Samples offer the consumer a way to try a product without spending any money.  How does that benefit the seller?  Well,  I am an Avon representative so I will share with you how I use the power of samples to help build my business.

I always give one sample with every brochure that I hand out.   I focus on the more profitable items Avon offers by using the fragrance and skin care line samples.  Let’s focus on the fragrance samples to show you how this works for me.   I look at the next sales brochure to pick a fragrance (Men’s or Women’s) that I am going to spotlight in that campaign. It will either be one that is a really good discount or one that has a package deal of some kind like buy the cologne and get the body lotion and bath gel free.  Ten fragrance samples cost $1.00.  I buy at least 100 of them to hand out with the brochures for a total of $10.00 on the samples.   When I hand out my brochures, I ask for the person’s name and phone number so I can check back with them in a few days to get their opinion on the fragrance.  Then I call them!  That’s the crucial step in making samples work for your business.   You must actually follow-up.

The conversation is very simple.  I introduce myself  and ask them how they liked the fragrance.  If they liked it, I tell them about the current sale pricing in the brochure in case they didn’t see the page  (Our brochures are 100 – 200 pages.) and ask how many they would like at this discount price.    You would be amazed at the customers who will purchase more than one when you say “how many”.  If they didn’t like it, I ask them what they didn’t like about it.  This is my opportunity to make a suggestion about another fragrance that could be perfect for them to try next time.  

This is especially effective when Avon launches a new fragrance or skin care product.  When we launched the new fragrance Eternal Magic earlier this year, I sold 55 gift sets.  That’s probably not a record but I was extremely happy with my sales that campaign!  I spent about $20 on samples and made that back when I had sold 2 gift sets.   Not a bad return on my sample investment.

In closing, I want you to know that offering samples works for me just like it does the major department stores and grocery chains.  They help to increase my sales.   Another benefit of using samples is that I don’t have customers returning products.  They already know what they are getting before they buy the product so it stands to reason that they will be happy with their purchase.

Hope your business offers samples, too. 

Terry Shackelford – Avon Ind Sales Representative

http://www.shopnewbrochure.com

Want to start your own Avon Business?  Visit http://www.startavon.com   enter referral code: tshackelford     for experienced team support.

I am an Avon representative so I will share with you the single easiest tip I use to grow my customer base.  I buy 150 to 200 brochures every campaign and I hand them out.  (I am sure you have all heard that before.) 

The tip that makes this effective is how I use them.   I always get the person’s name and phone number when I hand them a brochure.  I tell them I will give them a call before I send in my order if  I haven’t heard from them so they won’t miss the sale.  Then, I call them if they haven’t called me.   If they are not ordering, I ask them if they would like the new brochure for the next order.  If their answer is “yes”, I take them one.  If it is “no”, I take their name off of my list. 

Now, I know that sounds very simple but it is called “Follow Up”.   It doesn’t matter what company you are representing, following up with customers and potential customers shows them that you are treating your business like a business.  You are showing people that you are dependable because you are doing exactly what you told them you would do.

So, buy your company catalogs and get them in circulation.  Buy enough of them so you will have plenty to hand out.  (When you only have a few, you will be stingy with them. ) Get a notebook to write in and go to work meeting the people who will be your customers.  

Happy Sales to you!

Terry Shackelford – Avon Independent Sales Representative

http://www.shopnewbrochure.com

First of all, I am an Avon user.  I won’t use the word “addict” because of the negative images it conjures but it is probably the more appropriate choice. 

My Mom started my obsession when I was in elementary school.  She was “The Avon Lady” in the small community where I grew up.  It was too cool!  There were ladies coming to the house all the time to visit or we were in the car going to visit them.  Mom always looked the part.  She had her hair done weekly, wore pretty dresses and her makeup was flawless.   Her smile was always shining with the latest lipstick color.  Mom was a red-haired beauty – a real head turner – that symbolized to me what fashion was all about.  I wanted to be like her.  How she accomplished all of this while raising 4 kids is beyond me but she did it.  And, she did it well.  

