Keeping up with the Bees

Hive Homework Lesson for Thursday...

#1 Visit my new post on wedding bee - this mayhem has already given me 150 requests for a free sample...

#2 Read up on Kelsey's pioneer spirit and what it really takes to launch a start up business like ours! Inspiring and a great reality check ;)

#3 Remember my birthday is only 2 weeks away and we're at 31 in The Hive! Think we can make it 37 for my 37th by the 15th? Let's make that push!

#4 Do something nice for yourself today. Even if it's an ice cream from the that cute ice cream man (ok so he's 16 - who cares!)

Hive Member Spotlight - Tracy Cagliero - CA

I'm a single mom of an 8-1/2 yr old named Lance (he's the cute one in the picture!) I literally live accross the street from LA International Airport in a small city by the name of El Segundo which is considered the Mayberry of LA County- we have a small town feel.

As I mentioned earlier I work at The Hacienda Hotel and Conference Center at Lax here in El Segundo as a Front Desk Clerk. This position enables me to meet people from all over the world which I enjoy.

I started with UB after being with several other direct selling and network marketing companies- I believe this to be the best fit for me as I absolutely LOVE anything scented. I had my first party recently and although not many attended (4 people and my mom!) I made a little over $100.00 and I got to meet my sponsor Avis Board who was extremely helpful and nice!

So I'm excited for the near future as my mom has already told me she plans to have several parties for all her friends- I'm getting nothing but compliments about this company from my friends that attended my party.

Now answers to Shawna's questions-

If I were left on a desserted island I would need the following:

1. My son's picture (assuming he could not be one of the 3 items)

2. Mp3 player

3. Under eye concealer

Suggestions for expanding the UB line-

Home scents, linen scents, animal scents and scented candles

Great info on Hostess Coaching from TSF

Subject: A view from `the other side'…part 1

This was a week afforded me two separate occasions to shift my paradigm and see things from `the other side'; as a party invitee and a customer at a booth. I think you'll find, as I did, that it was quite interesting.

Last month, we received an invitation to a surprise birthday party for a friend of ours. The friend's husband was throwing the party at a local pub. The invitation asked that we RSVP - however, because our schedule was quite hectic at the time and the event was nearly a month off, I put it on my `to do' pile.

About ten days before the date of the party, I called the phone number indicated on the invitation (the answering machine of another friend) and left a message that we were planning on coming. Three days after I left that message, I received a voice mail from the friend's husband saying - “I don't know if you guys were planning on coming to the party or not, but due to low response, I am canceling.” OK, audible groan, right?

How discouraging for my friend's husband to have put all the time and effort into mailing out a large number of cleverly designed and well thought out invitations, organizing a venue and enlisting the help of another friend to receive the replies. How sad for my friend - who LOVES a party - when she finds out how the whole scenario played out after the fact?

I couldn't help but see the many similarities to working with a first time, inexperienced hostess.
What went wrong and what can we learn when coaching our hostesses?

1) Don't send invitations out too far in advance.
An RSVP needs a date.

2) Don't assume that people WILL RSVP.
Phone guests to ask their intentions - don't just cancel!

Society has changed. In a world full of good intentions our lives are crammed so FULL that some things (like manners) fall between the cracks. It is not OK, it just IS. We want to be good friends and we want to be polite - this is how most of us were raised. Yet too often - what used to be a `given' in polite society - like a response to an invitation - gets lost in the shuffle. Clearly, this phenomenon is not exclusive to home party invitations. Today, it holds true to everything from birthday parties and baby showers - to weddings!

By letting your hostess know this from the moment she sets her date and you will be helping her to be more proactive when inviting friends and family to her home party.

Report on Kristie Edelman's Slumber Party with 20!

I wanted to share out this amazing info from Kristie Edelman in MA. She is a trooper in the business and always (at least that I see) has a positive outlook and works really hard to get the UB name out in her community. In her words below you'll see how she managed a 20 person event alone and came out shining!

"I just wanted to fill you in the "slumber party." I put it in quotes b/c most of the women ended up going home by midnight. The thought of sleeping on hard floors in sleeping bags lost it's appeal by then.

There were about 20 women that attended the event and 15 that actually participated in the scents. The women were a blast, full of jokes and enthusiasm. I enjoyed their company; their positive energy was infectious. I did a short presentation for all and then split them in half for the workshop. They were for the most part, fairly speedy in coming up with their fragrances.

There were a few, however, that wanted to start over and over again. This part was a little frustrating when I was attempting to move them along. Another challenge was the actual mixing of the products. I chose to mix the party packages of which there were 7. It got a little confusing for me, particularly b/c I was still working with other women while batching and blending. I'm not sure if I would do that again as I was there until 12:00 a.m. finishing up the packages. I will say that the women probably had a better time since they did not have to do the "tedious" part of the process.

I got one potential booking (we picked a few dates and I will call her this week to firm it up), but had hoped for two. I wrote thank you notes for all them women with my business card enclosed (good advice on your blogg Shawna) and hope that someone will call for a booking. I would love some more suggestions from any of the team members that have good turn-out with bookings. "

Awesome job Kristie! You have the patience of a saint staying up til midnight. I believe you had mentioned in a separate email that you did $450 in volume which I know is a Hive record so congrats!

I wanted to talk to the team about her last comments on getting bookings. I think it's huge that you wrote out those thank you cards and these happy women will think about parties while they are using their incredible products. A trick that works for me a lot is following up on how they are liking their products and if they have any questions, etc. Just a follow up call always shocks people that you care long after the sale. At that point you can also mention that you have some dates open in June and if they know "anyone" that might be interested to please pass on your info as there is free product involved, etc. This triggers a lot of people to say "what about me?"

Of course this is exactly what you're looking for and this way they can jump at the opportunity or even do a joint party with a friend they know might be interested!?

Let us know how that goes and if you've been able to book a party since you reported on the event...

Hive Members that book parties like crazy (Avis, Cat, Kristin, etc.) please let us know your secrets in the comments section!

Great Advice from Kristina Cottrell for your Urban Botanic Business

TODAYS TIP OF THE DAY

Know your Vision. When you start your business
you have a dream of what it will be. A true
entrepreneur can see what their business will
be when it is fully developed. They take the dream
and step into it and start living the vision of
where they want their business to go. Now along
the road visions will change and may even change
direction, as you reach one level you move to the
next and craft a new vision. The action is to keep
your eye on the end result and live your life with
the presence that you are already there.

I love this message from Kristina about envisioning where you want to go. I continue to think about next steps for The Hive and working with my Goal Worksheet to work towards income goals, new team member goals, and just my overall business. If you haven't had a chance to watch "The Secret" yet or you need to go back and re-review it's principals, now is the time! Summer is the perfect opportunity for parties (especially tween birthday parties) and it's time to put up another 90 day goal and challenge. For those of you that didn't make UBS, how would you like another chance to earn a bonus?

Stay tuned this week for more details!

TSF on Booking a Party

Subject: HELP! I need to book a party!
Mary Ann writes: I've had a <> for three years and have yet to do a show. I have picked up lots of customers but they only seem to want to shop at my cash n carry room. I don't have a problem talking to people, I just don't know how to "close the sale." I need HELP!I hope you can. Thank you.

Dear Mary Ann,
Thanks for your question and WELCOME to The Success Factory free E-mail subscription service.

