Make it Great

Hi all!

 I know it has been a while, a long while since I have dropped by to spread my lack of knowledge. But, I was out of town for 2 weeks, and then I was swamped trying to get my house back in order and trying to put my brain back in my head, after I had lost my mind FROM ALL THE LAUNDRY. HAVE MERCY. I left for 2 weeks and I think I packed every single article of clothing I owned along with every bedspread and sheet set.

So now, I am back and can sit down on the computer with out feeling guilty due to all the dirty laundry needing my immediate attention.

I have learned some valuable, DUH! Lessons.

Why is it that I always think I have my business cards in my purse, but lo’ and behold when I need to give someone a business card or brochure all I can find is, candy wrappers and loose change? I looked crazy not 1 but 3 times this week looking for business cards- that I know I put in my purse last night….

So, now I am fully stocked with business cards, catalogs and brochures to give to the masses about my business. I think I am going to buy myself a change purse, you know the cute quilted ones, to put my business cards in so I don’t run out of them or leave them at home.

Next…

I am thinking of putting together a Blog-A-Thon of sorts. Where some of us mom/wife bloggers can get together and talk about our businesses and what it is like working from home. If you want to be a part of it leave a comment or email me.

I am thinking about running it from May 26 - June 2. Which gives us 1 week to advertise it and get started!

I am going to post the blog names here on this post so we can keep track of who is participating.

The topic: What do you do in the Summer months to grow your business? Is the summertime a slow time for you or does it remain steady?

The guidelines: None really except please share useful information about the topic. Don’t do a shameless plug about your business. we are trying to help others.

 I will put up an official post for this soon when I get it all straightened out in my mind, which may take a while.

Jarmelia Ladson

www.mbgourmetcandles.com

Enter to win a FREE candle!

Hi all,

I have been on a hiatis for a few weeks due to trying to pack for a trip and getting my business in line for when I return. Off topic: If you have a wordpress blog, how do you like the new dash board? It’s all “fancy” and such. Why is the Jefferson’s theme song playing in my head? “We’re movin’ on up!” I am such a cornball!

So, I thought since I have interviewed others and asked them about their businesses and such, why not interview myself? I should let you all know what I do from home and what kind of business I run. I also want to tell you all about some future plans I have on expanding my business, I’ll tell you about those if this post doesn’t get too terribly long.

Okay on to letting you all know about my business…

I am a Independent distributor for Mia Bella’s Gourmet Candles. I have been with this company for about 1 1/2 years. The candles are an alternative wax candle, that is made from vegetable wax and other alternative waxes. The waxes are all natural, no parrafin. Our candles have 2 wicks and are triple scented. Triple threat! But, the thing I like the best about them is the fact that the scent is not over powering, you would think it would be since it is triple scented but, it actually isn’t and as with all candles, some scents are strong and some scents are lighter than others.

I have bruned the leading candle that is about the same price as ours and have to say, I can tell the difference. The other candle company is a “nice” candle, making it better than a bargain store candle, but it is not gourmet or a nice fit for a true candle lover. Our candles fit that bill.

So in saying that, I have learned that our candles aren’t for everyone and everybody, some people are quite content buying the $4.99 candles from Wal-Mart and aren’t looking for a better candle. And you have the others people who want a long lasting, strong scented, evenly burning candle, that actually looks nice when burning and creates virtually no soot, our candles are for them.

That is what makes our candles GOURMET. We are a step above the rest and definitely ahead of your average candle.

Our work from home opportunity:

We offer 3 ways for you to make money from home; Retail, Residual and Fundraising. You can choose just one way or all three, it is up to you. I do all three, myself and I am a trained Fundraising Consultant and Business Recruiter. I didn’t go to school or get a bachelors to earn these titles, either, I just followed the system and become knowledgeable in these subjects, you can too.

Our programs are so simple and easy to follow. You buy the candles at wholesale- Candle of the Month= $9.50 and you sell it at or above retail price = $18.95. You can sell them for more than that price, that decision is up to you, since it is your business. I sell them for a square $20.00, which allows me a 50%+ profit.

Is this business run solely online and at home?

