By Barb Girson

To Sales / Business Networking Ninjas, networking is a way to utilize tools to reach and infiltrate other professionals, as well as a way to employ business pursuit tactics to generate new business.  In this context, business is a fierce match, and Networking Ninjas its players.

Business Networking Ninjas by trade meet multitudes of people.  During each said interaction, Ninjas make a habit of sharing what they do, what they have done and what they will do.  Business Networking Ninjas know this interaction is done on both the verbal and non-verbal scale.  While it is the verbal cues that often move optimistic encounters along, Sales Ninjas give the non-verbal cues that signal “Dismiss” or “next” as soon as one appears uninterested in your product or service. Business Networking Ninjas are ALL about the sale.  Sales Networking Ninjas never really get what networking is about.

Polished, professional and goal-oriented as a Ninja may be, the Ninja does however fall short of business perfection.  Can you guess why?

Outcome Obsession!

In the process of a Sales Ninja becoming connected to a potential outcome, the Ninja fails to connect to the actual person.  Whereas this rarely works at a speed-dating event, this practice will always be regrettable in business.  Fast and furious networking leads to futile networking!

So let’s get something straight:

If you compared networking to cooking, it’s a crock pot—not microwave. The main ingredients in the recipe to building strong business relationships are time, trust, and talking to one another.

To effectively network to build business relationships:

1. Steer clear of Business Networking Ninjas. They are not concerned with the effort it takes to foster a connection or relationship.
2. Understand that networking is the process and the purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships.
3. Relationships develop with repeated conversations and shared experiences. Find those who have mutual interest.
4. Open your mind.  People can bring value and meaning to your business in limitless ways… Look beyond the traditional sale.  Forgo the pursuit of networking for the immediate outcome and when it occurs, be delighted.

To learn how to handle the 3 most common concerns that women entrepreneurs, small business owners, and sales professionals encounter when networking visit: How to conquer the 3 most networking concerns – pushy, perfection-possibly-no

To learn the art and science of networking to build relationships and generate leads register for Network for New Work.

About The Author Barb Girson, International Direct Selling Industry expert, trainer and Registered Corporate Coach(TM), is a highly interactive, creative speaker & author offering professional skill development programs for workshops, leader retreats, and annual conventions & telecasts sales training programs. Custom programs /Coaching 1:1 available.

Barb Girson helps companies, teams & entrepreneurs gain confidence, get into action, & most importantly… grow sales.  To sign up for her next FREE sales training teleclass / join her free email list & get ‘Sales Strategies that Stick’ ezine, Visit MySalesTactics.com to learn more. Need a speaker for your next event? Contact Barb Girson:  614.855.0446

Edited by Robyn Brooke
[Download PDF Version of Are you a Business Networking Ninja? - 4 Ways to Effectively Network to Build Business Relationships]

Smart companies filter actions through a clearly-defined set of values. They do this because they know that there is a price to pay when they don’t base business decisions on what’s most important. Business moves quickly and it is so easy to get derailed or let external forces determine your business decisions. The sad result of this is that you end up feeling that your business has lost direction, meaning or purpose. Not to mention clients and customers.

If you feel out of control, overwhelmed or just plain ticked off that you’ve committed to other people’s priorities that aren’t also your own, chances are you are not honoring your values. And your business – certainly your life – feels out of whack.

So it’s vital that you know what values are most important to you, because your values provide you with a way to filter business decisions. As a simple example, let’s say you own a running and walking shoe retail store and you have running and walking clubs that meet weekly. And let’s say that one of your top three values is healthy living. You probably wouldn’t ask a candy or cookie company to sponsor your weekly running clubs. It’s not in alignment with your values and it would likely tarnish if not derail your reputation.

If you are struggling with to uncover your core values, use these helpful hints:

1. Think of an experience where you felt that you had the best time of your life. Chances are you feel that way because your values were being honored.
2. Think of an experience that you felt was awful. Chances are your values were being violated.
3. You may feel that some things that are traditionally considered values are actually the results of living your values. For example, perhaps “family” isn’t one of your core values, but rather a result of living your values.
4. Selecting your top values is not about how perfectly you are currently living them. Your core values don’t change much throughout your life. Perhaps you just haven’t been honoring them lately. Don’t judge yourself.

