Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 8, 1993 TAG: 9304080483
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-27 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
MANAGER MORE HELPER THAN BOSS
Beverly Palmer leaves inspirational messages on her answering machine. People turn to her in crisis, and she never meets a stranger.Palmer is the "the Avon Lady," and she meets people from all walks of life every day and loves them all.
"I love my job. I love every minute of it," said the bubbly Avon district sales manager.
Palmer chose Avon for her career so she could meet neighbors when her family moved to Roanoke from Atlanta 11 years ago. Since then she has met hundreds of people, 250 of them Avon associates.
Two of the representatives she has managed used their Avon earnings to pay for chemotherapy. Several are elderly. Many are mothers using their earnings to supplement family income. Some are men.
Palmer said the ideal Avon representative is someone "with character, who loves people, with a reason."
As district sales manager, Palmer said her job is not to pressure the reps but to help them succeed.
"I consider myself more a helper than a boss. I apply no pressure other than what they put on themselves. The reps control their own hours and time. Opportunities are there if they want to do more."
Palmer also chose a career in Avon because her mother and grandmother sold the products.
"You know, in each woman is part of the little girl that once was. That's what makes the colors and samples so much fun - it's like play."
Palmer said Avon continues to do well despite the economy because products are high quality and low expense. The product line has evolved so that there is something in the catalog for each member of the family, she said.
Avon also alters products to keep up with trends, including the addition of beauty computers to assist customers in choosing shades of makeup, products for men and children and jewelry, said Palmer.
"The company supports the reps with national advertising in newspapers, magazines and on TV."
Palmer often visits groups to talk about Avon products. She particularly enjoys working with high school students "because they are at an age where skin care is important."
She said she owes much of her success to her family - a supportive husband and three sons who sold Avon in high school on a dare from their mom.
"It can be a family project."
Her motto?
"A smile on the face puts a smile in the heart. You gotta love people."
For information on Avon products or a sales career in Avon, Beverly Palmer can be reached at 774-6873.