Girlfriends, Avon & You

This blog entry idea came from a collegue that I met on Twitter.  Believe it or not, there are some great thoughts and ideas there, once you get through the chaos that is Twitter!   But I am grateful for the opportunity to share this with you.  Hope that you enjoy it as well.

Girlfriends.  What would we do without them?  From the very first time you met each other over Barbie Dolls and Easy Bake Ovens, to the the time when you are asking her to be in your wedding, girlfriends have proved that they are the pillars which help us stand.

I know that as an Avon representative, my girlfriends are the first ones that I approached when I first started to sell.  I knew that I could approach them without feeling awkward or tense.  In fact, Kim,one of my girlfriends, already had an Avon rep.  It was her sister.  However, instead of telling me that she would only buy from her sister, she split her patronage between the 2 of us.  In this way, neither her sister or I felt slighted or felt that she was playing favorites.  On a sad note, Kim’s sister passed away from breast cancer last year.    As both an Avon rep and a customer (yes, I am addicted to Skin So Soft) I buy Avon’s Pink Ribbon Products and encourage my customers to do so as well.  The Pink Ribbon Products have been supporting breast cancer and care since 1992.  It is, in my small way, a show of support for Kim’s sister and all of the other girlfriends out there who have lost loved ones to breast cancer and those who are lucky to call themselves survivors. 

Another great thing that  I thing that I through Avon have been able to present to my girlfriends and customers is the introduction of The Avon Empowerment Fund which was formed to end violence against women. Spearheaded by Reese Witherspoon, Avon’s Global Ambassador, Avon has introduced the Empowerment Pendant Necklace and Empowerment Bracelet to that end.   No wonder Avon is known for being the company for women.  Not only does it give women the means to become their own boss, but it also is trying to find ways to improve the lives of women everywhere.   Moreover, 100% of the profits will be donated to the Avon Empowwerment Fund to end violence against women. For more information, please visit www.avonfoundation.org. 

Empowerment Pendant Necklace

Empowerment Bracelet

Now, as I mentioned earlier, I truly believe that girlfriends are the pillars that support us.  Who else can you go to when you have broken up with they guy you thought was the “one”?  Who else is there when you just need to veg out and watch as “chick flick”?  Who is going to give you an honest opinion on the outfit you just bought or the new hair cut you just got?  And who else can you go to when you have started a small business venture and ask them for support?  Am I glad that I have girlfriends?  You bet!  And I am also glad that I am involved in a business that allows me to not only support myself, but to also support the girlfriends that I have and the new ones that I will meet along the way. 

Other Cool Stuff

For those of you who are getting married or even thinking of getting married, you may be interested in the upcoming event that my good friend and collegue is giving.  It is called the I Do Bridal Tea.  Here are the details:

Lights! Camera!….I Do Want To Be Fabulous!
Friday, June 19, 2009 2:00-6:00pm
Location:
The Spark Center
161 W. 22nd Street
Bet. 6th & 7th Ave
New York, NY  10011

   

Whether you are celebrating your engagement or anniversary, it’s A Day of Fun and Pampering for you and your gals; bridal party, or diva group or just celebrate you! You deserve it!  

VIP PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Beauty Makeovers at our Makeup Bars
Photoshoots by Michelle Wild Photography
Refreshments
Vendors To Shop
Door Prizes, FREE Raffles, Swag Bags filled w/Goodies
Mingle and Chat

For regisration and ticket information log onto http://www.lightscameraido.eventbrite.com

Sounds like fun, huh?  So if you have some time, stop by and check it out.  I am going to be there and I hope to see you there as well. 

Well, that’s all for now.  Take care and for all of you girlfriends out there, take care of yourselves and each other. 

Regards,

Tracey

 

 

Cool Stuff Spotlight

I was just sent one of those e-mails that asks you to forward after reading. My first thought was “Oh, great another e-mail chain letter!” I really don’t like those. I mean, I have enough to worry about without wondering that if I don’t forward this e-mail, my dog’s hair will fall out. Or after I do forward, all of my dreams and wishes will come true, just like a Disney movie. If that was the case, I would be sitting on a beach right now sipping some exotic drink and feeling sorry for people who have to work for a living! I mean jeez, come on!!

