Eight Ways to Corner Your Mary Kay Market

Lately, there's been a lot of talk about how difficult it is to make a living as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. The talk is right; it can be hard to make money in Mary Kay, especially if you purchase a lot of inventory which you're then unable to sell. However, Mary Kay consultants who are generous, genuine, and willing to step outside of the stereotypical Mary Kay practices can not only avoid going into debt to start their business and gain customers, but can establish themselves as the cool Mary Kay agent with whom people want to do business. Here are eight things you can do to transform yourself from that pushy lady whom her neighbors avoid to that fun woman who sells Mary Kay at great prices.

1. Keep your old friends. Often, people become so involved in Mary Kay that they forget about or don't have time for their old friends and hobbies. This makes the Mary Kay agent seem obsessed and "tunnel-visioned," and it often makes the friends hate Mary Kay. Instead, remember that Mary Kay is just a job or a hobby. You've never forgotten all your friends for a job before, so don't start now.

2. Know when to leave work at home. Many husbands or women become embarrassed and annoyed when their wives or friends can't leave Mary Kay at home, and insist on trying to book appointments with saleswomen, waitresses, or strangers in the store. Not having time for your old friends, and not being able to leave work at home are two of the biggest mistakes that Mary Kay consultants make, and you must avoid them if you want to be cool and not creepy.

3. Know your craft. Many consultants lose sight of the fact that their craft is not selling, booking, or recruiting: their craft is makeup. Know what the current trends in makeup are, and how to adapt those trends to different face, eye, and lip shapes. Learn how to achieve the most popular looks and how to accomplish the most desired effects: brighter eyes, smoother foundation, and pouty lips. Put down the script for overcoming objections and open a Robert Jones book. Skip the unit meeting and spend two hours watching some of the excellent U-tube videos on stylish makeup techniques.