Vacations

I'm on vacation this week!  What I love about blogging is I can schedule this post and not break my chain.  Here is a very appropriate article I'd like to share with you from The Success Factory.  I will be using this as part of my addition to the ABC's of CTMH Class at convention.  My letter is "B" for "balance"

Vacations.....But I just want to get away from it all and not even THINK about my  business for one entire week…isn't THAT OK?

So…you want to just get away from it all for a  week or two and NOT think about your home business. You really just  need a clean break to relax, refresh and rejuvenate…is that  allowed?

ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, AND WITHOUT A DOUBT  YES, YES, YES!

We love our businesses so much we think about  them all the time. The fact that we work from home only makes it that much  harder to `go home from work' so-to-speak. EVERYONE needs a break and it is  important that you take one once in a while. So, what are some strategies to use  to really get away from it all?

Communication is key - let your team and your customers  know that you will be away from your office by an automated email and voice mail  message.  Be careful not to be too specific though, for security's sake.

Consider running a sales or recruiting contest to your  team while you are away - that will help keep your team sales statistics up  while you are gone.

Run a special phone sale for customers while you are  gone so that you have orders to place when you return.

Double up on your sales and recruiting activity for the  days in the month that you will be working in order to keep your goals in place.  For example - if your goal is 8 parties a month and you will be gone for two  weeks in July, you will need to do 4 parties a week when you are in town vs. 2  parties a week throughout the month. Make sense?

Share with your team what you are doing - it is  important to role model responsible business behavior to them.

If you are seriously getting away (and we DO recommend  that you afford yourself this luxury at least once a year) DON'T bring your  laptop or Blackberry on vacation and don't check voice mail.

Consider building in an extra day when you get home.  Plan your vacation so that you return one day before consultants or  customers are expecting you. The same can hold true for returning to your office  after being away at convention. One extra day to regroup with your family and  your laundry is an important gift to give yourself.

Do what you LOVE while you are on vacation and be 100%  present. That way, you will truly come back ready to get back to  business!

Shout-Outs for my 1st Downline:

This week I'd like to recognize the team members celebrating 5 years with CTMH!  You are the generation who have always submitted orders online, used My Acrylix clear stamps and the How-To Programs.  Had the CTMH  website and bulletin boards.  I envy how much Faster, Simpler and Easier running a CTMH business has been for you!  Congratulations to you all!

Tracey Raczkowski

Serena Sweeney

Samantha Thomas

Rei Spickelmier

Phyllis Wagner

Pamala van der Veldt

Michele Kuelling

Mary Browning

Lisa Bzibziak

Linda Powell

Laura Kowalski

Laura Bruni

Krista Lana

Jennifer Wisher

Jayne Martin

Jackie Cole

Emily Roper

Denise Georger

Dana Weckel

Courtney Bronzo

Catherine Horton

Annemarie Luca

Amy Davis

Amy Benson

Team News: 

The Oregon Team meeting will be held on Saturday July 30th in Salem, OR.  Watch your email for details.  There will be TONS of news to share from convention!!!

Once again:  Convention Attendees, don't forget to wear something PURPLE on Thursday!!! I can't wait to see you there!!!!

Creative Corner:

I went crazy over this unique way to use our cleat cards shared at the Washington Team Meeting!  It's a basket made from a round scalloped clear card.  The clear card is embossed using the Cuttlebug swirl die then shaped into a cone and secured with 4 brads and a ribbon handle.  So CUTE and clever!!

Quote of the Week:

"Until you commit your goals to paper, you have intentions that are seeds without soil."

Author Unknown

Smile!

Today, I have a challenge for you! It's simple, costs nothing, but the payback is huge! It's in the form of a poem. You may be asking, what does smiling have to do with CTMH? The article following will explain. Leave me a comment and let me know your results!

SMILE!
Smiling is infectious,
You catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling, too.

I passed around the corner
And someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realized
I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile
Then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine
Could travel round the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin,
Don't leave it undetected
Let's start an epidemic quick,
And get the world infected!

Smile When Talking On The Phone!

Direct sales and home-based sales is now a multi-million dollar industry that is growing larger every day. The autonomy provided the sales business consultant is a double-edged sword. Independence often makes sales reps feel as though they have no one to turn to for advice and suggestions. Fear no more. One of the most powerful techniques for expanding your business that will improve your closing or conversion ratio is also one of the most time-honored techniques in sales and it is FREE!

