I just finished qualifying for a trip for 2 to Vegas!! Yahooo!
I have been working on this MONSTER goal since September 2007. The qualifying period runs from September 1/07 to August 31/08.
I need to sell $40,000 and 10 qualified* recruits.
My last recruit just qualified today, mean she has entered in $1000 in sales during the qualifying period.
In January 2009 I will be joining my fellow colleagues at The Bellagio!
One of the things I love about my business is all the fabulous incentives! This the first trip I have ever challenged myself to achieve. Now that I can do it, I am totally going for the next one!
Wanna know what it is?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
My Apologies
For not posting in over a month!!
It's the summer and I am enjoying my family. One of the many perks of direct sales!
I am also preparing for my product launch of our new catalogue. But it's not all bad.
A new catalogue means September is right around the corner. My favourite time of the year in this business. I book lots of parties, the customers are excited about the new Fall/Christmas products, and spend a lot of time enjoying what I do!
So you probably won't hear from me very often in the next week. Product launch is next Tuesday and I have a ton to do!
So I better be off!
It's the summer and I am enjoying my family. One of the many perks of direct sales!
I am also preparing for my product launch of our new catalogue. But it's not all bad.
A new catalogue means September is right around the corner. My favourite time of the year in this business. I book lots of parties, the customers are excited about the new Fall/Christmas products, and spend a lot of time enjoying what I do!
So you probably won't hear from me very often in the next week. Product launch is next Tuesday and I have a ton to do!
So I better be off!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A LITTLE KUDOS GOES A LONG WAY!
I am on cloud 10 right now.
When I start my home business 2.5 years ago, I never dreamed I would be as successful as I am. It was only supposed to be a temporary fix to get me through my high risk pregnancy. But when I started making full time income for part hours, I decided to stick with it. And boy oh boy, am I glad I did.
Yesterday I received a letter from my home office. It's not unusual to receive a letter from them giving you a pat on the back for this, that and the other thing. I however was not expecting the following. The letter reads
July 7,2008
Dear Tina Marie,
Congratulation on achieving the highest in Personal Sales this month!
We are very proud of your impressive results. Congratulation once again on your outstanding success.
Sincerely,
WOW! I am totally shocked that I would accomplish this task. What a huge boost to my self confidence. I work with some stellar business women, and for me to even be within arms reach of their success, amazes me. This business and it's potential continues to excite me! I have some very clear goals of what I want to achieve over the next 5 years. Today I am even more confident that I can reach these goals!
Thanks for letting me share. Off to book some more parties :)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
HOW TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS GOING DURING THE SUMMER
This can be a challenging topic.
My business sustains itself by having Tasting Parties. If I do not have any Tasting Parties booked, I cannot find future hostesses or consultants. Most people like to party on the weekends. But in the summer time, the majority of us go away on weekends. So how can I keep my business running, when everyone is gone away?
One idea is to encourage hostesses to book their parties during the week. It's only a couple of hours and if you get started by 630-7pm, you can have the guests home and in their beds by 10. Keep it quick and simple.
If you can get a weekend booking, make it a couples party. Have the host couple tell their friends to bring a piece of meat. I provide an array of rubs and marinades and the guests can dress their own meat. I also bring a couple of salad dressings and our signature dips (fruit and veggie). The men BBQ and the women shop. We play games, and it is a lot of fun. I have repeat couples that book every summer. And when the guests see how much fun the party is, the want to have their own.
Another idea is a $1000 party. Call up 10 customers and challenge them to collect $100 in orders. $100 is not a lot, especially seeing as they will probably need to order some things themselves. The 10 x $100 will add up to a $1000 party. Give each customer 10% of whatever they collected in free products. Divide up the remainder of the hostess benefits and draw names to see who will receive what.
How about a Boxing Day sales in July? Offer your own special. Example: spend $75 and choose 1 cookware item at 25% off.
Open Houses are always quick and easy.
