Enhance Your Success and Your Income

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do."

--Pope John XXIII7

Do you realize how lucky you are? You are living in the land of opportunity. You are living in a time when everything is moving so fast, today's technology will be outdated tomorrow. That's exciting, because there is always opportunity in an ever-changing world. You can have anything you want but you may not want it bad enough to go after it. WOW!

I just attended an amazing training event (as a student) so I could learn about the new software we invested in last year. I was in a room with over 600 other entrepreneurs all eager to learn. It was awesome! Every one was so excited. It reminded me a lot of you and other direct sellers like yourself. You are excited to succeed in your business! You want to have a consistent "weekly income" but too often you let things slip through the cracks.

When you joined Gold Canyon you probably made a conscious decision to learn all you could before you got started and then when you were supposed to attend the first training something came up and you couldn't attend. The second training, another catastrophe struck and pretty soon you said, the heck with it, I'll just go out and muck my way through it and see if this direct selling stuff works.

A colleague of mine has often said, "I'm constantly amazed at how stupid I was last week." He is a constant student of learning. He reads one book a week, he attends trainings and workshops in his field and no matter how much he knows he said he always comes back from a training or meeting having learned as much if not more than some of the paid attendees. By the way, he is the speaker at the events.

Why is it, the people who already know a lot are always the ones eager to learn more? What are you doing to gain the competitive edge over other salespeople in your company? What will distinguish you from the "rest of the pack" when you are at a trade show or vendor show grabbing at the same people to get them to come to your booth?

Are you willing to go the extra mile for your customers? Are you willing to invest in yourself and your business? Are you going about your business in the same mediocre way because you are too stubborn or too lazy to change?

Some people have probably already quit reading by now. The sad truth is, it's probably the one's who need this information the most. I just have to say, I am really tired of the lousy attitudes of most people. I'm tired of hearing about the lousy economy (I live in Michigan so you can help us by buying a US made automobile.) I know people are out of work and I feel sorry for them, however I also know one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity.

Some people will go for another two or three years looking for the perfect job instead of trying something new and different. There is an amazing opportunity to earn an above average income with your direct selling company. How many unemployed people have you shared the opportunity with? Granted, this business is not for everyone, but are you at least sharing it with people to let them know what a fantastic opportunity it is?

Are you just like the others who are making excuses as to why they don't have the bookings, sales, recruits and money they want? Is it every one else's fault or is it your fault you don't have the income you want to take your family on vacation this year? Whose fault is it you don't have the money to pay off your credit cards? If you are in direct selling it's your responsibility to set goals, create and action plan and get off your bottom and go to work. I know you don't have a time clock to punch in to work (maybe you should) but don't you think you should show up for at least 10 hours a week?

If you are sold on being in this funky state of mind I wish you luck, since you'll definitely need it. If you are ready to step put of your recession and you want to take the next step toward financial independence and lifestyle freedom then continue reading.

Get out of your own way. Your negative thoughts are preventing you from having the success you desire. In his book "Success Principles", Jack Canfield suggests you put a rubber band on your wrist and every time you have a negative thought snap the rubber band and replace it with a positive thoughtI know many people who would be black and blue because they had to snap themselves so many times. I hope you aren't one of them. Do you find yourself doing just enough to "qualify" each month to reach your minimums. If so you will never rise above the mediocrity you continue to plan for and accept. Maybe it's time to "raise your own bar". You will never become better than your most dominant thoughts. If you have a severe case of "stinkin' thinkin" as Zig Ziglar would say, it's time to put some processes into action to change your thoughts to begin to change your life.

Face your fears. Are you one of the people who are afraid to take action because something might go wrong. GET OVER IT! I'm currently reading a great book that provides a whole list of people who went bankrupt at least once and then continued on to become very successful. If fear is preventing you from trying something new or taking the next step stop and ask yourself this question. "What is the best thing that may result from me taking this action." If the best thing that can happen is a whole lot better than the fear you are allowing to consume you then "put your big girl panties (or big boy boxers) on and deal with it" You will be instantly amazed at how much more you will accomplish in less time with less energy (worrying drains the heck out of you) and with much more enthusiasm.

