Connected Hearts NEWSFLASH!

Happy July!  Are you ready for a NEW YEAR - with our all new 2014 Annual Inspirations Idea Book?  If you haven't gotten your hands on one yet, all you have to do is place an order this month and it will be sent to you, otherwise you'll have to wait until August!

!!!!!TEAM NEWSFLASH!!!!

Congratulations on being a part of our Striving and Thriving in 2014 Winning Team!

As the leader of the Connected Hearts, in recognition of outstanding team growth and to celebrate team member, Noreen Petty's promotion to Presidential Director, I am bringing my team celebration to the Hilton Hotel in Waco, TEXAS on Saturday, October 4th. The cost is just $20 for this all day event which will run from 10 am to 9:30 pm with lunch provided and a 2 hour dinner break on your own.
 

You will receive a fabulous Team celebration including Team training, recognition, creative projects, giveaways, treats, and a fantastic time together, hosted by me and Close To My Heart Vice President and COO, Brian Holman!. This will be an all day event packed with ideas and information to help you build a thriving CTMH business! The $20 event price includes lunch, giveaways and projects. There will also be a silent auction of exclusive CTMH branded items to benefit Operation Smile. More details to come including the agenda and what to bring.
 

Registration is already underway and is limited to the first 200 people. You MUST be an active CTMH consultant and submit at least $300 in orders during the 3rd quarter (July-Sept 2014) to attend. So take advantage of the consultant preview period this month and get your orders in for all the wonderful new CTMH products. We are anticipating the event to sell out quickly so don't delay! This event will be open to all levels of my team.

Email me as soon as you have your $300 in sales and I'll send you the registration link! njsmith@wolfenet.com
 

CREATIVE CORNER:
One of favorite things...there are so many to choose from, are our new alcohol markers by Shin Han.  http://www.shinhanart.com/  We were able to play with them during the creative session at Leadership Day.  Here are the cards we created.  I LOVE the vibrant colors and blendability.  Unlike our old markers, you can color the Clear Sparkles and customize other embellishments with these markers!  In the coming posts, I'll share many of my other favorites and how I'm sharing them with my customers.

These are the cards we created on Leadership Day at Convention.  Since we made 2 of each card I used both sides of the Confetti Wishes B&T - this is the bulk design.

It's HERE! CTMH Convention 2014

Greeting from "The Happiest Place on Earth"!  The 2014 CTMH Convention! 

 Here are a couple of the gifts I made for my 1st downline who are attending this wonderful event.  I took our Base and Bling circle pendant and charms and created a purse/bag charm with my team logo.  I used additional findings from usalanyards.com
1/4” Bolt Snaps .52 each
½” Key Ring 13mm .14 each

This gift box is folded from a single sheet of 12x12 with no cuts - just  bit of adhesive.  Here is a link to the  directions and videos:
Written directions here – It’s in German so watch the video for assembly
http://www.stempeltreff.de/Anleitung_S-Faltschachtel.pdf
There are many videos on YouTube – here are just a couple
www.frenchiestamps.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWFrHI4ULQw&list=TLcpo9oLIIK9BF-Crx6rUNoD8o7feN4jus
OR
Scrapinmaniac Corner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4aTBCynHqEU

 Check back for more fun projects and the Top 10 lists later this week.

A BUNCH of Reminders and a Sneak Peek!

Another quick notecard - this can be done in any one of
our many colors and the sentiment can be changed.  It makes
a great quick invitation.

I'm heading to Anaheim, CA for the CTMH Convention this weekend.  I'm going early to spend a couple of days visiting my brother who lives just 15 minutes from Disneyland.  If you need to reach me while I'm away from my office, you can send me a message via Facebook , email me at naomisconnectedhearts@gmail.com or leave me a comment here!  I have posts in the pipeline scheduled to post while I'm away.  If you're not able to join us at Convention, be sure to check the CTMH website, Facebook, Twitter and Jeanette's Blog to all the latest news!





 Reminders:

1.) The second quarter is almost over so check your stats! They are located at the top of the page under Key Statistics. Your Quarter-to-date needs to be $300 or more by June 30th in order to remain a consultant. Remember, there is no longer a Jr. Consultant Title! To remain a CTMH consultant you must submit $300 in minimum sales each quarter.  The CTMH website is bound to be extra slow with last minute ordering, convention orders and new Idea Book ordering so do it NOW! Don't wait and risk losing out!

If you have downline - call/text or email them a reminder. 

2.)  The retired list is up on the CTMH website!  I have condensed it to fit on 2 pages- without the consultant only items- that you can add your contact info to and email it to your customers or print it to add to your lapboards.  Email me and I can send it to you njsmith@wolfenet.com
FYI - We are losing 5 colors: Blush, Buttercup, Twilight, Creme Brulee and Sky.  Take time in July to start purging your supplies so you are showing only current products.

3.) Take a moment to take advantage of the FREE customer newsletter that CTMH has provided. Use the space CTMH has provided to personalize it to promote your classes, clubs or other events or just showcase your artwork! Look under Marketing - Newsletters on the CTMH online office.
4.)  Sneak Peek!  Consultants can now order the August Stamp of the Month - S1408 What A Hoot!  $17.95  Go to your OBA and type the order number in and you'll see it.  Sooo Cute!

