New direction for Just a Salesmom!

Just a Salesmom has been about getting to know consultants, finding who you want to shop from.  We'd like to take this one step further!  How do I get to know a consultant?  What products really work?  Jaime and I will be reviewing products from different companies, learning about each consultant and posting our reviews for consumers.  Not really sure if that face cream is worth all the hype?  We'll find out!  Who is this blog for?  Anybody!  You never know where your next customer will come from, and a well-informed customer is the best customer because they've made the decision to purchase from you!  Do you want your review featured on Just a Salesmom?  Email info@justasalesmom.com for more information!

Featured Consultant of the Week - Rachel Davis

This week's featured consultant is Rachel Davis, who is representing the Scentsy Family.  Rachel is a Military wife and a SAHM to a 4 yr old Autistic son .  She is also expecting another baby due July 15^th.

Why did you choose Scentsy?

I had never thought I would start a direct -selling business. I thought about all the companies out there and none  of them had ever appealed to me. I didn’t think I could do well with any of them  so I didn’t have any interest in trying.  Then I was introduced to” Scentsy Wickless” (now renamed  “Scentsy Fragrance”). I was completely in love with the products and thought if I love it so much I am sure others will too and immediately I thought “I could sell this”!  I had never been to a Scentsy party or did I know anyone who sold it but as a military wife we moved a lot and as a stay- at- home mom ,  I felt it would be a good way for me to connect and interact with others who may have similar interests and make new friends. This  company by far  the best out there! . We are like a BIG Family! They are real and amazing and they care about their consultants just as much as they care about their products and their customers! They strive for their 3 principles and it shows! Simplicity Authenticity,  & Generosity

Since I joined as a consultant,  the spark of Scentsy Wickless became so popular and  overwhelming that the company decided to change their name to  “ Scentsy Family”   and they now offer 3 wonderful brands!

 “Scentsy Fragrance”- Home and on-the- go Fragrance products for the whole family!  (featuring: Wickless candles, in over 80 amazing scents, and  beautifully designed quality warmers, Scent Buddies for little ones, as well as  “Layers” a bath and body fragrance line , and “Sincerely Scent” an online scented greeting card line.)

“ Velata” –  a simple fondue system  and amazing Belgian chocolate. (Similar to a Scentsy Fragrance warmer, the Velata fondue warmer is electric . So the chocolate is warmed to the perfect temperature using a lightbulb, so there is no scorching and no stirring involed!  It also features a patent pending silicone dish that is safe to use in the refridgerator, microwave, or dishwasher. And the chocolates are just delicious! Right now we offer 4 varieties:   Milk, White, Dark, and Caramel Milk chocolate. )

“Grace Adele”-    Our newest brand!  A simple “style system”   for those who always want to look their best!  Featuring quality made handbags, clutches, wallets and accessories, including jewelry and scarves. Designer comparable at an Affordable price! 

 How long have you been with them?

I have been a consultant now for 2 years and I look forward to many more!

What is your favorite product?

Honestly, I don’t really have a favorite! I am inlove with them all!

How long have you been in Direct Sales?

This is the only company I have been with and probably the only one I will ever want to be a part of!  However I have many friends and family members whom are involved with other direct-selling brands.

What is your position in your company?

I am currently a Star consultant  with a small team. I am slowly making my way up the ladder in my business but that is ok! To me it is important to take baby steps! It’s not about what you make or how fast you get there…  but the lives you touch and loving what you do! 

How do you balance your home life with your work in Direct Sales?

My family and I work our business together! It is a great way to bond and I am thrilled they are so excited to be involved!

Do you have a business tip to share?

Never give up! And always Inspire to Dream Big!

What is one goal you have for Scentsy this year?

My goal is simply to continue to grow, in business and in my personal life.

 Rachel can be found on Facebook:

Feel free to add me on Facebook! Or send me a message if you have any questions!

My personal face book page is Rachel Davis

I also have  facebook fan pages, Scentsy Fragrance, Velata, and Grace Adele

And can also be found online:  Scentsy, Velata, and Grace Adele

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Consultant of the Week - Trenna Hughes

This week's featured consultant of the week is Trenna Hughes, a Silver Ambassador with Plexus Slim.

