The seven–year itch is a psychological term suggesting happiness in a relationship declines after around year seven. I know it usually applies to a marriage BUT for some I think it pertains to their business or their jobs. When I was working in the non-profit world, I would get the “itch”. I needed a change. I wanted something new. I wanted excitement.
Why am I talking about the “seven-year itch”? No, I am not thinking of changing direct sales companies. No, my marriage is great – we haven’t hit the 7 year mark yet. LOL.
Today is my seventh anniversary with Thirty One.
Struggling with trying to remember BUT grateful I have blogged about this before. Here is how the story goes…..
See, the truth is I joined Thirty One in 2009 and didn’t do much with it. Yup, I was a kitknapper. I had a few sales but nothing much and it wasn’t long before I went inactive.
I can’t remember exactly how or why it all happened – God had a plan. I started following Hope Shortt on Facebook and I read her story. On February 7th, 2011, I talked with her and told her I wanted to join her Thirty One team. She asked me “what my why” was? Kind of the standard question when someone joins your team…
I was nervous and being a “people pleasing person” I told her I wanted to earn some extra money. I had a good job – Chief Operating Officer for a non-profit and who had time for much of anything else. BUT the truth was, deep down I had a big dream but fear and doubt crept in along with Negative Nellie so I stuffed it down deep. I started sharing the products at vendor/craft shows, not wanting to do home parties and really not interested in having a team. Recruiting wasn’t an option because I joined the day before the FREEZE. No, not the weather although it was cold; Thirty One froze enrollment because they were growing so fast. I was relieved. I had been doing craft/ vendor shows for over 20 years, so it was going to be easy. Hope listened and said she would be there to help when I needed her. No pressure just support and kindness.
So started my journey with Thirty One. I did LOTS of vendor events. Still NO home parties. Fear and doubt kept me company. I didn’t have much confidence – I know amazing, right? This was so far out of my comfort zone.
I got my first TWO potential recruits during the freeze. I was honest with both of them from the start, I was going to be learning along with them. Believe it or not, they still joined as soon as the freeze lifted and quickly qualified with $1,000 in sales. I was now a Senior Consultant. YIKES! I wasn’t sure what it meant but it was okay. I was having fun and slowly building confidence. Then my first home office lead wanted a HOME PARTY! Panic set in… it was someone I didn’t know and I was clueless. I stumbled my way through it – no additional booked parties or recruits but I had sales and it was kind of fun.
My FIRST Thirty One National Conference was August of 2012. It was there I set a goal and decided tout my dream on paper and go for Leadership. The goal was 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 DIQed and in January 2013, I earned my $1,000 Director Bonus. I had gained confidence as a consultant but being a Director brought new fears and challenges.
At National Conference 2013 along with my daughter and members of the Rays of Hope Team. I walked across stage and was CELEBRATED as a NEW Thirty One Director. Tears of joy flowed freely all weekend and continue each time I think back to the moment. Hope Shortt, my National Executive Director, hugged me on stage. I struggle with memories but the emotion of walking across the stage stays with me bringing me to tears each time I think of it.
Since then my why has changed so much. I no longer work full-time and we rely on my Thirty One business as the second income in the house. It pays bills and allows us to travel a little bit. It allows me to work from home as I struggle some days with my MS.
I sometimes struggle with my “why” and learning to DREAM BIG. I still get nervous before a Home party. I continue to work on personal development because inner gremlins still on occasionally haunt me. I am blessed with a sisterhood across the country who helps me when I am struggling, who celebrates with me and who encourages me when the struggle is real. My team continues to grow and inspires me everyday. They accept me for who I am and have helped me to learn to love me for me.
I would say the biggest blessing from my Thirty One business is the confidence I gained which was lost when I was in HIGH SCHOOL. Yes, I earn FREE products! Yes, I am paying off debt & travel as a result of my commission checks! Yes, I 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!
The seven year itch and some vision casting with the Beacon of Hope Team (my upline’s team) had helped me to focus on my why again. To Make a Difference in as many lives as possible while becoming debt free. I am being intentional in all I do this year. I know it is only February but January was a good start…. now to keep moving forward.
A $99 pink box almost seven years ago, CHANGED MY LIFE. Could it be the thing which changes yours? Till February 28th, you can also join for $1 and I will help you get started…. which would you pick?
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 