Meet Karen Cubler – Direct Sales Leader
How I Met Karen Cubler
Of course it makes sense that, as a Direct Sales “Rockstar”, I met Karen during a woman’s local networking group where I had the fortune of sitting at her table. I say “fortune” because, not only did I become a lifetime client of Karen’s, but I have also become a close friend and have learned so much from her mentorship. She impressed me with her professionalism in a career that could have been more of a part-time gig that may not have been taken as seriously by others. But, not Karen. She makes Direct Sales at least a 40-hour per week career that involves as much mentoring as it does selling. She reached leadership level early on in the company and continues to show others how to completely “ROCK IT”!
During the interview, Karen discusses how she built her business initially on her “warm market” – she let all her connections (family, friends and their circles) know about her new business. Things were going great until she moved away and had to start all over again without having any local connections. See below for some of the tips she gives during the interview.
Most Important Points During the Interview with Karen Cubler
- Start with your “warm market” when you’re trying to find new connections or do business – this may seem obvious, but people often assume that their warm market is aware of the connections or new business they want to attract. This is often not true. Take home message: don’t forget to ask the people you already know to introduce you to more connections or inform them of your new career.
- When Karen moved to a new location, she learned that the library (yes, library!) keeps a list of all the local social and community clubs in the area. Of course, there are now online versions of this, such as meetup.com, eventful.com, and even just Googling the words “networking events in [your town, city or state]”. Also, don’t overlook checking out the library’s resources and talking with the librarian. You might get the inside scoop that you would otherwise miss online.
- Another important point Karen mentions: make sure you attend networking events or join organizations that INTEREST YOU, and not just where you expect to find the right connections. By joining those that YOU enjoy, you will have a common ground that makes it easy to build real lasting relationships, not superficial networking-only connections (you know the kind I mean!).
- Let them get to know the real you – this helps with establishing longterm relationships.
Power Tips
- Go in to a networking group, club or organization with the intention of having fun and establishing common ground with the attendees. Research ahead of time what you may have in common with the group. Once you get to know them, you can tell whether or not their integrity is there.
- Take on a position in the group, such as an officer or member of a board.
- When in a group of strangers, reposition yourself as the host. Listen to the podcast and you’ll hear a great idea from Karen about this!
- Cold calling idea – go into an office setting and, making sure you are NOT soliciting, give the office staff something for free.
Connect with Karen Cubler
Karen’s Recommendations for Whom to Connect with Next
Karen Ziegler – Mentor and Coach
Karen Vasquez – Kakes by Karen, LLC
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