Start Studying. How much time and money have you invested in yourself to increase your worth. Since January I have already attended one training and I have registered for two more to attend this year. The total cost for all three trainings including hotel and airfares will be approximately $12,000. Some of you are thinking, is she nuts? I guarantee you what I am learning is imperative for my success and the information I learn is passed on to the members of Direct Selling Doctor. I have been learning sales and marketing skills and have begun to teach these same techniques to our members to use in their direct selling businesses to help them keep the competitive edge over their peers. I also attend sales trainings, Direct Selling Association Events and other things that will help me to help you! You must be learning all the time! When is the last time you picked up a business book and read it from cover to cover?

Become a student of success. "Those who perceive themselves to know the most often find themselves at the bottom of the success ladder."--Karen Phelps

Keep Marketing. As soon as you get a prospect, customer or hostess you can't assume they are yours for life. You must continue to market to them. There are many ways to market to your list including mail and email. Every time you market to your list you need to have a reason for contacting. It could be notification of a sale, special promotion or upcoming event. Keep your name, number and website in front of your list all the time and they will soon become your loyal fans.

Get to Work. I am utterly amazed at how lazy people become when the economy is unsettled. It's like they are looking for an excuse not to go to work. There is such a thing as "speed to market" and the bottom line is when you have a new idea, or learn a new procedure you must be ready to begin using it right away. I realize now, that is what distinguished me from so many others when I was in direct selling and that is what distinguishes me from others today. I never took time to overanalyze anything. If it sounded good and I thought it would get me results I went ahead and jumped in. Too many people find themselves waiting for the perfect time, the perfect situation, the perfect prospect or whatever other stupid excuse they can find to not go to work. NOTHING AND NO ONE IS PERFECT! We can all hope to be great at best but I will never pursue perfection. It is a useless and complete waste of my time. I will always keep studying and working to improve but perfection is not a goal of mine.

Go the Extra Mile. What have you done to provide extra service for your customer, hostess or recruit. I have an awesome consultant, Melanie H., with Gold Canyon, who did my show last fall. She has since called me at least 3 times to make sure everything was okay and to follow up. She even ordered a replacement for a damaged item that was not ordered from her. She wanted to make sure I am a "satisfied customer." DO YOU FOLLOW UP AS CLOSELY with your hostesses and customers? I've got to tell you, Melanie is on the ball! I've had numerous other consultants over the years and most have been pretty good, but no one, SO FAR has done such an exceptional job to keep me as a customer. You need to spend as much energy keeping your hostesses and customers as you do getting them in the first place. Satisfied customers will re-order, refer and book a party from you. They will not even consider dealing with someone else because you have taken such good care of them. I have a whole list of people I CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH, because of the good customer service. I have sales clerks in some of my favorite stores who contact me when things they know I like go on sale, (more stores could benefit by doing this), I have preferred waitresses at many of our favorite restaurants and we've been know to wait for a table in our favorite waitress' section. Do your customers look for YOU?

Get to National Convention. There is absolutely no reason for you not to attend Gold Canyon's Annual Convention. (Well childbirth and caring for ailing parents could keep you away) You should also be attending the leadership teleseminars if you are a leader. What could you possibly think you have to gain by staying home? Are you using the lame excuse "I can't afford it?" (Wow, if I had a nickel for every time I heard that from someone in direct selling I'd be wealthy.) Do you understand how important it is for you to associate with and be around other happy, motivated, successful people from your company? If you don't have the money, here is a homework assignment: BOOK SOME PARTIES! How many? As many as it will take for you to get enough money to pay for your registration, airfare, meals and other expenses. ARE YOU WORTH IT? I think you are! I think you should do everything you can to make sure you are at Gold Canyon's convention. I have heard so many stories from consultants who swear that attendance at their company convention changed them and their business. Sometimes you just have to do what you KNOW YOU NEED TO DO! Sometime you have to figure out a way to make it happen.

