Cricut Fun

Wow! I am so excited about our new Cricut Art Philosophy Collection!  It has truly breathed new life into our business!  I hope you will embrace the newest innovation that CTMH has brought to the stamping and scrapbooking industry.  Jeanette has given us a product that will allow us to introduce stamping to a whole new audience.  There are so many papercrafters out there who have not incorporated stamping into their projects.  If you don't have a Cricut machine, my recommendation is to purchase the Cricut Expression 12 inch machine.  I feel you get the biggest bang for your buck.  If you look for a sale, you should be able to purchase one for around $200.00 or less.  You will also need additional mats, blades and the spatula tool.

I have had so much fun playing with the different images on the machine - with over 700 there will be plenty to share with your customers for many months to come!  I LOVE using our new heavier weight B&T papers to create beautiful projects, faster, simpler and easier.

At our Washington team meeting this past Saturday, I took a poll to see how many we as a group had sold.  There were 18 consultants in attendance and we had sold 81 Cricut Art Philosophy Collections in the first 27 days since it's release!  Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts on this great new product.  I would love to see your Cricut creations.  Email me photos so I can share them with the team!

Shout-Outs:  Congratulations to our Top Sellers this month!
(in order)

Over $5000
Dr. Phil Wilhelm
Lynn Como
Noreen Petty

Over $2000
Briana Bostick
Bernie Bolton
Linda Sturdivant
Ginni Candelaria
Amy Day
Krista Hershberger
Debi Squires
Lori Leng
Karen Varcoe
Annette Green
Christina Eisenhour
Joyce Houck
Amy McGrew

Over $1500
Debbi Harden-Young
Krystal O'Neill
Michele Pryor
Amy Raftery
Laurie Newton
Diane Seitz
Helen Onulak
Sarah Spencer
Susan Tomaino
Debi Thomas
Laura Drapinski
Robin Charvet
Lindsey Johnson
Shirley Natali
Tera Boring
Pat McGuire
Lisa Combs
Jessica Ballas
Lori Brown

Creative Corner: Here is some art from the Washington Team Meeting.

Art Contest winner - created by Carol Thompson

Created By Lisa Combs

Create And Take workshop by Naomi Smith inspired by Maranda Dickerson

Card Opened

Another Swap Spoiler from Karen Morris's board swap

Quote of the Week:
People often say that motivation doesn't last.  Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.

-Zig Ziglar

Send The Unexpected!

I am so excited that we have the 100th follow of this blog!  Be sure to let your team members know about my blog so they can feel connected!

Send the unexpected!

adapted from the Success Factory

In these days of voice mail and email, a handwritten note is a powerful and unexpected way to help people remember you! We are in the perfect business to utilize this tip from the Success Factory.  Use extra workshop or club cards, past swap cards or stamp up something new to highlight our newest products.  Here are a couple of sample notes that you can just copy so you don't have to reinvent the wheel each time.  Just copy and paste this to a document on your computer to save it.

To your customers:
Dear _____________,
I want to thank you again for attending (Name’s) Close To My Heart Gathering. It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope you will consider me for all your future crafting needs. Not just our stamps, papers and other scrapbooking products but all of my other services (you can be specific here and list particulars for what you have to offer, classes, workshops, blogs. online shopping, etc.).
I would love to help you earn our products FREE as a hostess or give you more information on our unique business opportunity. I will work hard to provide you with first rate service, whatever your need.

Do you belong to a service or organization that holds fundraisers? If so, I might also be of service. Please contact me any time for information regarding Close To My Heart products and services. Present this card to me for FREE SHIPPING (or what ever you'd like to offer you could add a coupon or your business card for them to use - insert that here) on your next Close to My Heart order. It is my way of saying thank-you for your continued business.

Sincerely,
(add all your contact information)



To your Hostess (helps prevent cancellations):

Dear ____________________,

I am just dropping you a quick note to thank you again for booking a gathering with me for (date).   I appreciate your business and commitment and I will work hard to provide you with the best service to help make your party successful. If you have any questions or concerns before our next phone call, please do not hesitate to call me. I look forward to working with you!

Sincerely,

(Add all your contact information)

Shout-Outs:
Congrats to the 148 team members who have committed to attending Convention in Dallas next year!  If you are considering attending, there are just a few more days to take advantage of the Dollars to
Dallas 9 month payment plan.  It will end this Friday the 26th.

