WAHM Forums

I am not in a party plan but have recently attended several home parties and hosted 1 of my own and I have discovered that I love home parties. My cousin is a consultant for a two different companies and I helped her do a fundraiser in November. I even loved bagging up everything and delivering it with her. The only problem is that even though I enjoyed the parties I cannot see myself selling those products. I like Mary Kays products but am not really a make up person, I had fun at the romance party but that is not me, I attended and hosted a Tupperware party but that is enough for me until I need some more Tupperware.


If any of you would like to post some of the general information on your companies I would love to read all of it. I don't quite know what questions I should be asking but if I have questions after reading over your information I will post the questions then. I am so excited to be starting something new. I just can't wait until I know what it is I will be starting. lol


Dana

I PM'd you regarding lia sophia Dana!! Glad to see you love direct sales. It really is the best!

Hi there Dana,


Please visit www.entertainingathome.com (http://www.entertainingathome.com). And contact me for more details. I'll be happy to walk you through it and no questions are dumb and 100 questions are not too many.


I love your excitement over this. It's refreshing.


Brenda Palstring

Hi Dana, I am with Mia Bella Gourmet Candles and love it. You can visit my site www.bamasweetscents.com (http://www.bamasweetscents.com) to learn more.


I will give you a brief run down.


You can join for just $39.95(monthly), you get new candles each month, you get company maintained website and all the continued support from corporate and your team.


We have weekly conference training calls, message boards, spring and fall training sessions. We have yahoo groups as well and someone will always be able to answer your questions.


We make generally 50% commission and have the ability to do fundraisers, retail, home parties, craft shows and fairs, the possiblities are endless, with the exception of ebay(company no no).


We have such great products, I would love to send you a free sample and biz opp cd. Just pm me for more information.

Hi Dana


Just sent you a pm about Watkins and our Good Tastings party program.


Krina

Hey Dana ~


Big Yellow Box by Crayola offers all-inclusive craft kits which come with everything you need ~ including a project guide ~ all in one box! The kits are for people of all ages and the company is centered around bringing families together. The parties are really a blast! If you'd like to learn more, just pm mesmileys/smiley4.gif


Kim

Hello,


I just PM'd you !smileys/smiley1.gif

PM coming from me as well!

Hi,


I am a representative with a company called Richmont Direct. You should really look into it. We have three different lines we sell (we can sell from all of them at the same time and the same show). We have cooking items, holiday items, and jewelry.


The best, best thing about it is that we get free websites, and free marketing campaigns. The company sends out information to our customers (sales, etc.) with our name on them...for FREE. I even get orders from people who are just randomly searching the internet, and they come across my site and want to order something from me. How cool is that!


My website is www.richmont.net/crane (http://www.richmont.net/crane). I would love for you to take a look. You can contact me through that website if you want me to send information to you.








Edited by: play2teach

Dana,


If you are a scrapbooker/rubber stamper/card maker, I would be happy to provide you info on Close To My Heart.


The best way to find your passion is to read through the folders and find a few things that interest you and become a hostess for those products. You will quickly find your passion by doing this.


Best of luck to you on your quest and welcome to the "club". Party plan companies are TONS OF FUN! (No Discovery toys pun intended there).

Hi Dana~


I sent you a pm


Also check out www.premierdesigns.com (http://www.premierdesigns.com)


Sheryl

Hi Dana! I'm sending you some info on The Traveling Vineyard.


Let me know if you would like to learn more about becoming a wine consultant smileys/smiley1.gif


Cheers!


LindaEdited by: Linda Walsh

you will be inundated! Let us know if you have specific interests!! Check out www.entertainwithease.com (http://www.entertainwithease.com) and i'll be happy to pm you more info if youwant it!

I didn't know that I was going to get so much information so fast, but I will look at everything I get. I have a question for you ladies if you don't mind sharing. What is it that made you decide on the company you are with? What is it that you absolutely love about your company that you haven't found anywhere else? I know this may sound kind of wierd but I really dont want to get into the numbers yet (% of commission, start up costs, supply costs) I kind of just want to look around and see what is out there. Find some companies I would be interested in and then look at the numbers. In other words I don't want to go with a company just because it has a low start up or high comission or super hostess plan cause if I don't love the product none of that will make a difference. If I am wrong here some of you veterans will correct me I am sure.


Thanks again for all of the responses.

hi! IT got into my company b/c I loved the products! I loved experimenting with the food, I loved the ideas I got when I hosted a party about how to use the food and tableware in unique, yet easy ways. I love that I can share these ideas with others, develop my own too!


I also liked that my company was new, so I got a chance to share it with everyone and get everyone as excited as me!I think your attitude is good, b/c if you love it, its easy to sell, b/c your passion and desire for the product show through. While the rest is important, its important to find your niche too!





Good luck

I agree with you completely. You have got to find a company that offers products that you would spend money on yourself, that you can fall in love with and have fun with and in my case, that my child will fall in love with.


I'm going to PM you with some simple information on Discovery Toys. As Debbie, my manager has been known to say, my passion is my child so it was natural for me to choose Discovery Toys.


God Bless!!!

