"E" is for Events - Retiring list - Convention 2012

This week, I have spent getting up to speed with the up coming specials, changes in pricing and packaging as well as playing with the new Cricut cartridge!  One thing I learned is that the booklet that comes with the cartridge is essential to using the new cartridge, so don't ever lose it!  After I got the hang of how to access all 700 images, it has been super fun!  I have been cutting up a storm.  I love the new 3D flowers and boxes we can now make in so many sizes at the touch of a button or turn of the dial.  If you have trouble figuring it out, give me a call and I'll talk you through it.  My favorite glue to use with the 3D flowers is the Alene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue in the purple bottle.  It's super thick so it keeps the petals in place but allows you time to fuss with them a bit to get them to look the way you want.  Just store the bottle upside down in a cup so it's easier to squeeze out.

My customers have really appreciated the new full size photos and black text.  As well as the return of the index in the back.  I just got the new Double D set, Pair-a Phrase, that is the National Stamping Month Constant Campaign.  It is SO CUTE and versatile!  You could easily create an entire card workshop using just this stamp set.

Don't forget that registration for Convention 2012 starts next week!  Our color group will be LONESTAR LAGOON!  So when you sign up, choose that color group so that we can all rotate classes together.

This weeks article is another from the Convention class, the ABC's of CTMH.  If you participated in this class and have your script, I'd love to feature your words of wisdom.  Email it to me and I'll share it with the team :o)

MORE ABC's of CTMH - "E" is for Events

by Adina Godin - Director

I am a strong believer that in order for your business to grow you must have events scheduled!  According to Websters, an event is simply something that is scheduled to happen at a certain time on a certain day.  An event can be a big workshop, a club, some people coming over to stamp – anything that is scheduled!  The examples I use today will be from an annual 30 card Workshop I hold.  I am going to be talking about some Event tips that work for me that coincidentally also start with the letter “E”.

ENCOURAGE – Your customers to attend your event – maybe give a sneak peak!  Encourage them to bring guests.  I always offer something free if they bring a new friend to the event!

Create EXCITEMENT – My customers love coming to workshops for the cool bags, packaging, tags with their name on it, etc.  Something that simple can make them feel special and excited to be there!

Be EFFICIENT - Package up your items, Have everything they need in a packet.  That way you don’t run out.  It also makes it easy for distribution and to gather up for no-shows.  For this particular workshop, I set it up in stations that they rotate through.  I have directions there as well should I not be readily available to answer questions.

ENVIRONMENT - Make the environment for your event welcoming.  Make sure it is clean, smelling nice, kids gone, pets put away, comfortable temperature and things organized nicely.  Your customers will continue to attend your events for the “feeling” that they get while there so environment is an important part of your event!

EDUCATE  - Teach your customers HOW to use the products.  Show them different uses for them.  If they KNOW how to use them, they will have to have them!

ELEVATE your sales, so that you EARN more money!  If I am doing an event that is a pre-paid supply fee, I always offer a special for certain levels or orders turned in at the event.  That way they are encouraged to spend on top of their pre-paid fees.   I usually offer free product in the amount of the hostess rewards.  I don’t mind giving that up or even a little more since it is orders that I otherwise might not have gotten!

CREATIVE CORNER:  not so creative this week, just good information to pass on to your customers and beef up your July sales.  This was posted on the CTMH BB with some additions at the end by me.

Here is the current retiring list for July 31st. Orders must be placed before midnight MDT on the 31st.  I have heard the some items may already be out-of -stock so I'd place your orders ASAP.  I have stocked up on the 24 packs of cardstocks for my workshops.  If you plan on using the Cricut, you may use more cardstock than before.