That brings me to this point.   The Avon Company has been in business since the late 1800′s.  Mom was an Avon Lady in the late 60′s.  That’s been over 40 years ago! They “ain’t” going nowhere, folks.  Why is that worth mentioning?

Have you ever joined a direct selling or mlm venture and had them to close their doors?  I have.   I worked hard to build my customer base and recruit distributors and in a blink, all of my hard work was down the drain.  Angry and disappointed are not how I want to spend my life!  I want to be affiliated with a company that is here to stay.

Lastly, I don’t have to worry about disappointing my customers with my products.  I am not going to sit here and tell you that I have never had a customer that was not happy with their order  – wrong color makeup, didn’t like the shoes, etc.  What I am saying is that Avon has a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  No questions asked.  No fine print saying they only take back orders placed on the third Tuesday of the week or any other ridiculous policy.   In a world where business practices are questioned every day, you cannot imagine the peace of mind knowing this gives me.  I don’t have to worry about my friends or family wasting their money on something they cannot use.

So, now you know some of the reasons that the Avon opportunity appealed to me.  The fact that the start-up cost is so cheap in the USA is another great point to mention but I have said enough about why I love Avon and why I have chosen to be a representative.  

Why don’t you take a look at my online store and see what Avon has to offer?  You won’t believe how much money you can save on your personal care and make up products.  The anti-aging Anew skin care is the best I have ever used and I have bought some pricey items in the past from high end department stores.    If you decide to try some products, you’ll receive free shipping on your order if the current minimum order requirement is met.  (Avon posts free shipping codes on the site.)

And remember, if you have a questions, contact me.  After all, personal service is what we Avon Ladies are all about.

Terry A Shackelford  – Avon Independent Sales Representative

below are the dates and times for meetings taking place in England. If you want to try the products while there, we will wrap you for $20 GBP per area.

This is a very exciting time for all of us so make sure you take advantage of these dates and locations. Now is the time to spread the word! Of course, we will be in other areas but these are the only set meetings.

 We will keep you posted if there are any updates.

Thank you so much for your excitement!
Belfast – Holiday Inn on Ormeau Ave.
Thursday & Friday – Feb. 11 & 12th
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. each day
Cost – $20 GBP incl wrap

London – Le Meridien Piccadilly at 21 Piccadilly
Monday – Feb. 15th
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost – $20 GBP incl wrap

Liverpool – Mariott Hotel at 1 Queen Square
Saturday – Feb. 20th
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost $20 GBP incl wrap

Please print this out and take it with you to the meeting.  You MUST have the invitation!

Terry Shackelford ID# 23135

www.slimmingwithterry.com

If you would like to learn more or TRY one of these amazing wraps, attend the meeting below.

Opportunity Meeting -Belfast   Date:   Thursday February 11, 2010 Time:   5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Location:   Holiday Inn on Ormeau Ave. Notes:   $20 per wrap GBP! Carla and Pam with team of wrappers to take care of guests!

Please print this out to take with you.  They MUST have my name:  Terry Shackelford ID# 23135

so that you will be taken care of. 

If you are planning on attending, email me and I will give them a head’s up, as well.

Hope you can attend!

Terry Shackelford

www.slimmingwithterry.com

This is an exact copy of an email from Jennifer in North Carolina:

Hello Everyone,

My name is Jennifer Trick and I am a new believer.  I’m a nurse and have over 10 years in Plastic and Cosmetic surgery experience.  The Body applicator goes against everything I have been taught and I still can’t believe it.  In three weeks I have gone from a size 18 to a 14 and the tone of my abdomen has greatly improved.

