The Personal Websites Have Arrived!

I know, it's been entirely too long since I've been in touch with my girls. I apologize PROFUSELY! I have definitely been out of the Premier Loop and have been preoccupied with a bazillion other things. But then... yesterday... Premier released the NEWEST jewelry lady tool: our OWN PERSONAL WEBPAGES!! WOO HOO! I am so excited. I got mine set up this morning and voila! I'm basically a pro and TOTALLY re-energized to get going in my Premier business!

To visit my webpage, click here.

I wanted to encourage you girls to take advantage of this tool right away by giving you some tips and ideas, and also sharing what I'm doing to launch my new website project!

Setting Up Your Webpage
Setting up the webpage is quick and easy! Premier has a tutorial online. If you skip this part, you'll probably be able to figure out the setup with no problem. The setup page walks you through, step by step. I recommend making this page personal by adding notes from you instead of keeping the messages Premier has set up for you. I visited some other Jewelry Lady sites to get ideas of how they were using their sites and the verbiage they used. This is also a great place to highlight specials that Premier is offering, or ideas and special events of your own! I would love to hear some ideas from you of other ways you can use the "noteworthy" box. Maybe quotes, fashion tips, seasonal guides, links, etc?

Overcoming the Cost
The monthly fee for having your own website is almost $10. If you pay for an annual subscription, then it's $100, which saves you two month's subscription cost! This may seem steep, in addition to the $350 we already pay annually, but you think about this! That $350 is already paying for the Premier Website itself, plus all of the awesome support we get from the home office. It also pays to have our Sales Tax filed FOR us at the end of tax year. It pays for free shipping on all of our sample jewelry, catalogs (which are EXPENSIVE to ship!) and other supplies. This cost also keeps people from just "buying in" to Premier so that they can take advantage of the discount and share it with their friends.

Also, think of it this way: if you sell just ONE pair of $20 earrings per month from the convenience of an online catalog, it's already paid for itself! Today, I sent a text to ALL of my past contacts with the exciting news and I ALREADY had a lady say she'd lost one of her favorite earrings and wants to order a pair to replace them! There's this month's fee!

Paying the annual fee is smart, but if you're not sure, you may want to consider paying for September through November monthly to decide how worth it the cost is. The special introductory rate ends in December, so make sure to subscribe for your annual membership before then!

Launching into Action
Consider using the website for a special promo! You may want to consider different booking bonuses, challenges, contests, or specials. For my first attempt at making the most of this site, I'm hosting a FALL INTO FABULOUS event. This is similar to the Spring Fling I posted about a couple springs ago. I used the new tools on the website to send out an invitation, and then plan on sending more information to those who RSVP yes. [When I have my documents complete, I'll attach them here].

To view the invitation, click here.

Spreading the Word
Now that you have a site, make sure you spread the word like crazy! Social media is great for this. Here are some ways that I have/plan on spreading the word:

* Social Media: Post it to your page, send personal messages to friends with a note, and add it to the "website" box in your profile. You may also consider adding a hyperlink when you have awesome jewelry on in Facebook pictures, or when you receive compliments online. I also Tweeted the link and posted a picture of my FALL INTO FABULOUS invite to Instagram.

* Text: I sent out a text to every girl in my phone book who has hosted, attended, or shown interest in a Premier Show. Or any girl that I THOUGHT might! Texts are great for sending info and links because they are in print for the girls to access later, but texts are best followed up with a phone call.

* Phone calls: Now is a great time for courtesy calls! Remember the intention of Courtesy Calls is to check up on girls. You are NOT necessarily trying to sell anything or book shows. Just let them know you're thinking about them, ask how their jewelry is doing, and then let them know you have a new website they can use if they'd like to check out the new catalog.

* Special Mailings: I ALWAYS send a Christmas card to my past hostesses, and sometimes to favorite customers. My first two years, I used Vista Print to order cheap post cards. This past year, I sent electronic cards. I prefer the hard copies, but of course, email is significantly cheaper. On the cards, I say Merry Christmas and offer some special coupon as a thank you. The problem with the coupon is most girls don't have a catalog on hand. This year, I can include my website and online catalog and hope for more sales! :) Here are my 2010 and 2011 Christmas Cards.

