| It's spring! The sun is out. Spring with all of the | | | | the challenge that spring sports schedules, |
| beauty brings some important business | | | | birthdays, graduations and shortly thereafter, |
| considerations. | | | | vacation pose. Help them understand the |
| Read on for a handy checklist to help Leaders | | | | difference between an excuse and a challenge or |
| build bigger, stronger teams this spring and retain | | | | objection. |
| them through the summer. When I started in | | | | ___3. Be Alert - Watch for signs of team |
| direct sales it took me a few years of | | | | members who start to disengage. They worked |
| experiencing the ups and downs and effects of | | | | earlier in the year and start to fade. Reach out to |
| the season to understand the necessary shifts | | | | them. |
| needed as a Leader. | | | | ___4. Recruit now - Recruit a fresh group of |
| Most of the seasonal shifts were related to the | | | | spring team members. Like the flowers that |
| impact of seasonal sports that our daughters got | | | | bloom and bring us color, the new team members |
| involved with (i.e. softball, cheerleading, roller | | | | will bring a fresh outlook and energy to your |
| derby). Plus when and how to schedule business | | | | team. |
| appointments, home parties and recruit interviews | | | | ___5. Set Recruiting Goals - Set a specific |
| was often determined by whether the children | | | | recruiting goal to reach in the next 8 weeks. |
| were in school or out of school. Without foresight, | | | | ___6. Target Teachers - Think about what |
| the schedule that was going smoothly and in a | | | | workers/industries have the summer off. |
| groove would not work. The business demands | | | | Teachers are one group to target for spring |
| would pull at me and create an internal conflict. | | | | recruiting. Challenge your team. (I was recruited a |
| Not only was this shift in my own family, it would | | | | fateful spring on a bad day of teaching!) If they |
| affect my team and customers.Over time I | | | | cannot be recruited, offer them to be a Host. |
| developed systems that helped me to meet the | | | | ___7. Set Up Schedules - Plan a spring team |
| needs of my business and my family. The internal | | | | meeting to share tips on how to set up schedules |
| pull was replaced with pleasure and I became | | | | for the summer. Encourage your team to swap |
| more effective at guiding my Leaders to get their | | | | ideas for summer camps, swim lessons and |
| business in a flow. They in turn were not only | | | | sustaining their business. |
| more successful and more productive; they were | | | | ___8. Challenge and Celebrate - Consider kicking |
| pleased with their choices. | | | | off a 3 month team challenge. Celebrate |
| Use this checklist to help you enjoy this season | | | | consistent success. |
| and get on top of the seasonal shifts coming your | | | | ___9. Team Bonding means Team Building - The |
| way. | | | | team that plays together; stays together. |
| Spring S.T.A.R Team Building Checklist | | | | Schedule a fun family outing or picnic by |
| ___1. Think Shorter, Simpler and Springy - Talk | | | | geographic area. We used to have an annual |
| to your team about the importance of having a | | | | organization 'Zoo Day'. Everyone brought their |
| spring/ summer approach during their home | | | | families and we had a huge picnic. It was fun and |
| parties. Shorter, lighter (carry less), more casual, | | | | our children grew up together. |
| take less time. | | | | ___10. Keep Your Expectations High - With |
| ___2. Be Prepared - Prepare your team for | | | | planning it does not need to be a choice between |
| customer hurdles to booking appointments, recruit | | | | two loves - business or family; help your |
| interviews and events. Discuss how to respond to | | | | organization be ready to handle both. |