Tell us about yourself!

I am a working mom and mimi (grandmaw) of 7 grand-kids!!  I have been married to my Husband for 18 years. I love to talk and help people with their needs.

What is your position with Plexus Slim?

I am a Silver Ambassador I started in Aug. 2012 the 27th. as just a ambassador and by Dec 28th i was silver.!!! woo hoo

Why did you choose Plexus Slim?

I had decided that becoming Part of a company that 100% Family friendly and 100% Healthy all the way around i wanted to be apart of such a great company.It was easy to pick Plexus Because it had changed my life in many way.

What is your favorite product?

I can not say i have one Favorite product as i love every one of them but if i had to choose only one product it would be the slim pink drink.  Why because it works even with out all the other products to go with it it still works. 

How long have you been in Direct Sales?

I have dabbled in and out of ds since I have been 20 years old, so almost 20 years now from selling Avon , Mary Kay, candles, work out videos, singles group, to Plexus slim.  

What are your goals with Plexus Slim this year?

I have set many reachable goals with Plexus Slim and it may seem like a lot and too much to most but truly with this company the support and family of people who work with Plexus, any goal is doable.  I have set my sights to becoming Sr. Gold before Aug.30th (my 40th Birthday) of this year and by December I am looking to turn my level one teammates to silver and bring them with me when I reach the top.  As of today I am a lead of 8 ambassadors which I so love everyone of them and want each of them to be as successful as me.  

Trenna can be found online and on Facebook. 

 

 

Featured Consultant of the Week - Carrie DeVault Windsor

This week's featured consultant of the week is Carrie DeVault Windsor, who represents Money with Mobile Apps - Featuring ILA.

Why did you choose Money with Mobile Apps?

This is a company in the pre-launch stage. 2 to 3 million people expected to join within the next 24 months. It has a 3x7 forced matrix. You can make money with the exploding app industry!

What is your favorite product?

The apps are awesome, motivational material.

How long have you been in Direct Sales?

I have been in direct sales for 8 years. I am also with Scentsy, Lindt Chocolate RSVP, 7 minute workout. 

What is your position with ILA?

 This is just the beginning! I am a founding member.

How do you balance your home life with your work in Direct Sales?

Luckily my whole family gets involved with the DS companies so that helps a lot!

Do you have a business tip to share?

Never give up! Learn about your company before joining. Support your downline! Be excited!!

What is one goal you have for ILA this year?

To get the word out to as many people as I can. We are here to help one another and I want to help others achieve their dreams!

You can find Carrie online or on Facebook.

KungPhoo.com

Today I am featuring the website Kungphoo.com, I have been enjoying their services since I found them.  

Here is what John Russo had to say:

What type of service do you provide?

Kungphoo.com is a social commerce platform that brings people together to buy, sell, search, or promote just about anything! Whether you're a business looking to promote or sell your latest offering, a charity looking for a new way to take donations, or an individual looking to buy, sell, promote or find anything. Kungphoo is the new ease-of-use platform that lets you come together with others to facilitate desired outcomes without jumping through hoops.  

Anyone can open a circle on kungphoo to broadcast information, sell or promote products, services, events etc. or round up people all looking to buy a similar product or service (social buying) to get a better deal or better information.  Once inside circles users can collaborate with each other publically or privately  – or private message everyone in the circle (including creator) with just one click.

Kungphoo can even be used to group up for an office pool (lottery etc), chip in for a gift, or raise money for a fundraiser; as we let users link directly to their paypal page or any other destination from their circle.

Users can share their created circles or any others they choose with the social networks (FB, Twitter, Pinterest Google+) or by email right from the circle page.  Kungphoo will also promote your circle as well through various mediums including social media.

Users can login with facebook or sign up with just an email and pw, but either way it’s all completely free (for businesses & consumers)

 How did your website start?

One day one of our co-founders was looking for a laptop, and had no clue what to buy.  They thought, what if they could speak with someone looking for, or that had already purchased the same thing… That’s how kungphoo was born.  We launched in Nov of 2012.