* Business Cards: The business cards I have have the old hostess plan on them, so I need new cards anyway. When you order your business cards, make sure they have your website on them! You can order business cards for FREE from Vista Print or just $13 on Premier Incentives.

* Show Supply Labels: On all of your catalogs, show folders, order forms, etc, you should have labels with your name on them. Consider adding your website to these too! Labels are a cheap and EASY way of putting your information out there!

* Email Signature: Most emails allow personal signatures to be added to every email automatically. Mine says, "Your Favorite Jewelry Lady" and then has my information. This is a great place to add your website. Even people you are emailing who know nothing about Premier will now have a little more information about what you do. Maybe you'll peak someone's interest!

Remember to Keep It Personal
With today's technology, it is very easy and tempting to become an online business. REMEMBER that is NOT what Premier is about. We are about KEEPING IT PERSONAL. That means our goal is to be building relationships with ladies and taking the opportunity to minister to and encourage women. This why there is no online ordering. Premier wants to make sure that we are still in contact with our hostesses and customers. So while all of these tools are fabulous, please remember, to KEEP IT PERSONAL.

Love you girls!
Denise

Training when there's no training!

I know training in WI was cancelled today. And even when it's not, it's a super long drive. And then there's work schedules, kid schedules, and all the other events of our crazy lives. Going to training is VERY important. It should be a TOP priority if you want your business to be successful. But in those (hopefully very rare) moments when going to training is just not happening, we don't want to fall off the awesome wagon! So, here are a few ways you can train from home that you may or may not have thought/known about:

1. Go back to your jeweler handbook. Lots of ideas we see at trainings actually came from the jeweler handbooks! There are a ton of ways to change up your show games, great outlines for hostess coaching, and anything else you could possibly need! 
2. Re-watch the DVD and listen to the Audio CD. I kept the audio CD in my car forever. It has great tips for your business. 
3. Read old notes. If you haven't been to a lot of trainings, you won't have gathered too many notes so far. But think of all the times you've sat in a training or Rally and been so impressed with the ideas or so inspired by the encouragement! Go back to your notes and review some of those great teachings.
4. Visit the Premier Designs website. There are a couple of different places here you can get great training: Jeweler Resources > Training > Online Training. Don't forget to hit the link at the bottom for "previously released training." OR! Visit Rally/Events & watch videos from previous rallies. 
5. Visit some of the Premier Leadership Websites. They have TONS of great ideas, trainings, and handouts.
6. Visit the Terrell Website & get some info on the Jammies & Jewelry calls! These are phone training on Sunday nights! They're great and you can even call later and listen to the recordings. 
7. Get with friends and share ideas, get help with challenges, and play with jewelry combinations!
8. This blog. Ya. This one... The one that I spend HOURS trying to log good ideas and encouragement for you! 
9. Google! Go on YouTube and search "Premier" or "Direct Sales". You'll have to filter through the good stuff, but you'll find some great ideas too! You may also just google "Direct Sales." You'll get some good articles and websites on tips!

Ok! Let me know what you find! Or if you have any other ideas. :) Hope this helps!

Change it Up Challenge

Ok. So I mentioned to you guys after Rally that I want to challenge myself (and you were invited!) to wear DIFFERENT jewelry every day and post it to the social media! Well, I've been posting when I can... There have been a couple days where I haven't even left the house... LoL. BUT! So far, I LOVE IT! Here's why:

1. It's fun. It's getting me more excited about my jewelry because I have an excuse to talk about it and show it off even more than I usually do.
2. It's holding me accountable! Instead of wearing the same jewelry every day, I've TRIED to wear different pieces and switch it up!
3. It's FREE, no-pressure advertisement! I get to show off my cutie jewelry everyday, and all of my Facebook/Instagram/Twitter friends can see and enjoy. So far I've had several "Likes," some additional compliments at school, AND one of Brian's aunts plans to buy the bracelet I was wearing today! She wants the bracelet - which gave me an excuse to send her the whole catalog, the Style Guide, an Opportunity Brochure, and a personalize note - also catching up on family stuff.