I have a couple of thoughts regarding your challenge of closing the sale and booking parties.
1) A `cash and carry' room is not always the best choice in terms of selling product when you are in a party plan business. It gives your customers a more `retail' feel to your business and defeats the whole purpose of party plan. As long as you make your products available in that fashion - your customers will be more than happy to purchase them in that manner and will, unfortunately miss the fun experience of earning your products at a discount or for FREE! Your email did share with us that you are also involved with a company that sells their products strictly in a direct sales `non party' way and that is probably part of your mental roadblock. So, with regards to your party plan business, you need to make a paradigm shift in your thinking.


2) When you say, `they only want to do the cash and carry thing' - I'm curious - what are you saying in regards to booking a party? Are you excited and enthusiastic or are you apologetic and hesitant? Are you as excited about them hosting as you are about them buying a single product from you? Do your best to listen to yourself the next time you ask someone to host and see what you think or better still - let someone else (your upline perhaps) listen in - maybe on a 3-way phone call?


Consider trading a party for a party to `warm yourself' into the idea of booking parties. Tell one of your friends who is in a party plan business that you'll do a show for her if she will return the favor. Sometimes enjoying the `fun' of hosting yourself helps you to be enthusiastic when asking others to host.


Be your own hostess. Invite those great `cash and carry' customers over all at the same time one evening for a party. Make it a `mystery hostess' night and draw one person's name to be the winner of the hostess products for the evening. Consider giving extra raffle chances to everyone who books her own party.


If you have a goal of booking 6 parties and then commit to asking every person at each of those parties to host - you will get the ball rolling. You should book 1-2 parties at each of your parties held and that keeps your cup full and helps you get in the groove of `closing the sale' for booking parties.


One last thing to consider - it takes about as much time to talk to a customer about booking a party as it does for them to purchase one product. But, when you book a party - you come home with 10-15x the commission (or more) as well as 8-10 new customers and potential leads for new parties and new consultants on your team. THIS is the most important reason that you want to be booking parties instead of doing the cash and carry thing.

Flossing your Urban Botanic teeth...

Super info from The Success Factory...

The last time I went to the dentist, I had a new hygienist. It was interesting. For most of my adult life, I have been nagged, nudged and reminded by my hygienist to floss my teeth. I always leave the dentist office all motivated to floss and inevitably the motivation lasts about a day and a half. Once, I even had a hygienist ask me a trick question … “What kind of floss do you use - waxed or un-waxed?” “Hmm…” - (which answer gets me off the hook…and is my hesitation a complete giveaway that I hardly ever floss?).

Anyway, I digress. So, I had this new hygienist and as she cleaned my teeth, we talked about whatever it is you talk about while your mouth is pried open and someone has both hands in it. The subject of my daily two mile walk came up. At the end of my cleaning, she, like all the others, encouraged me to floss my teeth daily (not just a couple of times a month or after I have a piece of popcorn stuck in my teeth). However, she said something that made sense to me - she said - “If you have what it takes to walk two miles, outside, no matter what the weather is, everyday. I don't understand why you can't take 30 seconds to floss.” This, for whatever reason, made complete sense to me. And associating flossing with daily walking - helped me to turn it into a habit.

So, how about recruiting? Perhaps you are one of those consultants who sponsors people easily and all the time. To you, it is a habit. It is something you do without even thinking about it. If this is you, you are to be congratulated. However, for many new consultants, recruiting is often considered as something to be done later, after prospecting and selling skills are developed. Because they wait to begin recruiting activities - that initial “new consultant enthusiasm” that so often interests a prospect into looking more closely at the opportunity, is lost. This makes almost as much sense as waiting until you have to have a root canal before deciding that flossing your teeth is a good idea.

What will it take to make recruiting a habit for you? Recruiting needs to be an activity that you can do easily and without thinking - just like brushing and flossing your teeth, eating or taking a shower?

Pinpoint what it is that makes you hesitate to talk about the opportunity to people on a regular basis. Are you unsure of how to talk about the business to others? Perhaps you are afraid of creating what you perceive as competition for yourself. Take these concerns to your recruiter or upline manager. Let her know how you are feeling. Most managers are more than happy to help you begin to build your team by talking to prospects with you so that you can learn. And as far as creating competition for yourself - again - with your manager's help, you will find that there are not enough people to properly service all available prospects.

Start with baby steps. Begin by just talking to one stranger everyday. Do that for a couple of weeks. Once that has become a habit, expand and practice handing out a business card to that new person you talk to. Then, planting seeds about the business opportunity and scheduling recruiting appointments. By making these recruiting activities one of the things that you do each day - soon - you will have developed a new habit. With help and with practice - team building will become a business habit that you do without even thinking about it - just like flossing your teeth!

Getting in touch with your Urban Botanic customers after time has passed

Great advice from The Success Factory:

I have been in business nearly 3 years now, and to be honest, I haven't kept in touch with my customers as well as I should have from the beginning. I am a young consultant, and as I have grown and learned with my business, I now understand the importance of keeping in touch with customers, both for keeping bookings going and for outside sales.So my question is how do you go about re-connecting with people you LITERALLY haven't spoken to in 2 1/2 years!? Thanks!Lynsey

Dear Lynsey,
Thank you for your great email. We applaud you for the HONEST assessment you have made of your business. Clearly you are destined for success as you are being very smart in analyzing your business practices and adjusting them as needed…good for you!

Your question is one that many of us in direct sales have struggled with at one time or another. Anyone who has been in business for at least a year probably has a literal `treasure trove' of leads floating in various places around their office. We meet 8-10 new people at every party we do, we meet people at fairs and festivals, we have outside orders from parties and usually names and addresses of potential customers who were unable to attend a party. Dealing with the guilt of not having properly stayed in touch with these people is what can eat us up and also what can keep us OFF the phone. How does one go about re-connecting with people who may not even remember us or our company?

First and foremost - stop over thinking the process. Stop the `what if' conversation that is happening in your head. It is time for action and time for honesty! The action - pick up the phone. The honesty - say what you fear most. Be prepared to share what is new and exciting about your company - that is the purpose of your call.

Here's a possible script to get you started:
Hi Sharon - this is Lynsey calling (pause). I am not sure at all that you will remember me - we met at Suzie Q's house over two years ago - I was the consultant who did her home party for (insert your company name here). (pause)…

The reason for my call is two fold - first of all - I have to admit to you that I was really hesitating to pick up the phone and call after all this time. I am so sorry that I have neglected being in touch - will you accept my apology? (pause and wait for reply).

I'm looking at your order form from Suzie Q's party and although it's been awhile, I wanted to be sure that you were happy with our products that you purchased. (pause and wait for reply). Deal with any product issues if necessary and then continue…

I am very excited about two things right now - do you have just a really quick moment for me to share with you? (Continue and keep it brief! Since it's been so long - impress on her the fact that you have tons of new products since she last was at Suzie Q's house…quickly what your current favorite is and then offer the chance for her to have a fun evening with friends and have the opportunity to see all the new products by hosting a party.

Assure her that Suzie Q should be at the top of her guest list because SHE will want to see all the new products as well!). Wrap up by quickly booking a party and (if she lives close enough) delivering the packet in person so you can show her a few of the new items to re-excite her. If she is not wanting to host at the moment be sure to end the call with…

Just so I don't blow it again - can I just find out from you when and how often you might like to hear from me again? I can contact you in the summer when we have a sale or in the fall when we get our new products again - which sounds better to you? (obviously - fill in your company specifics here - the point is to give her a choice rather than to give her the chance to reply with a “I'll call you if I need anything”…because reality is, she probably will not call.)