Well, I got into mine because I LOVE all things kitchen and entertaining!
Plus they're brand new, and I was very familiar with Taste Of Home Magazine
and the Taste Of Home Cooking Schools.I now have the opportunity to be
in at he very beginning of something fabulous!

Nondy

I love it that you're taking that approach. I have decided to go with Taste of Home Entertaining because of several reasons. First, I loved what I've seen of the products so far. They are really great.


Next I like the fact that we have several well known names associated with our company. We are supported by Reader Digest and are based on the Taste of Home magazine. Those are two very well known names.


And then if that wasn't enough, we have Rachael Ray and Mario Batali to lend even more to our company. We will carry exclusive products from Mario and they should be some of our best sellers.


Aside from the names associated with this, our president has proven that he knows what he's doing when it comes to building a successful direct sales company. He helped make Southern Living at Home the success it is today and he brings that knowledge and experience to Taste of Home Entertaining.


I am very excited about this company and it is already proving to be a great company just by the pre-launch numbers of consultants interested in reserving their starter kits. We know a good thing when we see it. LOL


I can't tell you what is going to be the deciding factor for you, but I will say that I think you are approaching this the right way. When you are passionate about your company and it's products, you are ahead of many others.


Best of success to you in your search.


Brenda Palstring

I leftthe Churchwhen I was 17....I was hurt by the Church and swore I would never go back. I stuck to that all my life. Three years ago I joined Premier Designs because the money sounded so good. But what I found was a company that is strongly rooted in the Word of God.


When I went to my first training it was the first time in 18 years that I had sat in a room full of Christians and it has forever changed mine and my family's lives.


You can leave God, but He will never leave you. He knew how to open the back door to my heart, because I refused to knock on His! I Thank God daily for Premier Designs and the people who cared enough to share this business with me!


That's the real reason that I Share my Business with Everyone! and Love doing my Homeshows!


Sheryl BartlettEdited by: DazzlePremier

I didn't know that I was going to get so much information so fast, but I will look at everything I get. I have a question for you ladies if you don't mind sharing. What is it that made you decide on the company you are with? What is it that you absolutely love about your company that you haven't found anywhere else? I know this may sound kind of wierd but I really dont want to get into the numbers yet (% of commission, start up costs, supply costs) I kind of just want to look around and see what is out there. Find some companies I would be interested in and then look at the numbers. In other words I don't want to go with a company just because it has a low start up or high comission or super hostess plan cause if I don't love the product none of that will make a difference. If I am wrong here some of you veterans will correct me I am sure.


Thanks again for all of the responses.





You are absolutely right~ if you don't love it..you won't have a good time and it will show through to your customers and at your parties. Pick something that you just adore and are excited about..THAT will show through too and the rest will follow!


I picked Big Yellow Box by Crayola because the product line is unique, it's funsmileys/smiley4.gif,it was founded by two well respected and long standing companies (Crayola and Hallmark), the whole idea around BYB is to bring families together (which was huge for me) and I could involve my children (also huge)!Mylife is really enhanced by my business and I feel like I'm really having a positiveimpact on other families and I just love that.


hth,


Kim

Dana, you are looking at things the way you should to begin with. You have to love what you do to be successful.


I started with Watkins because I love theproducts. Being around for so long, practically everyone has heard of Watkins and have tried the products so I had a great company to go with and I knew it would be great.


I also love the different ways we have to promote our products and the full support we get to help us succeed.


When you love what you do, you can't go wrong.


Krina

Dana,


Like many have said, you are on the right path towards chosing a company you will love. It really is about loving the products.


I chose Close To My Heart because I have always been a scrapbooker. I didn't know that's what I was as a pre-teen and teenager, I just knew that I saved everything and taped it into "albums" to look at over and over. It was only in early adulthood that I really discovered scrapbooking and fell in love. I chose the specific company because I had tried every company that I knew of and found these products to best fit my needs, style and (most importantly) my personal values. There are many companies no matter what product you chose to sell. The key, once you find your product passion, is to find a company that matches your personal value system.


Best of luck and keep us informed as you make your decision. It is a very exciting time for all MLM people when a new rep signs with a company smileys/smiley1.gif

I looked for awhile before I joined my first company SL@H (SL@H). If I was going to join I wanted something I could be proud to sell and display in my home. The products are unique and the company itself is outstanding! Southern Living at Home's reputation is also what let me to choose them. I guess I just had that spark you get when you know what you want to do.smileys/smiley1.gif

I chose the specific company because I had tried every company that I knew of and found these products to best fit my needs, style and (most importantly) my personal values. There are many companies no matter what product you chose to sell. The key, once you find your product passion, is to find a company that matches your personal value system.


Best of luck and keep us informed as you make your decision. It is a very exciting time for all MLM people when a new rep signs with a company smileys/smiley1.gif


Very well said Deanna!


"Do what you love and find someone to pay you to do it" has always been my motto. Direct sales is a JOB and there are hard days...the money you earn won't always be enough to keep you motivated, so you must find something that fuels your Passion!


Good Luck to You!


SherylEdited by: DazzlePremier

Hi Dana,


I will pm you about Cool Sets.


I choose Cool Sets because:


1) I've always loved sleepwear/loungewear and after trying the Cool Sets sleep shirt, I knew I wanted more.I have to thank the company for sending me the sample!!!