Remember, you don't get what you deserve in life, You get what you plan for and work for. Are you willing to work for what you deserve? Tough times call for tough people and you will find the strong will survive and even prosper with their businesses. If you are not on road to prosperity it's time to begin the journey. Your next best life is about to begin with a single step. What are you waiting for? Do something NOW!

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

It's a Party Out There

"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it!" ---Michelangelo

The key note speaker at conference on Saturday morning was Karen Phelps, Direct Sales Success Coach. She was beaming with enthusiasm and quick, witty humor, it was impossible not to love her! Her goal is to "keep the fun and profit in direct selling". She shared how our life is shaped by the decisions we have made. We create our own destiny. What are you creating with your Gold Canyon business? 45% of your success comes from prospecting (finding people and telling them what you do). 20% of your success comes from good presentation skills. 20% of your success comes from product knowledge and 15% comes from personal and professional development. So what do you need to do to be successful? Prospect, present, learn and develop. Most of our boundaries are in our head.
"Being successful means breaking down boundaries. No one wants to be mediocre but we are creatures of habit." - Karen Phelps
To help you succeed, you need to write down answers to the following questions and hold yourself to them.
*WHAT IS YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR GOLD CANYON BUSINESS?
*HOW MUCH WOULD YOU LIKE TO EARN FROM YOUR PARTIES IN THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS?
*WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR EARNINGS?
*HOW MANY TIMES PER WEEK DO YOU WANT TO HOLD PARTIES?
*WHEN DO YOU WANT TO HOLD PARTIES?
Here are some ideas for booking parties, which we all know, is where the money is at! First we all had to write down 5 potential hosts (try it! It was too easy) She also shared a forbidden phrase. We can not use the words "Do you want to have a party for me?" Instead use this script: "Hi, this is _______. I'm so excited! I just got back from Gold Canyon Convention and we have so many new and exciting products! I immediately thought of you because I know you will love them and want to earn some free! I have a couple of special dates for your party, __________ and __________. Which one is best for you?"

An idea that she brought to my attention is that if we don't treat our business like a business, we won't have regular paydays. That's a big perk of a 'real' job is having set paychecks. So if we want paid weekly or biweekly, we must book parties for that frequency or we'll miss our paydays! So start setting your dates and make the most of your business.

Booking Challenge: Call 5 leads each day for 10 days. Keep track of each call, the date, phone number, name and their lousy excuse. If you seriously get 50 rejections you can email karen@karenphelps.com and she'll give you 1.5hrs of free coaching. It's impossible *not* to succeed if you do this!

Here are some ways that Karen taught to be able to book 2 parties at every party: 1. During Host Coaching, have your host go through her guest list and mark "B" for "booking" next to the names she thinks would make good hosts. Offer her a special gift that if she has 2 parties booked before you come to the party. Then have her turn in the list to you and you will have more leads. 2. When the guests arrive, greet them by asking "Did you pre-book a party? Please decide before the party so _______ can get her free gift" 3. During your presentation, ask the group, "How many of you have ever had any type of home party? Raise your hand. Then after they raise their hands, say "I'm sure you do it for the same reason I do, to get free and discounted products. Let me show you what you'll get when you party with Gold Canyon..." Then let them know the average party is $400, which means the host gets $60 free plus 1 50% off item. Use your product and pile candles equivalent to that amount on the host's lap (or a separate table) plus be sure to add any of your own specials or promotions on there. 4. Play a booking game. This game is fool-proof for getting bookings. Hold up 3 gift bags, foofed up with tissue paper and looking pretty. Each needs to contain some kind of a booking gift. Then ask for 8 guests to volunteer, you know they will when you're holding those cute bags! After they're standing up in front of the group, give each volunteer a special envelope. Inform them that each envelope contains one of two messages. Either "Book A Party" or "Book a Party AND Receive a Gift". The game is that each gets the chance to open her envelope and see if she is just booking a show OR booking a show AND receiving the pretty gift bag. Each has the opportunity to "Pass" meaning give the envelope back to you and not "risking" a party, or she may open the envelope and see her fate, or she can "UPGRADE" to a "Bonus Envelope" which happens to be your host packet, and you promise that she'll receive her foofy bag the night of her party. It is fun to go down the line and see who's a chicken and passes, who takes chances, and open their envelopes, and who is confident and goes right for the bonus envelope. You can also open up the Bonus Envelope invitation to anyone left in the audience. After you've booked all 8 shows, ask your host, "Do you want to go to all 8 parties and SPEND money or do you want to sign up with me and EARN money at their parties?" Of course if she wants to sign up be sure to give her all of her friends' bookings so she can start her business off with a bang.

