I've been involved with direct sells since 1991, with the same company. I had to learn a lot with the whole social media thing. I made some mistakes. I see others making the same mistakes over and over. In the long run it hurts our industry. Be a Trusted Advisor. In today's world, helping is selling. Try to add value and build trust within your buying community. They'll turn to you when the time is right.
A FEW DO’S OF DIRECT SALES
Leverage social media –There is great power in social media and you can do it without spamming your friends. I make it a rule not to be overwhelming on my personal page. I share more of the blog postings when I do post. The remainder of your posts should be on your accounts that are specifically for the product you are selling.
Share why you love the products and how it can help benefit their life – Remember sales isn’t about you, it is about them. Think about the direct benefits for the user. Example, I always include what the product does for you...the benefits it provides.
Create original content that reflects your online personality and voice. Your content should follow an 80/20 rule. 20% business stuff, 80% everything else. Find your voice, cultivate your style, and use it.
Invite only a small group to your Facebook parties, and follow-up each with a personal message about the exclusive event for your VIP guests.
SOME DO NOTS OF DIRECT SALES
Don't be spammy! Don't send random messages (especially to people you do not know) trying to sell your products, is just one example...
Sacrifice friendships for a sale – Is it worth it to lose a friend just for a small sale?
Do not.....Tag your friends on business posts on your personal page. It forces the content in the newsfeed of your friend’s friends, and is a sneaky underhanded way to expand your reach. Taking advantage of your friends in this way (especially those with large friend counts) is......underhanded.
Don't .Talk About Yourself All the Time. Bragging on yourself or your company all the time is a turn off. Talk about, and share, other's content.
Don't Be Nasty. Social media is not the place to bad mouth competitors or others. Share how you can help followers succeed. Stay classy.
Treat others how you would want to be treated – The Golden Rule! If you were in your customer’s position would you want to be aggressively sold to, or would you want someone that shows you the benefits, lets you order when you are ready and truly cares about your happiness, not about a quick buck?
Be Authentic. Don't be fake or sneaky..... Authenticity is a big deal in social.
“Think about what people are doing on Facebook today. They’re keeping up with their friends and family, but they’re also building an image and identity for themselves, which in a sense is their brand. They’re connecting with the audience that they want to connect to. It’s almost a disadvantage if you’re not on it now.” – by Mark Zuckerberg
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