The Cost Of Selling Instead Of Sharing

As some of you may or may not know, I am a direct seller, Avon being my brand company.  I’ve been at this on and off over the years with various degrees of success.  However, during the past year or so, I’ve had to make some changes in my life and realized that my Avon business had to be taken more seriously.  I had lost my full-time job, was working only part-time and then late last summer, I moved south to help my mom.   Though my job was only part-time, it was a source of steady income and Avon helped out from time to time with miscellaneous expenses.   But my move south entailed leaving my job, and having to find work in a new and different location.   I managed find another part-time job but as you may have guessed, it’s not enough.

So this brings me to the imperative of having to jump-start my business.  This past weekend, I endeavored to have an eparty and invite my current customers and my Facebook and Twitter friends.   I was thinking that surely in this climate of social networking, my friends would come out and support me, right?  Wrong.  Only 1 or 2 responded to my invitation.  So, what did I do wrong?  Probably a myriad of things, but I think that the main thing was that I was not social enough in the past.  What do I mean by that?  Instead of telling the my friends on Facebook and Twitter the current sales that Avon is having or the great new product that is out, I should have been more communicative and more mindful of the needs of my Facebook and Twitter pals.  Not sell, but talk, ask questions, share information. No surprise that no one answered my calls for help. I was a used car salesman instead of a trusted friend and business associate.

Consequently,  I learned a very valuable and unfortunately perhaps a costly lesson.  First, I forgot one of the most important rules and tips that Avon gives to its representatives.  Don’t sell, share the opportunity.  Further, Facebook , Twitter, etc is there for businesses to showcase their presence.  Yes, there are there to help put your business front and center.  But one must also remember that they are social networks.   So go ahead. Share & share alike.

Reset 2013

Happy New Year!  I hope that everyone had a great holiday season.  I did as I got a chance to spend time with my family and friends.  Also had time to reflect on the coming new year and what would be ahead for me.  Last year, like everyone else I suppose, I had a number of resolutions and goals that I wanted to set and accomplish. Some goals were met, but not all.  I would like to change that for this year.  So that being said, I would like to share some inspirational blogs and articles that may help me and you to not only set goals but find ways to stick to them and make them happen.

So on that note, I would like to share a blog by Julie Anne Jones.  Who is Julie Anne Jones? She is a direct sales corporate consultant and trainer, an ICF accredited life and business coach and the CEO of Julie Anne Jones Inc.  She teaches personal development, coaching and mentoring skills, direct sales leadership, party presentation tools and how to get bookings, recruiting and host coaching.

I hope that you find this blog and the future blogs and articles useful.  Please feel free to comment here and on Julie Anne Jones’ blog as well.  If there is something that you would like to know more about, please let me know and I will endeavor to try to find it for you.  Thanks so much and looking forward to sharing more with you going forward.

Mondays, Mindset, Motivation, and Manifestation

By Julie on January 15, 2013 No Comments

“If each Monday morning, you make a choice to move into the new work week with renewed commitment and passion, you can change all areas of your life. You can truly change your Mondays and change your life.”  ~David Cottrell

For years, every Sunday evening, I’ve been making what I call a Master Manifestation list. It’s a list that allows me to pencil out what my quarterly projects are, what my current goals for the week are, and what I’ll do each of the following 5 work days (specific action steps) to move toward those goals. This one concept has completely changed the way I work and has increased my productivity beyond anything I ever dreamed possible. I get more done in the same amount of time I had before with much less stress. All because I step into each week with a clear sense of purpose.

I think it boils down to three fairly simple things for me. Mindset, motivation, and manifestation. Let me clarify.

Mindset – Every Monday, because I’ve taken the time on Sunday night to fill out my Master Manifestation List, I’m stepping into my week with a clear mindset. I’ve reminded myself of my purpose and my values (which are printed at the top of the template for my list). I’ve defined for myself the “theme” of my week (right down to changing the photo on my list to match that theme). So my mindset it clear. Without that, I drift through my week without a purpose.

