15 Calls Becomes $500+

Last week Usborne Books at Home issued a challenge to all consultants and supervisors to make 15 phone calls and ask people to book a home book party. The way this worked is that you would make 15 calls, enter the details and results online, and be entered into a drawing. Five people who participated won a choice of $200 of books or $100 in cash.

Now being a winner is always nice, but what about all the people who made 15 calls but did not win the drawing? The average number of book parties dated from 15 calls was 5. At an average of $100 commission per book party everyone who made 15 calls and received 5 bookings will earn $500 in commission. That's just the start. On top of regular commission there are bonuses and trips to be earned. Every month there are sales challenges with prizes. There is also President's Club to earn. Each time a consultant is out talking with people and showing books they are not only sharing books, but they are sharing the business and might find new people to join the company. And not all of the other calls received a "no", so there are "maybe" calls that may turn into a "yes".

What a smart incentive contest for Usborne to run. It will be interesting to hear the stories of how business grows for each of the people who took the challenge and made 15 calls!

How to Win Friends and Influence People

How to Win Friends and Influence People at Amazon.com
When you are in business for yourself it's critical that you continually work to improve your skills on working with people. Business is all about people. Sure it's about your product or service but understanding and caring about people is the route to having them become your customers. I homeschool with my kids and this week we've been reading this book together. They really have taken the lessons to heart, and so have I. It's a classic book, which you may or may not have heard of, but what is it really about?

Here are a few words of wisdom from this book, but most likely a little garbled by having gone through my brain and out my fingers. Also, the book is much more fun because of all the little stories and anecdotes. You might want to check your local library for a copy, then again, it's a book I would recommend keeping around to refer to every now and then to refresh your memory. Here are a few gems from it:

1. People don't respond to criticism. Tell me the last time you responded positively to criticism, if you can think of it!
2. Everyone wants to be appreciated. Forget flattery though, see the good in people and tell them!
3. Become genuinely interested in other people. Take the time to get to know people and learn about what they want - forget what YOU want!

Well, maybe this doesn't sound too startling. Of course it's not enough to know this information, it's the implementation that counts and is tricky! No doubt many of us could use the chance to attend a free class on this. Most of us don't have the luxury though. It seems that the best place to start is home. Trying things out on our family is free and if we're trying to better our people skills, won't that be appreciated by our loved ones?

My Advice

My advice to you comes from a speaker at Usborne 2008 National Convention. "Don't take yourself so seriously, no-one else does."

Ain't that the truth? I can't tell you how many times I've agonized over the best way to ask someone a question, help a parent with their children's needs, organize an event.... The list goes on. Why do I do this self-analysis and worrying? It's because I take myself so seriously. While I'm busy worrying about doing things correctly and not making a fool of myself, I'm using up lots of energy that would be better spent elsewhere. And guess what? While I may worry over a few words spoken, the other person likely has forgotten about it 2 minutes later!

So, just say to yourself. "Don't take yourself so seriously, no-one else does." It really helps!

Usborne Books at Home Kit October 2008

Worried that you're not cut out for direct selling and home parties? Do you know how to help people? Selling is really about helping people. You can do it! There are many venues for selling Usborne books and great training is available to you as a new consultant. What are you waiting for?