Work at Home Sales Reps Tips
Home Business Ideas

1-2-3 Home Business Guide

1. Make a foam core display board with all the components of each kit glued onto the board. Make a sample card of each kit product. Attach the sample card with VelcroŽ so they can see how it attaches to the car seat.

2. Open the phone book. Make a list of every preschool and daycare in your area. Set a goal to call say 5-8 a day! Call them and talk to the director about our products and the fundraising program. Ask to send them info. If they say yes send them sales letter and flyer or drop by with your display board and the materials. If not interested in a fund raiser ask if you can drop off coupons for every child. Then drop off flyer with coupon of some kind. Checkout daycares in your area at http://www.daycare.com   BE SURE TO FOLLOW UP Do not send material out without following up with a call a week later.

3. Send the press release to your local papers, TV, radio in your state. Be sure to add a line about YOUR NAME is the local rep for My Precious KidŽ and can be reached at ..........  

PS I did this and got it in at least 2 local papers that I know of and am still getting orders and people saying "OH I saw the article about you!" when I am at fairs and events.

4. Look in your local phone book. Look up and make a list of every OB doctor and pediatrician. Send them a letter offering the kits for a discount, to give away to their new patients, and be willing to supply a brochure acrylic rack and brochures for their waiting room. I get the racks at office Depot for $2-3.   Be sure to call the office manager a week after sending the letters to see if they are interested in this option. Label the brochures on the back with the doctors name so you know where your orders come from.

5. Do a search in your phone book for mom related organizations Mom's Club http://www.momsclub.org/links.html , 
MOP's http://www.gospelcom.net/mops/Groups/advanced.shtml , 
Breastfeeding support groups http://www.lalecheleague.org/WebIndex.html ,
play groups, etc. You  might also be able to search online for these in your area. Call, join where possible, tell them about our fundraising options.   At a fundraiser you go to their event, set up a table, sell kits then give them a 25% commission check. It is a win-win. You get a bunch of sales at once, the organization makes income, and the members buy more because it is supporting their cause.

You have a sample letter in your rep package. Be sure to follow up with any letter or call you  make. I find it takes several contacts to set up a fundraiser since everything has to go thru their board.

6. Make sure that your kids and your grandchildren are all using the products. They will sell for you. My bag tags on Haley's diaper bag and back pack have gotten me lots of questions.   I also give the kits for every baby gift and kids birthday party. I throw in an order form so they know where to get more and updates.

7.  Keep a folder with flyers and kits with you at all time, especially in the car. When you see a bulletin board at a store or mall but up a bunch of flyers. When you see someone with a baby ask if they have gotten their car seat safety ID card yet for their baby. Many will buy on the spot after realizing they need one. I attached coupon that says 10% off and $5 Flat Rate USA Shipping.


When I see moms in the mall I ask them if they want a coupon. All have said yes so far. Then I give them the flyer with the coupon.

8. Have a home party. Call it a craft class or mommy and me class (if inviting the kids) or Kids Safety Class Tell them the cost is $10 if you want them to pay in advance. If not then simply order in kits wholesale and then let them buy at the time.  Call you friends and family and ask them if they have seen the new care seat safety ID cards to protect their kids in a car accident. Let them know you will be having a home party at such a date and would they come. Have them bring 3 photos of each child that can be cut. I find most friends and family are willing to support you in your new business.   At the party provide refreshments. Talk about the need for child safety. You can find lots of child safety facts, and probably color sheets or hand outs online. Explain each of our products. Let them know that today they can make one kit right now. Provide table space and help them thru the process. If the child is with them they can do the thumb print then self-laminate. If the child is not have them take it home for that part.   I find most people will buy 1 regular kit per child plus 1 medical kit per family plus additional items for gifts and family. The more products you have available for them to take home them more that will sell. I think $100-250 in sales will be the norm for a party.   I also offer a free kit to anyone who hosts a home party with at least 5 moms present then 10% of the sales. Since you are making a 50% profit you can do that. There is a party hostess sheet in your packets. Also offer the sales rep option to all of them. You will make 5% on their wholesale sales too.   You will find this gains momentum, widening your circle of people to sell too. The more you do, the more party bookings you get, the more you sell, the more you get, etc.

