Motivation

So some days are good days and some are bad. It's always a little hard to keep consistently "good" and on top of it all the time. I've found a book through my pink sisters that is very motivational, and it has kept me afloat for the past month through some rough times. It has a list of principals that if taken head and followed will lead you to success. The book is called, The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. Of course, there is a lot of common sense, but it is tangible because it is written out very clearly. I absolutely love the personal stories as well as quotes from people who became successful. It is my motivation. I want to walk in their footsteps and achieve great things. When you were in school, you had a lot of help from parents, teachers, siblings, and other supporters who picked you up and told you which direction to go. I find that it is extremely hard to be my own personal motivator. I mainly depend on Paul to be that one I go to for guidance, but even he can get a little overburdened with this responsiblity. So it is nice that I have other people to turn to for help and support. And it is fantastic that I've found a book I trust that will re-orient me in the direction I want to go. I recommend everyone whether they are in sales or not, have a goal or not to read this book. If anything, it will make you feel really good reading how people overcame obstacles and achieved their dreams even when they were told it was impossible.

2nd Month

So technically, I am in my second 30 days. I have yet to fulfill my goals. I actually haven't had time to do much. Amazingly, I was able to get 12 facials in, and I need about 28 more. I need like a big party or something. Good news is that I am getting my first return customer which is fantastic. Her story is that she's gone to the dermatologist to help her black heads without any success. Somehow the set she is using is doing a more effective job than any medication she has taken. I am estatic that I was able to truly help her out. I don't want people to waste their time or money. I hope there will be many more to come.

Boxing

So usually I shoot at boxing events, but this time they didn't need a crew. Instead, I asked if maybe I could set up a table and show off my products. That is how I spent 2 hours of my friday night right before going to work at my full-time job. I told myself that this isn't normally the venue that would bring in the big bucks, but if you talk to one or two bored girlfriends or wives, then at least someone will know you exist. The gig turned out better then expected. People were signing up for their facials, and a handful made some purchases. One unexpectedly came right at the end of the night when I was packing away my things. I also made a few friends at the table across from me who were selling woodsilk. They have the softest material (other than real silk of course). All in all, it was a very good experience. I think I will do it again next time.

Goals

So I always knew that having goals is essential to moving forwards because you have a reason and a place to move forward to. But the importance of this hasn't hit me this hard since I graduated from college. In school, I was always goal driven. I must attain this grade. I have to submit this paper by this time. I have to finish this project for this award. I have to graduate, etc. I don't always reach every single goal, but at least I was moving forward in every grade. Plus the at the end when I received my diploma, it was all worth it because this was the moment where all my childhood was spent trying to accomplish. I felt that soon afterwards, I kind of floundered a bit. Yes, I needed a job to pay my bills; so that's what I did and I entered into post production. The commute was pretty terrible. At first, I didn't have a car so I took the train at 5 am, transferred onto the subway, and then the bus, a grand total of 2 hours back and forth. What kept me going was the fact that one day I would have enough saved for a car, which I eventually did. Then, I wanted to afford to move out to an apartment with Paul. But after that, I guess I drifted along through life thinking one day this, one day that. Now, I have a few goals under my belt. They seem to make me reassess my life and DO things. I've got some things set up through the pink dream, and I've also entered some parallel goals for the film dream. It makes me maximize my time as well as keep me focused. Plus, the gals are always positive, and it makes me feel good. So this month my goals are:

by June 15th:

Pink goals-
1) 7800 wholesale points (already have 3600...4200 to go)
2) Heart of Gold Bracelet (total: 4 recruits)
3) Add 30 new faces (30 facials by June 30th)
4) Pearls of sharing (3 Interviews)

Film goals -
1) schedule Nintendo intv
2) shoot pilot in studio
3) rough 30 sec./5 min. promo
4) Another story to add to the angels anthology

Keep the eye on the prize...

Selling Lesson in Real Life

So I finally attended a Monday night meeting. Here is where all the top secret things come out for our training. It is really interesting how this "seller's" world work. I feel fortunate that this company practices good customer service. Today, I've experienced bad customer service which compelled me to pull my order. When people act unprofessional, I get really angry and frustrated. And of course, it is the total opposite when people are really nice and helpful. It makes me want to be really nice and helpful back. So we ordered this camera online and the price was right. The only problem was that it didn't arrive when it was supposed to and I think we were set up in a bate and switch plan. I called for the tracking number, and they wouldn't give it to me. I called to get a copy of the invoice, and it was just a typed up email...very unprofessional. The people handling our order sometimes acted very rude. Finally, I said, "Cancel my order." I had to talk to the credit card company in order to straighten things out, and just in time. So that taught me the importance in treating people right, how I like to be treated. So just to remind myself:

1) always check better business bureau no matter how good the reviews/price may be

2) always ask for a name and write down everything that's being said

3) don't be a lame duck and take it. Fight for what is right.

