Starting a Home Based Business

Where are you located and what are you doing? I also have a home based business and have found a networking group that is pretty wonderful. Let me know what and where and maybe I can help you with a group!

Hi C.!
I am home with the kids during the day but I also have a Silpada Designs Jewelry biz and I've been doing it for 2 1/2 yrs and have a large team now. I've found that I've been successful because I talk to everyone and I let them know what I do! It's all about building relationships with people. And by NEVER being the "pushy sales person". I have joined a mom's club and I also volunteer for a few groups. I've met SOOOO many women through networking events also. I also jump at every opportunity to do fundraisers. These are GREAT ways to meet new circles of friends. Joining BNI is another great group if you are able to go in the mornings every week...but it's a little pricey.

The other best piece of advice that I could give is to never let "No" slow you down. You WILL get them!! You always have to think "Oh Well! NEXT!!" That is the biggest reason that people quit. Just know that it is NOTHING personal, some people just don't like to have parties or they just don't want your product at that time. AND THAT'S OK!!
Lastly, I make contacts with other direct sales reps and we share info about up coming events with each other. That has been a great help also. I'm in SW Michigan, if you're somewhat close, I'll share info on events that I know of. Just email me!

Best of luck to you C.!!!
C.
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I have friends that are in the same business as I am and they joined LBN and other groups that cost quite a lot of money and it really hasn't helped them. I also have a web site and that has brought me a lot of business as well. I do give out business cards to strangers but I DON'T have my address on them and I have found that you really need to get the names and contact info of anyone and everyone that you talk about your business with. I am an Arbonne consultant and we have tons I mean tons of free training on line university and hands monthly Region and National training as well as Phone Conferences too. Remember to have your elevator speech ready to go! The products speak for themselves so samples work. I do monthly promotions and challenges. I can call my upline to help at anytime which really is nice I just follow their advise and duplicate what they do. FB is a good place too. Good Luck in your new business!
K.

i use the telephone directory the internet and word of mouth.

It depends what you are doing. If you can provide some more specific info, I may be able to make some suggestions.

Regards, L.

The key is in selecting the right business. I spent 7 years in direct sales with a couple of the "usual" party-based businesses and didn't make any real money. Sure the retail profit was nice, but now I am associated with an international internet marketing and product brokerage company that offers REAL potential and residual income. Loving it!

That being said ~ when you love your product and the products are good, ask for referrals. Word of mouth makes lining up customers a breeze. (If it is a party-based business, that might now work so well in this economy.)

Happy to talk any time!

S.
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Congrats! Listing on websites like this or those related to your biz is great. Doing expos, posting on social sites (facebook, etc), and getting the word out to all your contacts and groups. Post fliers in areas related to your biz with contact info. Ex: I am in baby biz, and post in dance studios, daycares, etc. Have a launch party and invite everyone you know! Do a 100 to contact list-and stick to it! Good Luck : )

What kind of business have you started?

Go to BNI-MI.com Business international is way better than your Chamber. Only one person per your industry is allowed to join a chapter. There can be several chapters for your city. They meet weekly and are very structured. You have to check them out. 90% of my referrals came from my time in BNI.

Best advice is to take advantage of their courses. If you work the networking system well, you can reap nothing but benefits.

I agree with the other poster... It depends on the nature of your business and what you can afford to spend on advertising. In addition, not all adverting works. You can advertise here on Mamasource...

I also work from home with massage/reflexology and with the current market it is tough. But I will say I did not find the Mama Perks to pay off - it was wasted money for a year's time. However, I do utilize listing my business here as well as on Craigslist (you need to be very careful of strange creepy people!), Myspace, Facebook, Yahoo and various places on the internet. I also use word-of-mouth, referrals and other methods that have helped.

Pricing helps a great deal for what you are offering. People seek a bargain/ value for what they are purchasing, it seems.

I agree with the other posters, it depends on what your business is, could you take advantage of the upcoming holidays to offer specials. Everyone now a days is looking for a deal. I am considering doing something outside of the home in the evenings to help. Just not sure what I want to do and don't have a lot of money to get it up and running. Good luck to you. If you could please let me know what it is your doing, Who knows I might become a customer, I am in Wixom/Novi area.

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I also have a work at home business that I enjoy greatly. As far as networking, I use facebook, twitter, friends, local businesses, flyers, etc. It all depends on what your job is.

What home based business are you starting?