Here are some more sponsoring techniques: You sell Gold Canyon products! You market hope and opportunity! *WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL SPONSORING GOAL FOR THE NEXT 5 MONTHS? "Sponsoring is an unselfish act of sharing a fantastic opportunity!" -Karen Phelps In your party presentation, take 1-2 minutes to tell your story. This should include why you're passionate about our products or what drove you to sell them. Ask the guests if they think they could do what you're doing. Talk to your host about selling, make at least 3 attempts: 1. Add a sponsoring booklet to her host packet. During host coaching ask her "Have you ever thought about doing something like this?" 2. During your follow-up call to get directions or confirm the party, ask her "Have you thought more about selling? 3. During the party, get the host involved. Let her tell why she loves the products or why she booked a party. Let her help you pass out catalogs, let her draw winners for door prizes, and be as much of the presentation as possible. When totaling her party, let her know how much your commission was off her party and ask if she'd like to sign up and take this as her first party. She'll already know how easy it is because she's done most of the "work" with you!!
A quick sponsoring game that can be used at parties is pass out little strips with questions for the guests to ask you. You have to answer each in one sentence (avoid "verbal vomit"). The questions are: 1. How much does it cost to start up? 2. How soon can I promote/move up? 3. What type of training will I receive? 4. How much time do I have to spend? 5. What other perks are there? 6. How much will I make? 7. What is the best part about selling? 8. How often do you get paid? Be prepared with concise and positive answers!

Follow these steps and ideas and your business will explode!

Unstoppable

"Be a cause of your life, not an effect"

"My success depends on me"

"I am the one I've been waiting for"

"Work smarter not harder"

These are just a few of the ideas I loved from this presentation!

Our keynote speaker for Friday's session at convention was Cynthia Kersey, author of "Unstoppable", a book that reveals secrets and traits of some of America's greatest achievers. She taught us how we can create a breakthrough in our Gold Canyon businesses in just 30 days. The first step is making a decision: What do I want? That must be written down and specific. Then list 5 reasons Why I must achieve this goal? A strong enough "why" can bear any "how"! She showed a funny cartoon with the caption "I'm not ready to change my life, I'm still in the complaining stage". Hopefully that statement is not true! But it is important to realize and accept What BELIEFS have stopped me from moving forward with my goal? Then one can create empowering beliefs by raising your unstoppability quotient. Here are the ABC's of Unstoppability: A - Adversity - a triggering event (factual). Examples, someone turns down your invitation to purchase, a host cancels the party. Your initial interpretation is: B - Belief - internal self-talk evaluating the event. Examples, they're not interested, they don't like me. Then you feel or do: C - Consequences - quit or keep going. After you experience rejection, is your game over? NO! The new interpretation: D - Disputation - your New Belief. Next! next! next! You've got to get all the rejections out of the way so you can experience your success! and E- Energization - the new outcome. After you stick it out you'll have pleasure and excitement. You'll believe in your self. You can help others in your team believe in themselves, too.

The single most important action we need to take every day is to DO SOMETHING! Don't just think about it, do it. 5% of our actions are driven by our conscious mind. 95% of our actions are driven by our subconscious. 75% of our actions are driven by our negative thoughts. Be positive! A powerful purpose will get you through anything! If you would like more information about Cynthia Kersey's "Unstoppable" book or coaching, visit her official website http://www.unstoppable.net/ Cynthia finished her presentation with a quoted I LOVE by Marianne Williams: "You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking, so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

General Session and Awards (Confention 2008)

Friday night was the big award ceremony - Gold Canyon's version of the Academy Awards. We all got to dress up, walk the red carpet, and they even had paparazzi dressed in hats and trench coats to photograph us as we walked in. Here's Patti (my roommie) with her new car. Gold Canyon announced their new incentive to become a Gold Director (the highest level possible) through December 2010 is a Mercedes S-class. To be a Gold Director you have to have at least 30 in your front line plus at least 2 Directors and 2 Senior Directors in your downline.