4) be kind and curteous and professional

Tyler

This was a wonderful surprise. Tyler, who I haven't seen in over a year, had said that he would be a guinea pig and participate in one of my facials. He only lives right down the street, but it's been impossible to get him to come over for dinner or a party. Out of the blue, he IM's me and asked if I still needed help. I thought I was dreaming. Out of all the people in my life, I didn't think he would be one to come down and do something like this for me. Kind of makes you re-evaluate certain things about certain people. Also, it made me feel really nice inside. I always say that I don't have that many friends. I really don't have that many close friends, but anyone who has touched my life in some way or another I will consider them a friend. It's only those who try to hurt me or my loved ones, I will put on my sh*t list. So Tyler, thank you, for reminding me of the value of friendship, and that they might appear in the most unlikely of places.

Pearls of Sharing

So along with the 30 facials was the Pearls of Sharing challenge where I needed to practice giving the business plan with 6-10 people (called interviews). Basically, I had a friend pretend that she was interested in joining the pink club and she would ask questions which Kim would answer. I would listen in on the conversation and take notes. If I completed this task, then a pearl bracelet would be my prize. I tried one on my own after all the practice interviews were done, and I think I did pretty well. Whoever thought of these "jumpstarts" are really brilliant. It really does boost the self-confidence, motivation, and stimulate the business (because maybe who knows maybe these pretend interviewees might really be interested or become interested). I am also very surprised at how much Kim spent with me to learn all this information. Down the line, I know she profits from what I sell and such because they get a unit commision from the company based on how the unit is doing, but still she must have invested well over 25 hours this month alone to help me get started. That support system is above and beyond my expectation; so overall this first month has been a very positive experience.

30 Facials in 30 Days

I did it. I don't know how I did it, but it got done. I am so estatic! It wouldn't have been possible without everyone's support and patience. I've made a ton of mistakes, but because it was all in front of friends, it was okay and they made it all actually kind of fun. Though I didn't make a ton of money, I still had a handful of sales and a lot of positive reactions. My initial investment of $100 is already starting to pay off. I got a ton of referrals and interest piqued. Also, Kim, the director, has informed me that along with the completed challenge is a MK pin: a "PS" with bling which stands for Perfect Start. Hahahah, it won't mean much to anyone except me, but I earned it.

I Story

So in this pink business, I notice that there is always an "I Story." Everyone talks about what they were doing before and why did they decide to join. I learned from a meeting I attended how important it was to truly know your story because everyone is interested in why you chose this path in life. I need to get down and figure out my own "I story." It's funny because I found a training section on building your I story. They've really got this business down to a science. So here are the basics...

Explain what were you doing before you did this.

Explain why you decided to become an IBC.

Explain how your life has changed since you became an IBC.

What do you like best about this business?

All right. Here I go:
I am working full-time as an assistant editor at Mark Burnett Productions on the Apprentice. It is post production so I mostly prep the footage so that the Editors can edit on their Avids, find what they need quickly and efficiently, and troubleshoot any problems that might occur. I am on the graveyard shift ; so that means my work day starts at 6 pm and ends sometime in the middle of the morning. I wake up around 1 pm to do my errands, cook, and clean before I have to get ready for work. I decided that I wanted to become an IBC when my friend Heidi started doing it. She is very successful outside of Mary Kay. She is a post production superviser, but she joined because she wanted more. I look up to her and trust her. And I look at my life, and I wanted more from my life. I want more time, money, and freedom to do the things I want to do such as produce my own productions and write. I feel that is my calling, but I never really have time to move forward in what I want to do. I just keep climbing the ladder in the post production field. My life has changed since I've begun this business because I feel like I am more connected to my life. I feel motivated. I'm managing more of my time. I set aside time to write and develope ideas. I am talking to people who I haven't talked to in years. And even though I have more boy friends than girl friends, I actually found a group of smart inspirational people I actually like. The best thing about this business are the prizes. I haven't done very much in this business and already I've received some prizes. I feel so much better about myself and my lifestyle. I'm accomplishing something. I am moving forward and not stagnant. Plus, I am my own boss, and all the advantages of having my own business is pretty nice: lots of write offs, make my own hours, spend time with Paul, and make as much or as little depending on how much or little I want to work today.

So not bad start for an I story. Maybe some tweeking here or there, but that should suffice for now.