Creative Corner: 
This weeks artwork comes from team member Nancy Reding and it features the 4 envelopes from the new 6x6 Kraft Die Cut Cards and Envelopes (Z1474), Believe Paper packet and Stickease.  Nancy shared this with us at the Oregon Team meeting last month.  Super cute and would make a terrific holiday workshop.

Team News: 
The 3rd Quarter Washington Team meeting is this Saturday, Aug 27th.

Quote of the Week:

“There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” 

author unknown

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

"G" is for Gratitude -

Welcome to August!  Have you registered for Convention 2012 yet?!  If not, hop on over to the CTMH website, click on "events" and DO IT NOW :o)  Our color group is Lonestar Lagoon with Sunny Yellow as our back-up color.  If those dates or budget isn't for you, consider attending one of the other CTMH Leadershare and Regional Celebration events happening around the country and in Canada in the coming months.  Attending a CTMH training event is the best investment you can make in your business and a whole lot of fun too!  Registration is open for a 2 day Regional Celebration in Vancouver, BC Canada on September 23-24, 2011.  If you plan on attending this one, don't forget to be sure you have a valid passport! 

This weeks featured article comes to us from Linda Sturdivant, a Director from San Jose, CA.  It is another from the ABC class at convention.

Gratitude sets the Ground Work for a Great Gathering!

By Linda Sturdivant

Ladies, has this ever happened to you?

You spend the afternoon preparing for your gathering. The project is awesome and you’re sure everyone is going to love it! You’ve got your supplies packed, samples, display boards and customer packets ready. You are confident it’s going to be a fantastic show.

· Then as things sometimes happen, you are 5 minutes late getting out the door. No problem, it happens.

· Then you get to the car and you find that you are completely out of gas. Wonderful, now you’re going to be 20 minutes late.

· Next you jump on the freeway and it’s bumper to bumper traffic.

This exact scenario happened to me just 2 weeks ago. As I was driving, I realized that thinking about being late was not going to help me get there faster or to feel good when I arrived. So I decided to interrupt my mental “stressing out” with the words Thank You. I started thinking Thank You, Thank You, Thank You over and over again. At first it just interrupted my mental complaining which was what I had intended. But then I started to think about things I am really grateful for – like having a gathering to go to, that the weather was good and that I have a car to drive to my gathering!

Guess what happened? I actually arrived 5 minutes EARLY! Wow – I don’t know how that’s even possible! But I was there 5 minutes early. And I felt great too. I walked in cool and collected and the gathering was one of my most successful! 80% of the people wanted to book an appointment with me.

Imagine how great it would be to walk into your gathering calm and confident after being stress out just a short time before. So, set the groundwork for a successful gathering by managing your mental state. You can sing along to your favorite music, or listen to training CDs in the car. Personally, I like the words Thank You because I always have them with me.

SHOUT-OUTS - JULY TOP 10
Congratulations for a job well done!

                 TOP 10 PERSONAL SALES

DL Level	Downline Name	Current Title
3	Phil Wilhelm	Director
1	Ginni Candelaria	Director
3	Briana Bostick	Director
2	Noreen Petty	Director
3	Lynn Como	Director
2	Amy McGrew	Director
1	Christina Eisenhour	Director
4	Helen Onulak	Senior Executive Manager
4	Judy Larsen	Supervisor
3	Krista Hershberger	Director

                       TOP 10 TEAM SALES 

DL Level	Downline Name	Current Title
1	Kathy Markloff	Senior Executive Director
2	Wendy Vogel-Vineis	Executive Director
2	Susan Tomaino	Director
3	Lynn Como	Director
1	Linda Caler	Senior Executive Manager
2	Noreen Petty	Director
1	Christina Eisenhour	Director
1	Ginni Candelaria	Director
3	Sherri Tozzi	Director
1	Adina Godin	Director

TEAM NEWS:

Washington 3rd Quarter Meeting will be held at my home on Saturday August 27th. 

Here are couple of shots of the Oregon Meeting last weekend.  Thanks to all who attended for another fun, inspiring and creative meeting!

CREATIVE CORNER: Oregon Meeting Art

Hostess date reminder tag by Jackie Bluhm

 

1st Place in the art swap contest - Nancy Reding

2nd place - Joanie McCall

By Kathy Smelcer

By Naomi Smith

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal."

Joseph Cossman