5.)  It's time to place your order for the 2014-2015 CTMH Idea Books!  The ordering system and Idea books are new this year and you now order in 10 packs that you can order anytime during the next year so you can spread it out as your budget and need dictate.  Here is how you do it:
Go to Order Entry - Open "Individual Order" and enter item number WC10151. Books come in packages of 10 - so if you enter quantity of 1- you will get 10 books; quantity of 5 you will get 50 books.
This is the only thing you may include in this order-- ONLY CATALOGS. You will get a notice that this item is on backorder until June 26. The books begin shipping on June 26 in the order received so don't wait too long if you want them right away!
FYI: Consultant price (including shipping, etc) is approx $3.30 per book depending your sales tax rate.  Here in my area, my cost is $3.61 each.  The retail price printed on the catalog is $6.  Since we are able to order in small quantities of 10 and it's all the same price whether 10 or 100, I will not be ordering extras for downline to pick up or mail to you unless you are willing to pay my cost plus the shipping to send them to you.

6.)  If you're part of my team 1-4th downline - be sure to stop by at the Connected Hearts Team Table to receive your convention goodie!

Just as the SUPERBOWL is to football fans,

So is the CTMH Convention to Consultants.

This is the BIG GAME for us!

 

You are invited to

The Dream Team - Connected Hearts and Legacy Makers

 PRE-GAME HUDDLE

Presented by Karen Morris, Naomi Smith and Julie Reynolds.

 

Wednesday, June 25

7:00 – 9:00 pm

The Magic Kingdom Ballrooms 2 & 3

 

wear ANY sports team jersey to the meeting,

I mean, HUDDLE on Wed. night. (Don’t forget the face paint! LOL)

Come prepared to fill your playbook w/ strategies and proven moves that will propel you forward. Plus a bonus presentation by a CTMH VP!!

 

Bring your camera, notebook, business cards (for networking), handmade cards (to swap) and your checkbook for bidding on personal training sessions with premiere team members!

 

We support Operation Smile and the silent auction for “Personal Trainers” is a win-win opportunity for your personal growth that will restore a smile to a child. Our goal is to beat last years total of $1270.

 

DOORS Open at 6:40 pm. The Huddle begins at 7:00 pm.

The Magic Kingdom Ballrooms 2 & 3.

The Direct Sales Mindset - Some Wisdom from Kristine Widfeldt

My June Stamp of the Month Card.

18 more days 'til Convention and the unveiling of our new 2014-2015 Idea Book!  Have you ordered your new Idea Books yet? 

1. Pre-Order Your Annual Inspiration Idea Books Beginning June 1, you can place your pre-orders for the new Annual Inspirations idea book! As part of this pre-order program, you can order the Annual Inspirations book in packs of 10. We will begin shipping these orders in coordination with the first day of Convention, June 25. Log in to Online Office and access Order Entry to place your pre-orders. Simply use the item number WC10151, add your desired quantity of 10-packs, and submit your order. Once submitted, the order will appear in your records as backordered until the shipment date. You can review details about the Annual Inspirations idea book and this pre-order program in the General Idea Book FAQ available in Online Office.

I used an Individual Order to place mine.  You will be able to order Idea Books all year on an as needed basis.  This will help with budgeting so you
don't get stuck with extra books next spring.


Team Convention News:
If you're joining us for convention - I hope you'll also join me for the 1st ever CTMH Disney 5K Walk/Run!  I was so excited that CTMH is not only giving us the tools to keep our businesses healthy, but our bodies too.  You need good health to keep you, your families and business running strong!

You're Invited to the Rise & Shine 5K Fun Run at Convention

We invite you to join us for our first annual Rise & Shine 5K Fun Run at Convention this summer! Close To My Heart staff is planning to run a 5K through Downtown Disney and the parks on Saturday, June 28 from 6:30-7:30 am, and we’re inviting all Convention attendees that are interested to run with us! In order to adequately staff the route we’ll be on, Disney requires a minimum amount of participants for events like this. Not a runner? No problem! There will be two groups going on the fun run – one will walk and the other will jog/run. Regardless of your fitness level, we would love to see you there! Registration for this event will be $35 USD, however, no payment is required today. Once we have collected all RSVP responses and we see that there is enough interest in the Rise & Shine 5K Fun Run, you will be emailed a link to register for and pay for your spot. All participants will receive a special ribbon in your registration bag. Please submit your RSVP here by Friday, June 13 to let us know that you’d like to join us on this adventure, and you can run or power walk next to Vice Presidents Monica Wihongi & Kristine Widtfeldt!

Many of us are ordering shirts to mark the occasion. 
Here's the tank link...this is the one I ordered in pink.
https://www.etsy.com/.../forget-the-glass-slipper-this...

Forget the Glass Slipper this Princess Wears Running Shoes Ladies Tank Top Ladies Tank Top

www.etsy.com

Tank Top for Women. The perfect gift for anyone who loves to run. Get on for a marathon event, or Just to style around in one!

