Playing Catch-Up

A Bit About Me

Well, I finally "broke my chain" after 36 consecutive weekly entries.  I took some much needed time off to spend with family and friends.  I must say, although it was a conscious decision not to compose and schedule last weeks post, I did feel somewhat guilty!  I had so much to do and something had to give.  Planning and emailing about classes and team meeting took priority.


I realize that I don't share much about my personal life here on this blog or my CTMH Facebook page and perhaps I should.  As you may know, I love the outdoors.  I love to hike, especially our incredible mountains here in Washington and August is the best month to go.  I started last week with a quick day hike to Mt. Rainier.   Up until now, it's been day hikes, but I have always wanted to try backpacking.  This week, my friend, Colleen and I packed up our gear, tent, sleeping bags, food, cooking stuff, water pump etc. and hit the trails for our first overnight girls hike.  We wanted to see if, one, we could actually carry 1/3 of our body weight on our backs up hill 7 miles to Echo Lake and two, pitch our tent, build a fire and pump our water all without help from our men.  We had a blast!  Going mid-week we had the lake all to ourselves.  We are ready to do it again next week!  Maybe we'll invite the men this time.

I also had a family reunion barbecue, overnight guests and then I hosted a wedding shower for my niece with 35 people.  I was really weird to have a group of mostly total strangers in my home!

Well, that was my week and it's now back to work.  Here are a couple of photos.

On the trail to Echo Lake

Fremont Lookout Mt. Rainier

My neice Chrstina and her fiance Keith Stone.

Business Bit: This weeks article comes from The Success Factory.  One sure-fire way to build your CTMH business is by booking gatherings or parties.  It is the best way to meet new people and share your love for stamping and scrapbooking.  With all the new products we have in the Fall/Winter Idea Book, it's the perfect time to get on the phone and fill your calendar.  Here are a few tips: BOOKING PARTIES Quick Tip #1 If you are a brand new consultant, start by scheduling your Grand Opening party. This is a party you may choose to host in your own home to introduce friends and family to your new business venture. Over-invite, be excited and encourage everyone to bring a friend! Try not to take it personally when some friends and family decline. This happens to everyone and the longer you are in business, the more supportive they will become! Quick Tip #2 If you are a "seasoned" consultant and need a party, consider scheduling a "Grand Re-Opening" in your home. Remember, you probably won't say "no" to yourself! Invite friends, family and past hostesses. Consider having a drawing for a "Mystery Hostess", where one or two guests receive the hostess rewards! Quick Tip #3 Know your "open dates". Be prepared to schedule a party whenever and where ever you are by knowing when you want to work in the next several weeks. Quick Tip #4 Book in close! There is no hard and fast rule that says you must have a 2-3 week lead time on booking a party. Most people know on Thursday whether or not they are available the following Tuesday! Your hostess will save money on postage and her excitement level will remain high when she schedules a fast and easy party! Quick Tip #5 Referrals... Don't forget to ask everyone for them. Even though someone might not be interested in hosting themselves, when you ask them "Who's the party lady in your neighborhood?," they will be able to give you a name right away.

Team Reminders:
Registration is now open for the 2012 Dallas Convention, Vancouver, BC Canada and Detroit Regional Celebrations.

Washington Team Meeting is Saturday August 27th - those in Washington should have received the invitation with details.  Email me if you didn't get it.

Shout-Outs: Welcome to the following new team members who have joined our team in August and CONGRATULATIONS to their wonderful leaders! 

DLLevel	Consultant Name	State	Upline Name
Level 2	Angela Shorrosh	TX	Cyndi Waltman
Level 2	Angie Vallee	CA	Linda Sturdivant
Level 2	Annette Owen-Clontz	OR	Ginni Candelaria
Level 2	Barbara Cooper	OR	Kari Palmer
Level 2	Caprice Clark	TX	Linda Caler
Level 2	Courtney Thomas	WA	Lisa Combs
Level 2	Dana Pasic-Callaghan	OR	Ginni Candelaria
Level 2	Karyn Williams	OR	Ginni Candelaria
Level 2	Krista Parrish	FL	Linda Caler
Level 3	Danielle Church	AE	Lori Gebhart
Level 3	Delilah Rivas	TX	Noreen Petty
Level 3	Jane Barnes	CA	Laura Canup
Level 3	Jennifer Altman	HI	Faith Hilsinger
Level 3	Melanie Sparacino	TX	Noreen Petty
Level 3	Nikki Calmes	NY	Kat Stromecki
Level 4	Andrea Link	IN	Christine David
Level 4	Christine Martino	FL	Christine David
Level 4	Deb Green	KS	Dr. Phil Wilhelm
Level 4	Julia Brasher	AL	Dr. Phil Wilhelm
Level 4	Kristeen Duren	TN	Dr. Phil Wilhelm
Level 4	Nora Nelson	MO	Jenifer Benner
Level 4	Pam Henry	TN	Dr. Phil Wilhelm
Level 4	Sherry DeVasher	TN	Dr. Phil Wilhelm
Level 4	Shirley Borders	OK	Sherry Lester
Level 4	Tanya Sullivent	TX	Jennie Hilligus
Level 4	Teri Marshall	TX	Linda Norman
Level 5	Brenda Rodgerson	ME	Denice Conary
Level 5	Cheryl Axt-Schuldt	WI	Sarita Schraeder
Level 5	Mary Luecke	HI	Lori Brown
Level 5	Susan Geelan	IA	Geri Conley
Level 5	Tammy Wheeler	IL	Tammy Sinks

Creative Corner:
This weeks featured art is mine!  Most of my workshop customers are card makers who are not fond of most Halloween images.  I happen to love the August Stamp of the Month- Wicked and wanted to use it in a way that my customers would like.  Here are 2 versions of the same card that they can choose from.  All I did was change and sentiment and "witch" end of the stamp to use on the white square.  I blinged her up and made her a glam gal. by adding purple sparkles to her shoes and collar.  I printed the right sentiment from my computer.  The ovals are cut with the new Cricut cartridge.

Artwork by Naomi - Mischief bulk B&T, Sunset, Gypsy and Pear Cardstock

This is a swap spoiler!  I am participating in Karen Morris's Board swap.  My paper packet is Sonoma.  This card uses one of our new 6x6 Kraft die-cut cards.  Lots of Cricut here!

Quote of the Week:

Success is not dependent on your ability to do this business well, but your willingness to do it regularly.

The Success Factory