The term “Sharpen the Saw” comes from author Steven Covey’s Habit #7 in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” He uses the analogy of a woodcutter who is sawing for several days straight and is becoming less and less productive. The process of cutting dulls the blade. So the solution is to periodically sharpen the saw.

What are you doing to sharpen the saw of your direct sales business? Networks and forums are full of ideas on recruiting, hostess coaching, vendor events, theme parties and all sorts of fun ideas on how to run your sales business. Yet those topics don’t necessarily do anything to sharpen the saw of the consultant.

It saddens me when I read posts, ad nauseam, that wail, “My sponsor isn’t helping me.” I often question what exactly that means. Does it mean you call her and she doesn’t return calls? You email and she doesn’t return emails? You ask her questions at meetings and she stares blankly into space? More importantly in some cases, is what have you done to help yourself lately?

Are you reading nonfiction business books? Don’t have time? Perhaps more likely you don’t choose to make time. Besides, with the advent of audio books and podcasts, is there really any excuse not to read?

What blogs do you regularly read? Do you know everything there is about marketing your business? Internet marketing? Networking (and this doesn’t mean hanging out in forums but true effective networking)? Do you have an expert level grasp on SEO?

Do you know your company policies and procedures inside and out? Have you considered hiring a business coach? Do you invest any of your profit back into the business of teaching yourself skills, which are necessary to stay ahead of the competition?

Have you attended any webinars? Teleconferences? Regional seminars? Website design? Why not? School educators, medical professionals and a host of other careers are required to earn annual CEUs (Continuing Education Units). Yet some independent consultants fail to realize that they are business owners who can never know or learn too much about running their business.

Can you think of any downside to continuous improvement where your own personal business knowledge is concerned? Neither can I. Perhaps next time you prepare to offer up a cry of “My sponsor isn’t helping me.” You may want to consider what you have done to help yourself by sharpening the saw.

About the Author: Laurie Ayers is a WAHM from Michigan. She started her first home business in 1988. As a single parent, Laurie has supported her family by working at home as an Independent Consultant and Star Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles. She enjoys helping others start a candle business. You can find Laurie at http://www.thrivingcandlebusiness.com/

Last 5 posts by Laurie Ayers

• Use eBay to Promote Your Direct Sales Business - February 7th, 2009
• 7 Steps to Get Out of the Direct Sales Rut - January 3rd, 2009
• Understanding Target Markets - December 30th, 2008
• Selecting a Direct Sales Sponsor - December 30th, 2008
• Read All Instructions Before Use - December 30th, 2008

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Tags: Business - Direct Sales