Organizing Your Contact List

There are several trainings out there on how to compile a contact list and how to collect leads for your direct sales business. However, I was looking for something more for my business. I wanted a working contact list that would allow me to follow the status of my leads as I built a relationship with them. So I have taken bits and pieces of ideas from other consultants and made my own system.

I use note cards or contact cards and a file box to organize my contacts but I have seen this system work really well in a spreadsheet also. I separate my leads into four categories. I have an A, B, C and D tab. I identify each lead as one of the categories below. The goal is to start a new contact on the D list and move them into other categories as I build a relationship with them. Eventually they will become a hostess or join my team.

A= Active Recruiting Leads- People who have shown an interest in the business or who you think would be a good fit for your home party plan business. Your main goal with these leads should be to keep them informed of the business opportunity and get them to join your team.

B= Best Customers/Hostesses- People who have hosted for you in the past or reordered from you. You have established an ongoing relationship with these people. Your main goal with these leads is to maintain a close relationship with them, keep them informed of specials and treat them like VIP customers. If they have not booked a show your main goal would be to have them become a hostess. If they are a past hostess your goal is to have them host again in the future and offer them the business opportunity.

C= Customers- This is your general customer list. These are people who may have ordered at a party, purchased from you once, etc. You have a new relationship with these customers. Your goal is to move these customers onto the A or B list by establishing a relationship with them. Following up, using the Full-Service Checkout and giving great customer service are ways to do this.

D= Desired Customers/New Leads- These are new leads that you meet or want to meet. You may or may not know their name. They have not been introduced to the business but would benefit from the products or the business opportunity. Examples are the checker at the grocery store, a neighbor you don’t know, a mom you meet at the park, etc. Your goal is to move these leads to the C list and introduce them to your home business.

Take Control of Your Schedule

Owning your own home business allows you the flexibility to work around family time and other personal commitments. However, as many consultants have experienced, it can be a daunting task to stay on track and manage time effectively. One of the best things you can do for yourself, your family and your business is learning to successfully manage your schedule. Follow these simple steps to organize your monthly schedule and assure you allocate your time wisely.

Your Calendar
You will want to get a monthly calendar to use this method of time blocking so you can see your entire month at-a-glance. I use different color pens for my personal commitments, family commitments and business commitments. This isn't necessary but it helps me quickly determine how my time is balanced. 

Blocking Personal and Family Commitments
The first thing I block on my calendar each month is my family commitments. Vacations, school functions, sports leagues, etc. Second I fill in all of my personal commitments such as doctor appointments, volunteer work, lunch with friends, etc. After I have scheduled in these things it is much easier to see what days/times I have available to book my shows and dedicate to my business.

Stay in Control of Your Schedule
Once I have my personal and family commitments out of the way I go through and star the best days/times on my calendar that I am available to hold shows. These are the dates I will offer my hostesses. 
TOP TIP: Always give your hostesses a choice between your first two available dates. This discourages them from booking too far out and there is a better chance you will be able to retain their excitement about hosting.

Open For Business Every Day
Holding the actual show is only part of your job as a consultant. The communication side of the party plan business is usually what suffers when a consultant does not have good time management skills. Block specific uninterrupted office hours into your week and open for business just as any other business would. Take this time to make customer phone calls, hostess coach, prepare supplies, etc.
TOP TIP: Prepare a list in advance of tasks to do and calls to make during your office hours. Your business will flourish when you spend less of your time organizing and preparing for success and more of your time your time doing activities that grow your business.