can also use ground turkey)
1 small onion
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 - 16 ounce can green beans, drained
1 can cream of celery soup
1/2 can of milk
4 ounces grated Cheddar cheese

Place sliced potatoes in the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Brown hamburger and onion (drain). Put on top of potatoes. Add garlic salt. Next add green beans. Mix celery soup and 1/2 can of milk and pour over beans. Top with grated cheese. Bake, uncovered, in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Cover for last 10 minutes of baking.

Note: Play with flavors here. Try cream or broccoli or cream of mushroom soup. Try swiss cheese.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

1 1/2 pouns ground beef
1 cup tomato sauce seasonings for sloppy joes
2 teaspoons chopped onions
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cans crescent dinner rolls
2 cups shredded cheese

Brown ground beef and tomato sauce in skillet. Add seasonings, onion and salt.

Separate each can of crescent rolls into two large rectangles. Press two into a large 9 by 13 pan.
Spoon on meat mixture and sprinkle the cheese on top. Place two remaining rectangles of dough on top of meat and cheese. Pinch edges and brush top with milk. Bake at 425 for 15 to 20 minutes.

Easy Lasagna

1 lb. ground beef
3 1/2 c. (32 oz.) thick spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 c. water
2 c. (15 oz.) Ricotta cheese
3 c. (15 oz.) shredded Mozzarella
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
8 oz. lasagna, uncooked

Brown beef in 3-quart saucepan; drain off excess fat. Add sauce and water; simmer about 10 minutes. Combine remaining ingredients, except lasagna, for filling. Pour about 1 cup sauce on bottom of 9x13x2-inch baking pan.

Layer 3 pieces of uncooked lasagna over sauce; cover with about 1 1/2 cups sauce. Spread half of cheese filling over sauce. Repeat layers of lasagna, sauce and cheese filling. Top with layer of lasagna and remaining sauce. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Remove foil; bake about 10 minutes longer. Allow to stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Beef Enchilada Casserole

2 pounds ground beef
1 can El Paso enchilada sauce
1 small can chopped green chives
5 ounces Longhorn cheese
1 medium onion
1 can mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pound Velveeta cheese
2 dozen tortilla chips

Cook beef and onion together until beef is done. In skillet, add enchilada sauce, mushroom soup, chicken soup, chopped chives, Velveeta and Longhorn cheese. Layer all the sauce and tortilla into pan and then cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes in a 13 x 10 inch pan lightly greased.

Beef Noodle Soup

1 pound ground beef
1 - 46 ounce V8 juice
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 package ramen noodles, beef flavor
1 - 16 ounce package frozen vegetables

In a large saucepan, on medium heat, cook beef until pink is gone. Drain. Stir in the onion soup mix, V8 juice, seasoning packet from the ramen and the vegetables. (do not add noodles yet)

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 6 minutes uncovered. Return to a boil and add noodles. Cook for 3-4 more minutes. Noodles should be tender.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Layway in Direct Sales

2008-02-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a potential customer say “oh I’d love to buy that but I can’t afford it?” Most of us are taught to overcome that objection, to prove the worth or value of the product. However if the buyer truly can not afford the product, then no matter how convincing we are, a sale is not going to be made.

Have you considered offering a layaway option to those customers who can not afford the item right now? Many years ago, most major retail chains offered a layaway plan. Due to the cost of maintaining these programs, most stores did away with the layaway option. This is your chance to offer what the retailers don’t.

Write up the receipt for the product (s) that your customer wants and then set out the terms. Perhaps their order is $100 and they want to pay $20 per month, over 5 months. Why not accept this? In the end, you’ll have your $100 sale, they’ll have their products, and you’ll have a customer.

Remember, you are not a bank. If the customer comes to you wanting their money back, you are not a bank. When you write up your receipt be very clear there will be a $20 fee for any cancelled transaction.

Depending on the product (s) you sell, you may be able to order the product (s) 5 months down the road, once they are paid for. If you do have to order the product (s) up front, then again, on your receipt be very clear that if a payment is missed, the items will be sold and no money will be returned.

