Want More Customers and Recruits? Here's how to get them.

Today, let's talk about something near and dear to the hearts of many representatives in direct sales and network marketing companies worldwide.

How do we find new customers and team members to increase our sales and earnings?

Let's face it, this tough economy has affected alot of people. And in many cases, our current customers aren't buying as much from us, or purchasing as often.

So, how do we expand our customer base without alot of time and work? Well, we need to meet some new people. We can’t just stay with what we’ve been doing so far.

We can do this a few ways:
* Join a club or group to meet new prospective customers and recruits
* Partner up with another rep in another company to do a Valentine's Day
Or Spring Showcase
* Ask current customers to take a catalog, flyer or brochure to work and leave in their break-room
* Ask current customers for referrals of friends who might like our product or service. * Visit an office building and pass out some free samples and books
* Send an email to everyone we have a business card from with the link to our website and invite them to become our customer or investigate our business.
(You might want to work with your upline to develop some good email copy so this is more effective for you.)

* Add a signature line to our emails so that when we reply to all on those silly joke emails, they get a teaser line and our website link.

There are lots of ways to find new customers.. These are just a few.

But we also are busy people and we don't want to have to work harder! Just smarter!

So, think of this too. When we meet someone in the grocery store, or at a party, or in the McDonald's Playplace, we don't have alot of time with them. We don't have days or months to build a relationship.

So how do you present your Avon business to them? Well, first of all, don't start with all the neat benefits of being an Avon rep. Don't tell them about the wonderful earnings, the prizes, the incredible products, the whole history of Avon, etc.

Instead, remember that people buy things to solve a problem.

So ask a few questions to postition yourself and your chat so that you can solve a problem for your prospective customer or recruit.

Talk about how becoming a customer of yours can save them lots of time and money.

They can shop from the comfort of their couch without having to go out in the cold and snow. And they'll save money too.

PLUS, they can have the products delivered free to their door by using the coupon code FSANY when they check out.

They don't even have to leave their favorite TV show and answer the door when you deliver. They can order and choose Direct Delivery and just bring in their package, nicely packaged from Avon, and with a new free brochure for them, when they come in from work!

Of course, if they want more personal service, you are right there to give them helpful ideas and delivery at their convenience.

And if you are looking for prospective team members, tell them how Avon can make it easier for them to pay bills with that extra check every campaign, or how Avon can pay for their next Disney Vacation or even provide the extra car for the spouse.

Our prospects don't care how great your product or opportunity is at first.. They simply care about their problems.

So, all you have to do is ask a few questions.. find out what they need, and then offer them a solution.

Not everyone is ready to make a change, but some will and those are the ones you want!

But you can't keep your Avon business a secret, let everyone know you are open for business with great prices and free delivery!

Do this consistently every week and soon you'll have a bunch of new, happy customers doing business with you!

Here's to Your Success!

Sue Mazza
Senior Executive Unit LeaderAvon Products
630-240-0075

The Road to Procrastination Never Leads to a good Destination

When I first heard these words, I mentally filed them away with all the other great “sayings” I hear, thinking to myself… Yes, that’s true… I’ll have to really think about that… LATER

Well Later is generally too late and tomorrow never comes, by then it is today!

So, let’s see.. Has Procrastination ever led me to a good destination?

When I procrastinated on dropping off an Avon brochure to the office near me, and then a week later walked in to find out that someone else had beat me to it now. Darn.. guess that girl got lucky.

When I was sure those airline tickets to LA would go down, and had to pay an extra $150 four hours later to book my flight. Gee, those airlines are fickle.

When I lost that traffic ticket and found it buried in pile of papers 6 weeks later, and my $75 ticket now cost me $225. Those traffic cops… don’t they have anything better to do, ..like catch Criminals?

When I ate that piece of cherry pie and said.. I really will start my diet tomorrow, then stepped on the scale and found I was up 10 pounds over the last two weeks instead of down.. C’mon on… my scale Must be broken

When I meant to call that prospect back and finally found of paper I had written it on, two weeks later, and she isn’t interested any longer. People, what’s with them anyways?

Catch a common thread? Have you ever had a similar experience?

Why do we procrastinate?

· Bad Time Management
· Fear of Failure
· Fear of Success
· Not sure we know enough about a subject
· Laziness
· Easily Distracted
· Low Self Esteem

Just to name a few.

