This was fantastic!
{Gen Y} Things I won’t do in business.
I’m a part of Generation Y and the sub category “the millennials” . I don’t want to talk about how very different we are but the changes in thinking are somewhat striking. When I worked for a corporate run office supply store, the attitude was “shut up and do as you’re told” GenY’ers have trouble with this type of management and work environment. We grew up questioning everything and everyone. I wanted to know why, we as a company, were heading in the direction that we were. As an ENTP I needed to know the big picture. Frankly, working for corporate America wasn’t working out for me.
“They’re like Generation X on steroids,” …. “They walk in with high expectations for themselves, their employer, their boss. If you thought you saw a clash when Generation X came into the workplace, that was the fake punch. The hay maker is coming now.”
Lot’s of others my age have come across this same issue. “Shut up and sit down” is frustrating for most of us – unless you’re interested in going into the military *shutter* {I’d never make it in there}. Aside from that we are having trouble either taking orders or giving them. Those fresh out of college are now managing people twice their age and they’re turning companies on their heads. Plenty have left that world {myself included} to start their own businesses and guess what happen? The direct selling industry has boomed! It’s the easiest way to “own” a business and LOTS of women and men have jumped on board.
That being said, since I AM one of these business owners {oh lord, I have a blog too!} here is my list of typical direct seller activities I won’t do. Not even once.
1. Call you. I will use my phone for everything else and contact someone ANY other way than actually call them. If you’re my customer and it’s an emergency — then maybe. But for normal business, everyone texts me or finds me on facebook. I love it. I have time to respond to things and sometimes I don’t have time to go figure out what my customer or my team member is wanting….but I will later and then give a real answer.
If I want someone to join my team, I want them to know I won’t call… unless that’s the only way they want me to contact them. I won’t call them to see how they’re doing with their business. Ya know — let’s just all get together at Starbucks for 30 minutes and gab about business.
2. Conference Calls: I hate them even more than I hate calling just one person. No joke. Conference calls every week or month is old school. Corporate America uses that means of “communicating” with their sales teams. So, it’s not for me. Nope.
3. Follow the “start up guide” that the company sent out. I won’t follow the advice to ask “friends and family first for parties and sales”….”fill out your list of 100” Hey, here’s a thought…. what about those consultants that don’t have family or friends to ask? What are they supposed to do? Oh right it’s about networking…. why not teach that from the start? Here’s what I will do — I teach how to find customers that have nothing to do with your current circle of influence. I will teach how to use social media, emails {sort of, it’s an old way of marketing} and partnering with businesses in your community. I will teach how to run a successful fair booth and how to approach almost anyone. ANYTHING but bugging your friends and family. Ya know?
4. I like team work — I want to move as a team and lead a team. No one on one nonsense. I come from a generation where everyone was a winner {which I understand is a stupid way of raising kids… but hey it’s what I got k?} I like to move as a herd and succeed as a whole group. You win, I win. We win. Right?
5. I have no patience for jerks, including aggressive sales people. I am very much about selling as a network and not as a crazy pushy make – up lady that can’t stop talking about “how great you’d be at my job” I’ve heard it all and I’m not ok with it. Learn to not alienate people. Thanks. I do not teach my team to play cheesy games at home parties or push people they come in contact with. Because ya know what? IT DOESN’T WORK! You will sell more and make more connections by being friendly and confident instead of crazy and pushy. I will not tolerate anyone on my team acting like that either.
Stay tuned for the things I WILL do: Things that will change the direct selling industry on it’s head.
❤ Kristi
Related articles
- Gen Y’s in the workforce (jobhuntertips.wordpress.com)
- Ask the Mompreneur: How Gen Y, Millennials Differ (hispanicbusiness.com)
- Being a Gen-Y in a Gen-X/Boomer World (jaredkligerman.com)
- Millennials In The Workplace (thehartford.com)
- You’re Probably Wrong About Millennials (blogs.hbr.org)
- 22 Things Gen Yers Love That Gen Xers Just Don’t Get (buzzfeed.com)
- For the Boomers… (pbstites.wordpress.com)
What is an Introvert? {Work as you are: Stop fighting yourself!}
As the first of my series: {Working your business as you are; Stop fighting yourself!}. I want to talk about what an introvert is, because I’m certain most people do NOT understand what it means.
I didn’t. I’m not an introvert. I do however work and live with many of them. I am married to a very introverted man and although we understand each other now, we didn’t in the beginning.