I highly recommend giving it a try. You've got nothing to lose! :)

I've been using the app PhotoGrid to put all of my photos for one day together, then using Instagram to post to Facebook and Twitter.

Day 1: I pulled out this outfit the night before (and was really proud of myself for being so prepared) but of course didn't get up early enough to actually primp (hence the up-do). BUT I still felt cute. :)

Day 2: My second attempt at "Arm Party." I'm pretty sure this was in the video too. 

Day 2: As soon as I was done getting ready, my new jewelry arrived and I had to change it out. But I already have a girl who is planning to get this necklace at her upcoming show. #freeadvertisement

Day 3: I had to wear my coach polo to school, so I didn't wear a necklace, although I know I could have, however: 1. I was running late, and 2. I feel a little "overdone" when I'm trying to bling up at a basketball game. I will have you know, however, that I had a girl add that ring to her wish list this day.

Day 4: Today I sold this bracelet! Gotta love Facebook! :)

Now is the time for OPs!

Hey girls! If you've been thinking that you need to SPONSOR MORE, now is the time! It's so great to have an opportunity to tell friends that there is a special promotion going on! Go back through all of your surveys, and think through all of your friends, and call them up to host an OP! This is so easy. Get together at your favorite coffee shop or ice cream place, or even in your living room. Offer a special thank you for coming: a charm bracelet, or shopping half price (1-2 items limit is suggested). Tell them to bring a friend and give them a gift for that too! To take the pressure off, tell your friends you're looking for referrals - so even if they're not interested, you'd love for them to come hear about what you do - because we ALL know somebody that could use some extra cash. Maybe they can help you spread the word! Or tell them you're in a contest or you've set a goal or that you're just practicing! :) I would love to help you learn how to do an OP if you're not sure. There are apps and brochures and websites and so much more! And NOW, there's a great promotion! Go get em!

No excuses!

A few months ago, I posted this blog about making excuses and procrastinating. And it's easy to fall back into the same boat. Rally is coming up, and so is the new year! Premier is AWESOME! It's an awesome opportunity to make extra money to support your family. And, as they say at every rally and training, YOU GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT. If you are not getting the results you want, are you REALLY giving the effort you should? YOU CAN DO THIS. But it means taking those baby steps to be disciplined and decide: I'm worth this. My family is worth this! And the best part is: Premier is NOT hard. The most difficult part is training YOURSELF to do the things you should! 
So. GO TO RALLY! No excuses. 

PS. Registration is extended to January 2. AND! If you go, you get 30% off of the new line! It's worth spending the $48 on Rally JUST to get that discount!! 

Happy Belated Birthday, Granddaughter/Mom! :)

Whoops! Sorry I'm late, but I wanna wish a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Mommy, Diane, who also happens to be my Premier Granddaughter! Happy Birthday Mom!

YAY! Renewal!!! :)

Woo Hoo! Several of you girls have an anniversary coming up! CONGRATULATIONS! This morning Diana emailed me with a couple of questions and I was SO excited to share all of my ideas! I LOVE renewal shows! They are great for SO MANY REASONS! They're an awesome way to:

• Thank your hostesses from the past year
• Generate new business
• Restart your business for this year
• Get FREE jewelry for yourself!
• Earn money to pay for your renewal

And SO MUCH MORE!

So. Here's the rundown on renewals: You get to have ONE show a year just for yourself. This renewal (which I call "Anniversary") show can be held the month OF your renewal or up to 5 months after your renewal date. Now, the payment for your renewal is DUE about the same time as your renewal date, so I recommend holding your renewal show as early as possible to pay for that renewal fee. However, if you have the cash set aside to pay for it, then you have the flexibility to wait for the prime time (like an awesome promotion) to have your show!

So. I recommend making this show VERY different form your traditional shows. This should be fun and unique. Below are some ideas. Please feel free to tweak them and make them your own!