Motivation – This is the second part of my planning for the week. It’s tied to my projects and goals. Every quarter when I do my quarterly planning, I define my five areas of focus. Those areas are written down on my list, and my weekly goals come from those areas. Renewing my commitment to what I’ve chosen to focus on every single week fuels my motivation to move into action.

Manifestation – This is where the rubber meets the road for me. It’s all of the things I do in order to make my goals a reality. I always say that action is the key to success. By writing down daily action steps for meeting my weekly goals on my Master Manifestation List, I nail down my commitment. That way, when something else “pops up” on Tuesday that’s not on my list, it’s much easier for me to say no to it, add it to my list of things to accomplish next week or next month, and continue to focus on the plan I’ve made to manifest the goals I’ve set for the week.

Really, who would have thought that something as simple as a modified, much improved “to do” list could make such a difference? It literally takes me less than 10 minutes each Sunday to complete it. That sort of blows me away!

Mindset, motivation, and manifestation. It’s really that simple! What do you think of this idea?

Julie Anne Jones is a success language consultant, a direct sales coach and trainer, and the CEO of Julie Anne Jones, Inc. She is known for her authentic and easy-to-use scripting and specializes in specific language and tools for success in direct sales. To learn more about Julie Anne and her products and services, and to read more blog posts, visit her at www.julieannejones.com.

Pretty In Pink

It is well-known that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  And though October is coming to an end I would just like to thank and congratulate The Avon Foundation for it’s 20 years of work of awareness, research, education, screening and more.  Here is Avon’s celebrity spokesperson and Global Ambassador giving a brief history of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade:

I am honored to be an Avon Representative and proud to be able to do my small part by offering fundraising Pink Ribbon Products.  100% of the net profits from these products will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

“As part of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, the Avon Foundation for Women provides funding to breast cancer programs operating in three areas: scientific research, safety net access-to-care programs for the medically underserved, and outreach programs focused on education and screening.”  This quote was taken directly from the Avon Foundation website.  If you would like to learn more about The Avon Foundation and the great work it does, please go to:  http://www.avonfoundation.org/causes/breast-cancer-crusade.

Thank you so much for allowing me to share this important and life saving information with you.

Speak Out Against Domestic Violence

If you had a choice of buying a latte or help to support the fight against Domestic Violence, what choice would you make?

One in three women worldwide will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime. At Avon, we are committed to empowering women. The Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program has committed nearly $40 million, in over 50 countries, to organizations and programs focused on awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs to help end the cycle of domestic and gender violence. Here are just a few programs that are being implemented this year:

Reese Witherspoon with Avon Chairman & CEO Andrea Jung at the 2nd World Conference of Women’s Shelters

2012 brings a host of new Avon Foundation initiatives and programs that are speaking out on behalf of the domestic violence cause.

• In honor of International Women’s Day 2012, Avon Foundation Honorary Chairman Reese Witherspoon helped launched the new Empowerment Circle of Support Necklace, with 100 percent of net profits donated to the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program.
• Reese also appeared with Avon Chairman & CEO Andrea Jung at the 2nd World Conference of Women’s Shelters, where they awarded four outstanding global non-profits with Avon Communications Awards to acknowledge the NGOs’ pioneering, successful domestic violence communications campaigns.
• The Avon Foundation for Women announced the Ending Violence @ Home app challenge, a partnership with the Institute of Medicine. The challenge encourages domestic violence experts and technology enthusiasts to combine their talents to create mobile or online apps that will help prevent violence against women and children.
• In order to provide an accurate count of the adults and children seeking services from domestic violence programs throughout the U.S. the Avon Foundation has funded the Domestic Violence Counts: the National Census of Domestic Violence Services, an annual census produced by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV).

These are just a few of the latest developments. For more information, check out the new global Speak Out webpage: http://www.avonfoundation.org/globalspeakout/

The Empowerment products that the Avon Foundation offers helps to make these programs survive and thrive.  Your $5.00 will go a long way. 100% of net profits will be donated to the Avon Foundation for programs dedicated to ending violence against women. The Domestic Violence Resource Guide FREE with purchase.

I hope that you will help to speak out against Domestic Violence.  If you are interested in any of the Empowerment items, please feel free to contact me or go to http://www.youravon.com/traceyfisher.