You will know when you’re getting close to uncovering your top core value when you feel you just simply couldn’t live without it.

© 2012 Meredith Liepelt, Rich Life Marketing

Meredith Liepelt, President of Rich Life Marketing, offers a free report called “101 Ways to Attract Ideal Clients, Build Your List and Raise Your Profile,” which can be downloaded immediately at www.RichLifeMarketing.com.

_Have you heard yourself saying, "I am so sick of making calls, leaving voice mails and not getting anyone to return my phone calls!" Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why don't they call me back?" "Am I being avoided?" "Am I being too PUSHY?" 

Reaching out to your customers on a regular basis is simply a good practice.  Befriending the phone is one of the best ways to build your business, and master your conversational skills to develop relationships.

Equally important to deciding whom to call, what to say and when— is to put yourself in the right frame of mind, and manage your expectations for reasonable results.  In the absence of preparation, your sessions might feel tedious, painful and unproductive, like having a tooth pulled. Until I wrapped my head around how my phone calls were landing, and began to see each call as an opportunity to WOW my customers with my standard of dedication to service, the phone to me was King Kong: heavy and intimidating.

Most sales professionals do not keep enough regular contact with their customers or clients.  This action is a way to set you apart. Your level of service is how you ultimately distinguish yourself between you and fellow entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and direct sellers.

The phone has changed.

It is said that upwards of 85% of outbound phone calls go to voice mail today. This means that if you find yourself expecting to receive a return call, as if you were calling a friend, you will end up routinely disappointed. It is important to understand this upfront, as failure to do so might result in a vicious cycle of feeling defeated, which consequently will derail your desire to enthusiastically make phoning a regular part of your business practice.

Here is what you need to STOP doing to get over the "Why Don't They Call Me Back" syndrome: 

1. STOP expecting the return phone call.
This means that if you do get one, you can be pleasantly surprised.  On the whole, however, people today do not return calls like they used to. If you are calling someone who works in corporate America, many times it was not until the end of the day that one is able to check their voice mail.  I recall my era in that role, and the volume of meetings, tasks, and ad hoc items prevented a steady attention to my phone.

 
2. STOP asking them to return your call.
Make it a point to call them again. When you leave a message that asks someone to return your call, you have inadvertently just made yourself an item on their already overflowing TO DO LIST.  Reaching the contact is your responsibility and your priority. Yes, leave your phone number as a courtesy, however, let your contact know that you will try to reach them again.  When you do this be sure to state when you will try back, along with a short, compelling reason as to why you wish to speak. It could be that you have exciting news to share about what is being offered this month or to update them on a new product release. Do not use this air time to try and sell, book or recruit.  Indicate if the reason you are calling is time-sensitive and give your deadline. (I need to touch base with you by Thursday…)
 
3. STOP calling and not leaving any message.
Today in our technologically tethered world, if you dial a number and hang up without leaving a message, there is a good chance the person can identify your number. This person who might be screening their calls, or setting  next to their phone and is using voicemail for the peace of some uninterrupted work time.   Regardless of their reason for not picking up, make it your practice to always leave a brief, motivating message – indicating you have something of value or newsworthy to offer.
 
4. STOP wondering if you are being a pest.
Most of the time, people will respect you for providing great customer care.  If you have left several voice messages and wonder if your efforts are being appreciated, give the recipient an opportunity to 'opt out'.  This exit strategy yields the strongest response.   "Hi Sue, this is Barb from My Sales Tactic, — making my customer care calls. We missed each other again!  I will keep trying until we finally connect unless you prefer that I don't. Please let me know and I will be respectful."  If you don't hear back, let some time and space go by before your next attempt.

5. STOP feeling bad about calling again.
Use permission-based phone follow up. Always end each interaction with your prospect by saying, "May I contact you again when there is something new?"

Each time your customer or prospect hears your voice directly; you are re-positioning yourself at the top of their mind, and delivering a memorable standard of personal service. When you remain at the top of the mind, your chances of meeting your customer’s needs and wants will increase.  These service-minded habits will help you develop a mutually beneficially relationship where your contacts prioritize reaching you when they are ready!

