New Use for an Old Cattie!!

We had a great discussion about Catalogue's at the unit meeting last week and one of the focus topics was on how to use your old catalogue's as a great marketing tool. The idea is to affix a sticker that explains the company and you so that the person who picks it up knows what to do to get a new catalogue. Then you just leave that treasure somewhere someone will find it!!

Here is the sticker that I use:

This catalogue is not current but many of our beautiful products are still available- as well as some new ones. If you are interested in obtaining our newest catalogue please email Brae Montgomery at braemontgomery@myctmh.com or check out the product online at braemontgomery.myctmh.com!

Feel free to use this same language!

Remember- your cattie is better off in someone's hands then on your bookshelf so take the risk and get it out there!

Eyelets by Katerina!!

Katerina is one of the very fab and talented ladies in my downline- what this girl can do with embellishments and techniques just astounds me! For those of you who attended stamp camp you got to play with and see a demonstration on our new Soft Set Eyelets and Eyelet Setter- everyone was in LOVE with the ease of this product!!

Since we expect that eyelets will now be used a lot more we had Katerina create a mini class on all the fun uses- she gave me permission to take pictures and post here for everyone to enjoy- please give her credit if you use her ideas!! I hope you enjoy!!

Getting Ready for the NEW WOTG program!!

With the changes to the workshop program that Close to my Heart offers its consultants, there has been some trepidation- in order to make yourself and your customers feel a little better about it I suggest that you create a display board and showcase what they get in the new program and how they will be able to use it!!

I created the above display board for my first workshop- Twitterpatted!! I have shown the four layouts that my ladies can make and some of the featured cards that they can also make (I could not fit all of them on the board). In included the flyer and I will be sure to have the stamp set and accessories available that also come in the basic kit PLUS those that they can add on!



In the written areas I explained that they have a lot of choice in the new program. They can chose to only scrapbook, only create cards or mix it up depending on what their needs are for that month- this I think they will love as most of them have not been able to use up all the pages we created in the old program. I am also going to encourage them to create the cards/layout that they do not have the directions for FIRST so that if they run out of time they can complete the rest at home with no problems!

The last thing I wanted to highlight for them is the BIG benefit to the changed problem- I allow three hours for our workshops and sometimes we were rushed to fit it all in so in order to do it I cut out some techniques on some of our layouts. Now I am pleased to have the time to showcase MANY different techniques during each class!! So, I placed bubbles around the cards and layouts where ever a technique was shown!!

I am so pleased at how much they will be getting from their kit and from me at the NEW workshop night!!

The Binder with Heart!!

This binder is a great tool for your business- it will keep you organized and help keep you accountable to what you need to be doing. Big thanks go out to Dana Swadling who put this suggestion out there on the Journey to Director post- most of the information comes from here but some has been compiled through other resources!!

If you are on my team and you create one of these please let me know- I want to be able to see how you are using it- I also will be giving one to each new recruit to help them get started on the right foot!! Read on to see how to create and how to use your binder:

1. Decorate the front cover with ctmh papers - putting "Close to my Heart" as your title - like a scrapbook page. I called mine my Binder with Heart! Feel free to be creative as even the outside could interest someone who sees it! If you create a cover email me a pic and I will place it on the team blog! What follows is in the inside in number Order...

2. Put in an empty 8x11 sheet protector - use for constant campaign flyers

3. File folder with a tab that says: business / project ideas

4. Some lined paper (for taking notes of any kind)

5. File folder with a tab that says: Calendars

6. Calendars - printed by month a whole years worth.. (leave the back of each sheet blank)

7. An entire 2009 year calendar printed on one page - on colored paper (2010 on back)

8. File folder with a tab that says: Contacts

9. Print several copies of the JTD Customer Log AND the JTD Call Log

10. File folder with a tab that says: Downline

11. Copy (print out) your downline report from the CTMH website (under downline) - with their name, address, phone, email & upline (do the same- all levels)

12. Print out from the Consultant Manual (Compensation Plan) "the page titled Leadership Levels" - it shows each level from consultant to Presidential Director..

13. Print out from the Consultant Manual (Compensation Plan) "the page titled Downline Override Commissions" - shows Commissions & jr consultant info-

In the front cover, inside the pocket or in another sheet protector- put your club/workshop/retreat flyers / sign up sheets,etc... In the back cover, inside the pocket put all of your family calendars (I put all of my kids school/sport schedules)

Ok, now that you have it set up- Go to the Calendar pages... Ask yourself- How many times a month CAN I LEAVE the house to do gatherings? _________First put ALL (and I mean ALL) of your family commitments on your calendar pages- fill them in as far out as you can. I put all of my children's sporting activities, church, volunteer, family time, etc... THEN- With the days / times that are left- highlight (all in one color) the days that you WANT to do gatherings (according to the number you indicated above). I highlight the bottom half if it is an evening, and top if it is a daytime gathering- so that people can see that it doesn't use up my entire day to do a gathering. Highlight a QUARTER (a quarter is the three month period that CTMH reports on) out from whatever month you are currently in. Highlight all of your Unit meetings- both ones that you host AND ones that you attend- on your monthly AND annual calendar. Also put any Convention/Leadership events that you will attend, any Big Shows /Expos/Crops- larger events that take a lot of Prep time. This will allow you to make SURE to BALANCE out your months- and to not book a Unit meeting on the same month as the regionals that you want to attend, etc.. OR to see where you can possibly fit more in.. make sense? Now- make sure that you use it and carry it with you everywhere. You will get a lot out of it if you work your binder!!

