Finding New Customers Through Referrals

Hands down the very best way to gain new customers is to ask your current customers for referrals.  People trust their friends.  In fact, did you know that 92% of consumers believe recommendations from their friends and family over all forms of advertising? done by Nielsen

lots-of-ladiesReferrals are not automatic.  Some “just happen,” but most occur because you do something to trigger it.  You have to learn to ask.

Think about your customers.  Choose regularly ordering customers who love our products.  Also, seek referrals from your most influential customers.  These might not actually be your best customers, but they are the people whose opinions would carry the most weight with others.

Make it easy to get referrals by offering your customers an extra catalog with a spice sample a Be Nourished flyer and a business card or your information on the front of the catalog.

follow up shutterstock_363582086A great way to ask for referrals is to give your customer a current catalog and ask them to share it with a friend or family member.  Be specific.  Try this: “Will you share your catalog with your friends at work?  I will give you free shipping on your order when you give me a new customer who places an order.”  Easy peasy.  Then FOLLOW UP.  Follow up is key.  Later in the month when you contact that customer say, “Did you get a chance to share the catalog at work? Was there anyone who wanted to place an order?”

A great time to ask for referrals is when your customer is really happy about a product and they compliment you or exclaim that what you did for them was awesome. Jump on that opportunity.

incentive

Incentives are key.  There are lots of things you can use for incentives to get your customers to give you referrals.

  1. Free shipping
  2. % off their order
  3. A free gift
  4. Coupon

Advertise your referral program regularly.  Use all methods possible to advertise; email, Facebook, texting and phone calls.  Make sure your customers know that they get something special when they refer a friend.

It’s worth the extra effort it takes to ask for those new customers because you will really see your sales grow!

Julie Hawkes, RSM

Jennifer Kumm – Holyoke, CO

Greetings from extreme Northeast Colorado!  My name is Jennifer Kumm, and I’ve been the Holyoke, CO, rep for almost 3 years.  I am a veterinary technician, and my husband, Marlin, is head internet tech for our local phone company. We have a wonderful daughter, Morganne, who is a high school freshman.  I’m heavily involved in whatever activities our daughter does…FFA, 4H, Horses, Swimming, etc.  Personal hobbies include walking our two amazing dogs and reading.

I know most of my customers personally and enjoy getting to know more people as they become customers.  My favorite part of being a rep is giving rural people another choice for their grocery needs.  As a family, we love the variety, great prices, and high quality products in our own meals.  We are one of our own best customers every month and feel that’s extremely important to success. Since we get everything we possibly can from AP, it’s hard to pick favorite products. However, a few that we just couldn’t be without are flat iron steaks, raspberry muffin mix, cinnamon rolls, and too many of our fruits and veggies to name.

Word of mouth is the best advertisement in a place where everyone knows (or is related to) everyone else. I reward quite heavily for referrals.  I’m really looking forward to having some tasting parties this year to help grow my business. Reminders are also so key for us.  People are just crazy-busy these days and will very rarely order without a gentle reminder…or two, or three, or four! Advice that I would give to new reps is that preparation ahead of time is key for a successful delivery/pickup day. Additionally, learn to roll with stuff… whether it be changes, delayed trucks, etc. It’s all just stuff;

I’ve had wonderful help and support from my niece, Haley Notter, who referred me and continues to be an inspiration.  Also, I am super excited about all the changes that AP has made and is continuing to make. The shortened delivery time is extremely helpful in acquiring and keeping customers.  I appreciate our very pleasant and efficient support staff and the family feel of the company in general. Really looking forward to the website and boxing of customer orders. Blessed to be working for a family run company that is also forward thinking. Be sure to stop by if you’re ever in our area!

Gluten-Free Products

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Alison’s Pantry offers a wide variety of products, with something delicious to offer regardless of nearly any dietary restriction.  More and more customers have been requesting gluten-free products to address sensitivities in their families.  To make it easier to recommend AP products to these customers, we’ve compiled a list of gluten-free products.

It can be downloaded here.