Thank you for allowing me to share this with you and for your support.

Goals: The Journey Contiues

It has been a while since my last post.   I had talked about re-booting my direct sales business and one way to do that was to set some goals.  I had attempted to do that in the past and elaborated about my varied and haphazard attempts on trying to reach them.  When I left off, I had not made a decision as to what my target goal should be.   Well I am happy to inform you that I have finally made a decision.   Moreover, I made a plan of action and put the plan in motion.  Go me!

My goal is to focus on building up my online Avon business.  You would think that it would be easy, just send out my website address and wait for the orders to come pouring in.  Wrong!  Been there, done that, just don’t have the t-shirt.  First thing I did was poll my customers and ask what they would be interested in.  The answer was a customer rewards program.  Okay, then what type of program?  Discount off of each order, customer referral, free gift?  There are a lot to choose from. After some research I decided on a points system where if a customer places an order from me via my online store for direct delivery, they would gain a certain amount of points.  When they reached 100 points, they would get rewarded with a free gift.  I also had to make the gift a worthwhile goal so I decided on a gift card.  Wow!  What a difference planning makes.  I not only gained a lot of new online orders, but I also made a profit as well!  Who knew?  Okay, maybe a lot of people who plan this sort of thing knew,  but it was a revelation to me.

So to sum up:  I made a decision on a goal, made a plan to implement it, and then put that plan into action.  Mission accomplished?  Not by a long shot, but this does give me incentive to keep on track and not get lazy about my business.

Has anyone started on their goals?  If so, I would love to hear about it.  As I mentioned in my last post about this, it makes it lot easier knowing that there is someone out there taking the journey with me.

Till next time my Goal Warriors!

Memorial Day

Sharing: Setting Goals

I have recently began to re-boot my direct sales business (again), and in doing so, I’ve decided to set goals.  Now in the past, I have tried to set a goal, but never really followed through.  You may know what I mean.  I’ll sit down, pick a target so to speak and say to myself: “Self, this is what I am aiming to achieve (which could range anywhere from upping my online sales to expanding my customer base).  Ok, ready, set, go!

Well. what do you think happened?  I never attained my goal.  Big surprise, huh?  Why not, you may ask?  Because although I set a goal, I never created a solid plan to achieve it.  I just floundered around, doing what I do and wouldn’t you know it, I achieved (drum roll please)……….nothing.

You know, a wise man once said: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”  Who was this wise man?  Albert Einstein.  Am I saying that I am crazy?  Sometimes I feel that way.  But I am willing to put my crazy ways and crazy days behind me.  And though I do not fancy myself an Albert Einstein wannabe, I would like to be at least a bit smarter than I have been in the past.

So I guess the first thing to do is to set a goal.  Not some far away, nebulous one, but something small I think.  Something that is attainable but not too large that I feel overwhelmed.  I have to think about that a little more.  When I decide what that is, I will let you know.  Second thing to do is to map out a plan of action.  When I pick my goal, how do I go about reaching it?  Some people set up a calendar, then do one thing per day that will put them closer to their goal.  Others pick an image of something that represents their goals.  That image is intended to inspire the work going toward the goal.  It could be a car, a house, or a beach.  Looking at that image everyday before sitting down to work, saying to yourself: “This is what I need to do to help me get that new car, buy that new house, or go on that much needed vacation.”

Moreover, some people write a journal documenting their journey toward their goal.  Aha! I do believe that I have experienced that much talked about “Aha” moment.  I think Oprah would be proud.  I mean what am I doing now?  I am blogging.  I can document my journey and hopefully with your help, you can keep me accountable.  I would love to hear what you have to say along with any advice you care to give me.

So if there is anyone out there who is working on their goals or has achieved them, please let me know.  Working toward a goal is hard enough, but knowing that there are people out there cheering you on and being supportive, makes the journey a little easier to travel.

 

Sharing: Capoochino’s

Spenser

As a pet parent, I was always on the search for the perfect groomer and pet hotel that I felt confident to leave my beloved dog, Spenser with.  Over the years I’ve often found those services at separate locations.  Though I was happy enough with them, I wish that Capoochino’s was around while I had my dog Spenser with me.

