Mary Kay Consultant with No Nerve!

J.
Have you heard of Ilene Meckley? She is a great moivational speaker that has awesome ideas on how to approach people and share...www.ilenemeckley.com
Good Luck!
A.

I hate to tell you, but you are just too nice! As much as we may like a product, if we wanted it, we would seek it out. We all hate to be approached by people selling things, and we try to avoid it at all costs. So, I think that instinctively you know that, and are too nice to bother someone that doesn't want to be "sold".

Hi J.,

I can totally relate. I have a home-based business too as a distributor for a candle company. I would never have guessed that I would have ended up trying to "sell" anything because I had spent my whole life avoiding any direct sales "parties". I sort of ended up as a distributor by accident to get the distributor discount because I liked the products so much but had no intention of "selling" anything because I don't like it when people pressure me to buy something.

After 3+ years I'm sort of surprised at how much it's grown into a business. Here are some ideas that might help:

1. Realize that there are people out there who like your products and are actually looking for a rep nearby where they can find them conveniently. You're not selling, you're just letting people know that you are there.

2. Hand out your business card - it's a very non-threatening way to let people know what you do.

3. Sign up for vendor fairs, holiday bazaars, etc. - the people are there to buy - give away little free samples with your contact information and have a drawing and give away a basket of products. Keep the drawing forms and send the people who signed up an email or post card a couple of times a year letting them know about new products or sales.

4. Network with other direct sales people who sell other non-competing products. You can organize an open house, spa party or other event together.

5. Donate products in a gift basket to charity auctions and include a gift certificate as part of the basket.

6. Wear a pin or carry a bag with a Mary Kay logo so people will see that you are a rep without saying anyting.

7. If you feel uncomfortable talking to people about your products, maybe you might want to consider representing a different company. Although you can overcome your hesitancy with positive thinking, Mary Kay has a lot "history" that puts some people off. If you're getting a lot of negativity when you do talk to people it can make it more difficult if you are already having a hard time. It might be easier to market products from a different company that doesn't have as many reps and that doesn't have as much bad press.

Hope this gives you some ideas!

So I know this is not the answer that you are looking for, but much of the population appreciates people like you! Your "sister consultants" who walk up to strangers and attempt to sell them things are 100% obnoxious and frequently rude. I don't wear make up and have had an untold number of mary kay buisness owners try to push makeup products on me in an unending and rude manner. You guys sell great products, and I buy Mary kay skin care products. However, I would never buy from someone who came up to me on the street like that. I look up local consultants on the internet every time I move.

You are in a buisness with great products and you have a professional attitude and respect for your fellow women - don't loose that and become just another sleezy salesman - you are better than that!!

I do not do Mary Kay, but I have sold other things, and I am part of a few non profits that I go out and ask for donations for.
So what I keep in mind is one simple thing... What is the worst they can say or do? And that is NO...
So it never hurts to ask.
So when you are out talking to people just keep in mind you may never see them again.. So what would it hurt if you ask them about Mary Kay?

I also wear buttons, or pins that indicate what I am trying to sale or get donations for. Make sure you have business cards to hand out. And look for the opportunity to bring it up.
I hope this helps.
B.

Hello J.! As a consumer, I do not like to be walked up to and "talked into" a product...it irritates me more than anything! If I were going to buy your product, I would probably do it because I had good friends who used the products and liked them, or I went to a party of a good friend and tried some products out. Good luck to you in your business...I hope this helps!