As a direct sales consultant who is responsible for her or his own success, you will benefit by incorporating this powerful technique into your sales arsenal.

Whenever you are on the phone with a potential customer or recruit (or in person for that matter) there is one simple thing you can do that will tilt the odds of success in your favor drastically: smile.
This may seem like a silly suggestion at first, but experience and science tell us differently.
In his 1937 classic book How to Win Friends and Influence People, self-improvement proponent and world-renowned trainer Dale Carnegie states:

“The effect of a smile is powerful—even when it is unseen. Telephone companies throughout the United States have a program called “phone power” which is offered to employees who use the telephone for selling their services or products. In this program they suggest that you smile when talking on the phone. Your ‘smile’ comes through in your voice.”

Sale Consultants Smile On The Telephone!

Experts such as Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy also discuss the importance of smiling when dealing with people. So how does smiling while on the telephone help achieve success in direct sales?
First of all, get over the idea that smiling while talking on the phone is silly. Remember the age-old sales adage “smile and dial?” Well, there is good reason for that piece of advice. Instead of focusing on the fact that you are speaking on a telephone, mentally erase that “barrier” between you and the other party. Pretend you are speaking with the prospect in person. That being said, you should sit up straight or stand up while speaking on the phone. While slouching in your chair might feel comfortable, sitting up straight makes you attentive to your conversation and gives the other party the impression that you are focused on their needs.

Business Is Better With Simple Tip

You will definitely achieve more success with this simple business (and personal) technique. Most of our communication, both verbal and nonverbal, comes from our face. Smiling makes your tone happy, warm, and friendly, which makes you sound calm and confident. You do want to come across as warm, friendly, and confident, right?
Since smiling on the telephone is new, use a mirror to gauge yourself and develop the habit of smiling while dialing. After a while it will be an ingrained habit. Think about how excited the prospect will be when you are able to solve their problems through your products and/or services. Think about how helping your customer results in generating income. These thoughts should be enough to get a smile on your face. Think about your friends and family, as well as other positive thoughts that will keep you in a good mood with a smile on your face.

Business and Personal Benefits Of Smiling

• Boosts the immune system
• Increases positive affect
• Reduces stress
• Lowers blood pressure
• Enhances other people’s perception of you

Shout-Outs: For my 1st Downline
I am blessed to have so many team members who have believed in CTMH and have stayed through the good times and difficult days.

I would like to recognize two wonderful consultants who are celebrating an amazing 20 YEARS with CTMH!  Karen Howard from SeaTac, WA who was my very first recruit!  and Kathy Markloff - a fellow Sr. Ex Director from Wycombe, PA.  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Congratulations also to the following ladies who will be celebrating 15 years with CTMH!

Wanda Riley, Tracy Rausch, Tammie Llewellyn, Sue Ashman, Nancy Reding, Lori Symank, Lisa combs, Laurie Laney, Kelly Robinson, Kari Palmer, Jackie Bluhm, Gill Barnett, Denise Maurer, Delilah Sharp, Darinda Fitzgerald, Cynthia Laughinghouse, and Becky Lester.

Team News: Convention
Once again, I'd like to remind all my convention attendees about our FUN Team reception/meet and greet on Wednesday evening.  To my 1st downline especially, I have some fun gifts for each of you that I know you'll want to have for the start of convention.  If you know that you'll be unable to be there, please let me know asap and I'll leave your at the front desk if you are staying at the Disneyland Hotel.

Also, don't forget to wear PURPLE on Thursday!

Have you done your 4 Studio J Layouts for the challenge this month?  If not there is still a bit of time!  See the May 31st blog post for details.

Creative Corner:
I noticed that MOST of you have NOT taken advantage of the FREE Studio J JPG's yet!  OMG, it's FREE, try it, you'll LOVE IT!!!!  Here is my free layout!  I challenge you to do yours by Friday and email it to me to share!

Tidbit: Take your FREE layout and print it landscape on 81/2x11 paper and mount it on a 6x6 card or create a brag book with one of our 6x6 Memory Showcases, Board Books, Display Albums or All Sorts Mini Albums

Quote of the Week:

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure, but scattered along the life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.

