Business Opportunities in the Direct Sales Industry

Many different people from many different backgrounds, nationalities, economic and household situations start a business in the direct sales industry for many different reasons. Some mothers and even fathers may want to stay home with the kids and make their own hours, give themselves a promotion when ever they see fit, be their own boss, earn trips and cars and so much more.

Statistics show that 50% of Americans will start their own business at one time or another. There are many tax benefits of owning your own business as well as the feeling of accomplishment.

Just like starting any new business, it is an exciting time. Direct Sales is a relationship building business. Athough technology has advanced many people's businesses and exposure, it is the basic relationship that will help determine a person's success or falure in direct sales.

There is NO sugar coating it and do not allow anyone sugar coat it for you. Just like any business it involves work, determination, passion and a willingness to be coached. Companies have already developed marketing tools for you to use. Re-creating the wheel is not always the best way to succeed in direct sales. Use their tools that they have put in place for you. Also, make sure you have a budget set in place. Many new people who try direct sales get caught up in spending too much too soon. Then when they don't see money being made, they give up and claim that direct sales is a scam. The enticement of new products and sales offered can be tempting. But it is not necessary to keep inventory and many companies do not want you to keep inventory. The concept of starting a business is to make money, not go broke.

In direct sales you can start at a very low cost, for free or up to hunderds of dollars. Needless to say, it is much less than opening up a traditional business which requires thousands to millions of dollars at the initial start up. Understand your compensation plan. Maximize it. Understand when you would earn bonuses and trips.

There are direct sales companies that carry many different products and services. From jewelry to auto care, pets, toys, clothing to handbags, technology services, personalized items, greeting cards, cosmetics, skincare, food and nutritionals and more. Every company claims they are the best, and yes, they all offer amazing, high-quality products. It is important to find a company and product YOU are passionate about and go for it.

This is one of the many reasons why I started Home Party Divas- To help others find opportunities, locate reputable consultants who can help those who want to begin their venture and to definately not sugar coat it.

Here are a list of the members in Home Party Divas and the companies they represent. There are many other companies out there. As we grow, we hope to have at least one member of every home party based business represented. In the meantime, you can visit www.dsa.com (Direct Sales Association) for a list of reputable companies.

Remember sending cards will help re-connect with those you lost touch with, develop new relationships and maintain existing ones. Who do you know that does not like to receive a card?
Happy Card Sending,
Debbie and Kerry Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card
Storefront
954-667-9762
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Overcoming Your Own Bondage

I was watching a show on the History channel about a group of people who according to historians should not be here based on how history unfolded itself. This article is not religious in nature, yet holds a special place to people everywhere and will be used as an example in this writing.

So the group of people are the Jews. Throughout history we all know (Jew and non Jew alike) how they were enslaved, persecuted and judged throughout time. Yet, they still exist in this world. I am Jewish and I grew up thinking and discussing these things. I feel that one can only understand if one was Jewish.

But I want to take this to a deeper and more humanistic observation. The Jews came through these episodes in history with faith, passion and a belief in themselves. Passover (Pesach) is coming and we speak of how the Jews escaped slavery from the Egyptians. We see Moses on Mt. Sinai in the movie "The Ten Commandments" bringing down the Commandments for the future people of Israel. Were they truly free after all that?

Freedom is not just a state of our external environment. It is an inner feeling that one holds within oneself. Today you live in a free society in America, but yet are your ideas, thoughts and feelings truly free? How can you set yourself up in a place where you are free inside? What holds you back from achieving your goals? Who are you blaming when your dreams are not coming to reality? Do you have an internal battle of bondage/slavery that you fight with everyday?

I ask these questions because I know many people who have fears in their mind. Whether they created them themselves or people spoke these fears to them The can'ts, the won'ts, the am not's. These are purely words but they can be so strong that they bond you to a place of insecurity and fear.

I pray that you will let these fears and negative feelings leave you. I pray that love, freedom and peace encompass your soul and mind.

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Remember sending cards will help re-connect with those you lost touch with, develop new relationships and maintain existing ones. Who do you know that does not like to receive a card?
Happy Card Sending,
Debbie and Kerry Your Referral Specialists
Send A Free Card
Storefront
954-667-9762
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SOC IPhone App Review

I was so excited about the news for the new SOC iPhone App! I downloaded it for free, logged into my account and started to send cards!!!

I thought to myself- how is this possible with over 14,000 cards, images and my contacts? Well, they did it. It is very simple.

