The Mouse vs. The phone!
I hear from lots of people who say they can’t “Do Shaklee” because they aren’t into all the social media technology. That’s a shame, because while it is true that all the social media stuff could be advantageous in some ways, the fact is, we are not there yet. Until we are, may I be so bold as to recommend that you focus on connecting with people the old fashioned way … talk to them.
The Truth—And Nothing But The Truth
The beauty of Shaklee is…
We are the real deal. Authentic in every way!
When you tell the Shaklee story, you don't have to stretch it, embellish it, scream it, or over-promise!
And there is NEVER a need to lie about it!
I tell people that with most companies in our industry—when you hear their story for the first time—that's the best it will ever be!
When you hear the Shaklee story for the first time—you're only getting the tip of the iceberg! The closer you look, the more impressed you will be!
You know why I say that? Because it's the TRUTH!
The Rule of 3!
People are skeptical—and well they should be. We all have a built-in hype detector.
Here’s a little tip I learned that will help you get past your prospects natural defenses.
It will help you prove every claim you make—and prove it you must. [...] More »
“Tell Me a Story”
Don Hewitt, the Executive Producer of 60 Minutes for 37 years died last week.
Here is the one BIG thing we can all learn from one of the most successful TV producers of all time…
Don’s Motto was “Tell me a story.”
60 Minutes has always been, and continues to be, about – stories. The more successful you want to be in your Shaklee business, the better you need to be at telling a story.
First, you need to be good at telling your own personal story. People want to know why your are so in love with Shaklee products and the opportunity. How did you get here from where you were?
Then you need to be good at telling the Shaklee story. Keep it simple. Make every effort to avoid the hype—the truth about Shaklee is impressive.
Let me ask you a question I’ve asked before on this blog…
When you tuck your kids in at night, do you tell them bedtime facts or bedtime stories?
Don Hewett said during an interview…
“Why don’t others get this? The reason for my success was that all I did was tell stories every Sunday night. There is nothing magical about it.”
Sleight-of-Mouth Ain’t Magic
Sometimes people expect Sleight of Mouth to be magic – that once you know SOM you will essentially be master of the universe.
They expect that, with Sleight of Mouth, you’ll be able to persuade anybody of anything at anytime, all the time. It’s not too surprising, then, that they get disappointed to find out it isn’t magic.
Well, it’s true; Sleight of Mouth ain’t magic. But then, Magic ain’t magic either. It just seems that way.
Re-Direct The Question
Today, I’m going to suggest to you a way to ask questions that will help you change your focus from problems to solutions.
If you want to make your communications as effective as possible, and if you are interested finding solutions to problems rather than becoming bogged down in them, I have a suggestion that will help. If you ask the right questions, you can direct communications to get answers that are genuinely
helpful.
For example, if you ask someone "What’s wrong?" you’ll get an answer – often a long one – which will focus on the problem. But if you ask "What do you want?" or "How would you like to change things?" you have redirected the conversation from the problem to the solution.
In every situation, no matter how dark or dismal, there is a desirable outcome. You can convince people, including yourself, to focus on that outcome, by avoiding questions that ask "why" and choosing "how" or "what" questions instead.
Don’t ask your kid why he is flunking Spanish. Ask him what he needs to help him bring his grade up to at least a "C."
Don’t ask your boss why you didn’t get a raise. Ask him or her what you need to do in order to justify a salary increase. Don’t ask your employees why they didn’t make the sale. Ask them what they can do differently so they’ll be certain to make the next one. You get the idea.
Try it. I think you’ll be pleased with the results.
Lou Tice
The Pacific Institute
You Can’t Fake It
"Authenticity is important. If you're selling Elvis memorabilia and you don't love Elvis, you won't sell as much as somebody who authentically loved Elvis … guaranteed. So if you don't share your target markets love and passion, good luck.
People can smell authenticity so keep it real."
Ben Mack
Recruit Like Columbo!
Remember the TV show Columbo starring Peter Falk?
I watched a Columbo re-run late last night. I always enjoyed watching him solve mysteries that seemed impossible to solve. He used his knowledge of human nature, his intuition, his powers of observation and a wrinkled raincoat.
“I Want to Talk About Me!”
I get lots of feedback on the article I posted about presentation skills and how my style is to ask questions and listen … to create a conversation instead of a scripted monologue.
Great Product and Faster Horses
Gary Bensavenga is one of the worlds top copywriters and marketers. He recently retired and is now teaching the world the tricks of his trade. When I read this article from Gary, I couldn’t resist drawing analogies to our business.
I have taken the liberty to add the word opportunity to the lines in which he talks about product. Otherwise, it’s pretty much exactly as he wrote it.
Even though it was written to read by copywriters, I think there is a lot to learn here. I hope you will make the connection.
By Gary Bensavenga
If I were on my deathbed about to wheeze my last breath, and you asked me to sum up in a single sentence the most important marketing secret I could bequeath to you before I kick the bucket (or bedpan), here is what I would whisper in your ear, hopefully without giving you anything contagious. More »