• Call it an anniversary. Put on the invitations, "Join me in celebrating my FIRST anniversary as a Premier Jewelry Lady"

• Keep it personal. Let the girls know how much you've loved being in Premier, and what an honor it would be if they'd join you.
• Change everything to make it special and different. Usually, your show should revolve around the hostess, and make her feel special. This time, make it revolve around your special year: the highlights, the great jewelry, and how much you appreciate your hostesses! 
• Use tickets and have a drawing. Let them know they'll earn tickets for bringing friends, RSVPing, arriving on time, wearing a solid color shirt, and for every $10 they spend (or however much you want the amount to be), etc etc. The more tickets the better! 
• Have your drawing be something PREMIER related. We want to celebrate and highlight out own product. :) Last year, I gave away my #1 selling item from the previous year (Lady Fair) and show many ways to wear it throughout the show. You could also consider giving away a Premier Designs gift card. I just make these out of card stock. Remember to put stipulations on when and how they can use it. 
• Celebrate the past year. I told ALL of my past hostesses they would be given a special gift at my show, as my way of thanking them. They ONLY received the gift if they CAME to the show! I created a $10 gift card for each girl. They had to spend it AT my show (I didn't want to deal with profit loss later) and it could not be used toward shipping or tax. 
• Have special hostess prizes! I created special award categories to honor my special hostesses. They were things like: most pre-sales, most guests at the show, most free jewelry earned, highest show retail, yummiest food, most creative theme, etc. These girls received a $20 gift card! And each girl could only receive one, so I created the awards to suit that. Not every hostess received an award and again, they HAD to be at the show to receive it! I actually was able to call a couple of girls who were not planning on coming and tell them, "I wanted it to be a surprise, but you are one of my award winners! I'd really love to be able to recognize you at the show. PLEASE COME!" I put the gift cards in little bags with tissue paper (all from the dollar tree) and had them as a centerpiece at the show.
• Have a special game. I did the boxes game. The top of the paper says, "Find Someone Who..." and then there are boxes that each have something different inside. I would make the number of boxes comparable to the number of guests you expect. Some ideas are: 
• has never been to a Premier Designs Jewelry Show
• has been to more than one Premier Designs Jewelry Show
• earned more than $200 in free jewelry at her Show
• owns the Lady Fair necklace
• plans to book a show today
• love Premier Jewelry
• has hosted a show
• Consider having a theme. Since my anniversary is right before Valentines day. I like a romantic/anniversary theme. Everything was pink & red with hearts and I did chocolate fondue and sparkling grape juice. 
• Invite everyone you know! Anyone who has been to any past show or placed pre-orders, your friends, neighbors, church people, kids play date moms, in-laws, people you meet in the grocery line, people who intimidate you... everyone! The year I got married I even invited one of my photographers and SHE CAME and BOOKED a show! :) 
• Have a special sale! Consider having 20% off for all past hostesses OR the entire spring line for 10% off OR 30% off for anybody who books a show, OR 50% off everything after you spend $100, etc. I put my favorite ensemble from the new line on sale. If you buy the necklace, earrings, and bracelet, you get 30% off the entire ensemble. Don't do ALL of these! Think about which one works best for you. Don't cut completely into your profit! And you may want to have a rule about the gift cards... Don't end up paying for their jewelry! :) 
• I changed my survey slightly to make them "anniversary-y." I printed them in pink and changed all of the wording to highlight this special event. [Email me for a copy].

• Change up the way you show jewelry. Consider showing JUST the new line as a special coming out party, show JUST the top selling pieces from the year before, or ask all of your hostesses their favorite pieces and show them. Find out in advance and turn it into a game by showing the piece and asking the girls to guess who's favorite it is. Consider asking the hostess to model the piece or tell what outfit she loves to wear it with.
• Be a good hostess! Remember, it is the hostess' job to invite in advance, follow up, and get pre-sales. YOU know how to be a good hostess! Don't use Facebook - create real invites! Follow up with phone calls, not just text messages. Carry your catalog and collect some pre-orders! Work toward those bonuses! 

OK! So these are just a few ideas! Please comment if you have more to share with the group! I'd love to see what you come up with!