| The lazy days of summer don't have to slow | | | | Just recently, DSWA members who attended the |
| you and your business down when you take | | | | Tri-Cities, Washington training hosted by |
| these steps to prepare in advance. This | | | | DSWA and Cynthia Kersey reported they |
| time-tested Summer Preparation Checklist will | | | | returned home with fresh enthusiasm, new |
| ensure your sales and sponsoring keep rising | | | | business-building ideas and lots of leads for |
| along with those summer temperatures. | | | | future shows and sales appointments. |
| | | | Networking pays! |
| 1. Plan now for your kid's summer schedule so | | | | |
| you don't find yourself in the middle of June | | | | 6. Be ready to do business while you are on |
| without any options. Schools and city | | | | the move by always having your business with |
| recreation departments offer a wide variety | | | | you. Create a Business-in-a-box that you can |
| of programs your kids will love. Start | | | | grab as you run out the door that contains |
| planning your kids' summer schedule now as | | | | all the things you need to make good use of |
| some of these programs fill up fast and can | | | | those "stolen minutes". |
| vary considerably in price. | | | | |
| | | | Here are just a few of the ways our members |
| 2. Have a Summer Fun Meeting with your | | | | shared how they utilize their waiting time: |
| family. Create three lists of things to do | | | | |
| during the summer. One list of projects to do | | | | * I read up on company literature so I'm |
| with mom, dad or the whole family; another | | | | always informed of the latest news. |
| list of fun things to do when a friend is | | | | |
| over; and one last list of things your child | | | | * I carry a calculator so I can process |
| can do on her own. Plan to have all you need | | | | paperwork or close a show. |
| on hand by picking up the right summer | | | | |
| supplies the next time you go to the store. | | | | * I make return calls to team members who |
| | | | call me with questions. |
| 3. Get your kids organized. Your office may | | | | |
| not be an example of organizational bliss but | | | | * I use my cell to make "feel good calls" to |
| if you want to avoid having your kids come to | | | | potential team members. |
| you to find everything from crayons to soccer | | | | |
| cleats, you will need to get their closets | | | | * I follow-up on customer inquiries regarding |
| and toy storage areas in order. By involving | | | | product details or availability. |
| them in the organizational process they will | | | | |
| be able to find what they need without coming | | | | * I turn on a classical music station and |
| to ask you. | | | | write heart-felt thank you notes to customers |
| | | | and hostesses. |
| 4. Have a Plan B list of reliable friends and | | | | |
| older neighborhood kids you can call on to | | | | * I check in with future hostesses to see if |
| watch your children when Plan A falls | | | | they have any questions and give them |
| through. You can arrange with the parents of | | | | encouragement. |
| your child's friends to do a regular "kid | | | | |
| swap" or select from a list of high school | | | | * I take time for me. There will always be a |
| students you know in your area. | | | | phone call to make, or a note to write. By |
| | | | taking a quiet 15 minute escape, I feel |
| 5. Keep your sanity throughout the summer by | | | | rejuvenated and ready for the rest of my day! |
| attending periodic trainings and workshops. | | | | |