When you STOP making these five common telephone traps, you will START to realize your best opportunities are within your control. Barb Girson Original Work© 2011 All Rights Reserved Edited by Robyn Girson [Download a PDF Version of this article] Change the way you reach your customers, register now for the next Unforgettable Follow Up.   Featured Product Unforgettable Follow Up - Self - Study
Great Value! (Regular: $99)Interested in adding organization and structure to your follow up strategy? Learn sales follow up techniques and word choices that work. Discover how to deal more effectively with voicemail, phone follow up, email and more.
__________________________________________________________________________________________ About The Author Barb Girson, International Direct Selling Industry Expert, Trainer & Coach, helps companies, teams & entrepreneurs gain confidence, get into action, & most importantly… grow sales by sharing her "Strategies That Stick™". Barb is a highly interactive, creative speaker and author offering customized, professional skill development programs for workshops, meetings and teleconference training programs. Active participants "Sell more, stop worrying and STICK with what works™. Visit www.MySalesTactics.com to learn more.

At every networking event you attend you may be asked at least once, “May I have your business card?”  You graciously hand them your card. So what do they do with your card once they are back in their office?  Most put in the ever growing pile.    How do you get your business card to standout from the rest?

It begins with your conversation.  It begins with a first impression.  By presenting yourself as an Authentic Connection, you begin the conversation truly engaging in that person.  Don’t worry about the next person you are going to meet or scoping the room for someone you know.

Standout from other conversations; start with asking about their day or complementing them on something they are wearing – make it personal.  Remember when you are networking, your first priority is to build relationships. 

Now when they return to their office, where do you think your business card will end up?  Most likely it will be next to their phone or calendar to follow up with you.

However, be sure to keep a lasting impression by doing two things:

1. Create a business card that stands out from the rest.  Here is a video that brings home that point. 
2. Follow up with them in a unique way.  Yes it is easy to send a quick email, but think outside the box by finding a way to follow up that is Authentic and is in alignment with you.

© 2010 Renee Belbeck, National Association of W.O.M.E.N.

Renee Belbeck, Founder National Association of W.O.M.E.N,, leads a networking organization that is unique, by putting her members first and help the backbone of economics by helping the small business owner grow to their full potential. www.nationalassociationofwomen.com.

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.

To sell your gifts this season, connect with customer mind set. Take notice of how you position verbal and printed messages as you recommend the gift-giving option. Think about what the average consumer spends for the different components of their holiday priority list and use this information to give practical suggestions. As conversing evolves into questions, be prepared to move the conversation to one of new opportunity, for a stronger, more successful holiday season. Trends influencing gift-giving this season includes themes, such as, simplicity, streamlining, convenience shopping (online and catalog), improving health and fitness and nesting. (Source: http://Giftingresources.com/gifts/hottrends) If you can package your product or service in accordance with one of these trends, you will be much more apt to spark interest.

Here are 4 Handy Tips to Help You Share & Sell Your Gifts this Season: 1. Terrific Opening Phrases (T.O.P.)
A terrific opening phrase is one that gets your conversation spinning in the right direction. With a little thought and preplanning about an opening phrase, you are more likely to create initial intrigue, and then revenue. Please note that this preparation is different than memorizing a canned conventional elevator speech. By having a few thoughtful phrases in mind, you can select the key words to match the moment. While you are mingling and mixing this holiday season, remember to give a thoughtful reply to common opening questions. When someone asks you what it is that you do, steer clear of functional responses. Mechanically stating functions, titles, or job tasks do not sell When you respond with "I am a marketing manager; I sell kitchen tools; I am a director of communications"; you are essentially stating functions of what it is that you do versus what it is that you do for others. To get to the root of what you offer, I encourage you to consider what it is that you really sell? The responses take form when you focus on the feelings and benefits your customer gain from your product or services. Notice the impact of addressing a common inquiry with meaningful action words. "I help", "I lead", or "I teach customers… " are just some of the ways you can create consequential exchanges. What is it that you do for your customers?

