For a long time, I've been encouraging my AVON customers to email me versus calling me with their orders. It is really saves me a lot of time as I can put more focus into other aspects of my business because I don't have tons of phone calls to return. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still talk with my customers. It is just another convenient method for them to get their AVON order to me. I think that I very rarely lose a sale due to not being able to reach a customer because they can place their order as their schedule suits them. A few months ago, I started offering RAFFLE prizes exclusively for customers on my email customer list and this has increased the number of my customers utilizing email to place their AVON order. I check my email addresses every day at least once, but most often, more than once. I have three of them, one for my writing, one for AVON and one for general use. It helps keep me organized so I don't miss an AVON order or an opportunity regarding my writing. My favorite flower are pansies and you know how certain flowers have certain meanings just how names do? Well.....pansies mean thoughts! Clever, huh? I digress.....
Anyway, I was going about my normal week....getting my brochures out there, talking to customers, doing some targeted canvasses, and checking my AVON email regularly. I have a system.....I save the orders into a file on my pc labeled current orders and it works rather well. I open the email, send a thank you reply to the customer so they know I received the order, and then I save it in the current orders folder. Later, I go back and write up the order slip. I usually don't know exactly what my sales amount is going to be until pretty close to order deadline day. However, I've been trying to improve on this so that I can do better on setting goals for a certain $ amount of sales. You know...we all have room for improvement! LOL! It didn't really dawn on me how many thank you replies I had actually sent throughout the week and on Saturday night, 3 days before the AVON order deadline, just imagine my surprise when I totalled up my sales to find that I was only $125 away from having a $1,000 campaign! Now keep in mind, that my average sales are usually around $350 per campaign (and even that might be a low estimate as my average per campaign has been on the rise)! SO this was huge!!
Of course, I simply HAD to tell someone! It was late so I emailed my District Manager. I was SO excited!!! She must keep late hours because I got a reply right away! How cool! She is so sweet and encouraging! When things are going great, she is always there to cheer you on making you want to acheive even more! When things are not so great, she is caring, sympathetic, and offers helpfut suggestions to get you back on track.
Want to know if I made the extra $125?
Well....picture this.....right now I am absolutely surrounded by AVON boxes! There is AVON everywhere in my dining room and part of my living room! It took me a few hours to get it all bagged up and ready to be delivered to customers! My little daughter really enjoyed helping me. She is six and we had so much fun working together. She would tell her little sister..."I'll play with you in a little bit, I'm helping mommy right now. Aren't I a good AVON helper, mommy?" It was so special in every way. Every AVON order delivery day is like Christmas as far as I'm concerned. I had far more than $1000 in sales! I achieved very close to $1700 in sales! I reached the 50% commission level this campaign!! How cool is that! See.....if you keep at it, you really can make money in AVON. I look forward to the day that I do this with every single AVON campaign!
Now you know why I've not posted for a few days! LOL! :) And...it's going to be a hectic delivery shedule...plus working on the next campaign's sales! One of my customers gave me a great idea about how to offer gift certificates! I printed out a sample with a really cute note on the back and have a copy ready to go into each of my customer's bags. We'll see what happens!
But what I look forward to most........is the time and flexibility I have to be with my girls! God is so good to me!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Key Ingredients.....FAITH & EXCITEMENT!!!
In every single aspect of my life, God comes first. It is to Him that I am grateful for giving me the wondrous ability to find excitement in everything and to live with enthusiastic abandonment. To simply FEEL life, the splendid gift He gave us. Everything that happens, good or bad, is meant to teach us, to mold us into what He intends us to be. Therefore, I am thankful for ALL things and praise him for the changes in me yet to come.
First and foremost, I thank HIM for the success I have with AVON. I honestly believe that I was led to this company. During the 7th month of pregnancy for my fourth child, my husband and I finally decided that it was time to give up my newspaper route as it was becoming too physically difficult for me to continue. It was a 7-day a week job from 2:30 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. the only benefit being that it allowed me to be at home with our 4-year old. I was constantly tired but I remember being so grateful that I'd married a man who supports me in all things, even giving up his time to sleep in on Saturdays and Sundays in order to help as the route more than doubled in subscription list.
In July, 2004, 2-weeks prior to the baby's scheduled c-section, I was driving my son down to church camp for his annual week retreat. This year, I noticed a new little shop that had opened just at the bend where you turn to get to the camp. The sign said, AVON Direct, and first thing that popped into my head was that I never knew there were such stores and I wondered if they still had AVON ladies. I was also reminded that I used to be an AVON customer myself a few years ago and had really enjoyed the quality of their products. I'd been praying for guidance about what I was going to do to replace the income brought in by the newpaper route and to me, this seemed like an answer to a prayer. A work-at-home business that I could taylor-fit to my own needs and those of my family.
I was certain that in this day in age, AVON simply had to have a website. Upon returning home, I immediately searched the Internet for information regarding AVON. I came across the following website that had information about the business opportunity......http://consumer-advocacy-group.org/workapproved.html and requested information from AVON.com, the general website.
A few days later, I was contacted by a lady in response to my inquiry. She explained to me how to get started and other details in a friendly, competent, poised manner. She was very enthusiastic and outgoing, but at the same time I felt that she was a very generous person. I had thought for sure that the sign-up fee would be more than I could afford at the time so when she told me it was only $10 to start, I was flabbergasted! Then, she told me that when you submit your orders via the internet, you make 50% commission on your first four orders. After hearing that, of course, I signed up! I mean what did I have to lose? I'd get back my initial $10 investment just from getting a couple orders from friends or family. The lady conducting my appointment turned out to be my new District Manager, and I now count her as only one of the new really great friends that God has introduced into my life through AVON. She invited me to attend the next Sales Meeting where I would get to see all the new AVON products coming out in future campaigns. Seeing that the scheduled date was before the c-section date, I said yes! I'd certainly be there!
My first meeting was a blast....I right away saw that I'd want to set goals and be the recipient of some AVON recognition. There was an ambiance of camradarie, an atmosphere of professional women coming together to share ideas. I can't stress the importance enough of attending meetings and forming friendships with other Representatives. They keep you motivated and excited about your AVON business. For your business to grow......step out in FAITH and keep EXCITED!
God wants all things for us. He leads and prods us in the right direction with events, people and places. If He wants me to succeed in AVON, then I am ready to be led!
First and foremost, I thank HIM for the success I have with AVON. I honestly believe that I was led to this company. During the 7th month of pregnancy for my fourth child, my husband and I finally decided that it was time to give up my newspaper route as it was becoming too physically difficult for me to continue. It was a 7-day a week job from 2:30 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. the only benefit being that it allowed me to be at home with our 4-year old. I was constantly tired but I remember being so grateful that I'd married a man who supports me in all things, even giving up his time to sleep in on Saturdays and Sundays in order to help as the route more than doubled in subscription list.
In July, 2004, 2-weeks prior to the baby's scheduled c-section, I was driving my son down to church camp for his annual week retreat. This year, I noticed a new little shop that had opened just at the bend where you turn to get to the camp. The sign said, AVON Direct, and first thing that popped into my head was that I never knew there were such stores and I wondered if they still had AVON ladies. I was also reminded that I used to be an AVON customer myself a few years ago and had really enjoyed the quality of their products. I'd been praying for guidance about what I was going to do to replace the income brought in by the newpaper route and to me, this seemed like an answer to a prayer. A work-at-home business that I could taylor-fit to my own needs and those of my family.
I was certain that in this day in age, AVON simply had to have a website. Upon returning home, I immediately searched the Internet for information regarding AVON. I came across the following website that had information about the business opportunity......http://consumer-advocacy-group.org/workapproved.html and requested information from AVON.com, the general website.
A few days later, I was contacted by a lady in response to my inquiry. She explained to me how to get started and other details in a friendly, competent, poised manner. She was very enthusiastic and outgoing, but at the same time I felt that she was a very generous person. I had thought for sure that the sign-up fee would be more than I could afford at the time so when she told me it was only $10 to start, I was flabbergasted! Then, she told me that when you submit your orders via the internet, you make 50% commission on your first four orders. After hearing that, of course, I signed up! I mean what did I have to lose? I'd get back my initial $10 investment just from getting a couple orders from friends or family. The lady conducting my appointment turned out to be my new District Manager, and I now count her as only one of the new really great friends that God has introduced into my life through AVON. She invited me to attend the next Sales Meeting where I would get to see all the new AVON products coming out in future campaigns. Seeing that the scheduled date was before the c-section date, I said yes! I'd certainly be there!
My first meeting was a blast....I right away saw that I'd want to set goals and be the recipient of some AVON recognition. There was an ambiance of camradarie, an atmosphere of professional women coming together to share ideas. I can't stress the importance enough of attending meetings and forming friendships with other Representatives. They keep you motivated and excited about your AVON business. For your business to grow......step out in FAITH and keep EXCITED!
God wants all things for us. He leads and prods us in the right direction with events, people and places. If He wants me to succeed in AVON, then I am ready to be led!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Every Second Week...
The second week of each month is so busy! Our Free Community Lunch Committee serves lunch on the second Saturday of each month as well as hands out grocery bags of food to those in need. When AVON order date falls during this week, my schedule is jammed full!
I've been looking at ways to add more productive time for AVON and for writing. On one hand, I want to put AVON first because it is making money now. My writing isn't yet, but just like when you start AVON it takes time to build a customer base, writing takes time to build up a readership so that it does make money. Such a dilemma, if I do less writing, it will take longer to see success. If I do more writing, will my AVON business suffer? That is a hard question to answer and probably can be fixed with better time management.
The only extra time that I think I can schedule some writing time, would be either at night or in the mornings when I first get up. I'm not sure I want to give the morning time up because that is time spent with the girls. If I write at night, then that will also impact my mornings as I'll be tired.
I'm pretty good about juggling delivery of AVON orders to fit my schedule. I usually my customers a choice of only two times, they pick one, I write it down and it gets done. I used to have a harder time with this. I was always more concerned about their schedule than mine when one day a light bulb went off! It said to me HEY!....this is YOUR business and therefore, in YOUR control! Now, I almost never have a problem getting an order to a customer and their money collected.
It is now time to leave to pick up my daughter from kindergarten. I was just thinking today while driving around to my AVON delivery appointments that it would be really neat to throw her a birthday party next year when school is finished. We'd have to give the invites out while school was still in session. Summer birthdays are difficult that way but how fun would it be to have all her classmates over. I remember how fun it was for my oldest daughter at her age!
I've been looking at ways to add more productive time for AVON and for writing. On one hand, I want to put AVON first because it is making money now. My writing isn't yet, but just like when you start AVON it takes time to build a customer base, writing takes time to build up a readership so that it does make money. Such a dilemma, if I do less writing, it will take longer to see success. If I do more writing, will my AVON business suffer? That is a hard question to answer and probably can be fixed with better time management.
The only extra time that I think I can schedule some writing time, would be either at night or in the mornings when I first get up. I'm not sure I want to give the morning time up because that is time spent with the girls. If I write at night, then that will also impact my mornings as I'll be tired.
I'm pretty good about juggling delivery of AVON orders to fit my schedule. I usually my customers a choice of only two times, they pick one, I write it down and it gets done. I used to have a harder time with this. I was always more concerned about their schedule than mine when one day a light bulb went off! It said to me HEY!....this is YOUR business and therefore, in YOUR control! Now, I almost never have a problem getting an order to a customer and their money collected.
It is now time to leave to pick up my daughter from kindergarten. I was just thinking today while driving around to my AVON delivery appointments that it would be really neat to throw her a birthday party next year when school is finished. We'd have to give the invites out while school was still in session. Summer birthdays are difficult that way but how fun would it be to have all her classmates over. I remember how fun it was for my oldest daughter at her age!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
AVON Order Packing Day
The last couple of days have been spent searching the internet trying to find ways to make money at my other love....writing! I really don't want to have to go out and get a J.O.B. and miss out on the these young years at home with my little ones! Besides, in reality when all is said in done, I'd be working to pay for the daycare and that just doesn't make sense. After much searching, I realize that it is not going to be something that happens overnight. I will continue plugging away at it, though.
In the meantime, I will continue building my AVON business one day at a time, one customer at a time, and one recruit at a time! I am really pleased with myself lately in regards to sales. They are kind of just happening and I can just imagine what they'd be like if I actually applied myself! I surprised myself with over $600 in sales for this last campaign! My average campaign is usually between $250 and $350. I credit my successes with making new friends and surrounding myself with other positive AVON ladies!
For instance, I've been in AVON for 2 1/2 years. The first year, I didn't do that much with it. I was 9 months pregnant with my fourth child when I signed up and I've never regretted a moment of it! I learned real quickly, though, that if you want to do something with it, you need to learn from others, find ways to adapt their knowledge to your style, and the GO FOR IT! I needed to make more money, so I started out by increasing my sales. In order to do that, I needed to learn more about the company. Oh, there are plenty of classes that you can take online at the website, but learning from other people helps a lot too. At one of our meetings, I met a lady who consistently made the top ten in sales. One day we were chatting and she was telling me about packing out orders and how long it takes her. At the time, her arthritis had really been bothering her and I offered to come over and help her. I mean, I really wanted to see what $5,000 in AVON looked like! That was the start of a wonderful friendship! For over a year now, every other Thursday I go to her house and help her pack up her orders. I really wouldn't need to go now because her doctors finally got her arthritis under control and her health is much improved, however, I have learned so much from her and we've become such good friends, that I wouldn't miss it unless I absolutely could not go.
Today was beautiful for our task. We were still able to pack out in the garage because it was so warm. I take my 6 year old to kindergarten in the afternoon and then off to her house I go. My two year old accompanies me and she likes to "help" so I give her little things to do like hang the shower gels on the rack so we can find the right ones easily. When I run out of things for her to do, she plays with the boxes or other toys around. Today, she was so adorable. She was hanging the shower gels just singing away. She LOVES The Wonder Pets....know ALL the words to the song! It is so cute.
At almost 3 p.m. I leave to pick up my 6 year old from school and since it is Thursday, my son comes to my house. It was such a nice day we decided to rake leaves in the back yard, but not just because it needs done! NO way! Just for FUN! We raked them and played! We jumped, frolicked, buried each other...you name it! The backyard was filled with laughter.
Believe me.....I'll stick with AVON and whatever else I can do before I go out and get a J.O.B.! I wouldn't miss these times with my kids for anything!
In the meantime, I will continue building my AVON business one day at a time, one customer at a time, and one recruit at a time! I am really pleased with myself lately in regards to sales. They are kind of just happening and I can just imagine what they'd be like if I actually applied myself! I surprised myself with over $600 in sales for this last campaign! My average campaign is usually between $250 and $350. I credit my successes with making new friends and surrounding myself with other positive AVON ladies!
For instance, I've been in AVON for 2 1/2 years. The first year, I didn't do that much with it. I was 9 months pregnant with my fourth child when I signed up and I've never regretted a moment of it! I learned real quickly, though, that if you want to do something with it, you need to learn from others, find ways to adapt their knowledge to your style, and the GO FOR IT! I needed to make more money, so I started out by increasing my sales. In order to do that, I needed to learn more about the company. Oh, there are plenty of classes that you can take online at the website, but learning from other people helps a lot too. At one of our meetings, I met a lady who consistently made the top ten in sales. One day we were chatting and she was telling me about packing out orders and how long it takes her. At the time, her arthritis had really been bothering her and I offered to come over and help her. I mean, I really wanted to see what $5,000 in AVON looked like! That was the start of a wonderful friendship! For over a year now, every other Thursday I go to her house and help her pack up her orders. I really wouldn't need to go now because her doctors finally got her arthritis under control and her health is much improved, however, I have learned so much from her and we've become such good friends, that I wouldn't miss it unless I absolutely could not go.
Today was beautiful for our task. We were still able to pack out in the garage because it was so warm. I take my 6 year old to kindergarten in the afternoon and then off to her house I go. My two year old accompanies me and she likes to "help" so I give her little things to do like hang the shower gels on the rack so we can find the right ones easily. When I run out of things for her to do, she plays with the boxes or other toys around. Today, she was so adorable. She was hanging the shower gels just singing away. She LOVES The Wonder Pets....know ALL the words to the song! It is so cute.
At almost 3 p.m. I leave to pick up my 6 year old from school and since it is Thursday, my son comes to my house. It was such a nice day we decided to rake leaves in the back yard, but not just because it needs done! NO way! Just for FUN! We raked them and played! We jumped, frolicked, buried each other...you name it! The backyard was filled with laughter.
Believe me.....I'll stick with AVON and whatever else I can do before I go out and get a J.O.B.! I wouldn't miss these times with my kids for anything!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Another AVON order day....
I woke up this morning and went to work. The routine is very familiar now and it is an endless cycle just as if I worked outside my home yet I have the benefit of being able to stay home with my two adorable little girls. What a gift that is! With a kindergartener and a soon-to-be preschooler, I know I have precious little time to keep them more to myself than letting them go out into the big-wide world.
I've been working on establishing better routines since I need to focus more energy on the business aspect instead of going so much just with the flow. There is real money to be made in AVON if you simply apply yourself and work it. Running specials to encourage my customers to take advantage of emailing me their orders is really starting to pay off. This allows me to spend a little less time on the phone with established customers and more time trying to pick up new customers. When orders are emailed to me, they are so much more easy to keep organized than if I have to go through my folder. Also, if I know they are sitting in my email box, I am better about getting them written up on order slips sooner than waiting until the last minute. I still need to create a balance and also would like to keep adding to my customer base. I would like to establish a more consistent brochure mailing list for my customers who live further away but that is difficult as money is tight right now as we adjust to only one income. I guess that a solution to that problem would be for me to establish a business budget and a goal of how much I need to earn each campaign in order to meet that and pay my bills.
There are so many projects that I am juggling right now that it is hard to know what to prioritize first. I really love writing too, and carving out writing time has been a huge challenge! I guess that I really need to work more on routines and make a consistent effort to block off times for each project. In order to do thatk, I will have to prioritize what I'd like to accomplish!
Well, it is really late....I guess getting to bed earlier would help me start my day off better too! :)
Here's to developing better habits....enabling to grow my business better! Another AVON order day....the earnings are consistent......now they just need to be beefed up!
I've been working on establishing better routines since I need to focus more energy on the business aspect instead of going so much just with the flow. There is real money to be made in AVON if you simply apply yourself and work it. Running specials to encourage my customers to take advantage of emailing me their orders is really starting to pay off. This allows me to spend a little less time on the phone with established customers and more time trying to pick up new customers. When orders are emailed to me, they are so much more easy to keep organized than if I have to go through my folder. Also, if I know they are sitting in my email box, I am better about getting them written up on order slips sooner than waiting until the last minute. I still need to create a balance and also would like to keep adding to my customer base. I would like to establish a more consistent brochure mailing list for my customers who live further away but that is difficult as money is tight right now as we adjust to only one income. I guess that a solution to that problem would be for me to establish a business budget and a goal of how much I need to earn each campaign in order to meet that and pay my bills.
There are so many projects that I am juggling right now that it is hard to know what to prioritize first. I really love writing too, and carving out writing time has been a huge challenge! I guess that I really need to work more on routines and make a consistent effort to block off times for each project. In order to do thatk, I will have to prioritize what I'd like to accomplish!
Well, it is really late....I guess getting to bed earlier would help me start my day off better too! :)
Here's to developing better habits....enabling to grow my business better! Another AVON order day....the earnings are consistent......now they just need to be beefed up!
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