Serving Others in Your Home-based Business By Catherine Moran with Cathy Fairbairn
Whatsoever you do, do it with the heart, as to the Lord and not men (Colossians 3:23, Douay-Rheims Bible); Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men (Ephesians 6:7,NIV).
These two verses give us a good business model for serving others: serve people as if you were serving God Himself, and do it with your whole heart. We strive to love God with our whole heart and mind and strength, and love others because He loves them. That’s a tall order. And we can’t do this by ourselves. We need the grace of the Sacraments to empower us so that God can pour out His love to others through us. The Golden Rule comes to mind here: we should treat others as we would like to be treated—that is, with respect, courtesy, and kindness. Home-based businesses are unique but these tips can be applied to more traditional business situations as well.
TIPS FOR THE DISTRIBUTOR
1. Be willing to serve. If you don’t have this one down, you’re not going to be able to do any of the others. Have the intention of wanting to make the person’s life better.
2. Grow in Holiness. Do not neglect your prayer life. Frequent the Sacraments. God will order your day. Let Him work through you.
3. Know what you are talking about. Be well prepared before your appointment.
4. When you make an appointment, be sure to write it down in your planner/put it on your calendar. Your word is your bond. If for some reason you can’t make the appointment, call ASAP and reschedule it. Then follow through.
5. Be on time. Nothing shows respect for a person like punctuality. Respect his time and he’ll be more inclined to respect yours.
6. When talking to him make your customer the sole focus. Let him know he is the most important thing to you at the moment. To the best of your ability, do not allow distractions. Don’t take any phone calls or allow others to interrupt.
7. Have a friendly facial expression. Try at least to look pleasant. Smile.
8. Be sincere. A relaxed manner will put your prospect/customer at ease. Always tell the truth. Integrity is of the utmost importance. Trust fosters trust.
9. Take the time to listen to your customer. Really listen for his needs, then write them down. Follow through.
10. Provide excellent customer service. Work hard to follow up with your clients.
TIPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
1. Make sure your company has an excellent training and a support system as well as a simple but proven business model that new distributors can easily duplicate.
2. Does your home-based business culture emphasize teamwork? You may be in business for yourself but you should not be in business by yourself.
3. It is vital that the home-based business is effectively meeting an important need, that individuals feel that they can make a difference in others’ lives.
4. It is recommended that individuals in the MLM be “a product of the product.” If your distributors recommend their company’s products based on first-hand experience, others may be more likely to do so. Belief in the product is key.
5. The quality of the people you work with is most important--the leadership as well as the members of your group. Are they trustworthy? Committed? Reputable? Generous? Willing to share with others? Do they enjoy their work? Do they demonstrate flexibility and a healthy sense of humor? Are they respectful of other Faith Traditions? Sensitive to their customers’ needs?
6. The perfect home-based business does not consist of one person doing it all but lots of people each doing a little.
7. Foster a culture of Life. Work for others “as unto the Lord.” He is the best employer in the Universe. The benefits, as they say, are out of this world.