Know the facts

Recently I have seen a lot of talk about conducting business on facebook including discussion about promotion guideline changes. It is great to see so many coming together to brainstorm for viable options and clarify the facts. What is not great is the misinformation and blatant misdirection.

Everyone is always trying to come up with the best ways to promote and conduct business within social networks (not just Facebook). This can be tricky as there are rules and guidelines that must be followed as written. Not as they are interpreted. DO NOT rely on what others tell you and be sure you are reading the TOS of any site you are using to be clear of what is allowed using their site. Reading the TOS can be long and sometimes confusing but read it for yourself. Just because someone else tells you it is ok does not make it ok. Ultimately you are responsible regardless if everyone else is doing it. Ignoring facts do not make them go away.

I have seen a few deliberately ignore the information offered and choosing to continue knowing they are in violation. There are a few who have told their fans to just change their giveaways to product testers and it will exclude them from the rules. A promotion is a promotion no matter what name you give it. If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, you can call it a cow but it doesn't make it less of a duck.

You can follow the rules or not follow the rules regardless of the situation or place. Even if someone else is not caught it does not mean you won't be caught. Are you willing to lose everything you have gained over a mistake you chose not to investigate the facts about prior?

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2011

Mobile Office

If you meet a potential customer or recruit away from home, are you prepared to service their needs? When you are out and about you want to be prepared for anything. Just because you are off running an errand doesn't mean you are off "the clock." You want to create a mobile office.

Your mobile office can be a simple file box with separate file sections for catalogs, hostess packets, recruiting packets, business cards, brochures (sales and recruiting), order forms, calculator for on the spot orders, and pens. I use a really nice accordion file at the moment. Everything is organized and neat. You can even use those nice colored milk crates with hanging file folders.

You may even want to consider a mini demonstration kit so you have a few of your most popular products available to show. Samples are other items you may want in your mobile office.

Keep your mobile office in your car (or any car you are driving at the time) so you are always prepared when you come across a potential customer or potential recruit.

A couple things to remember:

• Check and restock your mobile office weekly or as needed. This way you always know you are never out of anything and avoid that moment of saying "I am all out"
• Keep that car clean. You do not want to have your potential customer or potential recruit looking over your messy car. Even when you are making house calls, this is an extension of your home office. Keep it clean and professional.
• You may want to also consider a car freshener. Most don't think about this because we are used to how our car smells but it may have an odor. Having an air freshener helps with this. Don't go overboard. Just something simple and light such as vanilla and lavender work well. 
• Do not smoke in your car. Regardless if your mobile office is in the trunk or backseat, smoke does linger and will get into your mobile office. Many people are allergic to the smoke while others are simply turned off. You do not want your personal habit to get in the way of your business. 
• If you sometimes travel with your pets, it may be best to keep your mobile office in the trunk. This area is less likely to come in contact with pet hair and dander that some people are allergic to.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2011

WAHM or SAHM? What is the difference?

Over the years you have seen these terms and they are interchangeable depending on the situation. Before we discuss these, lets define them.

WAHM - Work At Home Mother/Mom... This means you have some sort of business that you work from home. This may be crafts, direct sales, or a business you started. This can mean you have children at home while you work or they may be at school while you work. Either way if you generate income from home you are a WAHM

SAHM - Stay At Home Mother/Mom... This means you stay home with the children and your only job is raising your children. You do not generate an income from home. You may have children at home all day or at school part of the day. If you generate no income from the house and no outside work you are a SAHM

When asked whether you are a WAHM or a SAHM you are not both. I see many say oh I do both or I am a part-time WAHM and a full-time SAHM.

If you are a SAHM, embrace it. Enjoy it for all its worth. There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying home to raise the beautiful children you have.

If you are a WAHM, embrace it. There is nothing wrong with making an income by working from home and raising your children.

If you are a WAHM you need to have the mentality of this. If you do not see yourself as a WAHM or see yourself as a WAHM and a SAHM this can and does hinder your success. You need to see yourself as a working mom with a job.