Honestly, I get a little irritated when people say “Work from home, no commute!” and such, it is a bit misleading. You can build a business completely over the internet and never have to leave your “home office”, people are doing it everyday. This is usually the route most people who want to earn residual income go, which is when you sign-up other people who want to work from home and kind of “take them under your wing”. It’s called team building.

But, if you want to do retailing, which is selling the candles, you may and most likely will, have to leave your office chair and get out and about. I don’t mind doing this, it allows me to talk to more people face to face and interact with them. You will have to go to the Post Office to mail off scent-samples and information packets, you will need to pass out catalogs and brochures. You don’t have to do these things, but more than likely you will if you are retailing. Some people even set up booths and have home parties. You can work this business so many ways, again this is up to you!

Fund-raising also may involve you leaving your office to meet with churches or other organizations to tell them about the products and give them their packets.

So for me, I am not doing this because I can do it solely from home or because I save on gas, I do it because I can be my own boss. I don’t have a cap on how much money I can make, so the possibilities are virtually endless.

Are there flaws in this business plan or company?

I don’t think their are flaws with the company as in the structure or compensation plan, but you do have a few bad apples among you as with any company. You have those who do this exclusively for the money or people who seem to always be looking for trouble. No business is without people like this, they are everywhere but, gladly they are not the owners or the ones who make the decisions.

If you have any questions about Mia Bella and would like to contact me please feel free to send me an email. You can also fill out the contact form on my website: http://www.mbgourmetcandles.com for more information.

Hope that whatever you choose to do in life, you succeed!

Jarmelia Ladson

Fundraising Consultant and Business Recruiter

Thanks for reading!

Click it! You can do it!

Hello everyone!

Long time no chit chat, been busy doing nothing, you know how that is….

Okay well, I have a delimma (did I spell that right? d-e-l-i-m-m-a, doesn’t look right) but anyway. Well, I spell it right didn’t thanks to, dictioanry.com and google, the word is spelled: dilemma, which still don’t look right! Okay moving on! Back on topic- I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have no money to spend on my business, at all. Not sqeezing another dime out, I have to go out of town and can’t go broke, now can I? Umm no, I can’t. I have to buy clothes for the trip, food, and shelter and those things are kind of important, know what I mean? Why are needs so important?

So, what do you do when you are in this position? No leads, no money, no time but you are still paying your monthly payment to stay “active”. What do you do? What can you do?

I looked online and tried to get some advice, well that did not work at all. I am not maxing out my credit card and living on the edge just to “hopefully” make enough money to pay it off. I am sorry, but I am a square and don’t take risks like that. I will not go into debt for this business, to me that is not too smart and a little extreme. Extreme + square = not me at all.

So then, I looked at some other things and they said, pass out flyers and samples all over town. Well bing that I leave in a few weeks and my house looks like a tornado hit it, not to mention my desk looks like someone dumped a compost pile on it, I don’t have the time to walk all over town! Well, then I thought “drive around town then!”, sounded like a great plan until I saw the gas prices, Father help us all! Gas is $3.11 and we have an SUV, so that’s like oil and water, they don’t mix. Especially when you have no money….

Next, I said to myself, call people, do some cold calling around town. Bright idea right, no gas, just a few hours, and it’s free. Sounds like a great idea, right? I thought so too, until I called 54975 churches for fundraisers and I guess they took the day off! On a Wednesday, they decided to go on vacation or something. What’s really going on?

So should I take a break and just concentrate on “life”? I am thinking about doing that, but this is recruiting season and I will miss out on all the leads and growing my business. What do I do? What’s a gal to do? Anyone gonna answer me?

I am not quiting my business, that’s not an option, I am just at a stand still right now. So, I am going to study some more and sharpen my “marketing skills” while I have the opportunity and who knows what may come of this?

I don’t know! I am all out of ideas! I know how to grow a business with a shoe string budget, but how do you do it on no budget with no money? You can’t! It takes money to make money!

So, I’ll relax until my budget allows me to actually make some money…

Thanks for reading,

Jarmelia

http://www.mbgourmetcandles.com 

Here is her interview:

1. Why did you choose to join/start a home party plan business?
I chose this industry because I have a passion for it.  I love the diversity of the types of parties that I am able to plan.  I do many children’s birthday parties and it means a lot to me to be able to assist parents save time and be able to give the children the party that they still deserve.

