5 Tips to Build Your Business from Avon Canada’s Top-Selling Representative

President’s Club Council Member Linda Hulleman, from Burlington, Ontario, isn’t one to normally talk about herself and her accomplishments. In fact, most of her customers don’t even know about her recent achievement as Avon’s Top Selling Representative in Canada! But she’s quick to share her pride and joy when it comes to her three children and five grandchildren. Linda’s a humble individual who believes in making everyone feel special and valued. And it’s her persistence and personal integrity that have led to her success.

Posted to Facebook by Linda’s youngest daughter:

“I am so proud of my mom (Linda)… she has grown her business and has now become the NUMBER ONE Avon lady in Canada. Her faith and her strength shines through in all she does, whether giving a listening ear to many of her customers and the difficulties they are going through, giving advice to new reps on how to grow their business and having fun on the yearly trips… Love you Mom!”

Here’s what Linda had to say about her Avon journey:

1. BUILD relationships with loyal Customers

“I’ve been an Avon Representative for over 32 years and many of my first customers are still with me. That’s what I’m most proud of… the relationships I’ve nurtured! My Avon business has grown because my customers know that they can rely on me every campaign. I’ve built a relationship of trust that comes with being consistent. My customers don’t ever question whether I’ll be coming by with a Brochure, they know I will.

2. Stay POSITIVE

When I first joined Avon in 1983, it was to help pay the tuition for the Christian schools that we wanted our three children to attend. At the time, our first child was starting Grade 1 and I wanted to remain a stay-at-home Mom. I knew Avon and loved the Avon products, so it made sense. At first I was nervous and a bit intimidated to knock on doors selling Avon. But I was also determined. After a while, I developed more self-confidence and I just kept knocking on more doors and handing out more Avon Brochures. It’s important to stay positive. It’s also true that ‘slow and steady wins the race’. You can’t expect everything to happen fast. However, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get this far with Avon. The growth of my business was gradual but steady. On my first order, I only earned a profit of $20 but I kept going. You have to give yourself time to grow. Every campaign, my goal has been to surpass my last order. That’s how I grew my business… one campaign at a time. And in all these years, even through life’s ups and downs, I have never missed an order. Ever!

3. ALWAYS follow up

I also make it a point to follow-up with all my customers regularly in order to build trust and loyalty. The personal service that I provide and the connections that grow over time are so important. Now, most of my ‘new’ customers are word of mouth referrals. To stay connected between deliveries, I send emails with the Brochure highlights every campaign to ensure my customers don’t miss a thing. And of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family, particularly my husband who faithfully stamps my books every campaign. Avon truly is a family affair.

4. LOVE what you do

The people I have met and the precious relationships that have developed as a result of my Avon business are definitely the parts I love best about being an Avon Representative. Avon has allowed me to grow as a person and has taught me many life lessons too… one of which is that I’m now better able to tune in to people’s feelings and read their body language. That has allowed me to provide the best customer service possible. Sometimes it means taking the time for a chat while at other times, a quick word or simple note is sufficient. I have to gauge what feels right for each individual customer. In turn, some of my customers have now become wonderful friends who have also supported me during tough times. I’m so grateful for them.

5. Enjoy your REWARDS

Of course, I can’t say enough about the fantastic trips that Avon hosts to reward its Top Selling Representatives each year! You’ve never travelled until you’ve travelled with Avon! And being recognized and supported by your peers is a truly special moment. So far I have experienced celebrations in 24 gorgeous destinations including California, the Bahamas, Aruba, Costa Rica and Jamaica! And every single time has been unique and so much fun. When I went on my first trip, a cruise, I had never travelled before. These trips have given me the opportunity to see the world and make new friendships that are still going strong today. I always look forward to seeing my Avon friends again and I cherish these amazing moments together. It’s such a wonderful time! Thanks Avon!”