Or a t-shirt if you prefer:

https://www.etsy.com/.../forget-the-glass-slipper-this...

Forget the Glass Slipper this Princess Wears Running Shoes Ladies T Shirt Women Tee Shirt Womens...

www.etsy.com

Womens T-Shirt Classic Fit Soft Style 100% cotton. The perfect gift for anyone who loves to run. Get on for a marathon event, Birthdays, Mothers

Business Bit:

Here is a great excerpt from Dana Wilde's interview with Kristine Widfeldt on the Mind Aware Season 5.
 

KRISTINE WIDFELDT: Well I think the ideal direct seller understands that she doesn’t have to compete with retail. She offers something that is hopefully unique, demonstrable, and consumable. And if she has those three things and has a real passion for the product, where she’s going to compete and build an amazing business and this is a part of the direct-sales mindset, is knowing, that I have a one-to-one connection. We are still a face-to-face business or person-to-person business because even if you’re conducting business online, it’s about the relationships that you develop with your
customers. It’s about the network of people who loves not just the product that you’re offering, but the way that you personalize it, customize it, and deliver it to them with care.  And you cannot find that in a retail store. It is worth more than the price tag, and so I love people who understand that
I can work as hard as I want to earn the money and the lifestyle that I want. I love the way that I meshed perfectly within your life, and I think direct sellers have a unique internal motivation that others don’t. They’re willing to set their own hours and then stick with it, and understand that they’re success depends on their own contribution rather than “Okay, this is my job. I’m going to show up and, you know, sit in a chair for eight hours a day.” So I love that unique perspective of “This is mine. This is mine to add
value to. This is mine to work if I wish.” I think that there is no better worker, partner, associate, and representative, than someone who understands the direct-sales mindset.

Convention Team Meeting Invitation

If you're attending the CTMH Convention and are part of my team as my 1st - 4th Downline - this invitation is for YOU!  I hope you will join us for the FUN.  As a member of the 12's I'll be sporting my Seattle Seahawks Superbowl MVP Malcom Smith jersey!  Be sure to stop by the Connected Hearts team table to pick up your special convention gifts.  Leave me a comment if you're planning on attending :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just as the SUPERBOWL is to football fans,

So is the CTMH Convention to Consultants.

This is the BIG GAME for us!

You are invited to

THE DREAM TEAM combined PRE-GAME HUDDLE

Presented by Karen Morris, Naomi Smith and Julie Reynolds.

Wednesday, June 25

7:00 – 9:00 pm

The Magic Kingdom Ballrooms 2 & 3

Show your team spirit by ordering the Team Jersey today:

http://karensdreamteam.logosoftwear.com/

or

wear ANY sports team jersey to the meeting,

I mean, HUDDLE on Wed. night. (Don’t forget the face paint! LOL)

Come prepared to fill your playbook w/ strategies and proven moves that will propel you forward. Plus a bonus presentation by a CTMH VP!!

Bring your camera, notebook, business cards (for networking), handmade cards (to swap) and your checkbook for bidding on personal training sessions with premiere team members!

The Dream Team supports Operation Smile and the silent auction for “Personal Trainers” is a win-win opportunity for your personal growth that will restore a smile to a child. Our goal is to beat last years total of $1270.

DOORS Open at 6:40 pm. The Huddle begins at 7:00 pm.

The Magic Kingdom Ballrooms 2 & 3.

How to start a conversation about CTMH. plus a bit of this and that.

A colorful graphic birthday card I received from CTMH!
I think I'll use this for my July card class.

I hope you all had a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!  May is quickly coming to a close and it's your last chance to register for the CTMH Convention!  Although there is still 1 month left in the quarter,  check your sales stats to be sure you'll hit your $300 minimum for the quarter.  If you ordered one of the new D ring binders,  please pay extra attention.  See the excerpt from the CTMH Weekly Update below.


 Refunds for D-ring Albums; Faux Leather Albums ExtendedThe new D-ring coated canvas albums were manufactured by our long-standing vendor that has produced our faux leather albums and our Work-In-Progress album. In our further research and testing of the stock received, we believe that the D-Ring build quality, though not defective per se, is not of sufficient strength for our likely page weight usage scenarios. As such, we will be processing an immediate refund for all Cocoa Damask (Z1980) and Slate Circles (Z1981) D-ring albums ordered to date.
The vast majority of these albums were ordered as a regular commissionable item. Consultant refunds will be included with May commission payments.....Because commissions have not yet been processed for May, keep in mind that the refund for those albums purchased as a regular item will also lower a Consultant’s personal commissionable sales total by the same amount.

Here is a great offer from Town and Country! Click here to order:

http://www.townandcountryprinting.com/heart.html

Business Bit:
As you know, I'm a big fan on The Mind Aware online webinar series.  Here is a great tip from a mini class I'd like to pass on to you.