I logged in and the screen shows my address, points and expense I have in my account. I select catalog at the bottom of the screen to start creating a card. The categories are listed just like in your regular account on the computer.  I select Holiday and Occasions to send a birthday card. I go through selecting the card for a friend. The images on the front of the card are clear and colorful. I click next at the top of my screen. I can edit the left and right sides of the card.

I can insert images from my SOC account or take a photo from iPhone!!! Instantly it goes into my card.

I can also add an existing contact from my Send Out Cards account, my device's address book or add a new contact.
It validates how many points and expense I am going to use and then SEND CARD!

Wow!!! Talk about acting on a prompting. You are out with clients and can send a card right after a meeting without going to your office! BRILLIANT!

BOO!!! Halloween Treats

Send a Treat to your Friends and Family.

SendOutCards has some really cute gifts to brighten someone's day this Fall.

All of the flavor of Pumpkin Pie without all the work.

Just add water, butter and a can of pumpkin. It only  takes 5 minutes to prepare. The dish is oven, dishwasher and microwave safe. Use it as a candy dish or decoration. Perfect as a Hostess Gift.

We have so many Halloween and Fall Gift ideas that can be sent with a card.

To send your card and gift out to someone you care about, visit our storefront @ http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/. If you need assistance give us a call 954-667-9762.

Thanks
Debbie and Kerry
Send A Free Card and Biz Opp http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/
Storefront- http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
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Direct Sale Reps Give You a Bad Taste in Your Mouth

Direct Sale Representatives usually get a bad wrap. There are many people, for many reasons who are left with a bad taste in their mouth when they hear about direct sales or MLM. They associate it with scams or a person who was pushing distributorship way too much. Now while there have been a few scams out there and pushy people. There are many that are not. Companies are only as good as its distributors. Many of the most successful distributors are ones who understand this. I know I do not want to be known as the distributor who throws up all over my contacts.

Like in traditional business, I have been scammed by plumbers, electricians, car salesman, and stockbrokers who took my money and didn’t finish a job or invested in the wrong stocks for their own financial gain. Many people were scammed by Madoff. Yet, we still invest. We still have our checking accounts. There are many good companies out there, with good morals and values with incredible products and services. Keep that in mind when someone offers you an opportunity.

In our SendOutCards business, we have come across customers who were told there was only one package-the Entrepreneur package. We have gained these people as customers, because we listened to THEIR needs. They did not want to do it as a business and did not want to invest over $300.00. And with our honesty, we have built a trusting relationship. We have also had people who were customers who upgraded down the road to a Distributor when THEY were ready.

Direct Sales is not about us. It is about the customer. It is about the team we build and their goals. Once they identify what they want, it will ultimately help you as their upline.

As a rep in the direct sales industry, do what you feel is comfortable for you- your style, your manners, your attitude. But always remember it is the person you are talking to whose opinion matters the most.

Debbie Shulman and Kerry Lynn Palmieri
Send A Free Card and Biz Opp- http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/
Storefront- http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
E-mail- helpwithsoc@gmail.com
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How to Find the Right Direct Sales Company for YOU

I have to tell you this story of my sister. She worked at an office for a couple of years and like many of Americans today, she found herself in the administrator's office and was told they had to cut back. After serious talks, they had to let her and others in the office go; including her boss.

After many months of searching for another job, she found the job of dreams at a well-known law practice in Palm Beach. We were all so excited! However, the lesson of the story is this- always have a PLAN B. When your employer has to cut your salary or let you go, will he still pay for the lifestyle in which you are accustomed to? NO!

By finding the right Direct Sales Company for you- you control your hours, you control how much you want to earn. And if you do have to accept a pay cut, you know that you have an extra $200, $400, $1000 or more a month to make up the difference. If you are let go, you know that if you can work harder on your PLAN B, you can make it your full time career or at least for awhile until you find another job.

When searching for the right Direct Sales Company make sure you are passionate for what you will be selling to your customers. Make sure you are comfortable with your up line. How long have they been in the business? Make sure you understand the compensation plan. Understand any and all of the requirements that are set in place for the company. Every company is different. Don't let anyone fool you. It does take work and determination to make your business succeed. It will not happen over night. Keep yourself on a budget. All companies have a maximum spending budget. Keep track on how many events you can afford to do and how much inventory you can carry. Otherwise the company will be getting rich and not you.

