All posts tagged Direct Selling Education Foundation

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 5)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 5)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014

UPDATE: Big congratulations to our Friday winner: Jaime Tucker! 

In answer to our question, We’d love to know…which of the resources on our Resources Page was your favorite?, Jaime shared the following answer:

“Mobile banking.”

And the winner of the iPad mini is Carrie Douthit!! Congratulations Carrie! Here’s what Carrie said was her favorite resource:

“The technology and privacy information was the most useful to me. Thank you.”

Thanks to everyone for playing! And remember, you can access all of our free 2014 consumer protection resources at any time on this page: http://dsef.org/what-we-do/consumer-initiative/national-consumer-protection-week/ncpw-2014/

It’s the 5th and final day of our National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) celebration! We’ve already given away four amazing prize bundles, full of amazing products from direct selling companies, and today we’re giving away one more! We’ve also been highlighting some of the amazing resources available on the web to help you make informed choices as a consumer and business owner.

Each day this week, we’ve posted a question. When you use the NCPW resources we’ve provided to answer the question, you’ll be entered to win an amazing gift tote full of products from a number of generous companies in the direct sales industry. We’ve provided some bonus entry options as well.

We’re giving away a bundle of amazing products worth over $750 each day, so be sure to come back each day to enter!

Prize Details

Today’s winner will receive a bundle of products from over 20 DSA member companies, including at least one of the following from each of these companies:

On Friday, we will choose one name from among all entries throughout the week to win an iPad mini, donated by Mannatech. Winner will be announced Monday, March 10 on our Facebook Page.

Contest also sponsored by Nu Skin, who is generously providing program funding.

 

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment answering today’s question: We’d love to know…which of the resources on our Resources Page was your favorite? (Find all the resources on our NCPW resources page! – Opens in a separate window)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada, ages 18 and older.

Good luck, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 4)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 4)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014

UPDATE: Big congratulations to our Thursday winner: Tammy van Dongen! 

In answer to our question, What does a marketer need to have in order to claim that their product is non-toxic?, Tammy shared the following answer:

“Marketers who claim that their product is non-toxic need competent and reliable scientific evidence that the product is safe for both people and the environment.”

Here’s the link to enter Friday’s contest: http://dsef.org/2014/03/07/national-consumer-protection-week-2014-contest-day-5/

It’s one of our favorite weeks of the year…National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)! It’s a time to highlight some of the amazing resources available on the web to help you make informed choices as a consumer and business owner. And since we love this week so much, we’ve decided once again to make it even MORE fun with a contest!

Each day this week, we’ll post a question. Use the NCPW resources we’ve provided to answer the question, and you’ll be entered to win an amazing gift bundle full of products from a number of generous companies in the direct sales industry. We’ve provided some bonus entry options as well.

We’re giving away a bundle of amazing products worth over $750 each day, so be sure to come back each day to enter!

Prize Details

Today’s winner will receive a bundle of products from over 20 DSA member companies, including at least one of the following from each of these companies:

On Friday, we will choose one name from among all entries throughout the week to win an iPad mini, donated by Mannatech.

Contest also sponsored by Nu Skin, who is generously providing program funding.

 

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment answering today’s question: What does a marketer need to have in order to claim that their product is non-toxic? (Find the link to the answer on our NCPW resources page! – Opens in a separate window)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada, ages 18 and older, and ends at midnight ET, Thursday, March 6.

Good luck, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 3)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 3)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014

UPDATE: Big congratulations to our Wednesday winner: Courtney Cates! 

In answer to our question, What are two things you should do if you know your email has been hacked?, Courtney shared the following answer:

“Have extremely strong passwords including letters and numbers, make sure that you have security on your computer, and remove malware.”

Find the link to enter each day’s contest here: http://dsef.org/2014/02/26/national-consumer-protection-week-2014-contest/

It’s one of our favorite weeks of the year…National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)! It’s a time to highlight some of the amazing resources available on the web to help you make informed choices as a consumer and business owner. And since we love this week so much, we’ve decided once again to make it even MORE fun with a contest!

