“Treat your business like a business and it will make you money. Treat your business like a hobby and it will cost you money.” 

“Plan your work and work your plan” is one of my husband’s favorite mantras. It seems so simple, yet as direct sellers, sometimes we find it hard to accomplish. There are so many fun distractions, everything from family to exciting new ideas and projects. And what exactly is a plan anyway?

A business plan is simply a declaration of the results you intend to achieve, the actions and resources you intend to put in place to achieve these results and the time frame within which you plan to achieve the results. Pretty simple, huh? Oh, and did I mention that it is in writing?

What would happen to your results and the results of each team member if they had a written business plan? This ‘little thing you do’ starts to sound more like a business, doesn’t it?

To create a team of planners, begin at the beginning or should I say the end?

  • At your new consultant training, after presenting the how to book, sell and recruit, end with what is your plan for moving forward? Have them write it down. You might even include a handout titled my business plan.
  • During one on one goal setting sessions, help each team member turn their SMART goal into a business plan.
  • At the end of each meeting, conference call or training, ask what is your plan for moving forward/implementing what you just learned. A good follow up question might be, how does this support your business plan? (Their big picture plan)

Remember to ask, what are you willing to invest to achieve your plan?

Using the language of business, terms like invest and business plan, will also help those outside the direct selling profession see us as business owners. A definite benefit when talking to spouses and financial planners!

Business Plan Bonus: The IRS sees the existence of a business plan as evidence of  intent to make a profit – important if you were ever to get audited!

This is the second in a five part series of leading your team to treat their business like a business.

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