All By Myself

Easter Sunday was exciting. After an invigorating church service (I guess I am just not used to the formal services anymore), cleaning out Paul's family's garage, picking fruit, and traditional hamburger dinner, I conducted my first facial class by myself with Paul's sister and mother. It was very difficult because it was after all of the action, everyone was tired, I forgot a few of my supplies, and there were a lot of distractions. At the end, it turned out great. There was a lot of reading and a lot of looking things up. I think both Kathy and Paul's mom did like the products. I'm sure under different circumstances, I would have done better presenting more naturally. But hey, this is where all the mistakes happen, and they were really nice and patient. I notice that skin care is very popular. I think that it is difficult for everyone to invest in time for themselves, and skin care is one of those things that people would to invest in if they had a chance. I see the results in my own skin, and I love it. I am not vain, but I would like to have healthier looking skin. I don't have to wear makeup, but if I could just make it so it's not as dry or oily in some areas, that would make my day. Already in this business, I feel more productive. I get so many things done because I have to manage my time more efficiently. So far so good...

4 /30 facials

My First Facial Party

Was a blast. I was really nervous and very sleepy. I didn't sleep that soundly because I was too anxious. Plus, we have been cleaning the apartment non-stop. It still isn't as clean as I would like it to be, but it's a start. And the mess is hidden away in the next room and the bedroom. I swear we must have had a city of boxes stored in the office. But that is gone now, and the filling that I've been meaning to do is partially done. So I woke up really early to vacuum the apartment because I couldn't do it in the middle of the night. Then I cleaned the bathrooms. Then, I tried to bake a cake, but I didn't have all of the ingredients; so Paul and I made a quick trip to the store. It was a banana pudding cake, and I've never tried this recipe before. I'll post it online on another recipe blog like Mahalia's. Sigh. I think I tried to fit too much in one day because people started arriving and I didn't have time to put on my makeup. Heidi, my recruiter, arrived early to set up the display and make sure that everything was all set. We were supposed to do my color, but I was in the middle of mixing the cake and cooking Paul's lunch. It was a very hectic time. Then, the guests started arriving. I just threw on a skirt, and welcomed them in. Heidi conducted the whole facial. I was suppose to watch and take notes. My guests were: Carrie, Jaclyn, and Jennifer (who didn't count because she was already on my team). It went by fast and smoothly. And I wasn't expecting anyone to buy anything. And I think neither were my friends. But I think the products just speak for themselves, and I came out that day with some profit and some lifetime customers as well as dedicated friends. This day meant a lot to me, and I am thankful that there were people that came all the way down from Orange to share it with me. Oh, Chris and Jared were also there, but Paul rushed them out of the house just as the facial was about to start. Boys! Come on and get in touch with your softer side! So 2 facials down 28 more to go and only 22 days to go. The countdown for my 30 facials has begun!

My first recruit

So Jennifer is considering to accompany me in this endeavor. It's not official, but I am excited. She's a really cool gal, white, native of California. She is very ambitious, charismatic, and fun to be with. I would say she's the perfect candidate for this. She could probably talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything. Along with this new recruit is a pearl necklace. Now, I am not the one for jewelry, but prizes are really a great motivator! I couldn't believe it when I heard this. Now, my next goal is to get Jennifer her own pearl necklace. How exciting! Both Jennifer and I have been struggling with school loans, rent, etc. My hope is that this will work out for the both of us. On top of that, Jennifer is producing shows with me. We have a couple fabulous ideas that we can't wait to start shooting. So our interactions together should benefit us two-fold. I just started reading all the material last night. I got the starter kit where I get to try out all the basic stuff. So far...I like everything. It's a little difficult getting used to figuring out if I'm normal or oily or a combination. I'll figure it out soon enough. Otherwise the directions are simple, and maybe in a week or so I'll see some results.

So it begins...

I signed my name on the line and gave my money. I hope I know that I am doing the right thing. Sometimes I think I am crazy and I get scared, but I know thing will be all right. Just think pink and keep the eye on the prize. I've got some really great people to help me along. Heidi who is my recruiter is a special gal. I love her no-nonsense attitude. She is always driven, and I want to be like her when I grow up. She is STRONG. That's the best word to describe her. Jennifer is going to do this with me. We are going to learn together, make mistakes, and help each other grow. Kim is our director and she is fabulous. Not only is she a good teacher, but she really motivates and inspires. In this type of business, that's really important. I know that it is her job and she probably gets commission for what we do, but all in all if I can have even just a tiny piece of the action, I'd be happy. So far it's just a lot of reading and a lot of talking to people. I am so surprised and the support I'm getting. I haven't sold anything, but people aren't slamming the doors in my face, which is what I was really scared about. But my friends are great friends, and I shouldn't have thought that they would do that to me in the first place. But the beginning is always tough, and I am ready for it. Bring it on!