Getting Sales Leads to Setting Sails

Building a business with the support of helpers leads to celebrating success on both land and at sea for Elizabeth Jones.

Elizabeth Jones
Elizabeth Jones was on six months medical leave from her quality control job at a plastics manufacturer, when a neighbor recruited her to be an Avon Representative. "I kept saying no, but even my husband encouraged me to give it a try," says the Tarboro, North Carolina resident.

Not only did Elizabeth "give it a try," she thoroughly embraced the fun and excitement of sharing Avon's top brands with family, friends and neighbors. Turning her initial "no" into a resounding "yes," she continued as a part time Representative after returning to work. Four years later, Elizabeth is now an Honor Society Member (Award Sales $20,200). She credits her success to careful organization, loyal helpers and her steadfast faith that her efforts will pay off.

Her Avon payoff manifests in a number of ways. For one, the full-time career she's had for 22 years is a major source of Customers; so are the bi-monthly, open-house parties she throws that are a draw in her neighborhood, particularly during the summer.

Elizabeth also has a team of helpers supporting her business with their dedication and reliability. "Without my helpers I wouldn't have as many Customers, because they manage to get my brochures into the hands of people as far as 50 miles away," she says. Furthermore, most of these helpers - nearly three dozen, are also Customers, and Elizabeth's irresistible discounts and incentives keep their loyalty intact.

Celebrating a First
Elizabeth's success has also been measured in the Avon recognition. It's not hard to believe that this unassuming woman didn't know she won the 2006 Sail-Abration Cruise to the Bahamas. Naturally, she was thrilled to be able to take her daughter, Quansheena, now 21, as her guest on the trip. On top of it being an exclusive Avon President's Club privilege, it was also the first airplane ride and boat ride for Elizabeth! "Avon gave me my first experience in the air and on the water," she says proudly.

When it comes to Customer preferences, Elizabeth has established a strong following for Avon's Skin So Soft bath and body collections, and the Imari and Haiku fragrance brands. "I once had a Customer order 100 bars of Skin So Soft soap, and curiosity was high when we introduced Imari Seduction," says Elizabeth.

A woman of deep faith, Elizabeth considers a recent doubling of her sales over the previous campaign, another answered prayer. The person who initially rejected the idea, appreciates how much Avon has added to her life, not the least being the possibility of more Avon trips, more opportunities to fly.