FEAR and the Dentist

Today is the DAY!  I am taking the dreaded walk to the dentist.  Okay, so some may say this is no big deal right?  No one likes a trip to the dentist.  This is a HUGE achievement for me.  So much so, that Belinda sent me a message that said "proud of you mom".  

As far as I can tell, I can trace my fear back to being traumatized as a child.  A painful experience that scared me for life.  So much so that when I had to have my wisdom teeth out at about 25, they had to give me Valium to take BEFORE I even left my house. Then, about 10 years ago, I was going sporadically - they did a root canal on my front tooth and said all would be well.  HA!  The tooth is dead and has yellowed.  So much for that great smile.  

Through all of this, I managed to make going to the dentist a pleasant thing for my daughter, Belinda.  From her first trip to the UMDNJ - Dental Clinic through getting braces and even now - she faithfully (based on her insurance) goes to the dentist.  I mean, how sad is it that your child has to hold your hand while they work on your teeth because you are scared!  Okay, so it is a little funny but so the TRUTH! I mean when Belinda had to have 4 baby teeth pulled, they did it at one time with only some nova cane to ease the pain.  Meanwhile, I was crying in the other room while they filled a cavity. 

Hubby had to see the dentist and I decided to make an appointment.  I explained that I was a baby and haven't been to the dentist in about 10 years.  They were okay with that.  They work with kids so they know how to be gentle.  They understand FEAR!  Now, don't send me lots of messages on the importance of going to the dentist.  I have heard it all.  I know that this will be the first of many visits as I need some major work done to repair the damage from my years of bulimia, drug addiction and just general lack of attention to my teeth.  I am sure that having a high tolerance of pain hasn't helped either since when I have a tooth ache, I take some aspirin and am done with it.  

If you hear load screaming coming from the Brick area at about 3:30PM, don't be alarmed.  It is only me in the dentist chair while they clean my teeth, take x-rays and determine what needs to be done.  Send positive thoughts my way, please!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!  

Listening to Our Own Advice

Some say you can't teach a old dog new tricks.  Some say if you are going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk. As for me, I have lots of "stuff" in my head.  I have taken many classes to grow my business, for personal development and on how to be a leader.  From each of those experiences I have gathered tidbits of wisdom that I tuck away and that randomly comes out when I am talking to someone.  I usually quickly tell people, that the information was gotten from XYZ class or from a professional coach.  

You may be saying "so what is the point?", right?  Usually after a great training experience where we have heard a lot of good ideas - we are motivated to try them all.  I know, I know - I have always talked about making small changes but I am an all or nothing kind of gal.  Yesterday, I got my "DUH!" moment about follow-up and making small changes.  You know that moment when someone smacks you on the forehead and says "you should know that".

After spending the last few weeks worrying about hubby, hospital visits and now doctor visits.  I took a stand and told him that I needed to spend about 3 hours playing catch up.  Okay, typically for me that means emails and Facebook   As I was cleaning off my desk (another busy task), my leads file emptied out.  Mind you these are all of those wonderful guest care cards that people fill out at vendor events.  They know that you will probably call them, asking them for business or to host a party.  SURPRISE!  Mine are all piled neatly in a folder waiting.  They have been entered in my back office so people are at least getting my monthly emails but the majority of them have NOT been called.

After listening to a 31 minute training call on goals - I decided that I needed a SMALL one to get me moving.  I was going to make it a GOAL to call at last 5 people per day from my lead file.  For accountability, I even shared the goal with my hubby who thought this was a no-brainer.  I have repeatedly coached my team and others on the importance of making calls.  I have come up with every reason why they should and shared multiple training calls with them to help with the process.  Did I take my own advice?  No.  I may for 1 or 2 days but never for the 21-days it takes to make it a habit.  Even with the inspiration of another direct sales consultant, Maggie, who has a nightly hour that she does follow-up, I was slow to jump in.  