Video Script:
Hi, it’s Dana Wilde from The Mind Aware. Are you afraid to pick up the phone? Or does the thought of approaching a stranger about your business freak you out?
Well, if you want to alleviate that panicked feeling then “state your fear first.” What do I mean by that?
If you are feeling nervous about talking with someone or calling someone, than recognize that fear and have it be the FIRST sentence out of your mouth.
Just say exactly what’s on your mind.
For example, if you feel like you’re being rude when you approach someone, then just say to them, “I feel like I’m I’m being rude approaching you, but … “ and fill in the blank with the reason you wanted to approach them.
When you call someone, if you’re worried about looking like a pushy salesperson then make sure to say immediately, “I’m afraid I’ll look like a pushy salesperson by calling you, but …” and fill in the blank.
Stating your fear first makes you feel better and it helps your prospects connect with you as a normal human being with normal feelings.
Remember, after the “but”, fill in the blank with something of value to them … a free sample, a new product catalog, or something else of value.
At The Mind Aware we believe in Intentional Action … get your mindset right first and then take action. 

A Personal Post and a Couple of Important Reminders.

Skylark card for my June card class.

I must confess - I'm having a hard time concentrating on work today.  As I sit here in my office I can see the sun shining, the clear blue sky and hear the birds singing.  It's pulling me outside.  But.....my "staycation" week is over and it's time to get back on my regular schedule and get back to work.  I want to thank you so much for the abundance of birthday wishes.  I had a most wonderful day and all in all 55 looks like it's going to be a wonderful year.  Besides needing reading glasses to do my stamping and scrapping, I can't complain :)  Here are a few snapshots from my week.

Sitting on the "Iron Throne" at the
Experience Music Project
Sci-Fi Museum.  You'll
have to be a Game of Thrones
fan to understand this one :)  



Tea with my daughter, Rachel
(now a blond!) at the hotel where
her wedding reception was held. 

The patio below the deck is ready
for summer gatherings.

The deck is now OPEN!
Mother's Day Brunch.



 

A quiet dinner for 2
with Dave :)

 Reminders:

1.) Take a moment to take advantage of the FREE customer newsletter that CTMH has provided.  Use the space CTMH has provided to personalize it to promote your classes, clubs or other events or just showcase your artwork!  Look under Marketing - Newsletters on the CTMH online office.

2.) The second quarter is more that half over so check your stats while you are at it.  They are located at the top of the page under Key Statistics.  Your Quarter-to-date needs to be $300 or more by June 30th in order to remain a consultant.  Remember, there is no longer a Jr. Consultant Title!  To remain a CTMH consultant you must submit $300 in minimum sales each quarter.

3.) Mark Your Calendars!

Convention:

Attention EVERYONE ---- Connected Hearts (my team), Legacy Makers (my sideline-Julie Reynolds team), and the Dream Team (my Upline - Karen Morris's team) are combining forces for an amazing Convention Team Meeting. The content will knock your socks off.... you won't want to miss it! Our meeting will run from 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm, so leaders--- please schedule your own meetings either BEFORE (5 pm - 7 pm) or AFTER (8:45 pm - 10:00 pm) so that everyone can attend!  We will have a special surprise guest so be sure to come and stay for the FUN - watch for further updates!

Thriving 30 Event:

I am happy to say that the Connected Hearts are indeed both striving and thriving. We have had unprecedented growth and excitement for CTMH in April in great part due to some amazing team members in Texas!  I am happy to announce that the Connected Hearts Thriving 30 Event will be held in WACO, TEXAS on Saturday, October 4th at the Hilton Waco.  We are privileged to have none other than the VP and COO of CTMH, Brian Holman as our presenter! Watch for more details and updates after convention.   This date no longer conflicts with my upline, Karen Morris's event (Sat. Sept 13th in Las Vegas)  if you're my 1-3rd downline you are eligible to attend either or both events!

 

Oregon Team Meeting Date Change:

Because the dates for the Team Builders conference conflict with the scheduled Oregon Team Meeting date already announced, I am changing the date from Saturday, November 15th to Saturday, November 22nd.  Please make the change on your calendars.

Keep on Sharing!

One of my quick cards for my May card classes
I love to add color to my sparkles with a Sharpie
Marker. Ariana bulk with a bit of Balloon Ride bulk

I am sorry to have missed posting on Tuesday.  I have been trying to fix a problem that you have undoubtedly been aware of.  It seems my blog was somehow hijacked and random posts have been showing up in Arabic (or some language that looks like it)  I hope that I have fixed the problem.  I changed my password and that didn't help so I had my assistant delete a 3rd party app that auto posts my new posts to Facebook.  I apologize for the disruption. 















One week left......have you shared the incredible CTMH recruiting special this month?

Business Bit: A re-post from 2 weeks ago....

I hope that each of you are taking advantage of the AMAZING opportunity CTMH has offered to help us grow our teams. The key is to SHARE it with EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE! In a nutshell when they sign up April 1-30th they will recieve - $400 in CTMH products (including a Cricut bundle of their choice) for just $99!!! AND a 22% discount until at least September 30th. Post it on ALL your social media sites as a quick easy way to start.  You never know who will want to start their own CTMH business or who your contacts know that may be interested.

