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!