I DID IT!  The benefits were very surprising.  I called a hostess that I haven't really talked to since her party in December of last year (I know practice what I preach).  She said, we were just talking about you - I would LOVE to place an order.  Okay, well when I got to her house to pick up her order, it was a $200 party with just 3 orders.  So, out of the 4 calls that I made, one turned out to be a sale.  Now I know that doesn't happen all of the time but it was just the right "kick in the butt" that I needed to start my NEW 21-day challenge - calling 5 people a day (lead follow-up, past hostesses or past customers).  I do love a good challenge so we shall see.

If you are coaching others, sharing tips or sharing advice - LISTEN to what you are saying.  Take stock of your own actions.  Do you practice what you preach?  If not, take one thing and change it!  Can't wait to hear what small change you are making - please feel free to share.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.     

East Coast Paws N Claws

Happy Saturday!   The weather may be a little shakey depending on which weather forecast you watch or listen to but it is going to be a GREAT day at the Summer Kick Off Tricky Tray/ Vendor Event.  This is a fundraiser for the East Coast Paws N Claws.  Here is who they are:

East Coast Paws n Claws Animal Rescue is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.  We are dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned animals, primarily dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer care for them. By working with committed volunteers, foster homes, local veterinarians, trainers, and boarding facilities, we are able to rescue hundreds of animals every year, provide them with loving temporary care, and find them well-matched, carefully screened forever homes. We also serve as a resource to our community and all pet owners by providing education and information on responsible pet ownership, including the importance of spay/neuter, positive behavior training, and good nutrition.

I will be partying Thirty One style with lots of friends who also happen to be vendors like Tastefully Simple, Origami Owl, Avon, Damsel in Defense, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Diaper Cakes by Heather, Dawns de lights, Passion Parties and Scentsy.  If you book your Thirty One party at this event - I will donate 10% of YOUR party sales to the cause!  What a great way to get FREE products AND help a GREAT cause.  

MEET THE RESCUES!  There will be Adorable adoptables  from S.A.V.E cat rescue and Bear Akita Rescue.  Come meet Elite USA 2013 Miss Teen New Jersey - Jessica De Forne
Founder of Crowns For Critters who will be doing face painting for the Kiddies!  Maybe I get her to do a purse on my cheek!

The event will be held from 12 - 5PM at the Bayville Elks, 247 Route 9, Bayville.  Stop by and visit, donate to the cause.  Our family has rescue pets that we love - Oreo (the crazy cat), Zoe (my daughter's dog), and Turner (our "adopted" daughter's dog).  My hubby is just hoping that I don't come home with ANOTHER rescue animal.  I am not sure that Oreo could handle sharing her "princess role" with another pet.  

Hope to see you there!  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Habits - Good or Bad?

Habits, personal or business, can be positive or negative.  They can be things that we want to quit like smoking or eating too much.  In business, especially in direct sales, if we don't have good habits - follow-up, goals, etc. we can have a business that is more like a hobby.  Psychologists say that it takes 21-days of a repeated action to create a habit. I can agree with that on two counts - blogging has now become a habit after over 2 months of daily posts and counting points for everything that I eat (via Weight Watchers after YEARS).

As the new year begins (with my direct selling company), I am looking to create new habits that will help me build a successful business.  I found some tips on Direct Selling News that I wanted to share:

• Set goals - I have been working on this ALOT lately - short, moderate and long term goals.  Short term are within the next month, moderate or medium goals are within the next 6 months and long term in the next year or so.  I have set them but if I don't put steps in place to take action - are they goals or wishes?
• Define success.  Most in direct sales call this their "WHY" but was is the emotional aspect of your why?  How will you feel when you reach that goal?  This is a hard one for me and I struggle with a definition of success.  Guess I never really BELIEVE that I will be successful so it is hard for me to imagine what it will feel like when it happens.
• Prioritize.  Another tough one for me.  I always have a list of things that I want to do on my planner and I mark them as complete which should give me satisfaction, right?  The truth is are they busy work or are they work that will grow my business?  EEK!  
• Organize.  I always thought that I was organized but since I have gone to full-time with my direct sales company - I am beginning to have my doubts.  I know where everything is and can quickly put my hands on it if someone were to call BUT my messy desk creates a sense (in my head) that I am not being productive.  I hope that makes sense!  LOL.
• Personalize.  This is one thing I LOVE to do as long as it doesn't involve picking up the phone.  I love building relationships with my customers and hostesses, customizing things to fit their needs and helping them find the best solution to their organizational dilemma.
• Identify the bad habits.  Okay, we all have them.  Mine would be procrastinating when it is time to call customers for follow-up or potential party hosts.  FACEBOOK!  I am learning, slowly, that this is a time waster for me.  I don't want you to think that I am a hot mess - orders, parties all take priority with me but the truth is lead follow-up for me is a struggle.  I need a system that works for me.  I have tried several but can't seem to find one that sticks.  I would LOVE your input on what systems work for you in following up?
• Change one thing at a time.  Okay, so I am usually an all or nothing kind of girl.  Change EVERYTHING and then nothing becomes a habit.  So I need to focus - tracking with Weight Watchers is a habit that has just become a part of my life, now for business - follow-up on leads need to be the same kind of habit.  I am telling EVERYONE this is where I need accountability - follow-up with leads is my NEW change.

What bad habits do you need to break and replace with good habits?  What habit do you have that contributes to your success in business - PLEASE SHARE!  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day. 

Recipe for Life

The last two weeks have been a struggle.  My emotions have been on a roller coaster as we dealt with hubby's cardiomyopathy.  First the 10 day hospital stay, now the countless doctor visits with a goal of going back to work about 6/20th - all of which have left me drained.  I am by no means complaining, although the last few days have found me on the "pity pot".  

During a training call the other night - yes, I participate in a weekly training call for personal development focused on my business - I was reminded about the importance of changing our mindset.  Not only does this apply to business but also in our everyday lives, especially during those woe is me days.  Then while doing my morning devotions, I read something from Proverbs 31 that again talked about changing your mindset.  

When I was in rehab, I remember a saying that goes something like this: If one person calls you a duck - you can toss it aside, if two people call you a duck - it deserves some consideration but if three people call you a duck - you MUST be a duck!"  I am not waiting for the third person because I know that I need to change my mindset and get off the pity pot!

So starting this morning, this duck is changing her mindset.  Do you need to change your mindset?  Here are a few questions that you can answer that might help:

1. Identify the what happened to cause the change
2. Why did it happen
3. How can I use this for my personal growth
4. What changes can I make to improve in the future
5. Where can I find help or who can help     

This is a "recipe for life" that was part of the devotions that I was reading.  Maybe this will help you in changing your mindset or counting your blessings: 

Begin with a case of Joy

Add a heaping spoonful of Gratitude

Fold in a large dollop of Kindness

Stir in a handful of Forgiveness

Sprinkle liberally with Love and cover with Peace

Always serve with a large side of Faith

(Author unknown)

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Summer - Busy or Not?

The school year is quickly coming to an end.  The hazy, lazy days of summer are about to kick in.  Do you have a plan for your business?

Last summer, my business DIED!  I am sure there were people who wanted to have parties, even those who wanted to shop.  I had solutions for their organizational problems during the busy summer months.  So, why did my business DIE?  I didn't prepare for the summer, I was taking a summer vacation from business even though I didn't have any school age kids.  WOW!  Did that make for a tough start to the Fall even with new prints and products.    I found a million reasons for NOT working my business but this year will be different.  I began looking for my June parties in April and continue to ask people about booking parties for the balance of the summer.  What mom wouldn't want a "Girl's Night Out" during the hectic summer months?  

Here are some tips from Sales Moms Network for those who have children:

1. Plan now for your kid's summer schedule.  
2. Have a Summer Fun meeting with your family and create a list of things to do.
3. Get your kids organized.
4. Have a Plan B with sitters, etc that can help if Plan A falls through
5. Keep your sanity throughout the summer by WORKING YOUR BUSINESS.  That may mean attending training, networking sessions, etc.
6. Be ready to do business while you are on the move.  Keep a mobile office in your car ready to book, sell & recruit.  