Ok, I realize that I wandered away from my chain of thought just then. Sorry about that. I’m back now. What got my attention was that this e-mail had actual information that was useful. And asked that I forward it to people who I thought would like the information as well. And here is the bonus. I did not have to worry about some curse coming down on my head or wait for my rainbow full of riches to come pouring through my window. Nice huh?

So since I don’t have e-mail access to everyone, here is a copy of what I received. I hope that you will find it as useful as I did.

ATTORNEY’S ADVICE – NO CHARGE

Not A Joke!! You will love them for these tips.

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company:

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put ‘PHOTO ID REQUIRED.’

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the ‘For’ line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won’t have access to it.

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address.Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have It printed, anyone can get it.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We’ve all heard horror stories about fraud that’s committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here’s some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here’s what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)
7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the internet in my name.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves’ purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271

So feel free to forward this to any and all you know. You won’t be cursed if you don’t want to send it to anyone, and no, you won’t be granted your hearts desire if you do.  Don’t you just love free will?   Thanks for listening.  Till next time.

Regards,

Tracey

Why Become An Avon Representative?

Hi everyone.  It has been a while since my last post.  Sorry about that.  Got a little busy with other projects, which was good on one hand, but kept me away from my blog, which was bad on the other hand.  But hey, spilled milk, right?  So, I am back now and ready to rock an roll!

As most of you may have noticed, Avon has been running ads on becoming a representative.  With the economy today, it does give one something to think about.  After looking at the ads one day I went back and reviewed my Avon website and re-read some of the information that it had to offer.  The segment about selling Avon made it clear on the advantages of becoming a representative.  I liked it so much that I just had to share it with you. 

Selling Avon: The Advantage and the  Opportunity

All over the world, our great products and proud record of service depend on the entrepreneurial efforts of our independent Sales Representatives. Our network of over five million Representatives reaches into the heart of every community – selling Avon to families and friends in neighborhoods, colleges and workplaces. For each of our Representatives, Avon is a global name but a local business – their own business.

Become An Avon Representative

Could you be a Konsultantka? a Vendeuse Independante, a Sales Dealer, a Revendedora? Today there are many words in many languages to say “The Avon Lady”, but they all mean one thing – a tradition of customer service and a way to add your own name to one of the world’s greatest success stories.

Our Avon Representatives have spread the word of opportunity around the world. For well over one hundred years, Avon has offered both men and women a unique chance to start a home-based business and to make it grow. Today, over five million independent Avon Representatives in over 100 countries are taking advantage of that opportunity.. And there is always room for more.

Ask Yourself  These Questions

• Do you enjoy meeting people in your neighborhood or workplace?
• Do you want to be your own boss, work in your own time, and earn what you deserve
• Would you like to offer friends and customers a personal, convenient and time saving way to shop?

Avon: The Best Products

Spanning the globe, Avon is the world’s number one direct sales beauty company. But you can offer your customers more than just the best in affordable beauty care. Today’s Avon customer can choose from a wide selection of products, including fragrance, jewelry and accessories, wellness products, and unique gifts and home decor items.

For Avon, customer satisfaction is a way of life, and millions of consumers trust our products to be the best quality money can buy. They know, and you will know, that we stand behind every product we make.

Avon: The Best Opportunity

As an Avon Representative, your earnings potential depends on you and your ability to provide reliable and courteous service to your customers. There is no limit to what you can achieve, even as a traditional Representative. And now there is more. You can broaden your sales skills by training as a Avon Beauty Adviser. And in many markets, we now have leadership programs that reward you for developing your business and making it bigger. In leadership, you have a true entrepreneurial opportunity. By introducing others to the benefits of selling for Avon, you can build and mentor your own down line of Representatives.

Support

Avon understands the importance of providing our Representatives with the knowledge, skill and promotional support they need to make their businesses thrive. We advertise Avon globally, and are committed to investing more behind our great brands. And you can benefit from regular sales meetings, training sessions, and personal support from your District, Zone or Area Sales Manager.

It’s something to think about, isn’t it?  If any of the above has struck a chord, let me know.   I would love to hear from you so feel free to leave me some feedback. 

OTHER COOL STUFF

Elke’s Brow Services:

Remember my friend Elke?  She has the great Brow Collection.   Well Elke has expanded her services to include salons in Brooklyn and Manhattan.  More information can be found here:  http://www.pitchengine.com/vonfreudenbergenterprises/top-new-york-eyebrow-specialist-expands-highly-acclaimed-brow-business-to-nyc/5930/.