2) The concept of the product andit's many differentbenefits as well as functions.


3)I wanted business that I could perform with ease.


4) Having the choice of promoting and sharing the products in many ways.


It was that simple for me, but the most important things, is having a passion and believing in what you do. For with those you will succeed in whatever you choose to do!


All the best to you and good luck!

Hi Dana! It is fun to read such a great subject line as yours! I love home parties too!





I am with Do-Re-Me & You! and what initially sparked my interest was that it was a brand new division of an Internationally known company -Kindermusik Intl. I knew that Kindermusik was known worldwide as the best in childrens music and movement - so I was jazzed to be a part of that! The more I found out about themthe better it got - we are so new and so it was great to get in and be a part of building a nationwide team! It is still so new and there are many areas that have never heard of us! I love the products, I love the laughter and singing they have added to my home, I have three kids and it just fits so great. Now I have been a consultant for a year, am a Unit Leader and hoping to promote to Advanced within a few months,and I still am thrilled - the leadership is awesome, the support is awesome, how much input we have is awesome and of course, the comp plan and hostess plan keep me going strong!


Let me know if you would like more info on us, you can also visit my website linked in my signature.


Best wishes on your search - I have a feeling you are going to do great! :)





Talitha

Hi Dana -


I joined Home and Garden Party, because I absolutely fell in love with their products - the pottery is really amazing! I also wanted to be able to stay at home with my kids, and my husband was fine with that, but I wanted to be able to contribute to the family finances for me - I guess you'd say!


My passion for the products is what got me started - the rest came later, when I realized - oh yeah, I can do that too! I just wanted to get out there and share what had been shared with me! I truly believe in what I am doing, I love the fellowship I share with the HGP family, I love that HGP is a Christian company, I truly believe that HGP has an awesome opportunity to share, I have known many people that HGP has literally changed their lives.


If you want more information, just send me a PM.


Nora

Hi Dana,


Parties are fun, you just want to find a company that has a product line that you love. It's also really good to ask lots of questions. I have a good article on my site


"How do you pick a direct sales company?" (http://www.washingtonwahm.com/articles/article/2539180/36141.htm)


Hope that helps!


~Cinnamon~

Hi Dana,
Cinnamon shared a good article with you on some of the questions you might want to keep in mind while you're searching. Not to step on any toes here or anything but I also have a free ebook that does go into a bit more details on some of those questions and what they mean. There's alsoa printable checklist/comparing sheet at the end. You can download the ebook at
How to Choose the Right Direct Sales Company for You! (http://www.directsaleshelpers.com/free-ebook.html)


Good luck in your search!


Take care,
Anita smileys/smiley17.gif

I will PM you!!!!

Hi Dana~


I would have to say I joined lia sophia because #1 when I saw the catalog, I fell in love with all the jewelry #2 the quality of the jewelry and #3 because it is quick and simple to do as a demostration. I have one trip into the house and one trip out. I would be interested to find out what you finally decide on. Good Luck!

Hi Dana,


I PM'd you this morning. But I didn't tell you why I'm with Northern Lights at Home in that email. I chose NLAH because the company I had been with had made some changes that I wasn't prepared to live with. They made business difficult and much less profitable. But changing companies was a difficult decision. When I found NLAH just because I was looking for candles, I instantly loved what I saw. The products were inexpensive, beautiful, and for an added perk the company was nearby. So I gave it a shot.


Many changes have happened with NLAH in the past year and everything has gotten even better. I've met our company president who has many qualities that I loved about the founder of the last company I was a part of. We have a VP who takes a personal interest in each person in the company. Easy to do now since we're small, but she's also grooming her managers to do the same. Plus, the company is also beginning to realize that hosts need extras for hosting a party and they are paying for it too. Our VP was a top seller& distributerfor 25+ years with Tupperware and she's using everything she learned to teach us as well.


It's hard to not love a company when you're the top seller and one of the top recruiters. But I wouldn't be there if I didn't love the company too. It's kind of a big circle. The thing I like the most about NLAH, that I didn't realize from the beginning, is the people. Something I was afraid I'd lose when I changed companies. I loved the product to begin with and now I love the people involved and I can't imagine doing anything else right now.

Hi Dana~


You have gotten loads of information! I want to welcome you to the board!smileys/smiley17.gif You will really love it here!


What type of products really take your interest? There are so many great companies out there and I am sure you will find the perfect party plan company for you.


Check out sig lines to learn more about all the different biz's~ Post or PM your questions.


Good luck in your search! Remember to always ask LOTS of question! smileys/smiley1.gif

Dana-


I'm with BeautiControl. We sell spa products, skin care, and cosmetics. It is so easy to do our parties and women love them! They are very relaxing and a lot of fun. I can e-mail you my info packet or you can visit my website if you would like more info.


Good Luck!

