Training!
Every direct selling company provides training to their new distributors. Some better than others.
There are a number of aspects of your business that need to be addressed with training.
Sales
Prospecting
Recruiting
Hostess coaching
Product
Back office
Leadership
And more.
But, what’s first?
Recently, a regular topic of discussion with many companies revolves around teaching the new distributors what they are supposed to do first.
Literally! When the new kit arrives, what do you want them to do NOW?
And, once they’ve done it, what should they do next.
I have a pretty simple look at training and I’m sure, a person with “training” in their title, can tell me why I’m wrong. But, until I hear from them, I’m going to keep running with it.
Training is about creating good habits.
From there, I believe habits will turn into productivity. Productivity turns into money. Money turns into business builders and retention.
That’s it.
In the beginning, we want to focus on the habits we want the new distributor to learn so that he/ she has a fighting chance at succeeding in their new business.
For example;
Day one — complete all the necessary paperwork so that he/ she is in business (back office, we site, order product, order business cards, etc). This stuff is usually not really exciting but sets the tone that they are now owners of a small business.
Also on day one, share the excitement of the business or product with someone they know. (habit #1).
Preferably, the new distributor uses a prospecting tool to share the story so that the proper message is delivered every time. (habit #2)
They should ask for a specific time to follow up with the prospect– setting the expectation that they are professional and will do the needed follow up. (habit #3)
On day two, complete the first follow up from the exposure on day 1. (habit #4)
This could be via a 3-way call or in-person. Either way, the new distributor needs to know they have some support and utilize it. (habit #5)
Day two should also include sharing the excitement with someone they know. (habits #1-2-3 again)
For decades, all the studies I’ve ever heard of indicate that habits are created by doing something 7-21 times. So, creating simple-to-do steps (systems) will create the habits we are all looking for. If it’s too difficult, the excuses start to flow VERY quickly. Let’s not help create excuses — let’s help remove the barriers.
I’ve worked with several companies recently that think this simple process plus a little product training/ knowledge is almost all the new distributor should focus on for the first 14 days.
Little by little, the new distributor will become more effective and these simple steps will become habits. This will allow their mind to be open to more knowledge and better skills.
By day 30, they should be better at all of the above and they should also be able to start taking over some of the “support” habits mentioned above. (habit #1 of the leadership / business building phase)
You get the idea.
Yet, many direct selling companies provide either so much or so little info called training that it actually causes problems instead of providing solutions.
Think about the habits you want your new distributors to start doing TODAY.
Hold their hand as much as possible and show them the system of creating really productive habits.
Then, add to that knowledge at the appropriate time.
Over time, you will help create true leaders and teachers of a cohesive and systematic approach to building your business.