2. Make Your Message Resonate with the Mood
Take a recent advertisement for gift cards from a local restaurant. The headline reads, "Give the gift of togetherness". While the actual product they are selling is a gift card, their message evokes the feelings from being with family and experiencing friendship. Strategic communication bridges a product to an experience. Is your message strategic and experiential? How does your message resonate?

3. Remember the Intangible Gifts – The Gift of AcknowledgementIt is essential to remember the gift of acknowledgment. Consumers face many choices today when it comes time to spending money. As an entrepreneur, you send a powerful message when you personally connect with your customers. I was personally the recipient of this connection during an appointment at Charles Penzone Salon. While sitting in the chair, Debra Penzone, President of Charles Penzone Salon, stopped by the station and shook my hand. She thanked me for my business and for being a loyal customer. I was immediately impressed by her gratitude and appreciation, and the gesture of herwalking the floor. Charles and Debra Penzone have been one of the leading salons in the region for over 40 consecutive years. They have received numerous awards for their work including, 1"Top 20 Salon Owners from Salon Today Magazine in 2003" and they were recognized by Salon Today Magazine as "Power Players" in the salon and spa industry in 2008. We can all learn from Debra's action. Despite all of the success Debra and Charles have already achieved, she still takes the time personally to recognize her valued customers. Have you acknowledged your customers lately? 4. Always Be Ready
Sometimes opportunities for potential business or possible referrals present themselves in the least convenient places. In continuation of my story above, as Debra and I chatted, we found common connections through people we both know from NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners). She recognized that I must have my own business and asked me what I do. With joy and as much professionalism I could muster up, with my hair color slathered all over my head, I said, "I help companies, teams and entrepreneurs gain confidence (a feeling), get into action (a benefit) and most importantly g-r-o-w sales (a result)…by designing and delivering custom training/coaching programs." And as I asked her to kindly remember the face on my business card, instead of messy one sitting before her, we shared a laugh. I was glad to have had a prepared opening phrase and a business card handy. Otherwise, I would have allowed the special moment to pass and the potential connection to perish. So carry your business cards, think about your terrific opening phrases and realize that you never know where or when the next opportunity to grow your business will appear.

Are you ready? 1 Chicago: History – Charles Penzone Family of Salons, http://www.charlespenzone.com/charles-penzone-inc/history.aspx (accessed December 2, 2009).

Note: To learn how to set up or refine your follow up systems, or to determine who to call, what to say or how effectively to get your follow up done, join me on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2011. I will devote my day and share my system for Unforgettable Follow Up™ with registered participants.

Download PDF Version of this Article

Barb Girson Original Work© 2011 All Rights ReservedPermission to Reprint (See below)

Permission to reprint my articles is granted with inclusion of "About the Author, contact information, & active web site link". About The Author Barb Girson, International Direct Selling Industry Expert, Trainer & Coach, helps companies, teams & entrepreneurs gain confidence, get into action, & most importantly… grow sales by sharing her "Strategies That Stick™". Barb is a highly interactive, creative speaker and author offering customized, professional skill development programs for workshops, meetings and teleconference training programs. Active participants "Sell more, stop worrying and STICK with what works™. Visit www.MySalesTactics.com to learn more.

I had one of those 'aha!' moments the other day when I received this email from Andrea J. Lee's Best of Multiple Streams f'ree ecourse. The subject line was:Niche + Problem + Format = Income Stream

Out of a deluge of emails in my inbox this one instantly jumped out at me - as a (much needed) reminder of just how simple online business really is! And how much I had been overcomplicating some things in my business lately...

I've been knee deep in online business for years now - coming up on ten years actually - and despite all the great new things that arise in the online world it all comes back to this simple formula.

To break it down...
Niche:
Definition: A niche is a group of people who have common issues and problems and who hang out together in some organized fashion.

Who do you serve?
It is essential that you have a clearly defined and specific niche market. This is the foundational piece in the '8 Steps to Building a Multiple Streams Business' that we've been teaching for years now... and is the one area where many businesses fall apart.

