Welcome To The Team!!

Yay welcome to our "Bookies Team!! We are so glad you are here and to help you get started!!  It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but we are all here to support you!! So please ask any questions you have!!  This page is here as a resource for you!!

Read through this information before moving on to the next step. :)

The person with whom you signed up is your sponsor! Your sponsor is there to help you!! They are a great support for you for any questions you have!  You are also always able to ask your team leader!!  Our team is wonderful, and always willing to lend a helping hand!!

This webpage will be a guide for you to get your business started!! We will provide you with videos, ideas, training and support as you begin, and continue, this journey!! Just follow the steps, on your own timeline, and you will learn all about the amazing opportunities Usborne can provide!!

Before you move on to the next step, here's some quick info about all those Facebook Groups you've just been added to!

Facebook Groups

You should have been added to three new Facebook groups by your sponsor. If you have not been added to these groups, please PM your sponsor or your team leader and we will make sure you have been added!!

Here they are:
1) Usborne Bookies. This is our main team page. We have many leaders on this page, including Marisa Busch, Amanda Crouch, Jen Zackey, Amber Backo and Emily Sallee.  We will have bi-weekly training opportunities, fun challenges and team building!! Feel free to ask any questions on this page. There are also many great scripts, pictures and ideas in the files!!


2) UBAM Beacons. This is our larger, regional team! This page is led by our Executive Team Leader, Stephanie Simpson. This is another great resource for all of your questions!  There are many leaders within this group and we will have more challenges and training opportunities!


3) Storybuilders.   This is our largest, national team page, led by our director, Vikki Finan.  You will find great inspiration here!  Vikki will keep up updated with information from the Home Office. There will be many training opportunities for new consultants, prospective consultants and whatever other needs our team will have!


And lastly, before you move on to the first step, we want to remind you WHY you are doing this!! Take note of the reasons you joined Usborne Books & More - these "whys" are very important to keeping you motivated - and they will likely change as your business evolves! Never forget...

BOOKS CHANGE LIVES!!

We are so excited to have you join us in this very important literacy mission. Your success is not just your success... your success directly affects children and their love for reading!!

1- New Consultant Success Plan

The Consultant Success Plan is basically this blog that you are looking at right now!! There is a lot of information and this "plan" will help you track your progress.  You will want to move through the steps one at a time. WE HAVE FOUND THAT CONSULTANTS WHO FOLLOW THIS PLAN TRULY HAVE THE MOST SUCCESS!!!

Here's a handy 2-part graphic that you can download, print out and check off when you have completed each step! When you are finished, message your team leader with your plan and you will get a prize!!

Or you can download here: Link to Success Plan

2- Write Your Own Success Story

Our Company has a wonderful incentive program for new consultants! This program is called, "Write Your Own Success Story".  This is a truly a great way to get your business started, while earning some great prizes for doing so!!

The Write Your Own Success Story is an opportunity during your first 12 weeks as a consultant.  You will receive this information in your consultant kit, and can also access through your backoffice!  It is definitely worth taking advantage of this and will get your business rolling!!

When you earn a Success Kit, it is mailed directly to you - a fun surprise on your doorstep, soon after earning it! 

In addition to WYOSS rewards, you can also earn a personal sales bonus of 4% each month you reach at least $1000 in sales, and you can earn monthly Home Office Challenges. Home Office Challenges (HOC) change each month and you will get to see what the month's challenge is in your weekly Consultant Update email, which comes every Tuesday! So many fun rewards just for doing your job and having FUN selling these awesome books!!

But wait. . .that's not all!  During your incentive period, you get to offer your hostesses DOUBLE the free amount of books when their party reaches $250+ in sales!  This incredible offer is meant to help you launch your business by getting your friends and family even more excited to book parties with you.  Plus--you get to take advantage of it when you are the hostess for your launch parties! 

We do encourage all new consultants to shoot for promotion with "Express Success".  It is not only a great bonus, but truly is the best way to build your business!! Financially, there is no better means to make money than by becoming a team leader!!

3. Getting Started...

1. Schedule your 2 launch parties!!! 

The VERY first thing you want to do is schedule 2 parties!!!  The best part is that they are both for you!!!  First, you should schedule an in-home party to showcase the books to all of your friends and family! Do not wait too long to do this!! You want to get started right away!! This is a great way for everyone to actually see and feel our amazing books! It is also great for you to jump right in with your business!!  Your goal is to book at least 2 parties from this party!! Ask your friends/family to help you get started with your business! Often they are more willing to help you!!

