Work At Home Business Options

Archive for the ‘Business Basics’ Category

10 Ways to Boost Your Online Mailing List by Terri Seymour

One of the most powerful ways to build a successful online business is by creating relationships with your visitors so they can begin to trust you and feel comfortable ordering from you. One way of building these relationships is by having a mailing list so you can keep in contact with your subscribers. This helps form a bond and will start to build that foundation of trust and credibility.

Sending out weekly online newsletters or mailings is a great way to solidify the trust relationship. But who do you send it to? Taking the time and effort to build a responsive email list is not easy but it certainly can be done.

The ten tips below will help you get started building that all important list of names and email addresses!

1. Privacy Guarantee – One of the most important things you can do is guarantee the visitor’s privacy. Be sure to let them know their information will never be given out or sold to anyone under any circumstances!

2. Easy Sign-Up – Be sure to put a quick and easy sign-up form for your visitors. You do not want your potential subscribers chased away by having to click through a maze of forms. Make the sign-up as easy and fast as possible.

3. Multiple Forms – Don’t make the mistake of just putting one sign-up form on your site. Be sure to have one on every page. Not everyone will go to your homepage. Also, be sure to add subscription forms to your Facebook page and other social networking sites.

4. In Plain Sight – When putting the sign-up form on every page of your site, be sure to put them on the top of the page on either the right side or the left side. I have read that the left side is more effective.

5. No Life Story – Don’t ask for a ton of information when trying to get people to sign up for your mailing list. You don’t need to know their phone number, address, gender, birthday, etc. The person is going to wonder what you want all that information for and they will be inclined not to give it to you. A name and an email address is all you need.

6. Double Opt-In – Always provide double opt-in for your subscriptions. So after they sign-up, an email will be sent to them to give them a chance to confirm their subscription. This will protect your subscribers from being added to unwanted lists and it will also protect you from being reported for spam.

7. Free Gift – Always offer a quality free gift to everyone who signs up for your mailing list. Show them you appreciate them and are willing to give something to them as well. I usually offer a free ebook with helpful, quality content. Put the download link in the welcome subscriber email you send out so they can access their gift immediately. Don’t make them contact you or wait for it.

8. Email Signature – Be sure to offer a sign-up form or link in your email signature. A lot of people will sign-up directly from an email.

9. Forward to a Friend – Encourage your subscribers to forward copies of your mailings to their friends and associates. Offer incentive contests. For example whoever gets the most people to subscribe gets a free gift or big discount on their next order.

10. Ad Swaps – Contact other newsletter publishers and ask them to do an ad swap. You will run a blurb about their newsletter if they do the same for you. You can also exchange blurbs on your welcome email that is sent to all new subscribers.

Bonus Tip: Be sure to offer quality content and products in your mailings. Add some contests (for example: a trivia challenge), some fun and encourage your readers’ interaction with you. This will go a long way in building that foundation of trust which in turn will bring you much more business!

About the Author:
Don’t be one of the 95% of people who fail at their online business. Terri Seymour can help you make money online. Find out how to increase your traffic and sales with her popular “How to Build Your Online Business” ebook for FREE at: ==> http://www.SeymourProducts.com
Article Source: WAHM Articles

A few days ago a candle consultant emailed me and asked me for some tips in regards to building a large downline team and with recruiting good members for her team. After exchanging a few emails with this consultant I was completely flabbergasted at what I learned from her. She has given me permission to discuss this topic on my blog as long as I don’t mention her name or company. So here we go!

After a few email exchanges with Jane Doe she finally admitted to me that she had spent over $800+ dollars buying consultant business kits for 7 people she recruited early last year. She also admitted to me that none of the 7 are working the business and only one out of the 7 ever sold anything. (and that one sale that the consultant did do was only for $34.17).

Wow! First of all, it is NOT your job to purchase business kits for those who want to join your company. Don’t get me wrong, there are people out there who can’t afford a start-up kit but would like to get started in a Direct Sales business and I understand that. However, you should NOT be purchasing their kits for them. There is NO guarantee they will pay you back nor any guarantees that they will work the business to the point you would earn enough commission off of them to pay back your expenses. It is a “very” foolish decision to be buying business kits just to “rack” up your team member numbers!!!!

If someone can’t afford to join your team “today” then I highly suggest you set up a payment plan for them. Once they have paid you in FULL for the business kit, then you can go ahead and order it for them. You should NEVER be laying out the dough for them since their is NO guarantee you would get a return on your investment. Let’s face it, you are in this business yourself to MAKE money, not lose it!

While some people may disagree with my opinion on this…I am firm on it. When I first started in Direct Sales over 23+ years ago, I had no one to guide me or teach me the right way to do things. I was stupid enough to pay for three people to join my team within a 5 month period of time because I was going for a promotion. Yes, I got my promotion but those three people didn’t do anything or they did very little so I never earned my investment back! While that might sound bitter, it is the truth.

