The Many Uses of a Large Utility Tote

Totes come in every shape and size.  The truth is they are usually at home when we are out and about, right?  I mean how many times have you stopped to the grocery store only to remember the bags are at home or maybe they are in the car but you forgot to take them into the store.  I know, I have been there – yes, this “bag lady” does occasionally forget to take her bag with her.  SHHHH!  It will be our little secret.

Since the summer is quickly approaching, I have come up with a system to ensure the bags are in the car AND I take them in the store when I go shopping.  Once I unpack the totes, I set them by the door so they are in plain sight when I go out to the car the next time.  They are always put in my truck of the CRV.  So, how do I remember to take them with me?  On the days I am grocery shopping, I put my purse in the trunk.  Yup, I can’t go shopping without my purse, so when I open the trunk to get my purse, I pick up my totes.    Sometimes I will place them on the seat next to me.  I don’t know about you but I need to have things written on a list OR right in front of me in order to remember them.

Thirty One has a variety of totes (and thermals) which make shopping especially grocery shopping so much easier.  Here are some tips to help you pick the one for YOU:

Did you  know the Large Utility Tote has been the company’s TOP SELLER (usually #1) since it was first introduced.  The Large Utility Tote is 11.75″ High x 21.5″ Wide x 10″ deep. The structured metal frame keeps it open for bulky items and provides strength for durability. Use it to keep your closet in order, carry toys or groceries while you’re on the go, haul camping gear and so much more. It even collapses for easy storage!  AND it can be personalized!  Need a visual, check out some of these different uses:

Have kids in sports?  Want to be ready for the beach or the pool?  Team up the large utility tote with the all in organizer and a picnic thermal.

   Wedding gifts… Party Time…    Camping.

Do you need a tote for a weekend trip, or a teacher bag, or a tote for errands when you’re schlepping a lot of stuff around?  I love the fact Thirty One’s totes are multi-purpose.

Did I mention the BEST part of the large utility tote in May????  It is on SALE!!!  Who doesn’t love a sale right?

Why not grab TWO and split the cost with your bestie!

So many uses for just one bag… which one is calling you?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Santa Bundle Challenge

Are you starting to stress about holiday shopping?  Are you worried about your holiday budget?  I have a solution for you….

Check out these FOUR bundles available for a limited time…. You may be wondering why it is a challenge, right?  I’m not one for usually sharing about challenges but Thirty One’s Home Office has challenged us to sell 10 of these AMAZING bundles by December 11th.  Do you think I can do it?

Bundle #1 features our BIGGEST seller, the large utility tote.  A great gift for anyone on your holiday list.  Uses range from grocery shopping, to the beach, to organizing the car or storage.  The Littles Carry Alls are so much cuter than a gift bag.  Add some homemade treats or a gift card and you have the perfect gift.

Bundle #2 is for the traveler on your list or maybe a dancer or cheerleader. The Hanging Traveler Case will hold full size bottles standing up to eliminate spilling.  Some have used it to carry their Bible or planner with their iPad.  The Glamour Case will hold your make-up or maybe those essential oils you need when traveling.  The Mini Zipper Pouch has so many uses – make-up, first aid kit, epi pen holder and the list goes on.  Easy for kids to carry their “stuff” in too.

Bundle #3 features our personalization options.  Did you know 90% of Thirty One’s products can be personalized?  Perfect for those who have unusual names or different spellings for every day names.  Our Canvas Pillow Cover is a great way to celebrate the holidays or as a gift for a new home owner.  This bundle combined with the Littles Carry All and the Mini Zipper Pouch for a total of THREE personalized presents for one great price.

Bundle #4 is my favorite.  We all know a “girl on the go” whether it is a college student getting ready to graduate, a career women, a business owner or a mom.  This is a great set given together but can also be broken up into 3 great gifts.  The Around Town Tote is one of my go-to bags.  This classy bag has lots of room while looking fashionable.  Add the Savvy Sleeve to hold files, up to a 15″ laptop or iPad and planner.  A nice gift for the man on your list who juggles a lot of papers on the road.  The Super Swap It Pocket is the big sister of our Swap It Pocket.  The larger version has handles which allows it to be used on its own.  Organize files, a mini diaper bag for the car, a Bible case, a snack bag or even a purse.

These four bundles are available for a limited time only.  To place your order, CLICK HERE. Need help with your order, feel free to text me at 609-457-4249 or send an email to HopeWs31@gmail.com

Don’t let stressing over holiday gifts ruin your holiday spirit….

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Beat the Summer Slump

Have you experienced the summer slump?  Did Vacation Veronica drop on your doorstep when the kids got out of school and never leave?  Have you looked at your Fall calendar and realized it is empty?

Many of us experience the summer slump.  When I was working in the non-profit world, it was a time when we took things a little easier.  As Belinda was growing up, it was when I took time off for major events in our personal life.  Why?  Because we are laid back in the summer.  The world (at least at the Jersey shore) moves a little slower.

When I started my Thirty One journey, my summers were pretty much the same way.  I didn’t ask people to party so as a result my summer slump became a fall fiasco!  My sales in the summer slowed to a dribble which made for a quiet Fall despite always having a new catalog.  “Summer slump” – most retailers and business owners experience it so why not you, right?