If you don't have a good handle on your niche it becomes really hard to effectively tap into the specific needs of a market and provide products/services that serve that market (and that they are willing to pay for!) We go into finding your niche in great detail in Pink Spoon Marketing - be sure to check it out if this feels like an area that needs some work in your business.

Problem
People spend money on things that will help ease the 'pain' of their problems.

What keeps your niche up at night?
When you know what it is that the people in your niche market struggle with, then you can look for ways to help them - the solution becomes obvious. The key is, of course, to know what their problems are in the first place! And the thing is, this will change from time to time... so you need to make sure you are always 'plugged in' to your niche.

How to find out their problems? Ask them what their biggest challenge is, and listen to their answers - look for themes. Read their blogs. Subscribe to their ezines. Follow their tweets. Pay attention.

Format
Once you know the problem, you want to consider how you are going to package and deliver the solution.

What is the best package for your solution?
The options for packaging today are simply endless - everything from print-on-demand services (for books, CDs and such) through to webinar, multimedia and online video. It actually wasn't too long ago that we were limited by our packaging choices, as many options were complex and expensive. We've come a long way baby!

When looking at packaging you want to consider two things:

1. What will be appealing to my market? If you are marketing to baby-boomers they may prefer a print book to an ebook. If you are marketing to twenty-somethings you may want to do an online video series.
   
2. What would I enjoy creating? If you love speaking but aren't a big writer, drop the idea of writing a book and look to create classes, trainings, recordings and such. If you are camera shy you may not want to go the online video route. It is just as important for you to enjoy the creation process, otherwise you will get frustrated, stuck and may never finish your product.

And there you go - at the heart of things it really is just that easy.This is one super powerful little formula - one that I recommend you print off and post on your wall.

If you want to dive deeper into any element of this simple formula check out the Pink Spoon Marketing Multimedia Home-Study Kit which will take you step-by-step through the process of building your business online

Tina Forsyth is the author of Becoming an Online Business Manager: Playing a Bigger Game with Your Clients and Yourself. She writes and consults in advanced online marketing and business systems for business owners and their support teams. www.OnlineBusinessManager.com

Here’s what to do first to get inside your potential customer’s shoes. Think about the problem that you are trying to solve for that ideal customer. Then, imagine the information that you would look for before spending a penny on a purchase. If you need help, consider questions around the who, what, where, when, why, how, and how much. The answers to these questions become part of your check list of items to cover on your sales page. Additionally, review at least three sales pages of people whom you admire and would purchase from. Scrutinize their sales page to determine what elements they covered such as:

1. Creating credibility with the audience by listing evidence of knowledge and expertise, awards, credentials, etc. People want to know that they are buying from an expert on the subject.

2. Addressing the potential customer’s pain by creating a solution for their problems. Examples include: how do I find more customers, how do I build my potential customer contact list, how do I manage my time better, etc.

3. Listing several benefits that the customer will enjoy by making a purchase, such as this product will save time, money, or increase sales.

4. Demonstrating how an investment in the product will pay for itself. For example, if the customer purchases a product that explains how to sell products from the stage more effectively, and then puts those new skills to work and sells oodles of products at her next speaking engagement, then the purchase has paid for itself. Sometimes customers don't take this into account, so you'll want to point this out.

5. Providing testimonials with full names and pictures of past happy customers lending further credibility to the seller and their business. For potential customers who are not familiar with you by reputation, this will go a long way to build trust.

6. Creating an incentive for customers to act in a timely manner by offering bonuses by a deadline or a sale price with a definitive cutoff date. I once even heard Oprah share that she likes the Clinique gifts-with purchase incentives! Everyone loves a deal, and so provide a reason to “act now.”

7. Making a personal connection with the audience by including a picture and some appealing biographical information. By connecting with your audience, you make yourself relatable and familiar. Don’t be afraid to “appear human” by admitting past hurdles that you overcame or learned the hard way that you’ll share with customers saving them the pain.

8. Providing a guarantee for customers that will allow them to purchase a product or service without reservation. You’ll need to decide how long a guarantee that you’ll offer, but providing a way for customers to get their money back will overcome buyer’s hesitation.

