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How To Get More Referrals

How To Get More Referrals

It’s no secret that referrals are an excellent way to boost sales; potential customers are much more comfortable doing business with people they meet via personal recommendations.  Wouldn’t you be?  Why is it then that they seem so difficult to come by?  Pursuing referrals is a lot like any other skill; it takes commitment and practice.  The first step is making the search for referrals a regular and necessary part of your business.  Implement the following suggestions to start doing so.

  • Ask!  This seems obvious, but many people shy away from asking for referrals directly from their customers.  There are, of course, certain ways to ask that are more effective than others, such as being specific.  For example, instead of asking, “Who do you know that would want my services?” a better question is, “Who do you know that loves to cook?” A specific question will draw more names from your customer and will also bring you relevant leads rather than a whole list of people who may not be interested in what you offer.
  • Help others.  You may be missing an opportunity to put yourself in a mutually beneficial situation.  Attending a charity event in which a friend or family member is involved can be useful in obtaining referrals.  You will be helping someone out, contributing to a cause, and meeting new prospects all at the same time.
  • Build strong relationships.  Of course you want your clients to trust you, but you also want them to be enthusiastic about doing business with you.  Find out what your customers are passionate about and cater to that when interacting with them.  You will be able to add a personal touch to your business dealings, which will in turn impress your customer, who will want to tell his or her friends about you.  Always be professional, courteous, and caring.
  • Set a precise goal for yourself.  Make it part of your daily work day to ask for referrals.  Keep track of how many you ask for every day, and as you feel more comfortable pursuing referrals, challenge yourself by increasing that number and setting a new goal.
  • Send out holiday cards.  It’s that time of year again, and holiday cards, if done well, can really stand out and lead to referrals.  Remember that most people put their cards on display, where party guests and family members will see them.  So take some time to create a unique card that is noticeable, and send it early so it will be one of the first to make it to your customer’s display.
  • Offer rewards.  When a customer does give you a referral, let them know how much you appreciate it.  A handwritten note sent through snail mail is very thoughtful in this age of emails, texts, and video chats.  Furthermore, don’t hesitate to get creative.  For example, whenever a customer gives you a referral, send the customer a scratch-off lottery ticket along with a quick thank you card.  Because you’re showing that you are genuinely grateful, they won’t think twice about referring you to others again and again.

What are some creative methods you have used to acquire referrals?  We’d love to hear from you!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

Teleseminar

DSEF & CBBB: Facebook to Start Charging for New Profile Changes?

DSEF & CBBB: Facebook to Start Charging for New Profile Changes?

Facebook to Start Charging for New Profile Changes?

Will Facebook start charging due to the new profile changes? The answer is NO!

There’s a chain letter spreading through social media saying that Facebook will begin charging due to the new profile changes. It’s false.

It says:

IT IS OFFICIAL. IT WAS EVEN ON THE NEWS. FACEBOOK WILL START CHARGING DUE TO THE NEW PROFILE CHANGES. IF YOU COPY THIS ON YOUR WALL YOUR ICON WILL TURN BLUE AND FACEBOOK WILL BE FREE FOR YOU. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON, IF NOT YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE DELETED IF YOU DO NOT PAY

 

DSEF and Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) fosters honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers—instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.

About the Better Business Bureaus
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visitwww.bbb.org/us for more information.

 

 

Blog

Making More Time

Making More Time

Time management is essential for any working individual, but it is especially important to the self-employed.  Direct sellers and small business owners are constantly performing multiple jobs in a single day, so there are many opportunities to get sidetracked, lose focus, and ultimately waste precious time.  Read on for a simple step-by-step guide on how to maximize your time as efficiently as possible.

  1. Pinpoint what tasks are most imperative.  Thinking about what you do in any given day, decide which of those things directly contribute to the growth and money-making aspects of your business.  When time is tight, these are the tasks that should take precedence over any others.
  2. Rid your day of at least one time-waster or distraction.  Although we all deserve a break throughout the course of the day, we often allow for too many detractors which can easily add up to an hour or more.  After you’ve identified your most important tasks, do the same with your least important ones, such as updating your personal Facebook page or checking the score of the big game.  Commit yourself to avoiding such diversions while you get your time management under control.
  3. Put in place time limits for your tasks.  Now that you’ve weeded out the unnecessary and know exactly what you should be working on, give yourself a certain amount of time to complete these duties.  If you know you only have an hour, for instance, to create a rough draft of that new promotional poster, you will work much more efficiently toward your goal than you would if you were going back and forth between the poster and other activities.
  4. Make use of time management tools.  There is a plethora of software and internet-based organizational programs at your disposal, and much of it is free.  For example, Google Calendar is a very effective way to map out your day, week, and month.  It also offers useful features such as event reminders, scheduling across time zones, and automatic synching to your Microsoft Outlook calendar.  Find one that works for your business and tailor it to your needs.
  5. Don’t try to work for too long in one sitting.  Our brains can only focus for no longer than 60-90 minutes at a time.  Plan on taking a quick break to go outside for some fresh air, listen to a song on your iPod, or have a healthy snack.  Even 5-10 minutes away from your work every hour and a half or so will increase your energy and long-term focus throughout the day.
  6. Get enough rest.  This seems like a no-brainer, but most of us simply don’t get enough sleep.  When you are sufficiently rested, you can actually get more accomplished in less time than it would take if you were tired all day long.  Not only that, the work you do will be of higher quality because you will be working at optimum capacity. 