Usually customers are grateful for this service and you’ll get the $20 each month as promised.
Offering layaway to customers is a wonderful way to make yourself stand out as being different and unique.

Try advertising this service and watch your customer base grow.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Cookies and Bars

2008-02-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

My friend Hilary asked me for some bar recipes, you know, lemon bars, oatmeal bars etc. I told her I'd write a blog post and include an assortment of bar recipes. For those that know me, you know that I love peanut butter and chocolate. What could be better than a peanut butter and chocolate brownie?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

Chocolate Batter:
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa, unsweetened
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup peanut butter chips

Peanut Butter Batter:
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup butter, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting:
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
3 tablespoons butter
2 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/2 to 5 tablespoons water

Grease and flour a 13x9-inch baking pan. In mixing bowl, cream 2 cups sugar and 1 cup butter until light and fluffy. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla and 4 eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.

Gradually add 1 1/2 cups flour, cocoa, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Stir in peanut butter chips.

In a small bowl, cream peanut butter and 1/3 cup butter. Add 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons flour; blend well. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla; beat until smooth. Spread half of the chocolate mixture in prepared baking pan. Spread the peanut butter batter over chocolate batter. Spread remaining chocolate batter over top. Gently cut through layers with a knife to create a marbled look.

Bake brownies at 350° for 40 to 50 minutes, or until top springs back with lightly touched in center with finger. Brownies should begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan.
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 squares of chocolate with 3 tablespoons of butter, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in confectioners' sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla, along with enough water to make frosting smooth and spreadable. Spread frosting over the cooled brownies and cut into bars.

Cherry Bars

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups pitted and halved fresh sweet cherries
1/3 cup sliced almonds

Put butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 3 to 4 minutes, or until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Grease the sides and bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan; set aside.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Add to butter mixture; beat 3 to 4 minutes, or until smooth batter forms. Spread half the batter in prepared pan. Scatter cherry halves over batter. Place spoonfuls of remaining batter on top of cherries; gently spread to cover fruit. Sprinkle almonds on top. Bake in a preheated 350° F. oven 30 to 35 minutes, or until wooden pick or skewer inserted in middle comes out clean.

Carrot and Spice Bars

1 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 cup bran flakes cereal
2 eggs
1 jar (2-1/2 ounces) puréed baby food carrots
3/4 cup grated carrot
1/3 cup golden raisins, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat 13X9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine milk and margarine in large microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute or until margarine is melted; add cereal. Let stand 5 minutes. Add eggs; whisk to blend. Add puréed carrots, grated carrot, raisins, orange peel and vanilla.

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda and cinnamon in medium bowl. Add to carrot mixture, stirring until thoroughly blended. Spread into prepared pan.

Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Insert tines of fork into cake at 1-inch intervals. Spoon orange juice over cake. Sprinkle with pecans; press into cake. Cut into 40 bars before serving.

Layered Bars

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup coconut
1 cup peanut butter chips
1-1/4 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup candy-coated candy or baking bits

Preheat oven to 340°F. Lightly spray sides of 13X9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Pour butter into pan. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over butter. Pour condensed milk evenly over crumbs. Sprinkle with coconut, peanut butter chips, cereal, chocolate chips and candies; press down gently on candies.

Bake 25 to 27 minutes or until top just begins to brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Black Forest Brownie Bars

2 cups chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter or margaine, cut into pieces
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups whipped topping
2 cups cherry pie filling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan, melt one cup of the chocolate chips with the butter, on very low heat. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in eggs. Gradually stir in flour, sugar, vanilla nad baking soda. Stir in remaining chocolate chips. Spread into greased 13x9 pan.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Spread on whipped topping. Top with pie filling. Cut into squares.

Raspberry and Chocolate Bars

Crust
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine

Topping
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup raspberry jam
2 cups chocolate chips

To make the crust:
Prehead oven to 375 degree. Combine flour and sugar in medium bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender. Dough should be coarse crumbs. Press onto bottom of greased 9x9 pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Should be set, but not brown.