Author Unknown

The 10 Compelling Wonders Of Spending Time Outdoors

I LOVE the outdoors!  I love to hike in the mountains, breathe deeply the clean, light mountain air, experience the wonders of mother-nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  It gives me time to think, daydream and recharge.  I have found color inspirations for my stamping by looking at natures changing seasons.   Don't get me wrong, I also enjoy getting dressed up and trading my hiking boots, wool socks and backpack for a fierce pair of heels and a great purse!  I began thinking exactly why I love being outdoors so much.  I came upon this article that I identified with and wanted to share it with you.   The accompanying photo was taken on our favorite family hike we have done dozens of times over the years.  Many of you will recognize the glorious Mt. Rainier!

The 10 Compelling Wonders Of Spending Time Outdoors
By Arina Nikitina

Did you ever notice that your energy wanes after a few hours indoors? I noticed that when I spend too much time indoors, my brain energy starts going toward things I don’t really care about, and things that are not in line with the way I want to be living my life.

Maybe you can relate to it as well. Many career-oriented people, who practically live in their offices often feel de-motivated, stressed out or find themselves wasted on totally irrelevant activities.
Now I want to ask you – How long ago has it been since the last time you felt a summer’s morning breeze on your face? Or touched the dew on the grass? Or heard the soft chirping of crickets and birds by your window?
Maybe it is time to abandon the stuffiness, heat and noise of a big city and reap all the health benefits of serenity and calm that nature has to offer?
While you are thinking about the answer to this question take time to read the 10 Compelling Reasons to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors:

1. All that sunshine makes you healthy.

Many of us have heard numerous warnings about the dangers of excessive sun exposure, but few people actually know about beneficial properties of the sun. Research has shown that the UVB sun rays are bursting with protective vitamin D, a vital nutrient for our bones, immune system and even for our happiness and well-being. Do not wait any longer! Get outside and D-light in the healthful benefits of the mild, early morning sunshine!

2. The air out there is healthy as well.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air inside our houses and offices is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. How is it possible? Think of all the toxic substances from paint, building materials, detergents and plastics that are trapped in your workplace and even your house. It is time to do your respiratory system a favor and fill your lungs with fresh clean air!

3. It helps you relax and cope with stress.

It is proven that sufficient period outdoors makes healing of physical ailments faster. But you do not have to be sick to go out in the sun or take a nature walk. The outdoors could actually be your daily de-stress activity, as just spending a few hours in nature three times a week will help you to relax easily and fight stress naturally.

4. It adds fun to your life.

I think you will agree with me that outdoor enthusiasts are fun to be around. Regardless of their work, age or lifestyle, they just seem to have that air of positivity and apparently embrace life more fully than the rest. Well, this point could spark a friendly debate. But let me stress that the wide variety of stuff you could do outdoors offers adventure, excitement and better confidence, particularly if you are into sports, exploration and competitive activities.

5. It combats attention deficit.

It is a proven theory that people who spend more time outdoors and commune with nature have better memory. More so, their attention span is more than twice compared to people who have limited time under the sun. Therefore, if all the health benefits are not convincing enough to embrace outdoor activities, do it for you productivity! You will turn to work, feeling much more energized, calm and focused.

6. Being outdoors improves social skills.

One who spends good time outdoors is bound to build a community. In the US alone, there are about 148 million people participating in various outdoor sports and subtler pastime. So instead of locking yourself inside four walls opt to be one of the regular runners or nature trekkers in your work place or neighborhood. Or better yet, take your family and go camping for a weekend!

7. Your eyes get rested.

You have likely experienced eye strain a lot these days due to long hours of using the computer, TV, reading and other activities indoors. But when you spend time outside, your vision improves. This is because being outdoors means getting your eyes relaxed. Enough of pushing your pupils to contract and straining your eye muscles. Go outdoors and get your eyes rested well. With a variety of things to see and motions around us, the eyes will surely get healthier sight!

8. It boosts your creativity.

The artists in each of us get that mental and emotional stimulation when we spend time outdoors. It is enough to look at the greatest work of arts to see a magical effect that nature has on our senses and our creativity. Even those who doubt that they possess an artistic streak, feel more creative and inspired as soon as they step their foot outside the house and let themselves be absorbed by the beauty of nature.

9. It teaches the children to appreciate Mother Nature.

10. The outdoors boosts your love for life – and self.

When you’ve just returned from a camping trip or simply come back home from running, something positive and powerful happens. It is like you have conquered something beyond reach or control. Or you achieve that sense of oneness and understanding with the rest of nature. As for me, each time I go out for that jog or the beach, there is always that sense of being whole.
What about you? What are your experienced benefits from spending time in the outdoors?