Here's Patti & I on the red carpet. No, I didn't get on stage this year. But I cheered my guts out for Kelly. After the awards there was a live band and as much dancing as we could squeeze in the symphony seating. We got back to the room at 11:30 and talked till 1am.
The previous pictures were Friday evening, the following are from our daytime events. Here's Kelly modeling her gorgeous Prayer Child necklace they were selling these at conference. Proceeds benefit Gold Canyon's Prayer Child Foundation http://www.prayerchild.org/.

We attended seminars and classes all day. Last year through Kelly I met these two cute girls from her team, Janet and Kelli. It was so fun to see them again this year and share how they have been able to grow their businesses from brand newbies to strong leaders.

The food is always great. This year was no different. Along with the Movin' & Shakin' theme, our lunch tables were decorated with the hurricane glass on a record, filled with bubble gum and a Cherry Lime Rickey candle with a matching bow around the top (see below). I wasn't trying to snap the ladies, just the centerpiece. Hi Jane and.... dang I still can't remember this other lady's name. I know she told me.
It was fun to get our lunch boxes! They were all in the shape of classic cars. Stuffed in the seats were tortilla wraps and chips. Not only fun, it was delicious!

This was a new poster, it's snapshots of Curt and Karen with all the celebrities who use Gold Canyon. Some I remember, Kenny Chesney, Whoopie Goldberg, Reba & lots more.

There was a Prayer Child program in the morning we got to see pictures of some of the recipients of prayer child grants. All of the children/families they help are nominated by Gold Canyon Demonstrators. They've donated over $1 million to help with medical bills, special equipment, surgeries and other expenses for special needs families. There is a committee that meets each month and they take the amount of money in the budget for the month and split it by the nominations (usually 12-15/mo) and then the demonstrator who nominated receives and presents the check. Of course they always spotlight one of the families on stage and our hearts and eyes are all overflowing. The Phoenix Boys Chorus performed "Simple Gifts" at the beginning of the program and finished with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", both songs accompanied by pictures of all the special, some suffering children on the screen behind. It is touching.

Back to the fun, this is Angela. It was her first year at conference but she was such a breath of fresh air! You can tell by this smile, she was so bouncy and fun. I'll share all my notes from the classes in a future post.

Movin' and Shakin' (Convention 2008)

Opening night at Convention is always fun because they have the big kick-off for the conference theme. Everything this year was from the 50s. I can't even start to describe all of the fun decorations, props, music, costumes... They had a dance troupe from Broadway entertaining us (Sherrilynn!!!). The pre-show entertainment was "expected". The costumes were typical, the dances traditional, very enjoyable but not fantastic. The SPECTACULAR part came when the curtain lifted for the "real" show and the dancers wore 50s costumes with a modern twist - and danced to updated versions of the 50s songs and "hip" renditions of those 50s dances. It was so enjoyable! Will all of you please come with me next year??? Then, in their final number, that song from the end of Grease.... what's it called?... "We go together like ramma-lamma-lamma-ka-ding-ditty-ding-de-dong" you know, that one. Curt & Karen (Gold Canyon's founders) came out center stage and danced the whole finale along with the troupe. It was very cute, obvious that they aren't dancers, but fun nonetheless. Karen was wearing a little black outfit kind of like Olivia Newton John did in Grease. She & Curt had gone to New York and taken lessons to be able to do that - so fun! I want to do that! They stayed on stage when the troupe finished the session by sharing and teaching the idea that learning to run our businesses effectively can be compared to learning to dance - it takes practice, and after you get the basic steps you can start adding fancy flourishes.