9.  Open your phone book once again. Look up all the individual insurance agents listed. Call or visit or write each one. Letting them know we offer ID/Fingerprint/DNA Kits for sale that they might be interested in buying to give away to their clients. Many of them have a budget for promo items and family safety items. Offer to come by and show them a sample and give them the pricing information. Be sure to follow up with any phone call or letter very soon.

Ask the closing question. HOW MANY WOULD YOU LIKE TO ORDER?    Or you can buy wholesale from me and you can sell to them at retail or discounted for a volume purchase. It is your business so your choice.   You can do the same thing with car dealerships. I understand many have a large budget of car safety items (which our kits (with car seat cards) fall into that category).   The biggest factor is keeping a thorough list of who you have contacted, how, when and all the follow-up contacts.

10.  You can sell the kits in flea markets, garage sales, craft fairs, baby fairs, safety fairs, preschool event, etc. Many communities have a Saturday market in the summer.   You might search online for any event coming up in your community. You could also contact Chambers of Commerce to ask about such event. In the fall there are many craft/holiday fairs you could participate in but you need to start the searching and entrance now. Make sure you make a demo board or display rack to show your products.

11. There are thousands of groups at www.yahoogroups.com Go there and put in a search for topics of interests to you. Since there are thousands of lists and only 32 of us we should not have to worry about bumping into each other. If you do find another rep on the list be kind and do not try to take business from her. There are so many groups you will not have a problem finding another.   Once you have joined a few lists be a good list member. DO not join just to advertise. That will give you a bad name. Instead be an active participant. Give resources and encouragement. Put your web site URL in your signature below your signature on all outgoing posts. When the group has allowed ad days then post an ad for ID kit sales or recruiting. The work at home mom groups are good for this. DO NOT SPAM by posting ads when not allowed. Please be very careful about this.

12.  Put your MPK web page URL in your sign line under your name on all emails. People will see that you are a rep with MPK and visit your site! Put a flyer or business card in all your outgoing mail from home! (even bills) Make it a goal to hand out/put up 10 flyers or business cards some where every day! 

13. Get a separate checking account for your business today! IRS wants to see a separation of business monies and personal money. Deposit EVERY income (even cash) from the business into that account and label clearly in the register who it was from and what it was for. Also pay for every expense out of that account. That register should show every plus and every minus for your business. DO NOT pay cash for business expenses. DO NOT pay for it out of your household account. If you need to deposit personal money into the account to cover expense but label it as personal not income. Get a debit card for that account to buy products and supplies with. This is the one I use! 

14. Keep a log of every mile you drive for your business: to the post office, copy store, office supply store, to do a presentation, deliver products, buy supplies, put out advertising, etc. The 2002 rate is 36 cents a mile you may deduct. Check with a professional about all tax deductions. Write down the beginning year mileage and end of the year mileage on your vehicles. It will be asked for on your tax form.

15. Recruit a friend to join you in MPK. It gives you some one to work with, to share resources with, to work fairs with, to encourage each other. Send them to http://www.mypreciouskid.com/wholesale.html and remind them to put down your name as recruiter. Remind them to purchase the special offer sample kit so they have the products to show. You also make a commission on the sales of all your recruits so build up a team!

16. Get FREE business cards, only pay $5 shipping. They have a cute hand print design I use. You can order over and over at this price.

Get FREE postage when you join the online stamps program. I use this to mail my packages. Sign up for the Power Program to get the most FREE postage and switch to the lite plan BEFORE day 29! Sometime they offer a FREE postage scale too.

17. Place a sticker on the back of every product you put out saying something like "For re-orders contact................. and then your name and phone number. This brings repeat customers back to you. Make sure your contact information is on everything you send out. Make it easy for people to find you. I highly recommend a post office box for your business contacts to protect your home address. Custom Labels http://www.roteck.com/index.asp FREE labels and stampers HERE

18. Fall Fairs - Most communities have fall and holiday shows. Some are craft fairs. Some are boutique style where you turn in your merchandise and they display it and collect payments. These charge you an entry fee and charge a commission. Others you can rent a table and sell you products. These can be great opportunities to sell a large number of kits at once. You will need to have the merchandise there on hand so they can buy and take it with them. You will also want a display board showing samples of all the products. I have clear acrylic 5 inch cubes I get at Office Depot that I display each product in with a price sign on the front. You may want a way to take credit cards. www.Propay.com  is one way. Your local bank may be another option. Do not let this fall season pass without participating in these opportunities. It is the biggest buying season of the year.

http://www.craftmasternews.com/showlistings.htm
http://www.craftersdb.com/page1.htm
http://artandcraftshows.net/
http://www.craftsfaironline.com/Listings.html 

19. Find resources at other direct sales and consultant web sites. 
Swap ads, products, resources with other direct sales reps. BARTER!