Each day this week, we’ll post a question. Use the NCPW resources we’ve provided to answer the question, and you’ll be entered to win an amazing gift tote full of products from a number of generous companies in the direct sales industry. We’ve provided some bonus entry options as well.

We’re giving away a bundle of amazing products worth over $750 each day, so be sure to come back each day to enter!

Prize Details

Today’s winner will receive a bundle of products from over 20 DSA member companies, including at least one of the following from each of these companies:

On Friday, we will choose one name from among all entries throughout the week to win an iPad mini, donated by Mannatech.

Contest also sponsored by Nu Skin, who is generously providing program funding.

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment answering today’s question: What are two things you should do if you know your email has been hacked? (Find the link to the answer on our NCPW resources page! – Opens in a separate window)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada, ages 18 and older.

Good luck, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 2)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 2)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014

UPDATE: Big congratulations to our Tuesday winner: Tammy Penny! 

In answer to our question, What are two things you should consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a service contract when buying a used car?, Tammy shared the following answer:

“Do you have to buy a service contract and does the service contract duplicate any warranty coverage.”

Find the link to enter each day’s contest here: http://dsef.org/2014/02/26/national-consumer-protection-week-2014-contest/

It’s one of our favorite weeks of the year…National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)! It’s a time to highlight some of the amazing resources available on the web to help you make informed choices as a consumer and business owner. And since we love this week so much, we’ve decided once again to make it even MORE fun with a contest!

Each day this week, we’ll post a question. Use the NCPW resources we’ve provided to answer the question, and you’ll be entered to win an amazing gift tote full of products from a number of generous companies in the direct sales industry. We’ve provided some bonus entry options as well.

We’re giving away a bag stuffed full of amazing products each day, so be sure to come back each day to enter!

Prize Details

Today’s winner will receive a bundle of products from over 20 DSA member companies, including at least one of the following from each of these companies:

On Friday, we will choose one name from among all entries throughout the week to win an iPad mini, donated by Mannatech.

Contest also sponsored by Nu Skin, who is generously providing program funding.

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment answering today’s question: What are two things you should consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a service contract when buying a used car? (Find the link to the answer on our NCPW resources page! – Opens in a separate window)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada, ages 18 and older.

Good luck, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

Share Your Unique Story! Come Sign the DSA’s Direct Selling Proclamation

Share Your Unique Story! Come Sign the DSA’s Direct Selling Proclamation

Come Sign the Direct Selling Proclamation from http://dsef.orgAre you a direct seller? Let the world know how direct selling has positively impacted your life!

The Direct Selling Association has created the Direct Selling Proclamation and Compact, and it’s a way for all of us who have been positively impacted by the direct sales industry to show legislators, regulators and many others the significant positive impact that direct sales has had on our lives, and the lives of those around us.

Come join the 11,000 people who have already signed the Proclamation. This is our industry’s firm commitment to business ethics, product innovation and empowerment. All who sign the Proclamation make known their support for the direct selling business opportunity, DSA’s Code of Ethics and DSA’s mission “to protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the business people they represent.”

Come sign the Proclamation and add your story to stories like these:

Erika H.
Harker Heights, TX – Texas

My husband and I were struggling in our finances and our marriage. He was working full-time as a solider and part-time in the Mall. I lost my job after having our third child. We were able to improve our marriage and our finances. We are so grateful for the support we received from the company. Our live have been greatly enriched. You can’t buy that. This Industry is amazing. It takes work, dedication and commitment. This is not a get rich quick business. My husband will retire from the Military in 6 months and now we get to continue what we’ve been doing. Changing lives.

Jennifer P.
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Direct selling has allowed me to stay home with my children while still providing for my family. It has giving me my family life back in a way no other job has or could.

Kathy N.
Gainesville, FL

When I was widowed with three young children my direct selling job allowed me the flexibility to determine my own income and work around my family. My children learned the values of honesty with customers, a good work ethic, and watched as I set and achieved goals. They have all grown up with good self-esteem and independence because of my example.