Take your products to the lake with you. Especially with my products. Take them along and make quick and easy camping recipes.
The most important thing to remember is BE CREATIVE. People host parties because they are FUN! Take the time to make your guests feel special and everyone will want to book with you.
My business sustains itself by having Tasting Parties. If I do not have any Tasting Parties booked, I cannot find future hostesses or consultants. Most people like to party on the weekends. But in the summer time, the majority of us go away on weekends. So how can I keep my business running, when everyone is gone away?
One idea is to encourage hostesses to book their parties during the week. It's only a couple of hours and if you get started by 630-7pm, you can have the guests home and in their beds by 10. Keep it quick and simple.
If you can get a weekend booking, make it a couples party. Have the host couple tell their friends to bring a piece of meat. I provide an array of rubs and marinades and the guests can dress their own meat. I also bring a couple of salad dressings and our signature dips (fruit and veggie). The men BBQ and the women shop. We play games, and it is a lot of fun. I have repeat couples that book every summer. And when the guests see how much fun the party is, the want to have their own.
Another idea is a $1000 party. Call up 10 customers and challenge them to collect $100 in orders. $100 is not a lot, especially seeing as they will probably need to order some things themselves. The 10 x $100 will add up to a $1000 party. Give each customer 10% of whatever they collected in free products. Divide up the remainder of the hostess benefits and draw names to see who will receive what.
How about a Boxing Day sales in July? Offer your own special. Example: spend $75 and choose 1 cookware item at 25% off.
Open Houses are always quick and easy.
Take your products to the lake with you. Especially with my products. Take them along and make quick and easy camping recipes.
The most important thing to remember is BE CREATIVE. People host parties because they are FUN! Take the time to make your guests feel special and everyone will want to book with you.
Monday, June 23, 2008
How to be Tactful?
I am sitting her wondering and debating and wrestling with my mind.
Today I received an email from head office outlining the various upcoming promotions.
I take note of a wonderful consultant signup promotion that will begin July 1st.
Anyone who becomes a consultant with my company, will receive an additional $75 in FREE products.
I know there are a lot of ladies who are walking around unemployed and stressed due to the recent closure of Weekenders Clothing, and I want to offer them a solution to their worry. But how do I do this without coming off rude or insensitive? Is it too soon to offer them a new business venture? Are they feeling gun shy right now? Or are they wanting me to give them an idea to ease their minds?
I think I need to think on this a little more.
Today I received an email from head office outlining the various upcoming promotions.
I take note of a wonderful consultant signup promotion that will begin July 1st.
Anyone who becomes a consultant with my company, will receive an additional $75 in FREE products.
I know there are a lot of ladies who are walking around unemployed and stressed due to the recent closure of Weekenders Clothing, and I want to offer them a solution to their worry. But how do I do this without coming off rude or insensitive? Is it too soon to offer them a new business venture? Are they feeling gun shy right now? Or are they wanting me to give them an idea to ease their minds?
I think I need to think on this a little more.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Why?
Every consultant has a why for starting their home business? There are many different whys.
My why was that I became extremely ill when I was pregnant with my third son. My doctor told me that I must immediately quit my full time job and limit my stress or I was going to lose my baby and quite possibly my own life. Well maybe not in such harsh words, but you understand what I mean. So I thought to myself, how am I going to quit my full time job, have absolutely no income and still "limit my stress"? Long story short, I looked into my current DS Business and here I am 2.5 years later.