Best of Boards  Direct Sales Support training and party helps
Mom to Mom Chat Discussions Boards
Parent Preneur Club Articles, training and more!
Consultant Corner Party Plan Direct Sales Support
Directly From the Heart Direct Sales Party Plan Support
Paron for Direct Sales Sales Support
The Booster Stickers and sales aids
Accessories to Accessories Sales Aids
SmartKids101 Gives MPK reps 40% off videos
Kid Escape Skills Program
Safety Books Get 40% off

20. Contact your local hospital

1. OB dept about adding flyers to the new moms bags or them purchasing the kits to give to new moms.

2. The hospital gift shop about selling the kits

3. The Lamaze classes about doing a child safety presentation

4. The new moms breastfeeding support group about offering coupons.

21. FOLLOW-UP! People do not usually call you back. I have found it is necessary for me to call them to see if they got the brochure and ask if the have any questions. Do not waste your time and money by sending out material and not contacting them. Follow-up is key!

22. You need to ask for the sale. "How many would you like to order for your friends and family? How soon would you like to schedule that fundraiser? Do you have baby gifts to give? Have you seen our other products too? Ask the closing question.

23. Know your product well. Why do they need a car seat card for all their children? Why do they need the medical release cards? What are the benefits and features of our products? Can you give a 30 second "elevator" speech of what you do for a living? Who do you work for and why? You have to be sold on your products in order to sell your products! If you can save one life in one car accident think of the difference it has made!  

24.  Carry a kit, brochures and business cards with you at all times. Anytime someone asks what you do give him or her a card or brochure and explain your products! Tell them why you want to protect your children! Make a demo board of all the components of each kit to show.  

25. Keep track of your contacts in notebook or a spreadsheet so you can see whom you contacted, their response, and when you sent materials, so you can follow up. This will make all the difference! Ask if you can contact them again in the future. Make your notebook HERE

26. Swap flyers/coupons with other direct sales moms for giving out with orders. I make up coupon packs of all the flyers to give away at baby fairs, events, demos, etc. The other moms send me their coupons and I send my flyers to them to hand out with their orders or their events too.

Swap Flyers with Mom Packs Swap Flyers with WWWPacks Swap Flyers with Mommy Mailers

27. Read the birth announcements in the paper. Many times you can match the names to an address and phone number in your phone book. Send them a welcome baby pack with a flyer, coupon, magnet, etc. Then follow up with a cal later asking them if they have gotten the ID Car Seat safety card for their new baby.

28.  Take 7-10 flyers, hole punch the corners, tie them up with curly ribbon and hang them from the bulletin boards or phone poles where others hang their yard sale signs. Tons of people view those places on an average, nice weekend and some may want or need your product.

29. Do the same as above, and carry a pack or two in your car with you. On plain white paper make a flyer that says MyPreciousKid's here for you - take one, they're FREE!" When you go to the mall, place the flyer in your car window, and hang the flyers with ribbon from your antenna or roll the ribbons up into your windows so the flyers hang from the outside of your car. Easily removed when you are driving, take no time at all to place out when you go to the grocery store, the mall, the park or anywhere your car will be parked in a crowded parking lot for more than 5 minutes.

30. Never leave home without flyers. And never leave a place or area without leaving at least 5 behind. Whether you hand them out personally (to the check out person or any mom walking by with a baby in the cart), or place them in the bathroom, in empty shopping carts at the grocery store (where they pile them up for new customers going in), on car windshields or anywhere you can possibly think of. The only way to find new customers is to LOOK. And to look, you need to be OUTSIDE your home!

31. A lead box is simply a box wrapped with a tablet of paper that people can sign with information on them for a drawing of one of your products. (This can also be a fishbowl)

There are 2 ways to do this:

Leave them up for a week or so and then pick them up. Call each person who signed up. Put information on the outside of the box like "register for a free drawing for_____. All information must be filled out completely to qualify". The drawing ticket asks for name, address, phone #, email address, I am interested in earning free merchandise by hosting a show, I am interested in fundraiser information, I am interested in receiving a brochure, I am interested in information on becoming an independent consultant with (company name). If the shop owner is acting as a booking hostess, leave brochures with her.