There are many links out there to help you research the right company for you. Every direct selling company offers the same thing- more money for you can be made, more time for your family, travel more, a great product or service. Make sure it is not a scam. Above all else do not allow anyone to sweet talk you into their company. This is your decision and if anyone does push you into a distributorship- I would be wary.

Best of Luck to you and your endeavour.

Kerry and Debbie

Storefront- http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/

Send A Free Card and Biz Opp- http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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That's ok, I don't want your referral.

The person who needs to read this is the one who wonders why they don't receive referrals from clients and/or other business professionals. The other type of person who reads this, like myself and my partner, will probably laugh in agreement.

How many times have you found someone at a networking event you thought about referring too? It is a great experience. They are a person who will fit in your circle of contacts, help each other with referrals, a nice compliment to the services and/ or products you have. Whatever the reason, you hit it off (or so you thought) and poof they don't FOLLOW UP!

You know that there lies interest. It is obvious from the other party. You make that phone call which is basic in nature. "Hello, how are you? I would like to know about you and your business? Give me a call."

You don't hear back, so the next day you send an email and wait...still no response. You think- are they on vacation? Are they hurt? Now, this is not just a one way street you truly want to know about them and their business, so you can refer your clients to them. There isn't an automated e-mail response saying they are out of town, nor a message on their voicemail. So, do they want the business or not? You even think to yourself- do they even know how to network and follow up?

I ask myself, does this person really want my referral? How can I be an effective referral generator to someone who does not return my call or email in a timely manner. If this is how you treat me, then how will you treat my client?

One needs to think about how they may be perceived if not returning communications in a timely manner. Communication is very important.

We are living in a society where people want instant gratification. If you don't call them back in an hour (maybe for some people it is even less) they WILL call someone else. Just Google a business and thousands come up. Everyone is not only in competition with the store down the street, but the ones all over the country.

My best advice is to offer you this. Reflect on how quickly you return a call, answer an email and evaluate the way you communicate to your customers and networking friends. If you are not available at this time then let them know you will contact them as soon as you return.

Ask yourself this- do you ignore a phone call on your cell because you don't know the number? Instead TELL yourself this, "If I DO answer this call, then I may gain a new customer. Because if I don't they more than likely will call my competition." I am not saying to be up at all hours of the night and being interrupted during family dinners. I am just saying to communicate more effectively and you may have more business than you know what to do with.

Debbie

Retail Store:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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Dating vs. Networking- What is the Difference?

I thought of this topic as I was lying in bed last night. For those of you who know me this is not an irregular thing for me to do. On top of three kids, a husband, two successful businesses and planning a Women's Expo and Fundraiser. One would think I just crash. But I had an epiphany.

So, what is the difference between Dating and Networking? My hypothesis says nothing. There is no difference.

Dating is the process of meeting a person of the opposite sex (or same sex in some situations). Dating is the beginning stage to find that man/woman of our dreams. To marry, have children, and live a long and beautiful life with.

In the past, before the Internet, we met people through our friends and family who knew us and knew the other person. Therefore, you hoped that it would be a good match. Sometimes it was and sometimes it wasn't. This way of matchmaking has gone by the wayside. Now, the majority of single people are using social media sites to find people quicker, easier and a bit safer. We are busy. We don't have time for a long drawn out first date. If we don't like them why torture ourselves for an hour and a half. We can have coffee instead and see if it can go further. (Am I the only one who dated like this?)

Unlike going to a bar, they may join speed dating groups, dances and /or social Meet Up groups. I actually met my husband on eHarmony and we did have a long drawn out first date for 6 hours!!! Ok, so maybe my philosophy was not working. :)

So now they got a date after finding the right person, with the right picture and profile. They dress up to make a first impression. First impressions always make a lasting impression. They meet the person at a local restaurant, coffee shop or something along those lines. And now comes the conversation. It is not as if the person is intentionally trying to repulse the other. It sometimes happens. One talks to much or the other's conversation is not appropriate for a first date.

The behaviour is not well received. Some people may want to relax, but they relax so much they drink too much. One wants to put paws all over the other one. Basically, it is just not happening.

Respect, honor and confidence are the attributes one should have when they first walk out there door. Not what shoes they have on. Yes, that is important. As I said before- first impressions do matter. But the qualities of a person shine over that. So when they wake up in the morning with you 20 years later you still see the beauty of them from long ago. You will NEVER remember the shoes they had on.

We can not expect that everyone thinks we are attractive. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I remember walking around the mall when I was younger, saying "What is she doing with him?" I may not find that person attractive, but she does and that is all that matters.

