Social media remains a hot topic.  How can we do it better?  How can I get more engagement?  How can I build my business? Unfortunately, there are a few practices that do not serve us well.  These were reinforced for me recently in a very nasty blog post.  While the blog was mean spirited, there was a shred of truth in it… which is why it resonated with people.    Here are the top 3 things direct sellers do that hurt more than help.

1. Add people to groups without their consent.  Bottom line:  it’s rude.  I don’t care who teaches you to do it, it’s still rude.  It is completely out of control and it it the number 1 complaint.  So just STOP IT.  Don’t do it anymore.  JUST SAY NO!   Because of the abuse, groups are nearly worthless anyway.  They no longer get the organic reach they once did because millions of people have complained to Facebook.  Take 5 seconds per person and send a PM for goodness sake.  A simple invitation makes all the difference in the world.  If you are short on time, skip candy crush or cute puppy videos or whatever your time traps may be. We have an obligation to do it better than that.  15 million other direct sellers are relying on us to act like professionals.

2. Hitting people up via chat COLD with a product solicitation or recruiting pitch.  ICK!  Stop it!  It is an instant turn off and feels sleazy.  Build relationships!  Get to know them, let them get to know you.  Share about your product via your fan page and profile.  Ask them about their business.  Find about their life… you know like a real relationship.  Finesse the share a bit. Ask them to take a survey or a quiz.  Don’t kick in the door with both barrels loaded and blast them with your business.  Social media is crock pot cooking, not microwave.  Stop being so impatient.

3. Begging.  Desperate is never sexy.  Begging and guilting people into buying product ( to help you out) is not building desire.  You can not build a long term sales model on guilt.  Again, STOP IT! You have a great product (if you don’t, switch companies) ROMANCE it a little.  Make people want to buy it because of the benefits it offers.  Not because you are $47 shy of your minimum or trip. That isn’t the way sales works. Sales is about filling a need in people’s live through a product, end of story. Find the need.

Let’s all vow to do it better..to be consummate professionals..to hone our craft.  After all, there is a class for that at DSI.

Happy Selling,
Michelle