Thankful Thursday: Judgement

 

Judgement is defined as “the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, from circumstances presented to the mind”.  I know, why would I be thankful for “judgements”, right?   First because I am learning when I am judging someone else, I better look at myself in that particular area.  Second, I am learning to turn Judgement into Curiosity…..

Think about how many times you have judged or been judged by someone – no matter what the reason?  I know we try our best NOT to judge but isn’t it human nature to judge others.  I will admit since being in recovery, I realize how often I judge people and I don’t like it.   I usually find the reason I am judging them is because something is missing in me – a relationship with my Higher Power or a case of envy or jealousy. 

Isn’t it natural to form an opinion about information we receive?  The problem arises when we proclaim our opinion as the truth, even when we don’t have enough information to come to a definite conclusion.  How often have you done this?  I know I am not alone, right?

We judge people for the way they look, for the way they dress, where they live, what we “think” their life is like, what they eat, how they act……….you get the picture, right?  Social media doesn’t help either because we only see the image people want to project which is usually positive with all of the struggles.  As a result, we determine what their life is like based on just a few pictures.  I have found I do the same thing in my direct sales business as well as my small business.  I judge who may be potential customers or be interested in certain products.  I have already decided they may or may not buy based on what we think or what we perceive.  BUT have we talked to them?  Have we asked them any questions?

The first step in wanting to change this habit is to be aware AND admit you are doing it.  When you stop judging others, you will notice yourself connecting with people more authentically and learning valuable information about them. When others feel like they are being heard, they are more open to hearing you.

I challenge you to try this: The next time you are tempted to be judgmental, instead, be curious. Instead of deciding you know their motives, intentions or backstory, withhold those judgments and listen. The only way to build bridges is to refuse to jump to conclusions, and instead be curious.

1. Be curious by asking questions of yourself.

• Why do you suppose they did/said/feel that?
• How does it affect me, if at all?
• Why does it bother me?
• What could I learn from this person or situation?

2. Be curious by asking questions of others.

What if we asked them to tell us more about (fill in the blank)?  Or maybe you have been in their shoes, so you can share with them, or ask how they are feeling.  Better yet, say nothing at all. Let them talk and just listen.  Listening can be tough when we have already “judged” someone but force yourself to LISTEN!

We can learn so much about people by turning away from judgment and towards curiosity. When you ask those two questions – of yourself and others – you will gain a new unexpected perspective or a new piece of information providing insight you might not have had before.  It will help you build trust which will  open the door to greater connection.

Who have you been (tempted to be) judgmental towards recently? At work? On social media? With a friend or family member?

Maybe in your business…. Have you hesitated because you had already decided they wouldn’t be interested or couldn’t afford the products?  Have you missed an opportunity to connect with someone new?  Maybe you have missed out on giving or receiving a blessing because you pre-judged them and their situation.

What would happen if you were curious instead of judgemental? Share your AHA moment with us.

Have a blessed day!

 

Quality vs. Quantity

It is the time of year when many direct sales companies encourage their consultants to recruit. When you get people making money during the holiday season, hopefully they will stay around for the rest of the year, right?  Now I am all about sharing the opportunity all year long BUT I will admit it can be a struggle sometimes.

This brings up the question….When RECRUITING is it  quality or quantity?

There are pros and cons on both sides so no hate mail, please.  When I decided I wanted to be a Leader with Thirty One, I was encouraged to make sure certain some basic components were in plan in my business.  First and foremost,  my personal sales/ parties had to be consistent.  Then I had to show my team how building a team can make a difference in their life.  I have talked about my initial step (or fall) into leadership.   When I started to grow my team, I quickly realized the difference between quantity and quality of recruits.

When I started with Thirty One,  it was recommended I follow the  2 – 10 – 1 model.  What it means is to hold at least 2 parties a month with at least 10 guests per party and 1 recruit per catalog season.  I know you are thinking,  ONE recruit per season will take you forever to grow your team, right?  Some do 2 recruits per season with the goal of each of those recruits being successful or maintaining their business.  I mean what good is it to have 100 girls on your team if only 10 of them are working their business and the rest are  barely staying active.  Leading by example is a great way to build your team.  I have found consultants who are on a recruiting mission to see how many new recruits they can get per month.  Is that you?  Are you helping your new recruits to grow, learn and nurturing them?  Do you compare the size of your team with those of other leaders?  Be purposeful in your recruiting – focusing on how your company can best meet the needs of your potential recruit.  What is their WHY?  What good is recruiting lots of people only to have them be part of the revolving door – coming and going all of the time?