Capoochino’s is a dog grooming and day care center for your pet.  Offering spa like services, especially for geriatric and handicap pets, Capoochino’s treats your pet as a prince or princess of the realm.  Not only that but they also offer daycare services for pet parents that work or must go out of town and are unable to take their pets with them.  Missing your pet?  Just want to see them and make sure that they are ok?  No problem.  You can log onto a webcam and see your pet at anytime.  Capoochino’s number one priority is to make sure that your pet is taken care of and that you have peace of mind.  And as the owner Cathy Miller is a pet parent herself, you can be rest assured that your pet will be treated with the utmost care.

capoochino's

Capoochino’s offers a lot more wonderful services to pamper your pet and to find out more of their amazing services log onto their website: http://www.capoochinos.com/index.html.  I hope that you will give them a try.  You will be more than pleased with the results and your pet will thank you too!

 

 

Worst Black History Month Ever?

Since the recent death of Whitney Houston, I’ve heard many say that this is the worst Black History Month ever.  With the loss of Etta James, Don Cornelius and now Whitney Houston, some may see it as such.  However I choose to see it as something completely different.

Etta James

Etta James shared with us all the feeling of love, in all of its aspects in her songs: love lost, love found, hope and happiness.  And the fact that her songs have endured over the years just goes to prove how she influenced so many, whether, young or old, singer or just someone who aspires to be.  Though she has had many hits, the most popular and well know is of course At Last.  Heard in many commercials and movie soundtracks, it gained its most notoriety by being sung at President Obama’s inaugural ball by pop and r&b singer Beyoncé.  It was a point of pride, at least for me to have the first African-American president, dance to and be serenaded by such a beautiful song .

And who can forget the most iconic show of my lifetime, Soul Train.  It bought the music of a

generation straight into our living rooms.  Artists such as Al Green, The O’Jays, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and so, many others were able to show case  their various talents at a time where there were not that many opportunities to do so.  Soul Train has been touted as the “black” American Bandstand.  I beg to differ.  Soul Train was and still is a show unique in its own right.  It not only introduced our music to the rest of the country, but our fashion, dance, culture and even our businesses.  What other entertainment show would have a quiz where you had to unscramble the letters on a board and decipher the name of a Black person or persons of note?  Soul Train also was the first to open its advertising air space to Black businesses such as Johnson Products, the makers of Ultra Sheen.  Before Soul Train, I never saw any African-American products advertised on

Don Cornelius

TV let alone African-American faces touting hair products and cosmetics.   Moreover, we owe Don Cornelius for helping to unite us.  Go to any event, wedding, birthday party,  or any function given by an African-American and there will a Soul Train line, guaranteed!  Hard to stay angry or have ill feelings toward anyone once you have danced down the Soul Train line with them.

And of course who can forget the gifts that Whitney Houston has given us.  Her iconic songs will forever be a part of our tapestry.  Like many talented people of her industry, she had her trials and tribulations.  And perhaps because of them, we lost her too soon.  But that does not take away the talent that she had nor the wonderful music she left us.  Because of Whitney Houston I wanted to make sure I knew all of the words of our national anthem all due the way she sang it during  the 1991 Super Bowel.  What other version of our anthem ever got such notoriety,  so much so that it was released as a cd? Acting in films such as Waiting To Exhale, The Preacher’s Wife and The Bodyguard, along with the added bonus of lending her voice to the great soundtrack that accompanied them,  just added to her list of accomplishments.

Whitney Houston

Remembering what these three iconic people has contributed to us and to our culture lessens their loss, at least for me.  They made their stamp in the world and gave us the hope, inspiration and legacy to carry on through generations to come.  I think that is what Black History month is all about.  Not about what we lost, but what we have gained and what we must strive to accomplish.

So to Etta, Don and Whitney, we will always love you and most of all, we wish you love, peace and soul.  At last.

Share & Share Alike

Share and share alike.  You have heard this when you were growing up when playing with your siblings or playmates.  As kids, we never really understood the concept of sharing.  Sure, we were told by our parents and teachers that sharing is the right thing to do.  Sharing is caring.  But as kids we often thought, “No, this is my toy and I don’t want anyone else to play with it!”  Or “Why do I have to share my room with my sister?  Why can’t I have my own room?”   Sound familiar?  But as we grow up and mature we realize that sharing can open up endless possibilities.