Goals!!

My favourite goal quote:

"If you do fail to plan than you plan to fail." - so true!!

Think of the last time that you achieved something that you really wanted- think about how you got there- chances are you have a goal and a plan to reach that goal!! Our goals are sometimes locked away in our brains OR they are sometimes written down (in secret or out in the open for all to see).

The best way to represent your goal is by writing it down and posting it somewhere that you will see it all the time!! This will help you to refocus your energies to make sure that you are following through on what you want in order to get what you want!!

Since all of us love to scrapbook I figured that there is not better way to represent my goals than on a 12x12 page!! I created mine the other day and they encompass what I want to do in the next year in order to achieve what I really want (and you need to want it BAD!!)

I created mine so that I will look at it (it is pretty cute!!) AND placed it above my computer where I visit at least once a day (but usually more!)

Let me know if you create a goal sheet and what your goals are so that I can cheer you on and give you any help/advice!!

Now that there is a New Catalogue what should I do??

If you are asking yourself how you can get your business going with the new catalogue in hand then there are two great things that you can do now!!

1. Plan a Catalogue Launch- this can be held at your home during the last week of August or the first few weeks of September. It is a chance to introduce your customers to the new product. I would not recommend a make and take as this will take too long- demonstrate the new product and make it fun. You want your customers to feel that this night is FUN, informative and worth while attending. Reward them - play a game with product prizes (Deal or no Deal, Punchboard, Taboo are just a few that can be altered), give them tickets for doing certain things and use these tickets to draw for the hostess rewards at the end of the evening.
Reasons to give tickets- arriving on time, bringing a friend you did not invite, placing an order, booking a party, donating to Operation Smile, etc!
I also give my customers 10% off their orders if they place on at the event- they are usually my most loyal customers and deserve it!!

2. Get booking!! Fall usually has people if full swing for bookings- use August to set these dates up and let your customers know that there is a new catalogue with new product AND a fabulous constant campaign for September. My challenge to you is to book two new parties for September!! Then make this three for October and four for November!! If you are able to achieve this let me know my emailing me or posting on this blog!!

Need some Marketing supplies for your business??

If you are like me you would love to have a HUGE marketing budget and get your name out there in really cool ways.

Sadly, that is not the case for most of us- we run our business from home and try to market while not spending any money. Last week I was forwarded an email from an online company called Vistaprint (some of you have heard of this company and for some this may be the first time). They specialize in marketing tools and many of them are FREE- that's right FREE!!

Now the free is usually only for one and you do have to pay shipping and tax but it is a really good deal considering our budgets- I ordered a small lawn sign the other day and it arrived today. I am thrilled!! I plan to sit it in front of the house and attract new business (even if it is just neighbors I have never spoken too!!).

Check them out www.vistaprint.ca

From Workshops to Clubs

If you are wondering how you can take the occassional workshop and turn some of your customers into regular club members than watch Sarah's video below!

Recruiting by Numbers

If you watch the below video you will hear some great tips on how you can take advantage of the July Favorite Five and recruit, recruit, recruit!!

Tips for a Great Opportunity Night:
• play a game I like to call “ask me about my job”. I put a gift in the center of the table and whoever asks me a question, gets the gift. The next person to ask a question gets to steal the gift. It goes on throughout the evening and ends when I say it ends. Whoever has the gift at the end gets to keep it. Of course I have another small gift for everyone for coming so no one goes home empty handed and everyone feels appreciated.
• make sure to have your computer handy so that they can take turns signing up while you serve refreshments. those that don’t sign up that night can leave with some info to discuss with their significant other. I ask them if it would be ok for me to call the next day (and I find out a time) to answer any questions they may have.
• I always coordinate my hands on projects with the materials they get in the current consultant kit. At the end I am able to also let them know we just created the projects they could then use at their jumpstart gathering....half the prep-work is done. They like that a lot.
• I do invite them to come and hear the opportunity and have some fun creating. Ladies like to create and so it’s not that hard. I also open it up to my team; they can invite guests as well. They love it because I do the "recruiting" for them, and they sit and stamp with their guests. They pitch in with snacks and goodies to give away, which helps me as that’s not so much my thing.
• A new recruit in attendance can help explain how easy it is, the STTTop program (they achieved it), Training Academy program as well.
• Hand out pertinent information but keep it simple and keep in mind the questions they will have ie. How much will this cost me initially? When can I make that money back? How much stuff do I get in my kit?

Hope this helps and remember- feel free to post any questions!

Recuriting by Numbers: Video

Bootcamp Reminder Video

The Bod-Squad/ Brae-er's Bootcamp!