If you are interested in growing your teams contact me ASAP, I'd love to help you. This offer is just through the end of the month so get started NOW! If you don't share, someone else will :)

For those of you who have "Former Consultants" be sure to contact them and see if they want to take advantage of this limited time offer. You can easily access their contact information by going to your "Advanced Reports" - downline reports and clicking on "Former consultant contact information". They already know how wonderful CTMH products are and would be the easiest place to start your sharing :)

 

Shout-Outs:
In the last 21 days the team has grown by leaps and bounds!  We have 378 new members to welcome!  Congratulations to all of you who have shared the CTMH opportunity this month.  The following 36 people have recruited 3 or more new team members!

1st Downline:
Christina Eisenhour, Ginni Candelaria, Laurie Varner, Linda Caler, Michele Rowley, Susan Hopkins and Tina Lovell

2nd Downline:
Geri Polasek, Meredith Nguyen, Noreen Petty, Sarah Hirsch and Susan Williams

3rd Downline:
Adeline Brill, Briana Bostick, Cathryn Oliver Brown, Dalene Wells, Debi Thomas, Dr. Phil Wilhelm, Jean Ann Gardner, Joy Tracey, Krista Hershberger, Lynn Como, Mandy Petty, Rachel Rothmeyer, Sheila Wilson and Tonya VanWinkle.

4th Downline:
Amy Raftery, Angie Hofmann, Cara Miller, Dawn Flammger, Janet Royer, Judy Larsen, Melinda Beltran, Mischelle Smith, Sheryl Harpel and Tammy Sinks.

I took the day off today to go and tip-toe through the tulips at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.  This is a yearly tradition for my husband and I.  It's one of the beautiful gifts we have here in Western Washington in exchange for all of the rain.  I get inspired by the beauty of mother nature and all of the vibrant colors that never seem to clash. 

WOOOHOOO!!! - Congrats to our Team! - Exciting Events coming!

The special card from CTMH for my
 23rd anniversary.

I am thrilled and excited!!!!  I have been impatiently waiting for today's announcement!  Congrats to each of you for doing your part to help our team achieve the Thriving/Striving 30 Contest!  I am also thrilled that this achievement comes the week that I celebrate 23 years with CTMH.  I still can't believe all of the incredible rewards, relationships and opportunities I have had thanks to Jeanette and CTMH. 

I'd also like to say an extra special Thank you and Congrats for being part of the Striving/ Thriving 30!

My upline - Karen Morris, Presidential Director, The Dream Team, Las Vegas, Nevada

1st Downline - Christina Eisenhour, Senior Director, Memories in Motion, Springfield, Missouri

3rd Downline - Lynn Como, Senior Director, Coastal Stars, Newington, New Hampshire

3rd Downline - Krista Hershberger, Director, Create 4 Him, Elverson, Pennsylvania

.…And the Winners Are
After 5 months of terrific performance and standout achievements, it's time to announce the winners of our Thriving/Striving 30 contest, in honor of Jeanette's 30 years in the stamping and scrapbooking business. What better way to celebrate this milestone anniversary than with free Team celebrations for some of our top Teams that are striving and thriving in 2014? Winning Teams will receive a fabulous Team celebration including Team training, recognition, creative projects, giveaways, treats, and a great evening together, hosted by your Team's Director and a Close To My Heart Vice President. Celebrations are tentatively planned to be held in July, August, and September. Emails to winning Directors will be sent within the coming weeks to finalize each event’s celebration date, training topic, creative project, and more!

I am happy to say that the Connected Hearts are indeed both striving and thriving.  There has been unprecedented growth and excitement for CTMH so far this month and I can't wait to see the results on the 30th!  In anticipation and being the optimist I am, I talked to Brian Holman while in Costa Rica about the idea I had to hold my event in an area that we have a large concentration of team members in my 1-4th downline that was NOT served by Rediscover CTMH event. I know that my local team here in the PNW will be disappointed, but we were fortunate enough to have 2 events here in Seattle and Portland just 3 hours apart.  I'll let you know when we have a date and location.  Keep building your teams and we may be coming to your town!

To all Directors and aspiring future Directors:

I am super excited about a 2nd FREE Team Builders Event!!!!
I attended the first one and came away so inspired and enlightened.  I'd like to encourage you to clear your calendar Nov 13-15 and make it a priority to be there.  It is a unique opportunity to spend time with like-minded leaders as well as the Executive Team in a very intimate setting.  You won't regret it! If you're an aspiring Future Director and would like some help reaching your goal, contact your upline for assistance.  If he/she is unable to assist you, contact me :)

Announcing a Great Leadership Opportunity This fall we will be holding an event just for our Directors and above who are interesting in improving their business and leadership skills. Do you hold the title of Director or higher? Would you like to make more of your Close To My Heart business? Then we invite you to plan on attending the Team Builders event coming November 13–15, 2014. Hosted by the Executive Team and other members of the corporate staff, you will benefit from all the ingredients of a fabulous corporate-sponsored event: great ideas, wonderful company, awesome creative opportunities, and plenty of fun. There will be no fee to register for this event, which will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mark your calendars now and be prepared to get more details when the registration website is made available at a future date. We look forward to seeing you there!

