Tips for Successfully Calling Leads

Calling leads from a genuine lead list
is one of the most effective and comfortable ways to build your
business.

The reason for this is simple. The people you’re calling have
already “raised their hands”… they’ve indicated a need…
they’re interested in making a change and doing it through a
home-based business.

And during these interesting times with the global economy in
uncharted waters, and a new economy and new world emerging, one
thing is for certain… more and more people will be looking for
and open to a different way to secure their present situation and
future. They’ll start replying more frequently to home business
opportunities.

They’ll also be looking for someone authentic they can trust and
work with when they are called back.

And responding to and calling them is another skill set that will
serve to help you grow and secure your own future

So, using a good lead list or generating your own leads has great
advantages.

However, if you find that your conversion ratios are very low…
and by that mean, you’re calling a lot of leads to have one
person join you… then it could be the way you’re approaching
your leads that is the cause of the problem.

For example, many Network Marketers are taught to;

* Use “canned” scripts when they call leads.
* Focus on getting the person as quickly as possible to listen
in on a conference call or go to a website which will “close”
them on the opportunity.

And therein lies the cause of the problem that makes most people
automatically resistant to you.

They feel as if you’re treating them as nothing more than sheep
being rounded up. They can see through your agenda and they can
hear that it’s not really about helping them realize their needs
- it’s about you realizing yours!

It’s no surprise that people hate being treated this way… and
they respond by creating resistance through raising objections
and rejecting you.

So, to help you from falling into this trap, ask yourself this
question… “Why has this person responded to my
advertisement/website about my business opportunity?”

The answer is that something is missing and they’re looking to
make a change in their lives.

So your job is to find out what that is by interviewing them and
allowing them to talk about it. You’re looking to discover if
your solution will fit what they’re looking for.

Equally important, you want to discover if they are the kind of
person that you’re looking for. Someone who will be an
enthusiastic and keen member of your team.

I’m sure you’ll agree that starting off the conversation on the
right foot is critical.

Here’s the six-step formula I suggest for calling and connecting
with someone from a lead list:

Step 1: State who you are.

Step 2: Where you are from.

Step 3: Give them a “heads up” as to why you’re calling, by
referencing and reminding them that they asked you to.

Step 4: Ask them if this is a good time.

Step 5: Discover if they are still looking.

Step 6: Find out their present situation and ask how you can help
them.

And here’s a question that you can use (and adapt for your
circumstances) in Step 6 at the start of the conversation when
calling a lead…

“Before I talk about what I’ve got, perhaps you can tell me…
what was it about the advertisement that attracted your
attention?” (Or some other Needs Awareness Question).

So, when you’re calling leads, focus on your purpose, which is to
discover how you can help the person that you’re calling. You’ll
find your calls both more productive and more enjoyable.

If you need more help on this subject or would like to take your business to the next level, visit http://www.naturalselling.com

You will find valuable tips and courses that will help you transition from anxiety to ease when calling your leads.

Your friend and mentor,

Ismary leon

The Achiever’s Attitude

The Achiever’s Attitude
by Paul J. Meyer

Achievers set goals and are dedicated to reaching them; they concentrate on their strengths and minimize their weaknesses… They continuously step up their courage, determination, and confidence, all the while keeping their achievements in perspective. In combination, these qualities make up the achiever’s attitude, the overall frame of mind that enables them to become successful in all areas of life.

Indeed, the achiever’s attitude is an essential part of reaching your goals and fulfilling your dreams. Best of all, through practice and repetition, you can develop these positive habits of thinking… Because your mind believes what you tell it—and your body receives direction from your mind—tell yourself constantly that you can do something, and you will.

Follow the five suggestions below and you will develop, strengthen, and benefit from the achiever’s attitude:

1. Focus On Your Goals

Achievers have a sufficient desire to reach the top, and work to gain the courage, determination, and confidence necessary to overcome the obstacles that stand between them and their goals.

2. Exert Self-Control

Achievers look forward—not backward. While many people panic when they make a few mistakes, achievers keep their mind focused on their goals and possess a mental toughness; and they never let their emotions disrupt their performance.

3. Be Teachable

Achievers realize they do not know everything. And they know they can always improve, no matter how good they are. They welcome constructive criticism and pursue suggestions from others to reach even higher levels of expertise and excellence.

4. Become A Team Player

Achievers are always willing to sacrifice personal glory for the good of the group. They demonstrate their willingness to help and support others.

5. Activate Your Pride

Achievers understand that pride is a powerful motivating force… It reflects a sense of their own abilities and values, because people with pride want their names associated with excellence.

Mastering the achievers attitude will carry you to high-performance living. William James wrote, “The greatest discovery of any generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes…” Resolve today to adopt the achiever’s attitude!

To your success,

Paul J. Meyer

How to Use Message Boards to Network

Message boards are becoming more and more popular as a means of meeting and communicating with others. Message boards can be found on many websites these days. Look at a site like iVillage.com. They have hundreds of boards to choose from.

Message boards are a form of communication. Think of a message board the same way you’d think of a social party. If the party was from the PTA, you’d expect schools to be talked about. If the party was being given by an investment firm, you’d expect money and finance to be discussed.

What you would not expect at either of the above parties is for folks to enter the party and run around saying “buy my products” and “visit my store” without ever even saying hello to anyone at the party. What are the chances you’d buy from that person or even visit that store?

Here are several do’s and don’ts for message board use:

Do introduce yourself to the group. Leave the ad behind on your introduction. Let folks know who you are, where you live and why you’ve come. Did you come to the group to learn from others? Did you come to contribute your own knowledge? Did you come to talk about one of your favorite hobbies? Did you come to hear how others view parenting?

Do contribute to topics that are of interest to you. I recently found a message board about picky eaters. My own daughter, who is now 23, was once a very picky eater. I jumped right in and began sharing many stories from my daughter’s childhood.

Do develop a profile on the site you are visiting. Most sites allow you to fill in your name, your hobbies, where you live and often your URL. Take advantage of these profiles and share yourself with others.

Do create a signature. My own signature is usually just my URL. However a line or two under your URL is just fine, as long as the community you’re visiting allows this. Always check the signature rules before creating your own signature.

Do read some of the posts to get a feel for the community. Some communities are more formal than others. Some communities are very laid back.

Don’t post ads. There is nothing that will leave a bad impression like an ad. Some communities will both delete the ad, and also ask you to leave the community.

Don’t post messages that say nothing. If you have nothing to say, wait for another topic. I’ve visited one community where the same person answers every topic with “I agree”, and then puts her signature there. Is it no wonder that she once posted she gets no sales from her networking efforts? The same is true for messages that say “welcome to the group”. I think the only time I’ve posted “welcome” is when the original poster shared something personal and I’m answering that personal part. Leave the “welcomes” to the group host.

If you are new to message boards, try messages.yahoo.com/ They have many boards there to choose from. Or try ivillage.com/messageboards Again, they too have many boards to choose from. You can also do a web search for _______ message boards. Fill in the blank with the topic you’re hoping to talk about.

When I first learned about message boards, I read for at least a solid week before I posted anything. I really wanted to understand the personality of the group. Since that day, I have met hundreds of people through message boards. I’ve made purchases, made sales, and made friends, all as a result of posting on message boards.

About the Author

Audrey Okaneko has worked at home since 1983. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net or visited at www.recipe-barn.com