But the whys always change. The reason you started the business is not the reason you stay. Most reasons for starting are, extra money, want to get the product at a discount, the starter kit was on sale, etc. Those reasons alone will not compel you to remain with your HBB (home based business). There has to be more. I know my why has changed. My initial plan was to work my current HBB until I was healthy enough, and my lil bugaboo was old enough for me to go back to my full time position. I NEVER dreamed that I would actually replace my full time income with "direct sales job" (insert gasp). But I did replace my full time income. And I did it on MY time (10 hrs a week), in my jammies, and with my children and husband by my side. I didn't miss out on all the activities I wanted to do with my family because I chose when and if I worked. I didn't have to ask anyone to take a vacation or to leave early for a doctor's appointment...I just did! But why do I stay? Other than the freedom to set my own hours? It's the people. And if you ask anyone, they will always say the people. I have met some of the most fantastic, loving, caring, inspiring, dedicated, determined, ambitious, fun, women in the world. Their infectious positive qualities have taught me about the person I want to be. When you surround yourself with positive people, you just can't help but become positive yourself. If I didn't work with such an amazingly positive group of women, and if the company I represented wasn't as caring and supportive to its Consultants, leaders, customers and environment as it is, I would not have remained in direct sales. I would have went back to my boring old 8 to 6 (nobody works 9-5 anymore) job and resented it until the day I retired. Now I get to party for a living and I can honestly say I look forward to my Job EVERY day!
So what is your why? Why did you start? Why do you stay?
I would love to hear from you!
My why was that I became extremely ill when I was pregnant with my third son. My doctor told me that I must immediately quit my full time job and limit my stress or I was going to lose my baby and quite possibly my own life. Well maybe not in such harsh words, but you understand what I mean. So I thought to myself, how am I going to quit my full time job, have absolutely no income and still "limit my stress"? Long story short, I looked into my current DS Business and here I am 2.5 years later.
But the whys always change. The reason you started the business is not the reason you stay. Most reasons for starting are, extra money, want to get the product at a discount, the starter kit was on sale, etc. Those reasons alone will not compel you to remain with your HBB (home based business). There has to be more. I know my why has changed. My initial plan was to work my current HBB until I was healthy enough, and my lil bugaboo was old enough for me to go back to my full time position. I NEVER dreamed that I would actually replace my full time income with "direct sales job" (insert gasp). But I did replace my full time income. And I did it on MY time (10 hrs a week), in my jammies, and with my children and husband by my side. I didn't miss out on all the activities I wanted to do with my family because I chose when and if I worked. I didn't have to ask anyone to take a vacation or to leave early for a doctor's appointment...I just did! But why do I stay? Other than the freedom to set my own hours? It's the people. And if you ask anyone, they will always say the people. I have met some of the most fantastic, loving, caring, inspiring, dedicated, determined, ambitious, fun, women in the world. Their infectious positive qualities have taught me about the person I want to be. When you surround yourself with positive people, you just can't help but become positive yourself. If I didn't work with such an amazingly positive group of women, and if the company I represented wasn't as caring and supportive to its Consultants, leaders, customers and environment as it is, I would not have remained in direct sales. I would have went back to my boring old 8 to 6 (nobody works 9-5 anymore) job and resented it until the day I retired. Now I get to party for a living and I can honestly say I look forward to my Job EVERY day!
So what is your why? Why did you start? Why do you stay?
I would love to hear from you!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH DIRECT SALES
But funny none the less. However, the mom in me worries about the choking hazzards!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Death, Taxes and Change
I just finished a teleconference with one of the most amazing woman speakers.
Celestine Nelson is a motivation speaker, trainer and coach empowering women across Canada.
Until a few months ago she was part of our Corporate Team. In the few times I met here, I was in awe of her energy and positive outlook. She always had the crowd on it's feet, cheering and laughing. It didn't matter how timid or shy you were, her energy engulfed you and you shone!Many of us were deeply saddened when she decided to move on. But hearing her today, I completely understand why she left and I support her 100%. She had to follow her dream!
Today she spoke about choices and change and boy oh boy did that hit home! As much as I try not to, I let myself focus on the negative in things and people. Its a quality in myself that I am not particularly proud of. It is something that I need to constantly work on to change. After listening to Celestine today I am even more determined to wash away the negative thinking.
Here are some things I learned this morning.
Celestine Nelson is a motivation speaker, trainer and coach empowering women across Canada.