In the past I have talked about schedules as a WAHM and why these are important. The use or lack of use is why you need these schedules. You need to work your business. Doesn't matter if you make money blogging, crafting, selling avon, transcribing, or do home parties. If you want to make money, start it with attitude. You will see the difference.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2011

Look back to move forward

2011 is now here and a fresh start begins. It is time to look ahead and write down your business goals for the year.

Before we do that, lets take a look back at 2010.

What were your business goals?

Did you accomplish any of those goals? Partially or fully?

How did these goals affect your business?

What were your disappointments?

How did these affect your business?

These are just a few questions you should be asking yourself. You may ask more. This is not about reflecting on the past. This is about learning. To know how to move forward we need to know how we arrived at today.

Expand on the successes of last year. Go over the disappointments and learn how a different path would change the outcome. These should be reflected in your new goals for 2011.

We need to write down the goals for 2011. We need to start with the long term goal for 2011. Break that down to 6 month goals, 3 month goals, 1 month goals. The first step to your long term goal is what will you do this week that will lead you in the direction of accomplishing your 2011 goals.

These need to be challenging but attainable goals. Lets break it down in an example to see where we need to go.

Lets say your goal for 2011 is to be in the position to pay your entire mortgage through your business earnings. If your mortgage monthly is $1,000, what will you need to earn each month? If after all business expenses your take home is 20% of all sales you will need to sell $5,00 monthly by the end of the year.

Now remember the goal is not to begin earning this much in the first month. The goal is to lead up to this. Maybe you will find it best for you to start with $1,000 each month for the first 4 months. You have to decide what is best for you.

In your goals you need to list what you are and are not willing to do. We all have something we are not willing to do so be honest here. If are not willing to go door to door or hold home parties, you need to list why you are not willing. Again be honest here. If you are not honest with yourself, you will not accomplish anything. If you say you will not do home parties because you do not like people, how can you work around that? Don't just list what you will not do and not offer yourself options. You may find what you will not do is something you are willing to do just didn't have options to make it happen.

Olivia Vidal
© 2011

Think positive, be positive

Regardless of what is going on at the time you must always have a smile on your face. This gives you the appearance of being positive and friendly. People want to do business with those that are positive and friendly. When you are positive, your business grows in a positive way. When something goes wrong, find the positive. When you have a hard time being positive, just smile. You will notice a significant difference in how you speak, walk, think. So keep in mind that when you think positive you will be positive.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

What have you done for your business today?

To move your business forward you need to accomplish a minimum of 1 task for your business each and every day.

In direct sales there is the 2x2 rule -

  2  new contacts a day
  2 parties a week
  2 recruits a month








I understand that my 1 task a day and the 2x2 rule doesn't sit right but my point with it is you must must must do something for your business each and every single day regardless of what is going on.

Remember , your business is a numbers game. The more people who know about your business, the more business cards your pass out, the more parties you hold (online and offline), the more sales you will bring in.

If you have done nothing for your business today, you are not working your business.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

What defines you as a WAHM?

Being a WAHM means many different things to different people. Some say its because you have a home business with a a direct sales company. Others say its because they stay home with the kids while cafting items to sell on the weekends. Some say you don't even need to be a mom to be a WAHM.

We want to hear from you. What defines you as a WAHM?

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Watching your bottom line

Every business does not end its expenses at start up. You will constantly need to reinvest. Reinvestment can be new products to demo, samples, business materials such as catalog and brochures, advertising, and so on. But how much do you make in the end? I can ask a successful person and they have the answer. One who is not so successful will tell you the initial commission. Why? Because a successful person is always watching the bottom line and where all monies are going.

Always know what is coming in and what is going out. If you don't know these basic figures, who do you know what your profit is? Your profit is not your commission percentage. It is what comes in at the end of the day after your business expenses.

Track your mileage, prize cost that you give away, cost of catalogs, pens, anything you pay for to run your business. This is how you will find what it costs you to run your business and give you the end percentage you earn from sales.

Track money coming in and out using excel, quickbooks, an old fashion ledger. There are several programs and resources to help you keep on top of your business and watch your bottom line


Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Make it your business

When you start a business or join a company, who does the work? So why aren't you making it your business?

When starting a business whether this is your product or you signed up to sell a product for another this is your business. Your work generates income so why aren't you making this your business? Every customer is yours. You provide the customer service, you sold them the product, you gained their trust.