If you want to “help” someone join your team who can not afford it today, set up a payment plan and only order the business kit once it has been paid in full. Trust me, if they want to join badly enough they will be grateful for the payment plan that you are offering to them and in addition, you will be less stressed out if they don’t follow through.

Do You Need More Bookings? If so, check out that site!

10 Ways to Secure Your Customer’s Satisfaction by Terri Seymour

As we all know customers are the core of any business in one way or the other. Without our customers, we would be nothing. So, it would be a wise decision to make sure all of our customers are properly taken care of and satisfied when they do business with us.

Listed below are ten ways we can begin to secure our customers happiness and satisfaction.

1. Always be attentive towards the customer. Be sure to listen to them when they tell you what they want or of any problems they are having with your products and/or services. Never dismiss their opinions or questions.

2. Reward regular customers and new potential customers. I like to treat my regular customers but be sure not to neglect potential and new customers. They deserve special treatment as well. Offer special discounts, free gifts, points towards more free gifts, coupons, money-saving bundles or packages, etc. The more options you provide, the more sales you will probably get.

3. Respect your customers! I cannot stress this one enough. Treat your customers, one and all, like they were your family. Give them all the respect and care they need from you and then some.

4. Earn their trust and respect! If you promise something, deliver! If you say you will give them a special deal, deliver. Always be true to your word and do not make false claims or promises. People are not stupid and they will see through deceptive marketing practices.

5. The customer is always right. Unfortunately this is not true. The customer is sometimes wrong and in that case, you should handle it properly. Be calm, polite, supportive and helpful. Explain the problem and let the customer know what you will do to rectify the situation. Your calm demeanor can sometimes calm the customer. Never lose control of your emotions.

6. Don’t make your customers feel like an annoyance. I have been to some places where the person taking care of me has acted like he/she didn’t want me there. This is not how you want your customers to feel! Talk to your customers, not at them. Smile and be friendly and courteous at all times. Just because your kids are acting up that day, it is no reason to take it out on your customers. Always separate your business from your problems in your own life.

7. Don’t make your customers jump through hoops! Make their experience with you and your business as easy and pleasant as possible. Don’t make them write their life history or click a million times to get through your ordering process. Let them know the prices and any shipping and/or taxes upfront. Make sure they know exactly what to expect.

8. Answer questions. Customers need to know what they are buying so be sure you are able to answer any and all questions they may have. If you do not have the answer readily available, assure them that you will find out the answer ASAP. Make sure they know how to contact you so they are more comfortable in your availability.

9. Build confidence. Your customers need to be confident in you and what you offer so be sure to come through. Be straightforward and do not offer anything you cannot give. Be honest at all times. Do not try to sugarcoat things by stretching or twisting the truth. Customers will appreciate honesty and their confidence in you and your business will soar.

10. A bad customer? Is there such a thing as a bad customer? Unfortunately there is. With some people, no matter what you to do try to make amends or make them happy, it just won’t be enough. All you can do with these customers is treat them with respect; be polite and let them know you will do anything you can to help.

Even so, there are times when you just have to let a customer go. After doing everything you can with no end in sight, politely inform the customer they should perhaps go elsewhere to find what they are looking for. I have had to do this a couple of times in the five years I have had my ebook store. The first time really upset me but when I came to grips with it and went over everything I did, I realized I could not have done anything more for this person. Do not let this interfere with your business or get you frustrated or depressed; it does happen.

Satisfied customers are our best advertisements so be sure to treat them all as you would want to be treated. Customers are intelligent individuals and need to be regarded as such. Doing this will bring your business to new levels!

Terri Seymour (also known as “The eBook Lady”) has over ten years online experience and has helped many people start their own business. Visit her site at http://www.seymourproducts.com for resources, $1 and $2 resell ebooks & software, affiliate programs, free ezine and free business ebook with Master Resell Rights. http://www.seymourproducts.com/free.shtml

Article Source: WAHM Articles

10 Ways to Maximize the Power of Your About Us Page by Terri Seymour

If you own an online business, you need to provide an About Us page. Unfortunately, many sites neglect to give this page the attention it needs and deserves. Many people do not realize the importance of an effective About Us page.

Your About Us page has the distinct purpose of letting people get to know your company, which will help build the foundation of trust and respect that is needed for a successful online business. For certain businesses, the About Us page can also be used for recruiting new employees, sales reps, etc.

So, take some time, look over your About Us page and see if it utilizes any or all of the ten features listed below.

1. Company History – Give a brief history of your company and how you got started. Explain how long you’ve been in business, the purpose of your business and your experience. This is also a good place to add your mission statement.

2. Focus on Benefits – Be sure to focus on the benefits your company will provide the customer. Your potential customers want to know what you can do for them, not how you do it.