32. One of the candle companies suggest their reps do 2+2 calls. Every evening they make 2 calls to try and book a party and 2 calls to coach a future hostess already booked. It is a great way to continue your business and should be less than 30 min every evening. What do you think? Here is a script  me http://www.mypreciouskid.com/scripts.html 

35. Calling tips: Here's a suggestion I just heard. Make a list of people that you want to call. Divide them into three categories, Yes, No or Maybe, based on the answer that you feel you will receive from them.  Start with a few of your No's as practice calls. When they say No, thank them saying something like "Thanks Aunt Betty, I thought you might say no so you've just given me some practice so that I can feel more comfortable with my phone calls." This way she doesn't feel guilty for saying no and you got a chance to work on your phone skills. Be prepared though. Some of those on your No list may surprise you with a Yes!

36. Keep working! Every day do something toward your business goals. Do not give up before the success comes. It takes time to build a business. Keep working and you will see the success come!

37. Get all the FREE resources for your business at http://www.123homebusinessguide.com

39. You could also add a medical ID card and pouch or ID card and pouch. I am now offering bulk packs of 25 ID cards and pouches for $20. These are NOT for resell. (ID cards need to be sold in the kits with instructions and info). These are to be used to GIVEAWAY as a prize or in the business card bag or with a coupon for an event. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/order.html  (for MPK reps only)

40. 85 Ways To Get Bookings

1. -send info to co-worker that has moved
2. -send info to other reps, or exchange shows
3. -post a catalog or info in the teacher's lounge at your child's school
4. -post a catalog or info in the employee lunchroom
5. -hold an open house
6. -have a booth at a school fair
7. -advertise in your alumni newsletter and/or local newspaper
8. -give a catalog or flyer to a receptionist
9. -include a wrap or flyer with your bill payments
10. -call past hostesses
11. -put a current catalog or wrap in your neighbor's door - include a 10% off coupon
12. -ask friends to have a show
13. -advertise in your church bulletin
14. -host an office party or brunch
15. -host a show before a PTA meeting
16. -mail out wraps, catalogs and a wish list
17. -host your own show, could even be a fundraiser for your favorite charity
18. -get a list from welcome wagon, new people may be looking for a consultant
19. -set-up a display at a craft fair and/or flea market
20. -participate in a school fundraiser
21. -have your spouse promote the products at work
22. -have you and your family wear company name products
23. -hold a Christmas shopping show for men
24. -offer a Christmas wish list to your guests and then call the gift-giver and tell him what the guest wants
25. -set-up a display at the mall
26. -put an "ask me about (company name)" button on your purse or coat
27. -ask past hostesses at shows to talk about their free products
28. -hold an opportunity night
29. -random mailings - open a phone book and choose
30. -mention hostess half-price items and other benefits at least 3 times per show
31. -hold up higher priced products and mention half-priced products to encourage bookings
32. -mention how much your "average" hostess gets in product
33. -at the beginning of your show, mention the hostess goal
34. -share upcoming specials at shows and during phone calls
35. -tell your hostess how much she saved by having her show
36. -encourage frequent customers to regularly plan shows
37. -encourage hostesses to rebook a show when new catalogs come out
38. -treat hostesses to a special "Hostess Appreciation Tea"
39. -encourage relatives to book a show
40. -call your realtor with suggestions for "new home packages"
41. -offer to do a cooking class for a local grocery store
42. -start an email address book of customers who want to know what the monthly specials are, don't forget to mention the hostess specials
43. -encourage your hostesses and guests to refer potential hostesses to you
44. -offer a bridal registry
45. -promote a bridal show
46. -be friendly and enthusiastic
50. -follow through with every booking lead
48. -describe and highlight the hostess plan during shows
49. -ask, ask, ask
50. -use open-ended questions, especially when dealing with booking concerns
51. -use your products and recipes at home, office, camping, parties, etc
52. -read sales, self-improvement and positive thinking books
53. -call at least 2 potential hostesses every night
54. -dream and imagine the possibilities
55. -set goals and review them constantly, post them where you can see them
56. -ask friends to help you get started or reach a certain goal
57. -use hostess benefits flyer
58. -use postcards and/or newsletters to continue to spark interest
59. -follow-up phone calls to particularly interested guests, they may decide later to have a show
60. -have the hostess tell why she decided to host a show
61. -give products as gifts or donations
62. -smile when talking on the phone
63. -don't be shy talking about your products or your business
64. -review orders from past shows - who have bought frequently, etc
65. -be prepared to answer questions about about your work
66. -write down names of people who "owe you a favor" then follow-up
67. -call the most familiar people first
68. -call potential hostesses who postponed or never booked
69. -spend time everyday working on some aspect of your business
70. -be willing to SHARE the business opportunity
71. -call anyone who said "maybe" or "sometime"
72. -contact schools and church groups for fundraisers
73. -advertise in football or musical programs
74. -leave your business cards on bulletin boards or in local businesses
75. -talk about upcoming specials with everyone
76. -keep a list of special requests and let those guests know when that product is on sale
77. -suggest hosting a Christmas shopping without leaving home show
78. -offer a bonus for hostesses who book on days and/or months you need extra shows
79. -give extra service and time to good customers, they will be repeat hostesses and potential consultants
80. -carry a notepad to jot down names as you think of them
81. -let guests keep a catalog to keep on hand or pass around at work
82. -give a catalog to your mail carrier
83. -set up a table at a career fair
84. -hand out literature and ask at the post office
85. -advertise on your answering machine

