Mary McLoughlin LLC

Phone a phobia is a disease that has prevailed among direct sellers for quite some time, in fact all of my 18 years in the industry. Lists are made, goals are set and it all breaks down when it’s time to dial. The fear of rejection sets in. “It’s not the right time to call, I might be interrupting dinner, breakfast, lunch, family time, you fill in the blank.” “I better study my specials more so that I don’t say the wrong thing.” “My children are too noisy now.” “I’ll just check my email first.” The excuses abound and soon, the ultimate one appears, “It’s too late to call”. I know all of these excuses, because I have used every one. The more often I used them, the less business I have had and the lower my paychecks.

 

 Success in the direct selling industry is based on relationships, so it only stands to reason that quality communication is a vital skill to be acquired. Traditionally, the phone has been a top method. The underlying cause of phone a phobia is fear, in specific the fear of rejection. In order to be rejected, one usually must ask for something. What if the focus of the calls shifted from asking for what we want, to building a relationship? Who do you always say yes to? In my life, it’s the people I know, like and trust. These are the ones I care about and who care about me, my friends, family and some business partners. The business partners I know, like and trust are the ones who take time to get to know me. They are the ones who share who they are and how they will serve me or fulfill a need of mine. They demonstrate through their communication what they have to offer, and then I ask for their service or product. Maybe phone a phobia is all about the wrong expectations. If the goal is to communicate and build a relationship, what is the risk of rejection? Lower the risk of rejection and you will lower the fear.

 

How do you start this shift? Determine what you have to give. Can you offer service? Can you just say thank you? Is there something that would enhance the product your customer has already purchased? Try some of these: a new way to clean the jewelry, a new benefit of the health product or a recipe for the tool. Focus your call on giving. Do this more than once with the same customer or product. Give value. When it’s time to ask, you customers will know you, like you and trust you. They will say yes.

 

Mary McLoughlin

614.850.9965

www.marymcloughlin.com

 P.S. To learn ways to give value to your customer via the internet, go to www.mlmabundantfaith.com

Top Ten Lessons Learned from 18 years in Direct Sales

 

 This industry provides amazing opportunities to grow personally while you achieve your dreams.  I grew from a frazzled mom with two young children into a multimillion dollar business owner. What surprised me was how the lessons I learned about business are the same important ones for a blessed life. These are the lessons that served me well in my party plan business and that I will take with me into my future.     

 

10.   Systemize, Systemize, Systemize!

Anything that is to be done more than once requires a system: cleaning your house, your party plan, the laundry, expenses, taxes and more. Systems reduce stress and make what you do easy to duplicate. Others will be able to experience your success and your life will be in order.

 

9.       Mentoring is a Two Way Street

Someone else has already done what you want to do and you know how to do things others want to accomplish. Share your knowledge and search out people who know what you want to know. Offer to be of service and to serve. You will be blessed in both relationships. 

 

8.       Love Your Product

Know what you love about your product and why others might love it, too. Share stories about the difference your product makes in your life and the lives of others. This will fuel your passion and make selling easy.

 

7.       Keep It Easy & Simple

As a ‘D’ personality, I am constantly looking for the next good idea. I have learned that often, staying with what works produces better results. Keeping the tasks of life and business to a few simple steps accomplishes more. Both by you and by those you influence; team members, hosts, customers and kids.

 

6.       Ignite Your Fire

Spend time learning what excites and motivates you in business and life. Do more of it. Your passion for living will ignite the fire in others. When life feels complacent, revisit your passion and either reconnect or establish a new one.

 

5.       It’s All About the People

Relationships make life worth living. When we connect, both parties feel valued. When people feel valued they want to be with you. This leads to lots of great things in life.

 

4.       Learn to Listen

Listening from your heart is the most powerful way to connect to others. Knowing that you are really heard creates emotion that is indistinguishable from love. Those around you will feel valued when you learn to listen.

 

3.       Make It Fun

Have fun and so will those around you. People will be drawn to you; more customers, more hosts, more consultants and more friends. You family will want to be around you more, too.

 

2.       Know Your Why

What is your unique purpose on this earth? What matters to you? What accomplishments make you feel whole? What actions will you take toward this end and how does your business help you accomplish this? Connect with your why and you will bound out of bed in the morning. This is what makes life exciting to live. 

 

1.       You Are Enough

Get comfortable in your own skin. You are a unique person, whom God put on this earth for a special purpose. When you share yourself with authenticity, others will feel comfortable doing the same. This allows you and others to take risks and be comfortable with the failures that lead to success.

 

More about these lessons in future blogs….

 

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