The Web has certainly revolutionized how consumers shop. It has enabled an entirely deeper CRM capability and speed in delivering messages, special offers, transaction data, etc. In fact, marketers have prophesied that the next step in CRM is near total abandonment of traditional consumer advertising, both print and broadcast, and almost total adoption of real-time targeted marketing, a.k.a. inbound marketing, via the internet. An example would be as you enter a Web site, you will be presented with personalized messages, based on data the advertiser has stored on you regarding purchase history, online activity, and promotion participation, along with financial and demographic information, as well. And this will trigger true shopper bliss.
Now, as an obsessive marketer myself, I have to say I’m ready to jump on the bandwagon, emotionally. However, as I step back and analyze what is truly meant, here, I have to question the validity of such a claim. Perhaps it is not the objective that troubles me, but the premise. And the reason is simple: to shop is a comfort to real shoppers. It is a safe activity, meaning that you are participating in an activity that you control, you direct, and you make decisions for what you will shop. Oh, and you might want some degree of help at different points in the process.
Four short years ago we were working with a company that was attempting to sell an in-store, in-lane system that would provide real-time, personal marketing. The client worked very hard on all presentations, yet failed to achieve adoption with a single retailer. My marketing instinct tells me that they would meet the same fate, today.
Why? First of all, because of human nature. After all, part of the human experience is shopping. Most people don’t want to be told what they want. They just want you to have and deliver it when they find it. In fact, some enjoy the experience of the hunt, not even knowing what they want before they set out to discover it. The Web site, then, provides a new world in which to experience this new discovery. However, the value of the experience is relatively unchanged.
Secondly, because of human nature. Consumers feel as though technology is greatly responsible for unwanted intrusions into their private life, already. With out-of-control spam, strange targeted messages that include their names and seem to read their minds, and telemarketing calls that appear to coincide with recent online activity (and often do), consumers are likely emotionally negative toward more of the same, especially as it relates to shopping, online or not.
Finally, because of human nature. Consumers are inundated with information. The internet has given them the ability to search for information that is highly targeted more quickly and efficiently than ever. Generally speaking, those consumers will not tolerate additional information being pushed at them. Remember how I described the shopping experience; it is about an activity that the shopper controls, at their pace. It is unlikely that the mass of online shoppers will eagerly relinquish that control to strangers, especially those that they cannot see.
All my evaluation is not meant to deny that there is great opportunity afforded the marketer seeking greater online CRM. But, the ones that are successful are the ones that can enhance, not detour, the shopping experience, which is truly human.
Opportunity: To find out how Danskin Creative Communication can improve the efficiency of your marketing, advertising, brand identity and development, web design or web strategy, broadcast ad spots, video production, graphic design, copywriting,public relations, etc., contact us at http://resources.danskincreative.com/index.asp?isFunction=contact.
Direct sales can be very attractive. For some reason, people think selling through a party plan is an easy way to make money. Sometimes the product is really cool - like jewelry or home spa products. Sometimes you think of the discount or fun parties you will have. You think it’s a great chance to get out of the house for some FUN. There is a problem though with party plans. They are absolutely not for everyone.
So who might not be successful when they join a home party plan?
People out of touch with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Those that don’t find success in direct sales often believe they are more social than they really are. They talk about how this is a great chance to get out and about - to be around people and have fun but in truth, they really want to stay home and wait for money to fall through the roof. (I know - I’ve been there myself!)
People that fear change
People talk a good talk about wanting to set goals and achieve dreams but some want these successes to come without change on their part. Sometimes, we talk about wanting change. We say we want to do something different and new but honestly, just the thought of CHANGE rattles some of us to the bone! Without change, we are stuck. Change that helps you grow as a person is wonderful. Change that brings you financial success is motivating. Change that leads to friendship and working with your own team is priceless.
People that want the easy road
There are people that think direct sales is easy and that money will pour in with little effort of their part. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Direct sales success (just like everything else in life) is totally dependent how much focus and energy is put into the business. There is a direct correlation between what you put into it and how much money you make. If you can’t muster up the nerve to be out making contacts most days then the parties will not happen, you won’t recruit or book fundraisers - you won’t make money. Anything of worth in life means work. Work fueled by your passion is FUN.