I LOVE my team because it is a diverse group of women who all have their own goals for their business.  I have been blessed to only have a few kit-nappers over the last 7 plus years.  As a Director, it is up to me to help new team members – CELEBRATE, ENCOURAGE & REWARD them as they reach for their goals.  Sometimes life gets in the way.  That is okay!  Maybe their vision for their business has changed. Maybe they only want to work their business for some extra money.  Maybe they are not interested in having a team or recruiting.  Maybe they are a one party a month or just vendor shows or just collecting retail orders. There will be others who will go from the initial plan of 2 – 10 – 1 to wanting and growing their business to full-time potential.  The beauty of direct sales is YOUR business is YOUR business!  I truly believe a team needs to have diverse members to be successful – you never know who your next ROCK STAR will be!  If you focus on just those people who KNOW what they want and ignore those who have some great qualities – you may be missing YOUR next ROCK STAR.

Do you believe in QUALITY or QUANTITY when recruiting?

If you want to learn more about joining my amazing team, contact me for details.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.

Do You Want to Fall in Love with Your Business?

I know you are thinking…. “why be in business, especially direct sales, if you don’t love your products and your company, right?”  Most of us get into direct sales because we fell in love with the product, not because it was “easy money”.

Several years ago, I wrote a blog post about “Parent Your Business” where I shared what I learned in a seminar with Caryn Chow.  She talked about the need to parent our business with the acronym meaning:

P = Patience

A = A lot of Love

R = Resilience

E = Endurance

N = Nurture

T = Time Out

During the month of February our theme is LOVE, in all areas of our life.

 

Today we are going to talk about how your business is much like a marriage or a relationship (if you aren’t married, there are still some good tips so keep reading). Not only do we need to PARENT our business but we sometimes we need to fall in love all over again.

On a leadership call this past week, I was taken back to a time when I had a vision of my goals.  An emotional link to them.  As the story of my journey to leadership was shared, I remember the passion and the emotions tied with reaching the desired goal.

So, here is how your relationship with your direct selling business mirrors a marriage. You have a passion for the products and the company. You are committed for the long haul. You are emotionally attached to the vision and the people. BUT just like a marriage, it’s easy to take your eyes off what you fell in love – maybe the company changes their compensation plan, discontinues your best selling product or your team stops producing which effects YOUR paycheck.  Life happens and the road gets bumpy….

Some will jump ship to another company thinking the “grass is greener” on the other side. Others will continue a downward spiral until their sales are gone, their team is lost and they just quit.  Then there are those who desire to find the spark.  Those who want to ignite the passion in their business.  Those who want to cast their vision into the world and see what happens. Those who want to fight for their business, no holds barred.

Staying in love with your business requires the awareness and determination. How often take stock of how you ‘feel’ about your business?  Negative Nellie is a sneaky devil and she usually shows up when you least expect it.  When the shine begins to dim in your love affair with your business, it’s time to take intentional action.

Here are five things you can do to fall in love again:

• Create a list of 100 reasons to be grateful for your company. I know it sounds like ALOT.  It is BUT if you push all the way to 100 – you will see something happen.  Believe it or not, the final 25 will be the ones which truly touch your heart.
• Make a list of all the people who have come into your life through your business. No matter what your reason for joining a direct sales in the beginning, the “sisterhood” is what is a big part of why people remain with their company.  It is a blessing many of us never expected or thought of.  Take time to ponder what “the sisterhood” has added to your life.
• Review the income you have earned.  Remember, you are in this to make money.  So make a list of all the things it has provided for your family or you were able to pay as a result of the income you earned.  Kids activities, credit card debt, school loans, household bills… get the picture?

• Look around your home and notice all the places you find your products. Consider how they make your life and your family’s life better.  Remember you are a walking billboard of your business.

• Make one more list, “How I have grown and changed through my business.”  This one is HUGE for me.

Take time, preferably an entire day, to appreciate your business. When you do, you will remember WHY you fell in love.  Then you will be able to count the many reasons to renew the love affair. You will be refreshed with a renewed passion and ready to get back to work!

My love affair with my business may waiver when Negative Nelly stops to visit.  BUT I am cashing my eyes on my vision and ready to put a plan in place.  What about you?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Spring has Sprung at Thirty One

I know the weather forecast doesn’t show it but believe me, it is SPRING at Thirty One Gifts.  The NEW catalog officially launches today.  Yes, we had a week of shopping from both catalogs but did you really see all of the NEWNESS the Spring catalog has to offer.

