Quickest way to get an Avon business thriving?

[Jennifer C]

I started an Avon business about 1.5 years ago, and although I have approx 60 customers, I only did it part time and more as a hobby and order taker. I've recently lost my full time income earning job and have really considered tryingn to make Avon a full time money making business... any ideas? Business plans? experience? How do I get it up and thriving in the least amount of time and with the least amount of money?

Thank You!

[Tori]

So sorry that you lost your job. What a bummer!

It's really difficult to earn a good income from Avon because they have such a low profit margin and so many reps to compete against for business. Almost everybody already has a friend, relative or neighbor that they know that is a rep so they are already buying from someone else making it difficult to increase your customer base.

Here are some ideas that might help you to find more customers to increase your income:

1. Ask if you can leave your catalogs in doctor's offices, dentist offices, car repair shops and other places that have waiting rooms where people sit and read

2. Donate products or gift baskets with your products to charity auctions and raffles - include a small gift certificate to encourage a re-order

3. Use social marketing to increase your presence on the internet - facebook, twitter, message boards, myspace, a blog, Squidoo and/or a personal website. Have useful topics and content in your posts, on your blog, personal website or Squidoo pages that isn't overly commercial or spammy, but try to work your products or business into the topic, either as just a part of your signature, intro and profile or include a link as part of offering helpful information. (Examples: maybe a blog that includes a topic about new trends in lipstick colors for this summer or a Squidoo lens about the best eyeshadow colors for each different eye color)

4. Donate product samples in festive little cello bags including a business card as "fillers" or for Swag Bags or Goodie Bags - MomPack is one place where people who want fillers post their needs and you can also search for local groups that are having events that want sponsors to donate items for gift bags for attendees/guests to their functions

5. Contact local retirement communities about leaving catalogs or even dropping by on a regular schedule - maybe associated with the hair salon that many retirement communities have on site - many older ladies remember Avon and have used it in the past and may not have a current rep. Many have mobility issues and would also appreciate having their purchases delivered to them.

6. Consider becoming a home party diva! Learn all you can about creating fabulous, fun home or office party experiences to use that avenue for marketing your products

7. Get involved with local business groups to network - Meet-ups, BMI, local Chamber of Commerce, etc.

You might want to consider looking at becoming a rep for a second company that is newer and has fewer reps so that people don't know anyone else who sells the products and are even possibly looking for a rep in their area to buy products from.

I've included some links that have more information and examples of some of these ideas.

Good luck!