Selling yourself -- or anything else

Writing a compelling cover letter for your resume is a lot like selling products and services. You need to be colorful, specific, and focus on what the reader needs and wants.

A business owner who is hiring recently posted some tips on Craigslist for how to write a hot cover letter. His tips sound a lot like the copywriting advice I recommend (and deliver) to my clients. To paraphrase:

• It must answer our needs. Read the specific job requirements and address them -- with examples. Don't simply regurgitate the same old spiel. It's boring and no one reads boring.
• Be super clear and concise.
• Be open and honest.

Whether you're pitching a job or selling a service, you'd do well to read this. It's excellent advice.

Home parties are back

So says USA Today, anyway.

Home parties are swinging again with products as eclectic as home décor and as common as crayons. Customers are flocking to those gatherings for the personal touch and service they afford.

The Direct Selling Association says 74% of us have purchased something via direct selling. Sales, almost all of it from parties, hit nearly $30 billion in 2003, vs. $17 billion a decade ago.

A home party sales channel can boost familarity, build trust and strengthen your brand. Could your business sell via home parties?