February 7th, 2011 was the first time I talked to Hope Shortt. I had stalked her – followed her on Facebook, read about her, and was inspired by her faith. I knew what an amazing person she was BEFORE I had this conversation. I told her I wanted to join her Thirty One team.
She asked me “what my why” was? For those in direct sales, we always want to know from new team members, “What is YOUR why?”, right? I was nervous. Why? Because I honestly had no clue. But in my true people pleasing style, I told her I wanted to earn some extra money. No big dreams. I mean I was a Chief Operating Officer of a non-profit, who had time for anything. I wanted to share the products at vendor shows, had NO desire to do home parties and really was not interested in having a team. The truth was, I didn’t believe I was leadership material. Yes, you can laugh…I could run a non-profit, manage grants, write grants and manage a staff of 18 programs BUT I never saw myself as a leader.
Thirty One helped with the “recruiting” aspect since this was just one day prior to the FREEZE. WOW, what a relief. Vendor shows was something I loved to do since I had been doing craft/ vendor shows for over 20 years. It was a great place to meet people AND share a product. Hope listened and said she would be there to help when I needed her. No pressure just support and kindness.
Over the next few months I shared Thirty One at vendor events – selling but still NOT booking parties. I mean I had a full-time CRAZY busy job, who had time for home parties. Then came the first TWO potential recruits. OMG!!! I was honest with both of them from the start. I wasn’t into doing home parties and I was going to learn along with them. Believe it or not, they still joined as soon as the freeze lifted and quickly qualified. I was a Senior Consultant by default. Then came a home office lead who wanted a HOME PARTY! Panic set in… it was someone I didn’t know and I was clueless. I had never done a home party. I could do this… and I DID! Of course, it would not have been possible if it weren’t for Hope and the rest of the Beacon of Hope team.
My FIRST National Conference in 2012 had me setting a goal and deciding I wanted to be in Leadership. I had left my full-time job due to health issues but I wasn’t going to let it stop me. I set a goal to be Director BEFORE National Conference 2013. The stats say those who go to national conference earn more – TRUE! Those who go to national conference – PROMOTE – TRUE! In October, 2012 I was DIQ and in January 2013, I was blessed to earn my $1,000 Director Bonus. It was a whirlwind time filled with lots of emotions.
National Conference 2013, I was blessed to be joined by my daughter and members of the Rays of Hope Team as I walked across stage being acknowledged as a NEW Thirty One Director. Tears of joy flowed freely all weekend. I walked across stage and was hugged by Hope Shortt, my National Executive Director.
The next few years brought many changes – dealing with testing and diagnosis of MS, worrying if I was really able to lead a team, fear, lots of comparison game playing and more tears. I even wondered at times if I could continue since I couldn’t remember the names of prints and products. I’m grateful for an amazing group of customers who understood and have stood by me all of these years…
National Conference 2018 would be my last road trip to a Thirty One event with my momma by my side. The travel, the overwhelming feeling of not being able to understand everything and the struggle to remember things would get to be too much. The theme of “Make Every Moment Count” would stay with me for a long time.
Fast forward to 2020 when I seriously considered leaving my pink bubble. I was overwhelmed, the joy had left and I couldn’t seem to find my passion. I turned things over to God and decided with hubby’s help, I would follow whatever path he thought I should take. It took a few months BUT I found joy in my pink bubble again. I focused on my business, praying the things I did would help my team. I stepped out of my comfort zone to do virtual parties which included a LIVE portion with BINGO. No matter how many times I thought “this is my last month”; God had another plan and my team and I made the numbers I needed to remain a Director.
I still struggle with my “why” and learning to DREAM BIG. Home parties are no longer possible due to health issues. Vendor events have been gone for awhile with the new social distancing rules. I step out of my comfort zone to do things I wouldn’t have done before – asking for virtual socials (aka parties), offering the opportunity and embracing the things I love about my pink bubble.
One of the biggest blessings from Thirty One has been regaining my confidence which I lost so many years ago. The other is gaining a sisterhood of women who celebrate, encourage and even cry with me. Yes, I have earned FREE products! Yes, I have earned a FREE trip. Yes, I was able to pay off credit card debt & travel as a result of my commission checks! Yes, I have found a sisterhood I didn’t know existed in my Thirty One sisters! Yes, I have grown in my walk with God, learning to trust and believe his will will be done in my business! These are all the things Thirty One has blessed me with…. 
Who would have thought a pink box filled with product could CHANGE MY LIFE. Could it change your life too?
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
I know, you are thinking…. this is just another pitch to join a direct sales company. Yes, it may look that way BUT have you ever thought about the difference in could make in your life.
Successful consultants begin with a Launch Party! When you host a party you have the opportunity to introduce your family and friends to your Thirty-One business! I will be there to help with every step! You’ll be the HOSTESS and the CONSULTANT for the party. So you will be earning commission from this party, and you’ll be raking in the hostess rewards too!
An average party at Thirty-One is about $600 and our consultants earn 25% commission. So, 25% of an average party is $150!! You get to choose how many parties you hold each month. The more you party, the more you earn. Where else can you get paid to hang out with friends, drink wine and eat yummy food! How much would you like to earn your first month?
When you join Thirty-One, you are in business for yourself, not by yourself. You will be part of one of the largest teams in the company. We are family (are you humming the song?) and I’m here to help!! Thirty-One offers online training available 24/7. There are local meetings and events with a director in your area, and National Conference happens in July each year! We just celebrated our 15th Anniversary in Columbus this past weekend. Additionally, I am your Director and will support you with training and communication throughout your Thirty-One journey. We have team Facebook group where lots of great information is shared so you can connect with other women on our team!
Hope Wissel 