Dana..great question and a great way to find a biz for you. I chose Linen World because of the awesome support I recieved from the home office...the founder AND the President both called me and answered endless questions, plus the fact that I was moving at the time and looking to buy new linens and such, so when I saw the quality and prices Linen World offered, I knew women would love them and not feel "guilty" making purchases at a home party that they would need to purchase from Penny's or Sears anyway....and I was right!!smileys/smiley2.gif


Best of luck to you in your search!
Lisa

I agree with Nora- The products were also what got me involved & going with Home & garden Party & the fact that they offered a guarentee/ buy back kit option should I decide HGP wasn't for me- so I thought what have I got to lose? and it has given me the chance to earn income as well!smileys/smiley1.gif


Rosalee Decker- Designer- Home & Garden Party www.ywave.com/~zelmyrs/

I didn't know that I was going to get so much information so fast, but I will look at everything I get. I have a question for you ladies if you don't mind sharing. What is it that made you decide on the company you are with? What is it that you absolutely love about your company that you haven't found anywhere else? I know this may sound kind of wierd but I really dont want to get into the numbers yet (% of commission, start up costs, supply costs) I kind of just want to look around and see what is out there. Find some companies I would be interested in and then look at the numbers. In other words I don't want to go with a company just because it has a low start up or high comission or super hostess plan cause if I don't love the product none of that will make a difference. If I am wrong here some of you veterans will correct me I am sure.


Thanks again for all of the responses.





I got involved in Mia Bella because I love the products. They are something that I stand behind 100% and use on a daily basis. Not only do I burn a candle everyday, but I advidly use the bodywash and bella bars and hand soap. I have truly dry skin and they have made such an improvement when medications the dr gave me wouldn't work.


Our candles are cleaner burning, virtually soot free so its healthier for you than the traditional paraffin wax candles. We have such tremendous support from our corporate offices and our teams.


I would love to send you a sample, just let me know. Thats the best way to decide if this company is for you!


Just pm me if you would like to receive one!

I became involved with Arbonne International because the products are so wonderful. I have always had extremely dry hands. They would crack and bleed and were always red. Nothing else had worked, even products from the dermatologist!! I tried Arbonne's hand cream and I was amazed!


I tried several other products and was hooked!! Especially with the Natural Balancing Cream (natural progesterone), it has saved me from a hysterectomy!!


If you are interested in more info or samples please feel free to contact me!!


Lori


klburns6@wmconnect.com

I know someone already said why they chose liasophia jewelry but i wanted to let you know why i decided on it.


I did about 2 months of research (like you are doing) i contacted probably 25-30 different types of home party plans (i'm still 3 months later receiving calls from some. haha) trying to decide what would work best for me. I wrote down all the pro's and cons of selling candles, jewelry, home decorating, skin products ect.... then slowly crossed them off due to different reasons until jewelry was my last standing. The reason being #1 its easy to sell (either people like it or don't) and i wouldn't have to convince people why my skin product or candle was better. I'm not much of a speech person and jewelry is very informal to sell


After i decided on jewelry i then shopped around and once again wrote down each company and their pro's and con's and for me liasophia jewelry was sooo obvious for me it was a no brainer.


#1 the jewelry has lifetime warrantee (people love that and it tells you that liasophia truly stands behind their product as superior) #2 the shipping is a cheap flat rate fee (this is important to me i live in Alaska where everything shipped is usually 3x the normal cost) #3 The hostess benefits are out of this world. #4 the jewelry is beautiful and looks sooo quality.


Ive been selling liasophia for only a month and can't believe how much i believe in and love this product. My first party i sold 1052$ worth of product and the hostess earned 420$ worth of FREE jewelry on top of the other hostess benefits. Its so awesome to see the look of surprise and joy on their faces as they thumb through the catolog and realize how much they can get.....


Sorry so long (can you tell i'm excited about this product? haha)


Shari

Okay ladies I have gotten lots of information and will be looking over everything. I do have a question for you all. Do any of you have sponsors that are long distance and how does that work. Because I am new to this I feel like Iwill need some training and I fear that a long distance sponsor will not be able to do that.


BTW I wanted to thank everyone for the pm's and information. Its alot of information to go over, but I am having fun browsing all of the websites.


Dana

Hi Dana!


Welcome! My upline Linda Walsh already sent you a PM...but I wanted to tell you why I chose The Traveling Vineyard. I LOVE wine! I wanted to learn more and share it with people. I truly believe that if someone says "I don't like wine" they have not found the right wine for them...I want to help them find it!


I was with another direct sales company before this one, and this one is SOOO much more fun and so much easier...I was bringing crates full of stuff into someones house, being there for hours and then having to get home and put a crate full of dishes in the dishwasher...I can do a tasting in 1 1/2 - 2 hours and if I can get the people to order promptly (always the hard part) I can be out of there fairly quickly!


Good luck with your search...hopefully you can begin to narrow it down!


Kerry

Hi Dana, my sponsor for mia bella is one state over, I am in Al and shes in Ga. Its never been a problem, shes available thru email anytime, we chat just about everyday. I also know that I can call her at anytime. Everyone on my team lives in diff. states, from Fl. to NY to Cali.

It will not matter as long as they are there to support you and work with you.


Goodluck on your choice!

Okay ladies I have gotten lots of information and will be looking over everything. I do have a question for you all. Do any of you have sponsors that are long distance and how does that work. Because I am new to this I feel like Iwill need some training and I fear that a long distance sponsor will not be able to do that.


BTW I wanted to thank everyone for the pm's and information. Its alot of information to go over, but I am having fun browsing all of the websites.