Virtual Assistant Anyone?

I also wanted to remind you of my friend and fellow entrepreneur Alba Henderson.  Alba is more than an VA.   She is a business coach, organizer, and all around good egg.   She has a lot to offer.  Check out her information and find out she can help you whether it be for business or personal matters:

Alba Henderson 
i- Virtual Assist, Your Tasks Are Our Focus
iVision Pathways, Business Coaching
www.i-VirtualAssist.com

http://yvssolutions.blogspot.com

http://yourfocus.wordpress.com

Ok, that’s all for now.  I will be back soon with more Avon news and of course other cool stuff.  And if any of you has any cool things to share, please let me know.  I would be happy to share them here.   Remember, we are all in this together. 

Regards,

Tracey

Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone had a great holiday season.  I enjoyed Christmas day with my family.  However, it was a little sad for me as  it was the first Christmas without my father.  I lost him in August.  But it made me smile knowing that he was looking down on us and laughing at the carnage my 6 year old nephew was causing.  Of course he  made out like a little bandit.  Spoiled much?  Absolutely!!

But now it’s 2009.  Wow, can you believe it?  A new year and a new beginning.  Though 2008 ended with everyone worrying about the economy (myself included), I am hoping for a fresh start for 2009.  All of the pundits and talking heads are saying that it will get worse before it gets better.  I choose to look on the brighter side of things.  I have to or I will go crazy!  So I say, let’s turn those frowns upside down and look for that silver lining!

Speaking of silver lining (nice segway, huh?), here is something that I think you might find very interesting.  This is especially for those of you who are  “married” , so to speak, to their name brand cosmetics, skin care, fragrances and such.  Though it is not really breaking any new ground, Avon has created a comparison chart.

What a difference, eh?  You can get the same quality type of products for less money.  In today’s economic climate, saving money is paramount.  But you now no longer have to sacrifice quality while doing it.   If only everything in life was this easy!  By the way, if you would like a copy of this comparison chart, just let me know.  I would be happy to send you a copy.

Other Cool Stuff

I mentioned in my last blog that I would mention other entrepreneurs who are have products and services that might be of interest to you.  In addition to hair and make-up artist Elke Von Freudenberg who has the The Model Brow (and I hope that you checked it out.  It’s a great line) I would like to introduce Alba Henderson, Virtual Assistant extraordinaire.   Alba is much more that an a virtual assistant.  She is a professional organizer, event planner, wedding coordinator, business coach, marketing guru, and much much more.  Whew!  How does she do it all and do it so well?  Go to her link and find out!  You can find her and her great services at www.i-VirtualAssist.com.

Well, that’s all for right now.  I hope that your 2009 has been great so far and that it continues to be great throughout the rest of the year.  I will try to post a bit more often.  I am still getting the hang of this blog thing.  I still have not figured out how to to the RSS feed, but I am working on it.  If anyone can help me out with that just let me know.  Thanks reading and I hope to see you back here soon.  Till then, take care.

Regards,

Tracey

Paging Dr. McDreamy!

I hope that you had a great Thanksgiving.  I watched the parade, did some cooking, ate turkey and all the trimmings, and then chilled out till the turkey coma set in.  All in all not a bad way to spend the holiday.  I did not however, under any circumstances go out to shop on Friday.  I just don’t understand the madness.  Will the sales stop after Friday?  I don’t think so!  Also, you can shop just as easily from you home via the Internet.  Call me crazy, but setting my clock to get up at 3am in the morning to go shopping just does not appeal to me. 

Now, what does appeal to me is a good looking guy!  One guy in particular who is quite appealing is Patrick Dempsey, Dr. McDreamy himself.  And guess what?  Avon’s got him.  Well at least his new fragrance.  Unscripted is Patrick Dempsey’s signature fragrance made exclusively for Avon. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

follow your passion
“At the heart of Unscripted is the idea of living your life on your own terms, and not by a written script. It’s about loving what you do, and doing it in your own unique way, rather than being defined by rules.”
—PATRICK DEMPSEY

I don’t know about you, but I wish that my doctor’s looked like Mr. Dempsey, and now with this great new fragrance, they should smell like him too!!