41. You can place online ads to your web sites for sales and recruiting. Try newsletters and ezines from other WAHM's. Are you writing a newsletter for your site. You can get an opt-in mailing list thru yahoogroups and let people sign up on your front page. It gets you repeat customers. Are you placing recruiting ads on many of the work at home sites. Do search on www.google.com  to find ezines, newsletters, work at home lists, etc.

42. WEB SITE PROMOTION:
1. Get your web site into the rotation at www.WahmHits.com

2. Submit your web site at www.google.com Use lots of key words in your meta tags. Make sure the same key words are in your text on the main page.

3. To increase traffic have a monthly contest giving away something. Submit your contest to the free contest list sites (use google to find them) http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=contest+sites

4. Have a newsletter on your web site. Create a list on yahoogroups to send the newsletter out on. Put a sign up box on your site. If gives you continuing contact with your visitors. Send sales, coupons, specials, recipes, articles, etc. http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=mom+newsletters

5. Swap contests, ads, articles, banners with other sites and newsletters http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=mom+sites+link+swap

6. Free site submissions services http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=free+site+submission
also see my submission services list
http://www.mypreciouskid.com/search-engines.html  

7. Submit your MPK ad to the many free ad places online http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=free+business+ads

8. Swap flyers with other wahm business in their orders. Make coupon packs to give away. Find others at  mommymailiers@yahoogroups.com 9. Place work at home ads http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=work+at+home+ads  

44. Make a goal of 5x5x5 Make 5 contacts every day, 5 days a week for 5 weeks, That 125 contacts will make your business explode! Do them in person or on the phone. Person to person. Make it a goal to either sell a product, set a fundraiser or home demo, or recruit every contact! Get the 5x5x5x form HERE

45. Recruit! Build Your Team! Ask every customer, every contact if they would be interested in having a home based business too. See the recruit helps at http://www.mypreciouskid.com/recruitinfo.html 

46. Wear a Name tag that says My Precious KidŽ or your web site too. Wear it for events. Pin it to your purse or bag. I got mine at office depot. Or order buttons at http://www.sesraw.com/order_photo.html 


48. How many places can you find to give out your business cards this week????? ~    When you do a business transaction in town: doctor, cleaners, store clerk, bank, etc ~    When you are asked to give your address or zip code ~    When you hand money to anyone to pay for a product or service, add a card ~    In all your outgoing mail and bills ~    Always ask for a card n return :) ~    In FREE LUNCH drawing boxes ~    With every product you sell ~    To every person at your events or parties ~    Put your on magnets and stick to bathroom stalls and on cars ~    In books you check out of the library ~    Write a note on the back offering them a discount if they call you ~    On bulletin boards ~    To other business associates   Make sure your cards are professional and have your contact info (including email and web site). I HIGHLY recommend getting a PO BOX for your business so your home address is not on your cards.

49. Use coupons to get people to try your products and get you a new customer: Make them up on your computer. Print them on card stock or colored paper. Make sure your contact info and web site are on them. Send them when you trade with other WAHM's Julie at www.expressionsonpaper.com can make them for you too.
Coupon could include:

1. $5 Flat Rate USA Shipping


2. 10% off 3. $5 off a $25 order 4. Buy 3 Get 1 FREE 5. FREE personalization service with purchase 50. When someone has been very helpful to you as a customer, send them a thank you note and tell them you'd love to have them as your customer or on your team too. Send a coupon or flyer too. Follow the note up with call later asking if you can serve them in any way.