 

Items Leaving after Catalog #3

NOTE:  If inventory remains, these items will be on Closeout for Catalog #4

01-4531            Nutella & Go Breadsticks 12ct/1.8 oz packs–should be back for fall

01-4532            Nutella & Go Pretzels 12ct/1.8 oz packs–should be back for fall

02-3999           Swiss Miss Cocoa Packets – Seasonal

02-1191            Scrumptious Caramelized Mixed Nuts–will return in the fall

02-1156            Scrumptious Cinnamon Toffee Almonds–will return

02-1192            Scrumptious Chocolate Amaretto Pecans–will return

04-7810            Dawn Mini Paper Loaf Pans–seasonal

04-7339            Camp Chef Professional Spatula Set Of 2  Each–returning on Catalog 5

04-7345            CAMP CHEF Cast Iron Conditioner 6 oz EACH–returning on Catalog 5

04-7549            Camp Chef True Seasoned Cast Iron Skookie Set Of 2 Each–returning on Catalog 5

04-7623            Camp Chef True Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan 14″ Each–returning on Catalog 5

04-8121            Camp Chef Square Dutch Oven 13″ 8Qt Each–returning on Catalog 5

04-8646            Camp Chef Aebleskiver Pan Each–returning on Catalog 5

04-8779            Camp Chef Reversible 16″ Grill/Griddle Each–returning on Catalog 5

04-9136            Camp Chef Cast Iron Cleaner 6 oz. tube–returning on Catalog 5

11-1909            Chobani Strawberry Yogurt Tubes– low sales – Variety pack still available #1908

11-1932            Cheese & Jalapeno Corn Dogs–low sales

11-5986            Kirkland Spiral Ham–seasonal, will return in the fall

11-8716            Bueno Chile Rellenos–low sales

11-4848            Fernando’s Breakfast Burrito—Discontinued by Manufacturer. Replacing with the Don Miguel Breakfast Burritos

11-3855            Bright Harvest Sweet Potato Casserole – Seasonal

11-5968            Bright Harvest Country Style Cuts – Seasonal

11-5304            Chef Shamy Passion Fruit Honey Butter 7.5oz tub–discontinued by manufacturer

11-8124            Chef Shamy Garlic Butter W/ Parmesan & Basil 10Oz Tub Each–seasonal

11-8129            Chef Shamy Cinnamon Brown Sugar Honey Butter 16 Oz Tub Each–seasonal

11-8879            Chef Shamy Lemon Dill Saute Butter 5 Oz Tub Each–seasonal

11-8883            Chef Shamy Garlic Herb Saute Butter 5 Oz Tub Each–seasonal

11-8896            Chef Shamy Vanilla Bean Honey Butter 16Oz Tub Each–seasonal

11-8897            Chef Shamy French Onion W/ Asiago Cheese Butter 10 Oz Tub Each–seasonal

Consistency-Make it a Habit

tortoise-and-the-hare

We all know the Aesop’s fable of the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. The Hare thought he had it all figured out,  just run faster than everyone else and he would finish first.  While the Tortoise had the plan of just to keep moving, the Hare had time to spare. After a few stops along the way, the Hare found himself behind, and the Tortoise in his slow but consistent pace moved along and ended up finishing the race first. The Tortoise had determination, set his eyes on the prize and let consistency be the determining factor. In the end he met his goal and left the fast burning Hare in the cold.  In all fables, there lies a moral to the story, this one is no different, slow and steady wins the race.

 

slowHow can we as Alison’s Pantry reps use this little story in our own businesses and lives? As we began our businesses, we were more like the Hare than the Tortoise, so excited and more than ever determined to meet the goal and get there fast. As we moved down the track to the finish line, many obstacles were placed in front of us, new babies, health struggles, teenagers, changes in work, family and finances, and just like the Hare some of us doddle on the path.  Many obstacles can slow down the progress of our movement towards our goals. How do we get back into the race or step up our pace to reach the finish line? We can learn from the Tortoise and keep going, he looked ahead, saw the goal and pushed forward and never stopped.  What’s our goal? Do we see the finish line? Here’s a few tips to help in finishing the race and being consistent in our AP business.