TEAM NEWS - UPDATE
Because these dates for the Team Builders event conflict with the scheduled Oregon Team meeting date already announced, I am changing the date from Saturday, Nov 15th to Saturday November 22nd.  Please change it in your schedules.


Quote of the Week:
Be inspired by others, appreciate others, learn from others, but know that competing against them is a waste of time. You are in competition with one person and one person only – yourself. You are competing to be the best you can be. Aim to break your own personal records.

~ The Success Factory

2014 Convention Team Meeting - Shout Outs - Lovin' Studio J

Team News: 2014 Convention Team Meeting!!

Attention EVERYONE ---- Connected Hearts (my team), Legacy Makers (my sideline-Julie Reynolds team), and the Dream Team (my Upline - Karen Morris's team) are combining forces for an amazing Convention Team Meeting. The content will knock your socks off.... you won't want to miss it!  Our meeting will run from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, so leaders---...
please schedule your own meetings either BEFORE (5 pm - 7 pm) or AFTER (8:30 pm - 10:00 pm) so that everyone can attend!

Shout-Outs:
Great Work to all of you and Congratulations!

Congratulations to Lynn Como, Noreen Petty, Joy Tracey and Dr. Phil Wilhelm for earning the Aulani Hawaii Land Trip 2015 so early!

Top Team Builder with 2 New Team Members in March - Carol Fowler

Straight to the Top - Level 1
Mischelle Smith, Margie Wight and Kathy Rawlings

Straight to the Top - Level 2
Karyn Asfour-Kambur, Donna Paquette and Jennifer Saslafsky

Promotion to Supervisor:
Tina Lomas, Patti Magallanez, Donna Turban, Tania Klescich and
Steph Criblez

 

Creative Corner: Studio J

I LOVE Studio J! As you might have guessed by the fact that my artwork is almost exclusively cards - I started out with D.O.T.S. as a card maker. I am not much of a classic scrapbooker and in this age of digital photography Studio J is my preferred method. Whenever I get an order in the mail - it's like Christmas! Even though I created it on my computer and saw it on my screen, there is nothing like seeing it printed 12x12. I really wanted to take advantage of the $5 layouts last month and do my Costa Rica adventures, but time got away from me and I found myself as many of you did, doing it literally in the final hour! I also LOVE the Express Collections. Even with the website running really slow in the last hour of the last day of the month and quarter, I did these 4 layouts in just 30 minutes! If you haven't tried it, do it TODAY. You'll find out how quick, easy and beautiful Studio J layouts are, and they are so easy to share.

 

Sharing is KEY!

Hello Everyone!  Wow!  I'd like to begin by CONGRATULATING everyone on the incredible team growth, we have grown by 15% in just 8 days!!!

 

Business Bit:

 

I hope that each of you are taking advantage of the AMAZING opportunity CTMH has offered to help us grow our teams.  The key is to SHARE it with EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE!  In a nutshell when they sign up April 1-30th they will recieve - $400 in CTMH products (including a Cricut bundle of their choice) for just $99!!!  AND a 22% discount until at least September 30th.  Post it on ALL your social media sites as a quick easy way to start.

 

If you are interested in growing your teams contact me ASAP, I'd love to help you.  This offer is just through the end of the month so get started NOW!  If you don't share, someone else will :)

 

For those of you who have "Former Consultants" be sure to contact them and see if they want to take advantage of this limited time offer.  You can easily access their contact information by going to your "Advanced Reports" - downline reports and clicking on "Former consultant contact information".  They already know how wonderful CTMH products are and would be the easiest place to start your sharing :) 

 

First Downline Team Challenge:

As an added reward for promoting and growing your teams, I'm offering an added bonus!!!! Contact me for the details - watch your inbox - I'll be emailing it out as well.

 

Creative Corner:          
I like to work at least one month ahead to create my class projects.  I show them to my customers so that they will want to attend the following month.  I also include a photo with my customer newsletter that CTMH send out for us so I need to be prepared by the end of the month.  It has also reduced my stress level that I am completely prepared at least a week ahead with all my paper cut before each months classes.  Here is one of my May Stamp of the Month cards I created today.  Ever since I first saw this set, I wanted to do a "chalkboard" card that is so trendy now.  It's quick and promotes the White Daisy ink pad, Chalk Marker, embossing folders and the Ariana Paper packet.  I plan on using the Free To Be Paper Collection AND this stamp set for 2 additional cards. 

 

Even More Awesome Skylark Artwork and my April Stamp of the Month Card - 10 Success Tips - Part 3

..Creative Corner:

I'm back in the groove of work again!  It seems it takes at least as many days as I'm away from my office to catch back up and get my creative juices going.  I've been looking forward to creating with the April Stamp of the Month - Balloon Talk from the first time I saw it!  Many of the sets are easy to use in scrapbooks but can be more of a challenge on a card.  I use Ruby, Lagoon, Honey and Whisper as my color combination. 

 

Artwork by Michele Kunigk
A great use of bulk paper and accessories!

