I thought I'd post this to encourage others to "step outside their comfort zone"--whether you're in a traditional business or otherwise, if you're not telling others that you HAVE a business, you have no idea what type of business you may be missing out on!!

Yesterday, I was calling past customers to see if there was anything I could get for them...and one of the numbers I called was answered by an unfamiliar voice. I asked for the couple by name, was told that no, they weren't there, they were on vacation. I COULD have said thanks, and hung up (and normally I would have--which is why I'm telling you about this!!), but instead, I asked if he was one of the couple's kids. He answered yes, that his parents had asked him to come up and watch their house while they were away. I mentioned to him the business I was in, and that his parents were my customers, and that I was calling to see if they needed anything...and he said, "I have to thank you. I'm really glad to see that my parents have many of your products--it's refreshing to see that they're taking steps to eat better, use healthier products. I don't know where my parents met you, but thank you--I'm very impressed with your product line!"

Well, of course, I was kind of taken aback by his praise. We started talking about good health, and I came to find out that this young man (who's thirty) is living in a commune, and that he follows a pretty strict vegetarian diet when he's home, but has a deep appreciation for good quality natural products. I continued to speak with him (despite the fact I thought initially it was kind of weird that he lived in a commune) and asked him what they did on his commune to make money. He said they grow herbs and sell them to herb companies. I asked him then if he knew anyone that might be interested in making some extra money selling our product line (I was going WAY out on a limb, but hey, I thought it wouldn't hurt!) He said, "You know, I think your products are fantastic, and personally, I think that I would be interested in doing that--and probably know a LOT of other people who may be interested in making extra money too!"

Anyhow, I went out to meet with this young man, showed him my business, explained all the details. He was so excited, and when he returns home to his commune (he also helps to start other communes, as well as visits over 700 communes a year!) he plans on joining me in my business.

After we left, my son and I went to a restaurant (Yes, I took my son on the call with me--he wants to learn more about how I do my business). As we were walking in, a man who was also entering the restaurant mentioned the car sign on my truck, I overheard him, acknowledged that I was the local rep for my company, and we started talking. The conversation continued into the restaurant, and before I left, he asked if I had a business card--he said his mother in law loved our products but thinks that she doesn't have a representative anymore.

I think about how many times in the course of a day that we talk to other people--and how many times do you talk to people and DON'T mention your business? Sure, we have lots of excuses NOT to--they wouldn't be interested, they are too busy, they have a business of their own, etc.

I spoke to a woman who owns her own business the other day, and she's getting ready to join me now in my business as well. We've known each other for a couple of years, and both of us respect the other for being hard-workers. However, my business doesn't have a physical location and walls--and hers does. Did you ever stop to think that even though they have a business, that they would LOVE to have physical freedom from that business? They're tied to it, every single day! Don't ever prejudge who may be interested in your business. Open your mouth, you may be $urpri$ed! :)




It's not just your Grandma's company anymore...