My favorite bag is the Studio Thirty One!!!!

Then you have the additions to the Close to Home Collection to help you get organized…

Want to get your hands on a NEW Spring catalog?  Simply click the link below and fill out the form…

SEND ME A NEW CATALOG, PLEASE

The February Customer Special is:

Aren’t those bunny mini storage bins adorable????  The Deluxe Organizing Utility Tote is great for an overnight trip or a diaper bag…..Are you wondering what the hostess special  is???

With just a $200 party (6 orders), you can get the Studio Thirty One purse for half price!  Have a texting party, a 31-minute Facebook party or a 3-day party, which one will fit your lifestyle?

Maybe, you want it all but would rather NOT have a party.  How about a monthly club?  Advance notice on sales, monthly happy mail and we will work out a budget plan which fits your needs.  Click the link below and fill out the form…

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE MONTHLY CLUB

Have you ever thought “I can do what she does”?  Of course you can!  Whether you are just looking for the discounts for you, your friends and your family or a part-time job or maybe you need a break for some girl time; Thirty One may be the answer for you.  There are TWO ways to join until the end of February:

First is the traditional enrollment kit with over $400 in products for just $99

OR, if you are strapped for cash, why not try this

Whichever way you pick, I will do your launch party via Facebook (or a home party, if you are local).  Start making money as soon as you enroll.  Base commission is 25% but you could make up to 40% with the NEW Thirty One marketplace.  Lots of options to help you design a business which works for you.

Which option will you pick – joining my team, hosting a party, the monthly club/ budget plan or just shopping?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

What Can You Buy for $1?

It’s the new year and the holiday bills are trickling in…As we try to figure out how to stretch the dollars in the new year, we are looking for deals.  ShopRite has the CAN CAN sale.  Retail stores are having “inventory sales”.  Have you ever thought about why a “dollar store” is so popular?  You can now buy anything and everything at the dollar store.  Sometimes we even buy things we don’t need just because it is one dollar.

What if I could offer you something for $1 which would earn you additional money for about 20 minutes a day or 4 hours a week?  Would you be interested?

What if you could start your own business for $1.00?  Seems crazy right?  No risk involved, just the opportunity to earn some money as well as get some FREE and discounted products.  Would you jump on it as fast as you would the “stuff” from the dollar store?

I shared the details in my VIP Customer group FIRST.  Actually as soon as Thirty One announced the opportunity.  See this why it is important to be a part of my VIP group?

Just when I thought this company could not get any better, they offer this AMAZING deal.  

Yes, you can actually join for $1.00.  No, you won’t receive the enrollment kit BUT you will get the chance to buy one once you earn some money.

Maybe you are thinking…. I can do what she does. Or, I don’t have time.  Or, I am not a sales person.  Or I could use an extra $300 per month.  The truth is, when I joined Thirty One 7 years ago, I was a crazy busy COO for a non-profit who commuted 4 hours a day round trip to work.  Yes, I was a crazy lady.  Still am but now I don’t commute.  LOL.

Yes, I made money from the beginning.  How?  I carried and used the products.  I shared it with my co-workers.  I handed out mini catalogs everywhere I went.  Oh, did I mention I was planning my wedding at the same time.  I get life is crazy busy – kids, work, family… and the list goes on.

So, there are TWO options to joining our Thirty One family and the Rays of Hope Team. Check this out..

You join for $1.00.  You invite your friends to your launch party (online or home) and I will do it for you.  You receive hostess benefits (FREE and discounted products), you get to keep all of the bookings from the party, you earn commission (25%) and business credit (25%**). 

OR you can grab the Spring/Summer Enrollment Kit in either the BOLD or the Black and white…

 

 

 

 

 

Here are the details on the NEW Start Swell program where you earn credit towards business supplies….

If this was in effect when I joined, I would have had $360 in credit – not bad for a hobbiest or a part time gig.  Yes, I had no intention of doing Thirty One full-time when I started.

Look at what you can earn as a Hostess during the month of February.  Look at this AWESOME bundle available ONLY to hostesses for a minimum of a $600 party! I get it.  I have been the crazy momma  but I can help you make it quick and easy!  No big presentation, just a party on the go – complete in about 1 hour. OR how about an online party? We can do a 31-minute Facebook party.

Have questions, feel free to call/text me at 609-457-4249 or complete the form below:

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Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!