Tonight was our unit meeting and one of the things that we discussed was the bootcamp that we have been running since March- I know that some of you are keeping track and everyone should be so that you can redeem those tickets for prizes at the end of September!!

Watch the video ABOVE to hear Sarah talking about this at the unit meeting and check out the list of what you should be doing for June, July and August below!

June/July/ August

1. complete your PHD in the training academy- 10 tickets

2. attend unit meeting in June or July- 3 tickets

3. Listen to one conference call during the summer- 2 tickets

4. Attend Stamp camp in August- 5 tickets

5. Create a newletter for your customers and/or downline- 5 tickets

6. Offer a special workshop for each month (example a three part school album workshop)- 7 tickets

7. Plan and circulate invitations for fall idea book launch party by August 15- 5 tickets

8. Hold your opportunity night- 7 tickets

9. Prepare artwork and/or display boards with new fall product for the coming months- 5 tickets

If you have been working on these then keep up the good work. If you are just starting do not worry- there is still time to earn something fabulous!

Keeping your skills SHARP!!

Are you doing your part in order to keep your skills and knowledge up?? One great way to do this is through conference calls and free information online- the sources are endless!!

Here are a few that I use and highly recommend that you look into:

1. http://www.jessicasprague.com/ this is a great way to learn about the digital side of your photos. In the past I have had customers ask me many questions that I have not been able to answer due to a lack of knowledge in this area AND the things you learn here will go a long way in your own scrapbooking or in newsletters for your customers. Sign up for her free courses- they are fantastic- just look what I made!!

2. www.julieannejones.com I get her daily/weekly emails and very often she 'gifts' you with a free conference call or other free information and her packages are very good. I once purchased her "Powerful tools for Direct Sales Business' Downloads and still use many of them in my business (her guest care card is particularly excellent).

3. http://www.afreshperspective.com/ Another favourtie!! Her conference calls are amazing and I have listened to most of her material- she also has freebies on her website- go to the bottom of her main page and click on 'free stuff'.

4. http://www.karenphelps.com/ If you have come to a meeting in the last few months then you have probably heard me talk about her- she is amazing!!! I highly recommend dialing in for her free call "Booking Bonanza" when it is offered.

5. And do not forget Close to my Heart's consultant page for two fantastic areas- the Training Academy (if you have not done the courses you are missing out!) and the Listening Library (this calls are specifically designed for our business so they should be your starting point for conference calls)!!

Now get out there and LEARN!!!

How to move beyond your circle of friends??

One of the most important things in maintaining a successful business is to move beyond your circle of friends.

Sure, some of them may be good customers for a long time but it is best to move on so that you do not become a drain on these people and so that the lines between friendship and business do not begin to mix.

How??

When you first start your business these people are very important to you- they have your initial parties and give you the support that they can. The work you need to do to move beyond your friends starts at these parties.

1. Play a booking game- you really are missing out if you fail to do this. If your friend has invited a variety of people to her party then you may just get a booking with someone (and hopefully they are not one of your friend's as well).

2. Make your reminder phone calls the day before your friends party- remind people of the event the next day and encourage them to bring a friend- this increases the liklihood of someone you do not know attending.

3. Ask for referrals- whenever someone turns you down for anything ask them if they know someone who might be interested and follow up with the referral (Lynn Conway says that few people will be comfortable enough to tell you no twice in a row!) When you call this person make sure to explain to them who gave you their contact information.

Gathering Project for June/July

Summer is often a less busy time of year-a great time to break out the fun and vibrant colours that Close to my Heart has to offer and a great time of year to only have to plan one gathering project for two months!! (unless you know that a group is going to be seeing you more than once during that time).

Below is a picture of the card that I am leading my ladies through during the months of June and July- usually I base my projects on the Stamp of the Months but I found the June and July one hard to work with and make the project FSE (fast, simple and easy). So, I improvised and decided to use the Treetops stamp set and the Animal Cookies Creative Basics Paper- the card pattern for this project is out of our new card book Wishes.

If you are really new as a consultant remember to make sure that you have a "hands-on" portion to your home gatherings- this gives the customers a chance to 'play' with the product and really understand what it is and how to use it. Only when they are confident in the use of some of our stuff will they feel confident enough to buy it!!

When I did this project I had precut all the circle pieces (including the card base). The ladies stamped the top and bottom of the tree and cut those out- the top of the tree is popped off the card with our 3D foam tape. They also stamped the phrase. I always show the ladies one technique (but remember to keep this FSE as well, especially if they are new to our product). For this card I showed them how to ink distress the edge of their paper for added dimension.

Have a question?

Leave it in the comment section and I will be sure to answer it!!

Just getting started

I am not sure that anyone will even stumble across this yet but if so then at least there is a post. It is my intention to have lots of great information on here for my downline to help you maintain movtivation, answer all your questions and give you lots of inspiration.
If you add a comment I will read it and do my best to give you all what you need- so be sure to tell me!!
Watch for lots of fun stuff coming up in the next few days.