For topping:
Combine flour, pecans and brown sugar. Cut in butter with pastry blend. Your dough will be course crumbs.

Spread jam over hot crust. Spring with the topping and chocolate chips. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Should now be golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Minty Brownies

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips divided
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 (16-ounce) container prepared vanilla frosting
1 (4 1/2-ounce) tube chocolate decorating icing

For Brownies: Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Combine sugar, butter and water in medium saucepan. Bring just to a boil, over medium heat, stirring constantly; remove from heat.

Add 1 cup morsels, peppermint extract and vanilla extract; stir until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in flour mixture and remaining morsels. Spread into greased 9-inch-square baking pan.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

For Frosting: Spread vanilla frosting over brownie. Squeeze chocolate icing in parallel lines over frosting. Drag wooden pick through chocolate icing to feather. Let stand until frosting is set. Cut into bars.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Tupperware Heat N Serve and Microware Recipes

2008-02-08T05:51:00.000-08:00

I remember when my mom got our first microwave oven. Oh my gosh, she used to love cooking meals in this square box. (yes I'm dating myself). She would make a whole chicken in the microwave, mind you it didn't brown but it certainly was cooked. She then began making desserts in the microwave also.

Today, there are many products designed specifically to be microwave safe. Since Tupperware's Heat n Serve Containers are on sale in February, I thought I'd share some microwave recipes:

Popcorn Mix

1 bag Pillsbury Microwave Popcorn

2 cups crisp wheat square cereal

2 cups Cheddar cheese-flavored goldfish crackers

1 (1 3/4 ounce) can shoestring potatoes

1 cup unsalted peanuts

1/2 cup margarine or butter

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare popcorn as directed on the package. Remove any unpopped kernels. In a Thatsa bowl, combine popcorn, cereal, crackers, shoestring potatoes and peanuts. Place margarine in the 3 cup Heat n Serve container. Microwave on HIGH for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted. Stir in parsley flakes, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Drizzle seasoned mixture over popcorn mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Toss until evenly coated. Transfer half of mixture to the Heat n Serve 6 1/4 cup container. Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring once halfway through heating. Spread on paper towels to cool. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Beef and Potatoes with Gravy

3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

1/3 cup water

1 pound ground beef

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 envelope brown gravy mix

1/4 cup milk

3 tablespoons butter, softened

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Place potatoes and water in either the 6 1/4 or 8 1/4 Heat N Serve container. Cover and microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in large Tupperware skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder, using ther Saucy Silicone Spatula Prepare gravy mix according to package directions. Place potatoes in a Thatsa bowl; add milk, butter, salt and pepper. Beat on medium speed until smooth, again using the Saucy Silicone Spatula. Serve beef and gravy over mashed potatoes.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 1/4 cups milk

3 cups hot cooked rotini pasta

1 (12.5 ounce) can tuna, drained and flaked

1 (2.8 ounce) can French fried onions, divided

1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas and carrots

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

In 8 1/4 cup Heat N Serve container, mix soup and milk. Stir in pasta, tuna, 2/3 cup French fried onions, vegetables and cheese. Cover; microwave 10 minutes or until hot, stirring once. Top with remaining 2/3 cup onions. Microwave 1 minute.

Skinny Chocolate Cake

1 package (18.25 oz.) chocolate cake mix

1 cup water

1/3 cup fat-free salad dressing or mayonnaise

3 egg whites or 6 tablespoons liquid egg whites

In a Mix-N-Stor® Plus Pitcher, combine first 5 ingredients, blending well with Saucy Silicone Spatula. Spray Heat 'N Serve™ 6 1/4-cup Round Container with cooking spray. Pour batter into prepared container and place in microwave uncovered. Microwave on High for 7-10 minutes, (depending on microwave power) rotating container during baking; cake should pull away from sides slightly and be a little sticky on top. Toothpick should test clean when inserted into center of cake. If necessary, microwave an additional minute and check; repeat until done.Cool 4-5 minutes and invert onto serving plate. Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar or simple glaze.