Introverts are commonly misunderstood as shy. As if being introverted can be “fixed” or changed. Our culture is made up by and made for extroverts. We promote that to succeed you have to be a very social person… you have to be an extrovert. If you’re not, than there’s something wrong with you and you’ll never “make it” in the working world.
I disagree.
I was one of those extroverts that thought like that. I thought that my introverted husband was just having a problem and he needed to learn to be more like…well, me. I seriously did not understand him.
We argued a lot.
“The common modern perception is that introverts tend to be more reserved and less outspoken in groups. They often take pleasure in solitary activities…
An introvert is likely to enjoy time spent alone and find less reward in time spent with large groups of people, though he or she may enjoy interactions with close friends. Introverts are easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings and engagement…“
Whether you are extroverted or introverted all depends on how you regain and use energy, mentally. As an extrovert I am excited by lots of people and lots of social interaction. I had a boss once, that called it “little mermaid syndrome” because I just wanted to be where the people are. {I love the Little Mermaid!} I am drained by being alone with no one to talk to. It makes me depressed.
Introverts on the other hand are drained by social things. They enjoy being alone because that is how they regain energy that is used by our very loud, clamoring for attention, talkative culture. It takes a lot of effort to be social.
On this note, though, I want to make it very clear that I’m not talking about being shy. Introverts choose to be alone because it’s their nature and it makes them who they are. It makes them happy. Shyness is avoiding social situations out of fear. Which of course can be changed if one were to put one’s mind to it. Introverts cannot change this about themselves…nor should we expect them to.
There are some things my husband has taught me about who he is. Things I’m sure most overlook. And I’m lucky he could put it into words because introverts are cerebral beings. Most of their thoughts are locked up in their mind… and there’s a lot of them.
So here’s my top 8 list of things I didn’t know and now I do:
* If you get them talking about something they are interested in…good luck getting them to stop talking!
* I am one of those people think aloud. I have no filter, I just say what I think, as I’m thinking it. To my husband it’s very overwhelming. He described it as being buried alive under my words. He was still thinking about the first thing I said when I was already on my fifth thought. I’m a talker — what can’t I say?
* Bathrooms make great escape pods. They’re quiet and no one can talk in there.
* Family social gatherings require some “easing into it” time. Introverts just can’t jump in and take on everything and everyone at once. It’s best to show up to large(ish) social gatherings early so that the introvert isn’t being thrown into a group of people all at once. They come in gradually – and it doesn’t seem overwhelming.
* 50% of the world population is Introverted.
* Interrupting an introvert is very offensive. Just when you finally get them to talk about something, you rudely talk over them? To them, talking is something to do when you have something real to say and since they are thinkers not speakers, your interruption is like saying “shut up — I’m not really listening anyway to this thing you probably thought about for weeks.” Guess what? You’ve lost your conversation ticket.
* They hate being asked daily {or more} “what’s wrong?” or “are you ok?” because they’re quiet.
* INTJs {like the Hubbs} seem aloof and rude. They can sound condescending. They really don’t mean to — they are just more blunt and to the point because as I mentioned they only want to talk as much as needed. No chit chat here. Frankly he doesn’t understand why small talk is needed or why he has to participate.
* There’s nothing wrong with being an Introvert! It’s not a disease. It’s not a mental disorder. There is no prescrition for anti -introvert. It’s just plain offensive to tell someone that their personality is wrong because it’s not like you or you don’t understand it.
Cut & Dry {Business Talk}
I haven’t written anything worth publishing in a while.
I have plenty of saved drafts though!
This is not one of them. haha.
I have some updates and NEW PLANS to share with you!
I’m starting three blog theme days that I think will be right on the money for this year’s business climate:
1. How to run a successful direct selling business as your “type” — Introvert, Extrovert or a little of both {like me}. Whatever you happen to be; there are solutions for how to run a great business. Even in a networking business. I can’t wait to share with you all the things we’ve been testing!
2. Direct selling as a GenY’er. Direct Selling has kept up with the times for the most part — now is the time though to really disrupt an industry with how the GenY think and buy. We’ll discuss buying trends, how to sell to the “millennials” and find out how to make your direct selling work for those who are 18-35. Oh and a dash of social media training!
3. Fashion Friday and Jamberry Nail art stuffy stuff: Mostly a mix of hot ass fashion for the season and my own product. It will be awesome!
