Create A Cash Flow Show

Home Business Strategy = Business Systems

People never fail; only systems fail!

If you are not getting the results you want in your home-based business then don’t quit!  Just find some new systems. I often say that line: People never fail; only systems fail!  I was recently asked what I mean by that and what is a system for your home business?

The most effective home business success strategy is to do what other successful businesses do.  All successful businesses are founded on systems. Some systems work better than others.  You may have a system of host coaching, for example, that is not effective. If you are getting a lot of show cancellations or poor show attendance, then possibly you need a new host coaching system.  In the manufacturing world, the system of the assembly line has been  incorporated into almost every factory operation starting with the auto industry.  Today, tomato soup, couches, clothing and even your Big Mac are created using the system of the assembly line.  The system of making cars prior to Henry Ford did not work well.  Many people think that Henry Ford invented the car but really he only invented the system that made the car affordable.  Prior to that, the system to make cars was one at a time, slowly and very cost prohibitive.  Instead of quitting like most manufacturers of his time did, Henry Ford found a new system.

Home Business Systems

It is not uncommon for home business owners to get discourage and quit.  Frequently they feel as though they failed.  What really happened is the business system they were using failed, not them personally.  As newcomers in home party plan businesses, most people are taught the system of asking friends and family help them kick off their businesses.  I know when I started I was told to make a list of my 40 best friends that I have known since kindergarten and ask them to have a show.  The plan was to schedule 6 shows and then find more business at those shows.  This is an OK system to start a business for about 6 days.

• How many businesses do you know who rely on friends and family for an income?
• How many businesses do you know who start out with six customers then expect those customers to bring them the rest of their business?

This is a system of business start up that is prone to failure.

Business Success Strategy = Good Operational Systems

A system is a mode of operation that creates a protocol for operation.  All successful companies use the strategy of creating or finding a system that works for their operation.  Companies that do not have good systems usually operate in a state of chaos.  Good systems will effectively generate sales, business, or operations with greater success, profit and effort than poor systems.

There is always more than one system, so finding the one that works for you sometimes means trying new things, participating in training, and networking with other like-minded professionals.  A system of host coaching that works will reduce cancellations, increase sales, make the act of hostess coaching easier and most likely more enjoyable.  A system of lead generation that provides an unlimited supply of new business on an ongoing basis is one that will ensure success and reduce failure.

Effective systems also take the stress out of business.  When your home business operates with good systems that match your personality, product line and services, business will become  efficient.  You will be able to do the same amount or more business with less effort.  Like Henry Ford, you will become streamlined.  Oftentimes sales leaders ask me how they can possibly grow a team when it takes all of their efforts to generate sales. How could they possibly have enough time to keep the income up and train a team?  Systems are the answer!  When you no longer worry about where to find bookings because you have an unlimited supply of business, you will have time to train your sales team.  When your host coaching system generates a higher show average, you will spend less time out of the house and make more money.  That extra time will go into training your sales team. Systems give you time and money.

If you are not getting the results you want from your business, then be willing to try a new system.  This entire website is dedicated to home business systems that will create an effective income from your party plan business.  Do you want:

• Higher sales?
• Fewer cancellations?
• More recruits?
• More bookings?
• Better team retention?

There are hundreds of free direct sales articles, home business videos and marketing  audio recordings on this website that are proven business systems specifically designed for the party plan business.  Most of them will work in any home business!  If you answered yes to any of the above questions then take advantage of the many resources here.

There are two premier products on this site that are the systems that I used to build a direct sales business that allowed me to quit my full time job in 9 months.  The Create A Cash Flow show program is a set of party plan systems that are specific to the home party.  Host coaching, sales, bookings and recruiting systems all focused on your home party.  The Power UP For Professional Results program is a set of professional systems that will assist you in marketing and finding business.  When you incorporate these systems into your home business, you will never worry about where to find business again.

Please feel free to reprint or publish anything on this website for personal or training purposes. We only ask that for online publication you select an excerpt from the article then link back using the permalink to the original article. For off-line purposes please print each article in it's entirety and include the following credits. Reprinted with permission from:
Deb Bixler www.CreateACashFlowShow.com 717-751-2793

Make More Sales From Home

We all love to hear more yeses and Yes in the key to more sales. Here is a simple system to boost your number of yeses so that you can increase sales and make more money from home.
This is just one of the many systems that will increase sales in your home business. A proven system will work in all sales businesses no matter what the product line is. Deb’s training programs are available on MP3 downloads, hard copy CDs or at Live Seminars.