Next, schedule your Facebook Launch party, a few days AFTER your home show!!  DO NOT INVITE ANYONE to this yet!!  You want people to come to your home party as their first option! Only after your home party can you invite those that were unable to attend!  This will allow them to still order, while also allowing any out of town guests to support you!!

You will be able to combine the sales from both of these parties, which will really help you stock up on FREE books right off the bat. Your sponsor or a Team Leader will be available to help you with your first couple of parties! You will learn more about how to have successful parties in the next few steps of this page!!


2) Ask FRANK to Party!!

Make a FRANKS list!!!  FRANKS = Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Kids contacts (you know them through your kids), Spouse contacts; this is a list of people that you’d like to share Usborne with! Remember, even people without their own children at home have children in their life (grandparents, aunts, etc!) so don’t limit yourself – any name you think of, write it down!

Try to have 100 names on this list – sounds challenging, but you WILL surprise yourself! Keep adding to this list as you go!

Set a goal of how many people you'd like to reach out to each day or each week to help you spread the word about your new business.

3) Announce Your Business... but Don't Be a "Salesperson"!

The best way to share your new business on your Facebook wall, Instagram or on other social media, is by showing how the books have benefited your family! Your friends will love seeing your kids enjoying the books and they will naturally start asking questions. So share pics of your kids and their awesome books often!

Being “non-salesy” when posting to your Facebook wall is REALLY helpful when introducing that you’ve started this new venture!

Check out these awesome tips on how to sell without being salesy!

Using those tips, one way to announce your own business would be posting a photo of your kids quietly enjoying their Usborne Books along with something like this as a caption: “I just bought myself 20 minutes of uninterrupted quiet time… I loved it so much, I decided to join Usborne Books & More and help other moms get these awesome books (and a little quiet time of their own, too! Haha!)” (Come up with your own wording, but something like this can be fun and NOT annoying to your friends!!)

While announcing your business, be prepared with a couple of dates you are available to do Facebook or home parties and start to fill your calendar. Friends and family will be excited to help you start your business off right – and BONUS, as a new consultant you get to offer your hostesses double the free books!

4) Keep it Personal!

Whether you're asking friends if they'd like to book a party or you're inviting them to one of your own, make sure you're keeping it personal by reaching out to friends and family individually!  The personal touch will go a LONG way to helping you build a successful business, and individual interaction through messages, phone calls, texts, etc. will increase your bookings and party attendance much faster than timeline posts and group messages (which are usually not very effective!).

5) Ask a friend to join you!
Reach out to a few friends who you would enjoy working with, and who you think would succeed, and ask them if they want to start this adventure with you!!  You never know who might need this opportunity right now, and it is that much better to work your business, with your friends!!

SUCCESS TIP 1: Book SIX parties in your first 4 weeks - block out those dates and go fill ‘em!!
There are lots of options for fun incentives you can offer your potential hostesses to encourage them to book a party.  You can tell them about how you are able to offer double free books as you get your business started.  You could offer an additional $20 in free books with their party, or think of a book you know they would love, talk it up to them, and offer it for free with their party.  You can offer these incentives at minimal cost to you ($5 or less)!  We will get to that later!!

4- Facebook Parties

Facebook parties are a great way to build your business. Without the restriction of your local zip code or immediate circle of friends, your business growth is truly unlimited thanks to the power of networking through FB parties. Aamazing, right?!

You don't even have to wait for your kit to arrive, you can start setting up your first Facebook party right now!!! 

Facebook Party Script
We have a tried-and-true script to use for your parties - literally, copy and paste - to help you get started right away.  We update this script often to keep it fresh and current!

Follow the script to a T for your first few times doing an FB party. Once you are more comfortable and familiar with what works and why we have things set up the way we do, you should experiment with your own ideas, add your own videos and wording, etc. But, for now, just follow the script!!

Read the WHOLE script SEVERAL times before you do your first party - there are MANY tidbits and pointers in the script to help you out, including specific directions on how to set up your event on Facebook.

TIP: Print the script so you can take notes and highlight important reminders for yourself!

Click Here For Script!

Important Note:  All of the customer and hostess specials/prizes mentioned in the script (including the free book giveaway, refunded shipping on orders of $100+, and additional $20 in free books on the booking post) are the responsibility of the consultant to provide--these are not provided by Usborne Books & More.  This means that it is your right to choose not to provide them, or to do something different.  However, just like the script itself, we have found these incentives to be a tried-and-true means of increasing party attendance, sales, and bookings.  Talk to your team leader or sponsor about how many of these incentives can be offered at minimal cost to you. 