Remember, no matter what you do, there will only ever be 24 hours in a day.  You can’t create more hours, but you can manage yourself to get the most productivity out of each valuable minute.  Please share your own time management tips in the comments section below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

Blog

How to Get Organized In a Week

How to Get Organized In a Week

As you may have learned during your time as a small business owner or direct seller, getting organized and staying that way are two completely different things.  Both can be daunting, but the long-term maintenance of your organization system is essential to the success of your business, and your own sanity as well.  Follow each daily suggestion below to gradually put your life in order.

  • Day 1 – Get a handle on the daily flow of paperwork.  You most likely have an inbox for mail and other documents that appear on a regular basis.  Instead of letting it accumulate to the point of overwhelming capacity, deal with each piece right away.  For example, when you open a piece of mail, only give yourself two options: file it or toss it.  You’ll be amazed by how much open space you’ll have on your desk!
  • Day 2 – Label everything.  If you get a good labeling machine, this will be an easy and even fun task.  Label anything you need to maximize your organization systems, like file folders and storage containers.  Because where everything goes will be clearly visible, putting everything in its place when you’re finished with it will take no time at all.
  • Day 3 – Sort your emails.  Using the same principle as the first two suggestions above, treat your emails the same way you would treat any piece of paper: file or toss.  In this case, filing means sorting your emails into a folder or label system that works best for the needs of your business.  Categories could include Priority, Accounting, Customer Service, Vendors, Inventory, etc.  This can be especially helpful when searching for an old email as well.  Certain email programs, like Gmail, even allow you to sort emails into more than one category if needed.  As soon as you have finished reading and/or responding to an email, either move it to one of your folders or delete.  Now, just like your desk, your inbox will be sparkling clean! 
  • Day 4 – Create a correspondence window.  Set aside a certain amount of time each day devoted solely to email and phone correspondence.  This way you’re not taking calls and answering emails all day long, which can inhibit productivity.  Furthermore, you will be able to return communications to customers and vendors in a consistently timely manner, something that everyone with which you do business will certainly appreciate.
  • Day 5 – Keep your eye on the prize.  Either at the start or end of each day, create a to-do list of 3 tasks that MUST be completed that day.  You can always add more if you finish all 3. As you work throughout your day, always refer back to that list.  Check off what you have completed and move onto another task.  This doesn’t always mean that a to-do list can’t be adjusted, but giving yourself a general outline of your day will help you stay on track.  Most people also take a little bit of pleasure in crossing off a task, so make it a regular part of your work day!

Organization requires patience and self-discipline, two qualities you most likely already possess as an entrepreneur. Incorporate a new method of organization everyday into your business so that by the end of the week you’ll be completely organized, and then make it a habit. By organizing as you go, you will find yourself with more time to focus on other areas that need lots of attention, like advertising and customer service.

How do you stay organized? What systems do you recommend?  Please share your tips in the comments section.

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

Blog

DSEF & CBBB: Jumpstart Your Creative Marketing Strategies

DSEF & CBBB: Jumpstart Your Creative Marketing Strategies

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB)

Click here:

Jumpstart Your Creative Marketing Strategies

It isn’t easy to always be at the top of your game. For most of us, even if we eat our Wheaties every day, the likelihood that we bring creative and competitively-charged ideas to work with us each morning is far-fetched.

At the BBB, the members of our marketing department pride themselves on working together as a team. I assume most of your marketing departments do the same. We bounce ideas off each other and brainstorm for new and creative ways of attracting both consumers and businesses to the BBB brand.

DSEF and Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) fosters honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers—instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.

About the Better Business Bureaus
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visitwww.bbb.org/us for more information.

Blog

DSEF & CBBB: Should I Buy Medication Online?

DSEF & CBBB: Should I Buy Medication Online?

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB)

Should I Buy Medication Online?

– DECEMBER 13, 2011 POSTED IN: HEALTH CARE SERVICES, NATIONAL

You gotta love spam. Or maybe not. Either way, an unsolicited email from “CANAD1AN-DRUGSTORE” caught my eye this morning. It promised me “80% OFF CIAL1S-V1AGRA-LEV1TRA.”