As a former plastic surgery nurse, I would have told my patients that there are not any products or exercises that can tighten the abdoment and especially improve the skin’s elasticity without surgery.  Well I can admit when I am wrong.  I’M WRONG… I was amazed with the before and after pictures and with my trained eye,  I was able to locate land marks on both the before and after pictures.  They are for real.  I am blown away.  Again going against everything I’ve ever been taught.  WOW!!!!  These are miracle products for gastric bypass patients.  That will cost you $10,000 – $20,000 and alot of scars.

NO PAIN!!!!  I am in love with these products and with this business.  I do know that God has given us everything we need to heal ourselves but modern medicine has become lazy.  It’s easier to write a prescription and send patients on their way than to teach them about nutrition and natural products.

“God’s medicine” can heal them.  The lack of nutrition is the beginning point for all diseases especially cancer.  I ahve seen people healed spiritually and nutritionally.

God has lead me to Russell Carr and he led me to It Works and not a moment too soon.  I lost my job with the hospital I was working for after 5 years of spotless service.  I injured my knee at work and I’m having my second surgery very soon but it’s OK.  God works in mysterious ways.  If it wouldn’t have been for this injury, I would not have been off work during the week I met Russell at an open house.  I knew that I had met him somewhere before but we couldn’t put our finger on it.  I called him after falling in love with the applicator and losing over 6 inches.  I told him to sign me up and during the sign-up we remembered where we had met in the past.  It was at my brother’s church.  So you tell me, coincidence or God?

God I hear you and I thank you for It Works and for Russell.  Through you God, I will help everyone I can spiritually, physically and financially.

Jennifer Trick  ( end of testimony)

If you are in the USA or Canada and want to use or market this amazing product line, visit this website:

http://www.slimmingwithterry.com

Australia, New Zealand and the UK will be opened for business in the January-February 2010 time frame.

Call me with any questions you may have at (870) 740-4298.

I hope you have a Happy Healthy New Year!

Terry Ann Shackelford

It Works Independent Distributor

Conventional Medicine Left Me without Hope.

Picture this…  Arkansas, July 1993… I was a thirty-three year old single mother of a twelve year old daughter and a six year old son. A full time and a part time job kept the bills paid but that was about it.  I worked as a waitress so there were no health benefits for me or my children through my employer and I certainly could not afford the premiums for private insurance. 

White Meat or Dark Meat?  

by Dr. Don Verhulst, MD*

If you eat meat, I recommend you focus on poultry and fish.   If you have chicken or turkey, which is better–the breast or the thigh?   Well actually, all parts of the bird have their benefits.  

White meat does have a lower fat content.   It also provides glycogen, a polysaccharide that plays an important role in the glucose cycle.   Dark meat has more myoglobin, an amazing protein that helps deliver oxygen to muscle cells.   By the way, removing the skin from that drumstick or thigh gets rid of most of the fat (as well as toxins the bird may have ingested on the farm.)  

Dark meats tend to contain more zinc, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, vitamins B6 and B12, amino acids, iron than white meat.   Chicken dark meat contain vitamins A, K, B6, B12, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals as selenium, phosphorus and zinc.   Even the fats in most of the dark meats have healthy parts.   They contain Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids, and other ‘healthy’ fats.   It is the saturated fat content which lowers the true quality of dark meat.   

To reduce the saturated fat content of chicken dark meat, simply remove the skin.   By the way, removing the skin from your chicken also gets rid of most of the toxins the bird may have ingested on the farm.  

 Which brings up another important point. Chickens and turkeys raised in cages on factory farms are fed antibiotics, growth hormones and other toxic feed components.   If possible, purchase free range poultry, raised on organic feeds without hormones, antibiotics.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!    

Terry A Shackelford 

*This article is reprinted from the weekly update mailed to independent distributors of  It Works Marketing.  To learn more about the company and the products, visit www.slimmingwithterry.com

Mainstream media has helped the feeding frenzy by such popular television shows as “The Biggest Loser”.  The news media has given attention to all of the obesity related illnesses such as cancer in prime time specials.  Even our government has taken a role in promoting healthier options in vending machines in elementary schools. 