Hopefully this script has helped as a `thought starter' for those of you procrastinators out there. The point is this - go `treasure hunting' on your desk - you never know what jewels you might uncover. The best part of just picking up the phone and getting started with this activity is that you will soon find your desk cleaner and your conscience clearer! Happy hunting!

Hive Member Spotlight - Tamara Mathews - WA

I am Tamara (Tami) Mathews and I live in Pasco, WA, which is on the desert side of WA State. I was born in Seattle and lived there until I was 10 and then transplanted into the desert. I have been married for nearly 32 years to my high school sweetheart and bestest buddy Leon. We had the pleasure of raising 3 incredibly talented and fun children who grew up to be awesome and inspiring adults. They each married great spouses that we love and adore and have made our family even more special as they have given us 8 adorable grandchildren (5 girls and 3 boys). Each of our children are entrepreneurs, which I think is pretty awesome.

My husband and I are avid gardeners. It is something that we love to do together and share with others. We have a half acre of lush garden with stone paths, gazebo, arbors, ponds and waterfalls that we built together. We share our garden with others through garden tours, classes, weddings, receptions and other events. It is very rewarding and something I don’t consider hard “work”, even though it can be pretty exhausting and time consuming.

My husband quit his career in sales after 22 years and turned his passion and boyhood hobby into a new career as a full time taxidermist. It took a lot of courage to walk away from a steady income, company truck and all the bennies to break out on his own and do something he loves. He and my children were the inspiration to change the direction of my life.

I quit my job where I had worked for over 10 years and wanted to move out of accounting after working in it off and on for 30 years. I was searching for something that inspired me. I had written down the criteria that this new path required. It had to be fun, uplifting, creative and mobile, because I hoped to spend my winters in Hawaii and travel and it needed to have that capability. I was at my daughter’s blog site one day and she had a link to the UB personality test (she had seen it at Design Mom’s sight – thanks Kelsey) and when I emailed Kelsey about where I could get the products in my area she replied immediately that there was no one on my side of the state and neighboring states, so a light bulb went off in my head. I started scheduling my parties before I had even tried the product. I am a fragrant lotion junky so it wasn’t much of a leap.

I have been involved in both network and direct marketing in the past and all were extremely positive growing experiences, so I didn’t hesitate to jump in with both feet with Urban Botanic. My family and friends are incredibly supportive, so much so that they had my schedule booked for parties for the first and second months of my business.

Probably the most difficult challenge many of us face is being a literal pioneer in this business; and what comes with being a pioneer is building our businesses in our areas alone. I so appreciate the support and encouragement from my up-line via modern communication, as well as the inspiration I receive from the other designers across the country who contribute to the boards. Your input, ideas and experiences are absolutely the best kind of support I can have at this point in my UB business. I also can’t say enough about the generosity of time in sharing your business building tools. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!!

I have had the opportunity to travel a lot of late and I have been spreading the word of UB wherever I have gone, without regard to whether I personally will benefit from those conversations and the materials I give out. I know that it will come back to me, as what goes around comes around. If someone else recruits from my promotion of UB back East it is all good. At this point exposure is our goal and the more we are out there making UB known the more success everyone is going to have. I just really want people to benefit from the products and the UB experience, as it is so unique and everyone needs to have that experience for themselves. That won’t be possible without us all working together for that purpose.


My Personality Test results are: Leafy 26%, Fruity 24%, Woodsy 16%, Herby 15%, Spicy 10% and Floral 9%

Where do you see yourself with Urban Botanic in the next year? Are you a business builder, In it as a hobby, or somewhere in between?

This is an interesting question because the last five years I have had to change the type of person I had always been due to suddenly dealing with a chronic illness. I had to cease being so driven and demanding of life and begin living my life day to day, according to what strength and health I had that day. The Serenity Prayer took on a whole new meaning for me. It is requiring a lot of faith for me to schedule my life (parties) for a month or two not knowing what my health is going to be at that time.

I really feel I was lead to UB and it is in a way therapy for me and has given me something other than my lack of health to concentrate on. With UB I am able to control my life more. When I was working full time it demanded more of me than I sometimes had, so with UB I am able to pace myself and have the control I need to stay healthy. I am sure there are many women out there dealing with the same type of health issues that I have to deal with and UB would be an answer to their desires to have something that inspires them while providing them an outlet to provide additional income or even socialization that is so needed when dealing with chronic illness.


What is one personality trait you have that you think will help you be successful at UB?

I am not afraid to talk to people. They are after all just people, just like me. I actually love speaking in front of a group of people and I also love teaching and UB is very much about teaching, both at parties and with recruiting.

Shawna's Fun Questions:

If you were an animal what would you be and why?

Definitely a Humpback whale because they winter in the tropics (big smile) and they are just such absolutely amazing creatures, graceful, playful and powerful.

If you were told you needed to do 10 UB parties in a month and you'd win 1 million dollars but you couldn't tell anyone about the million what would you do to get them?

That is such a difficult question for me. I was once driven by money and now I am driven by living a healthy balanced life and am not as motivated by money at this point in my life. I would be more motivated by thinking about all the great people I would meet doing those 10 parties and the fabulous creative energy that would result. Having said that though, I just got back from NYC and the shopping and Broadway shows has me rethinking my motivation. I am sure I could do 10 parties in a month because so many people are curious about UB; so I believe I would definitely win the million bucks! Are we having a million dollar contest? I am having some serious NYC withdrawals.

Re-starting your Urban Botanic engine

Hive Talkin Replay info: Playback Number: (641) 985-5009 Access Code: 805628#

May is a fun month - wouldn't you agree? In most parts of the country the weather is gorgeous. Nature is at its finest, the grass is green, the trees and flowers are in full bloom. Daily, the mailman delivers envelopes that are a little more `interesting' than normal. If your house is like ours, your calendar is quickly filling with weddings, baby showers, graduations, birthday parties, fundraising events, and end of the school year activities.

This time of year, it can be a little more of a challenge to keep your `business blinders' on. There are a lot of distractions that can keep us from our normal office hours and routines and it goes without saying that is probably the case with your teams as well.

In honor of this year's Indy 500, here are some ideas on how to RE-Start that business engine.
Re-start your own engine first. There is a saying - `if it's to be, it's up to me.' A good leader never expects her team to do something that she isn't doing herself. Before focusing on what your team is not doing, take a look at your own calendar and if it is not solid take one day to fill it up.. Focus on booking up close - ask your hostess to invite everyone by phone instead of a written invitation. For some added inspiration - get a buddy to do the same and spur one another on. Celebrate your efforts with a `Pit-stop' at a local outdoor café for a cup of coffee.
Schedule a spring open house. This is a fun time of year to invite your best customers to drop by and see what is new.

Participate in a neighborhood garage sale. Outdoor activities abound in the spring. Set your samples up in a separate area of your garage from items that you are selling at your garage sale. This is a great way to get leads for parties and hostesses - you might even consider selling some old samples to get the `dings and dents' out of your display.

Once your personal business is in place, now it's time to help your team get `rolling'. How about your own INDY 500 race to get them `back on track'. You can always find old trophies at the local thrift store to reward the winners at your next team meeting. Hit the phone and make some `speedy' calls to get them rolling. Let them know how much fun you had filling your May calendar in one day with your business buddy - share with them what you did - this way you are leading by example. Consider teaming them up with one another; rewarding the team that crosses the finish line with the best results.