People that have lack belief
People that don’t have faith in the VALUE of what they offer their customers will not succeed. Lack of faith in yourself or your business will keep you in your home, not making the money you dreamed of making. Without total belief in the quality of what you offer, selling is near impossible. the product they offer.
If you are shy or uncomfortable around people but want to be in direct sales, there is only one true solution - fall in love with your product. This passion of yours will help you overcome these obstacles. Your belief in what your product can do for your customers is what will truly motivate you to step outside your comfort zone. Only then will you start booking parties and fundraisers that lead to all that FUN part of direct sales and of course, the income!
Success in direct sales means growing and changing while learning new skills. If you want to stay home more than be out with people, then joining a party plan isn’t going to work. If you are afraid of work or rejection, then don’t look to direct sales for your home business. If you don’t love the products you would be selling, it’s a no go for direct sales.
Direct Sales - Party Plans aren’t for Everyone!
Direct sales can be very attractive. For some reason, people think selling through a party plan is an easy way to make money. Sometimes the product is really cool - like jewelry or home spa products. Sometimes you think of the discount or fun parties you will have. You think it’s a great chance to get out of the house for some FUN. There is a problem though with party plans. They are absolutely not for everyone.
So who might not be successful when they join a home party plan?
People out of touch with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Those that don’t find success in direct sales often believe they are more social than they really are. They talk about how this is a great chance to get out and about - to be around people and have fun but in truth, they really want to stay home and wait for money to fall through the roof. (I know - I’ve been there myself!)
People that fear change
People talk a good talk about wanting to set goals and achieve dreams but some want these successes to come without change on their part. Sometimes, we talk about wanting change. We say we want to do something different and new but honestly, just the thought of CHANGE rattles some of us to the bone! Without change, we are stuck. Change that helps you grow as a person is wonderful. Change that brings you financial success is motivating. Change that leads to friendship and working with your own team is priceless.
People that want the easy road
There are people that think direct sales is easy and that money will pour in with little effort of their part. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Direct sales success (just like everything else in life) is totally dependent how much focus and energy is put into the business. There is a direct correlation between what you put into it and how much money you make. If you can’t muster up the nerve to be out making contacts most days then the parties will not happen, you won’t recruit or book fundraisers - you won’t make money. Anything of worth in life means work. Work fueled by your passion is FUN.
People that are fearful
People that don’t have faith in the VALUE of what they offer their customers will not succeed. Lack of faith in yourself or your business will keep you in your home, not making the money you dreamed of making. Without total belief in the quality of what you offer, selling is near impossible. the product they offer.
If you are shy or uncomfortable around people but want to be in direct sales, there is only one true solution - fall in love with your product. This passion of yours will help you overcome these obstacles. Your belief in what your product can do for your customers is what will truly motivate you to step outside your comfort zone. Only then will you start booking parties and fundraisers that lead to all that FUN part of direct sales and of course, the income!
Success in direct sales means growing and changing while learning new skills. If you want to stay home more than be out with people, then joining a party plan isn’t going to work. If you are afraid of work or rejection, then don’t look to direct sales for your home business. If you don’t love the products you would be selling, it’s a no go for direct sales.
Direct Sales - Party Plans aren’t for Everyone!
Direct sales can be very attractive. For some reason, people think selling through a party plan is an easy way to make money. Sometimes the product is really cool - like jewelry or home spa products. Sometimes you think of the discount or fun parties you will have. You think it’s a great chance to get out of the house for some FUN. There is a problem though with party plans. They are absolutely not for everyone.
So who might not be successful when they join a home party plan?
People out of touch with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Those that don’t find success in direct sales often believe they are more social than they really are. They talk about how this is a great chance to get out and about - to be around people and have fun but in truth, they really want to stay home and wait for money to fall through the roof. (I know - I’ve been there myself!)
People that fear change
People talk a good talk about wanting to set goals and achieve dreams but some want these successes to come without change on their part. Sometimes, we talk about wanting change. We say we want to do something different and new but honestly, just the thought of CHANGE rattles some of us to the bone! Without change, we are stuck. Change that helps you grow as a person is wonderful. Change that brings you financial success is motivating. Change that leads to friendship and working with your own team is priceless.