9. Adding eye-appealing formatting and graphics to make the page visually appealing and compliment the text. You know the difference between a hastily patched together web page that looks “home made” as opposed to a professionally designed page, so make sure that your page looks stellar.

Add these applicable items to your above checklist. By now you should be able to draft your sales page. Then you’ll want to give it a rest for a day or two. After another read and a few more tweaks, it’s time to have someone else do a complete edit of your copy to ensure proper formatting, readability, grammar, and to ensure that your links work properly.

Test the sales page with members of your team, or, if you are just starting out, colleagues and friends.

Finally, after a complete review, announce your sales page with panache to your lists…and then watch the sales come in

Self-made multimillionaire entrepreneur and Inc. 500 CEO Ali Brown is devoted to creating financial freedom for women globally through the power of entrepreneurship. To learn how to create wealth and live an extraordinary life now, register for her free weekly articles at www.AliBrown.com

Make yourself standout at tradeshows or networking events by handing out something that makes you unique or tells a little more about your business than just a business card.  If you have free samples put them in a small cellophane bag that you can pick up at Joann Fabrics or Discount Cards or Party Store Outlet and attach a card that has a photo of you on the front with your website and business information and a special tip on the back related to your business.  For example if you sell Make Up put in eye shadow or lip gloss sample and on the card put tips on how to apply the makeup for daytime and evening.  If you sell vitamins put a sample in the bag and tips related to vitamins on the back, maybe a reminder of what vitamins people are lacking or what IU means compared to mg.(How many IU's do I want or how many mg's?)  This is confusing for me to remember the difference and I would hold on to a card that had a tip I wanted to refer back to!

So give something of value, packaged attractively, make yourself stand out and leave a lasting impression.

I learned quickly in direct sales that I had to approach booking parties with a plan or I would not book parties. Thus when I decided to become a booking expert and truly master the skill, my booking average went up to 3-4 bookings per party.

Because my success was not without struggle, my experience helped me relate to the discomfort involved with asking for parties and ultimately made it possible for me to help others overcome it. I will never forget how uncomfortable I felt when I first started. Learning can be painful but building skill is priceless.

I perfected my strategy when I fused the mindset of booking parties with my method of securing new commitments on the calendar. I broke down the mechanics into the following formula:

Guests are more likely to book when they anticipate you to invite them. Set the stage for bookings. · Guests are more likely to book parties when they know you, like you and trust you.

Read on to see how many of the booking steps you practice from my 'Barb's Better Booking' Checklist'. As you can tell, it is not one single action that yields more bookings, but many small intentional actions that will improve results. See if you can incorporate a few new steps into your booking protocol, steps designed to enhance the know, like, and trust factors for you.

Barb's Better Booking Checklist
___1. Build Party Attendance - It is hard to book a party or earn money with a chair, sofa or lamp so remember, the more people at the party, the more potential for prosperity (for you and your Host). Make sure your Host is talking up the benefits of attending the party. Emphasize the education, as well as the fun factor, as the combination draws a bigger crowd.

___2. Challenge Your Host To Help - Ask your Host to have a booking waiting for you before you arrive. Enlist the Host to help you and make it worth your Host's worthwhile.

___3. Offer To Call Each Guest Before The Party - As a service to your Host, offer to call each guest to confirm their attendance, and in doing so encourage them to bring a friend. Making a personal connection with potential guests prior to the party helps you build the "know, like and trust" factor and establishes your standard of customer service. Even leaving a voice mail can highlight your professionalism and show how you support each Host. Most direct sellers overlook this step, so making pre-party calls will set yourself apart.

___3. Arrive Early To Be Booking Ready - Arriving before guests allows you to not only to set up early and chat with your Host but also frees you to greet guests when they do arrive. Take advantage of the opportunity to build rapport. Ask your Host to share a little about each guest with you. Who likes to have parties? Who is involved in organizations? Who might appreciate free products or want to earn some money? Make notes on your guest list.

___4. Greet Guests With Interest - Learn something special about each guest in your pre-party chat. What do they do? Where do they live? How do they know the Host? How familiar are they with your product line?