Procrastination almost always costs us something.
Costs in Time, Money, Relationships, Self Image.

So how do we stop this cycle and break free? Break free to start building happy, exciting, productive lives for ourselves both personally and in our business?

There are a million articles and books about this, but I’m going to suggest one very simple, baby step.

Do the One.

What is the ONE THING that would make the most difference in:

Your Health?
Your Marriage?
Your Finances?
Your Business?
Your Relationships?


Here’s an example that worked for me.

JUST FOLD 5.

I finally started this when I went down to the laundry room and found that the pile of clean laundry on the table was higher than my head. Just a little procrastination? You bet! I mean, which of us doesn’t have a million more important things to do than fold laundry? Except of course when we need those clean socks, then try to match them from a 6 foot pile!

So, I made myself a deal. JUST FOLD 5.

Each time I went down to the laundry room, I would fold 5. That’s all I was required to do. No biggie, I can do that in about 1 minute. But it was amazing. I finished the 5 and then, actually, folded some more. And the job got done. Finally. Now, every time I go downstairs, I fold 5. Sometimes more. Sometimes just 5. But I passed the test. I CAN FOLD AT LEAST 5 ! And that makes me a winner in my little game.
So, what else can we do?

What’s the one thing that YOU can do in each of those areas above that would make the most difference? Doesn’t have to be anything big. It can be making one phone call to an Avon customer to set up delivery. Taking the dog for a 5 minute walk. Returning the blockbuster video to avoid fees, even though you drove by there 6 times already this weekend.

Making the appointment for your physical. Starting the crock pot. Filing away the credit card you used for holiday purchases (even when you knew you shouldn’t) that is still in your wallet 30 days later. Placing one classified ad for just $5.00 to grow your business. Folding 5 things.

For the next 30 days, agree with yourself, and with me to DO THE ONE.

Pick 1 item from each of the 5 above, or add a category if you must, but don’t overdo! Remember, we are taking baby steps.

Each night write down the one thing you must do in each of those areas before you go on to do all the other urgent and important things in your life.

(Hint, put this pad of paper by your bathroom sink where you brush your teeth – you HAVE to go there anyways. Putting it on the kitchen table, office desk, etc may cause you to actually procrastinate from just going into the room for fear you’ll see the note! Our subconscious is a powerful procrastinator!)

Then, each morning, DO THE ONE.

Fold the 5.
Make the call.
Pay the bill.

Just try it for 30 days and let me know how it goes.
You can do it, just taking that little action will make all the difference in your life by the end of the 30 days.

DO THE ONE. Do it , really, now.

Here’s to Your Success!

Sue Mazza
Senior Executive Unit Leader
Avon Products

Time For A Change?

Good Morning Leaders!


Leaders? Yes, that's YOU! But, do you have some days when you don't feel much like a leader?




When you feel that your business isn't going right?

I've got good news for you! WE ALL DO!

And the BETTER NEWS is that feeling that way can be a good thing! "How??", you ask...

Sometimes Success and Change come from feeling dissatisfied, if not downright disgusted with your

life, your weight, your finances or your business!

And the BEST NEWS is that you can become better at any of those things, starting TODAY!

You can become a Better Leader TODAY!

You can make the changes you need in your life TODAY!

It's as simple as making a decision. "But I have so many problems", you think.

"I don't have any money to promote my business", you think.

"My family doesn't support me", you think. All those are real situations that we face.

But those things don't have to stop us! Zig Ziglar said: "If you think you CAN or you think you CAN'T, you are probably right!"

Take a 9 minute break for some great inspiration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRMogDrHnMQ


The thoughts we think lead us to the actions we take, which lead us to the results we have!

Want to change your results? Change your thoughts! Change the things you let into your head every day!

Turn off the bad news, turn on an mp3 or cd of an inspiring speaker!

If you're not in charge of your life, who is??

You can decide TODAY to turn your life around, business or personal, good, bad or even if you're happy and

just want life to be even better! "If it is to be, it's up to me!" A classic saying, yet true!

I'm a small town girl who has built a huge business all over the country.

Am I smarter, stronger, more beautiful or charming than anyone else?

Nah. Just determined and motivated! And willing to do what it takes and learn the skills I don’t

know today so that I can become better tomorrow! If I can work towards accomplishing my goals, so can you!

And, I'm here to help! Need ideas? A little extra motivation? Want to improve skills?

