Getting Leads in Direct Sales

I read something yesterday that left my head spinning. The writer was talking about funnels and magnets and how to build your business. I decided to click on the link he provided and had I read the entire page, I’m certain it would’ve taken me fifteen minutes. I’ve always believed you should be able to explain something in just one or two sentences.

The truth is leads do not pour in when you are in direct sales. There is no system that has leads pounding down your door.

A “lead” is someone with an interest in what you have to offer. When it comes to business there are three things I’m looking for. I’m looking for customers, I’m looking for new team members and I’m looking for referrals.

In order to find people interested in your products, service or offering a referral you’re going to need to do more than join a system and hope they pour in.

You need to engage in activities where you are meeting new people.

I’d like to offer some suggestions both online and offline for meeting others:

Online

1. Write a blog
2. Comment on other blogs
3. Teach a class
4. Take a class
5. Join a social network
6. Write a review on a product
7. Sponsor a contest
8. Write a newsletter
9. Join an online community
10. Write an ebook and give it away

Offline

1. Teach a class
2. Take an adult ed class
3. Join a non profit organization
4. Put a magnet on your car
5. Sponsor a children’s sports team
6. Write a letter to the editor of your newspaper
7. Attend community events
8. Take your kids to the park
9. Sponsor a local contest
10. Wear logo merchandise

These are just twenty ways that you can meet other people. Engage in conversation with those you meet.

There is no way to know if someone has an interest in what you have to offer unless you engage in conversation. I can not tell you how many times I’ve had someone come to me because the person they spoke to before me had dismissed them as not interested.

Sometimes people say things and those things stick with us. I remember a guy saying to me, “I don’t have time for a hundred friends, I have a business to run.” I believe he was out of business within six months.

Not all people decide immediately that they want what you have to offer. Direct sales is about relationships. Saying, “Hey do you want to buy my offerings?” is not a relationship.

I really want to say it again; a lead is someone interested in what you have to offer. You won’t know if someone is interested in what you have to offer if you never take the time to speak with them.

Make it a goal to meet just one new person each and every day. At the end of a year you’ll have 365 people who just might want what you have to offer. These are your leads.

Audrey Okaneko has been in direct sales since 1983. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net or you can Become a Tupperware Consultant

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