Once you are familiar with the script, you'll need to set up the shopping link for your party guests to shop on!

Creating Your eCommerce Shopping Link

You will create a new shopping link for each party you do. You do this from your site. This super-short video shows you step-by-step how to create that shopping link. 

Graphics for FB/Party Posts

You can find lots of good graphics (including what you need for parties) in the albums on the UBAM Bookies page.  Before using any graphics, please make sure that no books shown are out of print.

Additionally, UBAM has VERY STRICT policies on graphics, including fonts/colors/logos that should be used. You can learn all about the graphic guidelines by clicking here: Graphics Guide. If you choose to try your hand at making graphics, be sure to consult the manual thoroughly and it's not a bad idea to approve it through your team leader before using it.

SUCCESS TIPS:

• Invite your sponsor or Team Leader to your first few FB parties. They can help you troubleshoot any problems and will help cheer you on, too!
• DO NOT pull random videos off of YouTube!! We have a plethora of videos from our team and upline leaders! It is ALWAYS best to use team videos.
• Don't stress... this is FUN!! And the best part? Your party guests don't know if you are in your pajamas without a bra, tucking your kid into bed for the fifth time that night. 
• Stay positive! Sales are not the only measurement of success, especially when it comes to FB parties. Sometimes FB parties will have lower sales but will generate more parties or, even better, get recruits for your growing team! If you are feeling down, ask your sponsor or Team Leader to help you see the good - I promise, it's there to see!!
• Once you have a few parties under your belt, tweak the script or even create your own! 
• 
  

STOP!!  Before continuing, make sure to report back to your team leader and let them know you have completed the first 4 steps of your training.  You will want to discuss your goals for UBAM and what you would like to achieve, especially relating to the WYOSS awards, so that your leader knows how to best help you.  This is also the time to schedule/talk about your launch party!!

5. Home Shows

Home Shows!

Homeshows are one of the best ways to have great sales in your business. Even if you plan to focus on social media parties, like on Facebook, we recommend that you shoot for one homeshow a month!

Here are some videos from top leaders in our company about having great homeshows.

There are lots of different ways to run your homeshow.  Make sure to check out all of the homeshow trainings that are available in your Back Office -> Resources -> Audio Training -> Home Shows.

This page will be updated with more homeshow tips soon! There are also FANTASTIC tips in your Back Office -> Consultant Toolbox -> Home Shows


When it's time to close out your shows, you'll need to know how to use OrderPro - move on to the next step to learn all about it!

6. Closing Out A Show!!!!

How do I close out parties?!

The system can definitely be a bit overwhelming at first.  So allow yourself some time to "play around" with the features and learn a bit more!!


Here is a video that walks through the process of closing out a show! Obviously, this cannot cover everything, but should give you a basic guideline!  Please make sure to ask if you have any questions! Your team leader can even look through your first order before you submit!!

****This might be the time to sign up for direct deposit!! You want to get paid weekly, rather than monthly, right?!

7- Sample wording to BOOK those parties!

Sometimes it is so nice just to know exactly what words to use to book your parties!! The tag team gave many ideas in the video above.  Here is another graphic FULL of wording!!!  

You'll also find "words to use" in our Facebook party script! 

Here's an example of an effective FB message you could send out to get bookings. 

Tip: Change these messages to sound more like "you"!!

Hey Sarah!! 

I am not sure if you have seen, but I recently became a consultant for Usborne books! I absolutely love the books and love having the opportunity to share them with others! They truly are such great books!
I don't know if this is something you'd be interested in, but I have thought of you a couple of times and thought I'd quickly reach out!! I'm having so much fun with these online parties and it's been fun to see my friends get free books out of it! (Especially mamas with young ones!)

Would you be up for hosting? It is SO easy, fun and simple - less than an hour long and all from Facebook. We won't spam your friends or be annoying either!!  I have dates left in July!!!

The FORTUNE is in the FOLLOW-UP!

Don't forget to follow up!! If you don't get a response, maybe they were busy when you sent it and didn't take the time to respond. 

You could say something like this:

"Hi again! Just checking in once more!!  I am excited to share Usborne with your friends and get you some free books!! Did either of those dates work for you?"

If you don't hear back after that, make a note that you may want to wait awhile before reaching out to that person again. But DO reach out again, just give it some time! :) 

Here are some MORE great "Words to Use"!