Hmmm. I need two bottles of insulin about every three weeks in order to live. Not to mention test strips, syringes, ketone kits, emergency blood sugar tablets and other supplies. These items are very expensive. Worse than a $5 a day coffee habit. Eighty percent off would be fantastic. But…

But me being me, I’m a little leery. Here’s what the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationhas to say about buying medications online:

Good points

  • It’s easier to get products. This is helpful if you can’t leave your home or live far from a drug store.
  • You can check many different sites to check out products and prices.
  • You can ask a pharmacist questions in private.

Dangers

Some web sites:

  • May not know the cause of your health problem. They could also give you the wrong medicine for your illness.
  • Some sites will sell you prescription drugs even if you don’t have a prescription. This is against the law.
  • Don’t protect your private information, like your credit card number.

Some medicines sold online:

  • Are fake
  • Have things in them that are could hurt you
  • Are too strong or too weak
  • Are too old to work
  • Aren’t approved by the FDA
  • Aren’t made using safe standards
  • Aren’t safe to use with other meds or products you use
  • Aren’t labeled
  • Aren’t stored or shipped the right way

How can I buy online safely?

  • There is a program that makes sure online drug stores are legal and honest. It is called the VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site). Websites can choose to apply or not to apply to use the VIPPS seal. Before using a website, check for the VIPPS seal.
  • Don’t buy from sites that sell:
    • Prescription drugs even if you don’t have a prescription.
    • Products that are not approved by FDA.
  • Use sites that have a pharmacist to answer your questions online. Only buy from sites based in the US. It’s against the law to buy prescription drugs from other countries. It could also be unsafe.
  • Go to your doctor or clinic before using any medicine for the first time.
  • For more information, you can contact the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, which works with the FDA to ensure drug safety, or the FDA athttp://www.fda.gov/default.htm or 1-888-INFO-FDA.

If I do decide to try to buy diabetic supplies online, it won’t be by clicking on an unsolicited email with suspect spelling, that’s for sure.

DSEF and Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) fosters honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers—instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.

About the Better Business Bureaus
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visitwww.bbb.org/us for more information.

 

Blog

DSEF & FTC: Thinking about Layaway? Know the Fees Before You Shop

DSEF & FTC: Thinking about Layaway? Know the Fees Before You Shop

Today’s highlighted blog post from FTC/NCPW:

Thinking about Layaway? Know the Fees Before You Shop

November 17th, 2011 by Lisa

As Black Friday draws near, thoughts turn to holiday shopping, and how to get the items you want for a price you can afford.  If you choose to buy using layaway, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has a few holiday tips for you:

  • First, get all the details about the retailer’s layaway plan in writing before you shop.  Look for the terms of the plan — including the time you have to pay for your items, the store’s refund policy for layaway items, minimum payments, and layaway charges or other fees.
  • Second, it’s useful to compare the costs of using layaway versus using credit.  Add up the total amount in fees you will pay at a specific store before you get your item(s) out of layaway.  Then, if you have a credit card, determine how much money in interest you would pay if you charged the same item(s).
  • Third, be sure to check out the store, including online retailers, before you shop there at all. Your state Attorney General’s Office (www.naag.org), local consumer protection agency (www.consumeraction.gov), and your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) can tell you if consumers have filed complaints against the retailer or online service.

Before you hit the stores, take a look at the FTC’s consumer alert on layaway plans.  Also, if a store fails to disclose important terms of its layaway plan, it may be breaking the law.  If a retailer hasn’t explained its layaway terms, or has otherwise misled you about them, file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).

For 13 years, the DSEF has been proud to partner with the FTC and other organizations to offer a wide array of education events and resources that encourage consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their rights and make better-informed decisions.

You’ll find a wealth of resources at www.ncpw.gov that will help you protect your privacy, manage your money, learn more about credit and debt, decipher advertising messages, and steer clear of fraud and scams.

Please take a moment to share the resources on this Web site with others in your communities and companies and, together, we’ll help build a nation of better-informed and educated consumers.

Charles. L. Orr
Executive Director

Direct Selling Education Foundation

Blog

DSEF & CBBB: Facebook Lottery Scam

DSEF & CBBB: Facebook Lottery Scam

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB)

Facebook Lottery Scam

BBB has received reports recently about an email scam involving Facebook.  The email purports to be directly from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and says you’re the winner of a million-dollar Facebook sweepstakes.  The email is a scam and it’s suspected that it’s being used to deliver malware onto consumers’ computers.  As a result, BBB warns anyone who receives it to avoid clicking any links and to delete the email immediately. 