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  1. Set a goal for each month, whether your goal is to reach the minimum, or to beat your last month’s sales, maybe you would like to add 2 new customers each month, or find someone to deliver the 10 extra catalogs you receive. Whatever the goal is the key to achieving your goal is to acknowledge it, write it down, be accountable. Tell your RSM, she is there to help you with ideas and suggestions to help you achieve your goals. Then when you do, she will be your biggest cheerleader, she wants you to see the success you so richly deserve and want.
  2. The next thing to help you is to set a plan in action to achieve the goal. Plan your daily calendar and your work will flow much easier. Set a day to deliver your catalogs, plan your contests, then mark those days on the calendar to remember to advertise them to your customers. Use our pre-designed FB ads to share with them, it couldn’t be more easy! Try to advertise to your customers a minimum of once a week leading up to order week, then daily on order week. Post pictures of your own family meals and suggestions, recipes from the webinars and suggestions from the catalogs.
  3. Order your samples the month before they will be sampled to your customers to ease you in finding the time to prepare them before your delivery day.
  4. Order your gifts for the winners of your contest, remember that your samples and gifts are a tax deduction for your business expenses on your taxes, save your invoices for that.
  5. Plan the time in your schedule to deliver your Alison’s Pantry catalogs in a timely manner, allowing you customers at least 7 days before the deadline to find time to look it over, then contact them to confirm that they received the catalog and let them know that you will be contacting them in the future for their order. This would be a great time to let them know about any contests or programs that you might have started, i.e.; punch cards, early bird contests, coupons.
  6. Print out your customer list, check it against the orders you have received and then plan to contact those that you haven’t heard from. Don’t prejudge your customers! You will not receive an order from them if you don’t contact them, and if you contact them and they don’t want to place an order, you are not out anything, you have nourished the relationship and offered customer service that will benefit your business in the future.

sum-of

In business and in life being consistent will bring about great things. You will reach your goals and will feel accomplished at your success. Remember our friend the tortoise who kept the goal in sight. Follow his lead, be consistent and you will win the race.

Stacee Izatt 

RSM

Webinar #3: Camp Chef, Augason Farms, Nutristore, Easy Easter dinners, and using punch cards

Introducing the professional chef Alex, who is Stacee’s son!  This webinar he covers two dishes using our great Alison’s Pantry products.  There is a bonus video of the third dish below that we couldn’t add to the webinar because of time constraints.  So if you want to view that, please click below.  The 2nd part […]

This month’s webinars are some great ones by our wonderful RSMs once again.  This month Stacee Izatt teaches us how to use Camp Chef, Augason Farms, and Nutristore products in our daily cooking.

Becky Price shows us some ways to make some great dinner items for upcoming Easter that are super easy to make and taste wonderful!

The last video is from Julie Hawkes, talking about punch cards and how to use them to guide your customers to do things you want to encourage (early orders, referring a customer, $100+ orders, etc.)

I hope you enjoy the video!

Food Storage Cooking Recipes

chickenenchiladasdutchovenbread

Easter Dinner

Glaze Recipes

Punch Cards

Tips for Using Punch Cards

Frequent Buyer Chart – to use instead of actual punch cards.

The following are sheets of all one card to print at home or at a printers.  They are two sided.

5 Punches

8 Punches

9 Punches

10 Punches

Below are images of the punch cards you can upload to Vistaprint and print as business cards or design your own.  If you have any questions or need some help you can email [email protected].  To save, click the image then right click and save as.

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Products Leaving after Catalog #2

NOTE:  If inventory remains, these items will be the Closeout Items for Catalog #3 🙂

01-1825                Alison’s Pantry Insulated Cooler Bags—may not be available after Catalog #2; mistakenly printed in Catalog #3.  These will be limited to inventory on hand.

01-2064                Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dipping Sauce 20 oz. squeeze bottle—packaging issue

01-4051                Alison’s Pantry tote bag – Promo Item.

01-5768                Fieldstone Premium Original Granola 50 Oz/3.13 Lb Bag—seasonal; will be back

01-6190                Fieldstone Nutty Buddy Wafer Bars 24ct IW each—seasonal; will be back

01-7036                Fieldstone Oatmeal Cookies w/ creme 24ct each—Discontinued by manufacturer. No longer available.

01-8002                Fieldstone Fudge Brownie 18ct each—seasonal; will be back

01-9202                Fieldstone Chocolate Marshmallow Pies 16ct—seasonal; will be back

02-4448                Shirley J Mugging! Gift Set – Red Mug w/ White Mustache—Mugging Kits will be seasonal items for AP. They will return later in the year.

02-4455                Shirley J Mugging! Gift Set – White Mug w/ Black Mustache—Mugging Kits will be seasonal items for AP. They will return later in the year.

02-4456                Shirley J Mugging! Mix Canister Chocolate Fudge Brownie—Mugging Kits will be seasonal items for AP. They will return later in the year.

02-4457                Shirley J Mugging! Mix Canister Chocolate Truffle Cake—Mugging Kits will be seasonal items for AP. They will return later in the year.

02-4458                Shirley J Mugging! Mix Canister Yellow Cake & Cobber—Mugging Kits will be seasonal items for AP. They will return later in the year.

02-4459                Shirley J Mugging! Mix Singles Chocolate Fudge Brownie—Mugging Kits will be seasonal items for AP. They will return later in the year.