How many members do you have?

Kungphoo has tripled its user base in the last2 months and is picking up a lot of traction. 

What do you love about the website?

One of our users commented “I think its great all the social networks are connected. And it allows ways to network that facebook and other social media doesn’t.” 

What is your goal for 2013?

To add many planned features that we have and more importantly any features that users or potential users request. We want to grow our user base and to do that we need to give users what they want and not what we think they want.  That’s why feedback is very important. 

You can find Kungphoo on the web and on Facebook. 

 

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Featured Consultant of the Week - Ashley Mendez-Kestler

This week's featured consultant is Ashley Mendez-Kestler, a Senior Consultant with Verefina, and has been with them since August, 2012.  Ashley is a SAHM, who founded a non-profit, writes children's books, and sells for 2 direct sales companies.  She has been married for 6 years and has 2 amazing sons (2 and 4).

This is what Ashley shared with us:

Why did you choose Verefina?

I am passionate about improving the future for our children. One of the ways we can do this is by limiting their exposure to toxic chemicals and creating healthy environments for them. Verefina products are toxin-free and help accomplish exactly that. It is also a groundfloor opportunity, which provides excellent potential for building a strong business.

What is your favorite product?

I love the moisturizing deodorant cream. With all of the research linking parabens in deodorant to breast cancer, I love that I can feel safe using this product and sharing it with others. Plus, a 3 month supply is less than $10!

How long have you been in Direct Sales?

 I started with my first DS company in 2008, but quickly realized that it was not the right company for me. I signed up with Usborne Books & More in July 2011, and have continued that business venture along side Verefina.

What is your position in Verefina?

 I am currently a Senior Consultant, and I have one downline team member.

How do you balance your home life with your work in Direct Sales?

Family comes first for me - always. That is the great thing about DS, you can actually do that! Organization is key. I schedule office hours where I make phone calls, do online marketing, and participate in trainings or read business books. Of course, my phone is always on if a customer or team member needs me. I also limit myself to 2 in person events per week.

Do you have a business tip to share?

If you have young kids at home, make sure you give them a lot of attention before making phone calls. If their needs are met, they are more likely to play on their own and allow you time to be professional with customers and consultants.

What is one goal you have in Direct Sales this year?

I am ready to grow my team. I want to build a team of at least 5 consultants. And I would like to steadily increase my personal sales by a rate of $50 per month.

You can find Ashley online and on Facebook. 

Mothers Helping Others

Today's feature will be Mothershelpingothers.org, which I have really enjoyed being a member of and have found it very helpful!

What is your website all about, what type of service do you provide?

My website is a social networking community for people to connect. People can create a profile, upload pictures, join groups, and connect with other people that have similar wants and likes (for example, weight loss, First time moms, working moms, stay at home moms, single moms, military wives, moms of special needs kids, and the list goes on). MothersHelpingOthers.org is a community for support, information, and love.

When/how did your website start?

 The website launched January 14, 2013. I decided to launch the site after my Facebook Fan Page (Funny Postpartum Lady) grew overwhelmingly large with fan questions. I knew there was a need for a place to post and answer questions. Women and men needed somewhere to go to ask questions and not be bullied or judged. That was when the idea started brewing and eventually came to be.

How many members do you have?

 Currently we have almost 800 members in less than 2 weeks of the page being live. 

 What do you love about the website?

 I love the website because it is truly like having one large family. I have a sense of love and support there from perfect strangers that I've never experienced anywhere else.

What is your goal for 2013?

 My goal for 2013 is to get the mobile app launched, reach 10,000 users, and have more than 50 sponsors.

Visit Mothers Helping Others on the web, and visit Funny Postpartum Lady on Facebook.

Featured Consultant of the Week - Erin Leigh Howard

This week's featured consultant of the week is Erin Leigh Howard, who represents Aloette since October 2012.  Aloette is an aloe-based skincare and cosmetics company that uses medical grade organic aloe. They’ve been around for 35 years and have come a long way from extremely formal presentations to extremely FUN parties!

