Hi, direct sales friends! I see you are loving this new direct sales journey! You’ve signed up, thrown an awesome launch party and even booked your calendar for the next month! Yay! But, what is this you see on your Facebook feed? You see another company launching a very similar product?
Your first reaction may be to feel defeated and a little bit angry. You immediately think of the added direct sales competition that may pop up and the customers you may lose. But direct sales friends, don’t fret. Competition is good, and it gives you the best reasons to stand out amongst your competitors in the direct sales world.
So, HOW do you deal with competition in direct sales? It’s a common question for sure. With any direct sales company, there are hundreds and sometimes thousands of consultants doing the same thing that you are doing. But dig a little deeper, are they all really doing the same thing?
Let’s think about the ways that YOU can stand out from the other consultants in your direct sales company and the competing companies as well.
You Are Awesome Tip #1
Provide more than just the product you sell
Hmmm, sounds tricky at first but let’s look at 3 examples of what I mean.
Jewelry Direct Sales Consultants: Think about how your jewelry is different and what makes your product special and unique. Are their interesting ways the jewelry can be created? Have you discovered a new way the product can be worn? Make yourself stand out by providing cleaning tips and helpful information to your customers above and beyond the pretty jewelry they receive in the mail.
Clothing Direct Sales Consultants: Play up the different ways your clothes can be worn and provide a “Style Guide” or sorts. Maybe it is a printable book you create and include in your packages or, a special online style guide where your customer can see different ways to wear the same dress.
Cookware Direct Sales Consultants: Just like the jewelry and clothing gals, including information about how to use certain cookware products and ways to incorporate your consumable products is great added value! Think of how excited your customer would be if you included a simple recipe card to go along with their new product!
Whatever direct sales product you sell, go one step further and think about what value you can add to your customer above and beyond the item they are purchasing. People will take notice and you will have created an ongoing relationship and life-long customer!
You Are Awesome Tip #2
Your Commitment to Customer Service
It may be a new company just launched the same exact product you are selling but, think about this for a moment. How many coffee shops are in your area? Nail salons? Chinese restaurants? A lot right?! And each business brings something different to their customers when it comes to customer service. Those that provide excellent customer service are the places we tend to do business with.
Think about how you can provide that stellar customer service to your past and future customers. Maybe you do a follow-up call one month after their purchase to check in and see how they are enjoying the product? You might write a hand written note card to all of your customers after they have ordered along with a small token of appreciation. Whatever it is, customer service is one of the best keys to fostering a great ongoing relationship with your customers.
You Are Awesome Tip #3
Be Positive & Be Supportive
As I mentioned above, when we find out about a competing company, or even hear about an increase in consultants from your own direct sales company, our tendency is to put the other company or consultant down. Fight the urge! First, it doesn’t do anything to put that negative energy out there into the world. It brings you down, it brings others down, and frankly, none of us have time for that right?
See the competition as an opportunity to set yourself apart, an opportunity to be challenged, and opportunity to grow. You never know who is watching or listening to you. They may appreciate your positive attitude towards a challenging situation and become your newest customer because of it. Be the light!
I do get it, though, with all the different direct sales companies out there that seem to bring out a competing product. Fight the urge to feel defeated and even angry. Take a breath and look inward. Find one thing that YOU can do that sets yourself apart. It doesn’t have to be something big or grand, just a simple phone call for instance. So stand tall, be proud, and keep being awesome. I’d love for you to comment how you set yourself apart from the direct sales pack. Comment below or send me a message!
Kristy E
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