My Relections Kits, Papers & My Stickease
All Level One Scrapbook Kits
Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet and My Stickease
Miracle Level 2 Paper Packet and My Stickease
Sweetheart Level 2 Paper Packet and My Stickease
Wings Level 2 Paper Packet and My Stickease
Magnifique Level 2 Paper Packet and My Stickease
Olivia Level 2 Paper Packet and My Stickease
Hooligans Level 2 Paper Packet and My Stickease
Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Packet and My Stickease

Acrylic Blocks
1” x 1 ½” block (Y1001)
1” x 6 ½” block (Y1005)
2” x 11” block (Y1007)
2 ½” x 2 ½” block (Y1004)
4 ½” x 6 ½” block (Y1011)
My Acrylix block starter kit (Y1500)

Embellishments & Tools
Designer ribbon – Cranberry (Z1209)
Designer ribbon – Buttercup (Z1154)
Designer ribbon – Sweet Leaf (Z1125)
Sophia Level 2 Journaling Spots (Z1357)
Mini Medley Accents – Pear (Z1339)
Mini Medley Accents – Lagoon (Z1340)
Mini Medley Accents – Outdoor Denim (Z1277)

Rub Ons – Across the Board (Z1231)
Rub Ons – Primavera (Z1265)
Kraft Color Ready Borders (Z1377)
Red Eye Pen (3501)
Embossing Powders – Clear (Z671)
Embossing Powders – Heavenly Blue (Z647)
Embossing Powders – Pansy Purple (Z664)
Embossing Powders – Silver Pearl (Z678)
Block Buddy Set Z1289 121 Pivot Point Stapler (Z1009)
Texture Tools – Foam Tools (Z1090)
Fun Flock (Z263)
My Accents Block Organizer (Z185)

Cardstock
24 pks of Cardstock will only be offered in these colors after July 31st: Kraft,
Black, White Daisy, Colonial White, Vanilla Cream, Chocolate, Cocoa, Desert
Sand, Bamboo, Sweet Leaf, Pacifica, Smoothie, Creme Brulee, Olive,
Cranberry, and Outdoor Denim
Textured Cardstock – White Daisy
While no colors are being retired,  you will be able to purchase the other colors in combo packs.

Inks and Markers
After July 31st, you will be able to purchase our stamp pads and markers individually. We will no longer offer them in sets of color families. Order before July 31st so that you can receive the Color Family Set discounted price.

Dimensional Elements
Dimensional Elements – Villa (Z1390)
Dimensional Elements – Miracle (Z1354)
Dimensional Elements – Booksmart (Z1223)
Dimensional Elements – Borders (Z1156)
Dimensional Elements – Framed Fun (Z1140)
Dimensional Elements – Plain Chipboard (Z1164)
Dimensional Elements – Stars (Z1312)
All Dimensional Elements Monograms – A – Z
Other Items
All Envelope flats – Pg 114
3” x 3” Mini Album (Z1166) – Pg 120
My Creations 3 ring binder (Z1141) – Pg 120

ALL stamp sets not in the 2- 2011 Idea Books

The following colors of cardstock will only be available in the Combo packs with just 2 of each color so if you like them, you may want to stock up now.

Parchment

Taffy

Sunkiss Yellow

Sunny Yellow

Lilac Mist

Amethyst

Holiday Red

Sunflower

Goldrush

Moonstruck

Sorbet

Spring Iris

Pansy Purple

Here are more convention favorites from the Art Gallery and Silent Auction all of these were done by the CTMH art studio

cute and easy card holder using one of the new kraft shaped cards!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true”

                                                                                                          – Author Unknown.


If you enjoy my weekly blog, leave me a comment, I'd love to hear your thoughts:o)

Convention 2011 - B is for "Balance" and "Being"

Wow!!!! That's all I can say.  Somehow after 20 years, Convention gets better every year.  The highlight was the announcement that CTMH has partnered with Provo Craft to bring us our very own Cricut cartridge!  I was honored that Karen and I were the ones to help with the announcement via a skit segment.  I got to make a wish for some sort of cutting system and Jeanette granted my wish!  I can hardly wait for it to arrive so I can start creating!  I'd love to have you share your creations as well.  Email me photos with the details of how you did it and I'll put them up.

I have SO much that I will be sharing in the weeks to come.  I took TONS of artwork photos as well as photos of what really makes our company great, the PEOPLE!  Our team was well represented in all areas of convention, from presenters and instructors, to award winners.

One of the classes I participated in was the ABC's of CTMH.  It was a super fast paced class with 26 quick tips from A to Z for improving your business.  Each presenter was assigned a letter and asked to choose a word beginning with that letter as talk about it as it relates to your CTMH business.  I had lots to say and just 2 minutes so I promised I'd put it on my blog. 