Dana





My sponsor is clear across the countrysmileys/smiley4.gifI had never done direct sales or even BEEN to a party!! and I couldn't have gotten better training had she lived near me. ~My team is spread out all over and I do the same for them! We keep in touch by telephone, e-mail, yahoo groups & conference calls ~ anything they need.. If you have any specific questions abt that, feel free to pm me or e-mail me!


hth,


Kim

I'm in MO and my upline is in Ohio! I couldn't have asked for a better upline!! Between conference calls, emails, personal phone calls, etc... they have been awesome!!!!

MY sponsor is long distance too - and the majority of my team is long distance from me! We make it all work out just great with chats, conference calls, email, telephoneand corporate trainings!

My sponsor with Discovery Toys is Debbie, you'll see alot of her on these boards. She is way across the country from me as well. I too had never been to a Discovery Toys party until I did my first one as an Educational Consultant. When I was with my prior company my Director was several states away as well and I had a team that was spread out too. I've never run into any problems with either company as far as training, people being there for me when I needed them or me being there for my team when they need me. You'll just "know" when you've found your company and sponsor. It will all feel right. If you are under someone who loves their products and loves helping other women succeed in a truly wonderful opportunity, you will be just fine.


There are so many ways to interract and train now with phones, email, training calls, one on one calls, conference calls, team calls, online chats and team message boards, you'll not have to worry about being treated and mentored properly. As long as YOU have the drive to take action on what you are learning. And I don't have a doubt in my mind that you have what it takes!!


We all would love to have you on our own teams but we will all be here for you to help in any way we can regardless of what company you choose!


So, here's to you, your new adventure and getting to know you even better!!! God Bless!!!

My upline is in Kentucky and I am in Tennessee...about 3 hours away. I have built a team of 16 here, so shecomes todo trainings for us about every 2-3 months and we talk by phone at least 2-3 times a week. Lots of emails, toosmileys/smiley1.gif


With Premier Designs there are local trainings in almost every major city and they incorporate many different Premier Families. It doesn't matter if you are within a certain downline or not... we are one Big Family!


I think NOT having her here has made me more Independent and more Successful than I may have been if she could have been here to hold my hand.


Would you mind telling us whereyou arelocated, what state?


Sheryl

I am in New York and my sponsor is down in Alabama. Souther Living has such a great support and training system, it is like they are here. She stays in constant contact if I ever need anything. I think I prefer not having my sponsor so close to me. I like being able to learn on my own and experience those hits and misses. smileys/smiley1.gif





smileys/smiley1.gif








Okay ladies I have gotten lots of information and will be looking over everything. I do have a question for you all. Do any of you have sponsors that are long distance and how does that work. Because I am new to this I feel like Iwill need some training and I fear that a long distance sponsor will not be able to do that.


BTW I wanted to thank everyone for the pm's and information. Its alot of information to go over, but I am having fun browsing all of the websites.


Dana Edited by: Slah_Crystal

I want to join just about every company mentioned in this post. lol That's just one of my problems. lol I find something about all of them I feel passionate about. Another problem is not being able to whittle it down to just one.


I've been with a number of companies over the last 3 years, and for me personally, I think I would have felt better with having a sponsor who is closer to me. Even with all of the phone calls, emails and conference calls, I felt so very alone.


I'm not saying I didn't get very good training and support. I got that and met some pretty amazing women along the way. I just never met them in person and I think I need that. Can't blame my quitting these businesses on anyone buy me, though.


I like how things can be done online now, but it also overwhelms me sometimes. I guess I'm really more of a dinosaur than I thought. lol I live my life through all of you successful women on this board. lol I only wish I could make something work for me. One day, I hope.


Pat

Dana,

Has anyone told you about Country Bunny Bath and Body yet?

basically its a company where you can sell at home shows, online, or at
craft fairs, or by taking just personal orders! Click the link in
my siggy to view all our products.



Also, regarding long distance sponsors..my CB sponsor lives on teh east
coast and I am in the midwest. Haven't had any trouble with it.
The right person can train and guide you wel whether they live 3 blocks
away or 3,000 miles</span></span> </span>away!smileys/smiley2.gif

Hi Dana,


My Cool Sets sponsor is directly from corporate in Colorado. Whether near or far, a sponsor's part is to provide you with the support and the training to get you started and keep you going. As long as the lines of communication are open, things work out very well.

I'm from Alaska my sponsor is in Virginia (4 hours difference). I had never been to a liasophia party when i signed up. Ive had so much help though so far. When i had my starter show Dec 15th the deadline was Dec 16 at 2pm eastern time to guarrantee shipment by Christmas so i had my party at 7pm (which is 11pm in Virginia) and i had to enter my party onlineby 10 am the 16th, but i wanted to enter it sooner just in case there was problems it being my first time and all. but my upline told me if i had any questions or needed help entering my orderto call her in the middle of the night! i was shocked at how giving of her time she was. I of course refused to wake her up in the middle of the night and called her 5am my time 9am her's and she helped me step by step i was soooimpressed with her dedication to my success.


shari

Just some musings on the near vs. far, I have found that one big difference in preference is whether a person WANTS to be the one to into a product to an area. It takes a lot of work to build your name and company up in peoples minds, some people are excited about that challenge and so look for a company that is new to their area (therefore having a long distance sponsor), and others are not as comfortable with that idea and prefer to walk into something that has alaready been established in an area.