02-4460                Shirley J Mugging! Mix Singles Yellow Cake & Cobber—Mugging Kits will be seasonal items for AP. They will return later in the year.

02-8548                Scrumptious Alpine Mints 16 oz tub—seasonal

02-9113                Scrumptious Snacks Almonds, Whole Raw, 14 oz. tub—replaced with Kirkland product for better value

02-9119                Scrumptious Pecan Halves 10 oz. tub—replaced with Kirkland product for better value

02-9120                Scrumptious Walnut Halves and Pieces 12 oz tub—replaced with Kirkland product for better value

11-1144                Blount Southwest Corn Chowder 4 lb. bag—discontinued due to low sales

11-1502                Janey Lou’s Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 3lb tub—Janey Lou’s cookie dough tubs are being discontinued due to lower sales, and inventory challenges.

11-1503                Janey Lou’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 3lb tub— Janey Lou’s cookie dough tubs are being discontinued due to lower sales, and inventory challenges.

11-1504                Janey Lou’s Sugar Cookie Dough 3lb tub—Janey Lou’s cookie dough tubs are being discontinued due to lower sales, and inventory challenges.

11-1505                Janey Lou’s Choc Chip Coconut Macadamia Cookie Dough 3lb—Janey Lou’s cookie dough tubs are being discontinued due to lower sales, and inventory challenges.

11-2653                JJ’s Bakery Boston Cream Pies 12ct—seasonal; will return later in the year.

11-2654                JJ’s Bakery Strawberry & Cream Pies 12ct—seasonal; will return later in the year.

11-3568                Butterball Ground Turkey 85% Lean/15% Fat 12/1 Lb. Chubs—will alternate in the catalog with our Norbest ground turkey product

11-4729                JJ’s Bakery Apple Pie Dessert Snacks 12/4 oz—seasonal; will return later in the year.

11-4730                JJ’s Bakery Cherry Pie Dessert Snacks 12/4 oz—seasonal; will return later in the year.

11-4731                JJ’s Bakery Chocolate Pie Dessert snacks 12/4 oz—seasonal; will return later in the year.

11-4732                JJ’s Bakery Banana Cream Pie Dessert Snacks 12/4 oz—seasonal; will return later in the year.

11-5304                Chef Shamy Passion Fruit Honey Butter 16oz tub—discontinued by supplier

11-6815                Athens Spinach & Cheese Blossom 50 ct–seasonal

11-7808                Athens Chicken & Pesto Blossom 50 ct–seasonal

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The Best Kind of Advertising

What is one of the best kinds of advertising for your business?  The answer, Great Customer Service!!  Not only is it one of the best ways to advertise, it’s also one of the cheapest and everyone can do it with a little extra effort!

customer-service-epic

What are some great customer service tips you can use and what do they cost you?

  1. Put a smile on your face when greeting a customer in person or talking to them on the phone.  The cost is FREE and definitely worth the effort!  Who wants to be greeted by a grumpy person?!  Not me, so put that smile on, exercise those facial muscles and reap the rewards of happy customers!!  Customers who are happy with the people they do business with are more likely to increase what they purchase from them and purchase more often.  A Win Win for you and your customer!!6-smiling-women
  2. Have a positive attitude when dealing with customers, especially a difficult one. The cost is FREE but sometimes difficult to execute.  When dealing with an unhappy customer, listen to their complaint and then let them know you are sincerely sorry they are unhappy and assure them you will do everything you can to correct whatever is wrong.  DO NOT be afraid to accept responsibility if you have done something wrong.  No one is perfect and mistakes happen.  A sincere apology goes a long way to making things right again.  Consider offering the customer something for FREE (such as FREE shipping or a FREE item) to appease them and keep them as a customer.  It’s much easier to keep a customer than to find a new one.
  3. Be consistent.  This is especially important when doing reminders each month.  The cost is FREE but does require you to plan and make the time to do them every month.  If you are consistently sending reminders 4 or 5 days before order deadline, you are giving your customers enough time to look through the catalog and put their orders together and get them to you.  If you procrastinate until the last day, one or more customers may not have time to look and will just pass placing an order until next month and you’ve lost a sale.  Being consistent with your reminders is key to great sales!consistent

Great customer service is one of the best forms of advertising because when you take care of your customers, they are going to take care of you by telling others about you and how happy they are having you for a sales rep and having someone else vouch for you will speak far loader than you tooting your own horn!

Great Customer Service is treating EVERY customer as if they were your BEST customer!

worry-about-being-better

Becky Price, RSM