Jennifer E.
Dallas, Texas

I started my business in 1999 as a way to pay off school loans. I fell in love with the strong supportive atmosphere and all of the free business education I would have not been exposed to at such an early age at my corporate position. It has taught me how to be a successful business woman in my community and has given me so many more opportunities to support my family and church than I would have had otherwise. I love taking care of my customers and positively impacting the lives of the women I train.

 

Share your story now: http://www.directselling411.com/the-direct-selling-proclamation-and-compact/

Make no mistake: this is a significant document. A vocal minority is trying to convince lawmakers and regulators that direct selling is bad for consumers. We know direct selling is a driving force in the economy, but without the voices of those who have been positively impacted, the assertions of those who would misrepresent us gain traction in the marketplace. While that vocal minority is slinging mud, we will take the high road and simply point out all that is good about direct selling—but we need hundreds of thousands of voices to provide the overwhelming evidence that direct selling is right for consumers.

Come share your unique story among other voices of direct selling entrepreneurs, and pass this along to your direct selling friends and colleagues using the share links below. Sign the Direct Selling Proclamation right now:  http://www.directselling411.com/the-direct-selling-proclamation-and-compact/

 

Free eBooks to Grow Your Business

Free eBooks to Grow Your Business

Building a bigger business starts with a decision. It’s the decision to do whatever it takes to grow. Typically this involves stepping out of your comfort zone, seeking the advice of mentors and your upline, and learning and stretching to achieve bigger and better results. As they say, if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll have what you always have. If you want to have more, you have to be more and do more. In short, you have to be willing to grow.

Part of growing involves learning. And that’s why we’ve put together a set of free ebooks designed to help you grow your business. The titles include:

  • RoadMapToSuccess_EbookBusiness Owner’s Roadmap to Success: This e-book is designed to help you learn the skills you need to be a successful small business owner. Whether you are new to entrepreneurship or a seasoned veteran, you will find techniques and ideas here to help you grow your business.
  • Creating Your Success Mindset: How do you stay motivated in your business when you’re reaching for success? How do you encourage yourself to overcome obstacles and keep driving towards your goals? This eBook is designed to help you create a winning mindset for yourself, so you can enjoy the success you’re striving for.
  • Reflections on Success - Free ebook from the Direct Selling Education FoundationReflections on Success: This 30-day journal, Reflections on Success, is designed to help you meditate on areas of your life and business that will help you grow both personally and professionally. We hope that you find this journey to be a powerful one in your growth as a successful business leader.
  • 15 Days to Greater Success: An essential part of reaching your goals is building up the momentum you need to reach the finish line. This workbook lays out a 15-day process to build that momentum and create the environment you need to achieve your goals!

The best part is, these books are all free! They’re created by the direct sales industry to help you grow your business and achieve your goals.

So if you’re ready to do what it takes to grow your business, click here to download these books now.

*NOTE: This download works best on a desktop browser. If you have trouble accessing this page from a mobile device try it from a desktop computer.

A Fantastic List of Resources to Grow Your Business

A Fantastic List of Resources to Grow Your Business

Are you looking for ways to grow your business? Increase your sales? Manage your time better? Here at DSEF, we’ve been providing content for years on these topics and many others, to help you build a more profitable and rewarding business.

So today, we decided to reach back into the archives and compile some of our posts by topic, to help you find the content that will help you with what you’re working on right now. Take some time to explore the posts below, and share them with your friends and colleagues. We wish you much success!