No right or wrong, it takes both kinds to make it work!


Just musing. :)

Very well put TMartin.


At the time I joined Premierthere was only one other jeweler in my city and only 180 in the Middle Tennessee area. So, I did have to work to get my name out there.


I think the reason I wanted to Sponsor and build a Team was just so I wouldn't be alone anymore and now it has become something very financially rewarding also.


Good point!


Sheryl

Someone asked where I live. I am in sunny Florida. I have looked over all of the information sent to me and evaluated my lifestyle and am narrowing my search down to child focused products, entertaining, and possibly spa type parties. I homeschool my girls and I think doing something with childrens items would be awesome because I could really involve them and do some day parties to start off with with other homeschool moms. I love to entertain and people love coming to parties at my house so I think I would enjoy showing others easy ways to entertain and spa parties just speaks for itself who would love to just relax and try something new.


I am also interested in a company where I don't have a carload of stuff to carry to parties. I don't think it matters to me how new or old the company is because their are pros and cons to either scenario.


Thanks again ladies and I will keep you posted.


Dana

Do any of you have sponsors that are long distance and how does that work. Because I am new to this I feel like Iwill need some training and I fear that a long distance sponsor will not be able to do that.


My answer to your question is...it depends. My experience is that some uplines are very good at training (even long distance) and some aren't very good at training (even local to them). BUT, the good news about MLM businesses is that it is YOUR business and you can find the resources that you need to be successful. Sometimes it's boards like this and sometimes it involves finding a person closer to you to "adopt" you into their group so that you can attend local trainings, etc. The best news is that most MLM company's headquartersknow that new consultant training is key to getting the new consultant started on a successful business so they are very willing to hook you up with someone who can train you if your upline can't/isn't very good at it.


Edited by: deannawebber

Congrats on narrowing your search Dana! You have gotten loads of great advice so far and you will continue to do so as you start your new business! You mentioned children's products, which is of course what I do,lol and the worry of carrying tons of things. I wanted to let you know that with Discovery Toys your kit comes with an awesome, extremely well made and tough rolling bag that you put whatever items you are going to demonstrate in. It's plenty big enough to put all of your order folders, catalogs, pens, calculator and your products in and it rolls so well!! I've taken everything I got in my start up kit to my parties and have not had sidewalks to roll on everytime so I lifted it and it didn't hurt my back or arms at all. I can promise you would have a BLAST with Discovery Toys and it would definitely help your children with their school work as well as entertainment value and you can help other people and schools get the products in their facilities because of the personal testimonies you'll have from using them with your own children.


Spa parties would also be a blast and don't we ALL deserve some relaxation from time to time!! I wish there was a rep around here who did something like that so I could get invited to a party!


You sound like such a motivated lady and any of us would be honored to have you as part of our team!! But, regardless of who you go with, I'm sure glad you're going to be part of our little "party plan" family!!!! God Bless Dana and I'll say a little prayer for you and your new company!!!

Hi Dana! What part of Florida are you in? I am in Jacksonville. I have been on the boards here for a few months trying to decidewhich party plan I want to jump into also. Letus know what you decide.

After reviewing all of the info I was sent I wanted to get you gals opinion. I notice that comission varies from anywhere between 20-50%. What other things should I be taking into consideration? I actually have been leaning towards one company that I found on this forum. It seems as if I am comparing everything else to that one company and the funny thing is that I didn't even get a pm from a rep of that company. I was just browsing and found it. It almost seems as if I have become obsessed I have read over the entire website and googled the company to read anything I can find.


Did any of you ladies just have a feeling about your company because that doesn't seem like the best way to make a business decisionsmileys/smiley5.gif

Also look at: 1. What on-going expenses there will be and how muchthey will be. 2. If you are responsible for paying the hostess program or if it's covered by corporate 3. If you have to keep an inventory. 4. What the minimum sales are to stay active.


That's all I can think of for now. I actually DID have a feeling about Big Yellow Box.. I just knew it was for me. But it also had the Crayola trust factor thing going on..so that played a little part as well.


Good luck in your decision ~ you really are going abt it the right way!


Kimsmileys/smiley4.gif

I got a feeling about both companies that I have been with. But I pray about everything I do and my "feelings" are actually God leading me places. I never worried about wether it was the best business decision I could make because I knew God wouldn't lead me into something that He wasn't going to bless.


A couple things I would consider: who pays for the Hostess benefits, you or the company? Where does the product get shipped to, you, the Hostess or the customer? Who pays the sales tax to the appropriate places, you or the company? Is there a charge to you for taking credit card payments? Are there monthly minimums on orders? Do you have to carry inventory? Do you keep your commission the night of the party or do you have to wait to get paid all at once for the month? How often do new catalogs/products come out that you are going to have to buy to keep your kit updated? (for me, the less catalogs a year, the better) How much are their business supplies?


Ok, that's more than a couple, lol. I'm sure you've already thought of all of these things. But these are things that eat into your profit percentage and I like to know that I can figure up my profit and not have then think about all that I need to subtract from that total to find out how much I REALLY made, ya know? But that's just me.


Can't wait to find out which company you've chosen!! God Bless!!