___5. Remember Guest Names - When you sincerely address guests by name, you communicate that they are important to you. If you cannot remember everyone's name, consider using name tags.

___6. Decide To Deliver Booking Bids - Determine before you start when you will deliver 3 booking bids to the group. This means deciding when you will invite others to consider booking and what you will say in each invitation. Be prepared, not scripted or robotic. Be direct or you might drive home and realize you forgot to ask.

___7. Promote Your Host Benefits - Promote the benefits of being a Host through both your verbal and non-verbal communication. Pass around Host specials. Refer to the Host program. Inform others what Hosts can earn when they open up their homes for a party.

___8. Highlight Your Host - Make each Host feel genuinely appreciated and special. Without their hospitality you would not have a vehicle to build your party plan business. Publicly acknowledge your Host today and others will be more inclined to Host in the future.

___9. Party With Play - Always remember, it is a party you are promoting. Infuse fun and laughter into your party process and bookings will follow. The more your guests enjoy the time together, the more they will want to repeat the experience and get their own friends together. It is up to you to create the party atmosphere.

___10. Give Personal Invitations - Ask each guest individually to be one of your special Hosts. "Would you be willing to invite me into your home to host your own party [or get together]?" Do not pre-determine who will and who won't say yes. Ask everyone. This single practice boosted my booking results tremendously.

With practice, you will increase your bookings and build a business with solid confidence. Develop your style so that you are using the most effective word choices that work for you. Challenge yourself to get to a point where if your calendar ever looks slim, you have the power to rebuild it. With this knowledge you will attract others intentionally to schedule with YOU!


Intro:
I learned quickly in direct sales that I had to approach booking parties with a plan or I would not book parties. Thus when I decided to become a booking expert and truly master the skill, my booking average went up to 3-4 bookings per party.

Because my success was not without struggle, my experience helped me relate to the discomfort involved with asking for parties and ultimately made it possible for me to help others overcome it. I will never forget how uncomfortable I felt when I first started. Learning can be painful but building skill is priceless. Read on to see how many of the booking steps you practice from my 'Barb's Better Booking' Checklist'.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Barb Girson, International Direct Selling Industry expert, trainer and coach, is a highly interactive, creative speaker & author offering professional skill development programs for workshops, leader retreats, and annual conventions & teleclass sales training programs. Custom programs /Coaching 1:1 available.

Barb Girson helps companies, teams & entrepreneurs gain confidence, get into action, & most importantly... grow sales. To sign up for her next FREE sales training teleclass / join her free email list & get 'Sales Strategies that Stick' ezine, Visit http://www.MySalesTactics.com to learn more.

Need a speaker for your next event? Contact Barb: 614.855.0446

As the New Year approaches we reflect and examine SELF. Traditionally, New Year’s is a time of declaring and decreeing new resolutions – these are merely statements. In lieu of declaring resolutions have you considered goal setting? Frequently, we verbalize resolutions knowing the results are short term - they are painful. In goal setting we propose questions such as WHAT and WHY. WHAT is my desired goal? WHY do I desire this goal? WHAT measures are necessary to achieve this goal and WHAT is my desired outcome? Once accomplishing this goal, how will it FEEL and LOOK?

Specifically, the WHY keeps us motivated, focused and our expectations high – it is our driving force. Visualize your goals of purging the catch-all room, tidying the basement, decluttering your child’s room, developing a system promoting a more functional office environment. These are goals with a strong desire for achievement and therefore your fervent desire fuels your motivation even in the face of distraction and interruptions. 

The goal of a recent clientl was to transform her craft/sewing room into a functional home office. In a minimum of two hours her mission was accomplished. My goal is to assist you in accomplishing similar results, while bringing you freedom, comfort and emotional ease from your clutter and disorganization.

January is an opportune time for you as the Organizing Profession has designated January as GO month (Get Organized). My desire and passion is to pilot you into a successful, organized, prosperous New Year. Without further ado, allow me the honor of serving you in your home, office, or other preferred area. NO MORE

PROCRASTINATING, LET’S GET GOAL-ING NOW!
By: Karen Augustine,  614-785-9047
www.NeatNichebyKaren.com