It's time to grab the reigns and take charge. The company you signed up to represent and sell a product for has given you the tools to make this your business. But don't expect them to do the work for you. That is your job. The harder you work, the more money you will make, the larger your business will expand.

If you want the business you must go find it. Do not wait for it to come to you. Order those business cards, print those flyers, wear that logo wear.

Have a website? Give it out to everyone and you believe its only a matter of time before everyone sees how wonderful I think it is and start selling a ton right? Wrong! When showing off that website you are only making people aware of the site regardless of what is for sale. You still have to promote and sell the product. Network marketing can be lucrative but not many know how to make a go of it to make the dollars start rolling in. You have to order that product and get samples in the hands of your customers. Its the only way to get those customers to appreciate and purchase the product.

Start a blog. Take the time to educate your customer about a product. Don't focus on telling them why they should use it above others but tell them why it is useful to them. If it has more than one use they want to know this.

Start a mailing list. Either by email or postal. DO NOT add people without their permission. Its rude, tacky, and is considered spam which is illegal. Keep your customers up to date about periodic sales, specials, and events. Keep these bi-weekly for email and monthly for postal mail.

Stop sitting back and letting someone else run this for you. This is your business so own it.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009 - 2010

Time Management

Time management and business go hand in hand. You need both to be successful.

Problem is most don't quite understand what this means. For some its doing tasks in a timely manner. For others it means watching their time. And for a few it just means sticking to a schedule. Now these are all valid. While they look the same, they are different.

Before you can effectively manage your time correctly you need to be aware of time. For this here is a simple exercise.

For 1 week keep track of individual tasks. Notate the start time and end time. When you change tasks end the time. Notate everything. No cheating now. Note everything from email writing sessions, phone calls, lunch break, even bathroom breaks. It can be a laborious task but you will find this extremely helpful. At the end of the week add together all your business time. Once this is done break it down to the individual tasks such as emails, phone calls, party time, prep time, etc. This will give you a sense of how much you not only spend your day but how long you spend on tasks and business as a whole.

The reason for the task is because often people see themselves as working all day when in reality they only worked a full 2 hours on business. Once you have a sense of how your day is spent, lump all the individual tasks into one. Now you can create a schedule of daily tasks in blocks of time. At first this can be difficult but you will soon find it can be easily accomplished. Use an egg timer to keep you on track. When time is up, time is up. Move on to the next task.

When creating your schedule you need to create breaks, lunch. Turn off the tv, This can be more distracting than anything else. Even more than children if that seems possible. If you are working with children at home, schedule around eating, naps, playtime.

If you conduct parties or workshops, set up and take down your display several times and time it. Get an idea of how long it takes. The bonus to this is you do get faster. Knowing this will help managing your time before, during, and after parties. Do this each time your display changes too. Rehearse your presentation. Knowing how long your presentation will help manage your party time. Even video taping yourself and seeing how you look and sound can be helpful. You may find you are repeating yourself unnecessarily or leaving out important information.

Keep notes around in regards to your product. Not only is this very helpful during parties but also on phone calls. Keeping frequently used information at your fingertips can be a big time saver. This prevents you from wasting time looking up frequently asked information.

Know your products and how to explain them. When first starting out you always have that learning curve but learn quickly the features and benefits of a product. You don't have to explain it in its entirety. An example is if you are selling moisturizing lipstick. A feature is the moisturizing and the benefit is the prevention of cracked lips. You don't need to go over how it moisturizes, every color it comes in, or why it is better. Find up to 3 features and matching benefits and keep a list. If you get stuck refer to the list.

Do not always try and demonstrate every piece of your display unless it is absolutely necessary. Pick out the favorites, play games in the middle, then invite guests to view and try the products on your display.

Use tools such as mapquest for mileage and time estimates for getting to a location. You will need the mileage for your taxes but the time estimate is extremely helpful. I personal use mapquest and a GPS application on my phone. This helps keep me on track and less likely to get lost.