If you like to know more about this great new fragrance, go to my site at www.youravon.com/traceyfisher.  I also have samples available if you would like to try it out.  There is also scented page in the brochure.  This would make a great gift for that someone special.  I hope that you will keep me and Avon in mind when you are shopping for the holiday.  Remember, it is always better to shop from you seat and not your feet!  

Best,

Tracey M. Fisher

New Year, New Leadership, New Opportunities

Like everyone in America, I watched President Obama get sworn in.  It was history in the making.  I have to say, I did not believe that I would ever see an African American get elected to the highest office in nation in my lifetime.   Perhaps in my 6 year old nephew’s lifetime, but not mine.  It is something that I will never forget. 

With this new leadership, I am hoping , like the rest of the country that a change will come for the better.  I know that it will not happen tomorrow, or in a week or even a month.  Change will take time.  But, at least there is an air of optimism.  Or at least I like to think so.  Yeah, I think I will go with optimism.  It’s better than the constant worrying about all of the bad economic news or the housing market, or the unemployment rate.  I mean, yes it is something to consider, but I think the the thing to do is to try to be as proactive as possible. 

Which brings me to my next point, opportunity.  This blog is about Avon (and other cool stuff, which I will get to a little later).   You may have noticed the new ads that Avon has on television.  It is promoting Avon and the benefits of becoming a representative.   If you have not, check it out here: http://www.youravon.com/REPSuite/media_logincom.page.  If the link does not work, let me know and I will forward it to you. 

As you will see, various reps tells of the benefits of selling Avon.  Whether you are looking for additional income or thinking of starting a new career or business.  Now, I am not saying that Avon is for everyone.  There are other direct sellers out there that may be a better fit.  However, the difference is that most other direct sellers don’t have the worldwide brand recognition that Avon has.  And as I mentioned in one of my past blogs, Avon also offers a savings program, insurance, and other perks.   New opportunity.  If not you, who?  Something to think about.  

Ok, enough about that.  Let’s move on to other cool stuff, which is another opportunity for you to check out.  My good friend and collegue Elke is promoting a contest.  Elke has a great eyebrow line:  The Brow Collection.  I mentioned her and The Brow Collection in one of my past blogs.   Here are some of the details:

Enter to win Elke’s Brow SetPrize:  * The Brow Collection : Brow Groom Set:

 Subscribe to win a 2 piece Brow Groom Set from Elke’s Brow Collection. You’ll get (1) Clear Eye Brow Ware, our exclusive clear eyebrow liquid that not only gives a soft hold to eyebrow hairs, but also a soft sheen that makes brows just glow. And (1) Brow Tamer; nothing works better for taming unruly brows than an eyebrow wax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information please go to:  http://www.elkevonfreudenberg.com/blog/2009/01/enter-to-win/.

New year, new leadership, new opportunities.  I know that with this new year, I am going to explore the opportunity that Avon has afforded me.  In regards to the new leadership, they have their work cut out for them.  I wish them all the best and hope that they will be able to keep most of their campaign promises.  It’s a lot to ask considering past leaderships, but hey, optimism.  With that being said, I hope that I at least gave you something to think about.  Explore any new opportunity that may come your way this year.  Whether it is a way to get ahead in your current job or if you are thinking of starting something new.  Keep your options and your optimism open.  I certainly will!   Take care till next time.

Regards,

Tracey

Ding Dong, History Calling!

Election Day has come and gone and who would have believed that history was being made?  Whether or not you voted for him, Barack Obama has made American history by becoming the first African American president in the history of the United States.  I have to say that I never thought that I would be around to see this day occur, but I count myself very fortunate to witness this great event. 

Now that the elation of the election is dying down, people are once again focusing on the economy.  President elect Obama will have his hands full when he takes over the reigns from President Bush.  With unemployment rising, along with the cost of living, home foreclosures and companies looking for government bail outs, it looks as if the financial crunch is going to be with us for quite a while.  However, President elect Obama will, I am sure, do all he can to try to help the country to weather this storm.  But let’s see if we can find a little ray of sunshine from all of this financial gloom and doom.

