Is one of your goals to consistently reach out to more new prospects? Are you frustrated at your pace to identify new groups of people to share your business with?
If so, there may be someone in your life with a wonderful sphere of influence you could tap into. And you may live in the same house. Yes, I’m talking about your spouse!
It’s wonderful how often Direct Sellers tell me about their supportive spouses. And yet, when I ask them to tell me the specific ways in which they are actually reaching out to their spouse’s contacts … the response is usually, “Honestly, I’m not.”
I appreciate how everyone has their own unique relationship and situation at home. So, if you two are in agreement to reach out to this untapped list … and you’ve simply delayed doing so because you weren’t sure where to begin … here are some activities to consider:
- Introduce your company: Cheering from the stands is not the same as being in the game. Treat your spouse like a new prospect and share your company story, invite them to a business presentation either live or virtual, schedule a three-way call with your Sponsor or upline leader. The ‘magic’ of another voice is always effective. Do not rob your spouse of the opportunity to experience your business model first hand.
- Create their contact list: Work together and make this a fun and exciting exercise by focusing on all of the possibilities. Who knows who may be interested? Since many new Direct Sellers tend to pre-judge the interest of those they know, your spouse may be no different. Be gentle and use the same list-building strategies you use with your new business partners.
- Work this list together: Review your spouse’s list with your Sponsor or upline leader. As a team, brainstorm on how best to reach out to each contact. It might make sense to divvy up some of the names, so stay open to all possibilities.
- Identify strategic methods for reaching out: Do you want to use the phone, Facebook, email or referral language? Depending on demographics, location, the last time they connected and whether it’s a work or personal relationship, you can decide together what the right approach should be.
- Package their story: Remember how empowered you felt when you packaged your business story? Remember the confidence you felt once you had something authentic to say about your business? Your spouse is no different. Just keep in mind that their story is not your story! And if necessary, work with your Sponsor or upline leader to personalize your spouse’s story effectively.
- Focus on the follow-up: It makes no sense to go to all the effort of reaching out to any list and then avoid the appropriate follow-up. Work together to circle back and determine interest and possible next steps. And remember, if your spouse has a full-time job or business, be sure to enthusiastically and respectfully support their follow-up effort.
When it comes to your business … and if you are both in agreement … you can work together to redefine the meaning of spousal support. The many gifts of our profession shine brighter when we share them with the people we love.