How to Stand Out from Your Competition

How to Stand Out from Your Competition

To succeed in business, you need to set yourself apart from your the competition. That means knowing what makes you great, and communicating it! Successful businesses make this a part of their business culture, and follow through every day. Is your business ready to take the next step?

Here are some factors that can help your business stand out from your competitors:

Deliver great value – Offer excellence for a great price.
Offer more choices in your products/services than your competitors.
Make the sales process more convenient, easier and quicker than your competitors.
Make it easy to find and contact you – use memorable business cards, post information on how to reach you through social media networks, post your cell number and promote testimonials.
Share your sense of passion and excellence for what you do – make sure you come across passionate, caring and willing to do what it takes to earn your customers’ loyalty.
Follow up immediately after the sale and continue on-going follow up.
Anticipate your customers’ needs and help them with solutions.
Ask for feedback and act upon those suggestions.
Continue to improve.
Be a connector and networker – help your customers find solutions to their needs, even before they know what they are, and engage in becoming friends with everyone you meet.
Stay current in your area of expertise – keep up with professional training, industry trends and share innovations with your customers.
Be positive and approach everything with a can-do attitude.
Strive for excellence every day.
Be more personable, friendly and approachable.
Become solution oriented.
Be creative and innovative while also following through.

As you begin to invest your energy into these factors, you’ll find that not only will you begin to stand out in your industry, but you may also be amazed that most will not even try to compete with you.

How do you stand out from your competitors? What makes your business special and unique? We would love to read your tips in the comments 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!

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How to Become an Influencer

How to Become an Influencer

Influence is an important trait when you’re a business owner. You need to have the respect and impact to cause the desired outcomes. These outcomes might be a sale from a customer, the cooperation of your team, or getting others to talk about you online. Regardless of what you are trying to do, having influence that leads to desired outcomes can be a real benefit for your business.

Every person and business can be an influencer. In fact, very successful people and businesses are often great influencers. For the average person or small business to be a successful influencer, you need only to apply and leverage some of these points to see positive results.

Be known as an expert in something – For example, if you sell chocolate, become an expert on making chocolate tarts.
Pinpoint a topic and find a niche – For example if you sell cosmetics, you might focus on people who want only natural facials.
Share your expertise regularly – Write a scheduled article for your local newspaper, create a weekly newsletter and/or do a weekly radio talk show.
Help other influencers – Connect with people who have a large network and help them with their cause. For example, if the influencer is promoting a fundraiser, you who sell cookware might offer to create a dessert as a prize to be auctioned off to support the cause. This way you show your expertise.
Promote your expertise through workshops and interviews – For example, if you sell cosmetics, partner with a health food store and present a workshop on how to eat healthy, feel great and look great. Look for interview opportunities and interview other influencers.
Offer stories and your expert advice to local news outlets – Sometimes local news media are looking for community based stories or need an expert opinion on a topic. Make sure they know to call you.
Integrate your expertise with trends – For example, your town is sponsoring a yo-yo contest, you as the chocolate expert show people how to make their own chocolate yo-yos.
Engage your audience and develop relationships – Connect and have conversations with as many people as you can and in as many ways as you can. Friend them on social networks, talk to them on the phone, participate in town events, attend PTO meetings, and support causes.
Create a plan, measure your growth and adjust your plan according to results – Define your niche, pick one thing to do on this list every week, connect with new people every week, and evaluate the results after a month. Ask yourself how you can do better, what haven’t you done yet, and adjust your plan for the following month. After six months, compare the amount of business you’ve gained from the previous six months.

By instituting and leveraging a few of these ideas you too can become an influencer in your circle and impact your business.

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These People Are…Incredible – Guest Post by Joe Mariano, DSA President

These People Are…Incredible – Guest Post by Joe Mariano, DSA President

From The DSEF: Today we’re delighted to bring you a guest post by Direct Selling Association President Joe Mariano. Joe and his team at the DSA work tirelessly to protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. The DSA also works to ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers.

“These people are … incredible.”

That’s what one direct selling CEO recently emailed me during her conference. I know exactly what she meant. After 26 years working at the Association, I’ve seen more than just a few company meetings. Each company brings its own unique style and expertise to its get-togethers, but they all have one thing in common: the passion, enthusiasm and love that the salesforce brings to our business. There is nothing more exciting, invigorating and gratifying than to get out into the field and see this reflected in the eyes and voices of our salespeople.

In recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to thousands of company salespeople, from Philadelphia to Columbus to San Francisco. They are hungry for the messages that DSA, DSEF and our World Federation are uniquely suited to bring—the spirit of the industry, credible industry statistics and information, identification of our opportunities and challenges, a validation of what they do, a report on the government regulations that may affect them, and finally—a sense of being part of something truly phenomenal. Something larger than just a kitchen table crowded with receipts and paperwork, larger than their neighborhood party, larger than the sales organization they are working so diligently to build. Larger even than their great companies. They are part of a remarkable industry that is changing lives and helping people across the country and across the globe. A true phenomenon, 100 years and more in the making, that is offering an income opportunity to struggling people, that is changing communities, that is making unparalleled charitable contributions, that is capable of changing lives.

When we talk at these meetings of some of the 16 million people in the U.S. and more than 70 million across the globe, heads nod and notes are scribbled. When we tell the story of the direct selling representative floating down the Amazon River to sell her goods, or someone embracing entrepreneurship in China with the economic opportunity that direct selling provides, a collective “Ah” rises from the audience. When we describe the single mom who found her calling and herself in direct selling, a smile spreads across the listeners’ faces. Each of these sellers knows this story. Each of these sellers has seen this story reflected in his or her own life, and the lives of the people they have touched through their direct selling activities.

And when the remarks are done, the audience cheers. They cheer for themselves and everything they know they have accomplished and will accomplish. Each of you has probably seen this played out in some way at your own company events. I truly wish each of you could join me at all of these company meetings so you can see you are part of something even beyond your own great company. That you, as part of this great industry, are changing lives. That you are part of a community coming together through DSA. That all of these people are … incredible.

Joe Mariano is President of the Direct Selling Association. He also serves as Vice Chairman on the Direct Selling Education Foundation Board of Directors, and Chairman of the World Federation of Selling Associations (WFDSA) Global Regulatory Affairs Committee.

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How Are Those Goals Working For You?

How Are Those Goals Working For You?

Many of our goals are similar to those of our neighbors, friends and family. Most of us would like a nice house, a new car and more stuff. But are these things what dreams are made of? Are these our true goals? Or are we following what everyone else wants?

Sometimes it’s important to stop and ask yourself: How do I know what I really want? How do I find my OWN purpose and passion?

Here are some practical steps to help you get started:

Don’t be afraid to dream. Give yourself a few hours today and daydream about what you want to accomplish. Visualize, imagine success, and write down those activities and/or achievements.
Make a list of what makes you smile, delights you and gets your heart pumping.
Review your list and pick one to focus on.
Briefly, write down what it is and clearly describe how it looks, smells and tastes like. Use this process to turn your vision into words and bring it into your reality. Give it life.
Now that you have a rough idea of what it is, do some more research. Answer who, what, when, where, why and how.
As you continue to define and think about your new goal, start to get yourself excited and make it your own.
Once you have a concrete goal, follow a plan to achieve it. Here’s a simple way to create a plan: http://dsef.org/2011/09/12/the-power-of-a-plan-and-30-days/

Accomplishing goals that really matter to you will not only bring you true success, but offer deeper personal satisfaction. Like with any journey, the beginning is filled with excitement, you’ll open greater opportunities along the way, and in the end you’ll create a lifetime of memories.

So, what’s your purpose and passion? How’s your journey going? We would love to hear about it. Please share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.

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How to Be More Productive

How to Be More Productive

We all procrastinate once in a while, and usually we just wait for it to go away. But we’ve also experienced moments when we felt unstoppable. Like a super hero! So, how can we experience more super hero moments?

The trick to being more productive is to spot when you’re not being productive and be prepared to overcome it. You are practicing self-discipline and you can master it.

Step 1 – Use your calendar to mark short, medium and long term goals.

Step 2 – Create a daily schedule.

Step 3 – Make and prioritize your daily to do list to help you focus on what needs to be done and to reduce unproductive temptations.

Step 4 – Acknowledge and recognize time wasters/unproductive activities.

Step 5 – Decide to stop the time wasting or allow the unproductive activity for 5 minutes and use it as a break, or make it a reward with no time limit when you have completed your productive tasks.

Step 6 – Understand and identify your work strengths and weaknesses.

Step 7 – Use your strengths and/or set aside the time when you’re typically the most productive to tackle more challenging tasks.

Step 8 – Get more organized.

Step 9– Improve time management and efficiency skills. Read up on how others manage their time, and use their methods. Here’s a web page from Dartmouth College to get you started: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/time.html

Step 10 – Keep a journal or chart and write down your accomplishments.

Step 11 – Reward yourself when you accomplish the tasks on your to-do list.

How do you handle moments of procrastination? Do you have a tip to share? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Simple Tips for Saving Energy

Simple Tips for Saving Energy

If you’re a small business owner that works from home, your electricity bill may be doing double-duty…covering both your home and business energy needs. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to save energy throughout your home, leaving you with more cash for the bottom line!