After reviewing all of the info I was sent I wanted to get you gals opinion. I notice that comission varies from anywhere between 20-50%. What other things should I be taking into consideration? I actually have been leaning towards one company that I found on this forum. It seems as if I am comparing everything else to that one company and the funny thing is that I didn't even get a pm from a rep of that company. I was just browsing and found it. It almost seems as if I have become obsessed I have read over the entire website and googled the company to read anything I can find.


Did any of you ladies just have a feeling about your company because that doesn't seem like the best way to make a business decisionsmileys/smiley5.gif





Well you know alot of people do not pm unless requested to do so. I am sure you had tons of pm's to look thru so I for one didn't do that.


Now as far as the commission, yes that is important, thats your profit! So make sure you are comfortable with it. If its lower end commission ask yourself how much product do you need to sell to make the amount of money you wish to acheive? If you go higher end percentage of comm, you will not have to sell as much.


I had a good feeling about Mia Bella, its a highly consumable product, so I do not constantly have to search for NEW customers, they are great and I do work at that, but repeat customers are the best. Once you burn them, you have to buy more if you are a constant burner like I am. Now say with toys, you dont' always have to buy a new toy when the kids get tired of playing with it. Not saying that some will not, but you see the point I am making.


After I first received my candle of the month, I was HOOKED! I knew how much I loved it and how great it smelled. I know many candle burners and have converted them all from a "famous candle company" and our products are so much better and better priced.


So take into consideration everything you have learned, theres nothing wrong with consistently looking online. How much do you search for a house? You dont' just pick one from the first say 20 you see if they really aren't what you want right? So you do not want to do that with a business either.


Well those are my 2 scents, Good Luck on your search Dana.

-actually have been leaning towards one company that I found on this forum. It seems as if I am comparing everything else to that one company and the funny thing is that I didn't even get a pm from a rep of that company. I was just browsing and found it. It almost seems as if I have become obsessed I have read over the entire website and googled the company to read anything I can find.


Did any of you ladies just have a feeling about your company because that doesn't seem like the best way to make a business decisionsmileys/smiley5.gif





Don't worry that no one has PM'd you from that co.. as people said, you get a lot of spam and some people just won't pm like that unless you specifically ask them for info. Also, I know for example, that only myself and one other person from my co. post here and maybe people from that co aren't here very much.


I think some of the decision comes from the gut, b/c its easier to sell what you are passionate about. Also, don't just look at base commission, look at the whole plan. Some start off lower, but may have potential to go much higher, and vice versa. Good luck!

Just follow your heart. smileys/smiley36.gifYou've gotten a lot of good info. And there is a lot to chose from.


As Krystal said, my passion is my kids, and everything I do involves them. I started with DT because I loved the toys and knew I would use it in my home. They are easy for me to share with others because I'm a customer, and it's fun. So it was a win-win for me.


And my upline is across the country and it worked out great because we touch base weekly. I use this model with myconsultants and we all have a sense of being a team from team calls and our Yahoo group and emails. Plus we do one-on-one calls.


Another thing to look at is how long the company has been around. Many companies go under their first 2 years due to mismanagement, or unexpected events. It's not easy starting a company. So look at the backing and historyof any company before signing.


Best of luck to you! smileys/smiley32.gifYou sound like you know what you want, and I have a feeling will be a wonderful asset to any company.


Debbie (off to pack for Chicago!)

best of luck on your decision. let me know if you want info about liasophia or already have it. I didn't send any because i figured someone else had.


Shari

Well, we could debate who has the best Marketing Plan and the reasons why we feel that way for a long time. But I think what that really shows is how PASSIONATE we all are about our Companies.


On one hand....The JOB is exactly the same for all of us. We all have to Book and Hold Home Shows. And Some, not all of us, will alsoSponsorothers and help them to be successful.


Now...Would you like to make 20% 0r 50% on your sales? And would you like to earn 4% or 10% on your Team? Those are Money questions. Is that why you are wanting to go into Direct Sales? If so then those answers matter.


But I believe that the PASSION is what will keep you motivated through the hard times. So, find your Passion...and then compare head-to-head the different companies that carry that type of product.


The Money was the reason I joined my Company....and then the Passion of Helping and Serving Others is whatmademe want to become a leader.

One other thing, if the Money is something you are taking seriously for the long term, you should ask one very important question.


#When you help someone promote into management/leadership, Do they Break-Away from you (therefore you are no longer making Commission from them and their team) or Do the percentages Decrease(So that you are making less)?


You should try to find a company whose percentages stay the same as your organization grows. When that structure is in place, then it does not hurt you to help others to become EVEN MORE Successful than yourself!

WOW, ladies...lots of great advice. I found my passion first (scrapbooking and stamping) and then I compared companies. I focused on which matched my personal value system (and there were a couple and them) andbecause I have an MBA, I tend get straight to the numbers. So, once I was sure I had a few good companies to choose from where I loved the product and could respect their value/mision/vision, I compared the compensation plans.


The advice that has already been mentioned is everything that you should consider so I won't belabor the points. What is most important though, is to not ignore the first two steps.Again, best of luck on your "quest". Itis sssssooooooo exciting to"see" someone go through theprocess of finding their passion, even if it's not with us and our company.