50. Scavenger Hunt
1. Book a show with someone who has a new home.
2. Book a show with someone who has red hair.
3. Book a show with someone who is a grandmother.
4. Book a show with someone who has a green car.
5. Book a show with someone who has a twins.
6. Book a show with someone who lives in an apartment.
7. Book a show with someone who has a pool.
8. Book a show with someone who has a dog.
9. Book a show with someone who has blonde hair.
10. Book a show with someone who has a garden.
11. Book a show with someone who has a hot tub.
12. Book a show with someone who has a son and daughter.
13. Book a show with someone who is pregnant.
14. Book a show with someone who is named Kathy.
15. Book a show with a guy.
16. Book a show with a family member.
17. Book a show with a teacher.
18. Book a show with a nurse.
19. Book a show with a neighbor.
20. Book a show with a referral.
21. Book 4 new shows within the next month.
22. Book an outdoor show.
23. Book a show out of town.
24. Book 2 shows at a show.
25. Book a double hostess show.

51. It takes more money to recruit a new client than it takes to keep a current client. Your current client will spread your good deeds by word of mouth; that is free advertising. Remember to take care of your current clients and thank them often for their business.

52. If you sign many checks in the course of doing business, you may be tempted to use squiggly lines and a few dots for your signature. This type of signature, however, is easily forged. Create a signature that is clear and distinctive with flare and style or get a FREE deposit stamper. 

53. Many business owners forget to save for taxes. Plan ahead by placing 15 to 20 percent of your gross income each week into a savings account to be used only to pay taxes. It is difficult to see that money "standing still" but the relief you will feel come tax time is worth the effort.

54. Do not divulge information about your past or current clients. You never know who is listening and what will get back to that client. Your off-hand comments could result in a lawsuit or at the very least a lost contract.

55. Choose a specific day and time each week to backup your computer files. Write this appointment on your calendar and complete the task faithfully. You never know when your computer will crash. or set your scheduled tasks to do it every day.

You can have an auto-reminder scheduled in Outlook to back up the hard disk every Tuesday morning or you can go to accessories, system tools, backup, and schedule the computer to back up every night. Mine backs up all documents, email, pictures, bookkeeping to a 2nd hard drive every night

56. E-mail has become a quick and easy solution to writing memos and business letters. Keep in mind the e-mail you send is a reflection of you and your business. The most common mistake when using e-mail is not attaching the files you stated you would send. Slow down, double check, then send. SPELL check all outgoing emails. You can set your email program to do it automatically.

57. 100 Tips for your business http://www.onlinewbc.gov/docs/market/mk_100plus.html 

58. Get help with things at home. A housekeeper is worth the cost even just one day a week. If you can't afford a housekeeper... try to find a local teenager to come in after school and help get dinner ready, with laundry and chores... this will help you

59. I have a large whiteboard that I used a wet erase marker on to turn into a weekly (Mon-Fri) schedule with a "to do" list area on the bottom quarter of the board. Every Sunday evening I enter (with a dry erase marker) my weekly appointments and to do items. At the end of the week simply wipe with a dry cloth to erase the items and the wet eraser will stay intact!

60. Form letters- have templates in your computer for your most often used business letters.  This will allow you to type in your specific clients information and print a personalized letter. You can keep these in your drafts folder of Outlook too.

61. Use your signature line as you online business card. They should be short and sweet no more that 4-5 lines and designed to tease people to go to your site. Don't fill them up with to much
info or to many different things to click you can add those to where they are being directed. Keep them simple and make them desire to click that link.

62. Search out your biggest competitors by typing in Google the search terms that someone would use in order to find you. The top 10 business that will come up are the leaders in your field. Do a 'site-flipping' to find out who links to these sites. This is how to do a site flipping. Let's see you want to check who is linking to http://www.mypreciouskid.com . You would go to Altavista and type this into the search box: link: www.mypreciouskid.com. The search results you see are the sites linked to http://www.mypreciouskid.com and these are the sites you want to approach to establish a reciprocal link relationship with.  Good luck! The more incoming links you will have to your site the better position you will achieve in Google. 