Grow Your Business from http://dsef.orgMarketing Your Business Online

Establishing Your Online Presence

4 Tips for Effective Online Marketing

Tips for Running an Effective Contest Online

5 Tips to Attract More People to Your Facebook Page

12 Tips for Successful Online Virtual Events

4 Ways Photos Can Help You Grow Your Business

Making Facebook Work for Your Business

Using Instagram for Your Small Business

 

Grow your Business from http://dsef.orgBusiness Growth

Free eBook: 15 Days to Greater Success

3 Things You Must Do Now to Grow Your Business

Reaching Your Target Market in Different Generations

6 Ways to Get in Front of More Customers this Holiday Season

7 Ways to Get More Customers

Planning for a Bigger Business: The 3:3:3 Approach

Free eBook: The Power of the Success Mindset

 

Tips for Business Growth from http://dsef.orgIncreasing Sales

5 Ways to Get More Sales From Existing Customers

3 Ways to Increase Your Average Customer Order

4 Ways to Master Your Sales Pitch

4 No-Cost Ways to Increase Sales

 

Leadership

8 Ways to Be a Great Leader

What Your Team Needs

Leadership that Motivates

 

Time Management

Why You Procrastinate

Balance Without Sacrificing Business (How to Make your Business More Efficient)

How To Manage Your Time on Social Media

 

Grow Your Business from http://dsef.orgBusiness Finances

Creating a Budget for Your Small Business

10 Tips for Reducing Financial Stress

Tips for Taking Control of Your Business Finances

 

Which post has helped you the most with your business? Please share with us in the comments!

10 Tips for Reducing Financial Stress

10 Tips for Reducing Financial Stress

10 Tips for Reducing Financial Stress from http://dsef.orgFinancial stress is never a comfortable feeling. Worrying about how a bill will be paid or if you’ll have enough money at the end of the month can cause pressure in relationships and take the fun out of what you do each day. Fortunately, there are some specific things you can do to reduce financial stress and enjoy life more. Here are some tips:

  1. Get Educated on Finance – Far too many people have not received a proper financial education, and are unacquainted with how to properly manage their finances. This causes stress, because we often fear what we do not understand. Fortunately, it really isn’t complicated, and there are many good resources out there, including books, conferences, websites and more, that you can use to learn about topics such as how to create a household budget, get out of debt, and live free of financial stress. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is one good site to check out: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/, as is the Women’s Money organization: http://www.womensmoney.org/ 
  2. Keep a Spending Journal – Often we spend money throughout the week without really having a clear picture of where it goes. So record every single purchase in a small notebook you keep with you, or on your smartphone (there are a number of apps out there for this purpose.) Take a look at what you’ve spent your money on, and decide what you can cut out. You may find you can significantly reduce your expenses just by keeping track of what you spend.
  3. Get a Clear Picture of Your Current Finances – Knowing what you spend while out and about is only part of the picture. Sit down and write out what you earn each month, as well as all the places your money goes. Write down your payments for rent and utilities, debt and interest, activities for your children, donations, etc. Be sure you know where every cent is coming in and where it’s going out. Once it’s all written down, you will know exactly how much you earn and how much you’re spending. Are you spending more than you earn? Then you have two choices: Reduce what you spend, or make more money. It’s really that simple.
  4. Create a Budget (and Stick to It!) – Now that you know what the current state of your finances is, you’re ready to create a budget. We talked about creating a budget for your small business last week. You also need a household budget. Include your income, along with your expected expenses. Aim to spend no more than 90% of your income on a regular basis, so you can begin to accumulate some savings. This free Money 101 online course from CNN Money has information on creating a household budget, along with many other tips to using and growing your money wisely.