Like I said before, everything was decorated in juke boxes, diners, all kinds of cute things. One of my favorite, most creative, unique decorations was the giant balloon soda pops. There were several of these around the halls. This is my dear friend & mentor Kelly Montierth posing by the soda pop with me, in our poodle skirts, of course. (For those who haven't met me yet, I'm on the left)

Speaking of Kelly, she's so on the ball, she made all of us these cute satin pink scarves and gift bags with glasses, gum and other treats. We all worship Kelly so she let us sit up front with her, just kidding, we loved her before we knew she had the VIP seats. Help me with names somebody, L-R: ??, Janet, Nancy, Jane, Kelli, ??, Angela; Bottom: Kelly & I

After the big opening session we were all pumped up and ready for the Fall Product Release party. This is where we get to see, touch and smell all of the new fall product first hand. And of course, refreshments!!! My plate looks wimpy but I was feeling full from our Mexican dinner at Matador's. I took this picture because I wanted to remember to make these things for my fall party, MINIATURE PUMPKIN PIES!!!!, coconut macaroons, peppermint bark and brownies. They also had a chocolate fountain with all kinds of dipping things.

Gold Canyon had the entire ballroom filled with rented furniture and false walls - made to look as cozy and welcoming as someone's home (mansion)- and every room was decked to the max with candle displays. It was so incredible! I won't make you all jealous by telling you they sold us boxes of the used items dirt cheap! Okay, I will. Anyways, these pictures will give you some great ideas for staging your candle displays for your fall parties.

This was one out of the Halloween room. The little feet on the left are the "Witches' Brew" set. To their right is our Floating Tealight Trio and instead of filling it with water they put gummy eye balls in it! Sitting on the place seting is the other part of the Witches Brew shoes, but instead of the cauldron they come with, one of our floating tealight cups is filled with candy corns and a little place holder is stuck inside.

I sell tons of the Iron Votive Centerpiece holders, and I always love the endless possibilities with it. Here, it's shown framed by two tapers in our new Dual Hammered Glass holders (with a fall leaf stuck inside), and then the Iron Votive Centerpiece has skinny pinecones stuck inside some of the votive cups! The other cups have candles of course, and then it's finished off with wired dall ribbon wrapped all around the edge and tied in the front for a finishing touch. It looked fantastic!

These little squirrels are so much cuter in real life than in the catalog! I loved how they put this little guy in our Footed Glass Hurricane, al sitting on top of fall berries, and then little plastic acorns and fall leaves help set the scene. These little guys looked right at home scattered all around the fall colors and leaves. They'll fit in perfectly to everyone's fall decor!

I'm not so sure burning candles on hay bales is such a great idea. These were fake hay, though and hopefully flame-retardant. Well we didn't have any accidents anyway. These displays were simpler, but they offered a nice mood grouped with the fall props. Lots of us probably already have scarecrows and pumpkins and such. Just take a few things you already have to spruce up the table at your next party!

This was another beautiful table. Each dinner plate featured one of our sparkling new Ruffled Candle Pedestals, holding cinnamon stickes tied with raffia, and then a little country home-made pinecone turkey (see his red head, googly eyes and straw tail) It was country meets sophistication - I think I'll try it on my Thanksgiving table this year! See more squirrels sitting around on the runner. Also, tied to the front of the pillar is the hang tags off our new Harvest Hearth candle.

This is my favorite idea HANDS DOWN! The large French Vanilla and Buttercreme Pillar is wrapped in biscotti!!!!!!!! Yummo! And it was all tied together with a cream colored satin ribbon. This would make the perfect display to show your Caffe Velluto candles! And look at the little copper coffee-shaped wick dipper leaning on the saucer. That's only available in our exclusive "Double Shot" Gift Box.

This display was elegant and gorgeous, too. Our Cottage Tealight Lamp (left) was surrounded in pretty glass ornaments and glittering leaves. Then on the right, the Gold Leaf Floret holds our newest product, a DIFFUSER! There was so much hype about these diffusers, I guess everyone has been requesting them like crazy. They last 3-5 months and the sticks use every last drop of the fragrance oil. I thought this was a very attractive way to display it.

