Motivational Monday: Start TODAY

It is going to be a GREAT week for Paparazzi!  With the all-NEW-Paparazzi making its debut this Saturday, as Independent Consultants, we have to start working TODAY to ensure sales in the future.

People love to shop online.  It is easy, it is convenient, and there is no pressure on their part to buy.  And, starting Saturday, our customers will be able to shop Paparazzi online 24/7. 

I don't know about you, but I am very excited about this...

And, I am very nervous about this....

If customers don't know where to go to shop, they won't shop at all.  

So, this week will be dedicated to getting your replicated web address out for all the world to see.

Here are some TIPS to help you do just that:

TIP #1: BUSINESS CARDS

Chances are, your business cards don't have your Paparazzi website address...nor do your cards state that customers can shop online.  So, simply add this information.  Whether it be to the back of the card, hand-written, or type the information on a small sticker and slap those puppies on!  If you can, visit Vistaprints.com and order new cards asap!

TIP #2:  CURRENT CUSTOMER LIST

Check your current customer list.  E-mail all your customers and text message everyone you know.  Hit-up every contact you already have, by whatever means you can!  SHOUT it from the rooftops--"Order ONLINE!"

TIP #3: USE SOCIAL MEDIA
Post it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.  Use social-media to your advantage here.  Search online sales forums in your area, and make a post.  At least once a week, revisit your posts and add a comment with a cute picture of a "new" accessory...this moves your post back to the top of the feed (but doesn't seem to over-bearing, either).

TIP #4: RIP-AWAY FLYERS

Create a small flyer or poster (and include the small strips that can be ripped off easily, that include your website) and find 10 places around your neighborhood or hometown that you can leave your mark.  Bring along a few push-pins and a roll of tape and head downtown--leave your mark at laundromats, restaurants, gas stations, beauty salons, college/schools, rec centers.  You can do this all in one big haul, or simply keep a few copies in your car for places you already frequent. TAX TIP TIME: Record your dates & miles driven, as these are considered an "expense" for your business, even if your miles are to your child's Elementary school (as long as you drop off a flyer).  To get the best bang for your buck, and to save time, just drop off the flyers at places you already plan to go.

TIP #5: THANK YOU

Use your contact list to send out THANK YOU cards.  Thank your customers for supporting your business, throw in a new business card, and mention that you now will feature ONLINE shopping for their convenience.  Send out 10 cards, which will cost you just under the cost of selling one $5 piece.  TAX TIP TIME: Purchase a set of 18 or more stamps, and let your "business" pay for them.  Just record the date, miles drive to/from the post office, and get a receipt from you USPS employee.  Cha-Ching!

TIP #6: GIVE IT AWAY (GASP)

Still trying to catch my breath. The thought of this TIP makes me cringe. Cry. Moan & scream, because I don't want to give away my jewelry, I want to sell my jewelry. But, I am going to give it a try!  First, think of 5 people you can randomly thank for something they have done for you, or your children or husband.  Give them a Thank-You gift to include a few of your Paparazzi pieces, and a thank-you card.  On each tag, glue on a small slip of paper that lists your website for ordering. Throw them in a cute frilly bag with some tissue paper, and V-I-O-L-A.  You may have a potential customer on your hands.  Again, record those miles driven for "Advertising Expenses." 

Need help coming up with 5 deserving people? With summer coming to an end, there's a whole group of people who do their work with little thanks: soccer or baseball coaches, ballet teachers, dentists and doctors office, lifeguards at the local pool, parks & rec summer program helpers, librarians who sponsor summer-reading programs,or even event directors with whom you vended for this summer.  And with fall approaching fast, there's an even bigger group: tons & tons & tons of school employees.  I know it is typical to give your child's homeroom teacher a Back-to-School gift, but there's a whole handful of adults who work at the school and receive very little recognition for what they do (and rarely gifts for that matter): school librarians, nurses, teacher-aides, secretaries, custodians, "lunch ladies," and principals.  Be the first to introduce them to Paparazzi!