63. Join networking groups!  Usually you will find a business that you can barter with to the benefit of both parties. http://www.yahoogroups.com http://www.smartgroups.com These groups/communities are a source to help you build relationships, both professional and personal.  These groups help you stay motivated and also aid in growing your business by sharing tips and ideas, referrals, and more.  Joining a networking group can be done both on the Internet and locally. Whenever you join a group, whether online or off, be sure to give as much info about yourself and your business as possible, especially online. Profiles can bring in business, and it is like leaving an online business card that gives more info!  I always leave my full name, biz name, description, contact info, and URL. This lets others know you are a professional, and are not afraid of to show the world what you do.

64. Did you know that it takes 12 contacts to make a client? Twenty years ago, it only took 4 contacts! This is because we are now living in an information society, and people are exposed to a lot of data. Here are some interesting facts about each contact that you make:

Contact #1 (50% of salespeople quit after making the first contact)
Contact #2 (65% of salespeople quit by this point)
Contact #3 (79.9% of salespeople have quit)
Contact #4 (89.8% of salespeople have quit. It is interesting to note,
that at this point, your prospect just begins to recognize your name)
Contact #5 (you are becoming a factor in the prospect's mind)
Contact #6 (slowly, they are getting to know you)
Contact #7 (You are earning Top of Mind Awareness)
Contact #8 (At this point, you may be the only person to ever have
made 8 contacts with this customer)
Contact #9 (At this point, when your prospect is ready to buy, you
have a 90% chance of being called)
By Contact #12, you have an 'Irresistible Relationship'

There are lots of different ways to make these contacts. It’s ideal to use at least 3 different media. Try to brainstorm and make a list of 20 different ways to make contact with your prospects. (This must be to a specific person). Some ideas might be:

Face-to-face
Telephone
Newsletter
Postcard
Gifts
Ad specialty items
Networking groups
Email (be careful that you are not spamming them).
Greeting cards
Handwritten notes, etc.

Once you have put together your list, write down a plan. This plan should include what type of a contact you will be making, as well as a schedule on when you will be making these contacts. You might create an index file system, a notebook, or use a program such as ACT to track this
and to keep notes.

65. Know your Vision. When you start you business you have a dream of what it will be. A true entrepreneur can see what their business will be when it is fully developed. They take the dream and step into it and start living the vision of where they want their business to go. Now along the road visions will change and may even change direction, as you reach one level you move to the next and craft a new vision. The action is to keep your eye on the end result and live your life with the presence that you are already there.

66. One of the areas of promoting a site I understand is the linking process.  I have gone to so many sites where you cannot find a link button.  Many of them say link to us but then you cannot find the actual links or they are so well hidden that I give up...I am sure customers feel the same way.
  You know that is actually a good point if you have a links partner page you should have it accessible to the visitors. I think some do it because what happens when you exchange links and especially text links is that the spider and robots that go through sites, will pick up your site when it is link on someone else's site and that what helps you get better ranking the robots can find them because they go through page by page on a site when they come back to review it for listings.

67. Find your niche – figure out how you can be unique, and design your business plan around that idea. Whether you have been in business for years, or are starting your first business now, you must reach your target market with your products or services –or- you must create a product or service for a specific market. Find a need, and supply the solution. That’s business.  

68. Find a way to set yourself apart from the competition.  Addling a little extra customer service, sending an article you know a customer might like, remembering a customer's birthday, etc.  Sincere efforts like this really help build relationships and relationships are the name of the game.  Long ago I realized that if people like you, they will find a way to do business with you and to keep doing business with you!

69. Be sure and put at the end of your home answering machine message, a short sentence or two about your business with a teaser. 

70. 12-Step Marketing Plan http://www.selfstartersweeklytips.com/archives/marketingplan.htm

71. Wear a name badge where ever you go. MPK names badges are available at http://www.originalhuggs.com/mpk.htm

72. Wear something with your business name on it - T-shirt, Cardigan, Button -pin, key chain hanging from your business bag, name badge. If your business name isn't know who about put ask me about (business name) and get a free gift. you would be surprised how many people come up to me when I were my shirt that has that. I gift the a baggy with candy in it with my business info on the header and a trifold about my business.

73. Laminate your business card (make them 2 sided one side with contact info other side info about your business) punch a hole in the corner and slip a key chain ring on them. Hang a bunch of them on your pocket book or bag. When you are talking with someone gift them a key chain. They are more likely not to misplace it.
74. 100 No's

Why are some people more successful than others?