  5. Pay Off Debt – It’s important to pay off debt to reduce your financial stress. After all, every interest payment means the thing you initially bought is costing you more and more money. Was that thing really worth it? So for example, if you have credit card debt, call your creditors and see if they are willing to reduce interest rates. If you’ve got good credit, they may be willing to work with you. Then focus on one card at a time, and pay more than the minimum each month. Set yourself a time limit, and work to eliminate that debt as quickly as you can, so you can keep more of the money you earn and stop spending money on interest instead of things that your family can use and enjoy.
  6. Reduce What You Spend – In addition to getting rid of debt, look for ways you can spend less. Some of this is simply related to making daily choices based on your spending journal. But you may also be able to reduce payments on things you use. Call your television, phone and utility companies and see if they have a lower rate you qualify for. Maybe you can reduce your television package or switch to another provider offering a better deal. Also consider changing some of the things you’ve taken for granted. For example, if you’ve always sent your kids to a certain camp for the summer, look around and see if there might be a less expensive…but still fun!…option. You might even take a week or two off from camp and create your own home “camp” that helps you build family memories your kids will never forget.
  7. Create an Emergency Fund – Many families fall into financial stress due to unexpected expenses. One of the best ways to combat this is by having an emergency fund. If you’re focusing on spending only 90% or less of your income, take the other 10% and put it into an emergency fund that you set aside for unexpected expenses. Keep it in a savings account which you can access when the funds are needed. But remind yourself that this savings is ONLY for emergencies. Resist the urge to dip in for a vacation or other luxury. If you want to go on vacation or redo your kitchen, add a separate budget line item to your household budget, keep a separate savings account, and put money away for what you want there.
  8. Add Extra Income – Sometimes you’ll look at your budget, reduce what you spend, and still find that you aren’t making enough. At that point, it’s a good idea to find a way to add extra income to your budget. You could start a home-based business or get a second job. Take a good look at your schedule and carve out the times you could spend on another job. A new stream of income can be a great way to reduce stress, pay off debt, and reach your financial goals. And it can also be a way to add something you love to your life. Don’t just settle! Since you’re cutting into your free time to do this, look for an income opportunity that will be something you enjoy. For example, if you love cooking, you might look for a direct sales company opportunity that allows you to do cooking shows.
  9. Sell Things You Don’t Need or Use Anymore – In addition to working an additional job, you may find that there are things you have around your home that you don’t need or use anymore. Considering selling these things through consignment or online. While this won’t bring long-term income, it can be a way to pay off some immediate debt or start an emergency fund. Plus, reducing the clutter in your home can be a stress reducer!
  10. Realize There is More to Life than Finances – Taking control of your finances is exceptionally important. Every family should keep track of what they are earning and spending, and pass this knowledge on to the next generation. But keep in mind, too, that there is more to life than finances. Take time to be with your loved ones and appreciate the moments that pass far too quickly, but add joy to life. Don’t let finances keep you from embracing the wonderful gifts you have in your life, because they are things that money can’t buy.