Why did you choose Aloette?

I met my upline at a vendor event and we were talking while she put a sample of our Restorative Enzyme Peel on my hands. It’s a handy dandy little jar of green goo that uses fruit enzymes to break down the dry, dead layers of your skin and exfoliate without being abrasive. Let’s just say my hand was reaaaally in need of some exfoliating! That product got me to host a party, then another party, and once my upline showed me how much she made on my two parties…I was in!

 What is your favorite product?

My favorite product is the product that got me into this biz, the Restorative Enzyme Peel! All the dead, gross skin just falls right off and it leaves my skin feeling smooth and wonderful. The Platinum Revitalizing Cleanser is a close second.

How long have you been in Direct Sales?

 I have been in Direct Sales actively since September, although I’ve been with Juice Plus+ for a little over a year. My second company, Paparazzi, was introduced to me by a good friend named Tia Barber in August and I’ve been having fun with that! Because of how much I enjoy working with her, I decided to also join LilyBean & Baxter which is the company she started with another great gal, Diana Ferrato.

What is your position with Aloette?

My position is Beauty Consultant and I have one downline, Kathleen Gurklies, and an amazing upline team. My sponsor, Jennifer Stutz, and franchise president, Molly Klipp, are amazing women who have helped me grow with direct sales! Their training has helped me significantly, both in Aloette and my other businesses. I also recently met several other presidents and the president of the entire company! Wonderful people, through and through.

How do you balance your home life with your work in Direct Sales?

 I work a full time job, 40 hours a week in front of a computer. I squeeze in business on my work breaks and lunch breaks, but most of my time is done in the evening and on the weekends. It’s pretty difficult sometimes to manage social and work and business! I am lucky to say that I haven’t lost any friends, but it can be a strain!

Do you have a business tip to share?

 Always, always, always keep your customers in mind when doing anything with your business. They come first! Do not, under any circumstances, tell them that you need them. You need to convince them that they need you! ;)

What is one goal you have for Aloette this year?

I want to hit manager! I need a few more recruits and get my butt into gear and start doing more shows, both online and offline! I’m thinking a spa day open house once a month? Mm, I can’t wait!

You can find Erin online (personal website is currently in the works) and on Facebook. 

Feature: Find A Party Consultant

Today I am featuring the website Findapartyconsultant.com, I have been following them on Facebook and I enjoy the tips and advice from others in Direct Sales.

Here is what Sara Hoffner, owner of Find A Pary Consultant, had to say:

I started this website in 2011 because I found (as a home party consultant) there was a need for us direct sellers to be able to get our name out there and be found in internet searches. I have been involved in many direct sales companies and I have always found it to be a challenge to have my personal website come up in web searches such as Google so I wanted to provide a place that would boost the exposure and likelihood of being found when searched for!

Many of the direct sales companies provide you with your own website, which is great, but you get drown out in a sea full of mirrored sites with all of the other sellers. I started out adding listings slowly but I knew that the more consultants I had on the website, the more likely someone would stumble upon the website. I am hoping that the guests to our site will find it a useful tool in finding a home party consultant for a vendor show, expo, fundraiser, for hosting their own party or for getting more information about joining a direct sales team. I advertise our website heavily on Google and Facebook to women who are likely to host parties for free product.

When I get leads for shows, I always forward the information to my advertisers in that state/province. While listing your business on the website costs anywhere between $24 and $150 (per year) depending on your goals, I also run a Facebook page that anyone who does home parties is welcome to come share their business on anytime.

My goal for 2013 is to have “Find A Party Consultant” be in everyone’s bookmarks so that when they need to buy, host or join a team...this is where they’ll go!

You can find Find A Party Consultant on the web and on Facebook. 

Featured Consultant of the Week - Beth Wiggenhorn

This week's featured consultant of the week is Beth Wiggenhorn, an Independent Consultant for Tastefully Simple, and has been with them for four months, but a customer for 10+ years.  This is what Beth shared with us:

Why did you choose Tastefully Simple?

Everyone loves to eat!!! It's affordable, I love the product, it's easy to make for anyone.