Use a day planner of some sort. Keep contact info and a calendar handy at all times. Update this regularly. These can be digital or paper. Use the method that works for you but use it. I personally use 3. Yes I know its overkill to some but this ensures I always have an updated version at all times. I use outlook on my computer, my blackberry, and a day planner. I print out my outlook calendar and take to parties or meetings.

Do not overbook yourself in your schedule. This can and is a deal breaker in time management. Have specific slots open for meetings, deliveries, parties, and travel time. Giving yourself a set calendar will keep you from overextending yourself and keep your business on track.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Market Like you Game

I am guilty of indulging in fun games that appear on social networks. One thing I see every day is comments of how nobody is making money or out of ideas but nobody has a problem asking for a tree for their farm. If you can share and exchange for entertainment, why not employ those same tactics in business?

Now let break this down a bit. You send everyone a request to be neighbor or for a special tool needed for a game. Does everyone respond? Those that do you continue to do "game" business with right? You may even pass on their name to others to help them gain levels and friends correct? Guess what!? You are networking! It wasn't as hard as you thought previously now was it?

Everyone you invite to play doesn't respond just as in business. Everyone you introduce to your business does not become a customer. You invest in those you have introduced and show interest.

How do you use these in business? Start with what most in business have; business cards. You pass out business cards to those interested. Don't force a card on those not interested. Its a waste of your time and theirs. Just politely thank them for their time and either move on to another subject or excuse yourself.

Next are catalogs. There is no need to leave the latest makeup catalog in areas where only men frequent. You are wasting your money. This does not mean never do this but only when its appropriate. This goes for flyers as well.

Parties. Most people love to attend gatherings. They do not however enjoy a 2 hour sales pitch. Keep presentations short, offer product they can see and demo, interact with customers one on one. Do not attempt to recruit every single person at your party. Its unrealistic and can create awkward moments. I suggest having guests complete a simple questionnaire either on an order form (this is best) or a door prize drawing slip (great to file for late contacts). Those interested in joining, schedule an appointment one on one so they have your undivided attention. Do the same at events. Its ok to give initial information but get that appointment so you can answer all their questions.

If everyone marketed their business with the same passion and drive as they do games, more would create the success they desire.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

No more excuses

Over the years I hear many excuses - I can't do parties, my company didn't teach me that, my customer wants this so I can't sell to that one, my company doesn't offer that. Excuse, excuse, excuse. There are others with the exact same company, with the exact same products, and the exact same opportunity and are successful. So throw out the excuses and start owning up to your business.

There are no excuses in business. You either do or don't. If you make a mistake, say so. Don't explain how you had no sleep, your child was sick all night, and your computer has 10 thousand viruses, and your dog ran away. Excuses only lead to more. You feel better about them and feel others are ok with it so they breed more excuses. This is when I call someone an excuse addict. You can't stop and even live for them even if only subconsciously.

Don't let excuses ruin your business and your name. You may think it directly affects only you but it doesn't. It can affect an entire business. You may represent Widget World but because of you and your lack of ability to correct an issue customers will not return to Widget World. Example how this works - ever gone to a restaurant and received bad service? Ever decided to not return due to the bad service? The restaurant didn't do anything wrong. It was the service yet you were so turned off you didn't give them a second chance. Same with the WAHM world. Avoid the excuses, own up to responsibility, stop giving you and your business lower value, and start being professional.

If your company doesn't offer it, create an alternative. If your company doesn't teach it, learn it elsewhere. If you can't do parties then find a creative way to get out there in front of your customers. Overcome the obstacle not create an excuse. The more excuses, the more failure.

Once you free yourself of the excuse addiction you will set a path towards success.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Looking for you

I am looking for 2 more WAHMs to feature during the month of June. If you would like to see you and your business featured here on Liv's WAHM Blog with will also include mentions on facebook and twitter, send the following to disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com:

Full Name:
Company Name:
Website:
Information about your business (submit as a ready to go ad including exactly what you do):

Include a banner or product picture.

Sorry no MLM or Pay per click

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Featured WAHM Business - Baby Bottom Bakes

Baby Bottom Bakes™ are unique gifts for baby and the new mother. Each Baby Bottom Bake is handmade and made with only premium diapers and products. Never off brand. You will never find dollar store products on your Baby Bottom Bake™.

