With Kisha Patterson and Sam Higginson
In this week’s episode, we hear from Senior Rep Kisha Patterson. She shares her insight on how to get started with your business and maintain momentum.
“I just wanted to be a customer.”
I was a customer first, and that’s the only interest I had in it. As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and busy mother of two, this was not on my radar as an opportunity for me. But when I saw my friend Jon’ette’s Instagram post, it felt like she was speaking right to me. I already trusted her as a person in my life, so I reached out for more info.
She pointed out that we already give advice and recommendations to the people around us. We already act as influencers, so why not get paid for it? Jon’ette was 100% right, and I did love the clothes I had before purchased from Zyia. That mindset shift was all I needed. Now Jon’ette is my sponsor, my mentor, and my sister.
What are the first few steps you took to start your business?
Well, if you are blessed enough to have a sponsor, be like a sponge and absorb as much as you can from them. You will learn the most when you’re coachable and follow their lead wholeheartedly.
As I was getting started, Jon’ette told me to own my brand and my business. My posts had to be about me, with my face, and my gym buddies. It needed to be authentic because that’s what people relate to the most.
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When I got my first order in, I posted a gym picture and captioned it: “What motivates you to work out? For me, it’s getting new workout gear.”
This post and the conversations from it led me to my first party (which was nerve-racking). I called it ‘Quarantine and Chill,’ and everyone who joined at that party became my VIP group. My teasers and traction grew as I added more over time and kept authentic and honest content.
How to Overcome Objections
There will always be adversities and obstacles that play into your business. The best thing you can do is be prepared with tools to help you get through those challenging times.
What objection or feedback is common from customers?
I see the most objection over pricing, and that’s ok. Because of that pain point, I choose to focus on solving their problem. If you know your audience, you can alter your post or conversation to fit their needs. If they’re looking for activewear, show them that the leggings pass the squat test and don’t roll on the waistband. If they like leisurewear or something versatile, show them how to dress up or down the same cute T-shirt and legging combo.
“You’re not going to win them all, and that’s ok.”
What is the biggest objection from business partners?
Time is an obstacle that I run into from business partners. It’s understandable because this does take your time and effort. That’s why I am candid with them from the beginning. We will have a conversation about their goals so both of us can be clear about our expectations for the business. Honesty is huge and very helpful for you both to be successful.
How to host a great party.
You have to be active, show up, and make the parties fun. During Covid, we were doing live ‘Quarantine and Chill’ parties. I would reach out to family and friends and throw them a virtual birthday party. We even had a Crop Top Party for a friend to hype up her new look.
I really make an effort to show up and get involved in my parties. I even popped up at a party after a workout and said: “look, I’m all sweaty, but this shirt isn’t clinging to my body. The sweat-wicking effects work!” Focus on solving their problem while being genuine, honest, and authentic.
What has been the least expected and best part of your business so far?
The community and personal growth opportunities have been more than I could imagine. It’s amazing to have people lifting each other and motivating them. I had never seen myself as a leader, but here I am! I’ve learned so much about myself on this personal growth journey.
It’s more than just leggings.
Join us each Monday at 1 pm MST for our weekly series of trainings with industry expert, Sam Higginson.