For those of you who don't have children or they are grown, these tips can still work:

1. Plan your summer vacation or weekend getaway.  Have something to look forward to while working your business.
2. Talk with family & friends to create a list of things you want to do this summer.  Planning & scheduling will help you to still enjoy the summer while working your business.
3. Get organized.  
4. Have a Plan B. If a party or event falls through, be ready with a backup idea to keep the business momentum going.  
5. Continue to work your business like a business.  If you want a seasonal business, GREAT but most of us would prefer to have year round customers, parties and income. 
6. Be ready no matter where you are to book, sell, recruit.  Use your products.  Share tips with potential customers on how you can make their life easier with your products.  Always carry a mini catalog or information with you (whether on the beach or shopping) and make sure that you get THEIR contact information even if it is just their email address.

It is not too late to get ready for the lazy days of summer.  Look for vendor events to expand your customer base - there are lots of festivals, etc in the summer.  Call customers & past hostesses - encourage them to book by offering an extra free gift.  The possibilities are endless.  I am determined that I will meet my goals during the summer, will you?

Blow off the summer haze and get busy.  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.

First Class Image

Did you know in 3 seconds people decide whether they want to continue a relationship with you or not?  I have heard this many times but I guess I always thought it had more to do with my 30-second "commercial" than how I looked.  Well, to say the least during a 31 minute training call this week, I had another AHA moment.  

Some may remember the show "PanAm Girls" (Am I showing my age?). When you thought of these flight attendants they were well groomed ALL the time, top notch, first class all the way.  Their hair, makeup, jewelry and clothes had everyone wishing they were like them.  What do you think of when you think of First Class?  As direct sales consultants, we are "on" all of the time.  Do people think we are well put together or a hot mess? People pass judgement on us without us even opening our mouth.  Our clothes have a language all its own and believe it or not, I am not sure mine doesn't show that I am a hot mess more often then I want.  Is it a good thing that I am known for my PINK shirts?

I have been a jeans girl for as long as I can remember.  When I worked in the non-profit world as a Social Worker and even as a Chief Operating Officer, I wore jeans with comfortable shoes (no sneakers) and a nice shirt.  Of course, I dressed differently for things out of the office when I was representing the agency but most of the time it was still some form of jeans.  As a direct sales consultant, jeans and a company tee shirt has been my attire for parties - again no sneakers but comfortable shoes.  After listening to this training and the top tips, I may be going through a small transformation (nothing costly or dramatic) but just enough to  portray my best at all times.  Here are some of the tips that were shared with us during the call:

1. Always where solid colors to a party or event.  You certainly don't want to clash with your products.  As a Thirty One consultant, we have lots of prints to show so this makes sense but I also understand now why I see so many direct sales consultants in solid colors when they are highlighting their products.
2. Be genuine, gracious and acknowledge others.  To me, this is a no-brainer for we Celebrate, Encourage and Reward our customers and hostesses.  This also is a great way to use Dana Wilde's 10-second rule.
3. Little details make up the big picture.  Pay attention to the little details that your customers or potential customers share with you.  When I am at an event or party, I even make notes on the order forms so I can remember something about the customer.  I tend to have
   "senior moments"
4. Dress to showcase the best you.  Leave the tennis shoes at home.  Stay away from clothes that are too tight or too big.  Instead of jeans and a tee why not khakis and a tee. 
5. If you saw you, what would you think?  Are you an all together girl?  Or are you a hot mess? When I think of an all-together person, there is a women at Weight Watchers who always looks FIRST CLASS.  Color coordinated, hair done, makeup, jewelry, etc. and she is just weighing in.  I always tell her that I aspire to be that together.
6. You only have 3 seconds to make it or break it.  You are what you wear even BEFORE you have a chance to give your 30-second commercial.

There were 2 books that were shared that I have already ordered on Amazon:  Casual Power:: How to Power Up Your Nonverbal Communication & Dress Down for Success - Sherry Maysonave and You've Got Only Three Seconds - Camille Lavington.  What have I got to loose, right?  Who knows, I may recruit more & sell more so isn't it worth a try?  The first step was to style my hair.  A clean cut that is more professional.  Next is a more put together look... one step at a time. How about you - do you portray a first class image or a hot mess?  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.