Consider offering a contest for hostesses who book this month. Just as our consultants need a little extra `something' to get going - hostesses do as well. Think about what you might offer May hostesses to create a sense of urgency and motivation to book this month and not next.
The whole key to getting activity on the books in May is to keep things light and fun but to also create a sense of urgency. But remember, it starts with YOU as the leader. Once you are speeding towards the finish line - you'll find your team will be zooming right along with you!

It Takes 12 Contacts to Make a Client!

DON'T FORGET OUR TEAM CALL TONITE!





Did you know that it takes 12 contacts to make a client? Twenty years ago, it only took 4 contacts! This is because we are now living in an information society, and people are exposed to a lot of data.

Here are some interesting facts about each contact that you make:

Contact #1 (50% of salespeople quit after making the first contact)

Contact #2 (65% of salespeople quit by this point)

Contact #3 (79.9% of salespeople have quit)

Contact #4 (89.8% of salespeople have quit. It is interesting to note,that at this point, your prospect just begins to recognize your name)

Contact #5 (you are becoming a factor in the prospect's mind)

Contact #6 (slowly, they are getting to know you)

Contact #7 (You are earning Top of Mind Awareness)

Contact #8 (At this point, you may be the only person to ever havemade 8 contacts with this customer)

Contact #9 (At this point, when your prospect is ready to buy, you have a 90% chance of being called)

By Contact #12, you have an 'Irresistible Relationship'

There are lots of different ways to make these contacts. It's ideal to use at least 3 different media. Try tobrainstorm and make a list of 20 different ways to makecontact with your prospects. (This must be to a specificperson). Some ideas might be:

Face-to-face
Telephone
Newsletter
Postcard
Gifts
Ad specialty items
Networking groups
Email (be careful that you are not spamming them).
Greeting cards
Handwritten notes, etc.

Once you have put together your list, write down a plan. This plan should include what type of a contact you will be making, as wellas a schedule on when you will be making thesecontacts. You might create an index file system,a notebook, or use a program such as ACT to trackthis and to keep notes.

TSF on Thank You's continued

Subject: The power of a thank you…

We have talked in the past about how important it is to write personal hand written thank you notes to customers, hostesses, and recruit prospects (even if they don't join you in the business!)
Yesterday, I got my hair cut. My hairdresser is one of the three owners of the salon that I go to. I have been a regular, every eight week customer, for about three years now. In the past year, I have personally been responsible for sending six new regular clients to him. He said thank you, (after I asked if he'd met my neighbor) - but that was all. That is why I found our conversation yesterday a little ironic. He was expressing frustration because their customer base has not grown much lately. He has tried a variety of tactics including networking, advertising and contests amongst his employees.

I asked him if he'd ever considered rewarding customers for referrals. He said, yes, that customer referrals get a $20 gift certificate - hmmm interesting. I asked him what kind of a system he had in place to make this happen (the salon is large over 80 employees). He said he just tries to remember when a new customer mentions that they were a referral from someone else. He told me if he'd ever forgotten to thank me `properly' all I needed to do was remind him.

“Well, I replied, now that you mention it…” and I proceeded to remind him of the six recent (and now `regular') customers that I'd sent his way. I said to him very sincerely, I'm not telling you this to get a gift certificate - a simple note thanking me would have been fine at the time the new customers came to him. However, yesterday he gave me a $20 discount on my haircut.

Needless to say, at this point - the whole situation was awkward and got even more uncomfortable when he mumbled something about me guilting him into my gift certificate as he wrote up my sales slip for the cashier…(kidding of course).

So, what can we learn from this scenario.
A hand written thank you note is cheaper than a $20 gift certificate and can be just as meaningful.

A thank you (whether a gift certificate or a note) needs to be prompt and sincere.
Have a system in place for thanking your customers and use the system.

I like my stylist. I like his salon. If I didn't, I wouldn't refer people there - and - I will continue to do so. However, I must say, this whole situation has been a big reminder to me that I need to do my best to always let people know, in writing, how much I appreciate their business and the business they send my way.

Fashion Show Postcard Winner!!!

Thanks to Josh Tyson for putting in some long hours on this postcard. Here are his comments:

"I'm glad you like it Shawna. It was fun and interesting to work on something that was for a business and not just an assignment for a school class. As for a bio.... Im 23 years old working on finishing up getting my bachelor's degree in Graphic Design at IADT. Hoping to graduate as soon as possible; excited to get into the field and get going on a career. I entered the contest after seeing it posted on my school's website. I hadn't entered one before, so i figured what the heck. I gave it a shot and what do you know. I plan on entering more contests as long as i can fit in the time between school and work. "

Corporate has signed off on this so I'll be ordering from Vista Print for the event soon! I've also put out an ask to all the Fragrance Designers in coming up with a "La Mode" international fragrance. I've had a few great entries so far but would love MORE!

I think I mentioned to most of you that some celebrity judges from Project Runway will be attending and judging so super fun and incredible press ops!

Approaching the media in your Urban Botanic business

Great info from Kelsey today! Don't miss: http://ubmamaspice.blogspot.com/

Hive Member Spotlight - Irene Macias - Las Vegas, NV

I am Irene Macias from Las Vegas, NV living with Sandy, my domestic partner of 5 ½ years, Jonas, my 11 yr old son and three dogs (Shih Tzu/Maltese mix, Cock-a-poo, and a senior lab)—yes, we are a full house of diversity in my home! :-P

I “stumbled” upon UB when I went to WAHM.com. I was going to advertise my other business venture. I fell in love with the concept and knew that this was indeed a unique business opportunity. When Shawna filled me in on what entails the business start up kit, I knew that this was just a venture that I simply could not pass up! In as much as I wanted to click that “Sign Up Now” button and start in December, I had to hold myself back and waited to come onboard in January.

I had been seeking a venture that I could be passionate about. In the process of me seeking, I got in quite a few at home ventures. Thus, when UB came along, all of my family pretty much gave me a groan and a half of skepticism and a mile long lecture and warnings about how this might be a scam, except for Louie, my sister and Sandy, my partner. They understood that for one to succeed in his or her business, one must be passionate about the products that she or her will market. They both know that I love anything that smells good and unique. They also are very much aware that I have this strong, obsessive desire to have my own business and succeed in it. Thus, they just fully supported me when I said I wanted to join Urban Botanic.

To my fellow hive members, by us sharing our different approaches in the business really is a huge support right there. I thank you all for the willingness to share.

My personality test results are Floral: 21% Fruity: 19% Herby: 14% Leafy: 17% Spicy: 19%Woodsy: 10%. I see myself growing and succeeding with my UB business. I see myself having 7 members in my team. :-P I think my ability to face challenges head on, determination and passion to succeed in this business will be the two major factors of my success in this business.

(Shawna's Question) What was your life's biggest success thus far?

Biggest would be….hmmmm….my relocation here to Vegas (I lived 9 years in San Jose, CA) and the 360 degree change I created in me and my son’s life. (getting rid of the drama, re-establishing my peaceful life, etc.)

Incredible Weekend and Great Show Monday

I am so exhausted tonite but it's the good kind! After a great show at Shop 07 in Seattle (thanks to Kelsey and hubby for all their help) I came home to check email and find out we have a NEW Hive Member! Congrats to Dee in CO for adding her 1st and #30 in The Hive! This was an exciting # to reach and I'm so excited to see where we end up for my Bday challenge!

I first wanted to add the comments I received from Hive Members this weekend about their GREAT parties! Thanks so much for sending these in...

