Party Plans and Social Media

As of today, I have 638 friends and family members that I am linked to on Facebook. I don’t know how you feel, but that’s a lot of people. And I’m pretty strict about who I allow on my friends list. Are all of these people close friends? No. Do I talk to each and every one of them on a regular basis? No. However, I have a general idea of what’s going on in the majority of their lives. I see pictures of their children, posts and updates about their health, and am able to easily figure out what their likes and interests are. Amazing, isn’t it? On a daily basis, I have access to 638 people I know. I don’t know about you, but it’s very rare that I run into 2 people I know at the grocery store!

Social media has changed the game for Direct Selling. Let me throw some numbers at you. As of today, there are 2.23 billion monthly users on Facebook, 328 million users on Twitter, 500 million users on LinkedIn, 200 million users on Pinterest and 1 billion users on Instagram. It’s incredible!

So, how can we use these numbers to our advantage?

• Create a profile on every social media outlet you can think of. I’ve listed a few of them above, but don’t limit yourself. Make sure to include your personal website, your city and state, the company you’re associated with, your e-mail address, and a phone number. Include a picture of yourself that’s professional and flattering. Keep in mind that you want your profile to be professional and inviting. Don’t be afraid to add personal information and pictures, but be mindful of your audience. Show your personality! You want to stand out. Add a few of your favorite quotes, hobbies, and favorite past times.
• Connect with everyone you know: your neighbors, your family members, your church group, parents of your kids friends, friends of friends, everyone. The more people you can connect with, the better. Make sure to follow/like other people in return. People appreciate a give/take relationship, especially when it can help both of you. Continue meeting people everywhere you go and add them as well. Never stop connecting. Go big or go home!
• Start sharing your favorite products and the latest and greatest products that you’re dying to try. Show how enthusiastic you are about the products you’re selling, include some great pictures too. My personal favorites are the before and after pictures. I think everyone loves a great transformation! Don’t forget to add a link to your personal website. Hash tag, hash tag, hash tag. Set a goal to share new content weekly or monthly. Don’t let your profile page fade away. Update all of your statuses on a regular basis. Don’t underestimate the power each outlet has.
• Find what makes you different, unique and special. There may be 500,000 other people who are selling the same products you’re trying to sale, so what makes you stand out? Create a brand of your own and sell it!
• Set up a virtual party and invite away! Ask your friends to invite their friends. Create some fun giveaways and prizes for friends who are willing to ‘host’ their own virtual parties. Make it fun and rewarding.
• Keep track of which friends really love the products you’re selling, specifically the ones who keep coming back to buy more and invite them to join your team.
• Never forget to maintain relationships in person. Don’t limit your sales and opportunities strictly to online parties. There’s still great power in face-to-face communication and encounters. You never know whom you’re going to meet and how these meetings can change your life or how you can change someone else’s life. Be genuine, loving and kind and people will flock to you.

A few reminders: Don’t be shy, but don’t be too pushy. You don’t want to create a bad reputation. Don’t get involved in political or personal debates. Keep a positive attitude and outlook. Don’t post or comment on anything that could create a heated exchange. Support other hard working friends who invite you to their parties. And have fun! The passion you show for your business will rub off on others.