Please feel free to reprint or publish anything on this website for personal or training purposes. We only ask that for online publication you select an excerpt from the article then link back using the permalink to the original article. For off-line purposes please print each article in it's entirety and include the following credits. Reprinted with permission from:
Deb Bixler www.CreateACashFlowShow.com 717-751-2793

Goals Setting Is A System Of Planning

What is a goal?  It is important to understand what a goal is.   Goals define what needs to happen in order for your business to be successful. It is a system of planning that brings results to all businesses, home or otherwise that incorporate them into their business plan.  Your goals should stretch you slightly.  They should be reachable so you feel you can do it but and but also stretch you to make a real commitment. Goal-setting is the process of deciding on something you want, planning how to get it, and then working towards the objective. Goal-setting is not wishing or dreaming. It is something you progressively work towards. Goal setting is a process and a system of planning that will guide you to your destination.

Goals Must Be Written Down

Written goals are attainable.  Mental or not-written down goals are just dreams.  Start by jotting down the goals you want to reach and then make a plan on how you will accomplish it. Look at each goal and evaluate it. Each goal should be written out in detail and include the following criteria in your plan:

S – SPECIFIC

M – MEASURABLE

A – ACHIEVABLE

R – REALISTIC

T – TIME FRAME

Business Goals Need To Be Specific

Use the above guidelines to structure your home business goals and make a plan that will really work.

Is your goal specific?

Example: I will reach earn a commission of $3000 per month. Avoid vague terms like “some” or “a little bit”, or “more”. Be specific! Keep your goals simple, clear and focused.

What are your measurements?

You can’t achieve a quart of happiness. “What gets measured gets done.” However, you CAN achieve a 4 mile jog, get 8 new customers this month or achieve the next sales level. Define your goals in terms of height, weight, dollars, inches, or hours.  Measure your progress periodically until you achieve your goals.

Can you really attain your goal?

If a goal that is important to you it should be included. All of the goals must be attainable though.  Earning $3000 per month starting next week is not attainable if you are currently earning $300 in your home business.  So, be realistic and make your goals attainable.  If it is meaningful, you will develop the attitudes, abilities, skills and financial capacity to reach it so think big!

It is important to be realistic!

A high goal is frequently easier to reach than a low one because people with low goals do not exert much motivation. Earning $300,000 in your  home business company is unrealistic if you just started.  Maybe with time it is possible so your goal setting should include stepping stones. Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished.

Include a time schedule in your goal plan.

When your goal has a time frame it creates a sense of urgency. Time must be measurable, attainable and realistic.

A Home Business Goal Setting Plan Includes

There are many things that should be included in a goal setting plan.  Other things to consider when writing our home business goal setting plan are:

You deserve a reward!

Reward yourself along the way. My favorite reward is a one hour massage at a day spa. That is something I truly enjoy. What kind of a reward would you like when you reach your goals in your home business?

Share your goals.

When you share your goals with family and friends they become easier.  They will support you in your goal setting and also hold you accountable.

When you make your goals achievable and they are CONSISTENT WITH YOUR VALUES they will be easy to attain. One of the biggest reasons people fail to achieve their goals is that they have conflict between their behavior and their values. However, when your values and your goals are in agreement, there is no stopping you! Clarify your values first, then set simple, specific, measurable, tangible, written goals that are consistent with those values. You will achieve them every single time! Use this SMART Goals Home Business Tracking Form.

Have you ever set goals? Would you like to share your goals? Please feel free to share your questions and comments in the comments box below. In my upcoming articles we’ll talk about setting Sales Goals and Team Goals.  Deb’s program The Power UP For Professional Results training program includes an IRS approved home business plan template that establishes realistic goals in a format that protects your home business for the home office deductions.

To Your Goal Setting Success!
Merilyn Strange
Avon Leadership/Beauty Trainer

Please feel free to reprint or publish anything on this website for personal or training purposes. We only ask that for online publication you select an excerpt from the article then link back using the permalink to the original article. For off-line purposes please print each article in it's entirety and include the following credits. Reprinted with permission from:
Deb Bixler www.CreateACashFlowShow.com 717-751-2793

Party Plan Show Average Goes UP!

I always thought that people spent more money at my shows when they used credit cards. I never really did any research on that belief, though. Recently I read an article on a British study that examines the psychological reasons why a person might spend more using a credit card.

The report called the “The Realities of Spending” said among other things:

Adding a small amount to an already large credit card bill makes it feel like you did not spend as much.

Thinking about the cost of a purchase while consuming or using it can lower the pleasure gained from the purchase. Credit cards block this by disassociating the payment from the consumption – in other words, you don’t feel the pain of paying for something while using it if you use your credit card.