Today was my highest grossing event to date @ $206.84 :) And that was AFTER my Mother's Day Special (I gave everyone who was a mother half-off a product). I had 7 guests (someone stood me up, but that didn't seem to matter!) and got 2 bookings... Let's see how tomrrow goes!
Catherine Javier-Wong
Fragrance Designer

Wow...what a weekend!! Here is an account of my 3 parties!

Party #1, Friday, 12yo b-day party, 6 guests, $270.00!
This party was awesome! They are just a few blocks from my house so even though it was a Friday/workweek party, it was not too rushed to get my kids fed and then get over there. There were 4 tweens who were absolutely delightful. They were extremely attentive and really got into the whole process. The two adults were the birthday girl's mom and the step(?)-grandma. They were soooo nice and absolutely LOVED the process! They all came up with really sophisticated, great blends and I had as much fun as they did. Really, it was probably my best party to date in terms of the people and how great they were.We were set up in the garage and had the garage door open because it was such a nice evening. Neighbors were strolling by and were very interested in what we were doing. It was great to be on display like that! Mom works at an extremely popular local restaurant (like a local institution) and says she's been raving about UB before the party and I'm sure will be doing it even more afterward. Grandma works for the city parks/rec department and is going to see about having me do workshops through the city and ads would go out in the local activities magazine to every household in a 5-mile radius. TOO COOL!! Even if that doesn't pan out, I am certain I will be getting more bookings from this party. They took a big handful of my cards to pass out to people they know.I also got an email direct from the birthday girl yesterday saying thank you! :)

Party #2, 7yo birthday party, 6 guests, $165.00. This party was Saturday afternoon. I was a little anxious as it was for 7 year old twin girls and their friends. There were 5 little girls and mom who made fragrances. The girls were great! They really like the whole idea once they understood what we were doing. I think their favorite part was naming the fragrances. Even though they were young, I was blown away with some of the recipes. Bergamot and water lily was one fragrance and it was LOVELY! While I batched up their scents, the girls did presents and then went downstairs to play, so mom and I had a nice conversation. She was really intrigued by UB and plans to host another party for her girlfriends. She also asked a lot of questions about being an FD. So we'll see what might develop.

Party #3, one of my best friend's b-day party, 5 guests, $100. This party was another winner. Not that it shows from the total, which was a little lower than I expected. But half of the guests were second timers and had just as much fun mixing this time as last time. The two new guests are originally from Europe so the home party concept was new to them. But they loved it and plan on hosting a party to include some of their co-workers who weren't able to attend this party. One of my friends came up with an awesome new scent that is almost a unisex blend, very warm and sexy. It is one each of Naked, Fig, Bergamot, Sandalwood, Cedarwood. She called it "Stud Finder" - three of them are heading off to Spain this week for a vacation and she is going to use this scent to attract some romance! haha After the party, the four of us went out to celebrate our friend's birthday with some karaoke and cocktails. It was the perfect way to cap off a great two days of parties! Now it's Mothers Day and I am going to relax!! :)

Kelsey Foster
Fragrance Designer

Today was super fun with Shop 07. The boutiques loved us. I had cute folders with a boutique letter, boutique process for commissions, all the fragrances we offer and our press release. I also provided the Inside Out postcard and signature fragrance and explained how we could do the same for them. It was a HUGE day of contacts and I'm looking forward to following up with everyone this week. Follow Up is KEY while they remember you!

STOP! Procrastinating in your Urban Botanic business

If you've been in party plan for any length of time, you are probably familiar with the 80/20 rule. This rule, stated simply, says that 20% of the people on your team do 80% of the work.

In Brian Tracy's book EAT THAT FROG, he puts the 80/20 rule in terms of procrastination. He says that if you have a list of 10 “to-do's” … “only two of those items turn out to be worth as much or more than the other eight items put together.”

He also says that while all the items on the list may take about the same amount of time to accomplish that one or two will actually “contribute five or ten times the value of any of the others…” So, the 80/20 rule applies in what you do each day as well. He suggests that you “resist the temptation to clear up small things first…whatever you choose to do over and over, eventually becomes a habit that is hard to break. If you choose to start your day on low-value tasks, you will soon develop the habit of always starting and working on low-value tasks. This is not the kind of habit you want to develop or keep.”

Me…procrastinate….NO WAY! Start piddling with little things before I get to important things like booking parties or scheduling recruiting appointments? OF COURSE NOT! Uh, well…oops…maybe just a couple of things… OK, OK, true confessions…here's the list of things I have come up with that I am totally guilty of and need to (obviously) change in light of what Brian Tracy has to say.

* E-MAIL…the number one culprit. Oh my, I can blink and two hours will be gone.

* Good Morning America…start to watch it just to make the bed at 7:30 and all of a sudden I'm sucked into Oprah…

* Chit chat with friends who know early A.M. is a great time to reach me.

* Read the newspaper (just to get a couple of email ideas)

* Order some things online, because THAT'S easier than phone calls!

Unbelievable, how in the world is it noon already? Guess it's time for lunch…what does the cooking channel have on today? AND, what should I make for dinner, and now I think I'd better run to the grocery, AND, now the kids are home from school and they need my attention, AND, AND, AND…

Hey Brian….did you spy on me before you wrote that book?

Need some great tips to get more done in less time? Click below and order your copy of EAT THAT FROG today.

(Brian Tracy is an incredible Author!)

Happy Mother's Day!

Hopefully you're all enjoying a great Mother's Day with your families. I will be spending mine with breakfast (strawberry crepes) with my Mother that morning and then Ted's cousin actually has her wedding reception on Mother's Day so we'll be heading there.

I was laughing so hard last night at dinner with my best fried from High School. Her ex-husband called to ask her "what" she wanted for Mother's Day. (Very ironic if you know the situation). She told him to come and get his son for the weekend! That's what she wanted for Mother's Day! (still laughing)

So last night they had their 3 kids all at different babysitters and Dallon is at his Dad's this weekend (usually he wouldn't be but it's the rotation and we have the Little League parade at the Mariner's game next weekend so had to let it go).

Today I'm headed to my co-workers baby shower with my UB Lotion as part of the package so that will be a good starter for parties I hope. I shared the newest recipe on our Yahoo Group and it's called Baby Angelina.

This weekend is actually turning out very relaxing and fun. Sometimes I think we need to forget about what others think (like my BF did) and do whatever it takes to recharge our own batteries. For those of us working a FT job and doing UB (I actually took a vacation day to do the event on Monday), it can really be a bit stressful at times so it's important to make sure you're doing what you need to in order to keep up with the day. So if it's pawning off your kids to your ex husband for some sanity? THEN SO BE IT!

I love you all and wish you an incredible day...

Give your presentation a Face Lift!

Are you selling, recruiting and booking as effectively as you could be at your parties?
Maybe you are just BORED and need some new ideas.

One of the best things you can do to give your party presentations a fresh coat of paint so-to-speak is to put on your observation glasses, open up your mind and visit a party presented by another consultant in your company.

Print out the following to use as a Party Observation Guide. You may also find this is a helpful tool for new team members when they observe a party for training purposes.

Introduction:
How did the consultant build rapport with the guests?
How did the consultant introduce herself and the company?
How did she explain the “details” (payment options, shipping costs and delivery of product)?

Product Presentation:
How did the consultant present the products? (By categories, groupings, guest request, etc;)
Did the consultant actively involve the guests and if so, how?
How did she make the presentation FUN?
Did the consultant cross-sell products or suggest `add-on' sales?