Gooey Chocolate Brownies

1 (15.1 oz.) pkg. fudge brownie mix (8” x 8” pan size)

1 large egg

3 tablespoons water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 (12 oz.) jar caramel sauce (optional)

In a 6¼ cup Heat ’N Serve™ Container mix together fist 4 ingredients using a Saucy Silicone Spatula. Microwave uncovered on High for 5–6 minutes (rotate every 2 minutes if you don’t have a turntable) until toothpick tests clean. Cool slightly before scooping out of container; serve warm with 2 Tbsp. of caramel sauce (optional) drizzled over each brownie.

Broccoli Dip

1 package frozen broccoli pieces

1 block of Velveeta Cheese

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

Cook broccoli according to package directions and drain. Cut Velveeta Cheese into small pieces and place in the 6 1/4 c. Heat N Serve Container; add in the garlic powder and onion powder. Microwave on medium-high power for 3 minutes. Using Saucy Silicone Spatula, stir cheese mixture. Place back into the microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes until its all melted and smooth. Stir in the drained broccoli pieces and mix well. Serve warm with crackers or appetizer breads.

To order any of the Tuppereware Heat n Serve containers or any other product, please visit http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Audrey :)

Soup

2008-02-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

When the weather is cold, many of us enjoy a hot bowl of soup. I'd like to share some soup recipes to warm even the coldest winter night.

These first recipes are for the meat lovers:

Easy Ramen and Beef Soup

1 pound ground beef
1 - 46 ounce can V8 Juice
1 envelops onion soup mix
1 package beef flavor Top Ramen noodles
1 - 16 ounce package frozen mixed vegetables

In a saucepan cook meat until all pink is gone. Drain. Stir in the V8 juice, soup mix, seasoning packet from the Ramen (not the noodles) and the mixed vegatables.

Bring to a bil. Reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes (vegetables should be tender). Bring to another boil and add noodles. Boil for 3-4 mintues (noodles should be tender). Serve.

Vegetable and Steak Soup

1 pound sirloin steak cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups cubed red potatoes
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrot
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup water
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 can beef broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced chives
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried basil

In a saucepan, cook beef and onion in oil until all pink is gone. Drain. Stir in potatoes, carrots and peas. Add beef broth, water, vinegar, parsley, chives, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

And now for those who prefer chicken over beef:

Chicken and Rice Soup

2 - 14 ounce cans of chicken broth
2 cups uncooked instant rice
1 cup water
1 - 16 ounce package of frozen mixed vegetables
1 - 6 ounce package of grilled chicken strips cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoone minced fresh parsley

In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth, water, vegetables, chicken, poultry seasoning and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add in rice and parsely. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 tomatoes, chopped (remove skin)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 green chile, seeded and chopped
Shredded cheese
tortillas, cut in strips and fried

Sautee onions and garlic until soft. Combine all ingredients in pot and cook at least 30 minutes. When serving, add shredded cheese and tortilla strips.

And for the non meat/poultry readers:

Spinach Soup

1 tablespoon margarine
2 - 10 ounce packages frozen spinach
1 - 11 ounce can cream of potato soup
1 soup can of milk
2 tablespoons white port wine
salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste

In a microwave dish, combine the spinach and margaine and microwave for one minute. Add remaining ingredients and microwave for six minutes. Serve hot.

Onion and Apple Soup

3 tablespoons margarine
8 cups chopped white onions
2 cups water
4 1/2 cups unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup port white wine
1 medium apple pared and grated
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel

In a soup pot, saute the onions in the butter until browned. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Tupperware 3-In-1 Container

