Thirty-One Gifts and what it has done for me

As mentioned in the previous blog, I researched some direct selling companies. I did not want to get involved in a company where the market was saturated with consultants (Pamper Chef, Mary Kay, Home Interiors, etc.). I also wanted something different. I came across this catalog for Thirty-One Gifts that my mother-in-law had given me probably 6 months to a year prior. This was in October of 2007. I did my online research and checked out their website. After careful consideration, I decided to join in November of 2007. I had never been to a show or even seen the merchandise, just a catalog. I don't consider myself a sales person and I hate asking others for something, especially involving money. I am very outgoing and love to chit chat, but the mere thought of standing up in front of a group of people to sell something almost mortified me. But, I was ready to step outside of the box and take a chance. If nothing else, this could be good "therapy" for me to overcome probably the only shy side of me I had left; plus, I could get $300 worth of monogrammed bags, totes, etc. for $99. It was a win-win situation. Although I consider myself far from "succeeding" in this business yet, I did much more with it in the past year than I ever thought I would. I have made about $3800 in commissions over the past 1+ years and have 20+ ladies in my downline now (only 3 direct 1st line consultants, but the "family" just grew and grew from there). All of this without pushing the product or being a "go-getter" with it. Just think what I could have done if I would have pushed myself and REALLY stepped out of my box. I have really enjoyed doing this over the past 1+ years. I have met and made so many new friends through this business. I love the product line and the excitement it brings every time they launch a new line. There have been many months my commission check has contributed so much to the family income, where it be paying a bill or paying for an extracurricular activity for the boys or just paying for a dinner out. So, I am looking forward to what this year will bring with Thirty-One. My goal is to be director by the end of the year, so wish me luck. Gotta total eliminate the "box" I seem to hide in.

Anyone reading this blog can check out my website at www.mythirtyone.com/jeannie. Our 31 Kids line launches in April, which is a catalog geared towards babies and kids. In June, we are launching "Directions", which is a catalog geared towards teenagers. So, many exciting things coming up over the next few months. If you would like to make a purchase, book a show, or join my team, please feel free to contact me at the e-mail address and phone number listed on my website.

Well, better get back to playing "catch up"!! Have a nice day!!!!

Jeannie

The "Joys" of Working at Home

The "Joy" of it....... well, I can tell you it is not the "dream" job everyone would think. Don't get me wrong, I am very fortunate to have been able to work for the last 9+ years in my PJ's and to be home with the boys while they were little, not to mention the money I saved on daycare. It takes a lot of self-discipline though, which in the last few years, I have found a hard time obtaining. Also, if you are sick, fall behind on production, or take a day off or vacation, you don't get paid if you are an independent contractor like me. Then, when you have a mortgage to pay, car payments, insurance, and the multitude of other bills to pay, you find yourself working late at night and on weekends to "catch up". I play "catch up" every day of every week it seems. Once both boys were in school, I found myself lonely here at home. Just me and the dogs, who don't carry on much conversation!! I explored the possibility of going back to work, actually craving a normal 8:00 to 5:00 and then being done with the work day; actually getting 1 hour to eat lunch, rather than grabbing an unhealthy snack here and there; having co-workers to share pictures and stories of my kids with; getting a vacation day or a sick day without having to "make it up". Then, came to the realization that I would be taking a pay cut to go back into an 8:00 to 5:00 job. So, that was not an option. I am still thankful for the flexibility and not having someone look over my shoulder. I just needed some adult time and to get out of the house, or else I was going to get totally burnt out on constantly being at home. So, then I explored the possibility of doing something part-time to get out of the house. Little evening part-time jobs were not worth the money to drive to the place of work, not to mention the schedules and how that would interfere with after-school activities for the boys, especially during baseball season. So, I ventured upon direct-selling companies. Something, I could work my own schedule and if I made some money at it - great; if not, at least I got to be out of the house and enjoying the company of other women. I came across a catalog for Thirty-One Gifts that my mother-in-law had given me, she had been to a party once. After doing some research, I signed up in November of 2007 and have really enjoyed this business. Not going to ramble much more in this blog, but will write in the next blog about how rewarding Thirty-One has been for me.

So, all-in-all, just wanted to write this blog to damper that the disillusion that working at home is like winning the lottery. It is not for everyone!!! I am fortunate to do it and count my blessings every day, but if I were to do it all over again, I am not sure I would be in the situation to write this blog today.

Have a Blessed Day!!