Booking and Recruiting:
How and when did the consultant introduce the Hostess or Consultant Opportunity?
During her Opening?
With specific products?
In her closing?
Did she have any visuals for recruiting or hosting?

Closing:
What points/questions did the consultant use in her closing that described her services and asked for hostesses, recruits, referrals, and future business and/or during the order taking process?

Your thoughts?

What did you learn that you will incorporate into your next presentation. What will be valuable to you in YOUR business?

What's your 30 second Urban Botanic Commercial?

I received a great email from Denise in MN asking the following:

Hello ladies,

I hope you're having a good day. Just wanted to drop you an email to find out what you say when someone asks what Urban Botanic is or what you do.

I'm working on mine and would like to see what others are saying.

Thanks
Denise

She had emailed Kelsey and I on this matter but I wanted to know what the rest of you thought as well and you can post in the comments! Here is both Kelsey and my answer...

From Kelsey:

That's a great question! I call that my "elevator speech" as it should be short enough to get your point across in the time span of an elevator ride.

I usually say something along the lines of "I am a Fragrance Designer with Urban Botanic." then they ask what is Urban Botanic?
"UB is this really cool brand new product line that allows women to make their own custom or signature fragrance. Then you can blend your scent into spray, lotion, bubble bath, and shower gel. We have 66 oils to choose from and it's so much fun to play chemist and come up with fragrances for every mood. I'm totally addicted!" At this point, if it's someone I just met, I will hand them my card and tell them there is a really fun scent personality quiz on my website they should go take.

This usually gets them interested and asking a few questions, usually where to buy. I tell them that:

"we do home parties, or workshops. The great thing that makes UB so different is that at the workshop, it's totally interactive and everyone gets to participate in making their scent before they get out their wallets. It's much more engaging than browsing through a catalog or watching someone demonstrate things as common with other home parties. There is absolutely no pressure to buy but most people do because they love their creation and it's so affordable."

So I'm probably well over the 30-second mark LOL, but I like to point out how I do a lot of wedding-related events, birthday parties for children 8 and up, and how UB is great for gift giving. And also how the products are great quality and hypoallergenic, safe for all ages.

I tend to alter my response slightly depending on the person or situation and the questions they ask. If I have more time, I always like to explain how new the company is and how it's growing so fast. I do this to possibly peak their interest in joining the team. If it's someone who I know already, I tell them I never imagined I would EVER do direct sales but this is just the best concept and as soon as I saw it I knew I had to get involved.

From Shawna:

"What is it you do?" - Shawna: "I'm a Fragrance Designer with Urban Botanic. We just launched last year and are bringing the expensive art of fragrance design to the masses. We teach you how to create your own fragrance so you don't need to wear someone else's like J. Lo or Hillary Duff. When people ask where they can get what you're wearing, THEY CANT! It's an original design just for you.

Here's my card - check out our website and if you're interested in scheduling one of our workshops, just give me a call or request one on our website!"

For a great book on this actual topic see: "Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift" by Lorraine Howell.

On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Give-Your-Elevator-Speech-Lift/dp/1887542396

Her website: http://www.mediaskillstraining.com/

Incredible Read on Kelsey's Blog

Blog homework assignment today?

Read Kelsey's great article on Word of Mouth!

http://ubmamaspice.blogspot.com/2007/05/word-of-mouth-advertising-for-your.html

Also I wanted to share a GREAT tip of the day!

Make a goal of 5x5x5.

Make 5 contacts every day, 5 days a week for 5 weeks, That 125 contacts will make your business explode! Do them in person or on the phone. Make it a goal to either sell a product, set a fundraiser or home demo, or recruit every contact!

Hive Member Spotlight - Kristin James - Hughson, CA

Shawna's Note:

Kristin is an amazing new additon to The Hive and we're so lucky to have her. She is direct to Lauri Hetzer in Cincinatti and has completely impressed me with her party calender for May/June just starting out! Thank you Kristin for your incredible spirit and for answering our spotlight questions...

I am a happily married mother of 3 crazy boys. I live in Hughson, California. My birthday is October 1.

What caught my attention to sign up with UB, was the fact that I have always loved perfume and body products. When I realized that with this company, I would be able to create my own scents and make $ too, I had to sign up.

My family and friends are so supportive of me starting my new business. My personality results can change from day to day. I am close in all scent families. These scents are so delicious, I love them all!

Within the next year, I see myself building a great team. I am working on becoming UBsensational, that would be awesome. A personality trait that I have that will help me become successful, is my friendliness, I am always cheerful and smiling.

Shawna's Fun Questions:

If you were on a deserted island what 3 things would you bring?

If I was on an island here are the 3 things I would bring.... mascara, lip gloss, and my UB parfum spray.

If you were given 10k towards your UB business how would you use it?

If I had a check for $10,000 I would invest it into more UB products (bb bath, shower gel, lotion, parfum, hostess gifts, oh and more fragrance oils), I would also use it to promote my business, such as magazine adds, news paper adds, maybe even a tv add. I would also use it to help other women who want to become a fragrance designer, but don't have the cash to do so.

Better Strategies for Better Results in your Urban Botanic business

Shawna's Note: This advice is SO TIMELY! I know there are a lot of us feeling like we are sometimes spinning our wheels or we have so many options and opportunities with U.B. we have no idea where to start. This tells you point blank!


Very few people define "the good life" in terms that are unique or difficult to achieve. Most of us want healthy, happy families, and enough money to be comfortable and secure. We want to travel or perhaps have a second home in the mountains or at the beach.

Whatever your dreams, most of us want the ordinary things that millions of people have already achieved. For most of us, these things are tantalizing close. People around us achieve them every day, and yet many good, hard-working people are no closer to "the good life" that they were a year ago. What's going on?

The problem is that too many people use ineffective strategies. They work hard, but make little progress. I believe it was Peter Drucker who first said that the ultimate failure is doing very efficiently that which ought not be done at all! Similarly, Stephen Covey talks about climbing the ladder of success, only to find that it's leaning against the wrong wall! (Hint: Don't do that to yourself!)

What are your strategies for reaching your goals? Do you have a carefully designed, well-thought-out strategy, or are you going along day to day, working hard and hoping for the best?Highly successful people have a plan. They create a strategy or road-map, and follow it to their ultimate goal. They know what their most important tasks are today, what they will do next week, and they can tell you where they will be a year from now. They have a strategy and a plan!

It's often been said that even five minutes of planning can save hours of wasted effort, and I think that's true. "Those who fail to plan are planning to fail." If your definition of "the good life" is something thousands of other people have already achieved, and you are not making adequate progress toward it, review your strategies. Something's missing or mis-calculated, or you've gotten lost in the swamp of everyday distractions.

If you're working hard and not getting the results you deserve, STOP! Step back, re-calculate. You need a better plan! Highly successful people do certain things, and for the most part, they are simple, ordinary things that we can all copy.

Here's a short list:

1. They have the courage to choose specific, concrete goals. They know they cannot do or have or achieve everything, so they make choices.

2. They focus on personal development first, external achievement second. They know that to have more, they must first become more.

3. They learn from experts. They study and use techniques that have worked for others, even if at first they seem difficult or uncomfortable.

4. They take time to plan and have the discipline to follow their plan to completion. They are not easily distracted and they never quit.

5. They work smart. If they aren't getting the results they anticipated, they consult and review and devise a better plan. Never keep hitting your head against a brick wall!