Aside from the use of Facebook to draw consumers in, the email scam carries with it many common red flags: consumers are being emailed out of the blue, they’re being asked to click on suspect links in order to “claim a prize,” and there’s often an explicit demand for confidentiality, as well.

Should you receive an email like this, you can report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

DSEF and Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) fosters honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers—instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.

About the Better Business Bureaus
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visitwww.bbb.org/us for more information.

Blog / Teleseminar

DSEF & Money Wise Women: Become a Sought After Speaker to Grow Your List, Attract Clients & Make Your Biz THRIVE!

DSEF & Money Wise Women: Become a Sought After Speaker to Grow Your List, Attract Clients & Make Your Biz THRIVE!

Today’s highlighted post from Money Wi$e Women Get Smart Teleseminar Series:

Become a Sought After Speaker to Grow Your List, Attract Clients, and Make Your Business THRIVE!

Would you like to walk out of your house in the morning, go to a place where you know no one and come home with clients in the afternoon? If so this info. packed session is for you. You will learn: All the reasons why public speaking is the best business building strategy, how to get started to position yourself as a speaker and get booked, what to do before during and after your presentation to come home with clients.

DSEF proudly sponsors the free Money Wi$e Women Get Smart Teleseminar Series hosted by Marcia Brixey, Founder and President of Money Wise Women Educational Services and author ofThe Money Therapist: A Woman’s Guide to Creating a Healthy Financial Life. The series covers topics related to business and finances and provides women the opportunity to learn from professional experts in a safe, comfortable environment.

To find out about upcoming teleseminars, visit http://www.moneywisewomengetsmart.com/

Blog

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for your Business

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for your Business

Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions for your Business

Another year is almost through, and just like most of us make resolutions for our personal lives, it is also a smart idea to make some for your business as well.  So before your pop open that champagne and watch the ball drop in Times Square, consider making a few changes to boost your business in 2015.

  1. Improve your time management.  Take an inventory of what your typical day looks like.  What areas lack efficiency? What duties can be multitasked to save time?  Perhaps your daily to-do list is too long.  Prioritize aggressively to get a handle on how much can actually be accomplished in any given day.
  2. Give back to your community.  Remember that your business is part of a community.  Giving back has an endless list of mutual benefits for everyone involved.  Make a point to find one or two local organizations with which to involve yourself this year.  You can find some good ideas here.
  3. Learn something new.  Even if you’ve been in business for decades, there are always new, exciting, affordable, and convenient opportunities to further your business education.  Consider taking a mini-course at the local community college or participating in a webinar hosted by others in your industry.
  4. Get organized.  Whether you’re dealing with actual papers in a filing cabinet or electronic files on your hard drive, organization is essential to productivity.  Now is a good time to set aside any documents you might need for tax purposes, as April 15 will sneak up on you in no time.  Maybe your customer records need updating, your finance software is inefficient, or your desk is buried in paperwork.  Focus on one aspect and bring order to it so you can start fresh in the New Year.
  5. Predict your financial future.  The end of the calendar year is an opportune time to look back on your overhead and sales volume.  Using this information, plan ahead for the coming months so you don’t spend money needlessly and you do make the most out of your current investments.
  6. Set realistic goals.  A goal that is realistic is one that is both specific and attainable.  It’s okay to think big and challenge yourself, but create benchmarks so you have a path to get there.  For example, if you want to increase profits by 50% next year, what has to be done each week and each month to make that happen?  Answers to those questions will guide you in setting your objectives.
  7. Update your website.  Do some exploratory surgery on your website, searching for things like broken or outdated links, unnecessary flash content, and information about discontinued products.  Even a cosmetic reboot may be just what your business needs to start anew in making the best use of your website.  While you’re at it, consider creating or updating your social media presence such as networking sites and blogs.
  8. Back up your files.  In addition to manually backing up files onto a CD/DVD or flash drive, most internet service providers and antivirus software companies offer free or inexpensive online storage services.  Take advantage of these because all it takes is one accident to erase years of data and hard work.  It’s simply not worth the risk.
  9. Ramp up your customer service.  In what areas is your customer care lacking?  Do you procrastinate in making courtesy or follow-up calls?  How long does the average customer usually have to wait before they get a return call or email after making an inquiry?  Make customer service a frequent flier on that to-do list of yours.
  10. Celebrate your accomplishments.  Every once in awhile, it’s important to evaluate what you have done well and give yourself a pat on the back.  As a business owner, you are ultimately the one responsible for every outcome, good and bad.  When you reach a goal or solve a problem, reward yourself by going out to your favorite restaurant or simply taking a much-needed day off.  You will feel re-energized and motivated to forge ahead and tackle the next project or obstacle.

What resolutions have you made for your business?  Please leave a comment below and have a happy, prosperous New Year!