How do you reduce financial stress? What tips would you give? We’d love to read them in the comments.
Nevada Women's Money Conference Flyer from http://dsef.org

As part of National Financial Literacy Month, we at DSEF are proud to sponsor the Nevada Women’s Money Conference. This important event helps women learn the skills they need to create a secure financial future for themselves and their families. While Reno is sold out, there is still room in the Las Vegas session on April 27, 2013. Best of all, we’re providing full scholarships to the conference for women in DSA member companies! For more information, visit this page: http://dsef.org/what-we-do/womens-entrepreneurship/nevada-womens-money-conference-a-new-vision-for-women-and-money/ And please, pass this along to the women you love in Nevada. This is an amazing opportunity that can make a HUGE difference in a woman’s life! Thanks for helping us spread the word!

 

Creating a Budget for Your Small Business

Creating a Budget for Your Small Business

Tips for Creating Your Small Business Budget from http://dsef.orgWhen you have a small business, a budget can be a valuable tool to not only keep you on track, but also help you to grow. However, when the money that comes into your business fluctuates, it can be hard to plan ahead. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can create an estimated budget even if you have a variable income. Here are some tips to help:

  • Know your averages: It’s important that you know what the average income you can earn is for each activity in your business, as well as average expenses. For example, what is the average amount you earn per transaction or party? How much do you spend on average per month on business supplies? You may need to do some research to get these numbers, if you don’t have your own historical data. When you know your averages, you know how much you need on your calendar each month to earn an estimated amount, and can do the things necessary to get those things onto your calendar.
  • Know your fixed and variable costs: Are there things you pay for each month, quarter, or year? Things like your cell phone bill, rent, or website fees are fixed costs. You may have other expenses each month that change as well, like marketing fees or other one-time or fluctuating expenses. These are your variable costs, and you may be able to anticipate them by looking at how much you spent the previous year on certain seasonal events. Know how much is going out each month, and be sure you have enough income-producing activities scheduled to exceed these expenses.
  • Write it all down: We shared with you last week a Direct Sales Business Budget Worksheet. Use it! It is essential that you keep track of the money coming in and going out from your business. Small business owners that avoid the financial details are far more likely to fail than ones that pay attention. Record both your estimated and actual income and expenses, and make adjustments as necessary.
  • Be conservative in your estimates: It’s important to have some extra income set aside for unanticipated expenses, so you have some flexibility in your business. So even if you think you’re going to earn a certain amount, plan for the fact that you will earn less than you anticipate. And even though you think your expenses will be a certain amount, plan that they will be greater. It’s better to have more money than you anticipate at the end of the month than to have less. By estimating conservatively, the amount you have at the end of the month will be closer to what you expect.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs often neglect the important step of creating a budget because it doesn’t seem like the most exciting part of business ownership. Yet it is an important element of the overall health of your business.

Nevada Women's Money Conference Flyer from http://dsef.orgAs part of National Financial Literacy Month, we at DSEF are proud to sponsor the Nevada Women’s Money Conference. This important event helps women learn the skills they need to create a secure financial future for themselves and their families. Best of all, we’re providing full scholarships to the conference for women in DSA member companies! For more information, visit this page: http://dsef.org/what-we-do/womens-entrepreneurship/nevada-womens-money-conference-a-new-vision-for-women-and-money/ And please, pass this along to the women you love in Nevada. This is an amazing opportunity that can make a HUGE difference in a woman’s life! Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Tips for Taking Control of Your Business Finances

Tips for Taking Control of Your Business Finances

Tips for Taking Control of Your Business Finances from http://dsef.orgAs a business owner, your ability to manage the money you earn is just as, or even more important than actually making the money. Are you using your money wisely, or simply wasting it? Here are some tips for taking control of your finances and keeping more of what you earn:

  1. Write it Down: Even when it seems like a pain, or just one more thing to do, writing down the money that you earn in your business, and the money that you spend, is a valuable activity. When you see your income and expenses in black and white, it helps you make better decisions, and identify areas of waste. Use this simple spreadsheet: Business Income_Expenses Tracker, or your own method to track your income and expenses for your business. And the best part? By keeping track of your income and expenses daily or weekly, preparing your taxes is a lot easier!
  2. Know Your Averages: When you earn income based on commission, it can seem like a challenge to create and stick to a budget. But it doesn’t have to be! Find out what the averages are for your business: Average party sales, average you spend on a party, average sale per person, average autoship order, average downline commissions per downline member, etc. Then add up the number of income-producing activities you’re expecting to do each month, and use the average amount you can earn for each one. That gives you the total amount of money you have that month to work with. For example, if you can earn $120 per average party in your company and typically spend $20 per party on expenses (printing, gas, prizes, postage, etc.), and you have 4 parties scheduled that month, you can budget $400 for the month in party income. By knowing what you have on your calendar, you can create a monthly budget. And if something unexpected happens, you know exactly what you need to add to your calendar to reach your budgeted numbers.
  3. Make a Budget: It’s very easy to impulse buy. The latest gadget is awfully tempting, and you know that marketing tool is just the thing to bring in more business. But before jumping in, make sure you’ve got the income to support the purchase. Plan your monthly income and expenses first using a budget sheet like this one: Direct Sales Business Budget Worksheet Then you’ll know how much your business can support in expenses, and if the return is worth the investment.

How well do you know how to manage your personal and business finances? Take this online quiz to find out how much you know! http://dsef.org/what-we-do/consumer-initiative/womens-money-quiz/

Nevada Women's Money Conference Flyer from http://dsef.orgKnowing how to manage your business finances is key to creating the income you want in your direct sales business. That’s why we’re excited to partner with the Women’s Money Conference in Nevada to provide FREE full scholarships for women in DSA member companies to attend the conference. If you’re a woman in Nevada, or know a direct seller who is, get all the details on this 2014 conference here: http://www.womensmoney.org/speakers-and-agenda

What tips do you have for managing your business finances? We’d love to read your tips in the comments below!