Copyright (c) 2007, all rights reserved. U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: 1529-059X You may copy, forward or distribute TIP's if this copyright notice and full information for contacting Dr Philip E. Humbert are included. Contact him at:http://e8.octadyne.net/guest/index.cfm?fuseaction=guest.tc&cgLkID=8786&sID=6272020&finalURL=http://www.philiphumbert.com

Leading your Urban Botanic team effectively

If you are a leader in your company, you worked hard to get where you are. You are good at what you do. It is a given that you are a good seller and recruiter. You are (or are learning to be) a good coach.

If you are a good seller and a recruiter, it does not mean that you are magically exempt from parties that bomb, presentations where you are tongue tied, hostesses that cancel, recruiting appointments where no one shows up, or days where you can't reach anyone on the phone. It just means that you've done it more often and learned from your mistakes.

Leaders need to be good at what they do in order to train others. However, there is nothing wrong with letting your team know that they too struggle at times. It is OK to share that as long as you keep the slant positive.

Sales can be fun and exhilarating - but true success in sales comes to those who persevere through the bumps in the road and keep a good attitude.

As a leader, you set an example for your team in everything you do. They are watching everything - how you succeed and how you fail. YOU set the pace for your team.
Learn from the negative as well as the positive, from the failures as well as the successes.

- Jim Rohn

TSF on "Time"

It's spring and in most parts of the country that means - for those of us with children - baseball and soccer season are in full swing. It's time for ACT and SAT testing, college searches, end of the school year recognition ceremonies, plays, recitals, dances, senior celebrations, graduations, confirmations, etc, etc, etc; Even if you don't have children, there is the call of dirty windows, lawns that need a winter facelift, gardens that yearn for attention, closets screaming to be cleaned out, etc; etc; etc;

There is just something about spring that can be a major distraction from our businesses, wouldn't you agree? If only we had a 36 hour day instead of just 24 hours (some say sleep is overrated).

So, if spring has not completely side-tracked you and if (hopefully) you are reading this email, here are some reminders about how to get more out of each day this spring and anytime of the year.

Pockets of time are crucial. Take advantage of the early morning or late evening hours of the day to do a load of laundry, make lunches for the next day, do a quick house pickup, load hostess or recruit packets, or clear email. Often it is easier to be more productive with these things when the house is quiet…this email is being typed at 6am!

Enlist the help of your family. Kids can help too. There are lots of little jobs they can do - from 8 years old ours did their own laundry!

Let go of the perfectionism and resist starting too many “spring cleaning” jobs all at the same time. Make a to-do list and chip away at it in 15 minutes increments here and there.
Stamp catalogs and brochures while sitting at your children's ball games. It's a great use of time and you may spark some interest in your business.

Carry your “to read” file with you at all times so that you use those unexpected pockets of waiting time (dr. offices, carwash, etc;)

Work out carpools for your children's activities - split the driving so you only have to do drop off -or- pickup.

DO NOT FORSAKE YOUR OFFICE HOURS! You may need to adjust office hours when factoring new activities - but remember adjust, don't omit!

Handle it once. Open mail over the garbage can, act on email as it comes in (vs. saving and thinking about it), and return phone calls promptly.

Keep a written to do list (vs. an `in your head' to do list) - it will cut down on your stress.
Keep phone calls efficient. Don't be afraid to say, “I'm dying to catch up, but for right now, I'm on the run and I just needed to go over a few quick things with you.”
Finally, with regards to volunteering, think injun' vs. chief…enough said.

Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time. - Jim Rohn

Buying Closable Bags to House your Lotion Samples & Postcards

As part 2 of an earlier post, I've attached a pic of the 5x6 plastic covers that house the postcard and lotion sample for events. http://www.uline.com/ProductDetail.asp?model=S-10820&root=&searchedkeywords=S-10820

ULine is a great company for these. I was able to purchase 1000 for $33. That obviously goes quite a long ways! I then place the postcard for the event that I purchase from Vist Print into the baggie and the lotion sample and wallah I'm done!

To order products with Vista Print is very easy. You want the regular size postcards that are always on sale for 100 FREE. You just pay for shipping and ALWAYS choose the cheapest method of $5.25 even though it says 21 days. I've never had it take longer than 14 and sometimes it seems like they're here in a week so don't be dooped by quick shipping costing you big dollars.

On team burst in the logo or postcard area (can't remember this minute) you'll find the postcard "fronts" that you can upload to VP. Once you've done that once, you won't have to pay an upload fee again on those particular cards. So basically my first hundred cards cost about $10 in uploads and $5.25 for shipping, but then all mailers after that just cost the $5.25. So if you figure everything I have in the package it works out to this:

• Postcard Cost = .05


• Lotion Jar = .15


• Baggie to house them = .03

Total Cost for my promotional item = .23 cents.

So basically I can reach close to 5 people for $1. And it's something they feel has value and they may look into booking a party. Which means for $100 (my profit from a party) I can potentially reach 500 people that potentially could book 10-15 parties not including parties from parties!

NOW is the BEST time in your Urban Botanic business

When we invite people to join our team, often we find that the response can be; “maybe later”… It is our job to help our prospects know why NOW, is the best time to join. Spring, April in particular, can be one of the smartest times for someone to begin building a party plan business for a number of reasons…


Many people have a little extra cash because they have received their income tax refunds.
The kids are still in school and spring celebrations (Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations and other end-of-the-school year concerts and parties) have not yet begun.

The warmer weather is here. Neighbors come out of hibernation, so there are many opportunities to spread the word about a new business.

It's a great time to get that “learning curve” out of the way. As with any new endeavor, a fair amount of time is needed to “get the hang” of the ins and outs of this new home business. Things that come naturally to seasoned consultants (ie; maneuvering the company website, placing orders, calculating tax/shipping and filling out forms) are foreign to a new consultant. What better time than when things are a little less hectic to learn these new skills?

Cycles of business. Seeds planted NOW, will begin to blossom and be ready for picking by the end of the 3rd and into the very lucrative 4th quarter of the year.

By inviting people to join now, you will be helping them to get their business started and be up to full speed by the fall! Use this week to re-visit some old leads or perhaps approach some new prospects and remind them why NOW is the BEST time to join your company!

Where do you buy your Lotion Containers for Urban Botanic samples?

So in my monthly newsletter today I mentioned that I would be blogging on "where" I get supplies to create the boutique samples that can be given out in shopping bags or at events. I wanted to do a blog specifically on the materials I use and how I put this together.

Let's start with the lotion samples. I choose lotion over perfume for a couple of reasons. One reason is that those that don't necessarily use perfume still seem to use lotion and like it and I also believe it's our best product as far as performance! I absolutely LOVE what it does for my skin and hear nothing but compliments. Another reason is that these samples travel well, don't break or leak, and are super easy and fast to put together.

The containers you'll want to buy are located at Container Packing and Supply. There website is: https://www.containerandpackaging.com/item.asp?item=J006

Here is a picture of the items...





The cost for the jars are .09 cents each. The cost for the lids are .06 cents each or a total of .15 cents each plus shipping and tax.

Corporate Headquarters has let me know that it's a great price and comparable to whatever they would be able to find.

To make the lotion samples I've found it takes about 4 bottles to hande 150-200 samples. Take the number of drops in your scent and divide it into 200 to get the amount needed for 4 bottles. Get out a mixing bowl and dump the lotion into it. Add the correct amount of drops and mix with a whire wisk until well blended.

