The Hidden Cost of NOT Following Up in Your Direct Sales Business

Ever feel like you’re already juggling too much to add one more thing—like follow-up—to your never-ending to-do list?

You’re not alone.

You're working hard! You’re posting on social media, running parties, hostess coaching, taking care of a team and trying to spin all the plates. The thought of adding another step to your process feels impossible.

But here’s the problem: Not following up is costing you—BIG TIME.

And I don’t just mean missed sales. The cost of NOT fixing your follow-up problem goes deeper than you think. Let’s take a look at what’s really happening when follow-up falls to the bottom of your list.

1. You’re Losing Repeat Business (A.K.A. Your Easiest Sales)

Here’s the truth: Your best customers are the ones who have already bought from you.

• They already know, like, and trust you.
• They don’t need to be convinced your product is amazing—they’ve experienced it firsthand.
• They’re the most likely to buy again—if you remind them.

But if you don’t follow up?

💸 They forget about you because you're not standing out.
💸 They use up their product and order from the next party or the next vendor show.
💸 They just pick something up from the local store that they think is comparable.

Ouch.

The easiest sale you’ll ever make is to a happy customer. But if you don’t check in, they move on—often to another consultant. And that stings.

2. You’re Letting Future Hosts and Team Members Slip Away

Ever have someone at a party say, “I’d love to host sometime!” and then…nothing?

Or maybe a customer mentioned they might be interested in joining your team someday?

What happens next?

• If you don’t follow up, life gets busy, and they forget all about it.
• Someone else follows up and books them before you do.
• They wait until they’re ready and join with whatever consultant is convenient at the time. I mean, it's all the same company, right? {{NO. Not right!}}

Meanwhile, you’re left wondering why your business isn’t growing.

Follow-up isn’t nagging. It’s nurturing.

Many consultants don’t follow up because they don’t want to feel pushy—but there’s a way to do it that feels natural and genuine. This simple strategy helps you build relationships without sounding salesy or spammy.

People need reminders. They need encouragement. And sometimes, they need you to be the person who helps them take action.

3. You’re Working Harder for Less

Think about how much effort you put into finding new customers:

• You spend all the time to create the perfect post on social media.
• You pack all your stuff up and spend hours at vendor shows.
• You show up everywhere hoping to attract new people.

That’s a LOT of work!

Now, let’s do the math:

💡 If you ran a party with 20 guests and 6 of them ordered, that’s 14 people who didn’t buy—but they showed up, meaning they were at least interested.

💡 Multiply that by 5 parties a month, and that’s 70 potential customers you’re letting walk away each month just because you don’t have a follow-up plan.

💡 Now imagine if just 10% of them placed an order later because you checked in. That’s 7 extra orders a month—84 extra orders a year—from people who already know who you are! 

If you’re constantly hustling to find new people but aren’t following up with the ones who’ve already shown interest, you’re making your business harder than it has to be.

4. You’re Not Building Loyalty (And That Hurts Long-Term)

Want to know what sets top earners apart from those who struggle?

They have customers who keep coming back.

And that doesn’t happen by accident.

Loyalty is built through connection. And connection happens when you show up—not just when you want a sale, but when you:

• Thank them for their order (without an ask at the end of the thank you!)
• Check in to see how they like their product.
• Send a quick tip to help them get the most out of their order.
  

These tiny moments create trust. And when your customers trust you, they:

❤️ Buy from YOU instead heading to the corporate website to find a consultant.
❤️ Tell their friends how amazing YOU are.
❤️ Say YES to hosting because they love doing business with you.

Without follow-up, you’re just another consultant selling a product. With follow-up, you become their go-to person.

Successful direct sellers know that follow-up isn’t just about checking in—it’s about creating conversations that lead to long-term business growth. That’s why mastering this one critical skill can set you apart!

How to Put This Into Action

Now that you see the cost of NOT following up, let’s talk about how to fix it—without overwhelming yourself.

1. Start Small. You don’t have to follow up with every customer ever. Start by checking in with 5 customers this week.
2. Make It Simple. A quick check-in goes a long way!
3. Use a System. If you’re manually tracking every follow-up, it’s easy to let it slide. Tools like Project Broadcast can help you automate your check-ins so you never miss a chance to connect.
4. Batch It. Set aside 15 minutes a few times a week to send your messages. You’ll be amazed at how easy it becomes when it’s a habit.
5. Focus on Value. Follow-up isn’t just about selling—it’s about helping. Offer tips, ask about their experience, and make them feel seen.

Ready to Turn Things Around?

If you’re tired of working so hard just to watch potential business slip through the cracks, it’s time to make a change.

🚀 Take the 5-Follow-Up Challenge! 🚀

Text CHECK IN to (734)243-1314 (Or click here to save a few keystrokes) and I’ll send you a ready-to-use check-in message you can send to 5 past customers today.

It’s quick, easy, and could bring in your next sale, booking, or future teammate!

Or, if you’re ready to finally put a system in place for follow-up (without adding more to your plate), Project Broadcast can help! It’s my favorite tool for automated yet personalized customer connections.

👉 Get started here and receive 50% off your first month!