Here are some simple ways to save energy around the house:

Caulk and weatherstrip your doors and windows. It keeps cool air in during the summer, and heat in during the winter.
Add a storm door to all outdoor doors.
Replace your windows with energy-efficient windows if possible.
Use heavier window treatments, such as shades and curtains, to help maintain the indoor temperature in your home.
Make sure all of your appliances are energy-efficient.
Unplug all appliances, including computers, when they will not be used. This keeps them from drawing power when not in use. (Alternately, plug into a power strip and turn off the strip when not in use.)
Turn off your computer if you’re not going to use it for more than 2 hours. If your monitor is separate from your computer, turn the monitor off if it will not be used for more than 20 minutes.
Use of new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in homes by 50%–75%. Upgrading 15 of the inefficient incandescent light bulbs in your home could save you about $50 per year. (source: energysavers.gov)
Use the lowest watt bulb practical for each space. The lower the wattage, the less energy the bulb uses when lit.
Turn off your lights whenever you don’t need them, and teach your family to do the same.
Turn down the heat in your home. By getting your family used to a lower temperature (even 5 degrees) you can save a lot of energy.
Consider using a space heater, rather than turning up the system in your whole house, if you’ll only be using one room in your house for long periods of time (like a home office.)
To conserve hot water, fix leaks and install low-flow fixtures.
An energy-efficient dishwasher can actually save more energy than hand-washing dishes in hot water several times per day, especially when using shorter wash cycles.
Get an energy-efficient clothes washer and dryer. In your clothing washer, use cold or warm water for washing, and cold water for rinsing.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater. For each 10ºF reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%–5% in energy costs. Most households are just fine with a setting of 120ºF on their water heater. Reducing your water temperature to 120ºF also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. This helps your water heater last longer and operate at its maximum efficiency.

By giving some attention to these small details, and teaching your kids to do the same, you can reduce your energy costs and conserve energy. And that means more money in your pocket!

How do you save energy at home? How does your business conserve energy? We would love to read your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

We are thankful to the US Dept of Energy for sharing these valuable tips on their website at http://www.energysavers.gov. For more information on any of the topics above, please visit their website.

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Want to Work From Home? Tips for Getting Started as an Entrepreneur

Want to Work From Home? Tips for Getting Started as an Entrepreneur

Do you wish you could find a job that will let you work from home and make your own schedule? Have you ever considered becoming an entrepreneur and owning your own business?

Many people start a business because they think they have a great idea, or a product or service that will make money. Some people start because think that they can do something better than the businesses already out there. Other people are introduced to a business by a friend, and join because the timing is right or they love the product line.

When you decide to jump into entrepreneurship, here are some thoughts to consider:

Who would be your customers?
Where could you find these customers?
How much money do you need to start this business?
What makes your business special?
Are you passionate about what you will be doing?
What other resources do you need?
What’s your financial goal?
Are you willing to invest a lot of time and energy into this business?

If you’re still interested in pursuing a business, here is a handy site from the Small Business Administration. It contains step-by-step instructions and advice to starting your own business. http://www.sba.gov/content/follow-these-steps-starting-business

You might also consider a direct selling business. Legitimate direct selling businesses offer low start-up costs, a proven product line, training, and support. Many of these companies are members of the Direct Selling Association, and agree to comply with the DSA Code of Ethics. You can learn more about direct selling, and how to find an opportunity that’s right for you, here: http://www.directselling411.com/

And if you do decide to take the leap and start your own business, we congratulate you! Great countries are built upon entrepreneurs like you.

The DSEF is here to help. If you have any questions we’re here to provide the answers and support for you to succeed! So, what’s your first question? We’d love to hear how your business is going!

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Ethical Selling

Ethical Selling

When we think of selling, we often think of the shady used car salesman. The whole idea of selling anything is often uncomfortable for people. It requires a mind shift to move into your comfort zone when selling. Imagine that selling is more like helping a friend. And it can be. In fact, that’s the foundation of ethical selling.

Here are some ways to make the selling process more comfortable, natural and lower stress.