It's easy to see why our Baby Bottom Bakes™ are such a fantastic alternative to gift baskets or flowers.

New mothers and moms-to-be, love to receive a Baby Bottom Bake because every bake is usable. We take special care to ensure ALL of the diapers and products are usable by the new mommy.

Our Baby Bottom Bakes™ are created with the new baby in mind.

Baby Bottom Bakes™ are made in a smoke-free, clean environment, so that you can feel confident that your unique baby gift is of the highest quality and safe for mother and baby.

Why buy fresh flowers that will only wither after a few days. Order a Flower Diaper Bake™ or Lolly Pot™. Not only is it beautiful but mom can use later!

A Baby Bottom Diaper Bake™ makes a unique baby gift for centerpieces, baby showers, diaper parties, an hospital gifts! We can even create a Baby Bottom Bake™ to announce your bundle of joy or favors. Baby Bottom Bakes™ can be specially baked with cloth diapers. Our Baby Bottom Bakes™ are simple, elegant, and include what a mother wants the most!

Our Baby Bottom Bakes™ are the perfect baby gift for every baby occasion.

Baby Bottom Bakes™ are practical and unique baby shower gifts.

A Baby Bottom Bake™ brightens a hospital room with style without watering, wilting, or throwing away money.

Congratulate a new dad with a Baby Bottom Bake™ when he returns to work.

Choose a Baby Bottom Bake™ when a gift registry is unavailable. You can never go wrong with diapers and baby products.

Diaper Bakes™ and Lolly Pots™ make great baby shower centerpieces. This goes home with mom-to-be as your baby shower gift.

A Baby Bottom Bake™ is perfect for the new mom and baby who has everything.

You will be the talk of the diaper party when you walk in with a Diaper Bakes™ instead of a boring, plain pack of diapers .

Check out our selection of beautiful Baby Bottom Bakes™ and order one today!

Click the banner to visit Baby Bottom Bakes™

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Invest in Yourself

To build a successful business you MUST invest. There is no getting around this. Go half at it or cut corners and I will show you a half business with lots of mistakes and a date of doom.

It's OK to invest in yourself and your business through education, tools to make your work easier, etc. Try and find even one successful business out there that has had zero dollars ever invested in it. There aren't many. You have to invest in business cards, classes, and sacrifice. There is no such thing as fast money and you do nothing to earn it.

Invest in yourself and others will invest in you as well. They will see the time and money invested because you took the time to invest in yourself lending to your success. You will be knowledgeable, prepared, organized.

You will have to learn new skills and habits. Just like when you became a mom for the first time. You learned new skills and habits you never thought you could. You realized that you have a lot to learn and change in order to be a good mother. This is the same in business. You learn new skills to be a better business person and successful.

You will have to educate yourself if you don't want to be one of those that struggles constantly with their finances. You can't expect to just sign up for the latest make money idea and expect the checks to start rolling in automatically. Attend webinars, study those handbooks your company offers, take a marketing and accounting class at the local college.

Take the time to create success. You will find it was well worth the effort.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Attend A Free Webinar

I am always looking for great resources for WAHMs. I came across Office Depots webcafe where they offer free webinars. Everything from social networking to organizing your business.

The next webinar they offer is on Tuesday, February 2nd at 4pm ET
10 Marketing Ideas for Under $100 (60min)

Make relationships count

Be creative on a dime

What is an effective communication plan for your clients that keeps you visible, consistent and pleasantly persistent in the marketplace

http://www.officedepot.com/webcafe

Whether you are a new business owner or in the business for years you can always learn something new and refine your skills.

* Liv's WAHM Blog is not associated with Office Depot and is not compensated.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009 - 2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

One Step At A Time

Success is one step at a time. It is not overnight and not without work. For some it is more than they are willing to give. If you want to start at the top you will need to dig a hole.

Everyone who got where they are now had to begin at the bottom. Don't look at where a successful persons is now. Look at where they were and how they go to where they are now. You will see sacrifice, hard work, and dedication.

Your opportunity for success is right in front of you. You just have to learn to recognize it when you see it. In the beginning you will create your own opportunities rather than wait for the opportunity. As you grow and learn you will begin to seize opportunities. Never wait for an opportunity. If you wait, it will pass you by not realizing it has.

