HI!! I would love to talk with you about Mary Kay. It is a great company and is in its 45th year of business. We have once again the best-selling brand in the combined categories of facial skin care and color cosmetics in the U.S in 2006. This is based on the sales industry data. Also, we were just featured on all the top country stars at the CMA awards last week on tv.
I love it and the flexiblity is gives me and my family.
You can go on my website www.marykay.com/cwillyard or contact me at cwillyard@marykay.com
Hi Kim!
I have a 3yr old and a 6month old and most days their naptimes vary... I'm feeling your pain there.
I also run a Direct Sales business out of my home. I work with AtHome America and I too LOVE what I do. I am a "Party" girl and that is pretty much the only time I really get to shine outside of the home. My advice applies to how to run a DS business, so some of the tasks I mention may fit your needs, but if not, you'll get the idea.
The BIGGEST thig I need to share is that you are SOOO not alone - Everyone I meet all over the country shares the same woes - when you've got little ones, it's a different game, but as they get older you'll find it much easier. (Don't worry, they won't remember the messy house or the laundry piles when they get older!)
So far, I've learned that you've got to be flexible and creative to squeeze in the work time you need during the day wihout making them suffer or watch too much tv.
You're going to need to get seriously organized in your home and your business... to get it done without going crazy or making your family resent you or your business.
(In case you are wondering how I know all this info, I thought it may be nice to give you a little of my background. I've been in direct sales for about 3 years. Prior to my DS life, I worked "for the man" in corporate america. Life changed when Melissa was born and I made the decision to try and find a way to be home, raise the baby and still bring in enough income to make it all work. I WAS the primary breadwinner for a number of years and that transition and how the dynamics of my marriage changed is a whole other forum. But we did it and it's a wonderful lifestyle.
I was VERY blessed in my direct sales business to be personally selected by Sue Rusch to be mentored and groomed and taught how and what it takes to make a DS business work and what to expect. I'm more than happy to share my knowledge with anyone who is interested. I am a HUGE advocate for DS businesses and what the do for people, women and families.)
Ok - so, Home first: I'm a HUGE advocate of meal planning because it keeps my husband sane while I am at parties and it saves my kids from eating oatmeal for dinner everytime I have a party - this is so true it's scary. So, put some thought into meal planning -we can create another forum for that! Have "special" toys that can only be played with when mommy is working. A special toy box or even your cell phone will work in a pinch! LOL!
Onto Office: You need business hours. I'll repeat this because I was in denial of this for over a year and worked whenever I could fit in a few moments, etc.... YOU NEED BUSINESS HOURS. Please trust me.
I work on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. That is the only times that you will find me replying to emails, making flyers, stamping catalogs and whipping up party gifts. Becuase I have little ones, my hours are sorta flexible but having the days that I don't work helps. I use these days as family fun days to reward everyone for their good behavior when I am working.
You may find it beneficial to classify your work into Active or Passive activities. Passive Activities, like Email, stamping catalogs, making gifts, flyers and cooking up brilliant new techniques can be done in the wee morning hours or at night after everyone is asleep. Do keep in mind that passive activities are a LOW priority in DS. Your only making money when you are ACTIVLY working your business which means, Parties, phone calls, meetings and networking events in that order. These times need to be scheduled, blocked off and respected.
In the event that you have to make some calls and your kiddo is climbing on your leg - stop and think - there are no emergencies in DS. No one will die if they are missing a dip mix in their order or their shade of blush is not exactly what they thought. Give your baby a good solid 30 minute deposit of direct attention and love and let them know that after that time, they will need to play on their own, read, have quiet time or bug their daddy because you need to get your work done. 30 minutes is usually all it takes - they have such little attention spans but they will get bored with you eventually! LOL!
I sincerely hope this helps
Sincerely, Sarah
P.s. you can check out my website at http://www.athome.com/stylemadesimple
FYI - AtHome America is 25 years old. They re-branded in 2000 and the company has an amzing product line. 70% of the products are under $30, the starter kit is free, and there is no inventory or deliveries. As a general rule of thumb, you should make $10,000 in your first year of a DS business. If you are not - then email me about what I do and I will be happy to show you how to do that with AtHome America!
Hi Sarah --
Thanks for all the advice but it is ME! Your peep and favorite Pampered Chef consultant - Kim M!!! I know all those things I have been struggling with working around the new napping situtation. It is starting to work itself out and I can usually guess when I can get work done during the day or not.
Oh Yeah - remember Sarah - that Sue got her extensive training about direct sales from the one and only PC! (until you stole her!!)