It is easier to put “things” on our credit cards than experiences because while you are paying off your credit card, you can think of all the enjoyment you are getting from the physical thing you still have, i.e. home decor, kitchen tools, makeup, jewelry.

So the report is extensive but not really definitive.  I think in direct sales the message is that it is important, during your product wrap-up or show closing, to tell your guests that ‘we love credit cards’.  There are two reasons:

1. It is good customer service.
2. It may increase sales.

Please feel free to reprint or publish anything on this website for personal or training purposes. We only ask that for online publication you select an excerpt from the article then link back using the permalink to the original article. For off-line purposes please print each article in it's entirety and include the following credits. Reprinted with permission from:
Deb Bixler www.CreateACashFlowShow.com 717-751-2793

Everyone has heard that expression, yet why is it that we are afraid to ask for what we want? Children are terrific at asking and as a result, end up getting more too. Adults seem to have lost the ability to ask. We come up with excuses not to do so. (I know that I spelled received wrong. I did it on purpose. The phrase is searched frequently and no one is competing on the misspelling except me. It is a SEO ploy) If you are not achieving your business goals, then chances are you are not asking for what you want often enough. Those who succeed hear NO far more often than those that do not succeed! You must ask to hear no and you must ask to hear a yes too. It is all in the numbers.

Good Questions To Ask

Good questions to ask always start with who, why, what, where, when or how. These give you real answers that you can use. The question can not be answered in a simple yes or no.

8 Ways To Generate Business By Asking

Ask For Information-When talking to people keep the focus on them. Share for 10 seconds or less and ask another question. This techinque will give you more information to work with. With the proper conversational technique, you will gather information which will enable you to find something that you have that they need or some way you can assist them. The questions are not all about business, just life. You may say:

• I am terrific, how are the kids?
• I just got back from vacation in Cancun, where did you go on your last vacation?
• I just got my new Spring products, this purse is part of the collection… What do you think of it?

Ask For The Date On The Calendar-So often we beat around the bush when dating shows. Ask questions that give you the answer you are looking for. Examples:

• What month were you thinking?
• What day of the week is good for you?
• Does the 5th or the 1st work better?

Ask For Business- The ABC’s of selling are always be ready to close the deal. That means that you have everything available to “close” and it also means that you ask for it. An interesting statistic is that after a presentation 60% of the sales people never ask for the order. No one will ever say yes unless you ask for the close.Ar

• When would you like to do your first show?
• When do you think it would be good for you to start your training?
• What would have to change to make this the right time?

Ask For Endorsements or Testimonials- Testimonials are powerful. They improve your credibility and leverage you to future successes. The best time to ask is right after you provided excellent service or gone the extra mile.

• Would you be willing to write a testimonial for me on your experiences?
• I have an audio testimonial hot line. Would you be willing to repeat that as a recorded testimonial?

Ask For Referrals-Referrals are the least expensive way to insure future growth. The key is to ask for them.You good customers will be glad to give referrals. Getting in the habit of asking for referrals will drastically increase your cash flow.

• I know that you are not interested in hosting a show… who do you know that would like to take advantage of our host program?
• I am looking for sales professionals, I know that this probably isn’t for you and I was wondering who you might know that could use extra income?

Ask For More Sales-How many times have you heard at the store, would you like anything else? Do you ask your customers the same question? Check out the order and see what cross sells well. Offer the opportunity to your guest to by those extras. Also, contacting guests who bought items when future sales are going on is another way to ask for more sales.

• I see that you ordered the ZXZ basket, did you know that the liner is separate? Would you like to include that in your order?
• Hi Lisa, I see that you ordered the XYZ last year. I was just touching base with you to let you know that the entire collection is on sale next month. Would you be interested in adding to your collection?

Ask For Feedback-Are you meeting the custiomers needs? You will never know if you do not ask. During check out, ask your customers questions that give you feed back. Regular customer service calls should also include questions that give you information about how you are doing.

• What did you learn today?
• What part of the show did you enjoy most?
• What could I have done to improve your show experience?

Ask Through Negotiation-Frequently we hear no and let it go at that. Everything is negotiable. When you rephrase your questions, you frequently get different answers. Network marketers have a tendency to not negotiate. Negotiation is another form of asking that allows you to keep channels open in both directions. The 10 second rule creates a terrific negotiation too. Share for 10 seconds and ask a question. You will always get to the point that you have some form of service that the other can use. I recently performed a live fund-raiser show that was the largest show of the year. The dated show was the result of negotiation through the 10 second rule and asking the right questions. The original NO I do not want to have a show, turned into the largest show of the year when I kept the focus on the customer, used the 10 second rule and asked the right questions.

