Wednesday, December 28, 2005

MomChats.com - Chats Scheduled This Week

For Your Pleasure (Adult)
Friday, December 30th
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Details: Romance enhancement items. Games.....prizes.... Help Patti earn her kit to start her business!
Contact Information : Pattionlineparties@communicomm.com or partiesbykym@yahoo.com

What is Mom Chats?
Mom Chats is a competely free website where mothers can get together to host online parties, chat, attend networking events, and so much more. All chats are free, and it's also free to schedule events.

Chat Schedule
Don't want to miss the next scheduled networking event? Maybe you want to see if a certain date is available for your next online party. Whatever the reason, be sure to see our current chat schedule for all events!

Schedule a Chat
Looking for a place to hold your next online event? Renting a room at MomChats.com is free. Schedule Online Parties, Networking Events, Topic Chats (aka "How To Chats"), Team Meetings, Opportunity Chats ... or whatever your event. Be sure to check out the guidelines!

Week Four - Keep it Handy

Okay, I’m excited, how about you? Let’s do a quick review:
Week One - You set your goals.
Week Two - You broke your goals down into smaller goals.
Week Three - You made plans for each goal.

Wow! That’s a lot of very productive work for three weeks. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back ... you deserve it! So, this week, since it is only three days after Christmas and you’ve worked really hard for the last three weeks we’re gonna take it easy on you.

I’d be more than thrilled to hear that you save or bookmark this page for the entire year and come back often enough to keep it on your mind constantly but somehow I don’t believe that’ll actually happen.

Week Four - Keep it Handy
This week you only have one little thing to do. Write these goals and your plans down. Write them on a piece of paper and post it to your bulletin board beside your computer. Buy a dry erase board, write down your plans and put it up beside your computer. Make a page and set it as your screen saver on your computer. Get the point? Put it in plain view that you will see it at least once every day. Every single day for the entire year of 2006.

Now you can bring in the new year knowing that you have all your plans set month by month and you’re ready for a successful and prosperous year!

Congratulations!!

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Free Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed

Courtesy of www.irs.gov
The 2005 Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed (Pub 1518, Catalog Number 12350Z) is now available. This 12-month wall calendar is filled with useful information on general business taxes, IRS and SSA customer assistance, electronic filing and paying options, retirement plans, business publications and forms, and common tax filing dates. Each page highlights different tax issues and tips that may be relevant to small business owners with room on each month to add notes, state tax dates, or business appointments.
Free Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed

Week Three - Make a Plan

For the first week we talked about setting goals. On the second week we discussed how to break these goals down into smaller attainable goals. Hopefully by now you’ve set your goals, broken them down and either posted them with us or wrote them down. If not revisit Week One - Setting the Goal and set your goals and revisit Week Two - Breaking it Down and break them down now then come on back and catch back up with us.

Week Three - Make a Plan
Congratulations on making it to week three! Look at that it’s only December 21st and you’re almost ready for 2006! Way to go! Happy with your goals? Think you can reach them? Now that was a dumb question, of course you can!!

So, you’ve decided that you want 50 new team members by the end of the year, right? And now you should know that you need to have 5 sign ups a month. So, how are you going to reach this goal? Now it’s time to make a plan. WAIT ... don’t leave me. You can do it, honest, you really can!

Maybe for the first month you’ll place an ad in your local newspaper and the second month you’ll purchase a solo ad in a popular work at home website. Month three you could hold a special like offering a special sign up bonus. Month four plan for a business opportunity chat. Get the point? I’m not saying you have to plan and write your classified ad already (although if you’re the go-getter-type; go get em!) but just make a list of what you need to do each month (or week, whatever works best with your goals) of exactly what needs to be done.

Now do this with each goal that you’ve made until you have almost a complete business plan for the year of 2006.

We’re giving you a whole week to break down and if needed revise your goals ... but don’t put it off! Do it now!

Leave a comment and share your plans with us!

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Week Two - Breaking it Down

Last week we talked about setting goals. Hopefully by now you’ve set your goals and either posted them with us or wrote them down. If not revisit Week One - Setting the Goal and set your goals now then come on back and catch back up with us.

Week Two - Breaking it Down
Congratulations on making it to step two! Setting those goals wasn’t too difficult, was it? Okay, so maybe you’d rather make a trip to the dentist or maybe it was a piece of cake? Either way it’s done and you’re well on your way for a great start to the new year!

This week we’re going to discuss breaking your goals down into smaller goals. This is really nothing more than a little simple math. (Yes, you can go get your calculator, I’ll wait.)

Let’s say your goal is to make an extra $100 a month in 6 months. $100 a month might sound like a whole lot but, let’s break this down a bit ... $100 a month ... There’s an average of 30 days in a month, right? $100 divided by 30 is $3.33 a day! Now, that doesn’t sound like much at all? A little over $3 a day. Think you can handle this? Depending on your goals you may need to break it down a couple of times. For example let’s say you want 600 new subscribers in 6 months. Broken down that would be 100 a month, 25 a week or 4 a day; whatever works best for you.

Don’t be afraid to revise your goals a bit either. Let’s say you decided to make an extra $1000 a month in 6 months. This broken down works out to be $33.33 a day. Maybe that’s a little harder to reach than you had originally planned so revise your goal a bit. Maybe you should change your goal to an extra $1000 a month in a year or and extra $500 a month in 6 months. Again, don’t be afraid to "think big" but don’t set yourself up to fail.

We’re giving you a whole week to break down and if needed revise your goals ... but don’t put it off! Do it now!

Leave a comment and share your goals with us!

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Cleveland to Host the '2006 Ohio Business Women’s Conference & Expo'

With hundreds of women business owners expected to attend, the event promises to be the largest of its kind in the region for women in business. The two-day Women’s Conference & Expo will take place February 16 & 17, 2006 at the historic Cleveland Renaissance Hotel & Conference Center.

(PRWEB) December 13, 2005 -- The Conference & Expo presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio, in collaboration with the SBA and an array of partners including, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, The Northeast Ohio Minority Business Council (NOMBC), The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Cleveland and Columbus Chapters, and a coalition of other Chambers of Commerce in the region; The conference expected to attract over 800 women business owners and a large number of corporate exhibitors.

The main mission of the Conference & Expo is to promote women's business enterprises at all stages of development, by providing an unmatched forum in the region where women business owners can find the information and the tools necessary to expand their market. Business owners will be able to display their products and services to America's leading corporations and government agencies committed to doing business with women owned businesses. These corporations and agencies will join the conference from across the state and the nation as sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.

During the two-day event, business owners, senior corporate executives, supplier diversity procurement professionals, community leaders and government officials will make a difference by actively participating in activities and events, which include networking activities, workshops, panel discussions, matchmaking procurement sessions and special events. Additionally, a highlight of the conference will be the Women Business Expo.

Taking your business to Cleveland this coming February for this unprecedented event, should have a big pay off for women who want to start new businesses or business owners looking to increase their marketing opportunities with corporate America. As well as, for corporations who want to connect with the best women owned firms.

“This event is about giving women business owners the tools and information they need, to take their businesses to the next level,” said Mily Rodriguez – Weiss, the event committee chairperson.

For additional information on the 2006 Ohio Business Women’s Conference & Expo, contact Veronica Dahlberg or visit http://www.hbahcco.org

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio (HCCO): is a non-profit organization which grew out of a task force of Hispanic business owners in 1981 alarmed over the low participation in the private and public sector. The association was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1983. And its mission is to promote Hispanic Business interest and its economic development and expansion through strategic partnerships, technical assistance and advocacy.

Contact:
Veronica Dahlberg
Public Relations – Events Sub-Committee Coordinator
440-812-4626

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Press Contact: Veronica Dahlberg
Company Name: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 440-812-4626
Website: http://www.hbahcco.org

More Information: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/12/prweb321961.htm

Monday, December 12, 2005

A Gift to Help You and Your Team

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Join the affiliate program today and you'll receive $10 for each kit you sell, plus increase your team's sale at the same time! To join the affiliate program, please visit: https://paydotcom.com/a.page.php?id=3831&u=dshelpers

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Direct Sales Go Beyond Tupperware

Personalized home-party selling growing faster than retail stores.

CAROLYN KASTER/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Deelana Kennedy (right) works on a project with her daughter Tahra Kennedy, 4, during a direct sales Crayola party at her home in Chambersburg, Pa. Deelana hosted the party. Left are Laura Peiffer and her son Nicholas Peiffer, 2, also from Chambersburg.


By Anne D'innocenzio
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Julie Spreckels used to just shop catalogs and the mall. But lately, she's shopping in someone else's living room.

The Levittown, N.Y., resident, recently bought $100 worth of Lillian Vernon products like holiday candy dishes at a party thrown by a company consultant.

"I like going to stores, but this is definitely a nice alternative," said Spreckels, 33. "The service is not the same at a store. Here, there's a personal touch. And I am open to buying more products." As a mother of two small children, it's a "pain" to go to the mall, she noted.

Lillian Vernon is among a growing number of companies that are embracing direct selling, targeting female shoppers — particularly time-starved young mothers like Spreckels — who are growing dissatisfied with service at stores. These companies see big opportunities to grab new and younger customers and get existing ones to spend more in a more relaxed environment.

Products "come to life when a consultant romances the product samples they bring," said Kevin Green, chief marketing officer at Lillian Vernon, a purveyor of monogrammed clothing and accessories. The direct-selling business, started only a year ago, could be bigger than its Internet or catalog businesses, Green said.

The moves are occurring as the $30 billion direct-selling industry is trying to shake off its dowdy image while pitching itself as a viable way to make money. Even Tupperware Corp., which ushered in the advent of the home selling party in the 1950s, has scrapped boring storage bins for edgier items like plastic wine glasses in rich jewel tones. The company has recently thrown star-studded Tupperware parties, with celebrities like rapper Ice-T as guests.

"A lot of people are getting a much different look at direct selling, based on a variety of products being sold now — and the selling opportunities," said Amy Robinson, a spokeswoman at Washington-based Direct Selling Association.

Companies are also looking at direct selling as a more profitable way to reach customers, says Marcela Speert, an industry consultant. Overhead and other fixed costs are lower because there are no stores involved and consultants work on commission, she said.

The U.S. direct sales industry, which includes in-home and door-to-door selling, has nearly doubled from $16.55 billion in sales in 1994 to $29.55 billion in 2003, according to the DSA. Figures were not available for 2004. Annual sales growth averaged 7.1 percent during the 10-year-period, surpassing traditional retailers' average of 5.4 percent. At-home selling accounts for 62 percent of the total direct sales market.

Consultants earn up to a 50 percent commission and commissions on sales from consultants they recruit. The party hosts, who are recruited by the consultants, earn free products or discounts on items.

The work is becoming more attractive for women, who make up 80 percent of the 13.3 million direct-selling work force, which has more than doubled since 1994.

Only 8 percent of consultants make over $50,000, according the DSA, but consultants say the job offers decent income opportunities and flexibility.

Jen Rosengrant, 37, started selling for Crayola's Big Yellow Box direct selling division a year and a half ago and is now quitting her full-time job as a recruiter. The Richland, Pa., resident, who is now Crayola's top selling consultant, said her earnings have "beat expectations," though she declined to say how much she makes.

Staci Fabiani, 35, who is now Lillian Vernon's top seller, said she is making close to what she made as a teacher. But working only 20 hours a week, the job has allowed her more time with her three young children, she said.

"I didn't know how much opportunity it could give you," the Franklin Square, N.Y., resident said.

Executives from various companies said initially there were some concerns among stores — their own and ones they sell products to — that their entry into direct selling would sabotage their business. But those worries seem to be subsiding.

Some companies like Crayola are selling a new line of products under the same brand, others like Lillian Vernon and Body Shop are offering a subset, and a few are creating a new brand. In March, Nine West Apparel, a division of Jones Apparel Group Inc., will launch Million Wishes, an accessories collection that will be sold through consultants.

Mark Bosworth, vice president and general manager for The Body Shop International's At Home U.S. division, said that the company has been able to show the stores actually benefit from having a strong direct selling business nearby.

"Consultants have a good relationship with the store. They talk to each other. This all builds brand awareness," Bosworth said.

At home sales help lure a new customer, executives said.

Lillian Vernon's Green noted that its direct selling division called Celebrations is attracting women in their early 30s, compared to its catalog business, whose customers' ages average in the mid-40s.

And the parties give retailers a chance to get to truly understand their shopper.

"This gives us the ability to interact with the consumer," said Kimberly Grayson, senior vice president of Aerosoles, the shoe brand owned by Aero Group International, Inc.

A deeper understanding of its customer has helped the company create shoes that are both comfortable and stylish, she said.

The company can always find out the best sellers through its stores and its Web site, said Grayson, but through these parties, it can "learn the why she is buying."

CAROLYN KASTER/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Nicholas Peiffer, 2, plays with Crayola's Model Magic during a Crayola Direct Sales party in Chambersburg, Pa., on Oct. 25.





On the Net:
www.aerosoles.com
www.bigyellowbox.com
www.bodyshop.com
www.lillianvernon.com

Press Release Courtesy of SuburbanChicagoNews.com

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Week One - Setting The Goal

The first and most important step of course is to decide what you want the end result to be. Where do you want to see yourself in one month, six months or even by the end of the year? Do you want 100 new subscribers to your newsletter in 1 month? Do you want 10 new “regular” customers in 6 months? Do you want 50 new team members by the end of the year? Take notice I have exact numbers and time periods listed. You need to set specific goals. Don’t just say you want to make more money, say you want to earn $100 a month in 6 months.

Make sure you be realistic. Of course it doesn’t ever hurt to “think big” to give yourself that extra push but don’t think too big and set yourself up to fail. There’s also no such thing as a goal too small. Everyone has their own goals in life and in business. Deep down you know what you’re capable and what you’re not. Set your goals within your own limits. Your upline may want 10 new customers in 6 months but you may only want/need 5. Set your goals for yourself, not anyone else.

We’re giving you a whole week to decide on your goals ... but don’t put it off! Do it now! What are your goals for 2006?

Leave a comment and tell us your goals!

Monday, December 05, 2005

Four Weeks Left - Got Goals?

Goal setting is a huge key factor in motivation. Setting goals motivates you to get things accomplished. So, why should we set goals? Well, when you’re planning a road trip you look at a map, right? And you have to have a destination in mind, right? The same concept applies here. If you don’t know where your business is going, how can you plan your way to get there? Making a plan requires setting goals. Another big motivator is being held accountable so, that’s exactly what we’re going to do ... we’re going to hold YOU accountable.

You have four more weeks till the new year. Are you ready for 2006? I’m sure you’re probably super-busy right now because of the holidays so we’re going to help get you get ready for the new year step-by-step. We’re going to be taking baby steps each step of the way making it quick only taking only a little bit of your time each week. We’d love to make this interactive so please join us!

Stay tuned for your first step - Coming this Wednesday!

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Jeanne Wokurka - Just A Little Naughty

December Successful Consultant of the Month

Jeanne Wokurka
Illinois

Childrens Names & Ages:
I have one son, he's 7 years old and his name is Nathan. He is THE love of my life. He can't wait until he's old enough to help mom with the parties. Course he's got a long wait because he has to be 18! :-) It means the world to him that I am able to stay home and work from home. Sometimes I'm on the computer a little more than I should be, but that's all part of running a business. But the best thing about it, I'm able to stay home.

Direct Sales Company :
Just A Little Naughty

Website Address :
http://www.justalittlenaughty.com

Please tell us a little more about the products you offer:
The products Just A Little Naughty has to offer range from bath and body products, lingerie, chocolates, leather, massage products to bedroom specialties. Everything needed to spice up the romance in a couple's lives.

How long have you been with this company?
Since 2003

What is your favorite aspect of your business?
Flexibility and the Consultants I work with.

Why did you join your company?
I am the owner of Just A Little Naughty and also a Romance Consultant. I have been in this industry conducting romance parties for about 6 years now. I love it. When I see I can help others at parties by offering products to help at home as well as show fun and laughter at parties, it makes it all so worth it. Our home parties are a really great time.

Approximately how much time do you work on your direct sales business?
Considering I'm the owner, I spend a lot of time working on things within the company. I am always working on new ideas for our Consultants, as well as monthly sales, new products to add to our website, etc. Home parties, that is basically advertising, conducting parties and placing orders. It is what you make it. If you're wanting to make good money, you have to put your heart into it and get yourself out there.

Jeanne's Direct Sales Tips:
Be kind. Be honest. Be reliable. Smile.

Free Tele-seminar Uncovers Top 10 Marketing Mistakes

Free Tele-seminar on December 14th Uncovers Top 10 Marketing Mistakes Small Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them

10stepmarketing, a marketing training and coaching firm, is conducting a free, one-hour tele-seminar, titled “Top 10 Marketing Mistakes Small Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them” on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at 6:00pm Pacific Time.

(PRWEB) November 28, 2005 -- 10stepmarketing, a marketing training and coaching firm, is conducting a free, one-hour tele-seminar, titled “Top 10 Marketing Mistakes Small Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them” on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at 6:00pm Pacific Time.

This tele-seminar is being offered at no cost to small business owners and independent service professionals. Business owners may participate via telephone from the comfort of their home or office. They can register for the event at http://www.10stepmarketing.com

Marketing consultant and coach, Debbie LaChusa, who also is the founder and president of 10stepmarketing, has uncovered these “Top 10 Marketing Mistakes” in her 21 years as a marketing adviser, consultant, coach and instructor to over 1000 businesses in a wide variety of industries.

She is sharing these mistakes in this free, one-hour tele-seminar in an effort to raise awareness and provide a solution to an audience that, according to her, often doesn’t have the budget to hire professional marketing help.

“Small business owners and entrepreneurs make these mistakes and often they’re fatal to their business. The really sad part is, many don’t even realize why their marketing isn’t working,” says LaChusa.

Tele-seminar participants also will receive a Special Report detailing the top 10 mistakes shared in the tele-seminar and the opportunity to register for a free subscription to The 10stepmarketing Ezine and a free, 10-week Marketing E-Course.

“Now’s the time to review the past year and make a plan for 2006,” said LaChusa. “I’m hoping I can spur on those people who’ve been putting this off by making this information available to them.”

10stepmarketing was introduced in 2004 by marketing veteran and entrepreneur Debbie LaChusa. LaChusa has spent the past 21 years as a marketing advisor and consultant working in advertising and marketing communications agencies, including eight years running her own marketing consulting business, DLC Marketing, Inc. LaChusa created 10stepmarketing to help small business owners and independent service professionals learn how to market themselves more effectively. In addition to it’s flagship product, The 10stepmarketing System™, 10stepmarketing offers a variety of products and services as well as free marketing support materials including a weekly e-newsletter, a 10-week Marketing E-Course and over 60 marketing how-to articles. For more information, visit www.10stepmarketing.com


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Press Contact: Debbie Lachusa
Company Name: 10STEPMARKETING
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 619-334-8590
Website: www.10stepmarketing.com