My updates and some things I won’t be talking about anymore:
{I’ve actually resigned from The Pampered Chef}
Yes, I was tired of flip flopping about it. I wanted to keep going, but couldn’t tell where “going” was taking me. I had no plan and no goals …..so……..I cut it off.
Listen.
In business sometimes you just need to cut something or someone that’s not working any longer. That particular company wasn’t making any more money for me. I wasn’t going to hang on to dead weight — so out it goes!
{I’ve hired an assistant}
I’m a starter not a finisher {read this book…all of them} I understood, finally, that my business was always going to stall at a certain point because I can’t do it all. I just can’t. I’m an ENTP. My business and my customers are suffering because I need help. I think that’s a good place to be though — a big enough business to need help in order to grow more. I’ve outgrown myself. haha.
This is why I have blog themes starting up. Extroverts forget that not everyone is like them and it’s important to work as YOU… and not what the rest of your company is, or thinks you should be, to be a success. Does this make sense? I’m hoping it does lol.
Anyway, Lindsey is amazing. I have no idea what she’s going to get done yet but she’s here to help. This will be great for our customers, for sure. And me. Mostly me.
lastly,
{I’m staying at my ‘day job’}
I love it there. ’nuff said. Seriously? Working at a zoo is amazing.
I’ll post more pics for ya’ll soon.
I think that’s all — thanks for reading!
❤ Kristi
Top 3 Tips for a Great Fair Booth
Ah, fair booths….
Fair booths and craft fair booths can be an excellent boost to a direct sellers business. It’s like doing a party in front of 100+ people as a time. ok, not exactly like that, because that would be terrifying. BUT it is a great way to get yourself seen by A LOT of people in one day.
That being said; how your booth looks is very important. I’m going to be very blunt here – I’m sick of seeing thrown together – didn’t give a shit kind of booths from direct sellers. It’s not a yard sale or a flea market. Why would you put your product out there like that? Look; if you’re not going to make it look good, then stay away from fair booths all together. Either do it right or stay home.
Why do I say this? Because I’ve been there. I’m guilty of all of that. I’ve had the crappy little booth that wasn’t very put together. I showed up to some fairs and just tossed my products out on a table and put a stack of catalogs in front… AND I expected people to actually want to buy something — or book a party with me. What the hell was wrong with me??
Here are some things I’ve learned in the last decade:
TOP 3 TIPS THAT SAVED MY FAIR BOOTHS:
1.0 Use more than one table and make an “L” with them.
Either make an “L” that people will walk into your booth or make an “L” that keeps them up front. No matter what you choose, the table clothes must match and be to the floor. All your product boxes and such should be under the tables and out of site. No one should ever see your supplies. It ruins the magic.
2.0 You should NEVER sit behind your booth.
No hiding. No sitting there reading or playing with your phone. You need to engage with your potential customers and you need to be in front of your booth. Preferably with product in hand. Maybe one that makes noise.
3.0 Have something to say to each passerby.
“Would you like to try a sample?” is a great one — so is “would you like to enter our drawing for a free_____________?” Try not to sound like a carney.
Things I hate to hear (and say) “Have you heard of <enter your company name here>?” How very arrogant! What do you say if they tell you “no”? Oh right, you go into your speel about what your company is about and what you sell and how they should book a party with you… blah blah blah. *yawn* It’s not about you!
Better: ask a engaging question or compliment them. When I had a Pampered Chef booth I ask “How was dinner last night?” or “Tell me; what is the oldest kitchen tool in your kitchen?”
Many times people will tell me right away “I LOVE Pampered Chef” and I always follow with “Me too, but the important question is are you using it still in your kitchen?” and they always laugh and then stop to think — sometimes they give a blunt “nope, I lost my <kitchen tool here> when <disaster here; child moved out, moved across country, dog chewed it> Which leads me to my drawing. (enter here for a free____) While they fill that out I ask if they’ve seen a catalog in a while, and how they felt about hosting a party for free replacements. Done. Simple. I make it into a real conversation and build a rapport before I go in for the kill….er I mean ask for a booking.
Aside for those “rules” I’ve accumulated a few nice visual ideas over on Pinterest for booth ideas: Go check them out
More information about relationship building for business can be found at Jeffery Gitomer’s blog and you should sign up for his e-zine!
Now get out there and make your booths pretty! Make some money! Make your customers happy!
{Moved from Blogger} My fav blogs
Go read!