To attain success or to reach your goal, don't worry about having all the answers in advance. You just need to have a clear idea of your goal and move toward it. The answers will follow as you move forward.

Don't procrastinate when faced with a difficult problem. You have to face a problem to solve it. Break your problems into smaller parts and handle each part at a time. You will be surprised how easy and quickly you can overcome these. Break your biggest goals into small steps and take the first step right away. The longer you wait to make the first step the more likely you are to fail. Success starts with a first step.

You can make something happen today. You just have to get out there and make it happen. Don't wait for it to happen. If you wait, you will always wait while others propel themselves ahead of you.

Your success begins one step at a time.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009 - 2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Finding the Right Sponsor

Finding the right sponsor is just as important as finding the right company. Finding the wrong sponsor can set the tone of a failed business regardless of how great the company is.

How can you learn from a sponsor who is unknowledgeable or only cares about the added commission?

Now you may be a go-getter and willing to take the bull by the horns but without direction and support you can lose motivation, become misguided or misinformed, learn bad habits, or even have an unfair opinion of a company based on your sponsor.

There are 2 ways you will have come to have a sponsor with your new business - you will either choose one or be assigned one.

When you choose one its is because you have had a conversation with and willing to join the team of the consultant who's team you will be part of. When you are assigned a sponsor this is because you have decided to join a company but not had a conversation with a consultant and willing to join their team.

When joining a company I highly recommend going in with a sponsor rather than joining blindly. When you choose your sponsor you have already established a relationship and rapport.

Regardless of whether you choose or are assigned a sponsor, this person will benefit financially from your successful sales. They receive compensation as your support. This is a job not a free ride. This is why you must choose the right sponsor for you.

When thinking about joining don't automatically go with your best friend. Your friend may have just joined for the discount and not interested in building a business while you are interested in a full-time business.Business and friendship are not one in the same. These are separate and you must have a business mind here. This is not saying don't join a friend. This just means choose wisely and choose the path that will secure the most successful path in your new venture.

Here are a few tips to choosing the right sponsor:

You will want to choose a person who is compatible with you. Someone you get along with and feel good about. Sometimes you just know.

You will want to interview more than 1 potential sponsor to find one that you believe is right for you.

Choose someone with similar goals. If your goal is to replace a full-time income and/or build a large team, a sponsor who joined the company to get a discount on the products is probably not the best mentor for you. You want a sponsor with similar goals who can share what has or hasn't worked for her.

You will want to choose a sponsor to mentor you based on the level of experience you desire. If you do not want someone brand new, do not select a sponsor that is new. If you are brand new to direct sales you will want a mentor who has been with the company for more than 1 year who has the ability to help you in ways you will need help.

During your interview of potential sponsors you will want to ask if they offer continued support and training. Some choose to get you started then let you run with it will others continually mentor regardless of your success.

How you plan to market your business can also be a determining factor when choosing the right sponsor. If you plan to market and build a team offline you will want to choose a sponsor who is local rather than our of state. Having a sponsor who is local can be beneficial with parties, one on one training. If you choose to build your business strictly online you can benefit from a sponsor that is long distance. These sponsors have learned the tricks of the trade when it comes to online marketing.

Some sponsors will offer their own incentive when joining their team. While this may be enticing you have to stick to the goal at hand, finding the right sponsor for your success.

If the sponsor you choose decides to leave the company, what will happen to you? Will you move to your upline's sponsor? If so you may want to talk with their sponsor as well to ensure the you have the right fit.

Will you be interacting with a team in a regular basis? Learn about the team and the dynamics of the team. Something as simple as the team is filled with young mothers while you are the lone grandmother can give you a sense of not belonging. It has nothing to do with whether or not they make you feel this way.

Don't let a sponsor sell you into a business you are not comfortable with. If you feel pressured you will not start on the right foot. Join when you are ready and when it feels right. Go with your instincts.

Starting out on the right foot is one step closer to success.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Tips for Effective Networking

Networking can be very effective in building your business if done right. Networking needs to be consistent regardless if you are networking online or offline.

