‘Ding-dong! Avon calling!’ Who remembers that genius advertising campaign?

But while maybe once upon a time, being an ‘Avon lady’ was a way for someone to make pin money to boost the housekeeping (yup, that was all many women could expect, as recently as the 1960s and 1970s), in reality, the home-selling of Avon cosmetics has created generations of entrepreneurs, who’ve quietly been managing budgets, cash flow, stock, sales and engaging in first-class customer service (because as much as the products themselves, that’s what keeps Avon’s clientele coming back, time and time again…) Amazingly, Avon has been helping women create positive change for a staggering 137 years! And at the very highest level – ‘Avon Leaders’ – there are now individuals earning £10,000 a month.

As entrepreneurs ourselves, we applaud the fact that Avon is helping its network of sales consultants boost their skillset by recruiting Dragon’s Den’s Sarah Davies MBE as their ‘Chief Inspiration Officer’, to share her experience and expertise, inspiring women across the UK to become their own boss. (Sarah began her own entrepreneurial journey via crafting, going on to found Crafter’s Companion, now a global retailer.)

Sarah will be hosting masterclasses to mentor and coach Avon reps, ‘while offering tailored advice on how to be their own boss, grow their businesses and lead a team.’ (The first cohort of Avon reps who attended Sarah’s masterclasses apparently saw sales grow by 18% in the first year.)

Sarah says: ‘The research reflects so many of the barriers I came up against when starting up my own business. I know that it still impacts women today, who have that drive, but face the same issues. I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship and helping people to realise their ambitions so having the opportunity to share my own knowledge and experience to inspire others is incredibly exciting.’

We think her ‘top tips’ are worth quoting for all budding entrepreneurs…

Sara’s top tips for building your own business and motivating a team

Have a plan, set your goals and put them on paper: writing down what you want to achieve helps you to stick to your plans and hold yourself accountable.

Do your research: ensure that you feel a connection to the brand and what they stand for. This will make promoting your business feel natural.

Build a personal brand: give customers the chance to buy into you, not just the products you sell.

Use your support network: reach out to those around you for advice and be loud and proud when something goes well for you.

Lead from the front: as your business grows your team will increasingly look to you for inspiration and motivation. Successful leadership doesn’t come from what you do occasionally but from what you do consistently.

Tailor your leadership style: listen to what each individual team member needs to support their growth and development as you recruit new talent. If someone has done a good job, tell them and share with your community. This will inspire and motivate others.

As Sarah rightly says, ‘The country is filled with women from all walks of life, who have amazing entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. So unlocking all this potential should benefit them and beyond – such a boost for business and the wider economy.”

For more info on becoming an Avon Rep or Leader, click here

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