Various times throughout my blog posts, I have mentioned events, promotions, and opportunities from my fellow direct sellers and entrepreneurs.  Why do this?  Well as an independent Avon representative, I know how hard it can be to promote my business.  Yes, Avon does support me with various promotional materials, webinars, and advertising.  However, one on one feedback is what works best in my opinion.  I sometimes think that what my fellow entrepreneurs and direct sellers think is what stands out the most.  For example, in my last post, I talked about the Avon Foundation and what it does to bring awareness for causes such as domestic violence and breast cancer.  One of my Facebook friends Tracey Brown who has a wonderful beauty blog was promoting daily beauty finds that focused on pink products for October Breast Cancer Awareness month.  She was kind enough to mention my blog post and share the information in her beauty blog: http: //blingingbeauty.com/?p=14046.   Tracey not only provided her readers with her usual knowledge of  great beauty finds, but also allowed me to gain exposure to a new and wider audience.  Moreover, it is my hope that by mentioning Tracey in this current blog post,  I will gain new readers for her as well.  Share and share alike!

So in the spirit of sharing, I would like to mention a wonderful event that is coming up.  Alba Henderson of Your Focus and Alba’s Exclusive Events is working on a promotion for women to women marketing.  It will introduce AEE’s Vendor Appreciation Holiday and Pre-Launch of  their Marketing 2 Women-owned Businesses Initiative.  Basically the Vendor Appreciation program will provide extra exposure during the busy holiday season by dedicating one week entirely to your business on a first come first served basis.

Alba will promote your business via social media, e-mail, postcards and other promotional materials.  If you would like to know more about this fabulous opportunity, please contact me and I will forward the promo e-mail to you or contact Alba directly at albasevents@gmail.com.  If you would like to learn more about Alba’s Exlusive Events go to http://www.albasexclusiveevents.com.

Thank you for allowing me to share this event with you and I look forward to sharing more with you in the future.  If you have an event or promotion or business opportunity that you would like to share, please let me know. I would be happy to share it here on the blog along with my friends and colleagues.  Thanks again and remember, share and share alike!

Avon Foundation For Women

It’s October and Breast Cancer Awareness month.  All around you will most likely notice pink ribbons and products along with advertising asking you to think pink.  As you may already know, the Avon Foundation For Women is very much involved in breast cancer awareness and prevention.  Founded in 1955, the Foundation’s goal serves a dual purpose.  Along with breast cancer research, care and awareness, the Foundation also addresses domestic and gender violence.  To help raise awareness and to aid the victims of domestic violence, the Foundation offers information and resources such as funding, grants, programs, and events . 

In addition, the actress Reese Witherspoon is also the Honorary Chairperson of the Foundation, helping to raise awareness to this widespread problem.   “Nearly a billion women worldwide are affected by violence.  As honorary Chair of The Avon Foundation, as a woman, and as a mother, I am proud and privileged to support this effort”.

Just recently, to honor Avon’s 125th anniversary, the company established a new $2 million Avon Global Believe Fund to support shelters and agencies around the world and to bring attention to the lack of adequate services for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.  The Believe Fund was formed not only as a way to honor the heritage of the company, but also as way to empower women all around the world.

In addition, as was mentioned, the Avon Foundation is also one of the largest supporters of the breast cancer cause.   “Thanks to early detection and excellent medial care, today I’m very happy to be a five-year breast cancer survivor!  But not everyone has the insurance or resources to get the screening and care they need.  That’s why the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade funds breast cancer research, as well as screening, early detection and treatment programs to help every diagnosis into a story of survival.”  This quote comes for Eloise Caggiano who serves as the Program Director for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. 

As an Avon Representative, I am honored  to be able to offer wonderful fundraising products that helps breast cancer patients and their families along with victims of domestic violence. 