 

  

Here is a beautiful 12x12 Skylark layout by the very talented
Tamra Pope.  This is from Karen Morris's Awesome Artist Swap


 

Team News:
Quick Reminders:
* Next Monday is the end of the 1st Quarter/ Jr. Consultant Program
* Finalize your April customer newsletters
* Register For Convention and make your airline and hotel reservations

Business Bit: 10 Success Tips  - Part 3
This is the last of the 10 Success Tips - I decided to divide them up because I want everyone to pay attention to each one.  While they are all important, I think these last three are key!
 

8. Attend everything. Go to all area functions that are available to you and get on any conference calls that your company or manager offers. This will help you to stay positive, enthusiastic and less isolated.

 

9. Work towards company incentives. Company incentives keep the job fun and are designed with your success in mind. Working towards incentive trips, free product and company rewards will provide goals and keep your enthusiasm and your income HIGH.

 

10. Treat your business like a business and not a hobby. Hobbies cost money and businesses make money. If you want to take advantage of the tax benefits of owning your own home business the IRS wants to see that you are making money. That means it is important to track of your income and expenses and file your annual income taxes. Find an accountant who is well versed in the areas of filing taxes for small businesses; particularly those in direct sales.

Awesome Skylark Artwork - 10 Success Tips



Hi Everyone!



I'm back in my office and back to work.  I hope you found some useful information and creative inspiration in my posts these past 2 weeks.  

Team News: 

The Rediscover Events are incredible!  I would encourage everyone, especially those who have never been to a corporate event or are unable to attend convention this year to register if there is one in your area.  Kristine had a message about the power of network marketing - how to find new customers by working with people you already know.  They may not be interested in CTMH but they may know someone who is.  I have done this with my hairstylist and my nail gal.  When people ask me about my hair or nails and I give them Michael or Julie's card.  Both of these people have lots of potential customers for me!  I challenge you to ask someone in your life to become your referral partner to help each other build your businesses.

 

Reminder:  There are just 13 days left in the quarter.  Be sure to check your quarterly minimums to be sure you hit your $300.  For leaders, contact your team members to remind them.

Creative Corner:  

As part of our brief team meeting at the Seattle and Portland Rediscover CTMH events, we did an art swap with Skylark as our theme.  Here are the 3 winners from the Oregon meeting.  Congratulations to Tarina Holloway, Tera Boring, and Nancy Reding!  

 

1st Place- Tarina Holloway



2nd place - Tera Boring



3rd Place - Nancy Reding





























Business Bit: Today's Tip - From The Success Factory 
I loved the tips in this article since it pertains to our type of business - Direct Sales.  It's different in so many ways from traditional jobs.  It has it's special challenges that if we can find systems to overcome, has rewards of flexibility that far outweigh the challenges

Subject: Ten Success Tips for your Direct Sales Business.  Part 1of 3

As a longtime volunteer in an organization in my community; one of my jobs is to help to replace women who leave their positions with the organization. This year we lost one of our most valued leaders. Her family finances had become challenging due to down sizing in her husband's company and so she was off to get a job herself to help make ends meet. She decided on direct sales; immediately asking me to join her in her business (I declined). However, I congratulated her on her enthusiasm for her new venture and asked her to sign up for our free email tips!

Recently I had a chance to visit with her and ask how her (3 month old) business was going. Her business, she told me, had come to a screeching halt. Another volunteer commitment was in crisis and was now taking ALL of her time and so, she was not currently working her direct sales business.

The story was familiar. I experienced it all too often in my own direct sales organization. As a leader, I never did get over the feeling of disappointment each time it happened. Someone with amazing potential who was a fast starter was gone before they'd even gotten started; LIFE had taken the place of her business.

The field of direct sales can be exciting and given today's current economy, many people are giving it a try. No resumes or interviews are necessary; just a small amount of capital to purchase a kit. So then what is the secret to success in direct sales? What steps can be taken to ensure one's success?

1. Have goals and find a buddy for accountability to those goals. Whether you want to make enough money for your child's college tuition, a car payment or a kitchen remodel; working towards something tangible is important. Break that goal into bite-sized chunks. What amount of work will it take in order for you to earn the amount of money you need to attain your goal? Share your goal with your spouse, your manager or a friend and ask them to hold you accountable for your weekly and daily activity.
 

2. Make lists. Working in direct sales means that you are your own boss. That means there will be no one but YOU to tell you what to do each day. If you are reading the daily email tips from The Success Factory, that is a great start as we always endeavor to help you with ideas to help you grow your business. However, making a daily 'to do' list will keep you on task so that the distractions of working from home do not side-track you.

 

3. Stay positive and enthusiastic. Make a decision to always look at the positives in every situation. When you experience difficulties, DECIDE to look at them as challenges that will help you to grow stronger. If you are having a hard day, always DUMP UP to your upline or recruiter. Staying positive for your team members is an important key to success as they will follow your lead. ALSO, do not complain to your spouse about your business as they may just encourage you to quit. Having the support of your spouse is another important key to success.