Start in your own backyard, your community. Talk to people you know, your friends, neighbors, and the people in your town. Gradually build and network outward with people with whom you have something in common.
Build friendships (clients) based on common interests. Share things that are happening in your town, church, local organization, in charities, in local sports, cultural events, schools and local businesses.
Listen, have conversations, and develop friendships within your community. Find out who has problems that your products/services can help. When you genuinely care about people (clients), you’ll find that providing your products/services doesn’t feel so much like selling, but more like helping.
Develop the skills to figure out who needs your help. For this, you will need to learn networking skills, develop a positive attitude that attracts people, develop good listening and communication skills, and act comfortable in your own skin even when you don’t feel entirely comfortable inside.
Remember, make friends with everyone. Even the people who don’t require your help can be your ears and eyes for others who may need your help.
Share testimonials. During the transaction process, focus on how the product/service has helped you and/or share testimonials on how it has helped other people. Make it less about the selling process and more about how it will help them.
Continue to nurture your friendships. It will bring personal fulfillment, grow your network and create more loyal customers.

This way may take a little more work and time. But, it will make selling feel less like selling, while you focus on matching people with products and services they actually need, while also building fulfilling relationships. Ultimately, your financial success will also include the satisfaction of really caring about other people.

To learn more about ethics in sales, and the DSA Code of Ethics in direct selling, check out this series of videos.

What are some effective, ethical sales techniques that you use? We would love to hear your tips and comments.

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More Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

More Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

When you’re in business for yourself, marketing is incredibly important. You need to get the word out about your business, and there are specific strategies you can use to market yourself effectively.

Before you begin, have a plan, target audience and goal in mind. For instance, a discount or promotion to reward your loyal clients, or provide free delivery for clients who are new moms is a plan, aimed at a targeted audience and has specific goals. Include in your plan a way to measure your return on investment. This way you’ll know if it worked and how well it worked.

Here are some tips to help you market your business:

Become a contributing expert for a blog or local news media.
Start a Facebook page for your town and be a positive voice for what’s happening in your area.
Start a YouTube channel and provide tours of your town.
Partner with other businesses in your area to increase word of mouth.
Offer workshops, teleseminars or webinars
Display signage on your cars, t-shirts and temporary signs on lawns (with permission).
Organize a charity collection or fund raiser.
Hand out tip cards to solve problems that relate to your business.
Sponsor free car washes.
Sponsor free sidewalk address number painting.
Sponsor a street performer/artist to promote your business.
Promote causes and charities in your area.
Sponsor free workshops to help people in your community, like a math or personal defense workshop.
Make yourself and your business memorable. Be known as the lollipop giver.
Showcase testimonials in your marketing.
Hold special promotions like client of the month.

The best marketing is providing your customers with consistent excellence and memorable service that they’ll tell their friends about.

How do you market your business? Please share in the comments!

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8 Steps to Create a More Efficient Business

8 Steps to Create a More Efficient Business

For many of us, maintaining our business is what we focus on every day. We rely on what’s been working and old routines. However, by implementing small changes, you can make your business more efficient and more profitable.

Here are some tips to help make your business more efficient:

Create or review and if necessary revise your business plan to help you focus on your business goals.
Make a chart highlighting your goals and include a calendar that shows daily steps toward obtaining your goals.
Implement schedules and budgets. Create schedules to clarify time management, and carefully track budgets to reduce expenses.
Formalize your processes. To start, walk through processes that your business uses frequently. Then, formalize best practices and methods in that process. This will make things run more smoothly and reduce confusion.
Use practical technology to make communication better, to help yourself stay better organized, and to save money on paper and wasted time.
Provide a forum for feedback from team members and customers. People who do the work every day or use your products/services can help stream line your business processes and generate positive buzz.
Do a formal business assessment. Evaluate your duties, schedules, budgets, processes, technologies and feedback from employees and customers. Ask yourself if these processes can be done more quickly, reduce waste, do double duty, generate more customer satisfaction, and save money. Your assessment could be done quarterly, bi-annually or annually.
Think through new processes. Prepare a plan to roll out new systems/ideas, assess their implementation, and deal with adjustments and complaints.

Businesses that improve will succeed, and efficiency is key! In assessment, we try to reduce errors and build upon successes.

How do you make sure your business is running efficiently? How do you review/adjust? Would love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

All posts tagged direct selling

How to Stand Out from Your Competition

How to Stand Out from Your Competition

How to Become an Influencer

How to Become an Influencer

These People Are…Incredible – Guest Post by Joe Mariano, DSA President

These People Are…Incredible – Guest Post by Joe Mariano, DSA President

How Are Those Goals Working For You?

How Are Those Goals Working For You?

How to Be More Productive

How to Be More Productive

Simple Tips for Saving Energy

Simple Tips for Saving Energy

Want to Work From Home? Tips for Getting Started as an Entrepreneur

Want to Work From Home? Tips for Getting Started as an Entrepreneur

Ethical Selling

Ethical Selling

More Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

More Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

8 Steps to Create a More Efficient Business

8 Steps to Create a More Efficient Business

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