PS - The Pampered Chef is 27 years old!!
Doh!!!
Hey girl! You could just give me a call! LOL!!!! ;P
LOL!
Sincerely,
Sarah
I have a 2 year old and a 6 month old. I started DS when I was 7 months prego with my second. If you ask me, there's nothing to it! I enjoy getting out of the house and spending time with other adults. Hey, I get paid to party! The money is definatelty a bonus but really I just need adult interaction more than anything!!! I have tried to explain to all my friends/family how important "me time" is. After staying home with my first kiddo, I thought I was 100% content. Then I decided to start with a DS business for the challenge and money. However, after getting started I realized I needed it for me time. When the company I was working for closed, I spent awhile soul searching. I quickly realized that I needed something. I considered a part time job, volunteer work, another DS company, starting my own company, and at home day care. After really thinking about it, I made my choice. I really encourage other moms to examine themselves and their opportunities. If you aren't sure then I suggest volunteer work. Start with something small that doesn't require a large/long commitment. You will be able to decide what is right for you.
Megan
I also am a SAHM along with being an independent consultant for At Home America. Working from home has its challenges, but it is worth it to me just to be with my kiddos during the day.
Although I love what I do now, I would also love to get into some sort of writing and or editing from home. Although my education and background do not lie in this arena, English/writing/etc. seem to be my strong suit and I would like to build upon this foundation. If anyone has any tips or info or advice on where I could get started on this path, please let me know!
Hi There!!! I'm a newbie to this website and forums but it's so exciting to see all of the DS moms on here!!! I'm looking forward to getting to know you all.
I love working from home as a DS mom!!! My son just started Kindergarten this year and I can't believe where the time has gone!!! I left the "Corporate World" to be a DS Mom and I haven't looked back yet...except when I see the traffic reports in the mornings and I say a Prayer of Thanks that I don't have to deal with that anymore!!! I really believe that those of us in DS, enjoy the Best of Both Worlds...we can be home with our children and be present for their "Firsts" and put our family first!! But we also have the social interaction with adults and can get in some quality "me time" too, while making good money and contributing to the family's income. I love working on the nights that I want to work and working my career around my family's schedule!!! The freedom provided for this is Awesome!!! I feel so blessed to have had this career opportunity while being a SAH Mom!!! A couple of years ago we took our first "family vacation" and it was a Cruise to the Mexican Riviera thanks to my DS Career!!! I love traveling when someone else is paying the bill!!! We had a blast but if I would have had to pay for the trip...I guarantee we would have been going to Branson!!!
Since I began my career with H&GP almost 8 years ago, my goals have changed, due to the personal growth and fulfillment of helping others to reach out for their Dreams and Make Them A Reality!!! It's one of the most Awesome feelings and it's changed my life!!! I'm now working this business because I Love all the aspects of a "Party"! I love giving my Hostesses my "best" so that they earn FREE SHOPPING SPREES but I also love helping others get started in this business and seeing the sparkle in their eyes when they see how much money they're making, how much fun they're having, and reaching Goals that they never dreamed of!!!
I Love My Life!!! If anyone ever wants to give the Direct Selling Industry a "Try"...I highly recommend it!!! There's so many rewards out there for everyone!!!
Terri
Home & Garden Party - Design Your Life!
www.TerriRuble.com
Email: terrishgp@sbcglobal.net
(636) 305-0439
Hey jsgrand0!
Welcome to Stlmoms! We have several DS Moms here, and I'm sure everyone of us would love to talk to you!
Katie and I work together as a team with a major wellness company. Our job is not only to explain the benefits of converting your home into a healthier enviroment for you and your family, but we also set up personal accounts for individuals. Today it's all about staying healthy and living green! Plus we're lots of fun to work with! Send us an email!!
Jana.stlmoms@gmail.com
Katie.stlmoms@gmail.com
I was looking at your information on the business.
So do you do parties, or can you just coordinate it all online with people just ordering things and u make commission.
I don't think I can really do parties.... but I used to be in retail so I enjoy that part of it.
I would like to know more information if you don't mind.
Thanks ..
Michelle
mrsgremaud-Michelle:
You can email me or Katie and we both would love to sit down with you and explain how our business works! It's time to make some major changes, and this is the company to do it with! Hope to hear from you soon!
Would love to know what kind of work you do from home?! I stay at home with my son & it can be tough making ends meet. I'm thinking of watching a child in my home, but am open to other ideas!
Thanks,
Vicki