I'm always up for a cup of coffee ... and I'll even buy! LOL ! Let's share great ideas as we build our businesses together!

and change our lives, our families’ fortunes, and the lives of people around us for the better!

So, what’s stopping you today? Change your thoughts. Change your Actions. Change your Results.
Give me a call or email me here today!

Here's to Your Success!

Sue Mazza
Senior Executive Unit Leader, Avon Products
630-240-0075
www.youravon.com/smazza

ps - I'm on Facebook now too!

Wanna Explode Your Avon Leadership Business?

People come to me all the time and say things like: "Man, you're so lucky" or "How did you do it? How did you build such a big business?" or " Yeah, of course, YOU can do it, You're Sue Mazza, but I don't know if I could do it..."


And am I lucky? Yes.. lucky to have had great mentors and great opportunities. Lucky that God gives me the strength each day to pick myself up when I fall and get back on track! I always laugh when people say I'm lucky, cause it's true.. the harder I work, the luckier I get.
I love the money, the trips, and the friends I've made! How many people can say they run a 2.5 million dollar business from home? It's a good feeling at the end of the day!


But, how did I do it? What's the SECRET? More importantly, how can YOU DO IT?
The REAL KEY is... and I had to really internalize this for myself... so, I will use myself as the example.


The KEY is that it is Not about me qualifying for a title, or a prize or a trip or a new level, it is about helping people on my team, at all levels, develop into leaders and advance in the business. By focusing on those who want to move forward (and that can change from day to day!), I can help them move onto a path of personal development and skill development so they develop the skills and the belief they need to Get and STAY moving in the right direction. It's all about helping them find their "whys" and helping them to dream to achieve them. Otherwise, if it's all about "me", all I do is recruit and replace people on my team and never begin to build deep and wide.


Does this seem like an easy answer? It may be, but in order to get there, I had to first work harder on me than anyone else and it's the honest to goodness truth,. because no one will work hard for little reward at the beginning unless they have an overwhelming desire... to achieve a goal, a dream, become something more. To keep working when the money's not coming in as fast as you want because you BELIEVE there is a great future coming at you. At the beginning, you're learning how to become successful, and the great thing is, in our business, you can earn a little money while you are learning! And the faster you can help others, the faster that freight train of success starts barrelling towards you!


All the rest is just strategy and tactics.. which boils down to three things.. the three R's (Thanks, Mike) Retail, Recruiting and Retention. That's the bottom line. And if you and I could get every leader on our team to internalize this, then, in fact, you and I will always be at the top of the payplan, looking for new people to help join us at the top!

6 Degrees of Separation? Not for me! How about 1!

The Movie, "Six Degrees of Separation", starring a young Will Smith, put forth the idea that we are only at most 6 people away from contacting any other person on the planet. Far fetched as it may seem, if you google these words, you can find a plethora of research to support this theory.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_separation

You may have heard of the Kevin Bacon game, based on this idea, that every actor is just 6 people from being related by career or otherwise to this prolific actor.

Well, technical as this may seem, I recently read a post by a sales trainer who says we are just 1 referral away from 1,250 prospects for our Avon products or business!

Unbelievable? Let's take a look.

Research shows that almost everyone over the age of 21 knows at least 250 people (and actually, LOTS more!). Let's say you have just 5 acquaintances... and ask each of them if you could notify their friends that you have a growing Avon business. You could ask your friends to send an email, include a note on their family website, take an Avon brochure to work with them, or to the family reunion.. 5 friends times their 250 contacts equals 1,250 people... all of whom are just one referral away!

What would you do with 1,250 prospective customers or representatives? What if it was just 10% of that? 125 people who learned that you have an Avon website or a terrific way for them to make money without having to go get a part time job?

How much more would you earn in your Avon business by just asking a few friends to forward on an email introducing your business to their contacts. At the least desirable end, they could always just say no. At the most desirable end, they could say YES and you would have all kinds of new people to whom you were personally referred.

What do you think works better? A brochure dropped on a driveway? Or a note from a friend, recommending another friend to do business with? Why, the second choice of course!

Third Party Referral (this is what this is called), is THE MOST POWERFUL way to build a huge, thriving repeat business.

We all like to do business with people we know like and trust.. When you look for a plumber, or an electrician, do you ask your friends for reliable and reasonable servicepeople? You bet!

