What NOT To Do When Recruiting Direct Sales Team Members

While you're trying to build your direct sales team, you might be tempted to use some methods that unscrupulous directors or team leaders suggest. But learning what NOT to do when recruiting direct sales reps will ensure you much greater success, and a much better night's sleep, as well!

Never lie to a prospective recruit

Be honest about your company's performance, compensation plan, upfront costs as well as hidden costs, expectations, etc. Letting a recruit know in advance what to expect will save you both time and heartaches. This will also help prevent the nightmare of new recruits who leave the team because they find out the "truth" about the program after they sign up. Having an unhappy ex-recruit out there is a sure way to destroy your reputation and business.

Never exaggerate your compensation plan

While it's okay to point out the best possible scenario, never inflate the numbers when talking about how much a consultant can make with your company. Exaggerations are lies. Lying or exaggerating your business rewards will quickly ruin your reputation with your team, and in your business circles. And like everyone else, team members talk, and they'll quickly let others know they can't believe what you say about the business... as they're searching for another direct sales opportunity they can believe in!

Never maroon a new recruit

If you sign up a new recruit and then leave them to drift out to sea alone, you will quickly have an unhappy recruit, not to mention no return for your investment! Instead, offer training for your team members individually and as a group. Teach them to sell, and to recruit others. Help them build their businesses because doing so will build your business in the long run.

Never think money is the only motivation

Many people sign up with a direct sales business because they want to earn extra money.  But, there are others who will do so because they like the products, or they want something to do in their spare time. Others may only want to get the company discount. Keep this in mind as you're recruiting. Each recruit has their own motivation and all are valuable to your team. And pushing a recruit in a direction that's contrary to their own personal motivation will only result in resistance and eventual failure.

Never forget friends and family as possible recruits

You may think "she'll never be interested," but you may be surprised to learn that your sister, cousin, aunt, or best friend are really looking for a way to earn some extra money. For that matter, never assume the answer will be "no" with anyone! Even if it is, you've not risked anything by offering the opportunity. You don't want to hear “Gee, I wish you would have told me how I could make extra money.” or “I would have joined you if you would have asked.” or “I didn't know you could make money doing that.” Go ahead and offer the opportunity.

Recruiting new team members for your direct sales business can be fun and profitable. But learn what not to do when recruiting direct sales reps so you don't cause yourself undue stress, or waste your time with useless strategies that won't work, and may even scare away new recruits.

Ask The Right Questions to Find Quality Recruits

If you're looking to build a direct sales team by finding new recruits, you may be wondering about the best way to find prospects who are really interested in your business and who are more likely to become successful. One thing you can do is to ask the right  questions to find quality recruits.

A few simple questions will help you determine if someone is a potential recruit for your company. These will be things like, "Are you in need of additional money?" or "Have you ever wanted to start your own business?"

Other questions will help you determine potential motivators, such as "Do you have children?" or "How does your spouse feel about you working?" Even statements such as "Wouldn't you love working your own hours?" may give you a lead. Getting a feel for what your prospect wants will help you know how to best meet his or her needs.

When recruiting current customers, or someone who has contacted you specifically to become a recruit, you might ask, "What first interested you in this company?" or  "What's your favorite part about this particular product or company?"

If you have someone who is pretty sure they want to sign up, but about whom you're not quite convinced, you might ask "Why do you think you'd make a good consultant with this company?" or  "What would be your goals as a consultant on my team?"

You'll want to ask each recruit how they plan to promote their business. Will they work online only? Do they plan to host shows or parties? How much time do they have to devote to building a successful business? How many hours a week will they want to work? All of these are valid questions that will help you and your recruits gain a better idea of what they want from the company, and how successful they can hope to be.

After all these questions, it's time to ask your potential recruit, "Do you have any questions?" Give them time to think and formulate their questions; even arrange another date to meet to address their questions. Knowing what your prospects are looking for in a business opportunity will help ensure that neither they, nor you, are wasting time.

Finally, ask a new recruit that you think will be a good match, "Are you ready to join my team?" or "If you're ready to sign up, can we order your kit and get you started?"

Asking the right questions that lead up to this final question will help ensure that the majority of new recruits are truly topnotch representatives for your company. This will make your recruits more successful and more productive members of your team.

Why Having a Business Blog is Important

A business blog is a must for every business; whether your business is on or offline. For any type of business you need a business blog.

Blogging has become a way to drive new traffic to your business, whether the business is on the internet or in a building.  This is because people connect personally to you through your blog, even if it is a business blog.

Through writing blog posts your readers, subscribers and customers get to know a little bit about the person behind the business.  And as long as you 're posting quality, trustworthy content your readers will come to trust you.  Therefore, they will then begin to purchase your products or retain services that you offer.

Your business blog should reveal a little about the person behind the business, but it should never be too personal.  Having an "About " page on your blog is a good place to display a little about your personal life, but not too much.  Keep it professional, but let your audience know who you are as a business person.  The " About" page is a also a great place to display your qualifications, merits and credentials for your business.

Once your business blog is up and running, you will then use it to connect with people on the Internet through stories, talking about promotions or sales, and letting the public know your business exists.  Having a business blog is the most important marketing tool your business should have.