This was a bedroon. At the foot of the bed was three Footed Glass Hurricanes sat on mirror tiles. Each hurricane has glass tree ornament bulbs in the colors of the pillar candle. Shown: Heather & Hyacinth; French Vanilla & Buttercream.

On to Christmas! This little Gingerbread House scene is self-explanatory - using cotton snow with little people and trees. It was creative that one of the Gingerbread Houses was sat up on our Candy Cane Columns for height variation. By the way - each of these adoreable Gingerbread Houses is our new tealight holders for the season!

Another use for the Gingerbread House holders - place holders again. I didn't zoom in enough to see how they attached the card to the chimney. Each piece of stem ware is donning the felt hang-tag from our new Peppermint Bark candle. Also in the center of the table it's hard to see but the floating glass tealight holders are filled with water and red rose petals. It looked very lovely.

This is another favorite of mine. The brown box is one of our current plush gift boxes which has been filled with ornaments, glittery leaves and taper candles tucked right in. This was so beautiful!

This is kind of a top view so it doesn't look that great, but it was. There are jingle bells sprinkled around like confetti. Then, two Ruffled Candle Pedestals are stacked on top (like tiers) both filled with gumdrops and the top pedestal holds the new Gingerbread candle. Both of the floating glass tealight holders on the side are filled with mini gumdrops and tied with matching Gingerbread hang-tags. The glass tealight squared have a simple ribbon tied around to make them more colorful.

This was way cute and easy. The glass hurricane is filled with mini candy canes and our new Peppermint Bark candle is nestled inside. Each of those votive cups are filled with peppermints and a tealight on top. All have the Peppermint Bark hang tag on them.

I really liked this red, white and blue Christmas display. I wouldn't have thought to put the Snow Bear Hugger on top of the Candy Cane Column like that. And all of the blue Amber Woods and Savannah Rain pillar candles look beautiful. There are two small holders on the left, a set of the Snow Bear Votives - and the votive glass is filled with red berries or candies or something.

Home Office Tour (Convention 2008)

Day 1: Thursday - Home Office Tours. Our tour bus picked us up from the hotel and took us to Chandler to Gold Canyon's office. All of the production, customer service, finances, everything takes place there.
There are bricks paving the way to the front of the building with all of the original "Charter" Distributors who invested the "old" way - $5,000 initial investment. They've now changed to make it easier for everyone to join - only $99 now. I'm laying on sun baked bricks that are like 400 degrees to get this picture in the bright sun with my brick. The name of my business was "The Candle Closet".

Close up

Here we are in the warehouse, they have about 12 aisles like this, floor to high ceiling, with candles ready to be picked and packed for orders. We didn't get to go inside the "top secret" section where the candles are poured.

I don't remember this conveyor belt the last time I went through, I was impressed at how fast the boxes travel through it, from the picking line they are dropped, scanned and travel here for weiging and shipping/packing labels. All was quick and computerized, fun to watch.

Here's the new expanded warehouse. It's an additional 100,000 sq. ft. of space to grow into. The ceilings are higher and more skylights to make it brighter. Loved the motion lights, as you walk the lights over head turn on automatically, so only the parts that are being use light up.

After the tour we met in the employee break room for refreshments. Of course it was decorated to the max in our 50s theme. It was certainly a party in there.

In the hallways of the office, they have large (huge) banners with all of last year's recognition posted. Remember, these are the top 100 out of 25,000 demonstrators nationwide. I made it for Highest Average Frontline Sales 2007

Here's a close-up, I should have stepped back so I could see my numbers, not sure how much.

These two pictures are out of order, another one of our team members, Mary made it to the fundraising chart. Go Mary!

There was fun tour-y info on the busses for the 30-min drive from the hotel. They gave all kinds of AZ trivia and even brought some huge lizards for us to hold and learn about. Here's the gal holding the lizard, and "Angel Island Chuckwalla" on her chest. It was gross and freaked me out being so near to her while she was doing the presentation. I didn't want to hold it but lots of passengers did.

It was a fun tour, from start to finish took about 2 1/2 hours. I look forward to sharing the experience IN PERSON with all of you next year!