Same idea here. Want to give it a try? Let me know how it goes by clicking on the comment button!

One last thought. Maybe asking your friend to help you promote your business makes you feel a little uncomfortable.

Successful people are willing to do uncomfortable things now so that they will be comfortable in the future. Comfortable in friends, in business, in success. Let's stretch that comfort zone just a little bit today, so we can enjoy happier, more prosperous tomorrows.

Tacky Pants

So, today's blog title is a little "light"! That's ok.. life isn't always serious! (although that's another topic - this life isn't a dress rehearsal)

My daughter Stephanie went out last year to buy me a Star Trek page a day calendar. I ask for one every year and love seeing the pictures and captions each day and remembering my favorite episodes from all the shows.

Well this last year, SHOCK! Santa played a cruel trick on me and there WAS NO Star Trek Page a day calendar to be found in any store or online. I was more disturbed by this end of an age for me than I let on to her, but accepted her gift of a replacement calendar with passing grace.

What she gave me was a page a day calendar of dumb things people say. Now, first of all, if your teen gives you such a gift, what would YOU think? 'Nuff said here, my friends.

Well, yesterday's page a day was a 'hoot', as my friend Mary Jo in NC says.

Here it is. "Correction: Because of a reporting error, Dr. Arleigh Dygert Richardson III, former teach at Lawrence Academy in Groton, was described in his obituary yesterday as favoring tacky pants with tweed jackets and Oxford shorts. Dr. Richardson favored khaki pants. (correction appearing in the Boston Globe, thanks to R.M.)

Well, poor Dr. Richardson! First of all, the tacky pants is kind of funny, except it is in the poor man's obituary, and his widow probably fainted when she read it. But more importantly, after we finish chuckling about how the newspapers can turn things around, (again another topic), let's think about this for a minute.

Dr. Richardson, a teacher, probably impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of kids' lives over his years of teaching. I picture him with a family, and I bet he loved them and they, him. Joys and Sorrow, Laughter and Tears, an entire life of contribution summarized only with a line about the clothes he liked to wear. And they didn't even get that right.

Maybe the funeral notice had more in it. I sure hope so. I laughed at this silly page a day on August 23rd, but it made me think about what people would write about me when I leave this world.

I like to think that I positively impact the lives of those around me. My family, friends, business partners, random strangers.

But this little snippet reminded me that our lives are short on this earth, that only God knows the number of our days. I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference in people's lives. How about you?

Let's make today a new start. Regardless of how you have impacted others lives in the past, today we can all begin to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.

Smile at someone, strike up a conversation. Pay it forward. Take a chance. Fall in love (or fall in love all over again with the one you're with). Start a new person in business on the road to achieve their goals and dreams. Dream yourself. Watch the sunset. Live this life to the fullest. You are the star of the show, and it's not a rehearsal.

Here's to happiness, health and success!

Windsurfers Make Me Think

Today, I'm sitting on the beach with my laptop watching some windsurfers in front our beach cottage on the lake. That's not why I came out here though! I came out, after working on my home business, to enjoy a little sun and sand and deepen my tan! But after about 3 minutes, I gave it up and moved 100 feet or so back to the firepit where we have our beach bonfires because its just too windy!

I was disappointed but then got to thinking... isn't that just like life?
We start out in one direction and encounter a roadblock. Maybe a job doesn't work out to be your dream job. Maybe that guy (or gal) you thought might "just be the one" turns out to be a real nightmare. Things don't always go the way we plan, that's for sure. One of my favorite sayings is, "Life is what happens, while you're making other plans!"

But what made me think today is, although I was disappointed.. with the exact same conditions, the wind and kite surfers were esctatic! Sunny day, warm waves and lots of wind! They took advantage of an opportunity that I wouldn't even consider.

Now, does that mean that I'm ready to take up windurfing? No, not my style, although it looks fun. The one time I tried it, on vacation in Cabo, I ended up drinking more of the ocean than surfing on top of it. It's hard work. But... I did learn that maybe I could be open to more new ideas, get rid of the old habits that hold me back... find new ways to build my business. Lots of things I do now work GREAT, but there are always new ideas that will make my biz grow even bigger!

And tomorrow, it'll likely be calm again and I'll work some more on that tan. Right now, I'm going to go watch the windsurfers for awhile more, then go eat some sushi with my daughter!
I have to admit, I love the life of a "rich networker" and working for myself!