People that want the easy road
There are people that think direct sales is easy and that money will pour in with little effort of their part. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Direct sales success (just like everything else in life) is totally dependent how much focus and energy is put into the business. There is a direct correlation between what you put into it and how much money you make. If you can’t muster up the nerve to be out making contacts most days then the parties will not happen, you won’t recruit or book fundraisers - you won’t make money. Anything of worth in life means work. Work fueled by your passion is FUN.
People that are fearful
People that don’t have faith in the VALUE of what they offer their customers will not succeed. Lack of faith in yourself or your business will keep you in your home, not making the money you dreamed of making. Without total belief in the quality of what you offer, selling is near impossible. the product they offer.
If you are shy or uncomfortable around people but want to be in direct sales, there is only one true solution - fall in love with your product. This passion of yours will help you overcome these obstacles. Your belief in what your product can do for your customers is what will truly motivate you to step outside your comfort zone. Only then will you start booking parties and fundraisers that lead to all that FUN part of direct sales and of course, the income!
Success in direct sales comes with personal growth and learning new skills. If you want to stay home more than be out with people, then joining a party plan isn’t going to work. If you are afraid of work or rejection, then don’t look to direct sales for your home business. If you don’t love the products you would be selling, it’s a no go for direct sales.
Yes, the commission rates can be great - some direct sales companies offer up to 50% commission plus override commissions for team building and management. Working from home in direct sales can be lucrative and fun. You can join many direct sales companies for less than $100 so the start up is amazingly low compared to other business start up costs. All of these make direct sales a great home business opportunity BUT only for those that want to be challenged.
Are there really great direct sales opportunities out there? Yes, indeed but only for the right person. Before you join a direct sales company or consider booking parties, look at what you love to do and what you are willing to do to make it work. Otherwise, save your time and money. There are other ways to earn money from home!
Tammy Ames is the owner of WAHM Connections. To learn more about direct sales opportunities, visit the direct sales directory at WAHM Connections Today! For support to help you grow your direct sales party plan business, discover the DSWA
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In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, gasoline prices appear to be on automatic pilot to the moon. As reported by www.cnn.com on 9-5-05, “Drivers paid an average of about $3.20 a gallon for unleaded regular on Monday, up $1.35 from a year ago, and 75 cents more than they did before the hurricane”.
Higher gas prices are putting a big dent in the budget of the average citizen, leaving many with less disposable income for essentials like food and clothing.
But Americans can take solace in the news that there is a way to dramatically lower gasoline costs, while at the same time shrinking our waistlines. The answer is to start walking to work, to the store, and anywhere else it’s practical to do so. Walking is great exercise and doesn’t require a trip to the gas pump.
According to www.caloriesperhour.com, a 160 lb. person who spends thirty minutes walking to work will burn approximately 145 calories. An uphill walk will boost that calorie burn to 218 calories, and ‘race-walking’ will increase that to a whopping 236 calories.
Taking a thirty-minute walk to work would burn approximately 725 calories per week. Since each pound of fat is comprised of 3,500 calories, walking to work would burn about one pound of fat every five weeks. That translates to at least ten pounds of fat loss in just one year. That’s an impressive feat, since according to the Federal Citizen Information Center “Even a small weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds can improve your health, for example by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels”.
Changing how we get to work will, however, make one thing heavier: our wallets. As a whole, Americans do not drive fuel-efficient cars. As reported by www.businessweek.com on 6-20-05, “Federal mileage standards — 20.7 mpg for light trucks and 27.5 mpg for cars last year — are little changed since 1985 (though the light-truck standard is slated to rise to 22.2 mpg by 2008). As a result, the average mileage of U.S. passenger vehicles peaked in 1988 and has fallen slightly since”.
Assuming a two-mile commute to and from work, walking instead of driving would save twenty miles of driving per week. That’s a savings of about three dollars per week, or $156 per year.
With summer temperatures finally dropping, and gas prices still rising, the best time to get started on a new walking program is now.
* Copyright 2005 Pick Up The Pace. Permission is not required for the distribution of Pick Up The Pace articles as long as they are used in their entirety, are properly credited to Pick Up The Pace, and are accompanied by our website link: www.letspickupthepace.com.
* The information in this article and on this site is for general reference purposes only and not intended to address specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information in this article or on www.letspickupthepace.com should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.
Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a 30-minute exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health and nutrition for maximum weight loss. Please visit http://www.letspickupthepace.com for more information.