Business and Marketing Systems

Power UP For Professional Results is a 8 CD set of proven business systems that when applied to your business will result in a consistent cash flow into your home. Buy Marketing Strategy

Please feel free to reprint or publish anything on this website for personal or training purposes. We only ask that for online publication you select an excerpt from the article then link back using the permalink to the original article. For off-line purposes please print each article in it's entirety and include the following credits. Reprinted with permission from:
Deb Bixler www.CreateACashFlowShow.com 717-751-2793

I am excited to announce that this blog has been nominated for the Blogger’s Choice Award.

Impact Your Cash Flow

My mission is to make a difference in your ability to create a consistent income from home. Has this blog made an impact on your business and cash flow? Do you go to this blog when you need answers or inspiration? Direct Sales / MLM Resources has been nominated for the Blogger’s Choice Award in the category of networking, business and education.

Many Good Blogs

The Blogger’s Choice Award website has many good blogs. Check them out and find some other blogs that you like. Blogging is a terrific way to learn for free. (Just don’t vote for any that are in the same categories as Create a Cash Flow Show categories: business, networking, education) I am always checking out other blogs and learning from other peoples’ experience. It is just one more resource you can use to leverage your business without having to leave the house.

Vote for Blogger’s Choice

If this blog has made an impact on your ability to create cash flow, please comment on and vote for this blog at this link. You will have to log in to vote. It doesn’t cost anything. Make sure you vote in the networking category for sure, because that is the best niche for CACFS. If you want to vote in all the categories, that would be cool too. Thank you for voting for CreateACashFlowShow for the Bloggers Choice of the Year award.

Please feel free to reprint or publish anything on this website for personal or training purposes. We only ask that for online publication you select an excerpt from the article then link back using the permalink to the original article. For off-line purposes please print each article in it's entirety and include the following credits. Reprinted with permission from:
Deb Bixler www.CreateACashFlowShow.com 717-751-2793

A balanced business is one which utilizes all opportunities available to create business and cash flow.

Why do we want a balanced business?

A balanced business is desirable because it will provide you with a solid business with less chance of bad seasons or events jeopardizing your business and income.
A few reasons we want a balanced business are:
• Multiple streams of income
• Constant cash flow
• Less stress
• Easier to maintain once you get it going

Income opportunities

In direct sales and network marketing generally we have the opportunity to generate income by providing three services. The services are:

• Product sales
• Hosting shows or events
• Opportunity to create income

All other services fall under one of those services. When you eliminate one of your services, such as not sharing the opportunity, you are reducing your income by 1/3. In network marketing or other sales-based businesses, some companies do not do home parties. This is reducing a lead source. Even a company that is not a home party-based referral system can benefit from doing home parties. The realtor, insurance sales rep, or vitamin rep could do a home party or workshop for clubs to generate leads. I went to a home party that was sponsored by a friend. She made light snacks, and invited a financial adviser in to chat. There were 8-10 in attendance and I am sure that at least 2 of the guests started investing with the adviser. They became educated, saw the rep as being an expert and developed a relationship with the adviser and then spent money.

A balanced business will focus on all of the income opportunities: growing a team, (creating income), home parties (free products, creating income) and selling products. All other services fall under those three categories.

Marketing A Balanced Business

A balanced business will take advantage of every form of advertising and marketing available to them. In network marketing frequently individuals have a tendency to focus only on one lead source. Many network marketing professionals rely solely on their shows for generating future business. Others depend entirely on friends and family to create cash flow. Neither of these approaches will work. There is an unlimited supply of leads out there and when you create a balanced business, you take advantage of all of them. My personal favorite approaches to lead generation include:

• Public speaking
• Fairs and Expos
• Picking up cards at bulletin boards
• Internet marketing

For more marketing ideas on how to find business, check out this post: 41 Ways To Find Business

Professionals Run A Balanced Business

Power-UP For Professional Results is an 8-CD set that teaches best business practices for sales professionals. A best-business-practice is a system that when applied to any business will give the same results. Professional business practices include balanced business. This study set includes three hours on prospecting, finding business, and filling your calendar. If you do not have enough business, click here. There is no excuse for not having enough business. You too can have a balanced business.

Please feel free to reprint or publish anything on this website for personal or training purposes. We only ask that for online publication you select an excerpt from the article then link back using the permalink to the original article. For off-line purposes please print each article in it's entirety and include the following credits. Reprinted with permission from:
Deb Bixler www.CreateACashFlowShow.com 717-751-2793