Until a few months ago she was part of our Corporate Team. In the few times I met here, I was in awe of her energy and positive outlook. She always had the crowd on it's feet, cheering and laughing. It didn't matter how timid or shy you were, her energy engulfed you and you shone!Many of us were deeply saddened when she decided to move on. But hearing her today, I completely understand why she left and I support her 100%. She had to follow her dream!
Today she spoke about choices and change and boy oh boy did that hit home! As much as I try not to, I let myself focus on the negative in things and people. Its a quality in myself that I am not particularly proud of. It is something that I need to constantly work on to change. After listening to Celestine today I am even more determined to wash away the negative thinking.
Here are some things I learned this morning.
- Each of us has the power to focus on the positive.
- Focus on the what you can control, not what you cannot.
- To create change we must not only START THINGS, But we must END THINGS. Example; end the negative thoughts.
- Don't waste energy on negative things. Why waste the energy on negative when you can focus that energy doing something positive.
- Take time for yourself. Don't forget about YOU!
- Get over it and focus on things you can change or control!
She also spoke about "filling your cup". What do you do to fill your cup or chase away the bad thoughts. Reflection is a big motivator for me. Like Celestine I keep every piece of recognition, letter, thank you, email, etc that I receive. Some I post on my Dream Board, or in my dream book. Some I just have in a box. When I am filling low or need a boost, I take out my book and reflect on all I have accomplished or want to accomplish.
What do you do to fill your cup? I would love to hear from you.
This business has the awesome power to change people's lives! It is unique in that we do not judge our peers or team members' Education, income, religion, colour or social status. We give EVERY single human being the opportunity to realize their dreams, whatever they may be. And that folks is the single biggest reason why I love Direct Sales, My company, and my job.
Death, taxes and Change. All inevitable. But how we choose to deal with them is what sets our course.
Have an awesome Friday the 13th!!
TM
Do you Particpate in Tradeshow and Fairs?
I am relatively new to the community I now live in. We moved her near the end of April.
So obviously one of my goals this year is to get my name in the community. I have dropped off a few catalogues to a couple of local businesses, but other than that I have sat on my heels.
This Weekend is our Town and County Daze. It is a 3 day party. There is a midway, Muchmusic dance party for the teens, parade, free food everywhere, a tradeshow, etc. As a side, anyone who is in the area should come out this weekend. Tons of fun for the kids. Anyway, I chose not to participate in the tradeshow, but for some reason I am thinking I made a judgement error. My thoughts when I made this decisions was, that it was too last minute for me to prepare and I didn't want to put out the financial aspect at this time. I am not a big fan of tradeshows to begin with. They are a lot of work and unless you are going to follow up with your leads, not really worth it. But I think it would have a been a stellar way for me to meet people in the community. Especially other DS women (who are supportive of one another).
So now I am kinda kicking myself for not registering for this thing. Ah well...maybe next year.
What do you think? Do you do tradeshows?
So obviously one of my goals this year is to get my name in the community. I have dropped off a few catalogues to a couple of local businesses, but other than that I have sat on my heels.
This Weekend is our Town and County Daze. It is a 3 day party. There is a midway, Muchmusic dance party for the teens, parade, free food everywhere, a tradeshow, etc. As a side, anyone who is in the area should come out this weekend. Tons of fun for the kids. Anyway, I chose not to participate in the tradeshow, but for some reason I am thinking I made a judgement error. My thoughts when I made this decisions was, that it was too last minute for me to prepare and I didn't want to put out the financial aspect at this time. I am not a big fan of tradeshows to begin with. They are a lot of work and unless you are going to follow up with your leads, not really worth it. But I think it would have a been a stellar way for me to meet people in the community. Especially other DS women (who are supportive of one another).
So now I am kinda kicking myself for not registering for this thing. Ah well...maybe next year.
What do you think? Do you do tradeshows?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Stick of gum?
