Tips for reaching McConnell Club

It is really hard to explain something like this, but i will certainly try my best. I know the main reason is that I don't stress over how much I make.

Truthfully, I sell to give me something to do. I know that doesn't help much of you, because you are in Avon to earn an income, but the point is that I am very relaxed about everything.

First of all, I keep my Avon account separate in the bank and have a back-up savings account (you can do this by putting in a little bit each campaign) so that if a check bounces, or I do not get an order delivered in time for some reason, I don't sweat it (too much).

If any customer has a problem of any kind, returns, etc. I always let them know that it is "totally" ok. I always try to let them feel that it is my responsibility to make sure they are happy, and that my only goal is to make sure they are satisfied. So many have expressed to me, and I am sure you feel the same, is that it is not a pleasant experience to return something. I try very hard to eliminate those feelings.

I never push any sales. I try out as many of the products as I can and learn about each product so that i can sound educated on the subject. People usually won't buy if I say "I don't Know". If I try out the product, then it is so easy to be enthusiastic about it, so if they are interested, they don't hesitate to try it too. (and I don't hesitate to tell them when I show the product.)

My customers trust my honesty and judgment. If I don't like the color, or scent on them, I say so (only if they ask). Also, customers like validation...They feel good about themselves when you agree with their choices. Whether I like the product or not, I always try to say something positive about their choice. So, as far a customers go, my #1 goal is to make them feel special and unique.

I produce a newsletter once a month. In the newsletter, I put in all the new customers, including the helper or customer who sponsored them, all birthdays of the month, and include any new births (including grandmothers, aunts, etc.) any special anniversaries, graduations, illness or surgeries. This is the most important, because I have found that my customers just "LOVE" to see their names in the newsletter. I even included one of my customer's dog's birthday (14 yrs) because she was special to me. It sounds silly, maybe, but they all loved it. I also include a joke, an inspirational message, a beauty tip, hot brochure items, and a "Newsletter Product Special". (This loop has helped me with this tremendously. So many great ideas come from here!) And, I always share my successes and goals with them, and thank them for helping in my success. Actually, I say "WE" when I describe my success. This, I hope, makes them feel that it was their success too.

On the front cover of each brochure, I always run a special. I put it on sticky labels. I found this to be the best way, since flyers tucked inside the brochures tended to fall out and get lost. I wish I can say that I am great at following up with phone calls, but I always try to get all my brochures out. I know that by following up with phone calls, though, I ALWAYS get another order.

I give birthday cards to all customers who have given me their birthdate, and for my established customers, I give them a $2.50 Gift certificate. I know this can add up, but your customers always remember and appreciate FREE things, and it certainly breeds loyalty!!!

Now, I know this won't be popular, but I share my Demo book with alot of my regular customers. I do this for many reasons, but the main reason, is that "Loyalty" thing, and believe it or not, they tend to buy more from me in appreciation. They don't always need something from the brochure, but almost always will find something in the Demo to buy...usually something they probably would not have purchased otherwise. I also have a stipulation when they purchase from the Demo, too. If I want to show it, I keep it for two weeks. This gives me the ability to show many more products that I normally would not be able to pay for myself. This also makes them feel that they are helping me out, too (which they are). I usually have tons of new products to show, and that always encourages people to buy after they actually see the product.

Another thing I have done, is take pictures of all my customers (I am behind on this, though), and have put them in a picture album. I had to really coerce some into letting me take their picture, but in the end, they love seeing all my other customers, and some have even discovered that they knew some. This, I hope makes them feel like part of a family.

Once a year, in November, I have an open house. This has been an annual event for three years now. I open up my whole house and the garage. I include all my helpers as hostesses (believe me, I need them). I have raffles, games like bingo, guess how many customers I have, plus others, and give prizes to the winners. Plus, I have Instant drawing winners. I show all the demos that my DM provides, serve snacks, and I sell all my stock that I save up from the year (instead of returning). I announce and make known when they arrive, my top ten customers. I usually give them a corsage or something, and give them an added discount on any stock items they buy that day. I really just try to make this a big party and let them know that this is my way of thanking them for all they have done for me. I don't really make anything on this, except for great friends. This has been a tremendous success. If anyone is interested, I can give you all the details.

I have 7 full time helpers. I had 8, but I am very sad to say, one has passed away recently and am still trying to get over it. I try to treat them as family. I buy my top three sellers each campaign, something small from the Demo. This is two-fold. The obvious, to congratulate them, but also so they can try out the products and show them to their customers. I give them 20% from what they sell to purchase their own Avon products (10% of signature & clothing, etc.) There are actually numerous "extras" I do for them, but I think the best thing I did was...At Christmas time, I had a mini "President's Club Luncheon" for them. I had a sit-down formal dinner for them with presents sitting at their table when they arrived and sat down to eat. The gifts included a money bag (which they all just raved about), a "key to my heart" pin, a special cute little pen, and play money that they earn throughout the year. They earn this money by how much they sell each campaign, amount of customers, being in the top 5 in sales, and new customers. This all accumulates throughout the year. Then what I do, is any product left over from the open house not sold, (plus some I save special for them), I auction it off, them using their play money. This is wonderful fun for them, and for me. After they were done eating, I had presented Plaques to my Top Seller and top New Seller. I really didn't think they would care all that much about these, but they loved it, and couldn't wait to get home to show their families. Three of my helpers have been approached by others to sell for them, but they tell me they wouldn't even give it a second thought. I also have several people that sell for me, but not on a regular basis. I do not include these as helpers.

I also do fundraisers. I mostly sell to sports teams. I give 40% as long as they sell at least $1,000 in products. The best benefit I have had from my fundraisers is that this is where most of my helpers come from. I usually have one or two that sell like crazy. Theses people are the ones with the outlet. So, I approach them and every time, they end up being my helper.

Sorry this has been so lengthy but once I started, my mind and fingers just kept going and going......Hope I have helped some.HAPPY MOTHERS DAY EVERYONE.

Dian Vaughn
7564/CA