“The vast possibilities of our great future will become realities
only if we make ourselves responsible for that future.”
~Gifford Pinchot

As we move into the month of December, our attention begins to move towards the start of a new year…and yet, if we really want to start 2013 ahead, then what we do RIGHT NOW will make all the difference.  Years ago, I discovered that how I worked in December could make a difference in whether I started January at the start of the month, or whether my business sputtered and finally got rolling at the end of the month.  If you want to be the TOPS in 2013, and begin the new year with more business, then read on, and discover the secret!

Look around you and notice what everyone else is doing.  Most of the people in the business are taking the month off, putting off phone calls and sales calls until after the new year starts.  Customers are still shopping, but they may not be interested in adding anything more to their social calendar before the holidays.  SO, what can you do to stand out in the crowd?

First, take time to build your “emotional bank account”.  Every relationship is a matter of giving, and withdrawing, good will.  When someone purchases from you, they’ve done something for you…when you share a recipe or time saving idea with your customer, you make a deposit that makes them feel indebted to you.  Over the next few weeks, send out a card to your best customers, and those you want to party with in 2013, thanking them for allowing you the opportunity to serve them.  Include a recipe or tip for the holidays or new year, and give them a “gift” for continuing to work with you in 2013…a discount on a purchase, or a bonus when they host. If you use the “Tupperware Card”, you earn points that can be redeemed for $30 free Tupperware.  If you’ve purchased samples, you have a “cash n carry pool” that allows you to give up to $75 party sales credit to start their next party.  Include a coupon offering one of these (or both) with your note and tip/recipe. 

Next, set aside time to be on the phone…nothing beats the sound of your voice, and shows effort like a call.  Focus your calls not on dating before the holidays, but instead for the first 2 weeks of January.  Aim to have every date in January filled by the middle of December.  Prepare your packets and hand deliver them (put them in a gift bag, or decorate the envelope with curly ribbon and extra key chains attached.  Immediately set up the Tupper-Connect link, and write a thank you note and mail it.  Building your “bank account” by showing your commitment and extra effort to insure a successful party for them, will keep the party in your book, and give you the best possible start to January.

After several years of slow starts in January, I decided it was time for a change.  I sent thank you notes to every customer and host I had.  I invited them to a customer appreciation event, and included a handwritten note for each.  I included a coupon to redeem with their next purchase and when they dated for the upcoming year.  At the event, I had gifts ready for each that attended, and a calendar set up for January, and beyond.  If they dated in January, they got another gift, and the headstart sales for their show.  If they dated for later in the year, they also received a gift, just not as nice as for January.  I also knew, after having promoted most of my team, I needed to rebuild.  So I set a goal to interview 10 a day for one week about starting a new business…we “pre-ordered” their kits, and scheduled their launch party for the week after Christmas.

That January, I started the month with 10 new team members, all who held parties in January.  I personally sold over $6000, and my team sold over $36,000!

It’s up to YOU.  Get a jumpstart on the competition.  Spread lots of good will, and be the one that starts January on the fast track!