Hi - I used to be a Realtor....I understand your dilema. I can talk to anyone, I could even hold a conversation with a rock for crying out loud....lol. But - I had a hard time with talking "business"...I didn't have the confidence in myself. Anyway - My dad is also a realtor. He listens to motivational tapes - believe it or not - they actually help a lot. I would listen to them sometimes and feel fabulous and strong. Do you have a support team? People who also sell Mary Kay that you can call and ask questions. Are you able to go to any conventions or anything that help building your confidence? This is going to sound silly - but "Take the "T" out of CAN'T"....it turns into CAN. Just a thought. I understand trying to start up a business...building clientell and all that wonderful stuff. Try to stay positive and tell yourself that you "Can" do it. Take baby steps too - one step at a time - it will happen if you want it to. Good luck - I hope that this helps.

ps - after reading my response over again - I wanted to add....when taking baby steps - try to have a game plan of what you would like to accomplish that day or week or in a month and so on. It helps to have little goals and achieve them rather than trying to set and reach a huge goal.

Hi! Kudos to you for trying! My advice for what it is worth... get out of sales. :-)

I tried to be a Mary Kay salesperson AND I tried to be a Realtor. I was miserable doing both even though the opportunities were amazing! I've finally realized at the ripe old age of 32 that some people's personalities are just not condusive to sales. Doesn't make us bad. There are many other roles where our natural gifts can shine!

I don't know if you do, but I also had a lot of guilt when I was in those professions. I felt like I wasn't "trying" hard enough and if I "could only..." The day I got rid of my old outdated product I hadn't sold I felt like a total failure. But it just isnt' the case.

So based on my personal experience I say do something completely different. You'll be happier! At least that's what worked for me.

Good luck no matter what you do!

I second (and third, and fourth) what several others have said. I HATE being approached by a stranger trying to sell me something. I remember I was grocery shopping once when I was a SAHM, and feeling very depressed and isolated. A lady approached me and started saying how pretty I was. She seemed so nice and I was grateful to have someone to talk to, until she started in on her Mary Kay spiel. I wanted to cry. I wasn't a person to her, just a potential sale, and all the nice things she was saying were just to butter me up so I'd buy something from her.

This is not to say that you can't promote yourself (I'm in sales, too, so I know how important it is). I'd start by going around your neighborhood with your cards and catalogs and some samples. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, leave your info and samples, and let them know you're here for them should they choose to use you. That's the best you can do without being pushy and irritating.

Good luck!

Hi J.,
I have read all the responses so far and find they all have some good advice. I do have to agree that I to hate to have people walk up to me on the street and try to sell me something. Have you thought about getting together with one or more other consultants and renting a table/booth at the many festival, bazars and craft type shows? I know when I go to these I will stop and check out products or at least pick up a card and catalog. That way you may feel more comfortable when people are coming up to you instead.

Good Luck!

I use to sell cosmetics and the best way to allure people is to offer free stuff---soooo my suggestion is to print our free private consultation cards OR free private PARTY consultation cards. Explain that it is a free pampering, you will do their make up or they can try products--all free. They can even make a party of it or "give" it as a free gift to a friend who needs a lift. You can even go to their home if they'd like.
Women usually buy product once they've tried it or if for no other reason--they feel they owe it to you. Maybe even just pass out cards that they can add to friends gifts or put in stockings for their teenagers, etc for "free consultation".
Good Luck, I know it can be scary!
Andi

Hi J.,

Here's another idea - do you like to write? If so, you could write an e-zine or create a blog that's all about skin care and looking beautiful.

Business marketing experts recommend that small business owners not try to be everything to everyone. You'll bring in the most business by specializing. For example, you could decide to target moms or teenage girls or women aged 35 plus etc.

Make sure to include useful information that people can use without buying anything from you. For example, stress relief tips, homemade beauty tips, importance of exercise, and so on.

But interspersed within your e-zine or blog, you would of course talk about some of your products and mention that you sell Mary Kay products.

That might fit well with your personality.

Best of luck! M.

My friend who also sells Mary Kay just goes to public places like church or a class, and hands out her business card. She doesn't "push" product, but she does tell people how much she loves Mary Kay cosmetics.