2. Can you tell us a bit about the party plan industry and why it
is such a hot market to join? 

Many people think that anybody can do this business, so many people are attempting it.  Other people realize that there is a great need to help parents and businesses with the preparations because sometimes there just is not enough time.  When others can take some of the burden away, there is a great need and many people are cashing in on that need.

3. How do you book parties? How do you advertise your business? 

 Because I have a diversity of parties that I do, I do a variety of advertising.  I have a listing in The Perfect Wedding Guide, which is a free magazine for brides that are getting married.  I use this for my bridal showers and bachelorette parties.  For the children’s birthday parties I advertising in a local magazine that is designed for parents’ use for children’s activities and vendors.  I also advertise in the yellow pages, have my own website and on a local radio station website.

4. Do you find party plan companies more difficult than other direct sells companies that don’t have a party plan? Yes or no and why? 

I guess I am not sure the exact meaning of this question.  I find this industry more challenging than other direct sell companies because this is a newer industry that people are still getting used to.  As more people come around to the idea and realize the need for this business, it will become less challenging.

5. What are some challenges that you face in building your
business? 

 As I said above, this is a newer industry that people are still getting used to.  People are starting to realize that they can give the perfect party without having to do all of the work.  People are starting to learn to delegate and let go of some of the tasks needed to be done during the party planning because there just is not enough time to do everything.

6. How has owning a party pan business changed you as a woman?
(Specifically party plan aspect) 

It gives me a satisfaction that I am supporting my fellow working moms.  I am able to help them realize that everything can be accomplished, even if it is not by their own hands.  Owning my own business also allows me to work from home and spend time with my 4 year old.

7. How do you approach people to book parties? What do you say?
Where do you go? 

I am working with many of the local day care centers and passing information out in their facilities.  We have been running a free website for parents for 2 years and I have many contacts in that world.  I simply ask if I can send them flyers to share with their parents.  Any parent needs to have one of my brochures and I try to pass them out whenever possible.

8. What type of themes do you use for your parties? How do you
come up with fresh party ideas? 

I am able to personalize parties to any theme that parents want.  I use the hottest trends (Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Spider-man, etc.)  I use these themes and do a lot of research of great ideas that parents will not think of and to come with new ideas that are special for each party.

9. What are some tips for someone just starting out? Organization,
confidence, record keeping, etc.

Organization is IMPERATIVE!  You have to have everything in order and know exactly where you’re going.  Knowing what clients want what (because if you screw that up, you will lose that client right from the start).  Knowing where your money is going and where it’s coming from.  If you don’t know some of this information, then you will never make it. 

10. Can you describe a typical party? How long it lasts, how long you
talk, what the guests do, etc. 

My typical birthday party is about 2 hours depending on the age of the child.  I arrive about an hour early to set up and get everything in place as well as speak with the parent.  After everything is in place, I try to stay out of the way and let the parent take over.  I am available to help whenever needed but they are running the show.  At the end I help with the clean up also.

11. Do you have a mentor? If so who? Why did you decide to get a
mentor? How has it helped you? If not, how do you stay focused? 

I do not have a mentor because what I do is something a little different than anybody that I know around here.  I have checked into other companies just for competition factors.  I stay focused by my own self-motivation.  I set monthly goals with marketing and customer interaction and such.  I feel accomplished when those goals are reached.

I enjoyed reading this inteview because this is a service that so many busy moms need!

Thanks Angie,

Angie Travis, Master Mind Planner

614-374-6353

http://www.SpoyledRottynParty.com 

…Because everyone deserves to be Spoyled

My first blog party! My name is Jarmelia and I am a wanna be WAHM! I already work from home,  just working on the mom part. I mam married and have been for almost 2 years! I have been working from home for about 1 1/2 years.

I don’t know what else you need to know about me! I live in South Carolina, southern gal!

Got any questions, ask away! Thanks for stopping by!

Party on!

Oh yeah while here enter to win a FREE candle!

http://www.mbgourmetcandles.com

Well, here is why,

I am going out of town at the end of April and then again a month in a half after too. So, I will be out of town for about 18-20 days and that requires money. Having money requires not spending it on frivilous things. Those are 2 things I need to work on, having money and not spending what money I do have. You would think one would cancel the other out right? Guess not in my case……..