The Militant Baker
http://www.themilitantbaker.com/
I love this blog more than anyone will know. It has opened my eyes and made me realize things about myself I didn’t know. I thought I was pretty fair to myself – I loved me, I know me – but I was wrong. I still held onto my grandmother’s rules for “big girls”. I didn’t wear white, stripes, short skirts, skinny heels, sleeveless in public, or pretty bras. I wouldn’t eat in front of people who were not eating. I chose what I ate with people I didn’t know very well by what would look healthy to others.
*shakes head* Why did I keep those rules for myself? I dunno — but now I’ve rooted them out and seen the light! I still keep finding things that I believed about fat girls that seriously do not make sense. Changing these thoughts has changed my business. I am worthy of the sale. There is nothing that should stop me especially not my size.
The Near-sited Owl
Fashion at it’s best. She has a great flare for thrifty items and putting style together in a punchy way. Love it!
Confessions of a Pioneer Woman
http://thepioneerwoman.com/confessions/
What can I say? I love her cooking! Have you seen her show on food network?
Big Mama
Again…punchy, cute fashion, and an excellent writer!
Car Decals {what not to do}
You’re a lucky bunch- did you know that? I’m coming to you live from the freeway heading towards Seattle! (No I’m not driving. ..that would be amazing if I could write a post AND drive lol and not die!)
Anyway
Lets talk about car decals for a sec. I see plenty of them while driving to work everyday. The last one I saw prompted this public service announcement. If you’re going to slap your business info on your car make sure it’s VISIBLE! I was behind a Silpada Designs Rep that had her logo in white and burgundy. The font was tiny and unless we were tailgating her (which the hubbs is good at) the phone number and email were completely lost. I guess if you saw her decal in a parking lot it wouldn’t be so bad – but why limit yourself?
And while I’m ranting…. she only had an email and phone number. EMAIL?? No website?? I don’t want to email you — I want to shop!
What am I going to say “hey I want a catalog or your website. Sorry for tailgating you for 5 miles….that burgundy color isn’t doing you any good”
Make sure you put thought into your decal. Give it a fresh look before making it permanent. Get your friends to take a peek and give you feedback. What if your company provides the design and you cannot change it? If it doesn’t look right on your car, don’t do it!
I think that’s true for all marketing — if it doesn’t make you look awesome….its not worth it.
♥ Kristi
{Moved from Blogger} 3 things I haven’t done this week
The last two weeks have been fairly busy for my day job. My “supervisor” quit, moved onto another job and left me with all the season end work. I will apply for his position once it’s up but of course I have to wait until someone comes back from Mongolia. *laughs* working for a zoo has it’s unique problems huh?
Anyway so things I should have been taking care of business…here’s 3 Things I should be doing this week:
1. Parties. I haven’t had a party for 3 weeks. Not for lack of leads or people who want to host — I just haven’t said anything to anyone about setting their date since the first week of July. Secondly I have ladies whom wanted to order, told me what date they were paid and I didn’t follow up yet! So this should really read “Sales; something I’m done doing this week”
Look, this is something you should be horrified about. If you are a direct seller and you’re reading this…… STOP reading this and go sell something!
2. Recruiting. Jamberry Nails is a pretty new company and for the first time we had a recruiting promotion. $50 off your start up kit (that’s 50% off as well before shipping and tax) Insane! Did this girl do anything with it? No. No, she didn’t. I feel terrible that I’ve let everything else get in the way of this. I should know better by now.
3. “The big fish” Once upon a time I worked for an office supply store as a copy center lead. I loved that my job (for 8 years) was about relationships with business accounts. I knew those people and their businesses VERY well. It was my job. My “big fish” were those accounts I landed or built up to a large reoccurring level. By that I mean, they would place a regular order that was very profitable, every month or whatever. I went after companies and businesses that I knew needed regular work and prints. They were my money makers – my bread and butter so to speak.
The important part about my fish, was after busting ass for a couple months the account really only needed maintenance to keep going. It wasn’t a lot of work after the initial take off, almost like the money coming in was on auto pilot.
What does this mean for me now? I need some fish. I need the rush of excitement when you work closely with someone to benefit both of you. basically, I need to get back to work lol. I need local salons for Jamberry Nails, and the local kitchen supply shops for Pampered Chef (not retail sales but a display and ‘order station’)
Then, I think I need to work on some fundraisers….anyone have any ideas?
Portoga & Jam 