I am a massage therapist and I remember when I had to start passing out business cards I had a lot of fear around it. Then I started telling myself that every card I hand out and every time I sell my product, that "I am just practicing for the big one!" If you are just practicing then it takes the pressure off and allows for you to objectively learn about how to sell YOU better and also how to read people's queues. It's a learning process and you are not expected to be really good at it off the bat! Even if you know people who are really good salespeople...they had to practice somewhere along the way to make it look so effortless. This more about the journey of stretching yourself into areas that are uncomfortable than it is about selling products (that is the icing on the cake if you sell some stuff along the way). It will come...be patient with yourself. Continue to take baby steps each day. Maybe hand out one card a day and after you do, ask yourself how that went, and how you would do it differently next time. And if you get a NO response...that's okay! Your product isn't for everyone....BUT if you get a YES response then you helped someone! And you won't know who is in need unless you reach out. Good luck!

J.~
I'm so excited that you posted this! I too am a Mary Kay consultant, have been for a 1-1/2 and just do not have the nerve to talk to other about our amazing products. I carry my Mary Kay bag (I use it as a purse actually), had out samples and a business card when we go out to eat (I leave it with a nice tip), but have either been shot down because of someone before me not doing their job correctly or they already have a rep and are completely happy. What is one to do? I would love to see the responses you get on this to get some fresh ideas. I just met a Mary Kay sister a month ago that just started her business and is already in line for a career car! And here I am and haven't even been a star consultant. There has to be a better way.....
((HUGS))
T. S.

Does Mary Kay have websites that you can host? Like if you had a website to sell your product, I went there to order, you would get the credit. A lot of people shop online now and love delivery to their home. If you have this available to you, you should utilize it! You posted here that you sell Mary Kay. You can post a website in your email signature & send out emails to everyone you know with a website. If they don't order, someone they know will.

Hi J.,
If you love the product yourself it makes it easier to sell. Get excited about it. People love to try things that other people love and are excited about. Invite them over for parties. If you want offer to do lots of free makeovers and help someone feel better about themselves. I love someone else to do my makeup. If you like to talk to people just start talking to them and befriend them. Also, network girl. Ask anyone and everyone you know who will come over to your home for a fun girls night of pampering and fun! Good luck

Hi J.,
You have received some great advise, especially from Vicki and Tanja.
What I like to share with you is to remember, the people you speak to are just people like you and I.
Don't be too hard on yourself, cold calling and unsolicited sales is one of the hardest professions.
When you loose your nerve, turn your shyness into a positive. Most people like speaking to a sincere person much more then a steamroller sales guy.
For practicing your sales conversation, use family and friends. Ask them to listen and give you constructive feedback.
A sales conversation should be practiced again and again. Think of yourself as an actor rehearsing for a live stage performance.

Good luck.

I am in sales in Eugene for a bank and they have me doing what they call aisle time where I go out in the Walmart and have to speak with people.... I hate it but... I make it fun I have some song playing in my head the entire time, just to make it easier to talk to people. I make the product I am selling bigger then life and the excitement sometimes makes people smile if I get them to smile at me then .... I can get them to ask questions about what I am doing and they start the conversation most of the time. I give them free gifts and tell them to have a blessed day. With the free gift comes the information of what I am doing with it(name number and prodcut I am selling (MaryKay in your situation). Of cource I have done that ahead of timeand attached it to my free gift.. just have fun with it! Which is my suggestion because yes it is a great product and even in times like this we all mant to look GOOD! Even if you are not confident in yourself be in the product and it will shine through!
Wanda BH Springfield OR

One thing that helps is to carry a Mary Kay logo item like a tote. That helps to get people to approach you. Another thing you could do if it isn't too costly is to get samples of your favorite product. Then ask those you meet if you could give them a sample of your favorite Mary Kay product. (Its really hard to say no to someone when you're giving them a gift.) Once they have the goodie in their hands, you tell them why you like it so well and offer to show them a catalog or answer questions.

Hope this helps a bit.

for evry yes or sale u will get about 20 no"s