It's a one word answer. The word NO. Some people really have a tough time
accepting the fact that they are going to hear the word NO fairly often.
They get discouraged and feel rejected because they look at the word NO as a negative. Nothing could be further from the truth. The word NO, simply means that nothing changes. Think about it. You approach your neighbor and ask her to be your customer. She say NO. What changed?

Is she still your neighbor? Yes,. Did your income go up or down? NO. Nothing changed. It can't be negative; to be a negative things would have had to get worse, and they didn't. Everything remained exactly the same.

On the other hand, suppose she said YES. Now there are some positive changes. She receives personal service (a positive). You can see by this example that there are no negatives in our business. There are only positives.... And times when nothing changes.

When Someone tell you NO, they are not rejecting you or our products. They are simply telling you that they are unable or unwilling to make any changes at the moment. Once you understand this, doing this business because a lot more fun. So why not look for a way to make the word NO fun?

Each time someone tells you NO, cross out one of the NO's  Set
yourself a goal of getting all 100 No's crossed out within the next 30 days. (No Kidding) If you want to see your business explode with growth, take this little exercise seriously. Here's a hint that will make this easier. Triple up. Ask someone to:

1. become a representative ... If they say NO, cross a NO off and ask them to
2. become a Customer ... If they say NO, cross a second NO off and ask
3. give a Customer referral ... If they say NO again, you've already got 3 NO's!

You'll never be better at getting NO's than you are right now. The more you do this, the tougher it becomes to get those 100 NO'S. You'll find that a YES will creep in there every once in a while. Don't let the occasional YES distract you from your primary goal of getting those 100 no's.

Imagine the look on your neighbor's face when she tells you NO and you
respond, "Gee thanks. I've only got a few NO's to go and I'm finished for
this month. I was afraid you were going to say YES there for a minute."

Don't take this exercise lightly ... it works! Get those NO's now while it is still easy for you to do so. Don't wait till it becomes difficult for people to tell you NO! That time will come soon enough.

75. Always put something on the back of your card, a sticker that mentions your newsletter and how to subscribe, a discount code, a "recommend me to a friend" etc.

76. Each night, make a list of everything that needs to be done the next day. In the morning, do the least appealing task on your list. Your day will go smoother afterward.

77. Make phone calls early. That way if you need to leave messages, it gives the person or people plenty of time to get back to you so they are less likely to call once your husband is home.

78. Set certain times to check your e-mail. If you check it only at certain times, then you will have time to actually work without email interrupting you. If you keep checking it while working on a project, you will get distracted from what you were working on and it will beh arder to get back to.

79. Make sure to take time out of your work day to spend with your kids so they don't feel like they come second. Even a special 15 minute snack time or talk session will make them feel like you always have time for them.

80. Remember how important it is to take time away for you, too. A woman who takes care of business and family and never takes a minute for herself will become burnt out and bitter. You are no good to anyone if you are not good to yourself.

81. Top 5 List... Write down the 5 most important things for you to do each day.  When all 5 are done, add a new five.  If you don't finish, it gets carried over to the next day.

82. Have set office hours.  If your kids are in school, set your office hours to while they are gone.  Setting office hours doesn't mean you have to stop when they are over.  But it does commit you to working during that time.

83. Our goal is to add 1-3 names to our warm market contact list each day for 21 days so that it becomes a habit.   Some good examples: leaving business cards are catalogs at your beauty shop consistently because people need to see an ad seven times before they notice it.   Go thru the yellow pages and just use it to remind you of business people you may know but did not think about adding to your contact list.   Make 20 calls Work time effectively, presentation calls, emails, update database, and do accountability report.

84. Signature Buddy.  This is someone whose business you would promote as part of your signature line, and they would promote yours as part of their signature line.  Something as simple as "Visit My Signature Buddy's site at _________".  I have seen this recently and I am considering doing the same.

85. Bartering for advertising or other business tools

86. Deliver catalogs and samples in person when you can, this saves on mailing (supplies and postage) and gives you a chance to meet the person face to face which creates a new level.

87. DS you can also do party swaps... meaning I do a party for you, you do one for me.  These tips have come from multiple sources and other WAHM's and yahoo group members. If one of these was authored by you please let me know. I am always happy to give credit where credit is due.