SHOUT-OUTS:

Congratulations to the following consultants who have had more than 1 customer with
                                    Studio J® Free-for-All Participation

Lynn Como	4
Stacey Wallace	3
Kathy Clapp	3
Julie Wilson	2
Cecilia Marsh	2
Patricia Walker	2

Congratulations to the following consultants who have personally had
Studio J® Free-for-All Participation

Linda Davis

Karen Varcoe

Michele Pryor

Candy Berlin

Theresa Hasbrouck

Amy Ulen

Julie Decker

Lynn Como

Leigh Anne Scherer

Laurie Newton

Nikki Edwards

Kristie Meland

Karen Bittinger

Donni Alvarenga

Lori Brown

Bernadette Bolton

Sarita Schraeder

Nicole Hoffer

Krista Weatherford

TEAM NEWS:
 

Wondering what to wear on the first day of convention (Thursday) to show  your TEAM SPIRIT???  PURPLE!!

Dream Teamers/Connectdd Hearts -- wear royal purple, lavender, violet, orchid or any shade in
 between. A hat, a shirt, a boa, hot pants, you name it! (Yes, even if you're registered in another color group.... WEAR PURPLE!

AND REMEMBER to attend the Dream Team Meet & Greet on WEDNESDAY, July 13th, anytime between 7:30 and 8:55 pm & pick up your gifts!

CREATIVE CORNER:
Shameless stamplifting!  As I said last week, I have been busy, busy creating for convention. Since I will be away and also with lots to do after convention, I needed to get my July stamping classes prepared.  So......instead of reinventing the wheel, I went to the art board and various other places and found amazing artwork I could copy/tweak to fit my need.  If any is yours, leave me a comment and I'd love to give you credit! 

Quote of the Week:

"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience."

Hyman Rickover

OOPs! I knew I forgot something!

Oops!  I finally broke the chain.....I totally forgot to do my weekly blog post!  I was so engrossed in making fun gifts for my first downline convention ladies.  I've been stampin', gluin' and blingin' up a storm until the wee hours this morning.  Can't show then to you though, wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!

I am so excited to be asked to help out in many ways at convention this year.  I will be helping teach a class on Leadership day, doing the letter "B" for the ABC class and I'll be an Extravaganza helper at convention.  If you are attending convention and can't make the team reception on Wednesday night, be sure to hunt me down so I can give you your gift.

This weeks message is for all of you who have done a fantastic job of growing your teams last month and may be saying "now what?"

7 Tips to be an Effective Direct Sales Leader

                                                                            by Chris Carroll

In direct sales there are always opportunities to become a leader of other people. We know them as down line or recruits, they become a part of our team. Sometimes leaders feel compelled to become responsible for their teams overall performance. They fret and sweat and break their own backs to try and make others successful. Giving others leads and recruits to boost their numbers. Finding new customers to place orders to keep the sales where they need to be. Basically doing everything to support someone elses business in order to make yours successful, to get that extra bonus check or promotion. But my question is:

Will it be worth It?

If you have been doing so much work for others, have you been able to keep your business where it should be or could be? And if the other consultant is not as compelled as you are to be successful and quits their business in a few months, you have just lost everything you put into that others business. I would suggest that you take the time to step back and look at your business and how much you should actually do for others and maybe look at some tough questions and alternatives.

* Are you helping or hindering that other persons business?
* Are they going to be able to learn and grow their own without your help someday?
* Interview your new potential people. Do they have experience in sales? How much are you going to

  have to help?
* Learn when to let go and let them fly
* Lead by example and they can copy You
* Give them the tools and the expectations and they can be successful if they want to.
* Know that some will and some won’t. Don’t take it personally.
* Know that they have to have the drive inside but you can inspire it.

Teach your recruits to fish. Don’t give them the fish and expect then them to have a strong business. Teaching is powerful and it will make you a stronger leader.

Let me know if you would like assistance with your leadership skill. I'm always happy to help you, just contact me :o) 253-639-2708 or njsmith@wolfenet.com

Shout Outs:
We have many promotions to celebrate this month! Congratulations to all of you!

