Connect
http://www.twitter.com/dialkrista
Education
Belmont University - Bachelor of Science in Public Relations
Krista Dial isn’t one to see challenges. Instead, Krista appreciates that life is full of untapped opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. This optimism allowed Krista to parlay of period of instability and uncertainty in her public relations career into a successful Independent Consultant position with Rodan+Fields Dermatologists.
What originally began as a somewhat necessary leap of faith has turned into a successful, self-motivated business for Krista. “This is a self-driven business,” Krista notes, “to see progress, one must be actively involved on a daily basis.” While this commitment can blur the lines between work and life, Krista asserts that by truly loving what you do it won’t really matter; as Confucius said, “Choose a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
By finding a job that she loves, Krista has developed a passion for her own work and for helping her growing team of consultants. All it took was a bit of “thinking outside the cubicle.”
Life is too short, so don't waste time by doing something you don't enjoy.
You mentioned you initially started working with Rodan+Fields part-time. What was it about working for the company that made you decide to leave your job to pursue working for the company full-time?
Yes, when I learned about Rodan+Fields Dermatologists, it was a very uncertain time in my career. I was looking for a change and was intrigued that I could be affiliated with such a well-respected brand name. (Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields are the same two doctors who created Proactiv® -- the No. 1-selling acne regimen in the world.) When I heard how I could be involved with their new business venture, I knew it was something I needed to be a part of.
The company I was employed by had been through a number of layoffs, and I decided it was time to put together my exit strategy and fully focus on my career with Rodan+Fields. There were a number of factors that led to that decision:
1 / This is a virtual franchise, so I have the freedom and flexibility to work anytime, anywhere with anyone in the U.S.
2 / Timing. Most of the U.S. doesn't know about us yet.
3 / Rodan+Fields offers a generous compensation plan and allows me to give myself a raise every month and also earn residual income.
What does your job involve? What are you responsible for, and what types of responsibilities fill your day?
My role with Rodan+Fields essentially boils down to one thing -- sharing a message of hope. Whether it's helping someone with a particular skin concern they've been dealing with for years, educating someone looking for a change about the power behind direct selling and network marketing, or coaching a new business partner as they launch their business, my primary objective is to share a message of hope and inspire people to think "outside the cubicle".
My primary responsibilities are to provide top-notch customer service experiences and provide training and mentoring to our business partners. Many of the people we work with don't have prior business ownership experience. I didn't. So I spend a lot of time training and coaching.
Rarely are two days ever the same. The types of responsibilities that usually fill my day are training (via phone and/or in-person), networking, relationship-building, plus the usual things all business owners must juggle -- marketing/tracking receipts/etc. I spend a lot of time listening. Most people just want to be heard. I really enjoy that aspect of this career.
Was there ever a moment in your career where you’ve thought, “I made it!” What was it?
Well, I was very excited the day I left my job to pursue this career full-time. It didn't seem like it was actually happening. Although that was a big accomplishment, I certainly wouldn't say that I've "made it" yet. I still have some really big goals to achieve!
What challenges keep you awake at night?
What keeps me awake at night isn't necessarily a particular challenge, but all of the untapped opportunity! There are so many people looking for what we offer that it can be overwhelming to know where to start sometimes. Between keeping myself organized, having a clear vision and an incredible team that is growing, I certainly feel we're on pace to meet the big goals we've set as a team.
Is work/life balance ever a problem with you? If so, what is one no-fail tactic you use to create balance?
Not necessarily. Because this is a self-driven business, I get to choose how I spend my time. The lines between "work/life" tend to blur quite a bit for me most days. I absolutely love what I do, so it doesn't always feel like work. Chinese teacher and philosopher Confucious says, "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." That's what I feel has happened for me. I do my best to start every day with at least 15 minutes of quiet time where I read from my devotional, pray for wisdom and guidance throughout the day, and just spend some time re-focusing. On those days where I'm extremely busy hopping from meeting to meeting, I make it a point to "unplug" when I get home and simply enjoy time with my husband, go visit with my parents or catch up with a friend.
What are some of the rules you live by?
- Life is too short, so don't waste time by doing something you don't enjoy. Find something you love and give it your best.
- Know your priorities and stick with them. (God, family, career)
- Don't let those with less ambition steal yours. Negativity can come in many forms -- even from well-meaning friends and family. Don't be afraid to follow what's in your heart and make the best decision for you.
- Serve others and watch what happens.
What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?
Success in our industry is defined by each individual; therefore, one must be able to
define what "success" looks like to him or her. The ability to think both long-term and short-term is key. In addition, one must be coachable, accepting of constructive criticism, goal-driven, lead with a humble, servant attitude and commit to following our proven system. Our system works extremely well. When consultants fail to meet goals, I think it can be natural to want to point fingers or play the blame game. In most cases, however, the only person we can blame is ourselves. This is a self-driven business, so to see progress, one must be actively involved on a daily basis, consistently working towards those goals and not being afraid to ask for help when it's needed. We may be in business for ourselves, but we're certainly not by ourselves. We're always stronger when we work as a team.
Can anyone be an entrepreneur?
Yes, and I believe over the next several years we will see more and more people starting their own businesses. Whether it's a freelancing business, partnering with a direct-selling and/or network marketing company like ours or opening a "mom and pop" brick and mortar storefront. I'm observing that not only do individuals want multiple streams of income, they also want freedom to choose how, with whom and where they work.
Companies like ours will continue to prosper because of this desire for entrepreneurship. In our uber-connected, info-driven society, word-of-mouth among your network is extremely valuable. Small business rewards that. As Robert Kiyosaki says, "Everyone else looks for work. The richest people in the world look for and build networks." While not everyone is cut out for business ownership, for those truly looking to make a change, all of the resources are at your fingertips. It's just a matter of making the decision to do what it takes to achieve the level of success you desire.
What advice do you have for women who aspire to walk in your shoes?
I have a few pieces of advice regarding my experience. Always be open to new opportunities that cross your path. I believe everything happens for a reason, so don't immediately shut the door when a new option stands in front of you. You never know where it may lead. I'm forever grateful for the day this company was shared with me. I now see that all of the trials and obstacles I encountered in my previous career were simply stepping stones to get me on this path.
Also, don't compare yourself to others. Some will have what seems like overnight success and others will take more time. Focus on you, your specific journey and what you're learning along the way … and your success will come.
Finally, don't be afraid. Your big goals, dreams and desires stand just on the other side of fear, so just believe in yourself and what you offer. You will accomplish incredible things when you take the leap of faith and just do what you're called to do.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Although I envision the future quite a bit, I know that nothing is certain. I also know that you can't move forward if you don't know where you're going, so by 2017, I intend for my business to be flourishing even more wildly. I will have business partners in all 50 states, plus any other countries our company has expanded to at that point.
We intend to start a family sometime in the next few years, so in five years, I will be able to focus on being an involved, supportive mom, wife, daughter and community supporter, while also running a super-successful business. In five years, my husband and I will be taking a quarterly vacation to places we've never visited. We will also do a yearly vacation with extended family. By this point, I will also have significant funds allotted to specific non-profit organizations that are important to me.