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