Okay so, I have to stop spending money. Business expenses are getting cut out as well. I have to wait until after June, before I spend more money. Writing that hurt my heart!

During this time of “hold back the debit card!”, I am ashamed to say I have resulted in using change and bills found around the house! Why can’t I just stop spending money? Is there a MSA- Money Spenders Anonymous, anywhere? I need to join.

So, the challenge is, in case you don’t already know, is to “Stop Spending Money”. Meaning I have to find cheap, inexpensive ways to build my business. I already know of a few, but have strayed from my budget shoppng roots. But, now I am forced to return.

 Here is the plan, man! (really wanted to say that!)

• Use all my old distributor materials up before I buy new ones.

I have abad habit of buying catalogs and brochures when they go on sale only to find a unopened pack sitting under my desk.

• Call or email prospects before I send information via snail mail.

Confession : I hated  disliked with a strong passion calling leads but now I love it! It seems I am making so much more headway getting on the phone and calling leads, which is free or one flat fee for long distance. I can discern between the no’s and yes’s instantly and not have to waste a dime. Most of the time, they don’t even ask for information to be sent in the mail to them, they get eveything off my website. That’s what it is there for!

• Put business cards and catalogs everyhere!

Inexpensive and almost FREE leads. No wasted catalogs or other materials that aren’t getting sent in the mail anymore.

• Hold off on donating and sponsoring

I have to stop donating for drawings and giveaways at the moment due to postal charges. Even on stock I have on hand. I love my giveaways!

• Only pay for mass advertising

I am a part of the MomPack and we do fillers. These are little baggies thaat go to moms all over America filled with coupons, samples and product info. Great way to advertise and use those extra catalogs. Only pay about $5 for postage and that is soooo in my budget.

There are more ways I am sure and when I find them I will let you all know! I hope this can help someone else who is looking to cut business costs for a season. Life is so hard sometimes isn’t it?

Thanks for reading!

Enter to win a FREE candle!
http://www.mbgourmetcandles.com

Look at my siggy!

Thanks,

Get yours here: http://www.mylivesignature.com

I will admit I was nervous, but I think I did well, I have to listen to it in a minute.

Here is the link to the show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mommysgetaway 

Please listen!

Jarmelia Ladson

http://www.mbgourmetcandles.com

I got to interview Jackie and she makes candles! I think it doesn’t need to be said how much I love candles! I was so interested in hearing what it is like to work from home making candles and selling them. I only sell them I don’t have to make them. She is a strong woman, that is all there is to that!

My interview with Jackie:

 Me:  Why do you work  from home as opposed to working a regular 9-5? What is your why?

Jackie: I worked outside the home for 15 years, mostly because I had to to pay the bills and provide health insurance.  In the process, I missed 90% of my son’s life until he was 7, which just broke my heart.  When I remarried in 1999, my husband made it possible for me to stay home with my son, and find something to do from home.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity!

Me:  What type of   challenges have you faced while working from home? How did you 
overcome these challenges?

Jackie: I think the biggest challenge I faced working at home is inspiration.  You have to be your own inspiration, and keep yourself heading toward your goal.  The best way for me to overcome this is to set goals, and then each day work on meeting those goals.  If you’re working at home, and/or running your own business, there is no one to push you but you.  Keeping a list of goals within sight and reviewing them daily or weekly helps to keep me on track.  And reminding myself that if I don’t do it, know one else will either, is often the push I need to get in gear.

In my case my husband is my biggest supporter and my business partner, so I’ve been fortunate not to have to juggle that issue.

My second biggest challenge is maintaining professionalism.  It’s difficult to remain professional when the dog is barking, the children want snacks, and the neighbor is at the door.  Part is mindset, part is location.  Mindset goes back to if you dress the part, it’s easier to act the part.  If you answer the door in sweats and say I’m working, the neighbor thinks “yeah right”.  But if you answer the door dressed as if you were on your way to work, and tell the nieghbor “you’d love to chat but you’re in the middle of a conference call”, they’ll listen.  And locating office workspace in the back of the house also helped with street traffic and the kids, etc.  If the kids can enjoy their normal space, they’re more likely to keep busy and not be underfoot.  Planning snacks and an entertainment “to-do” list ahead of time, the kids are eaiser to pacify.  Or even hire a babysitter for a particularly busy afternoon, and tell the baby sitter to act as if you’re at the office and call you on your cell phone if she needs anything.  Be creative to create your workspace.

Me: What have you learned about yourself since becoming a business owner? How have
you grown as a woman?

Jackie: What have I learned?  I can be the biggest procrastinator on the planet!  But if I don’t get the job done, no one else will either.  I won’t get fired, but I still won’t have a job because there won’t be any revenue.   I’ve learned that it would be easier to work for someone else, because I could actually take a real vacation.  But I would soon tire of it and pine for the daily challenge of running my own business and the freedom. I’ve learned that I really enjoy helping people and enjoy helping other people start their own business.

Me:  What type of  business do you have? What do you sell or promote?

Jackie: We are a family owned candle manufacturer in Northwest Illinois.  We have doubled our business 3 times since starting April, 2001.  We make and sell jar candles, decorative candles, wax melt tarts, votives, and other air freshener products. 

Me: What makes your business different from the other businesses in your particular category?

Jackie: This is a good question, and part of the reason for our continued growth!  There are 2 things that make us very unique. 

We have a diversified marketing/sales plan.  We market our products primarily through School and Non-Profit group fundraisers.   We donate 50% of the total sales to the school or organization, which is more than most programs.  Add to this the fact that our product is very affordable, and everybody wins.  We believe in sharing! 

We balance this market with Retail through our website, wholesale in the US and Canada, and through our Independent Consultant program.  Normally a company will pursue 1 or 2 markets, but not all 4. 

Me: How have you advertised your business? Which have been the mostsuccessful? Any downfalls?

Jackie: Our downfall has been not advertising from the beginning.  We let the expense of advertising discourage us.  At the beginning we relied on word of mouth, which did work very well for us in the local 60 mile-radius area.  Two years ago we began advertising in Country Sampler magazine, which targets a very direct group of our target consumers.  It did take the first year to establish our presence, and drive steady traffic to our website.  This year we have started an advertising program with PTO Today which targets 11,500 PTO organizations with our Fundraising information.  These are both very targeted ads that are designed to drive traffic to our website and our programs.   After one year, Country Sampler has been wildly successful for our wholesale program, and retail website sales.  We expect the same results from PTO Today.

Me: What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to join your company? 
What would you tell them about your industry?

Jackie: Our industry is very competitive, mostly because of the sheer numbers of people who want to make and sell candles.  What makes things different is not looking at that $10 sale, but looking at the bigger picture.  We are never thinking about just tomorrow, but thinking about what we’re doing to fuel the business in 6 months.  You have to plan ahead!  And you have to look at the big picture.  Always.

If someone wants to join our company, we get excited!  We are currently working hard to build our Wholesale Distributor program, which is an exciting opportunity.  We are looking for truly motivated people that are serious about starting and growing their own business!  They are truly independent, but we are here to help every step of the way.  It’s an exciting opportunity that so far has branched into 2 states just since the first of the year.  Working at home and running your own business should be a fun and rewarding experience, not something that you start dreading, or that costs you too much money to get started.  We don’t ask for our Distributors to pay a huge start up fee.  There is no start up fee.  We want to help people truly take charge, and run their own business, control their own destiny, and create their own income.  No gimmicks, just simple marketing.  Common sense.  

Me:  What would you say to someone who was about to give up on owning a business and 
working from home? How would you encourage them to keep pushing?

Jackie: I would tell them to sit down and start 2 lists.  One, write down everything positive about owning your own business and/or working from home.  And write down EVERYTHING!   Then the second list should be everything that bothers you about the business, and the downfalls.  This will help to truly evaluate your situation.  This way you can see the positives in writing.  It helps, trust me.   Seeing the negative list in writing makes it easier to tackle.  Make a plan!  For each negative on your list, come up with 3 ways to turn it into a positive.

And don’t be afraid to ask for encouragement from a trusted friend or relative!  Everyone needs a cheerleader!

Jackie Payne
Bushel Basket Candle Co
7 Years
www.bbcandle.com 

Jarmelia Ladson