Networking takes place in everyday life. If you need a new doctor you ask a friend or you when you need a new hairdresser. This is networking

Here are a few basics when it comes down to networking.

Networking is NOT about selling your business or products to everyone you meet. It is about gaining contacts and getting your name out there.

Don’t come on too strong the first time you meet new people. People are put off when you are overly aggressive. Relax and speak casually yet professionally.

Share about yourself, not just your business. You want to build a relationship and not just be a walking ad 24/7. People do business with people they know and trust.

Ask people what they do and invite them to share about themselves and their business. Showing genuine interest and not making it all about "me" makes you likeable and someone others want to do business with.

Listen more than you talk and ask questions that will get people talking. This will be done in return as well so don't worry you are talking about everyone else and you never come up.

Ask for their business card. Getting the business card allows you to follow up. You can exchange cards if you wish but always get their card or if online, their email or IM name. Ask permission to contact them again. If you don't ask you will spam them. Nobody likes being invaded.

Make notes on things contacts offer that might be useful to yourself or others. Keep index cards on hand to make notes and file the business card with the index card. This is also great to make note if a contact makes mention of an occasion coming up such as a birthday or anniversary. This gives you a reason to pick up the phone and make a call.

Find common ground with the person you’re getting to know. If you both enjoy wine tasting, you have something to talk about other than business. If you have nothing in common you may not be comfortable talking to this person outside of business. That can make the contact awkward so find that common ground.

If asked what you do don’t give someone a long sales pitch. Keep it short and informative. This is where your mini commercial comes in. This is a 20-30 second explanation of what you do, why you love it, and shows your enthusiasm.

Always tell the person you were talking with it was a pleasure meeting them and ask if it is ok if you add them to your contact list. The worst thing you can do is add them without permission and insult them. Never burn bridges.

Don't file your contacts away never to be heard from again. Use them when you need something. Refer them when someone else needs them. If you don't use or refer their services they will forget about you. When you refer someone, tell them to mention your name such as "tell them Olivia from So Chic Bag Boutique referred you." This will remind them of who you are and not just a name.

Keep it professional. Watch your language. Offensive language will not be tolerated and you will be tossed to the side. People want to do business with professionals.

If you do it right networking and propel your business in the right direction.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Stay On Task

Staying ong task is a challenge aat some point in time as a WAHM. Some worse than others but you need to find ways to work through it. I know do several things I should not just because I can be easily distracted. You just have to be aware of it and get back ontrack asap. I might find a typo on my website then realize I need to call a supplier about a shipment coming in which will lead me to remember its my mothers birthday then I have to do grocery shopping and back around again.

Here is a few tips to staying on task:

Create a task list on Sunday evening of all of your projects and deadlines for the week. Do not just leave this on our computer calendar. Write this down somewhere that you look often such as a desk calendar. The constant reminder helps keep you on task.

List your goals for the week. This should always be part of your weekly schedule of tasks. Having your short term goals listed keeps you in forward motion to accomplishing these. Make sure these are on mark to reaching montly and quarterly goals.

Create a schedule of the above in blocks of time. Stick to this. If you get distracted you know where you need to return based on your block of time scheduled.

Turn off the instant notification on your e-mail. This allows you to only receive emails when you are ready to read and respond to them them properly. Constantly checking email as a notification pops up takes away valuable time.

Use an egg timer to keep you conscious of time. Your will be surprised how quick time passes when you are made aware of time. Reset the timer for each block of time that passes and stick to your time schedule. This can be difficult at first but you will find you manage time better.

If you would not do it on the clock for someone else, don't do it on your own time clock. It is easy to get off task and run errands but keep those to your break times.

As a WAHM it is easy to get distracted with typical home noise. Keep the t.v. off. If you must see the show, tape it, dvr, or something but no t.v. while working.

Do not overfill your plate with tasks for the week. Too many projects will take you off task. Yes you have a lot to accomplish but overdoing it will not get it done. What it will do is create an exhausted you whom won't even be able to handle the tasks you would normally be able to.

Staying on task is work but as you become aware it will become habit for the most part. Business is every changing so it will never stop taking effort. It will just get easier as you find what works for you.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com/