 

“B” is for “Balance” and “Being”

Since you all are CTMH entrepreneurs as well as moms, wives, sisters, brothers, husbands, friends, employees, and all the other hats you wear in your daily lives, you know that it’s not always easy to keep the priorities straight.  Particularly when your business is just starting, but also when you get things going at a good clip.  CTMH can take on a life of its own and quickly cross the boundaries of happy home life.   This can happen within your business as well.

Not only do we need to find balance or harmony between our business and personal lives, but also between the elements of our business: personal sales, recruiting and supporting our teams.

Since I have just 2 minutes, I’ll have to give you just sound bites:

In my coaching and mentoring, after asking what the consultant wants from their business – you really need to be clear on this before you can find balance-  the next step is to begin with the concept of balance, what I call the intention schedule.

 For most of us, one of the appeals of becoming a CTMH consultant was that it could be worked ALONG SIDE our lives, not the other way around.  So start by deciding what you want and need from your business, list all the aspects of your daily lives and see if those goals fit into the time you have to devote to CTMH.  If it’s within your business that you’d like to find balance, then do the same: list all the things you do in your CTMH business, look at your goals and see what fits into the time you have.

Next, prioritize, organize and schedule.  Eliminate those things from your life that don’t move you towards your goals.  If you feel you are always working but never getting ahead, this could be part of the problem.  Use a “power hour”

Learn to say ‘NO”, for some of us that is very hard!

Hire and/or delegate anything and everything you possibly can.  Involve your kids.

BE – Be present at whatever you are doing – work during work time, play during playtime!

Set business hours and work them, when your scheduled tasks are finished leave work at work and close your “office”

Schedule playtime for yourself and your families.  Leave the Smart phones, laptops and thoughts of CTMH at home.  There is nothing more precious than taking care of ourselves and spending time with those we love.

By finding the harmony in our lives we avoid frustration and burnout and will be more happy, productive and satisfied!

 SHOUT-OUTS:
At our team reception on Wednesday evening, we honored the top performers in the categories of  Personal and  Team Sales as well as Recruiting in a video slide show.    Congratulations to all for a job well done!

Top Team Sales

Kathy Markloff  - Krafty Kritters	Senior Executive Director	$2,315,620.65
Wendy Vogel-Vineis - Awesome Achievers	Executive Director	$1,238,386.75
Susan Tomaino -  Tomaino Patch	Director	$553,858.97
Lynn Como - Coastal Stars	Director	$480,638.13
Linda Caler - World Wide Stampettes	Senior Executive Manager	$331,490.45
Christina Eisenhour - Memories in Motion	Director	$275,268.50
Noreen Petty - Scrappin' Chatters	Director	$255,703.56
Sherri Tozzi - Legacy Leaders	Director	$209,102.04
Adina Godin - Stamping Sisters	Director	$175,965.43
Ginni Candelaria - Happy Hearts	Director	$170,613.77

Top Personal Sales

Lynn Como	Director	$79,809.92
Helen Onulak	Senior Executive Manager	$33,749.02
Linda Sturdivant	Director	$26,262.93
Debi Squires	Supervisor	$25,673.79
Krista Hershberger	Director	$25,091.00
Amy McGrew	Director	$24,945.98
Briana Bostick	Director	$24,934.64
Adina Godin	Director	$24,836.15
Ginni Candelaria	Director	$24,130.85
Judy Larsen	Supervisor	$22,363.63

 Top Recruiting

Briana Bostick	Director	39
Noreen Petty	Director	30
Christine David	Director	29
Lynn Como	Director	17
Dr. Phil Wilhelm	Director	17
Linda Sturdivant	Director	15
Christina Eisenhour	Director	11
Chris Green	Director	11
Ginni Candelaria	Director	9
Krista Hershberger	Director	9
Dalene Wells	Senior Executive Manager	9
Kerri Wint	Executive Manager	9
Karen Bittinger	Executive Manager	9
Helen Onulak	Senior Executive Manager	9
Kathy Markloff	Senior Executive Director	8
Debbi Harden-Young	Executive Manager	8
Sarah Spencer	Executive Manager	8
Laurie Newton	Executive Manager	8
Brenda Rutt	Executive Manager	8
Lori Leng	Senior Executive Manager	7

A special Congratulations to Briana Bostick for being chosen to serve on the 2011-2012 Advisory Board!

