Four Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ask Your Customers to Help You with a Sales Goal

Yesterday I wrote about what you can do to boost your personal volume at the end of the month in your direct sales business. I also wrote about what not to do. Do not tell people you have a goal and need their help.

Today we’re going to talk about why you don’t want to do that.

1. Most people don’t care about your goals, but they are polite enough not to tell you that. The first time you do it, you’ll probably get a pass, and you might even get one the second and third time you do it. But a pass isn’t a sale. It rarely works, and the few times it does pay off isn’t worth risking your friends unfollowing you.
2. It’s bad leadership for your team and future team. Your team watches what you do. Your future team, especially the ones you don’t even realize are considering the opportunity, also watches what you do. Do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do is a terrible leadership strategy. It’s confusing and hypocritical. You want to be clear and have integrity.
3. You’re giving people the impression that your business is hard. Would you rather go to a hairdresser who has such a full schedule that you have to book your next appointment at your current appointment or one that posts on Facebook “I have a big goal this month. I’m going for Senior Hairdresser, and I just need 5 more people to reach it. Who wants to buy a haircut?” More importantly, which hairdresser would you rather have as a mentor?
4. It is the opposite of fun. I know this because I did it. It felt yucky. It didn’t bring the results I wanted. And when I learned better, I was embarrassed that I did it. I did it because it was modeled for me by other leaders in my company, and I thought if they are doing it, I should do it too (see #2).

If you’ve done this in the past, it’s okay. Try one of the other suggestions in the previous article going forward. It takes a little work to adjust your business, but the pay-off will be much bigger than anything you’ll get when you ask for this kind of help. Your business and your team will be stronger.

If you’re offended, that’s okay too. I know there are people who teach that you should do this, but in my opinion, they are wrong. I’m not saying that you won’t get a sale or two by doing this, you might. But you will also get sales by doing the other things that I’ve listed.

The favor strategy is very short-sighted. Excellent customer service is a long-term strategy that yields bigger and lasting results.

Cheering for you,
Kelly