All of this attention has led to many products flooding the consumer market that are only causing bank accounts to get smaller.  Testimonials from so-called product users are nothing more than paid advertisements.   

How can you know if a product really does what it says it will?   

How do you know which products will work?  

Here are a few simple steps you can use to help you find a product that meets or exceeds their advertised claims.

1. Do they have a well known medical doctor that is a consultant for their company?    Any product that is able to help people with such a difficult issue as weight loss is going to have a doctor overseeing the day to day questions that consumers ask and providing the appropriate responses to them. 
2. Are they secretive about the ingredients  in their product?   A  company that has nothing to hide will certainly be up front with the ingredient list for any of their products.  There will not be any ingredients named ” herbs” on that list , either.  The list will be specific and detailed and not generic names for the ingredients.
3. There will be company contact information on their website.   When you see a phone number on the website of a product that interests you, pick up the phone and call that number to see if it is a working number.  You can still use the convenience of online ordering to buy but you know that there is someone you can reach in the event of a future question.
4. Last, but certainly not least, search to see what other consumers are saying about the products.   Products that truly work are not a secret.  You will find people talking about them on social media sites  and in forums.  Now, I should qualify that statement with the length of time the product has been on the market.  Newer products may not be as easily found being discussed on social media sites simply because there have not been enough people exposed to them, yet.

The main point that we, as consumers, need to remember is that the desire to lose weight should not cloud our judgement when it comes to purchasing products to help us attain our weightloss goals.   We need to make certain that the products we chose are ones that will make us healthier and not just help us to lose a few pounds quickly.  The overall goal is to lead a healthy, long life.

Here’s to the journey!

~Terry A Shackelford – Independent Distributor for It Works Marketing

The Holidays are always the toughest time for me to stick with healthy eating!  Seems like the holidays always revolve around special foods.  Why is that?  Who said, ” You shall only serve pecan pie or pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving”?  That puts in my mind that I have to have it now or I have to wait until next year. Silly, huh?  

Here are some little tips that seem to help me stay on track better.

1. Focus on family, friends and the “reason for the season”.   Having my mouth filled with words instead of food allows me to catch up with the people that I only get to spend time with during the holidays.  Do you really care what is on the menu if you are going to get to see your favorite cousin or best friend from high school? 

2.  Focus on one favorite food that you look forward to having and HAVE IT!   Don’t be a martyr when it comes to sticking to your diet.  I have eaten more calories avoiding what I really wanted than if I have just eaten it!  You might try asking yourself why it is your favorite.  Is it taste only or is it because of when you first tried it?  Maybe it is because of who prepares it?  Most of the things we love to eat are about more than just the taste.  For example, I only eat cotton candy if I am at a carnival.  I have bought it out of that arena and it simply did not taste as good to me. 

3.  Make time for yourself when your schedule gets hectic.   Seems like the hands on the clock move faster as the holidays approach.  I feel like I am in more and more of a hurry as Christmas approaches, especially.  That is when it is easier to make quick decisions instead of healthy decisions when it comes to my diet.  The drive thru window is quicker than going home and preparing a healthy meal.  You simply have to make the decision that your health has got to be the first entry on your daily to-do list.  It is not something you attend to after you have done everything else for everyone else.  

Now, do I make great diet decisions every single day?  Of course not!  Life happens and I indulge in the holiday treats, too.  What I do to keep my calories in check is to keep my Fat Fighters in my purse.   When I eat something high in fat & sugar,  I simply take a couple of  the Fat Fighters so I don’t have to worry about gaining back any of those pounds I have lost.  

If you’d like more information on the Fat Fighters, watch this video to see how they work. 

If you’d like to order a supply to get you through the holidays, visit www.slimmingwithterry.com

I hope you all have a holiday that gives you many happy memories instead of one that has you starting a new diet January 1st to lose all the pounds you have gained.

To your good health,

Terry A Shackelford