Okay, last post of the day and then I am off to bed. I was just reading a thread on a forum where the consultants were sharing that they never ask guests at their parties if they would like to book a party. The reason they do not ask each guest individually (they do offer it to the group) is because they do not want to seem pushy.
First, let's define the word "pushy and be done with it.
☆ pushy (po̵os̸h′ē)
adjective push′i·er, push′i·est
Informal annoyingly aggressive and persistent
So....if I was to walk around the room to a group of people and ask each and everyone of them if they would like a stick of gum, what would happen? Well, some of them would take a piece. Some of them would say, no thank you. And some might say not right not, but maybe later. Is it pushy that I have offered them gum? I don't think so. Am I offended that some of them said no. Certainly not. So then why would we think we are being pushy if we simply offer someone the opportunity to gain products for free and/or discounted? Or better yet, offer someone the opportunity to become financially free? Would YOU be offended?
Something to think about.
Gnite folks!
TM
First, let's define the word "pushy and be done with it.
☆ pushy (po̵os̸h′ē)
adjective push′i·er, push′i·est
Informal annoyingly aggressive and persistent
So....if I was to walk around the room to a group of people and ask each and everyone of them if they would like a stick of gum, what would happen? Well, some of them would take a piece. Some of them would say, no thank you. And some might say not right not, but maybe later. Is it pushy that I have offered them gum? I don't think so. Am I offended that some of them said no. Certainly not. So then why would we think we are being pushy if we simply offer someone the opportunity to gain products for free and/or discounted? Or better yet, offer someone the opportunity to become financially free? Would YOU be offended?
Something to think about.
Gnite folks!
TM
YAHOO!!! Logo Designed!
I have been working with a friend for the last few months on a logo for my Business. The plan was to get the logo done so that I could design a website eventually, and purchase various items to give away to my team members (t-shirts, pens, notepads, etc). Our Unit name is The Kitchen Banditos so I wanted to go with a whole Mexican feel.
He nailed it, doncha think?
He nailed it, doncha think?
So sad.
This week Weekenders Clothing closed their doors and went bankrupt.
WOW! To say I am shocked would be putting it mildly.
To the best of my knowledge, Weekenders has been in business for 20+ years. I myself have purchased many of their items. Very comfortable, quality designs. As a customer I am disappointed, I really like their items. But as a fellow WAHM and Direct Sales Rep, I cannot help but feel a tremendous amount of sympathy and weight for their consultants. Especially the ones who have put many many dedicated years into their business. It's such a shame. I am sure they must have hundreds of dollars of stock in their basements. The time they have invested recruiting and training new consultants. It must just be devastating!!
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved. I hope with all my heart that you all get through this difficult time.
WOW! To say I am shocked would be putting it mildly.
To the best of my knowledge, Weekenders has been in business for 20+ years. I myself have purchased many of their items. Very comfortable, quality designs. As a customer I am disappointed, I really like their items. But as a fellow WAHM and Direct Sales Rep, I cannot help but feel a tremendous amount of sympathy and weight for their consultants. Especially the ones who have put many many dedicated years into their business. It's such a shame. I am sure they must have hundreds of dollars of stock in their basements. The time they have invested recruiting and training new consultants. It must just be devastating!!
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved. I hope with all my heart that you all get through this difficult time.
What it's all about
Anyone involved with or having been involved with Direct Sales, knows that it is a roller coaster ride. One day you are up and the next you are down. I believe that if you can ride out the waves you will have great success.
My goal of this blog is to share my experiences. Some good, some bad, some just are. If someone can learn from my mistakes or success, than I will have done my job. I hope to entertain a little a long the way as well.
So enjoy my ride. Feel free to get off at anytime.
Cheers!
TM
My goal of this blog is to share my experiences. Some good, some bad, some just are. If someone can learn from my mistakes or success, than I will have done my job. I hope to entertain a little a long the way as well.
So enjoy my ride. Feel free to get off at anytime.
Cheers!
TM
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