Newsletter, March 6, 2006.TRAININGIn the movie, “The Prime Gig”, Penny - a professional telesales con who can sell almost anything over the phone - is hired by a crooked businessman. Penny: “What is the product?” Boss: “We can't tell you”. “Do you provide training?”, asks Penny. “Training? If you need training, then we don't need you!” Sounds familiar? It is not uncommon for business people to get into the same situations which are portrayed in this movie. But this scenario happens most often when you actually work for yourself! Some analysts say that two thirds of new, start up businesses go broke within the first 12 months. And of the remaining, 80% disappear in the next two years. Running your own business is tricky. Running it without training or product support is almost impossible. For that reason alone, some business owners decide to operate as a franchisee; rather than go alone through the painful process of building a business, customer base, product and brand name from scratch. But the franchise and the training are expensive, out of reach for many. Therefore, it is up to you to seek the best training you can get which will help you to improve your ability to sell, market your product and stay focused. Operating a home-based business, like party plan, is little different from operating a retail store. Yet because many home based business operators consider their home a 'safe haven' it is easy to become too comfortable and complacent. If you have a very limited budget, then use free training and market-research tools. The internet is a wealth of information; search on any topic and you will find websites, blogs and discussion rooms. A good starting point is entrepreneur.com (US site) or similar Australian site entrepreneur.com.au . In addition to the great number of articles available on small business , training and motivation, you should also check out the Government's small business centre - or at least their website - because they offer free access to information you need to grow your enterprise. For example, the Victoria business site is located here: business.vic.gov.au If you are new to sales I would whole-heartedly recommend Blair Singer's book, “ Sales Dogs : You Do Not Have to Be an Attack Dog to Be Successful in Sales” This well-written, funny and straightforward book will open your eyes because Singer teaches salesmanship that is relentlessly positive, 100% committed, and totally focused on serving your customers. You can find 'Sales Dogs' on eBay for under US$10, or for around A$25 in Australia. WORKING FOR COMMISSION VS. WORKING FOR YOUR OWN BUSINESS We are often asked to explain what kind of commission we offer on sales of Fantasy Fair jewellery and how our commission system works. Well, to put it simply, we do not offer any commission at all! Unlike some other party plan businesses, we do not enter into a commission-based arrangement with you. Our job is to provide jewellery at the wholesale price and from then on, it's entirely up to you to decide how much profit you are going to make. You can sell at recommended retail price (RRP), above RRP or below. If you have low overheads, you may wish to lower your asking price or offer a discount. But if you run a retail store, then most customers would expect to pay RRP. Play it by ear! And most importantly, you are free to sell any stock – not just ours only. As a fashion and costume jewellery wholesaler, we have seen first-hand the extraordinary success that people interested in building their own home-based business can achieve through direct selling. Yes, the drop-off rate is as high as in the retail business - possibly even higher - but success can be achieved if you are persistent and motivated. Beware of party plan and direct selling companies that offer a “no money upfront, be your own boss, work flexible hours” deal, to sign you up as their consultant. In plain English, this means a fixed commission sale contract, one product and all sales related expenses paid out of your pocket. Often, there is a set-up fee, sales kit fee, etc that you can pay off over time. But eventually, when you decide to walk away, you have nothing to take with you – no stock, no brand name, no superannuation, no customers base. If you have made the decision to work for yourself, then make sure that you are really working for yourself, not your boss or a multilevel marketing company. But surely the most frustrating aspect of being a commission based consultant is often the impossibility to hire other people to work for you. By signing with a direct selling company you are basically saying: “I have no money to start my own business and no desire to grow it, yet I am prepared to work hard for you because you offer product and support which I am unable to source / gain elsewhere”. If you see yourself as an entrepreneur, then work for yourself. A good starting point is a smart and effective business plan. Do as much research as you possibly can, find suitable product and make sure you have enough funds to survive until money starts coming back into your business. WHAT'S NEW ? Restocking season is finally over with the final two shipments expected to arrive on March 10. We continue to work on a number of new designs. Due to huge demand for 'under A$10' jewellery, we have created a new range called Fancy '20s- Distinctive Retro Style Necklace, available in 14 colours. This light, versatile necklace is already a big hit. Made of 100% hand finished glass beads, 140 cm in length, it can be worn in a variety of ways - strung once, twice or three times around the neck. And for only A$9 wholesale +GST, it is certainly a great value-for-money fashion piece!
UNBEATABLE DEAL: OFFER TO ALL SUBSCRIBERS This month we are proud to offer you a truly unique deal: buy one necklace and get a second one of the same for FREE ! This offer is valid only at retail level: that means you will be charged the retail price. It is also valid for a strictly limited time - oreders must be received by March 15, 2006 or while stocks last. There is a flat A$9 shipping charge; however you can buy as many pieces as you like (and you will receive double quantity at no extra charge). 1. To see our stock on offer please go to Fanatasy Fair SHOP where you can find our RETAIL price list. (Please note: this offer is NOT valid for stock priced at wholesale level located on our main website; NOT for stock in our retail shop or at any retail outlets operated by our stockists) . 2. Download our SPECIAL OFFER ORDER FORM by clicking here.
3. Fill in your details, model number and quantity you wish to order, and choose your payment method (we accept all cards and direct deposit). Return it by fax on 02 9960 7991 or email to: 4. Your order will be processed within 24 hours after receipt of payment. Please note: this is not a stock clearance deal but a unique offer to our loyal subscribers – our way of saying 'thank you for being with us'. Thank you for reading this newsletter. If you like to comment or share anything interesting with our readers please feel free to email. Most of all I would like to hear about YOUR business so please keep those success stories coming in!
Tanya Hacko PS. If you know of anyone who would benefit from subscribing to our newsletter please tell them to visit our website. For a limited time only we are offering FREE glass beaded earrings to every new subscriber!
Subscribe to our mailing list and receive FREE GIFT: a pair of glass beaded EARRINGS
valued at $A 15 !
© by Tanya Hacko & Fantasy Fair ; all rights reserved
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Another new stock necklace is a natural, 
Fantasy Fair is a small costume jewellery wholesale business located in Sydney operated by
