Strategies for success...

As a new consultant with Thirty One Gifts, I have had to dig back into my archive of strategies on how to be successful in business.  As a business woman for the past twenty years, I have had a great deal of experience however, this "new" experience I am embarking on, is something a little different.  There are some foundational pieces that I see as important.  I have been thinking about some of the things I have been doing and will continue to do as I continue on this path of direct sales...

#1  Building relationships:  In any good business, once people know you, have an understanding of your integrity and your honest way in which you do business, word of mouth gets around and that heart felt understanding of the relationship grows...I can see how important this is in direct selling.  It takes time, and takes time to nurture so that the growth will be strong from the beginning.  This will be the root system of the apple tree which will bear the fruit of the labor...

#2  Educate yourself:  Reading, learning, and having a confident understanding of the product line, the company's mission statement, and the alignment of your beliefs and the company's beliefs is going to take you a long way...Never never stop learning.  This week alone, I have learned how to grow my business, what it will take, what steps to take, and that the mission fits my core belief system.  All of this is exciting and gives me energy to keep selling...

#3 Go the extra mile.  My Director, Shannon took a leadership opportunity and did a meeting which offered lots of great information, some motivating ideas, and gave all of those who attended a look at others in the field.  Sharing of ideas and celebrating rewards was motivating.  She could have just showed up, but she was prepared.  She had the tables set with care...she had a nice spread of food, she had gifts, and she showed a great deal of confidence in her business.    She went the extra mile.  She set an example. She showed awesome leadership.

#4 Motivate yourself...so you can motivate others.  I think it is critical to be able to stay motivated.  Of course, being able to motivate others adds a  dimension which will take you places.  Set goals, and work toward those goals.  I used the meeting yesterday to set goals...they may be lofty, but they are something to strive for, to share and to work toward.

#5  Reward yourself for a job well done.  I was energized that I had taken time to meet others, learn more, and enjoy this new opportunity that I have chosen.  I look forward to seeing what is ahead...

Although I have been in leadership for awhile, it is fun to re-visit the skills, use them in a new way, help others along the way, and enjoy the leadership of others.   

I am a seed planted, growing roots at this point...I look forward to the process of growth and in looking ahead see a strong and healthy apple tree which will bear much fruit!