Avon is helping to part the clouds by providing ways for individuals to not only make extra money, but to become CEO of their own company!   Andrea Jung, CEO of Avon was recently on Good Morning America and explained how Avon and it’s representatives are thriving even in this tough economy.  Take a look at what she and a couple of representatives had to say:

Ding Dong, Avon Calling:  Avon Ladies Find Financial Boost

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6218286
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=6205986&page=1

Speaking as a representative myself, Avon has helped me over some financial rough patches.  Now that I have the opportunity to work on Avon on a full time basis, I now have the chance to really build my business along with building up the retirement plan that Avon now offers their representatives.  Sound familiar?  That’s right.  It sounds just like a corporate office, but instead of working for someone else, I am working for myself.  Sweet! 

And if that is not enough to impress you about Avon, check this out.  Avon has developed a new fragrance inspired by the Bond Girls.  And that is not all.  Check out the free movie offer!

 

INTRODUCING BOND GIRL 007™ Eau de Parfum Spray

Behind the sleek, shapely silhouette of Bond Girl 007 is your ultimate weapon of seduction—a sexy scent that promises to captivate and entice. A sexy cocktail of exotic orchid and velvety white peach refreshed with orange blossom and warmed by sensual cashmere. 1.7 fl. oz. Only at Avon

THE FIRST FRAGRANCE EVER INSPIRED BY BOND GIRLS Reserved. 007 TM and related James Bond Trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq licensed by EON.

Wow!  A great new fragrance and a free movie ticket.  Contact me for more information.  Don’t miss out on this great deal!

Now I would like to go a little off the beaten path for a moment.  I have a very good friend who is a budding entrepaneuar.  Her name is Elke Von Freudenberg and she has started her own eye brow line called The Brow Collection. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And before you say, “Hey, isn’t this a conflict of interest?”, the answer is no.   The Brow Collection is a niche product.  As a matter of fact, any  Avon cosmetic would be a great compliment to Elke’s brow line.  Elke also offers eyebrow shaping as well, so if there is anyone out there that would like to have the perfect eyebrow just let me know.  You can also contact her at her site:  http://www.elkevonfreudenberg.com/.  What can I say?  We budding entrepreneurs have to stick together.

Which gives me an idea.  If you have a product or service you would like to promote, let me know.  I would be happy to mention it here in my blog.  Just keep it clean and no Mary Kay! LOL.  Hey, I figure we can benefit from any and all promotion, so Mary Kay is more than welcome!

Ok, got to run now.  As always, thanks for listening or reading in this case.  I hope that you will consider me for any and all of your Avon needs.  I would be happy to serve you.  If you need a brochure, just let me know or go to my site at www.youravon.com/traceyfisher.  Thanks again and see you soon!

Regards,

Tracey M. Fisher

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hi and welcome to my blog.  I will be of course be  talking about Avon in addition to other events and issues that I and hopefully you will find of interest.  The first of which is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I am sure that you have seen the pink ribbons on internet sites, print advertising and tv commercials.  I have even see actual ribbons on my neighborhood trees throughout my town.  It’s pretty cool actually and it does the job of getting the message out about breast cancer and it’s affect on woman in this country and around the world. 

As an Avon Representative, I am fortunate enough to work with a company that recognizes what this disease has done to women over the years and had put forth efforts to raise awareness.  One of the ways that Avon has done this is by it’s pink ribbon products. 

Avon’s Pink Ribbon Products have been supporting breast cancer research and care since 1992 and 100% of the profits are donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. 

In addition to the Pink Ribbon products, Avon and the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation have joined forces and formed the Love/Avon Army of Women.  They are currently seeking one million healthy women of all ages, including  breast cancer survivors, to register to learn simple ways to volunteer for research studies focused on stopping breast cancer before it occurs.  To learn more about this new and exciting program please visit www.armyofwomen.org.

Avon is indeed the company for women.  It has proved itself over the years by becoming the most recognized brand in the world.  Almost everyone is familiar with it’s most popular products such as Skin So Soft, Anew, and Moisture Therapy. 

     

Avon has also branched out to reach wider appeal by introducing Mark, Avon Home Collection and it’s Wellness line.   It has also provided women and men as well the opportunity to become CEO’s of their own company.   Go to my site www.youravon.com/traceyfisher to learn more about this great company!

Well that’s all for now.  I hope that you found this blog interesting and informative.  I will endeavor to keep you up to date on the great things happening at Avon as well as the world around us.  Thanks for letting me share my ideas and thoughts with you.  I hope that you will come by and visit again.  Take care.

Sincerely,

Tracey M. Fisher

Independent Avon Representative

www.youravon.com/traceyfisher