If you are interested in any of the fund raising products offered for either one of these worthy causes, please feel free to contact me or go to the online brochure at www.youravon.com/traceyfisher.  For more information about the Avon Foundation for Woman please visit http://www.avonfoundation.org/

Ten Years Later: Remembering September 11, 2011

I recieved this post in the newsletter I get from Avon aprising me of new products, sales and upcoming events.  I knew that Avon was involved in helping the victims of 9/11, but did not realize how much Avon and the representatives did to reach out to them and their families.  Here is how Avon representatives came together and became heroes in their own way.

This week, as our nation somberly commemorates the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Avon remembers the compassionate response of our incredible Avon Representatives who banded together to raise much-needed funds for the children and families affected by the events of that fateful day. In the weeks following the attack, Avon Representatives helped raise $7 million for the Avon Heart of America Children’s Charity by selling specially designed Avon Heart of America Pins. The funds were distributed directly to children affected by the attacks, as well as to educational institutions and programs that provide counseling, child care and other services. Avon also provided funds directly to the families of firefighters, police officers, hotel and restaurant workers, Pentagon employees, Marsh employees and Avon Representatives who had children affected by the September 11 attacks. Additional fundraising efforts that took place in March, 2002 resulted in another $500,000 raised. These funds were sent directly to the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation, the Flight 93 National Memorial and the Pentagon Memorial Fund which helped create memorials in the three locations affected by the attacks. On the 10th anniversary of 9/11 all of us will hear heroic stories of the individuals who helped the victims of the attacks. But you–our Avon Representatives–should feel immensely proud that you, too, are heroes. Your extraordinary dedication and support has touched more than 1,800 children in more than 800 families. On behalf of all Avon Associates, THANK YOU!

Men: Avon & Man Cave Calling!

I saw a segment this morning on direct selling, specifically geared toward men.  The company is called Man Cave: http://www.mancaveworldwide.com/.  Instead of jewelery and cosmetics, it’s all about grilling meat, drinking beer and male bonding. 

So it seems that direct selling, or social selling as they are now calling it, is branching out to men as well as women who are looking to earn some extra income.  Now, I have heard about a few men selling Avon over the years.  As a matter of fact there was an article in the NY Times about the very subject:

Billy Kolber-Stuart, right, selling Avon products to Ari Ginsburg.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/29/fashion/thursdaystyles/29skin.html?pagewanted=all

As a matter of fact, if any of you men out there would like to make a little extra income, let me know! 🙂 LOL   

Now men are selling Avon.  Ok, not the norm but when if comes to finding ways to make some extra income, why should the direct selling industry be limited to just women?  More and more men are helping their spouses with their business along with starting one of their own.  With economic times being what they are, there is no longer any stigma about the type of business that men are now getting into.  That point is being proven most assuredly by Man Cave,  a direct selling company made just for men.  So move over Mary Kay, Tupperware and Avon.  There is a new company in town and it’s for men only.  No girls allowed.

Alba’s Online Event

My friend and colleague Alba is having an event that I would like to share with you.  Please take a moment to review.  I will be attending and I hope to see you there too!

AEE’s Headquarters 3-Day Annual Anniversary Event
Join us on Monday – Wednesday, June 27-29th, 2011, It’s a Biz Networking Week Event, It’s a Fashion and Beauty Week Event, It’s a Wedding Week Event…and IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU…our Customers and Vendors…Celebrate with us!!

It’s all FREE…add your listings FREE…We have DAILY VENDOR LINEUPS AVAILABLE at (3) online locations (Aee’s Fashion Edition, Wedding Edition and Right here…Business Edition)….Viewers from around the world will have a front row seat to view your exclusives products, collections and services…RESERVE YOUR LISTING SPOT TODAY…email us at albasevents@gmail.com

Let’s Meet and Greet
Promote and Network
Bring Your Best
Learn and Share new business concepts for growth
Share your opportunities
Shop from our awesome vendors
Win Freebies
Additional Low Cost Promotional Opportunities will be presented daily.