And most of all, I'd like to congratulate my wonderful, amazing, upline, mentor and friend, Karen Morris for her "Spirit of Close To My Heart" award.  So fitting and deserved!

TEAM NEWS:
Oregon Team meeting will be Saturday, July 30th in Salem, Oregon at the South Salem Phoenix Inn.
10:30- 3:30 or whenever we finish.  Priority to my 1st downline.  Space will be limited so rsvp early!  Watch your inbox for details.  Swap theme will be new stamps (including SOTM) and products.  Cricut items stongly enouraged!  Make 6   You may participate by mail.  Swap items must be in my hands by Friday the 29th with a Priority Mail Stamp and your address label.

CREATIVE CORNER:  Here are some of my favorite art pieces from convention

 (I got special permission to photograph some of the silent auction pieces)

By Sara Batkin

made with 2 packages of Pennants!

 Much more artwork to share in the coming weeks!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

 All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.

                                                                                                                        Walt Disney

Keys to Success with your CTMH Business and ***IMPORTANT***Convention Team Reception update

I'm at convention this week - if you aren't here with us, be sure to check the daily updates on the CTMH website and share the excitement of new products and programs!

I found this article and it really spoke to me.  In a nutshell, the article spells out how to succeed!  Each word is a gem.  We have heard and read most of this before, but something about the simplicity of each message I found compelling.  I hope you find it as inspiring as I have.

These ten keys are the keys to your success. Follow these and you will create the lifestyle and business of your dreams:

By Jackie Ulmer 

Belief - To have belief in your products or services and your industry is essential. But most of all, it is your belief in yourself that makes all the difference. You will achieve only what you believe in.

Commitment - A commitment is your pledge to do whatever it takes to get the job done - no matter what. When you are committed, you persist. You don't quit.

Contribution - Always give more than you take. It will build your business strong with integrity and good will, which in turn rewards you with good profits.

Goals - Your goals are your objectives. They provide a direction for your efforts and a way to measure your progress. You must have clearly defined, written goals. It is imperative to your success.

Knowledge - Knowledge is power, or so it's said. But really, knowledge in action is power. Continually gather knowledge in your endeavor and put that knowledge to good use.

Partnership - You may be in business for yourself, but rarely by yourself. Build strong relationships with those you partner with in your business. Never burn a bridge and always cultivate win-win relationships.

Personal Growth - Most successful business people will tell you that personal growth and development was essential to their success in their business endeavors. Personal growth is a lifelong learning process. Practice it every single day. No matter how much you think you know, there's always more.

Take Action - Plan your work, work your plan. You must have a business plan that incorporates SDA's - Single Daily Actions. You must put first things first, prioritize and follow through.

Treat It Like A Business - There is no substitute for treating your new endeavor like a business. Regardless of how much it cost you in time or money to get started, you must treat it like a million dollar business each and every day. Even if it's a part time business, treat it with respect.

Vision - Vision is a mental picture of all the achievements you aspire to and have yet to bring into being. It's the source of all of your beliefs, expectations, motivations and actions. It's the key to your future. Design the movie (vision) of your life and watch it unfold.

Shout-Outs:
Congratulations to the following consultants who have created an amazing 20 or more Studio J layouts in June.  I'm so glad you have really embraced the newest CTMH product!

Linda Caler	80
Pat McGuire	32
Dawn Maxemow	31
Ann Rodgers	30
Cynthia Knapp	26
Geri Smith	26
Le Russell	24
Jill Annis	23
Liz Jok	23
Donna McGlasson	22
Beth Clark	22
Barbara Kubiak	20
Therese Flores	20
Linda Norman	20
Rhonda Webb	20
Kathleen Manges	20

TEAM NEWS:  NEWS FLASH!!!!!

Due to unforeseen scheduling changes by the hotel and CTMH, we must shift the start time of the Team Reception.  The new time for my 1-5th Downline is 7:55.  This is an open house event so stop by any time between 7:55 and 9:00.  I know that many of you will have other events to attend.

My first downline will meet at 9:15 for special gifts, awards, and a game.  To participate in the games you must be present.  

Thanks so much for your flexibility.  I'll see you soon!

Creative Corner:
Today's featured artwork comes from a very special lady from Bolivar, Ohio - Delilah Sharp.  Thanks for sharing your beautiful family with us in your Studio J layouts.