We all want to know: what are the MAGIC booking words? What will get people to book a party with me?! What do I SAY?!

The first thing is to know that there's not one stock answer that will always work. You need to be PERSONAL and LISTEN and in the end let them know HOW you can fulfill their need.

In the meantime, here are a few lines of booking words I like to use:

TO THE GOOD FRIEND:
So I honestly have been so amazed and impressed by my experience with Usborne so far!  I know you guys love reading in your house, and I sincerely want you to get some books for FREE! A Facebook party is less than an hour, all from your home computer and super fun. I have ________, and _______ available- do you want to claim one of those dates?

TO THE FRIEND YOU HAVEN'T REALLY TALKED TO MUCH:
Hey!!! Long time no see! I just recently became a consultant for Usborne Books and more. I keep thinking about you and your cute family that I see in all these pictures!  However, I also think, "no! I don't even talk to her!" I am the worst! I would really love to catch up!!
Anyway, in an effort to promote literacy, I’m wanting to get my friends as many free books as possible! The best way to do that is to host a party on Facebook with me! It would be less than an hour- and I can give you double the hostess rewards so you’ll make out like a bandit. I have ______, and ______ open- which date would work best for you?

TO THE GENERIC PARTY GUEST:
Hey! I hope you had fun at ______'s party!! If your wish list was longer than your budget allows you should totally host a FB party with me! My hostesses truly get a ton of books and I love helping kids get excited about reading!!
The NEXT person to book a party with me will automatically get $20 in FREE books- and I’ll give (hostess) an extra $20 free too! I have ________ and ________ available to party- comment below with what date you’d like to claim!

TO THE SPECIFC PARTY GUEST:
Hey!! Thank you so much for your order!  You picked some great books!! I know you will love the!!  I know that you had some other stuff on your wishlist and I’d love to get it to you for FREE! Hosting a party like ______’s is really the way to go ;) I have _______ and ________ open. Would you like to claim one of those dates for your own party?

TO THE HOSTESS WHO JUST HAD A PARTY:
So you know how after you go to the dentist they schedule for an appointment in 6 months?
(option 1): We will totally have some NEW titles in 6 months and since my calendar fills up fast, I'd love to get you in NOW for a party THEN. I have ______, and ______ open which date works best for you?
(option 2): Well the holidays are coming up quick and I would love to get you some free and 1/2 price books before you start Christmas shopping. Does October or November work best for you?

AS YOUR FACEBOOK STATUS:
<Picture of adorable children with loads of books>
Oh my gosh I can’t believe the FREE book haul from my Usborne Books Facebook party! So happy I can give the gift of reading to my kids AND to anyone who hosts a party with me! 

8- Build your team!!!

Why is it important to recruit??  How do you recruit potential consultants??

The potential to make career level income is right at your fingertips!! There are many consultants who are bringing home $2,000 to even $15,000 a month!! What could this mean for your family?! The way in which this is achieved is through recruiting, building your team, and promotion!

Ways to recruit

1. Offer this opportunity to everyone!! If you have family and friends you think might need, enjoy or be good at this, offer it to them!!

• "Hey Sara! I have been thinking about you a lot lately!!  I know how much you love books and want to eventually stay home.  Have you ever given any thought to trying out this business! I think you would be SO good at it!!! It is so much fun and such a great opportunity!  There are no sales minimums and I can help you get started!! Plus, I would really enjoy getting to spend more time with you!!!

2- Offer to EACH hostess!!! You want them to see that this is something they can do!

• Before their party-  "I really think this is something you would be so good at doing!!  During the party, just watch what I do and think about whether this is something you might be interested in trying!!"
• After the party- "Wow!! That was such a fun party and your friends seem to love the books!! Did you give any more thought to trying this yourself? I booked 2 parties from your friends.  If you are interested in joining, I will give you those 2 parties to help you get started!"

3- Share what you do and what it means to you at each event! Parties, booths, and VIP groups are all great places to showcase what this business has meant to you!!  The more genuine and honest, the more people will see how this might benefit them!

4-Customer Care and Folllow-up!! ALWAYS contact your customers shortly after their receive their orders.  They will now have seen the books and generally are very impressed!! This would be a great time to check in and start building that relationship!

• "I am SO glad you love your books!!!  Which one is your favorite??  It is so hard to narrow it down sometimes. I still struggle with wanting so many!!! "

Build that relationship with the customer.  Get to know them and their kids! This will help you book more parties, and also help you gain new consultants!!!