3. Introduce Yourself and Crew – Be sure to give your name and the names of those who work with and/or for you. You would be surprised at how many About Us pages I have read that contain no names whatsoever! Give a very brief background on yourself and your workers so your visitors can get to know them.

4. Special Skills and Accomplishments – Highlighting any special skills you have or accomplishments can help to build your credibility and separate you from your competitors. If your company is a green company be sure to highlight that as well. Let people know what your company stands for and against.

5. Toot Your Horn – Provide testimonials, awards and names of notable clients. Don’t be afraid to let people know exactly how accomplished you and your company are. This will also help build credibility and trust.

6. Use Photos – Be sure to add some photos of yourself and your workers (if any) so people can feel get more human contact. Actually seeing the person or people behind the website will make it more believable.

7. Personality and Passion – Give your company some personality. Accentuate the passion and commitment your company possesses. Let your readers see the human side of your company.

8. Social Media – Be sure to add your social media site links. This will give your readers another avenue to keep in touch with your company.

9. Coffee Clutch – Write all of this information as if you were sitting over coffee and chatting with your visitors. Don’t make it sound like a dull cookie cutter page. Add life, vigor and sparkle to your writing.

10. Contact Info – ALWAYS thank your visitor for coming to your site and offer your contact information. Let them know you are available to answer any questions or concerns. Adding your physical address is shown to raise the level of confidence in your company as well.

Although the About Us page is often overlooked by the site owner, it can be a very powerful way to attract customers and increase your conversion rate. Do the research and take the time to write a compelling and powerful About Us page that will boost your credibility and gain the trust and respect your business needs to survive!

About the Author:
Don’t be one of the 95% of people who fail at their online business. Terri Seymour can help you make money online. Find out how to increase your traffic and sales with her popular “How to Build Your Online Business” ebook for FREE at: ==> http://www.SeymourProducts.com  

Article Source: WAHM Articles

When you work in Direct Sales you will experience some party cancellations from time to time for genuine emergencies that have been encountered by your party hosts. However, you will also encounter party cancellations that are just “excuses” by hosts who were not properly prepared for his/her party or by hosts who do not take your business seriously.

Today I thought I would share some of my Host Coaching techniques that worked well for me in cutting down party cancellations and re-schedulings of my host’s parties.

Tip #1. When you first set the date for the host’s party you need to be very firm and very clear that this is “YOUR BUSINESS” and that you take it seriously. Let them know that this is not a hobby and that you are counting on them to hold the party on the date they selected.

Let them know up front that if they need to cancel (in an emergency) that you would appreciate a minimum of 72 hours notice and that you expect the party to be rescheduled only one time within a week of the original party date.

This is very important because some hosts will reschedule a gazillion times with 100 excuses to go along with it. Those dates that you marked off for that particular host could of been filled with other excited hosts who really want to host a party.

Tip #2. Many times a host will cancel a party using the excuse that they forgot to mail the invitations or that only 1-2 people said they were coming. To cut down on this entire problem I recommend that you personally fill out the invitations and that you personally mail them out!

Tell your host when you sent them and ask your host to call everyone on the guest list a week after you sent out the party invitations to get a RSVP out of them. In is also advisable that you ask your host to recontact all of the party guests 2-3 days before the party date to remind them about the party.

Tip #3. Keep in touch with your party host at least once a week leading up to the party date. Do your best to keep her excited about her upcoming party and keep reminding her about all of those fabulous booking gifts, free gifts and 1/2 price gifts he/she will receive for having a successful party. Communicating with your party host on a regular basis is one of the BEST keys to a successful home party.

Do You Need More Bookings? If so, check out that site!

Today I thought I would share with you all a question I received via email from a Direct Sales consultant with a gourmet food company who had an issue with a party host.

Question: “Shelly, I had a home party that I did last week and the party host and several guests at the party were chain smoking cigarettes almost on a constant basis. Do I have the right to discuss this matter during my host coaching sessions?”

Here is the answer I gave to Jane Doe:

Jane,

This is a serious problem and you most certainly should be discussing this with your party hosts during your hostess coaching sessions. Cigarette smoking is not only bad for their health but it is also bad for your health and the health of the non-smoking guests at the party.

When discussing this you do need to be tactful because cigarette smokers can often times get defensive about this topic as they feel it is their god-given right to smoke in the privacy of their own homes. While that is true, they don’t have the right to poision the non-smoking guests with second hand smoke!

During your host coaching session bring up the topic of cigarette smoking and politely ask your host if she/he is a smoker and if so, could they designate smoking to be outside during the party. If the host gets defensive about it you might want to suggest an alternative location for the party (one that doesn’t allow smoking indoors). If the host insists that he/she will be smoking during the party and/or they will be allowing guests to smoke during the party…you have the right to “refuse” that party booking if you choose do so.

___________________________________________________

Today I thought I would share her question and my answer with all of you who read my blog. What are your thoughts on this topic?

Do You Need More Bookings? If so, check out that site!