Quote of the Week:
I saw this saying on a wall hanging in a small gift shop in Sedona, AZ while on vacation last week.  I loved it so much I took a photo of it so I could share it with you.

   To Accomplish Great Things, we must not only Act, but also Dream, not only Plan, but also Believe

 Author Unknown

Over the past 20 years, I have been asked what the secret to success in CTMH is.  My simple answer is in this article that I'd like to share with you this week:

Don’t Give Up

By Julie Anne Jones

There's a fairly well known story about the Chinese bamboo plant. Maybe you've heard it. Just in case, it goes something like this:

The Chinese Bamboo plant starts from a tiny seed. You plant the seed in the dirt, and you water and fertilize it. Nothing happens the first year…no sprout, no sign of life, nothing.

If you're persistent, the second year you water and fertilize and protect the seed, and nothing happens.
The same for the third and fourth year. No sprout, no shoot, nothing.
Then, in the fifth year, if you're still keeping the faith and watering and fertilizing the seed, the Chinese Bamboo plant begins to grow. In fact, it grows 90 feet tall in just 6 weeks!

The question is, did it grow 90 feet in six weeks or in five years? Five years, right? If at any point you had either stopped caring for the seed or worse, dug it up to see why the heck nothing was happening, it would have stopped growing and died.

I remember the first time I heard this story. It's stuck with me since and there have been lots of times in the past five years when I've had to remind myself that I don't really know what's going on "beneath the surface" in my business. That I can't stop taking care of it and I can't give up.

Your direct sales/home party plan business is just like the Chinese Bamboo plant. You invest a lot of time and effort developing yourself and the tools you need to create a successful business, and nothing happens. You spend endless hours working with your team members to coach them in the development of their strengths and their own businesses, and nothing happens. You perfect your party and follow up with people to book parties, and nothing happens.

And perhaps worst of all, it's possible that people in your life who care about you see you working for what seems like nothing, and discourage you from continuing (just like your next door neighbor might approach you after a few years and gently say, "Really, can't you see that Chinese bamboo is never going to grow? You're wasting your time, and you look a bit like an idiot out here watering the dirt every day.")

If you’re like most direct sellers, you'll be tempted to give up. Here's the thing. If you give up, the seeds you planted, nurtured, cared for, will die. But if you continue to care for the seeds, if you have faith and you don't give up, one day (when you least expect it) the results of your labor could seem to magically appear overnight!
The difference between those who succeed and those who fail in direct sales is such a fine line. I think the deciding factor has to do with one simple thing. Who gives up and who keeps going, no matter what. So don't give up. You never know what's waiting for you just beneath the surface of your business.

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Julie Anne Jones is direct sales corporate consultant, coach, and trainer, and the CEO of Julie Anne Jones, Inc. She is known for her authentic and easy-to-use scripting and specializes in specific language and tools for success in direct sales. To learn more about Julie Anne and her products and services, and to read her weekly blog posts, visit her at www.julieannejones.com.


TEAM NEWS:  This is from Karen Morris, my upline

Just a reminder to bring to our Convention Team Party on Wed 7-13:

...business cards for networking with other team members

...camera for memorable photo ops - there will be many!

...cards for random swapping

...your downline (we want EVERYONE there!!)

...a party attitude as we get ready to kick off convention!!!

Woo-Hoo!!!

Once again, remember to bring something PURPLE to wear on Thursday!

SHOUT OUTS:
We had 205 Connected Hearts team members (1-5th DL) Participate in the Studio J Free-for-all!
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Congratulations to the following team members for their promotions last month!

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Theresa Whisenand		Manager
Amanda Sura		Supervisor
Sheila Burnette		Supervisor
Angela Tutton		Executive Manager
Connie Hart		Executive Manager
Rosann Maneca		Manager
Linda Norman		Manager
Teresa Pander		Supervisor
Shannon Fason		Supervisor

CREATIVE CORNER:
Thanks to Betsy Gully and Jes Ballas for sharing the following creations from Studio J!

By Jes Ballas

By Betsy Gully - I love how these old photos look just as fabulous as the ones taken this year!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"The act of taking the first step is what separates the winners from the losers."

Brian Tracy