I agree it is great to see someone find their passion. I went on that journey and its very exciting (you become more intune to what you like and want to do) I wanted a fun job #1 and make people happy and as excited as me. Money wasn't as important to me i have a career.


Shari

Hi Dana. I am with Home Interiors and Gifts. You have tons of information but I wanted to jump on the bandwagon and give you my 2 cents worth.


Six years ago I booked a Home Interiors party, my first party. I walked away with about $200.00 or more worth of merchandise for probably about $21.00. (I probably spent $100.00 to get my free merchandise that high, but you only have to do that once as a hostess). I was hooked at all the free or 1/2 price merchandise I could get. I was/am greedy. I want all I can for as little as possible - it is a challenge for me. Anyway, my decorating consultant would send brochures to me monthly. I would have parties on the double free months. I did that for five years or so. Finally, last year my decorating consultant came to my house to help me put up some shelves I had gotten for Christmas. She sat on my couch, showed me a flier and a fundraiser form and asked me what I thought. She told me that I could get 25.00 free merchandise credit for any referrals I gave her. I asked her how much I would make, she told me and I finally convinced my husband that this was a great idea for me to sell Home Interiors and Gifts. I LOVE the merchandise, I think the value of the products cannot be beat. I also liked my decorating consultant.


She signed me up and I had a pretty successful first year in the business.


What I love about Home Interiors is the constant communication we receive from our upline. My decorating consultant happens to be a unit director in my branch. She sends out emails weekly to us telling us how great we are doing, and encourages us when we are not doing so hot. Our Branch director has us over to her house for meetings (and shindigs if we worked hard to earn the prize). The team I am on I don't think could be beat. If we need ANYTHING, we can call anyone in our unit to see if they have it and if they do, we can either swap for it or buy it from them.


I LOVE this company!!


As far as long distance sponsoring... I have done this with two gals. I have signed them up, helped them with their first order, got them acclimated to things and then we transfer them into a local unit so that you can have the family feeling of a team that we have here. I will always be in touch with those girls because they are always going to be my downline as long as they are working BUT, we feel it is very important that they are able to participate in team meetings and trainings so they can build their businesses to the sky if they want.


I LOVE Home Interiors and Gifts, and if you would like more information, please feel free to PM me. My website addy is www.homeinteriors.com\rpfeifle (http://www.homeinteriors.com\rpfeifle). Feel free to go and visit and let me know if I can help you out at all. I would love to answer any more questions that you may have.


Rachel

Okay- if you can stand it I will send you a PM as well!smileys/smiley17.gif

Hi Dana! My interest in home parties started the same way! I have hosted several in the past, and at first found it odd that I enjoyed taking outside orders, tallying up orders, having the parties, and distributing the products! I enjoyed bagging them too! But then I just realized that I am a perfect candidate for an at home business!


My suggestion would be to first find a company that you LOVE the products. When you truly love the products, it is much easier to sell them. Are you going to still enjoy doing parties w/ these products 1 year from now?


For me, it was important to find a company with a consumable product b/c I wanted to really make a business out of it, and not just the "right now" money from selling retail once. With a consumable product, people are constantly reordering, and in my particular business, they can order directly themselves. The product is shipped to them, and all I do is get an override check from the sale!


Also, definetly look at the compensation plan, not just the commission you get right away. What is the company going to pay you in the long run when you start meeting people who want to do the business under you? This is residual income. Getting paid for doing the work once over and over again. That is where the real money in network marketing comes into play.


But the # 1 is to love the product and feel like it is an easy sell to a large amount of people. You may find the company with the highest comission and best compensation plan, but if you truly don't love the product or have a large enough potential client base, it really doesn't matter in the end.


You narrowed your interest down to childrens, entertaining, and spa parties. From there, I would ask for samples and demos from companies specializing in these. You are great for taking the time and researching. This is still a business that you are attempting and you want to go into it fully knowledged of who you will be representing. Your passion for the product and knowledge will go far! Best of luck in whatever you decide to do!

Hi Dana.


Just in case you are still deciding, I have one more company for you to consider. As A Pole Lot of Fun Home Party Business Owner, you will be involved with a company that based on the empowerment of women. Women of every age, shape and size can do the moves I teach at my parties, and I have never had anyone leave without a smile on their face. It is fabulous to be involved in a company committed to making women feel good about themselves, and provide stress relief through fun, laughter in a supportive atmosphere with their friends.


The evening is all about them, and although you get paid a flat rate for each party, you can also have some products sales, if the evening progresses that way.


If you want to hear more, please contact me.


Yours in fun,

Hello,


I chose AtHome America because I loved the products I saw. And I am glad I did because the AtHome Specialists I deal with are some of the best people you could ever meet. My group is from NJ/CT and I am from MA, but they have taken me in like I had been friends with them forever, I like not feeling alone - my web site is www.athome.com/sevans (http://www.athome.com/sevans) Please feel free to check out our products, and don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Hi Dana, I'm glad you're exciting about starting something new. I recently started after 3 years of being the Hostess. It's the best, especially since I love the products myself. They're thoughout my house. Also, the support I get from my family, friends, and my upline.


You can check out my website below and if you have any questions, just email and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.


Best of luck, Sandy