This season I did things a little different.  Everyone is online – from grocery shopping to clothes shopping to buying large items for the home.  So, I went virtual too. I became the face my customers associated with Thirty One.  I didn’t want them to be asked “who is your consultant” and they say “not sure” or “I don’t have a regular one”.  I wanted them to say “It is Hope and here is her information”.

Are thinking, I’ve been in a summer slump, my calendar is bare for September so it is “hopeless”.  WAIT!  Don’t let negativity overwhelm you! There is still plenty you can do to hit your sales goals for the fall.

FIRST! Kick Vacation Veronica to the curb.  Schedule some time to work on your business – even if it is just 20 minutes a day.  You will be surprised what you can get done in 20 minutes when you are focused.

It is time to work your business.  Despite being pretty happy with my business all summer, I was entering a new phase – 95% online business with Facebook parties, vendor events and an occasional home party.  YIKES!  It is scary but I am determined to make it work.  I mean it has all summer so why not into the busy holiday season, right? “Wine Down” has been the most popular themed Facebook party for September.  I mean who doesn’t like wine, right?

If you haven’t been working your business – it is time to get busy.  Here are some ways to ramp up your business these last 2 weeks of August so you are getting back on track for September….

#1 Upcoming Event and Celebration Packages.

Kids are headed back to school, fall sports are starting, people are looking to raise money… the list goes on.  People are getting together to celebrate  (any excuse for a party, right?).   Why not create some special packages for all the different types of celebrations and reach out now to offer your products. This could be as a present for others or for their own personal use.  Here are some examples of celebrations and events: Back to School, Weddings, Anniversaries, Family BBQs and reunions, etc.

#2 Show-on-the-Go.

Are you always prepared for a mini show presentation?  I have a mobile office in my trunk with some products ready to show off to anyone who asks.  Are you a walking billboard for your products? Be sure you always have your product on hand to demonstrate to potential customers.  Don’t miss an opportunity to share your products!  Have your business card ready – actual or electronic.  It means you will have to follow up with them but who knows what could develop…

#3 Follow-Up.

Just because your customers are away, doesn’t mean they don’t want to benefit from your products or replenish their stock.  I am always amazed when I get a text from a customer looking for a product they saw while on vacation.  Follow-up means getting on the phone, text or Facebook message (their preference) your customers and see how they’re doing. Also let them know if they are away, you can ship their products to wherever they want!

#4 Create More Content.

Did you know this is one of the most important things you can do online to help generate more profit for your business?  Videos, blog posts, demonstrations, tutorials and more.  Get in the frame of mind to teach people more about what you do and offer them value. The more you share, the more interested they become in your products. This is a great time to ramp up VIP Group and create amazing content for your Business Page.

#5 Markets and Vendor Events.

Check out the local fairs, markets and vendor events. Find local markets in your area and inquire about renting a table.  Many of the markets continue through September.  Look for those holiday vendor/craft events to help you gain new customers and get out of the summer slump.

What will you do to KICK your Fall into gear?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Holiday Marketing

The week after Thanksgiving and my email inbox is overflowing with all kinds of offers and suggestions on what to get everyone on my Christmas list.  Most of them I delete while others I may glance out briefly to see if there is really anything that I or anyone on my list needs.  In most cases, nothing has jumped out at me.  In the midst of all of this, I have been thinking about what I am offering my customers this holiday season.  Are they just glancing at my emails and hitting the delete button?  Are they thinking about ordering and then they lose focus?  Here are some ideas from “the self-employed.com” website:

• Offer Holiday Bundles – not only will you increase sales and your commission check (if you are in direct sales) but it provides a discount to your customers.  There are many talented consultants with Thirty One who design bundles every month with the monthly customer special.  You can check out some of them on my Facebook Page.  I also have a VIP group for my customers and hostess where I am offering the 12 Days of Thirty One Christmas.  Each day has a different special available for that 24-hour period.
• Upsell Stocking Stuffers – you know that little something to add to a person’s stocking. Most direct sales companies have items that are $5 or less that are perfect for this.  Thirty One has rosettes ($5) , nail files ($2), Key FOB ($5), and custom address labels ($5). You could bag your stuffer up in a small timeless memory pouch ($5) and then wrap the present in the larger matching pouch.  Additional sales – bigger commission check.  The little things add up.  These smaller items are also perfect for teacher’s gifts, secret Santa or just a little something to give that surprise guest over the holidays or throughout the year.

I use Facebook and am now starting to use Linked In to expand my network circle.  Social media is HUGE now with everyone posting their company specials and looking to attract new or more customers.  Honestly, I am not sure if there is a tried and true way to make the most of the holiday shopping season without getting somewhat lost in the shuffle.

The greatest success comes from building relationships with your customers.  Remember those customers that always wait until the last minute to order – call them, remind them of the deadline to make sure they don’t miss out.  Have a wish list from a hostess or customer, ask her who you could contact on her behalf.  This is a HUGE help for those husbands who never know what to get their wives.  I even have “HINT, HINT Honey” pictures for wives to share with their hubby or special someone.

Off to make some phone calls to ensure that my customers receive their orders by Christmas.  What have you been doing to stand out from the crowd this holiday season?  Share your ideas with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!