Five Tips to Re-Opening (or Restarting) Your Direct Sales Business

So...you had a direct sales business, but you let it founder for whatever reasons.

Okay, no problem. One of the best things about this kind of business is that you can just sort of "re-open" when you want. Yes, there are certainly some caveats regarding customer service. But, here are five tips to help get you rolling again.

One - Throw a Party

Yeah, you heard right. Have a party - that's the business you are in, right? But here's the kicker. Make it kind of exclusive (or even VERY exclusive). You could have one JUST for previous hostesses, for example. Or previous customers. Or your neighborhood. A group or organization where you are member. A "just for XXX" party.

Make it worth their while to attend. The fastest and easiest way to do this is to have it be one of the old-fashioned "mystery hostess" parties. But, stretch your hostess benefits as far as possible so you can do multiple drawings. I.E. One drawing for free product value, one for each half-price item, one for any hostess special item, etc. Get as many drawings as you can out of it. Give away entrances into the drawings for making a purchase, attending, being on time, booking a party to help you restart, etc.

Then, make it CRAZY fun. A great way to do this is to drag all your out-dated, out of stock, discontinued, no longer for sale samples out from the garage. Wrap each individually, and do a Dirty Santa type game with them, as part of the party. You know the game I mean - everyone gets a number and then in order draws from the table or swipes from a previous person. Definitely put time and number of swipe limits on things, or you'll be there all night! (You can do this also if you are "restarting" into a new business - get rid of old samples and product you can't use anymore by recycling them into the giveaways.)

Two - Make Use of Old Catalogs

Print out labels that say "This catalog is out of date, please contact me for a new one at XXXX" and smack them front and center cover. Then leave them EVERYWHERE. Where is everywhere? Well, start with the places listed here http://budurl.com/70Places

Three - Get on the Phone

I know, that phone is sometimes the most evil creation on the planet. But, it does matter to people to have a personal touch, and it is cheaper than sending all your previous customers a postcard. You are even allowed to call during the day when they are at work and leave a message. Make it a customer service call. "Hi XXX, this is Kimberly, your XXX rep. I wanted to take a moment to follow up on your purchase of XXX from me a XXX's party last year and make sure you are satisfied. I also wanted to see if I can answer any questions for you about how to use the product. Thank you again for being my customer. I can be reached at XXXXXXX." The point is to RE-ESTABLISH contact with your customers. NOT to get them to buy something right away.

Four - Write an Article

Consider writing an article that is on a topic related to your product and submitting it to local magazines, and free newspapers. Make sure your contact information and credentials are part of the byline. An example would be "5 Easy Steps to Digitizing Your Old Family Photographs" or "How to Make a Tabletop Topiary in Five Minutes." You might be surprised how many local publications are looking for well-written articles. This is especially true of free publications. Just make sure it is relevant to their audience and that you are giving away genuinely valueable information.

Five - Tell People and Ask for Help

One thing I've learned over the years; friends want to help. They need to be asked, and they need to know they aren't being used. But I have seen so many times where just reaching out to friends and asking for help can make an incredible difference.

Oh yes, and be sure to have FUN. It's a vital part of true success in direct sales.

SALES...the Life of the Party Plan

Best,

Kimberly

Follow me on twitter @kimberlybates
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