Just as in dating, we are not going to get along with everyone in networking circles. Networking is expanding. We network on social media sites. This allows us to find more people, more quickly, any time of the day and night and it does not affect our work schedules. We network at referral groups and chambers where initial person to person contact is imperative.

Many people think or expect that everyone to do business with them. We are like sharks trying to see who we can bite. We are looking for that quick sale. I know I am looking to build that relationship. Just as in dating. Build a long, lasting and beautiful relationship where refferals just flow.
We need to RESPECT the person's time and efforts. We need to HONOR ourselves and others around us. With HONOR comes RESPECT. And we need the CONFIDENCE within ourselves that a NO is okay. No does not always mean No forever. It can be No for right now.

When dating, one should RESPECT the person they are out on a date with. Respect their space, body and time. HONOR yourself and don't give it up so soon. That will never lead to a long, lasting, loving relationship. And CONFIDENCE. You should have the confidence within yourself to know that you are the best, you are well respected and you have qualities that are good and giving without sounding arrogant.

There. I can not find the difference between dating and networking. Make the process fun and enjoy it. When you do find the relationships you want in your life- things will just flow. No fight, no battle. Just a continual partnership that will last a lifetime.

Debbie

Retail Store:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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Welcome

Welcome!

Thank you for landing on our blog. Kerry and I are looking forward to create a forum of our business and personal sides. One of the important lessons we want to educate others about is APPRECIATION MARKETING. This may be a new term, but it has been around for generations. Let's break it down.

APPRECIATION- to be grateful or thankful for: They appreciated his thoughtfulness.
2. to value or regard highly; place a high estimate on: to appreciate good wine.
3. to be fully conscious of; be aware of; detect: to appreciate the dangers of a situation.
4. to raise in value.
–verb (used without object)
5. to increase in value: Property values appreciated yearly

MARKETING–noun

1. the act of buying or selling in a market.
2. the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer, including advertising, shipping, storing, and selling.

We are not ever putting down other forms of traditional business tactics. There is a place for advertising, whether in print, TV or radio. But what does one do once they create and build a database of clients and prospects.

What do you do to show them you thank them for their business, their referral, their kind gesture? Do you send them a card? If the answer is yes, GREAT! What do you say in it?

If the answer is no, then why not? It costs more to find a new client than it does to retain one.

When you send a card does it Send Out to Give or Send Out to Get. Do you know the difference? We will discuss the right and wrong way of showing appreciation. Determining what you are doing will affect the return of your investment (ROI)- good or bad.

So stay tuned for a fun and informative way of learning the Art of Appreciation.

Retail Store:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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The Right Way to Act

When I send a card out to a client or friend, I think to myself am I sending out to Give or sending out to Get?


Kerry and I love the fact that even as we grow our business we are learning to grow within ourselves.


When one sends out to GET, the Universe just takes. Now, maybe this is a bit of a far out concept for some of you, but I think this concept is very simple to understand for most. For example, how many times has someone contacted you and says the following. Now, keep in mind, I have had this happen to me often in the past, but have learned from it so I stay away from people like this.

     "Hey, Debbie, I wanted to call to see how you are and find out if we can meet for coffee. I would like to hear more about your online tool that can help my business."


     "Ok, when and where do you want to meet?"

So we meet up at a local coffee shop and I get to introduce my service and find out how they need it for their business. Then the conversation switches.

     "You know, Debbie, I think that you can use my service/ product in your business as well. We have a ground floor business opportunity that blah blah blah..."


That is all I hear.Why does someone think this is a good way of meeting people, building a team or sell a product/ service? Basically, I felt like the person was throwing up all over me about their business and wasted my time meeting up with them. I could have made an appointment with someone who is truly interested in me and my resources.


Don't get me wrong. I was interested in what they do, but I was not there to be solicited to. They asked me for coffee and then they did a switch. Probably because I would not have met up with them if they were honest.


This contact was obviously out to GET. So what happens, the Universe just takes. Nothing is given back. If the contact was truly interested in my service then I would of been more open to hear about theirs.


Yet, if they were out to GIVE the conversation would of ended up a lot differently. Can we see how we can refer to each other? Let's learn and build a relationship so you can trust me and I can trust you. When you GIVE and open yourself up to truly appreciate and learn, then business can be generated. If not, I think you are annoying, wasting my time and start to think to myself- would I want to be a part of a business where this is one of their techniques; which is blindly meeting up with people to puke the business all over them?

Retail Store:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op:  http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/

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