 

 Quote of the Day:

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

 

Recondition your Cricut Mats with Bonding Memories - End of the Quarter and the JC Program

I'll be back on Tuesday!  Until then, here is another great video to share. 

Team News:
A quick reminder that this is the last month of the quarter and the end of the Junior Consultant Program.  What that means is everyone who sign up as a consultant before January 1st 2014 must submit a minimum of $300 in sales by the end of March in order to remain a CTMH consultant. 

For leaders: I strongly encourage you to check your stats under Advanced Reports and contact those team members who are under the $300 to remind them.  I send a personalized email telling them how much they still need to submit and a link to their OBA.  I also make suggestions on what they might want to purchase and the current Constant Campaign. 
There are just 2 weeks left - check your stats so you don't lose valuable team members!

Video:

Here is another great video by team member Noreen Petty. (see Tuesday's post for her bio)  …the more you use your Cricut, the quicker your mats stop sticking, and boy, can that expense add up!! Fortunately, there is a super, cost-effective way to recondition your Cricut mats so you can use them over and over again even after they lose their sticky!!  I’ve created a quick video to show you how I do it!!

Naomi's note:
The one caveat I have is to check the warranty on your machine - I didn't start doing this until my machine was out of warranty.  By then I had 14 old mats I was going to throw away until I tried this - it really works and is a great upsell with our Cricut cartridges!  I put painters tape around the edge to create a clean glue line.  Here in rainy Seattle I leave the mats overnight to dry.

Rediscover CTMH Seattle and Portland - My swap card.

Creative Corner:
This is a card I created for our team swap at the Rediscover Events.  Our theme was the Skylark Paper packet using bulk papers if possible so that we have ideas we can draw on for our classes and workshops.  I used two 1 inch  pieces of the Zipstrip so I can get many cards out of a single strip.  I also used the bulk sparkles and colored them with a brown sharpie to coordinate with my card.  It's colored in using inkpads and the blending pen.  Creme Brule, Sorbet, Olive and Lagoon.

Rediscover CTMH Seattle and Portland:
I will add to this post about the Rediscover CTMH event as have a chance.  I hope to do it during the event. 

Awesome Embossing Folder Techniques!!! - Rediscover CTMH Seattle and Portland Team Gatherings

Creative Corner: In LOVE with Embossing Folders!
 

If you are new to using embossing folders especially with our cardstock, be sure to watch the video at the top of the blog - there is some very important information for you to share with your customers.

Skylark meets Artbooking and embossing folders.  I love how the Quatrefoil embossing folder coordinates perfectly with the Skylark B&T patterns.  It really makes the card elements cohesive.

 

 Here are some embossing folder techniques for you to try and share to with your customers. 

 

After embossing your cardstock you can apply matching or a darker ink directly from your ink pad by rubbing it on the cardstock - it will stick just to the raised design.  I like to rub in a circular motion.  You can also use a sanding block to remove the colored part of the cardstock and reveal the white core.


















Here is another technique that was shared by Lisa Combs at our December team meeting - it's kind of like magic!  On the left using white cardstock - I rubbing ink directly on the folder on the side that is indented, placed my cardstock on the clean side and closed it over the cardstock then embossed it.  The ink is transfered to the the paper leaving the design white!  You can do the opposite too.  On the right - I rubbed the ink on the raised pattern before embossing.  The ink transfers to the paper making the design in color and the background white.  Try this!!! You'll love the results!!!

Team News:
Here are the details of our brief team gatherings at the Rediscover Seattle and Portland Events next Wednesday and Thursday Evenings.

I am so thrilled that CTMH will be bringing a corporate event to our corner of the country! I can't believe that we get 2 events in the PNW. I have to think it's because we have such a wonderfully strong group of consultants in our area. This is just the 4th time in 23 years that CTMH corporate has held an event here.

Please rsvp by Sunday Feb 23rd if you plan on joining us. I will be running stats on Monday and the team awards will be based on those who are present at the meeting.

Here are the details:

Date: Wednesday February 26th and Thursday, February 27th

Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM - we will begin promptly at 4:00 since our time is so limited

Place:

Doubletree by Hilton Seattle Airport 18740 International Blvd Seattle, WA 98188

Doubletree by Hilton Portland - 1000 NE Multnomah St - Portland, OR 97232

Agenda items:

Artwork displays - please bring artwork to share that you've created using our newest products.

Swap - The Swap theme we agreed on is: Skylark - No retired stamps, accessories, Stamps of the Month or Specials. Make 6. Please include your name and the recipe with each item. Artwork that is suitable for our workshops/clubs/gatherings is what we are looking for. Look at the Idea Book, Make it From Your Heart, blogs, FB groups, pinterest etc. for inspiration. - The use of Cricut and/or our embossing folders is encouraged! - bring them in a bag with your name on it.

Team Awards and Recognitions

Mix and Mingle game - hint...points for bringing art to share and participating in the swap!

There is casual dining in the hotels so we can grab a quick bite between the meetings. - I plan on getting to the hotel early and getting mine "to go" or there are lots of places to eat nearby - but if you're going to do this, I'd eat before coming to the hotel since you have to pay to park.