11 Tips to Make This Summer Amazing in Your Direct Sales Business

Summer gets a bad rap in direct sales. It’s hard to get parties in the summer. Everyone is on vacation. It’s too hot. Those are all myths. Well, except for the hot one. Except here in San Diego. When it gets into the 80s, people lose their minds. Try growing up on the East Coast with no air conditioning. That’s hot.

Anyway, summer can be an amazing season of your business if you work with it not against it. Sure it’s a different rhythm and vibe than other seasons, but that’s what makes it so fun.

Here are some tips that will make summer your favorite season of business.

1. Make your parties shorter. Try to be done with your presentation before the sun goes down. If people want to stay and hang out, that’s fine, but no one is going to be disappointed that they sat through a short presentation.
2. Do more one-on-ones or small group presentations. You’ll be able to make stronger connections which will make your business (and life) better. Your per-person sale will probably increase because you can personalize the presentation more.
3. Prepare for spontaneity. Have yourself packed and ready to pop over to a friend’s house when she tells you that her family is in town for a reunion. You can do your short presentation for them and give her a break from hosting.
4. Have a super short mini-presentation about your business. I’m talking about a quick 3-minute spiel without props that is light and simple. So when you’re chatting at the pool, in the cul-de-sac or at a picnic and someone asks you how your summer is going, you’re ready to plant seeds. It might be something like this, “Oh my gosh, I’m having so much fun this summer. I’ve designed my business to be exactly what I want it to be so that I get to do everything I want with my family and still grow it. Plus, I’m in love with the new summer line, and I’ve been having a blast helping people (whatever your business helps people do).”
5. Try new things. This is a great opportunity to test drive a new technique, venue or technology. If you believe the myth that summer is slow, then it won’t matter if it doesn’t work out. And whether you believe it or not, you might stumble across something that will make your business easier and more profitable.
6. Have a special event. This could be Christmas in July, new catalog reveal or a sample sale. Serve lemonade and cookies or sangria and chips. Keep it easy and fun, but be prepared to book and sell.
7. Schedule time with your team. Spend one-on-one time with them or do a team-bonding event. Take them on a Dream Date. Help them set goals for the fall. Get to know them on a personal level.
8. Do a “summer camp” for your team. Have a summer challenge where you incorporate training with fun activities. Do a booking blitz. Do a mock party for them. Have everyone do a video you can all use and share.
9. Do a “summer camp” for your customers. Have an online program where you teach them something new every day for a week or once a week all summer. Show them how to use the products in a different way. Have them try the techniques and share ideas.
10. Take time off. If you’re on vacation, be on vacation. Your business and team will survive without you. If you feel you have to work during vacation, set specific times and time limits. When you’re not on vacation, leave your phone in the house when you’re sitting on your porch and don’t respond to texts when you’re at the pool.
11. Sign up for our 99 Days of Summer. You'll get a business tip every day, and you'll focus on one thing this summer. Maybe it is making new contacts or booking parties. Do just a little bit every day, and you'll build momentum. Join the free Facebook group here.

Try some of these suggestions. Who knows, you might simplify your business and carry it over into the fall.

Cheering for you,
Kelly