What is your favorite product?

Probably Nana's apple cake.

How long have you been in direct sales?

I started selling AVON 3 years ago, and still do.

How do you balance your homelife with your work in direct sales?

I really have to focus mainly on my family while my boys are up, I do 98% of my TS work when they are sleeping and I limit my shows to 2 per week.

What is your goal with Tastefully Simple this year?

To sign at least 1 team member.

A business tip from Beth:

 Build yourself a network of other DS consultants, they are amazing. Also use your companies clearance sales to promote your business raffles are excellent ways of creating a buzz about you and your business.

You can find Beth online and on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

Reach More Customers In News Feed

When I received an email from Facebook this morning titled, "Reach More Customers In News Feed", I was excited, finally some REAL tips on how to market on Facebook!

Boy, was I disappointed!

They offered a free download of their book, "The Power of News Feed".  I started reading it immediately and was quickly disappointed!  They boasted that it was 40-150 times more likely that people will consume branded content on the news feed than on a brand page.  

News feed provides advertisers with the most scaled, dynamic mobile platform with 543M users.

So, how do brands connect with people in news feed?

Promoted posts and paid ads, of course. It even included the most depressing pie chart showing organic reach as the smallest percentage of views.  65% of likes happen in news feed and 35% of comments - 45% on mobile!   

What is the small business owner to do?  Up our marketing budget?  Move to Twitter or Google+?  Pinterest is becoming quite the sensation, but how do you let your customers get to know you without dialog?  Someone even mentioned MySpace today as an alternative to Facebook, dare we venture back to an older social media?  

What are you thoughts and suggestions?

Wondering what to do with your recruits?

Have you been busy growing your team?  Here is an article I wrote on Sales Moms Network on how to support your downlines to help them succeed!

You’ve been working hard and really enjoying your job with your direct sales company.  Your passion has become contagious and you’ve finally got a recruit!  Now what do you do?  In order to grow your team you want to provide training and support that your “downlines” need, or at least make sure they know where to get it within the company.

Read the entire article here.

Featured Consultant of the Week - Tammy Somers Ferguson

Our very first Featured Consultant of the Week!

This week we will spotlight Tammy Somers Ferguson, an Executive Consultant for Pink Zebra, and has been with them for 5 months.  This is what Tammy shared with us:

I am a stay at home mom, with 3 wonderful children and I am Married Plus I have an amazing Grandson who is the apple of my eye. I love to sing, make blankets, and help others.

Why did you choose Pink Zebra?

 I choose Pink Zebra because I was looking for a ground floor opportunity and a product that was consumable.

What is your favorite product?

 My favorite products are the Sprinkles for you can mix them and make new scents and they are wonderful for they are made from a soy patent blend and we get our soy from the farmers in the USA.

 How long have you been in Direct Sales?

I have been in the DS Field for as long as I can remember... I also represent Park Lane Jewelry and Kitcheneez.

How do balance your home life with your direct sales business?

I work my business during the day while my family is at work and school and then I set times in my date book that are for family and business.

What is your goal with Pink Zebra in the coming year?

To become a manager and continue sharing this great opportunity.

A business tip from Tammy:

 If you have somebody with in arms reach then you have a potential hostess, recruit, or customer. Always share what you have for you never know who maybe looking.

You can find Tammy online and on Facebook.

Get to know the blog owner

My name is Nicole, I am a stay at home mom of 5 boys, ages range from 7 months to 17 years old!  I plan to homeschool my three youngest in a few years and I'm looking forward to it!  I would consider myself new to direct sales, although I tried it years ago before the internet was available in every household.  I am a Founding Consultant with WildFlower Designs, LLC, and I am very happy with the company!  I'm enjoying the new friendships I have made, both with WFD and networking on Facebook with other DS moms.  I'm married to a wonderfully patient man, and I'm struggling with balancing home life with my new business.  Any tips would be appreciated!  My plan for my blog will be to share business tips, life experiences, and wonderful products that I believe in.  I am considering spotlighting a consultant of the month from different DS companies, if you are interested in being interviewed, please let me know!