Thursday, February 12, 2009

Added Perks of Your Direct Sales Business!

One of the perks I have come to realize with my direct sales business is the amount of friendships I have gained. Working from home can be a solitary environment, but not when you are in direct sales party plan! There are so many avenues to reach out to the other women who are doing exactly the same thing as you. You may be living in completely different parts of the country with different circumstances but you have a tie that binds - your business. You have a connection with all the other consultants within your company! You belong to a huge family! With our company we have ongoing live training calls. Women from around the country call in so you get to 'meet' each other from time to time on the calls. It may be brief, but you begin to familiarize yourself with different names and voices. You look forward to hearing from the regulars on the calls as well as the anticipation of the new people with their excitement and enthusiasm. We also have a YahooGroup site as well. This has really taken on a life of its own recently as we continue to grow. It is wonderful to see women posting and asking and answering each others questions. The genuine support of each other is such a wonderful thing to see. A couple of months ago my 18 year old daughter created a Facebook account for me - wow - that has been amazing! I have been able to actually see the faces of many of our consultants! What I thought was for kids I am learning is a major networking resource for adults of ALL ages! If you haven't created a Facebook account - you are missing out! Not only can we now connect in a business sense, but it makes it even more personal if you can see pictures of each others family.

Creating this bond is essential to the success of anyone starting out in a home based business. It is so easy to feel alone and get discouraged at times. By joining the groups, participating in the discussions, it creates a network of support and friends. It eliminates all the distance and helps keep you motivated. You will create lasting friendships that surpass your business needs and bring value to your life in many ways. I know I speak from experience!

Shine BRIGHT!

LeeAnne

Sunday, February 8, 2009

The Perks of a Home Based Business

I am a very busy mom of 4 kids. They are basically the reason that I ventured into direct sales many years ago. This industry allows for the ultimate flexibility in work schedule. Although it should be noted that work is not OPTIONAL. This past week was a perfect case in point.

I am an active member of my church. Every year for the past 5 years, I have helped organize and coordinate a huge benefit concert where a Broadway star comes from NYC and performs to raise money. The money goes to our Senior High Youth Group to fund their annual mission trip experience to work with the homeless in our nation's capitol. This is a huge undertaking as it involves finding a location, renting a piano, getting sound equiptment, putting together a program, selling tickets, and many other things. To add to the stress this year was the fact that my performer 10 year old was asked to sing with our featured star. Talk about stress - she wasn't stressed, but I sure was!!!!

The beauty of my business is that I can work it in and around everything else that I have going on. I knew a weeks ago that this week was going to be busy so I booked my shows accordingly. It doesn't mean I didn't have a show, because I did, I just didn't book it for the night before the concert. I also planned my phone calls and errands in groups so that I could accomplish many different tasks at once. If I had to run an errand for the concert, I planned a business task as well. I will also highly recommend having a Blackberry. It is so convenient to be waiting in the line at Wal Mart with the ability to check your email! Another recommendation is Bluetooth for your car. Not only is it safe, but it is a great way to do business when you are on the road. I had to travel close to an hour to a show this week and I spent most of that time on the phone doing my Inspiranza business.

It takes a little bit of planning, but if you do it right you can fit any direct sales business around your personal life. Shows can be held anywhere at anytime. Jewelry is particularly easy because it is easy to carry and it doesn't recquire a long demonstration. Drop and shop! Fast, easy and FUN!

My kids have and will always come first, but they also see me working my business. They know I take it seriously and they see me devote time to it every single day. They have grown to appreciate the fact that their mother is a businesswoman with a bit of an unconventional schedule - one that I determine! They have witnessed first hand the success of my business and how it has shaped their childhoods.

I will encourage my kids to look at the direct sales model and the opportunities it presents when they are independent job seekers. There really is no greater joy in having a successful home based business that allows for flexibility and meets your household financial needs!

Monday, February 2, 2009

My FIRST post!

This is an exciting day for me! I have ventured into a world that is quite unkown to me....the web. I am pushed by the desire to help women live their dreams and have FUN with their direct sales businesses. I absolutely believe in this industry and how it can turn mediocre into amazing!

I also thought blogging might be a fun way to keep my consultant team up to date on the happenings in my world and what is going on with Inspiranza Designs.

So, this blog will be a combination of sorts...a look into my daily life as a busy mom of 4 and businesswoman as well as a vehicle for me to discuss topics pertaining to the direct sales industry.

I welcome your comments and suggestions for topics - so bring them on!

PS - Check out my recent article in Military Spouse magazine - the December issue! Tips on finding the right home based direct sales business!

Peace and blessings to you all!

Shine BRIGHT!

LeeAnne