I recently experience a huge “when the shit hits the fan” moment in my direct sales business.
Both of my direct sales business, Origami Owl and Java Momma, are run solely from blogging and my advanced Pinterest strategy.
One tool that I used and wholeheartedly believed in, BoardBooster, was key in driving a significant amount of traffic to my blog and other sites.
BoardBooster was in the process of becoming a Pinterest preferred partner. Which was huge! I have been working hard at my BoardBooster strategy the last 2 years. Refining it, learning the best ways to use the platform for my direct sales businesses, even writing a full e-book tutorial on how best to use the platform.
Then suddenly, BoardBooster was shutting down and I had to reevaluate my overall strategy and how best to move forward.
It made me think of times when my direct sales friends were suddenly faced with unexpected changes.
Changes at the home office, company mergers, or even a company closing its doors.
Funny enough, this whole experience quickly made me realize how resilient direct sellers can be. Always adjusting our sails with the changing winds.
Looking back, I realized 3 key things that kept me grounded. Remember these when you are facing your own obstacles.
Don’t Panic
Easier said than done right?
In my situation, my initial go to feeling was to panic.
Then I remembered all that I have built up unto this point. I started out literally at 0 with everything.
0 customers, 0 Pinterest followers, 0 blog posts, 0 EVERYTHING.
Another things is that I have multiple ways to drive traffic to my blog. I don’t rely on one channel or social media tool so when something does fall by the wayside, it is possible to boost the other aspects of my business to make up for the change.
Keep this in mind. It is possible to rebuild and grow again.
YOU WILL REBUILD AND GROW AGAIN.
Think about it, you have built something. You have invested in yourself. Take some time to reflect on how you have gotten where you are.
Remind yourself that you have built your own system for your direct sales business. If your company changes or goes away all together, how would you recover?
That’s where tip #2 comes in.
Go Back To Basics
Now is the time to go back to what you know.
Start to re-examine your basic strategies, whether existing online platforms or possible new channels are really helping you at the moment.
Take time to asses which method is best for your sales strategy. That might be in-person events, online parties, or even just personal shopping appointments and a strong follow-up strategy.
Sit and ask yourself the hard questions.
Where are you going?
What is your WHY?
You did all the hard work to get where you are today, you know for sure you can do it all again.
Maybe you have come to a crossroads and realize the service or product you are passionate about isn’t there.
Find what is missing in the market and build it. If you can’t, partner with those who can help you.
Collaboration and a little #BigMagic
Which all leads to collaboration.
I’m super thankful to be a part of a unique group of direct sellers. The Socialite Suite is for any direct seller, solopreneur, Etsy seller, anyone really.
It all starts with the basics of attraction marketing and learning the best way to market yourself within the constructs of social media without being THAT direct seller. (remember no one likes SPAM)
I have a built in network of other direct sales leaders. We’re all on the same wavelength and are high performing individuals. The ways in which my business has grown since joining The Suite has been phenomenal.
Read 5 Reasons You Should Join A Mastermind Group to read more about what I mean.
#BigMagic is all around us. I am currently working on my own little #BigMagic moment. Stay tuned for that #wwked
You Can Do Great Things
We often find ourselves at a road block. There are no short cuts or plug and play paths to success. Ask the tough questions, invest the time, and move forward.
So if you’re reading this post because you are feeling defeated my hope is that you realize how far you have come.
It is okay to not know what is next.
That is when #bigmagic happens.
Want to stay up to date on my #bigmagic plans? Be sure to follow me on Facebook!
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This is why it’s so important for us in this industry to brand ourSELVES, and NOT our company/products! Such a hard thing for new people to wrap their minds around, but crucial.
That is a great reminder, Carrie! Branding yourself and not your company is crucial!