Downline Level	Consultant Name	Previous Title	New Title
1	Chris Green	Executive Manager	Director
1	Carol Thompson	Manager	Executive Manager
1	Michele Rowley	Manager	Executive Manager
1	Connie Wine	Manager	Executive Manager
1	Sue Ashman	Supervisor	Manager
1	Lisa Sargent	Executive Manager	Senior Executive Manager
1	Beda Stoner	Consultant	Supervisor
1	Jill Annis	Consultant	Supervisor
1	Darinda Fitzgerald	Consultant	Supervisor
1	Emma Hernandez	Consultant	Supervisor
1	Angela Noya	Consultant	Supervisor
1	Gina Zucker	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Jamie Heuser	Manager	Executive Manager
2	Debbi Harden-Young	Manager	Executive Manager
2	Lisa Cleveringa	Supervisor	Manager
2	Deborah Kuhs	Supervisor	Manager
2	Allison Grice	Supervisor	Manager
2	Jenni Vail	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Jen Garner	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Renee Wichert	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Jenni Maggard	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Jen Smith	Consultant	Supervisor
2	JaNae Howell	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Leslie Murahashi	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Bluett Madera	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Lalia Harris	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Cheryl Tingley	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Rosio Lizarraga	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Jennifer Egbert	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Carolyn Summerhays	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Rebecca Cameron	Consultant	Supervisor
2	Laura Canup	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Krista Hershberger	Senior Executive Manager	Director
3	Sarah Spencer	Supervisor	Executive Manager
3	Connie Churchill	Supervisor	Manager
3	Joanne Stewart	Supervisor	Manager
3	Tera Boring	Supervisor	Manager
3	Dalene Wells	Executive Manager	Senior Executive Manager
3	Debra Saum	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Cathy Lambert	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Amy Hoptay	Consultant	Supervisor
3	LeAnne Eager	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Elizabeth Brunner	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Abby Candlish	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Stephanie Wagner	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Heidi Albert	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Keri Grimes	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Sarah Jacobson	Consultant	Supervisor
3	C.C. Marsh	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Marianne Bourgeois	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Cynthia List	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Michelle Johns	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Cassie Smith	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Michelle Coleman	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Beverly Clary	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Izzy Cirigliano	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Kristen Burkholder	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Debi Thomas	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Jlynn Wilkinson	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Sandra Anderson	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Sheila Tobias	Consultant	Supervisor
3	Pat Laviolette	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Karen Bittinger	Manager	Executive Manager
4	Brenda Rutt	Manager	Executive Manager
4	Laurie Newton	Supervisor	Executive Manager
4	Kerri Wint	Consultant	Executive Manager
4	Cynthia Brown	Supervisor	Manager
4	Vicki Ibaugh	Supervisor	Manager
4	Kathy Johnson	Consultant	Manager
4	Peggy Risley	Supervisor	Manager
4	Shelly Nemitz	Supervisor	Manager
4	Jennifer Kelley	Supervisor	Manager
4	Bobbi Markley	Supervisor	Manager
4	Michelle Owen	Supervisor	Manager
4	Helen Onulak	Executive Manager	Senior Executive Manager
4	Sarah Zhong	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Jennifer Leon	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Teal Besing	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Tracey Iliffe	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Shakira King	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Tracie Nettles-Cannon	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Deanne Battles	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Lori Josephson	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Sue Follansbee	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Roz Davis	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Laurie Thomas	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Sally Bacon	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Cindy Rogers	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Tracy Cone	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Charolette Royal	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Amanda Post	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Maureen Abraham-Thompson	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Sheila Wilson	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Sonia Abrew	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Sue Pfleger	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Tawnya Roberts	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Dee Armstead	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Jana Evans	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Jo Massey	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Anne Dodge	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Linda Huffman	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Michelle Swift	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Heather Shay-Herzig	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Jennifer Jordan	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Tammy Cooper	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Nancy Stabler	Consultant	Supervisor
4	Patti Reyna	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Roz Bianchi	Supervisor	Manager
5	Stephanie Huber	Consultant	Manager
5	Jane Updegraff	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Carla Kennedy	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Tammy Burton	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Barbara Pisarski	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Theresa Miller	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Carolyn Galluccio	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Ginny Johnson	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Robyn Coleman	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Nickie Hoffer	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Kelley Sorenson	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Christy Berzonski	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Donna Burns	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Karrie Davis	Consultant	Supervisor
5	Mary Gee	Consultant	Supervisor
5	AnnMarie Cicero	Consultant	Supervisor

 Creative Corner:



Faux rosette - I came up with this quite by accident. It is created by stamping the image below from the July Stamp of the Month American Celebration in Pacifica Ink on matching cardstock punched with our scallop punch! When you see in in person it looks 3-D!



Team meeting art

Quote of the Week:

"A stumbling block to the pessimist is a stepping stone to the optimist."

Eleanor Roosevelt