2008-02-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

New in February, Tupperware 3-In-1 Container

USES FOR 3-IN-1 CONTAINER

1. Q-tips – cotton balls – soaps
2. Drink center: hot chocolate – tea bags – coffee
3. Drink center accessories: powdered creamer – sugar – low calorie sugar
4. Chocolate chips – nuts – powdered sugar
5. M&Ms: plain – peanut – almond
6. Colored bath salts: blue – pink – yellow
7. Ice Cream center: nuts – sprinkles – candies
8. Pastas: shells – bows – spirals
9. Red hots – heart-shaped candies – licorice
10. Nuts – bolts – nails
11. Paper clips – rubber bands – binder clips
12. Pencils – pens – markers
13. Batteries – A – AA – AAA
14. Gum – mints – candies
15. Thread – needles – buttons
16. Emery boards – fingernail clippers – cotton balls
17. Legos – Bright Lite lights – marbles
18. Barbie accessories: shoes – purses – hats
19. Dog treats – cat treats – birdseed
20. Postage stamps – stickers – address

To order this product or any other Tupperware product, visit http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Networking

2008-02-04T06:23:00.001-08:00

I hope you all enjoyed the game yesterday. Not only was the game a good game but we actually enjoyed many of the commercials also.

Since my blog is combination of recipes and business ramblings, I wanted to offer some thoughts on networking, true networking today.

I was surfing the net yesterday and found a blog. I left a comment on a custom card that was made by a blogger. I loved it. It was a lone heart in the bottom right hand corner.

Imagine my surprise when I received an email this morning that the card was mine. The card can be viewed at http://katzelbows.blogspot.com/ Scroll down to the January 30th entry. That's my card you're seeing there :)

After getting the email I revisited the blog and saw Rachel's business links and began clicking. Turns out Rachel sells rubber stamps http://www.theinkpadnyc.com/welcome.htm Everyone who knows me, knows that I'm a scrapbook fanatic and rubber stamper. Whose site do you think I'll be adding to my recommend list when folks ask me about rubber stamping? Yep, Rachel's.

Try saying hi to others and see what happens. Sometimes it's magic.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Superbowl Appetizers

2008-02-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

When I think of the Superbowl, I think of football, commercials and appetizers. Here are some of my favorite appetizer recipes:

What would a superbowl party be without chicken wings?

Apricot Brandy Chicken Wings

2 1/4 pounds chicken wings
1 cup dried apricots
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup apricot brnady
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

In a sauce pan cook the apricots in water until soft. Tranfer to a food processor and puree. Return to sauce pan, add brandy sugar and cinnamon. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Broil chicken wings for 10 minutes on each side. During last 5 minutes of cooking brush apricot sauce on wings. After cooking brush on sauce again. Serve hot.

Salmon Stuffed Cucumber Slices

1 english cucumber
1 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup minced smoked salmon
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoon dijon mustard

Pare the cucumber and cut into 1/3 inch lenghts. Remove the center pulp and seeds with an apple corere.

Marinate the cucumbers in a mixture of the oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper for about 2 hours. Drain.

Mix together the salmon, mayonnaise and mustard. Stuff the mixture intot he cucumbers and slice into bit sized slices.

Tortilla Wraps

Tortillas
Lox and cream cheese or
Spinach dip or
Chicken salad or
Ham and cheese

Lay tortilla out flat. Spread a thin layer of your favorite sandwich filling. Roll tight and then cut into bit sized circles. This works best if fillings are chilled.

Enjoy the game!! Go Team!!

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

Saying Thank You

2008-02-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

I read the most wonderful blog post today.http://www.eventsininkonline.blogspot.com/ In her post Michelle talks about writing thank you notes and offers several tips on who to thank and what to say.

As I read her post, I thought about all of the pens my daughters and I own. We own fine point pens, medium point pens, roller pens, ball point pens, fine tip marking pens and an assortment of other pen styles. We own pens in so many different colors that storage used to be a problem.

After joining Tupperware I began using the products to truly organize all rooms of my house. The Snak Stor and the Cold Cut Keeper are excellent for storing pens, pencils, crayons and markers.

These containers are only 2 1/2 to 3 inches high making all items inside very easy to see and get to.

For plane trips, not only will these containers hold the pens and markers, but paper, a deck of cards and for those with electronic games, these are great containers to hold the games, the rule books etc while traveling.

I'd like to offer my own personal thank you to Michelle for her great post that led me to think about pens and the many ways our pens can enhance paper to say thank you to someone else.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka