January Host and Customer Appreciation Ideas

Valentine’s Day Theme: You are at the Heart of Our Business

*Present a Certificate of Appreciation to each Host (on red paper)
*Give one red carnation to each guest
*Present the benefits of why guests would want to book by asking them what they enjoyed most about the Parties they held or attended
*Have guests pick a scent from the samples that has a special memory for them. Have them share the scent and their memory
*Hand out a Valentine Gift Wish List to each guest to mark and give back to the Demonstrator for Valentine’s Day. Guests should include contact # of spouse/significant other for follow-up. (I have an Adobe file to email with a prepared list from Gold Canyon)
*Have a list of questions on paper regarding Gold Canyon. It can be anything from benefits to booking, cost of kits, names of Co-Founders, when the company began, etc . . . Guests fill in their answers and the most correct answers wins a prize (make sure to prepare a tie-breaking question or two).
*Make your January parties "New Product Release" Parties. Introduce the new catalog and new lineup.

Please share any fun ideas that are working for you to be published to the rest of the demonstrators!

7 Steps to Getting and Keeping Customers and Hostesses

By Karen Phelps, Direct Sales Expert

Have you ever lost a customer or hostess because you didn't follow through? I'm sure you have. I know I lost many over the years because I just got too busy to follow up. I believe it happens to everyone and if you are honest with yourself you will admit that it probably has happened to you.

Today, someone almost lost me as a customer for their services. In fact, they don't have me yet and now they will have to prove to me why I should do business with them. The story began about 2 weeks ago when I decided it was time to review all of our insurance policies and make sure we are adequately insured at the best price. My brother-in-law just switched all of his policies over to a new agency and he saved $1,800 per year. I thought, WOW, I'm going to check them out so I got the name and number of the agent and made a call the same day. The agent was not in but did return my call the next day. I was traveling and the call went to the home answering machine and 3 days later, when I returned I listened to the message late on a Sunday evening. Ten days came and went after I listened to the message and I was so busy I never remembered to return the call. During this ten days the agent never tried calling me again which was not smart as I had made the initial contact in the first place so she knew I was looking to compare.

I just had to pay my auto-insurance and I realized I had not heard from the agent so I called her back. I said, "Hi, this is Karen Phelps." She replied, "Karen, I never heard back from you so I figured we wouldn't be doing business." YIKES!! I replied, "I'm very busy and I travel a lot, you should have called me back again." I think she was taken aback for a few minutes but I hope she took time to realize the importance of my statement. When someone tells you they are interested, ASSUME they are interested until they tell you differently.

Are you thinking, but isn't that being pushy? Absolutely not! When someone gives you permission to call them to order or book a party later, assume they are interested until they tell you NO! The insurance deal this agent could pull off is worth thousands of dollars of which she will receive a commission. Why would she even think of not calling me back in a day or two if she didn't hear back from me? So what can you do to get and keep more customers and hostesses of your own? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Find out what your customer is interested in. I love working with a salesperson who takes time to ask me questions before they try to make the sale. Have you ever gone to purchase an appliance and the salesperson tries to push their favorite item on you and it may not be what you are looking for? It's hard to have one style, one brand, or one product be a perfect fit for everyone. The main reason people don't make another sale or get a booking is because they have not discovered why the prospect might be interested. You can't sell someone something they don't want or feel they don't need. You must discover the reason they need or want your product. Then you will be able to recommend products or services to fill the customers needs.

2. Remind the customer you are always looking out for their best interest and that you will keep them informed of sales, special offers and information that may be of interest to them. You can say something like, "I'll send you emails when there are specials and call when something exciting is going on. There's no obligation and you can remove yourself from my preferred customer list at any time." People are more likely to allow you to stay in touch if there is no obligation. That's one of the reasons I love the "Maybe Later List" which is in the "It's a Party Out There Workbook." It's easy to make calls to people who have given you permission to contact them.

3. Always ask for permission to contact them and keep them informed. You may be reading this right now because on this website I asked if you would like to receive direct selling success newsletters and you entered your name and email address to receive the subscription. Are you doing the same with everyone you meet? Are you asking for permission to share information of interest once a month? Do you have a system in place to keep track of your leads so you can email a monthly newsletter with suggestions on how to use your product to improve their looks, health, home, life, etc?

4. BE PROMPT! If you set an appointment or a time to call, make sure you arrive or call at the appropriate time. Your professionalism will shine through when you are prompt. Most people (me included) prefer to do business with professionals and professionals are not late!

5. Ask yourself, "how would I want to be treated?" then do the same thing for your customers. I love good customer service but I don't want someone who is too pushy. I've walked out of car dealers when I went looking for a new vehicle and the salesman refused to address me. I've left a furniture store when the salesman huffed under his breath because I didn't make a decision right away. I love someone who is assertive and attentive to my needs but not someone who is aggressive.

6. Know your stuff! I love working with someone who has done their homework and knows their products and services. So, whether you are a new consultant or you've been in the business for awhile you need to know, understand and be able to explain why your product or services are different or better than the rest. Why should someone buy your product? Why should someone book a party with you? What is the benefit to them for being a hostess? How can someone benefit by becoming a consultant? You must know the answer to the questions before they are asked. So, if you are new and you haven't taken time to read through the materials your company has available for you it's time to do so.

7. Under promise and over deliver. Make sure you can deliver what you promise. If you tell a customer something will arrive in 2 weeks and it comes a few days late it doesn't look good. If you tell a customer her order will arrive in 3 weeks and it arrives a week early you and your company will shine! Don't make promises you can't keep and always keep the promises you make. People love to do business with competent, able and willing consultants. Your Hostesses love it when their order arrives on time (or better yet, earlier than anticipated.)

As a rule of thumb if you always put the customer first you really can't go wrong. Sure, every now and again you'll get someone you can't please no matter how hard you try. Hey, that's life and you'll have to learn to roll with the punches. Being a great sales person is easy. Having a large database of loyal customers and hostesses is easy too! Become the type of person you want to do business with and you will always have people who will do business with you.

Candle Confections

Well, I have another party tomorrow night and I was sitting here wondering what I should do for customer appreciation gifts and door prizes. I had the idea to make some little tealight treats and they turned out very cute!

Woops, I didn't notice one of those is upside down and you can see my ugly tape job. Oh well, nobody's perfect!!!

I used a package of Caramel Ginger Strudel tealights that have been sitting on my shelf a while. I love the brown color - it's just like real caramels or toffee. I used some clear cellophane and curly ribbon to trim them, wrapping like candies and tying both ends. They are so cute, if I do say so myself. I'm going to put them in a candy tin and they're perfect for a Christmas party - not to mention inexpensive, gotta love that.

One of the demos (Megan, was this you? I can't remember) shared that she brought treat bags to give out because she didn't want anyone to leave empty-handed. I loved the idea so I picked up some Santa bags, bite-sized snickers, Andes mints, mini-candy canes and marshmallow reindeer. One of each per bag and voila! I'm sure everyone will feel like kids again. I made 12 and I hope there's one left over for me :o)

Here's some miscellaneous pictures I had on my camera, this is from a show I did on Saturday, see how I put the red bows on each package of Auto Golds in the basket? Those things come in packages of 12 at the dollar store and you can tuck the wire in the fold of the envelope and they just stay on there. My price tags were ugly this day because I ran out of my usual stickers. Not sure if you can see in the upper left hand corner, there are a set of the ceramic songbirds from our Spring catalog. I tied red & green ribbon around and they sold quickly! Also, each of the 5oz candles has a small satin ribbon and jingle bell tied around the neck. I sold a dozen in the first hour. Not sure if you can see the baking line candle there, I had a new wooden spoon I tied on there with wired ribbon, I've also used cinnamon sticks in there and it looks good.

Below I have a pyramid of boxes, usually I would drape some fabric over but I was using it for different things, so I took extra wire ribbon and just laid it around. It helped things look a little more festive. I also sat out my scent pods on a holiday goody tray. You can see the little polar bear holders in a cello-bag with a vanilla mint votive and peppermint taffies. I also put bows on the Emerge products & Homeology. I notice the things with bows on them always sell quickly, maybe there's something subliminal about that... I also try to use holiday table cloths to put everyone in the mood.

And lastly, I love this sweater basket and it fits my winter catalogs perfectly. I sat them in a window sill with a box of pine cones. Don't you love the green light wire draped by it..... oh well.

Any and all of these ideas can be adapted for future parties if you Christmas parties are already wrapping up. Just use other seasonal decor. Please share some of your pictures, too!!!

Build Your Business with 4 Simple Sentences

Gold Canyon's U.K. Country Manager, Denise Calveley, offers some advice on building your business.

"If I was to give any one of our Gold Canyon Demonstrators any advice, it is this; Learn four sentences in your own words that you are comfortable with that will get you Parties. Without Parties you have no business and without a business you have no income."

These are the four sentences Denise learned and used each and every day to build a direct sales business in the UK, France, Spain and Belgium. Practice putting them in your own words, and USE THEM when you interact with people at your parties...


1. “Who do you know who might be interested in seeing 'The World's Finest'™ fragrance candles and home décor?”

2. “Thank you for your order…I really could do with holding more Gold Canyon Parties in your area. Would you be able to host a Party for me?”

3. “I wonder if you can help me. Who do you know that will host a Gold Canyon Party for me.”

4. “I appreciate you are not able to hold a Party for me now, but who do you know that will host a Gold Canyon Party?”

As you have success using this phraseology, please email or comment and share your excitement with the rest of us! Happy Selling!

New Spring Catalog

Many of you have noticed that Gold Canyon released their spring -09 catalog, but I've received several emails asking "where" to find it. You can view it online by going to Action/Marketing Tools/Marketing Materials & Forms/Inspired Spring 2009.

Look how handy this is. I think you can click on this link at view it yourself... (they separated it into four parts so it's not such a huge download.) ENJOY!!
First section
https://essentials.goldcanyoncandle.com/GOLDCANYON/CMS/Portals/0/09Spring.US.FINAL.1sm.pdf
Second section
https://essentials.goldcanyoncandle.com/GOLDCANYON/CMS/Portals/0/09Spring.US.FINAL.2sm.pdf
Third section
https://essentials.goldcanyoncandle.com/GOLDCANYON/CMS/Portals/0/09Spring.US.FINAL.3sm.pdf
Final section
https://essentials.goldcanyoncandle.com/GOLDCANYON/CMS/Portals/0/09Spring.US.FINAL.4sm.pdf

November Recognition

I just want to scream "WOO-HOO" for all of you this month!!! Our team sales were $12,372!!! That is fantastic! I do consider myself as part of this team, so with mine included it makes it $17,269. All of your Y-T-D sales are $108,471 collectively. Our team goal for this year is $125K - so that leaves $16,529. Actually, if I include my personal sales in the yearly goal we are going to have it made in the shade!

First recognition category is for the highest order this month.... drum roll please... KATHY ASHTON in Washington submitted a $651 party. Great job! You'll see Kathy's name throughout this post - she has really been on the ball.

Next is our fall incentive from Gold Canyon, "Simply 2". Remember this is the last month to qualify for the different categories, so take inventory and set your goals now. The monthly reward of 75 Gold Dollars for submitting 4 parties of $350 OR 1 fundraiser of $2500 goes to.... RONDA STRAUSS in New York for 4 parties over $350 and also to Mary Fulk, upline for SHAUNDA JACOBS in Arizona!!!! You gals are AWESOME!

Speaking of Fundraisers, put your hands together for SHAUNDA. Submitting fundraisers requires a leadership title, but that doesn't stop her! She got her school to do the fundraiser through her upline and they submitted a fundraiser order over $6,000! The demonstrator commission was $600. The organization made out like a bandit as well, with Gold Canyon's 2% increase fundraising promotion this month, they kept about $2,500 of that. Not a bad deal!!!

Back to Simply 2, For the Monthly Bonus, KATHY ASHTON and ANGIE PALMER sponsored new demos this month and will receive an extra $50 CASH from Gold Canyon. The demonstrators who qualified for part of the cumulative reward are... KATHY ASHTON, TRACI RHODES (AZ), JOSIE MCCOLLUM (WA), RONDA STRAUSS, and MARY FULK.

I've been doing shout outs for the gals who market their websites and this month, Gold Canyon did us all a favor by offering that incredible internet sale! Our personal web orders increased, hopefully your customer awareness did as well, and they will continue to place orders that way. Let's put our hands together for all the gals who subscribe to GC's website service that got orders this month... KATHY ASHTON, MELANIE DAVIS (24), MARY FULK (4), MEGAN MORENO (5), TRACI RHODES (10), LYNN HAYES (5), SHAUNDA JACOBS (4), and RONDA STRAUSS (3).

Welcome to our brand-new demonstrators SUZANNE MORTENSEN (IA), JOSIE MCCOLLUM (WA) and TASHA JACQUEZ (NM)! Josie is off to an amazing start - did you all catch her name up there in the Simply 2 Recognition? She has submitted 2 party orders totalling $871. Josie, just one more $150 party order and you'll receive $100 in preselected products FREE from Gold Canyon for their Quick Start Program!!!

And also let's give a round of applause to our business builders - all the wonderful women who put in orders this month (only 29 out of 63 demos sold this month - so you are the cream of the crop!) My frontline: KELLY ASHLIMAN (MA), KATHY ASHTON, MELANIE DAVIS, MARY FULK, SANDRA HESSERT (AZ), ANGELA INGRAM (AZ), KATIE MAAKESTAD (AZ), HEATHER MENDOZA, MEGAN MORENO, ANGIE PALMER (AZ), DEBRA PETERSON (AZ), TRACI RHODES (AZ). Level 2 (Frontline recruits): CHRISTINE DUNLAP (AZ), LYNN HAYES, JESSICA HERNANDEZ, JANET IGLESIAS, SHAUNDA JACOBS, BONNIE LUCAS, JOSIE MCCOLLUM, KATHY MENDONCA (CA), ZOE MITCHELL (AZ), MADALENE NIEBLAS, SANDY SELLERS, RONDA STRAUSS, KAREN THOMAS (AZ), LISA THORPE. Level 3 (2nd line recruits): KATHY BULL (NY), ELIZABETH CAMPBELL (AZ), TINA KNIGHT (NY). I hope those colors don't make you dizzy :o)

Lastly I'll leave you all with the Quote of the Month:
"Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or do something more."
Brother David Steindl-Rast

Thank you all for being a perfect part of our team. We wouldn't be complete without YOU!!!

The Economy and Network Marketing

Following is an article concerning the correlation between the economy and network marketing. Lots of reading but quite interesting. Enjoy -- and happy selling & sponsoring!!!!

Hot Times Ahead
WHEN RECESSION HITS THE ECONOMY, NETWORK MARKETING BOOMS
By ROD COOK

If you're in Network Marketing, there's good news, and there's bad news - and the great news is that, for you, they're both good news.
In good economic times, people are less interested in career alternatives but they can easily afford to buy more consumer goods. In bad times, they crave new business opportunities. Today, we could soon be facing global recession - and tremendous worldwide opportunities for you.
The U.S. economy is cracking apart due to mortgage meltdowns and rising fuel costs (energy) that are causing great concern worldwide. Fears are that an American economic dive will hurt the entire world economy.
U.S. and worldwide, people are beginning to worry. Once they start worrying, they quit spending money. This "psychology of fear" fuels bigger recessions. I'm not saying there is going to be a depression, which is much worse than a recession. What I am predicting, based on surveys conducted by our company (which have proved exceedingly accurate over the past 20 years), is higher unemployment and underemployment - good people forced to work for less money than their qualifications would warrant. Translated: pushed to work for trashcan wages.

MLM - A Countercyclical Business
General economic theory holds that there tends to be a recession about every eight years. The entire history of the modern United States reflects this boom-and-bust cycle. Consistently, Network Marketing has grown during the "down" periods. PER CNBC CURRENT VIDEO click here
The oldest Network Marketing company we can track is the marine-vegetable (seaweed) supplement company, Wachter's, which started in 1937 near the bottom of the Great Depression. Nutrilite took off in 1945 during the economic decline immediately following World War II. Shaklee and Neolife fared well in the post-Korean War slump. Amway got a good start building with the slump in 1958. Mary Kay started with the downturn in the 1960s. This theory held true in 1992 when Alliance, Kaire, Life Plus, and a number of other companies started up and boomed (then later failed due to legal problems, partnership disputes, and mismanagement after the recession). Others like Herbalife (see chart below) went into hyper growth due to the same recession and became billion dollar companies.
Note that during the depth of the recession retail sales by major retail outlets took a dive. Direct sales (90% are MLM) jumped as store front retailing dropped like a rock! Today history repeats itself! Source: DSA and MLM Watchdog

When recession hits, those with any intelligence are going to scramble to find alternative sources of income. In their frantic searches, they are going to find that the best of all alternatives is Network Marketing.
Understanding the relationship between low-cost entrepreneurship and economics is important. During the past few years, the world economic boom has made people complacent. In the U.S., the jobless rate dropped to all-time lows of less than five percent. People had to be sick, lame, or lazy not to get a job. Hamburger flippers got higher-paying jobs, such as assembling computers, and their incomes rose. Rather than looking for an alternative to a job or seeking extra income, these folks sat around and watched television.
When recession hits, those with any intelligence are going to scramble to find alternative sources of income. In their frantic searches, they are going to find that the best alternative is MLM also known as Network Marketing.
We followed the increase in growth of several major Network Marketing companies operating during the recession of 1973-75. Companies that were not doing badly when the recession started, they had a fair amount of growth. However, when the recession came, they took off like rockets!
During the early 2000's recession (officially starting in November 2001), MLM company growth rates jumped higher than they were before the recession. See the chart below (November 2001 was the benchmark) and look at the following growth. This was due to two reasons: (1) Fear leads people to new income sources and they WORK the opportunity, not watch TV. (2) The doubt of the recession lingers in the minds of people so there is an "aftereffect". (3) During the recession the company grew a "feverant" distributor base, recruiting more new people that lead to exponential growth. Source: Alexa.com

PRESS RELEASE UPDATE 2008
Herbalife Experiencing Stellar Sales Despite Slumping Economy
3 November 2008 - Herbalife, the global multi-level/network marketing (MLM) giant reported its 19th consecutive quarter of double digit sales growth, according to a recent earnings report. The company grew sales 13.7% to $602 million in the third quarter.
The sales gains were attributed to the company’s global growth, including double digit sales gains globally. Profit margins were reported at 14.7%. Herbalife also has $33 million in capital expenditures, primarily in technology investments for distributors.
North American sales were up 23% over third quarter 2007, despite a worsening economy domestically. "In these turbulent economic times, we believe we're in a fortunate position at the intersection of health and wealth," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Johnson. Herbalife’s products are sold in more than 69 countries with more than 1.9 million independent distributors.
Another factor that fueling the growth in Network Marketing is that many Baby Boomers have put their life savings into the stock market. With the market's shaky up and down spirals, many Baby Boomers are slowing their high-flying, fast-spending ways due to meager savings except for shaky stocks. With the inevitable, cyclical decline of the stock market, they will see their retirement plan funds lose 25 to 50 percent in value. Will panic will follow? We hope not! But, Baby Boomers with good sense will be looking for secondary ways to build a secondary residual retirement income. A common phrase today is, "multiple streams of income."
Grab your hat and prepare for the next boom in Network Marketing. If you are a newcomer, study the industry closely (and quickly). If you are an old-timer, get out your contact lists for the last two to ten years. In a recession, they will be solid gold! All you have to do is get out there and help people out of their economic duress.
Now is the best time to grow your Network Marketing individual business or start your company! Whether you are a veteran or a beginning network marketer, the future is bright. Soon consumers will be looking for the best quality at the best prices. Where do they find it? In the quality products offered by your Network Marketing company .
Recession causes people to open their minds to gaining alternative sources of income. If they are still employed, they are worrying about the possibility of losing their jobs or having them downgraded. If they are unemployed, they are seeking ways to build their income without spending large amounts of money to start another business.

This writer has made millions in MLM - Network Marketing plus having owned large franchises, done business opportunities plus done import of exotic cars like DeThomaso Panteras, Lamborghinis and Ferraris. His analysis is:
MLM - Network Marketing? This field with careful selection (see MLM Detective at the MLM Watchdog) - is the last chance for the little guy to make money in America!
Heaven bless you - driven to your financial knees? MLM - Network Marketing is the ultimate "recession-proofing" for your economic life.

About Rod Cook B.s., M.A., M.B.A.: Rod is recognized as THE major researcher in the MLM - Network Marketing world on economics and MLM Compensation pay plans. His majors include many hours in mathematics giving him research tools no others in the MLM have. Rod keeps a list of over 1500 U.S. MLM companies (plus over 100 foreign companies operating in the U.S.) on his MLM Company World Directory (see www.mlmwatchdog.com) this alone is a research tool no one else has as far as what MLM compensation pay plans survive. As the MLM WatchDog, Rod can pick up a telephone and call a company owner and get a true reading. His reputation for honesty, integrity, and painfully blunt "telling it like it is" makes him an industry icon. Rod says, "MLM is the last chance for the little guy in America and for that matter the WORLD and I defend it to the death!"

Scent Pods 101

You all should have received an email from Gold Canyon this week announcing the release of 4 additional fragrances in our popular Suddenly Scented line. That's right, Cinnamon, Apple Spice, Mulled Cider and Sugar Cookie join the Scent Pod line up, bringing the choices up to 14. Click here for the flier: http://content.ll-0.com/gcdemonstrator/ScentPodFlyer2.pdf?i=111208195016

Our unique scent pods were designed with the organized, efficient woman in mind... they feature a sleek look and are stackable, so you can easily change from one scent to another and store multiple containers in a stack. Each scent pod is 2.4ozs and costs $5.98. For any of you who are unfamiliar, the scent pod fragrance will last for about 20 hours. The wax and color will remain in the pod, but after heating for that amount of time, the fragrance will begin to disappear. At that time, simply throw it away. To help you keep track, the lid of each pod has four dots across the bottom. After each 4 hours of heating, mark off a dot. It's a smart and convenient way to know when your 20 hours is up.

Our pods and warmers are the perfect solution for customers with curious children, pets or with workplace rules. They are also great for entryways, bathrooms and classrooms. Pods have no wicks, no flames, just the quality fragrance Gold Canyon is famous for. The strength of our beautiful fragrances will permeate cubicles, office spaces and break rooms. Additionally, each scent pod is designed with a spill resistant lip.

The top label of each pod peels off and reveals instructions. You should be familiar with the Important Safeguards and remind your customers. *Never leave Scent Pods unattended while operating. * Do not touch or move Scent Pod until warmer has been turned off, cooled, and Pod wax is solid. * To avoid burns, keep out of reach of children and animals. * Do not use if cracked. * Scent Pods only suitable for use with Pod Warmers.*

These Unlit Expressions are great stocking stuffers! Spread the word and Enjoy the World's Finest! See catalog pages 30-31 for all of our pod fragrances and to review the details of our three beautiful Warmers.

Party Prep, Part II

Well, the day of the party I did a few more preparatory things I wanted to share with you...

First, my FAMILY. You're probably like me, that you chose this candle business because you wanted the flexibility to have more time with your family. So do you really want to be running around getting everything ready for a few hours before your party, ignoring the people you love most, then leave for a few more hours to have the party? No! Since I had most of my preparations in order, on the morning of my party day, I started a crock-pot meal for my family, so while I was gone they would have a nutritious meal ready. I also spent some extra time pushing my little girl in the swing and reading stories to my little boy. Doing good things for my family makes me feel even better when I leave.

When it was time to load up my display, since I bring candles for sale, I used little stickers to price everything. Having the prices in plain site will eliminate a lot of questions and save time from you flipping through the catalog to find an item. I also grabbed my shoulder bag - in which I keep my calculator, money bag and clip board.

Getting dressed, I kept having the urge to be very casual, because the party was for a relative. But I reminded myself I was the demonstrator that night, not the cousin, and I put on my slacks, heels and blouse. You can choose whatever attire you wish for your parties. When I train new demos, I usually suggest they dress up a little more than their "usual". You want to make a good impression. I finished it off with my name tag (Purchased through Town & Country).

I did remember my camera but I was so busy from the minute I got there till the minute I left there seriously wasn't a minute of time to click a picture for you guys. We had a great turn out, we played the booking game, and I got one home party, one catalog party, a "maybe" for a home party and a possible new demonstrator. Everyone loved using the Emerge products I brought to share. The party is at $472 right now and we're waiting for a few more orders.

Not relating to the party, but before I forget - I wanted to share an email I received from Kathleen Quirk this week. During this time of the Presidential election I wanted to share President Lincoln’s long list of failures. Why would I share this with you? ‘Tis the season to keep pushing and getting the most from the time left in the fourth quarter. You may be really working for a promotion by December 31.

Whatever your goal for 2008, President Lincoln lets us know to keep persevering and never get discouraged. If something is not working then try something different.

1831 - Lost his job
1832 - Defeated in run for Illinois State Legislature
1833 - Failed in business
1835 - Sweetheart died
1836 - Had nervous breakdown
1838 - Defeated in run for Illinois House Speaker
1843 - Defeated in run for nomination for U.S. Congress
1848 - Lost re-nomination
1849 - Rejected for land officer position
1854 - Defeated in run for U.S. Senate
1856 - Defeated in run for nomination for Vice President
1858 - Again defeated in run for U.S. Senate
1860 - Elected President (success)

Take time right now to re-evaluate your 2008 goals.
Map out your plan for the next six weeks and pull out all the stops and go for it!
It is belief, positive attitude and directed effort that will make 2008 the best it can be for you!

Believing in You! ~Erin

Party Prep

I was just getting a few things together for a party tomorrow night and I thought I'd post my preparations. It's always fun to see what someone else is doing, so feel free to copy. Hopefully, this will spark something in your own creativity to share with the rest of us. This first picture is my "on time" drawing prize. I do a drawing to open every party - it's a fun way to get everyone gathered so I can start my presentation. Only the people who are there on time get to enter, and I obtain the guests' name and contact information little entry papers. You may recognize this elegant keepsake box from our Boutique Chic line. This is the pretty blue-green box from my FAVORITE candle in this line, the brand-new Woods & Vanilla Romantique. I burn that candle in my bedroom and I always have the cute boxes leftover..... so tie it up with some satin ribbon and voila! an adorable gift box. I had a little bit of paper shred I placed in the bottom along with a car freshener. I applied vinyl lettering spelling "Simplify" to dress up the votive glass. The two tealights in the glass were leftovers out of my own package. It is simple, cute, easy low/no cost, and I think it will be a fun keepsake for whoever wins tomorrow! Use whatever you have laying around to create unique prizes & gifts. Take some pictures and share with us!
These are the gifts for my booking game. After my short presentation, we'll play the game outlined here on the blog under Karen Phelps' convention lecture (find the instructions using the labels in the right column "booking"). I wondered if all my demos knew how cute these bags are, and if you knew they're available to you through the supply orders! On Essentials, click Action/Order Entry/Supply Order and use item #96351, Small Floral Shopping Bags. You'll get a package of 20 for $5.00. They are sturdy and cute and have the Gold Canyon Logo on them so you'll look professional and all. I've also used lunch sacks tied with pretty ribbons and tissue, or reused gift bags when I'm out of the Gold Canyon bags. For these gifts, I just picked items off my shelf that were out-of-date, or that I received for free or discounted prices from previous party orders. So all 3 gifts plus my host gift didn't cost me anything out of pocket - it's stuff I had on hand. Keep your eyes open for good deals so you can do the same. For example, one of these is Emerge Start Clean Body Lather. That would cost the customer $14.98 - but I got it on a promotion about a year ago for buy 1 get 1 free. Since I had stocked up so much I decided to get it out there. It didn't cost me but she'll not only use and fall in love with it, but she's going to think I really went all out for her!! Another bag contains the Garden Sparrow Set from our spring catalog. I used them in my living room all year, but I got bored and they still looked as good as new, so instead of donating them to charity, I dusted them off, put a fresh, new tealight in each of them, wrapped them in tissue paper, and badda-bing, another booking gift. Again, these are a $15-20 value, so the guest is going to feel spoiled. This is all stuff I had on hand by chance this time. You can get by with less if you need, in fact, send me good & cute ideas for inexpensive gifts and prizes, please!

The last thing I was putting together - well it was kind of already done I just had to update a couple of things - is my guest folders. At back-to-school time every year I stock up on these pocketed folders for 10-cents apiece at Wal-Mart. I keep a page protector in it and insert the current monthly promotional flier. For this party, in the left pocket, I put Gold Canyon's Holiday Wish List (.pdf file available through email) along with the second page of November's print quality promo file (available on Essentials, click Current Promotions on home page). I also have an order form - notice it's pink! I hate wasting 1-2 copies of our invoices because I really only need the original and ONE duplicate, not 3 duplicates for crying out loud! So when I get them, I put my contact information on them and then separate half of the copies. (Half of my invoices are white and the customer keeps the canary copy, then the other half are pink and the customer keeps the golden copy.) I try not to be tacky about it - like at this party everyone will have the pink ones. Notice my business card is placed in the front of the folder. If you don't have a business card, make one! Or order through Town & Country (Action/Marketing Tools/Stationary & Logo Merchandise). Flipping the page, behind the flier I poked an invitation card with the picture side facing out. I wrote in a sharpie on the invitation "Book a show with me and receive $10 Gold Canyon Cash". You can give out the actual Gold Canyon Cash guest booking certificates instead (available through Supplies, item #96436, $2 for 20). The post-card is more colorful and candle-ish though. In the back pocket I've placed an Opportunity Pamphlet, which is a recruiting flier that has been discontinued now but I'm using up my old stuff. You could add anything there to personalize it for your guests. I also slide a catalog inside and clip a pen to the front. As guests arrive I hand each one a folder and as they leave they hand them back. Taking eight is usually sufficient, and I always carry extra supplies in case there's a big turn out.

Another thing you don't want to forget when you're preparing for a party is to get change! It's a little embarrassing when it's time to take their money and you can't make correct change. So break up a twenty or two, grab a handful of change out of the ash tray, and take it in a bank bag, cash box or envelope so you look like you're organized with your money! And don't forget to take your samples! (Right Traci????) Tomorrow I'm also taking some fall table cloths and fake fall leaves and a few of my other home decorations to make the table pretty. I'll stick my camera in and if I don't feel too conspicuous I'll snap a few shots for you guys!

One last thing I always do before my parties is raid my house for everything Gold Canyon. I have a little basket of my Homeology sprays, my Emerge products and my 1/2 burnt candles in their holders. I take it all with me - there I will share my personal products for testers and if the host doesn't have a candle to burn I'll let her pick one (or two or three) of mine to have going at the party (Don't forget to take it back home with you!!!)

You know, I'd really love for this blog to become a forum! I hope you're not all sick of hearing from me, but this is what I have to do till I get you all on board! Sign up for a Google account (take 5 seconds) and leave some comments, or email me and I'll post your ideas, pictures and comments. THANKS EVERYBODY! Party Hard!

October Recognition

It was so wonderful to see all of you in action last month! Isn't this business crazy-busy-fun in the fall? You guys brought our year-to-date team sales up to $73,121. I don't know why Gold Canyon doesn't include any of my stats in our reports - but adding my sales to all of yours we're at $80,444 as of Oct. 31. Last year we soared over $100,000 and my team goal for for 2008 was $125K... that means we have to double our efforts for November & December.

The first recognition this month goes to the first $1,000 party I've seen in a long time. I've been encouraging everyone to try for it because I sold $1,000 on my first party as a host, and haven't ever been able to top it as a demo. It's my personal goal with every party I step into. This month, Lisa Thorpe submitted a party order for $1,000.02. Way to go, Lisa!! Just so you all know, she will not only keep $250 base commission for that party, she will also recieve a 3% override commission from GC which is another $30. Plus, I'm sure she got several new customers and hopefully some additional party leads. Not too shabby! So let's talk about her host!! From October's Host Promotion she earned a diffuser of her choice, FREE, plus $150 Host Credit, plus three 1/2-off items. What a haul! Another monstrous party order came from Kathy Bull for $827.80. I asked Kathy what the secret to her success was and she replied, "My hostess had 16 people that attended so we placed all of the postcards in a basket for drawings. I gave tea lights, and a few discontinued scents. I advised everyone of our products, had a question answer session where everyone told me what they want to see in candles. When they asked I gave the answer as to how great GC are... like one question was why do candles lose their scent-I advised them on how GC scent is throughout and the different aroma's throughout the entire burning cycle. I told them our candles never lose their potency. Why do candles give off black smoke? I answered due to people don't distinguish them right-Wick dipper and trimmer were the answer. So you can see how it went from there. It was fun, and everyone got there concerns etc answered in a GC way !!"

Next we'll recognize more Simply 2 Qualifiers. The Monthly Reward of 75 Gold Dollars for submitting Fundraiser over $2,500 goes to Melanie Davis for a $3257.00 Fundraiser. The demonstrators with parties over $350 for the Simply 2 Cumulative Reward (2 new Demos + 4 Parties>$350) are: Mary Fulk, Sandra Hessert, Angie Palmer, Debra Peterson, Gina Andersen, Mary Reynolds, Ronda Strauss, Lisa Thorpe and Kathy Bull.

I'd also like to give kudos to all of the demonstrators who received orders on their personal websites this month. Many of you may have noticed the list links to our team sites in the right margin of our blog. Take advantage of this list by looking at the other sites and using what you like to improve your own. I've been working on figuring out how to get my family picture inserted in mine like Melanie has, and Megan was working on changing her font colors. Congrats to all the gals who effectively marketed their websites this month and received orders: Melanie Davis (12), Traci Rhodes (9), Mary Fulk, Megan Moreno, Gina Andersen, Lynn Hayes, Ronda Strauss, Elizabeth Campbell and Tandy Miller. Just a little note about the demonstrators whose website appears on the blog - I'm not playing favorites! These are the only ones who have shared their sites with me. I don't have access to your link through Gold Canyon. I'd love to add the rest of yours on there, but you'll need to drop me a line in order for me to do so! erin.didion@goldcanyon.us

I also want to recognize our new demonstrators, those who have been in the business for 6 months or less. Tina Knight, Hanna Modgling, Erica Aguilar (May), Tammy Neamon, Elizabeth Campbell (July), Sheridan Givens (Aug), Megan Moreno, Lynn Hayes, Tandy Miller (Sept), Zoe Mitchell (Oct). You all deserve a big hand for your efforts in getting your business off the ground.

Two thumbs up for all of our "business builders", the 29 active sellers: Kelly Ashliman, Kathy Ashton, Adrina Collins, Melanie Davis, Mary Fulk, Sheridan Givens, Sam Goodman, Sandra Hessert, Angela Ingram, Heather Mendoza, Megan Moreno, Angie Palmer, Debra Peterson, Traci Rhodes, Gina Andersen, Christine Dunlap, Lynn Hayes, Kimberly Hernandez, Shaunda Jacobs, Bonnie Lucas, Zoe Mitchell, Mary Reynolds, Ronda Strauss, Karen Thomas, Lisa Thorpe, Suzette Vildosola, Kathy Bull, Elizabeth Campbell, Tandy Miller. Keep up the great work, ladies!

And finally, our last recognition for October is for our team leaders:
Managers (more than 5 sponsors + 2 Sr. Demos): Melanie Davis, Mary Fulk; Gold Demonstrator (3-4 sponsors): Ronda Strauss; Senior Demonstrators (1-2 sponsors): Kathy Ashton, Tina Knight, Monica Vega, Lisa Thorpe, Angie Palmer, Mary Reynolds, Traci Rhodes. I need two of you Senior Demonstrators to promote to Gold so I can promote to a Gold Manager! I can't wait to see you succeed!

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

Belinda Ellsworth - Power Hour for Leaders

For any of you who are unfamiliar, Belinda Ellsworth is an awesome motivational speaker for direct sales companies. I had the opportunity to attend one of her presentations at convention last year - and I still remember her great wit and enthusiasm. On a recent leadership training call with Kathleen Quirk from Gold Canyon, I was introduced to more of Belinda's concepts for leaders. This post is dedicated to the demonstrators out there who have a downline, making you a "leader" in the Gold Canyon business. If you haven't sponsored yet, there's still tons of great info in here that will make you a better demonstrator and you'll be ready to be a leader when the time comes (hopefully soon!)

Notes on Belinda Ellsworth: The Power Hour for Leaders

1. New Demonstrators: 1-90 days (Should devote majority of your time)
2. Business Builders: >90 days, holding parties, not yet sponsoring
3. Future Leader: Consciously moving toward leadership. Have sponsored 1-3 people
4. Leaders: Newly promoted leaders; Managers, Senior Managers, etc

Monday: Work with new demonstrators
Tuesday: Work with business builders
Wednesday: Work with future leaders
Thursday: Work with leaders

Interesting Industry Facts:
· It will take a new demonstrator 6 months to feel comfortable with their business.
· Only 25% will make it beyond 90 days.
· They have a 3 week window of initial excitement.
· Average demonstrator holds 3 parties a month.
· 70% of demonstrators sponsor 4 people and never get the 5th.
· Eight will make you great! Keep calling new demo’s on a weekly basis to keep them engaged and focused on their business.
· Rule of thirds: A third of your team is new, a third of your team is working and a third are on their way out.
· Money does not motivate women, it’s the THINGS they can buy with the money that motivates them.
· NUMBER ONE COMPLAINT FROM TEAM MEMBERS: “The only time my upline calls me, is when she needs me to place an order at the end of the month.”
· 3% complete their Gold Canyon Quick Start program.

Training Your New Demonstrators
1. Hold new demonstrator orientations either in person or over the phone
a. Tools
i. 10 Things to do before your kit arrives (Essentials/Action/Events/Teletraining)
ii. Welcome letter (You customize)
iii. New Demonstrator checklist
iv. Getting Started Guide (Available through Supply order; one comes in each kit now)
v. Quick Start Program
vi. New Demonstrator Questionnaire

2. Set High Expectations: Encourage them to book 6 parties their first 30 days.
a. Will help them pay off or earn their kit.
b. They gain practice and confidence.
c. They will achieve their Quick Start.
d. Lays the foundation for future business, sets good working habits.

3. Your number one goal for a new demonstrator: Help them sponsor someone in their first 30 days.
a. Cements her in the business
b. She now has a friend to run with.
c. They become accountable to each other.

Business Builders

Business Builders are the engine or working part of your business. The more people you can get into this category, the better off you will be. They have completed their Quick Start and continue to coast at 1- 3 parties a month UNLESS you help them set a new goal and see the “big picture.”

Business Builders are your consistent steady workers and are often your most neglected group. We tend to think of them as trained now and leave them alone. What then happens; they plug along with no direction until you call them at the end of the month or quarter when you need an order. Instead, get into the habit of calling them regularly. Set weekly or bi-monthly calls with them too. They may not yet see the big picture, so the frequent call will help expand their vision of what the company has to offer.

1. Following their first 90 days, they need to reset their goals as they now better understand the business and what it entails. (See Business Builders Goal Sheet)

Phone calls help keep your people focused, motivated and inspired. The number 1 reason people are in this business is for RECOGNITION! Make a big deal out of the little things first. “Great $700.00 party!” Then continue probing as to where she is going next and how she can improve. “What do you have coming up?” “Are you happy with that?” “What have you tried?” “How can I help you?”

The following files are available by email request (erin[dot]didion[at]goldcanyon[dot]us)

~Key Questions for New Demonstrators: Questions you can ask a new demonstrator to get to know her and build rapport

~New Demo Checklist: A checklist on important points/steps to cover with a new demonstrator.

~Party Observation checklist. The most powerful way to train a new demonstrator OR re-energize a frustrated demonstrator in a slump, is to have them observe a successful party. Use this form to help guide them on what to look for.

~Business builder Goal Sheet. A goal sheet o use with demonstrators after their first 90 days.

~Business Builder Tracking Sheet: A record keeping tool for you to use with each business builder.

~Business Builder Tracking Report: A record keeping tool for ALL of your actively working team members.

Testimonials

Just wanted to share a couple of positive emails I received this week. Demonstrator Traci Rhodes shared an experience that a customer received Gold Canyon's 5-day sale promotion email, but didn't feel comfortable placing a web order. Traci encouraged her (great customer care), and the customer was able to complete the order on her own and wrote:

"Hi Traci! I am so excited because I just finished placing my candle order from the web site! I took your advice and ordered more candles! I ordered four candles and after I entered the promo code I automatically got a $15.98 discount!!!! It's like I am getting a FREE 16 oz candle!!! What a great deal!!!! And placing the order online was VERY easy! I am the least computer savvy person around, and I just went through it like I've done it a hundred times before!!! Let your customers know the discount is very worthwhile!!!
--Mishelle C."

Also, demonstrator Kathy Bull has been incorporating the Simply 2 program into her business. She wrote:
"I thought I would give you some great news. Well my contact two a day worked. I just did a party on Saturday and it hit 700.00 and the hostess isn't done yet. She has a few more orders to give me tomorrow."

Keep up the great work, ladies!

October Party Games

Our newest demo, Megan Moreno, just had her debut party and did a great job! She shared her party experience with me and I really appreciated her efforts so I wanted to share her ideas with all of you.

There were 9 people in attendance and they played two games. I know some of you don't do games at parties, but I feel like it is important to get the crowd interacting and relaxed a little bit. Megan's game ideas were perfect for this goal.

First of all, she provided all the guests with a pencil and paper and they had to close their eyes and draw a jack-o-lantern while she walked them through each step. The one with the best jack-o-lantern wins a prize. You could choose the winner, let the host choose, or let the crowd choose. The second game was getting to know your host. Megan explains, "I had a list of items such as favorite movie, restaurant, country, etc... and the host had to write down the first thing that came to her mind. The others had to try and figure out what she would write down and the person with the most answers correct won." I think that's a wonderful idea and fun for all. One other thing Megan did that really impressed me was making treat bags for everyone who came. She didn't want anyone to leave empty-handed. She filled little party sacks with Hershey's kisses and a tealight for each guest.

Megan, you are fantastic! You really went the extra mile with your first party. Congratulations, and keep up the great work! I hope the rest of you will also share some of your business ideas with us.

While I'm here, I'll go ahead and share some another idea as well. Megan had mentioned to me that she had a guy in attendance. I've heard of "couples" parties, and guy nights where the ladies all bring their boyfriends/husbands and serve "guy" food (meatballs, chips, sodas) and let the guys participate. The game they played was making up the most creative scent idea for a new candle fragrance - like "Steak & Potatoes" or "Mechanic's Shop" or "Burnt Hair". Guys come up with all kinds of crazy stuff women wouldn't think of. And they love to smell and pick the scents their wives are buying. Men are big buyers! And at convention this year there were LOTS of men in attendance - helping thier wives demonstrating when they see how lucrative the business is.

Personal Websites

Most of the calls and questions I've been answering for you recently have been concerning the corporate-sponsored demonstrator websites. Here it is in a nutshell:

1. How much does it cost?
Quarterly $29.97 or Yearly 99.97 You choose which way you prefer and they will bill you automatically. This amount also includes Gold Canyon's monthly E-Newsletter Service for all the clients with email addresses in your Customer List. You can cancel your subscription anytime by going to Essentials/Action/My E-Tools.

2. How do I sign up?
Log in to Essentials and go to Action/My E-Tools. You pick your URL, billing cycle and payment amount, and Voila! You're ready to start your Internet business. Check out our team mate's sites (scroll down and look at right column). This will give you ideas to personalize your site.

3. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Having a personal website allows you to accept customer credit card orders -- simply enter it on your personal website, better yet, let them enter their own orders and pay with their credit card! Also, you can share your website with friends and family who don't live close to you. They'll support your business and no shipping hassles! Your customers will love being able to shop online 24/7.

4. Tips & Hints All of you that already have personal websites, please share any ideas or tips you've learned or experienced with the rest of us. My advice - you have to market yourself if you want business!!!! Customers don't just show up on there, you have to get your website "out there". Put a magnetic sign on your vehicle, add your new website to your business cards, reorder stickers and catalogs.

Just a few tidbits...

Monday I participated in a conference call with other Senior Managers in our region, hosted by our Kathleen Quirk at the home office. I always bring little ideas away with me and thought you might enjoy some of them as well...

Some of the demonstrators expressed an inability to get "home" parties - many are leaning towards "catalog" parties. This wasn't the case with the panel of Senior Managers on the phone, only a few had experienced this challenge. That means LOTS of people out there are willing, and having home parties. But an idea that might help your host lean towards a HOME party would be to increase your offerings; add a little "something" to your host gift and let your potentials know, if they have a catalog party they will get such & such but if they have a HOME party they get that PLUS ________. (Don't break the bank, do something you can afford or that you have on hand already). If any of you have more ideas for this, please comment or email.

Once you get your party on the calendar, be sure to use the booking game explained in the previous Karen Phelps post and you'll get a lot more parties coming down the pipe.

One demonstrator on the call was having a party and the "buzz" was that everyone in attendance had already purchased the candles they needed from a recent fundraiser. (I've heard this one before!) For some, this kind of talk could ruin the mood and dampen the party. But not this demonstrator! She jumped right in with a fantastic plan. She had bottles of the Homeology cleaning products on hand and a roll of paper towels for her demonstration, and she announced "We're going to have a cleaning party!" She assigned different guests a bottle and a task and they all took turns cleaning windows, walls, counters, tile, etc. Everyone had such a great time and the host's home was sparkling! Needless to say, lots of Homeology products were purchased that night! And to top the evening off, they all washed their hands with the Emerge Start Fresh Hand Soap, Grains of Truth Hand Scrub and Raise Your Hand Silk. It was a very successful party. Make sure you incorporate our unique lines into your parties and presentations - especially those of you who have been doing this business for a long time and might be feeling a little "blah".

It's been said that "the eye buys". If you have the resources and talents, take a minute to dress up your candles - a simple ribbon with a jingle bell tied to it, pretty raffia or bows, ornaments, candy, etc. Use little props from the dollar store to make your display more attractive. (See Fall ideas from convention post).

I received by email some spreadsheets you might enjoy and find useful for your businesses. One of them lists all of the current fragrances and prices by category, the other has all the fragrances, prices, tax and shipping (you would need to modify for your rates). You could use these lists for a number things, from wish lists, to party packets, to fliers, and more. If you are interested I will you email them to you.

The last idea is one that can also be emailed or you can create your own. One of the demos on the call uses a 1/2-sheet questionnaire for gathering new customer information. She sits them out at parties, boutiques and craft shows and anyone who fills it out completely receives a free tealight. The form consists of the following fields: Date, name, address, best time to call, phone #, favorite item/scent, party interest, interest in selling, interest in fundraising, email address. Again, please email me if you'd like me to send you a copy.

Thanks for reading! Come again soon!

Party Plans and the Economy

Kathleen Quirk, my regional sales manager at the home office sent this email. It addresses a concern many of you have shared with me about your businesses and the economy right now.

I have had several people ask me how I think the economy is affecting party plan or they have said, “My business is down because of the economy.” Well, I want to share my insight on our business and the economy.

Based on my experience, when the economy is in trouble, party plan grows. Why? Let’s think about what we or any party plan company has to offer. We offer opportunities:

-If people are out of work or need extra money, we have a great way they can work their own schedule and with a minimal investment start their own business. WOW! That’s an answer to a lot of people’s prayers.

-For those that may not have the money to purchase gifts for the holidays, they will love to receive our free Host rewards to give friends, mothers, sisters, etc.

-And guests…we can’t have a party without guests. It seems that no matter how tight money may be, Americans are going to purchase holiday gifts so why not support a friend’s party and buy their gifts from a Demonstrator?

All we see right now in the news is how bad the economy is. Well, let’s make this into a positive for as many people as possible. The economy is a mind-set. If you believe your Gold Canyon business is hurting because of the economy, you’re right. If you believe you have the answers to challenges people are facing and you can help them overcome their issues with our opportunities, you’re right. Which belief system is empowering you and your business? Which belief system is paralyzing you and your business? It’s your choice.

To support what Kathleen has just shared, Gold Canyon just had a record day in sales for the company since they have been in business! On Wednesday, GC had $1.7 MILLION in sales. WOW! That sounds like someone is holding parties and that the party plan economy is just fine! Congratulations in being part of such a promising situation.

"Do You Love Candles?"

One of our team demos, Jenny from AZ sent me an email today. She said "I can't seem to find anyone that wants to buy anything, do you have any suggestions?"

I wanted to share my response with all of you as well.

My first suggestion for you would be to try to meet some new people with the purpose of your candle business in mind. For most people, this means getting out of your comfort zone a little, but it pays off. At conference a demonstrator who is doing remarkably well, shared how she experiences so much success. Her name is Roshonda Contee-Davis, and she had a friendly, smiley, outgoing personality. Every person she talks to, she asks, "Do you love candles?" It opens up a conversation that leads to a business opportunity. Almost always, the person will answer "yes", then you can share why you sell Gold Canyon, and tell about our products. Then, give a catalog or business card or whatever you promote yourself with. The person can become a customer, a host or a new demonstrator.

The key is, Roshonda literally asks EVERYONE -- including the person giving her the food at the drive-thru, the lady in line at the supermarket, the insurance service rep on the telephone -- anyone and everyone she talks to, she asks that same question, "Do you love candles?" So let's all give that a good try. Be brave! Just ask that simple question to everyone you come in contact with for a day and see if it opens any doors for you. I bet you'll want to do it the next day, too!

My second suggestion would be practice some of the scripts we were given to "call up" parties. To find these, scroll down to the "Labels" section of the column to the right. Click "Booking" and then scroll down to the post titled "It's a Party Out There". Be confident, you have much to offer!

While you're going about these challenges, remember this: If you want what you've never had you must do what you've never done. My piano teacher used to tell me, "Practice makes nearly perfect" - so everybody, let's start practicing!!! Please let me know how it goes.

September Recognition

First of all, I want to welcome our new demonstrators, DEBRA PETERSON (AZ), LYNN HAYES (NC), MEGAN MORENO (AZ), TANDY MILLER (AZ), ADRINA COLLINS (NM), CHRISTYN KEIL (AZ) and HEATHER MENDOZA (AZ). Let's give a big hand to our demonstrators who sponsored this month, MELANIE DAVIS (AZ), MARY REYNOLDS (AZ) and SAMANTHA GOODMAN (AZ). You guys are awesome!

Thank you, everybody, for a great start in our fall season! Our team sales for the month were $12,551, that's with about half of us placing orders. You guys are great!

I want to start with recognition for the Simply 2 Incentive, which lasts from 9/1-11/30. Your parties over $350 will count for the Target Gift Cards to be awarded at the end of the Incentive (4 parties >$350+2 qualified recruits=$150 Gift Card). The demonstrators who submitted parties over $350 in September are: Melanie Davis, Angie Palmer, Gina Anderson (2), Christine Dunlap, Heather Mendoza, Mary Reynolds, Ronda Strauss, Monica Vega (2).

Next, I want to give props to our two demos who did fundraisers this month, both first-timers, Traci Rhodes (AZ) and Kathy Ashton (WA). Neither of these gals are Gold Demonstrators, so the fundraiser went through me and I had a chance to train them and observe them, both working efficiently and professionally. Coincidentally, both demonstrators had Gymnastics teams for their organizations, and both groups sold about $1000 each. You, too, can do it!

Our highest party last month goes to Gina Anderson at $800.34 (Guam). I bet your host enjoyed picking out $100 free, 2 1/2-off items, an 8oz Heritage at 1/2-off, PLUS her exclusive Potted Blooms gift! That's a lot of wax! Has your host considered selling Gold Canyon? Just think, she could have made over $200 commission for this party. Gina, please email your tips and secrets to a successful party - you did a terrific job!

Congratulations to Sheridan Givens (AZ) who completed well over $500 in sales in her first month to earn the free kit promotion.

Most personal website orders goes to Melanie Davis with 7. Melanie, how do you market your website? Please share any ideas with us. Most party orders goes to Christine Dunlap (AZ) with 4.

Thank you, everybody, for making this a great month! Keep up the super selling and remember you can always call me for help and questions.

Traci's Simply 2 and Diffusers

Traci, don't kill me for this! An entire post about YOU! :o)

One of our team demonstrators has taken Gold Canyon's Simply 2 Challenge to heart! After our team tele-meeting, Traci organized a monthly worksheet to map out her goals with Simply 2. The worksheet is separated out into weeks with her customer contact goals, party goals and sponsoring goals. She did a beautiful job on it, and I don't know how to upload Adobe files to this blog so you're going to have to email me if you want a copy. She simplified Gold Canyon's expectations to fit her level of activity. She says, "My own personal goal is 2 customer contacts per week (for me this means outside of my school because I make several customer contacts there every day), 2 parties per month w/ 2 bookings from each party and then 1 sponsor & 1 fundraiser (1 + 1 = 2!)". Traci put the form on her wall to remind and motivate herself. She has already completed a fundraiser and is sponsoring her first demonstrator this month. By the way, if any of you would like to meet Traci, I have listed her MySpace site in the right margin with demonstrator websites. If any of you have a business-related website, please share with us.

Traci also sent me an email this week with some feedback about Gold Canyon's awesome new diffusers! She says, "I put a diffuser in the staff bathroom at my school. Several people had questioned me about it before it came in... was it really as good as it was supposed to be? how long did it last? was it a strong smell? Well, everyone at my school LOVES it. No more stinky bathroom and they can't believe how well it works. This is the perfect solution to teachers not being able to burn candles in their classrooms."

Thank you, Traci, for the great ideas and testimonial! I hope all of you can incorporate these ideas to help grow your business!

Candy Bar Game

Everyone, watch your mailboxes for the Essentials magazine from Gold Canyon! There's lots of great articles for us. Inside the front cover is a recap on the Simply 2 program. Page 1 is Karen's article "Why I Love..." where she shares a cute party display idea for the Snowman Pod Warmer. Inside you will also find great information on Fundraisers, which will help boost your fall sales. The Dear Maven article has some FAQ answers you should read up on to be prepared when your customers ask about our dual wicks and cool-burning wax. The cool-burning wax is always fun information for customers, once I poured some wax onto my arm to demonstrate and everyone gasped. It's amazing that this wax doesn't heat up like normal candle wax and it doesn't burn your skin. My FAVORITE article of the Essentials magazine is on p. 12 called "The Power of Parties". There are great points and ideas in here from Alicia Lundy, a Manager in AZ. She talks about a Candy Bar game that I couldn't wait to share with you! I emailed Alicia right away to get the details, and here is her reply:

CANDY BAR GAME
Recipe For Bookings:
12 Full Size Candy Bars (I use King Size bars)
12 Raffle Tickets (I use GC Contact Cards)
Tape
2 Party Pleasers
1 Grand Prize
Willing Audience

Raffle Tickets
3 ENJOY
2 FREE GIFT
1 GRAND PRIZE
6 LET'S PARTY

Right after you show everybody what they receive as FREE and DISCOUNTED from our Host Rewards and Monthly Promotions, take your basket of candy bars and say…. "We are going to play a SWEET GAME! This is a game of Chance and a game of Honor. I have 12 candy bars and they each have a raffle ticket taped to the bottom. A few raffle tickets say ENJOY and you get to enjoy your candy bar! A couple say FREE GIFT and you can choose one of my free gifts. There is one that says GRAND PRIZE and you are the winner of this (hold up your grand prize). The rest say LET'S PARTY and you are the luckiest winner of all because you get to have a party and receive all of your favorite Gold Canyon products FREE (wave your hand over the grouping of the host rewards and monthly promotions that you just showed them). Now remember….this is a game of CHANCE and a game of HONOR. You DO NOT have to play….however if you choose to play I am going to expect you to hold up your end of the bargain just like you would expect me to hold up my end of the bargain."

Pass your basket of candy bars around the room and watch the bookings flow in. I ask them once they pick a candy bar to hold it with the raffle ticket face down until everyone has picked. As soon as someone picks Let's Party hand them your date card. Anyone who takes a candy bar CAN BE BOOKED! They are willing to CHANCE having a show so GO GET THEM!!!

Simply 2

Last night we had a team tele-conference discussing Gold Canyon's new "Simply 2" Slogan. Much thanks to all the demonstrators who took time out of their lives to join me on the call: Mary (AZ), Kathy (NY), Traci (AZ), Monica (CA), Jenny (AZ), Ronda (NY) and Kelly (MA).

Simply 2 reminds us to do 2 things a day for our Gold Canyon business to remain consistent and help build our teams and sales. The 2 things can be adapted to fit your level of activity, but their recommendations are: 2 Parties per Week, 2 Bookings per Party, 2 Sponsors per Month, 2 Customer Contacts per Day, 2 Fundraisers per Month (and for leaders,) 2 Personal Coaching Sessions per Day and 2 Team Promotions per Quarter.

We also discussed Gold Canyon's Simply 2 Incentive taking place 9/1-11/30. It's an additional way to be rewarded for your efforts in consistency this fall. There are higher rewards available but right now I'm just focusing on everyone achieving the first level. (See full incentive flier at Essentials online.)

MONTHLY REWARD: 4 Parties over $350 = 75 Gold Dollars and/or a $2500 Fundraiser = 75 Gold Dollars

MONTHLY BONUS: Sponsor 1 new Demonstrator = $50 in cash

CUMULATIVE REWARD (Paid out 12/10 for combined totals in Sept, Oct & Nov): Sponsor 2 new Demos + 4 Parties over $350 = $150 Target or WalMart Gift Card!!! and/or Sponsor 2 new Demos + 2 fundraisers over $2500= $150 Target or WalMart Gift Card

Gold Canyon designed this special incentive for ALL demonstrators to succeed. Even if you're starting brand new with no customers - implement "SIMPLY 2" into your business and you will succeed!

We recognize our team members who have already placed a party order over $350 this month and are already on their way to the first incentive: Gina Anderson $485, Christine Dunlap $466, Mary Reynolds $554, Ronda Strauss $353, Lisa Thorpe $406, Monica Vega $451.

20 Selling Phrases

These are some helpful phrases that you can rehearse and help boost your sales and booking techniques. Think of these while you're looking through your catalog to help you plan your show presentations. My sister-in-law shared these with me from her Pampered Chef national convention this summer. Any of you are welcome to share any pictures or ideas that have helped your business, too!

1. "Take advantage of this unique opportunity"
2. "An experience you’ll never forget"
3. "Be the first to have one of these…"
4. "Imagine pleasure when…"
5. "Even better than you possibly thought"
6. "Must have"
7. "A bold new look"
8. "As beautiful as it is practical"
9. "Attractive and welcoming"
10. "A clear choice that only the best will do"
11. "A small investment that goes a long way"
12. "A popular choice for a good reason"
13. "A new twist…"
14. "Ground breaking design"
15. "Updated and improved"
16. "Begin your own family traditions"
17. "This is what everyone is raving about"
18. "Years of knowledge and experience"
19. "Hard to resist"
20. "Let yourself be pampered"

Demonstrator Meeting 8/28

Traci, Katie, Erin

Our teammates who attended the recent meeting

Last Thursday we had a combined meeting with a few local Gold Canyon teams. Our theme was "Movin' and Shakin" and all of the convention attendees shared their "ah-ha" moment from conference. I brought home some new great ideas to share, read on!

First of all, our Regional Sales Manager, Kathleen Quirk was visiting from the home office. She announced the dates for next year's convention so you can start planning for it now. Please mark your calendar for Aug 12-14, 2009 in Phoenix.

Catalog Idea: Include a cover letter with every catalog you send out! Personalize it to your style, taste and customers. I've already incorporated this into my business, I feel great about it and I can't wait to see how my customers respond.

Party Favor: Print out little slips on your computer (or hand-write if you're neat or crafty) "Be a Smartie, have a party!" Attach each slip with stickers or ribbon to packages of smarties candies and fill a cleaned-out candle jar with them at your next party.

Another saying to use on a handout or write in catalogs, "When money's low, have a show!"

Customer Care: Remember to stay in touch with your customers. Get to know the people at your parties. You'll gain their trust and respect. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Feedback on our new diffusers: Some customers who haven't used this type of product may initially hold back because they're "too expensive". At our meeting, some of the demonstrators reported that they have shopped and compared diffusers from other companies. Pottery Barn sells similar products for $40, and Pier 1 Imports also sells expensive diffusers that aren't as fragrant. Personally, I found a $21 diffuser in ABC Distributing, with a few desirable fragrance choices, but I know from experience that the products have a tendency to be "discount store" quality. I think that Gold Canyon has priced ours well, and everyone is excited about the appliques and long-lasting 3-5months!

Product versatility: Our cute new tealight set "Tree Squirrels" don't have to hold just tealights! Home Goods store sells little acorn salt & pepper shakers that fit on perfectly. Our squirrels are only available while supplies last, so buy yours now!

Lysol vs. GC's Suddenly Scented Sprays: One of the demonstrators in attendance had a family member who works for a leading brand disinfectant spray company. All of the workers there love to purchase Gold Canyon's room sprays because the quality and fragrance is so much better than what they have to offer. Some of the employees actually attempted to break down the makeup of Gold Canyon's spray to figure out how they can improve theirs! I thought this was an exciting selling point for us!

Employee gifts: Now is the time to approach business owners and offer them ideas for their employee holiday gifts. Create a packet with a cover letter, catalog and some gift suggestions to deliver for presentation. Provide 3 price-point packages (they usually pick the one in the middle - make it count!) You may consider offering a discount on quantities and/or gift wrapping. Be sure to include your cost on gift wrap to your sales prices. Contact local doctor's offices, banks, realtors, law firms and other businesses you frequent.

Approach holiday parties this way - instead of focusing on how busy the season is. Invite your customers to party now and do their holiday shopping with you. Have wish lists, make lists of "who" their shopping for, etc. and then "save them from the mall" by helping them shop for everyone on their list WITH YOU!

Holiday Idea: Offer a 12-Days of Christmas program. Predetermine 12 small gifts from Gold Canyon and sell them in a gift bag as a ready-to-give gift. All the purchaser needs to do is slip one on the recipient's desk, pillow or doorstep each day for 12 days leading up to Christmas. (You may also wish to offer 8 days of Hanukkah).

Party Idea: Drop fliers off at businesses offering Lunch Parties where you can set up your display and have a few games in their office while it's closed up for lunch break.

Gift Certificates: You can make your own fancy gift certificates on your computer, or stop by the local office supply store the next time you drive by and pick up a pack of gift certificates. They come in so handy in this season, and it will give you another selling point to your customers who might worry about picking the wrong scent for a gift.

Advertising: Our Candle/Body/Home products are PERFECT for the person who has everything! We make shopping easy! Plaster this idea all over your fliers, newsletters, emails, catalogs, party invitations, etc.

Conference attendees at recent local meeting, sporting our "movin & shakin" t-shirts and sharing ideas and helps we brought back from convention.