I use a medicine dropper to suck up the lotion and squirt it into the jars. I do it as an assembly line and do 50 at a time. Then I put the lids on and move on to the next 50. If you have to leave or get distracted take some plastic wrap and cover your bowl until you can come back to it.

Tomorrow we'll cover the postcards that go with the lotion and the plastic sleeves you can purchase to hold it all together nicely.

Hive Member Spotlight - Dendria "Dee" McLaughlin - CO

For some reason her pic is turning out small on here. Double click to see her life size :)

I am married and have been for 10 years to a wonderful guy named Scott. He is my best friend in the whole world. We have 3 kids, 2 canine kids, Jazz (15 year old black lab) and Maddie (4 year old miniature dachshund) and 1 equine kid, Joker (10 year old quarter horse mare).


My birthday is in December, I am a Capricorn. I am from Kansas, I grew up on a ranch. I have one older and one younger brother, needless to say “you can take the girl outta Kansas but you can’t take the Kansas outta the girl”. I moved to Colorado in 1994 after meeting Scott. He has been here for 22 years and is originally from Florida.


I am a Registered Yoga Teacher, I graduated 200 hour certification in 2001. I have been practicing on and off since, both personally and professionally. I am in the military and have been since 1990. So is my husband, this is how we met. I retire from it 1 June 2013, but who’s counting!

I love animals, especially horses and I am starting a certification program in May in Equine Management. We have a boat and lots of waterskiing/wakeboarding friends. We are on the “limited water” here in Colorado as much as we possibly can. Oh yeah and most importantly, I speak my mind.

It took me 3 days to get the courage to “pull the trigger” on Urban Botanic. I am addicted to smells, I have stashes of stuff in my closets. I have wanted to do something “on the side” and all the other parties are so redundant. I see so many possibilities with UB, I have already started naming recipes and I haven’t even received my kit yet! I am a creative animal and I believe I could make fire out of saran wrap.

I looked for a reason to not sign up but I couldn’t ever come up with one so I just did it. I was so relieved after hitting the “this is it, there’s no going back button” I guess it’s the whole pick a side and get off the fence thing.

I am the one who had 27 RSVPs at the party I was hosting for Anne. Thank goodness only 14 showed up. It was crazy the way it was, I could not imagine twice as many people. I try and make as many acquaintances as I can everywhere I go. Some are friends, some are co-workers, some are drinking buddies, some are neighbors, some are winter friends and some are summer friends. I like to surround myself with people, every kind of people.

I have found the WAHM forum very helpful and I am already taking notes from it. Keep on chatting you guys! My advice to others would be “do not limit your imagination”. If you can think of it, you can BE of it.

What were your results on the personality test? What is your strongest scent family and do you agree with the results?

My strongest was herby. Absolutely I agree. I am also fruity, which I am kule with too.
It’s boring to be the same all the time.

I have 3 financial goals in the next 12 months:
1. Buy a laptop for myself.
2. Pay for a trip for Scott and I.
3. Buy Scott a shuffleboard table for his basement.

1 business goal:
Sign up 6 consultants within the next year.

Personal goal:
Have fun! And I will reassess on 1 April of next year and see where I’m at.

My personality trait would be details. I am a very detail oriented person. My reminder to myself- I may be scared to death of what I have no control over but I close my eyes and jump anyway! It makes the fear a little less fearful each time.

Shawna's Crazy Questions below...

If you were a flower what would it be and why?

I would have to say a Daisy. I consider them to be a happy flower and they lift me up when I see them. Plus I like saying the word "Daisy". Kind of like "I'm your huckleberry" only "I'm your Daisy"

I'm your Huckleberry- my favorite line from Tombstone-Val Kilmer aka Doc Holiday. One of my favorite movies.

What would you do if you were given $1000 towards your UB Business?

I'd pay myself back for the starter kit
I'd order pumps for the lotion and shower gels
I'd buy my business cards
I'd put an ad in our HOA newsletter advertising my new venture
I'd gas my car and drive around to all the local businesses and drop off my cards

Marketing Online Without Breaking The Bank

One of the most common questions I receive is, "How do I market my business online without breaking my budget?"

Networking and making business contacts is one of the toughest aspects of running a home-based business, but also one of the most successful ways to develop your business. One must constantly find creative ways to meet new people and introduce them to your product. If you are working from home with small children around this becomes even more difficult. Networking online may be the answer.

There are several ways to network online. One of the most inexpensive is to visit message boards (for an example of a message board, visit www.cwahm.com/messageboard). You can register on message boards for free and post about your products, business or any topic on the board that interests you. This is a good way to meet other Christians who also work from home and to develop Christian business relationships.

It may also be possible to become a "moderator" on one of the message boards that you join. A moderator is usually in charge of one forum and helps to generate conversation; delete posts that may not belong in the forum and answer any questions people my have about the forum/topic. This is a win-win situation for both you and the message board owner. They are receiving help in maintaining their message board and you are making contacts and building relationships.

Another way to make business contacts online is through networking websites such as Ryze (http://www.ryze.com/). On Ryze, you can create your own page describing yourself and your business. You can also join various networks and meet people virtually who may be interested in your product or business. This not only allows you to build business relationships, but friendships as well. There are many Christian networks on Ryze, such as the Christian Business Women’s Network (CBWN). The CBWN network exists to bring Christian women together to help one another succeed in the work at home world.

For a small fee you can also create your own network on Ryze. If you have a unique product or business opportunity, it may benefit you to create a network where others can come to find information. You may also use a network to create a community environment if you have a team of people that you support in your work-at-home business. Your team can work together and find information easily all in one place.

Kelly McCausey, host of Women by Grace Radio, had this to say about Ryze, "Ryze has been an incredible source of networking for me. I have made at least two of my most valuable business relationships on the networks there. I enjoy the variety of possibilities and the ease of making connections."

There are also networking groups on websites like Yahoo, Google and MSN. You can search for groups on these sites by topic and join for free. There are countless Christian groups as well as work-at-home networks to be found on these sites. These groups generally are email based, so you will receive emails from the group that will be formatted similarly to Message Board posts. This allows you the flexibility to read them when you have the time and choose the topics that interest you from the subject line. Many groups will allow you to place ads and generate conversation about your home-based business. Just check their guidelines before posting and watch the group a couple days before becoming active. You can then get a general feel for how that group works.

Another way to network and build relationships online is to visit blogs. You can search for Christian blogs or blogs that may relate to your product or service. Take the time to read some of the blog entries and leave a comment for the blog owner with your website address. Blogging is a great new trend in the work-at-home world and many people are learning to blog as a way to increase awareness of their business.

One very important, and often overlooked, way to make online contacts is to include your business name and website address in the signature of every email that you send. This makes people aware of your business and allows them to easily visit your website. Including your website link (and maybe a catchy slogan also) will catch the readers eye and give them easy access to your website. If you send emails 15 times during a day that is 15 more people that you have marketed your business to. An email signature is also a way to ensure that your current customers can effortlessly find your website. It is important that customers can find your website with minimal searching and an email signature is one of the easiest ways to achieve this.
Networking online is a great way to meet people without having to leave your home. The internet is one of the best resources available to home-based business owners. Once you have an idea of how and where to network online you will be well on your way to a successful new form of marketing.

About the Author:
Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. Hart is also the co-author of the upcoming book, Home Based Blessings, due out in November 2006 for Christian moms who want to work at home. Hart and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com (Christian Work at Home Dads) reside in Nebraska with their two children.