Here’s How It Works Everyone…
ADD your listing FREE at (1) location…Your Choice of Days (Monday – Wednesday and Your Choice of Location…Wedding, Fashion or Business Blog
SHARE our event on your Blog and Receive a 2nd location FREE..
INVITE (3) others to participate and like us (facebook) and Receive a 3rd location FREE

Let’s Do This……Celebrate With Us…Contact us to be included in our Daily Vendor Lineup at albasevents@gmail.com, SUBJECT: Annual Event.  Here is the link to the site as well: http://www.albasexclusiveevents.blogspot.com/

To Your Success!

Father’s Day

Father’s Day. A day we show appreciation to father’s everywhere. We buy them fishing rods, home improvement tools, make them brunch and buy them Hallmark cards. All this just to say “I love you Dad”. Father’s Day, like Mother’s Day, should be everyday. From the day you are born, they feed you, cloth you, protect you and love you.

So enjoy Father’s Day with your dad, but make sure that you show him that you appreciate him not just today, but everyday. I lost my father a few years ago and I still miss him everyday. I don’t have him to buy gifts for, to take out to brunch or give a card to, but I can still tell him that I love him. 

Happy Father’s Day Dad.  I love you.

What You Can Do To Help

In my last post, I mentioned what Avon is doing to help the tornado victims of the south.  If you would also like to help, you can do so by donating just $10 for an Avon disaster Relief Kit which will be distributed to families recovering from the aftermath of natural disasters.  The distribution will be handled by the organization Gifts in Kind International.  Each kit includes five essential toiletries and you will receive a postcard confirming that your kit has been received.

 Avon also donates $4 from every Disaster Relief Kit directly to Gifts in Kind International, which is the nation’s leader in product donations to disaster victims. 

If you would like to help the tornado victims of the south by donating $10 for one of the Disaster Relief Kits, please let me know. Post a reply/feedback to this blog post  or e-mail me at tracey.avon@yahoo.com.   Thank you for help and your kindness.

Avon Responds To Local Communities Affected by Southern Tornado Disasters with Avon Cares Tour

I am proud to announce that Avon has stepped up to help those in need who have been affected by the tornadoes that have touched down the south.  Here’s how:

Established to help every woman, every family and every community, Avon Cares provides mobile in-market relief to affected communities across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

In response to the recent tornadoes in the Southern United States, Avon Products, Inc. has launched Avon Cares, a disaster relief program dedicated to providing local Avon Representatives, families, and communities with personal care items and a safe haven to gather in their times of need.

 

The Avon Cares program is deploying two 17-foot trailers making 65 stops in communities throughout the affected region, beginning in Tennessee and culminating in Mississippi. Avon will be giving away nearly 170,000 personal care products, including lip balm, shower gel, deodorant, and insect repellent, based on reported need by local residents. These care packages will be distributed to local Avon Representatives, families and communities. Avon Cares mobile vehicles will be a place to connect with family, friends and loved ones—in person or through computers and Wi-Fi which are available on-site.

According to the National Weather Service, it is estimated that more than 300 tornadoes touched down in the Southern U.S. during the month of April, resulting in a death toll of reportedly over 250 people.

“Disaster relief has long been a critical component of Avon’s philanthropy,” said Jorge Martinez-Quiroga, Avon’s Senior Vice President & President of North America. “We believe it is our responsibility as a global corporate citizen to lend our support to the relief efforts aiding local Avon Representatives and their communities.”

The Avon Cares in-market program launched today May 23, 2011 and will continue through June 17, 2011 and is dedicated to using products, people and resources to help those in need.

For more information, and a schedule of stops, go to
http://www.facebook.com/AvonProductsInc?sk=app_188308831197082 and click on the 125th Tab.

Earth Day

It’s Earth Day and Avon is doing it’s part to help the planet.  Together we can save the earth.  Here is the mission statement:  Avon Hello Green Tomorrow is mobilizing a global environmental movement to nurture nature and help end deforestation. 

The following information has been taken straight from the website: www.hellogreentomorrow.

Avon is committed to helping end deforestation – a global crisis that endangers the wellbeing of the planet and the survival of all living creatures. The company is applying its resources to empower a global environmental movement, using its unique ability to educate, engage, and mobilize people worldwide to do good and give back in this important cause.

And while the global mobilization rolls on, behind the scenes, Avon is focused on environmental stewardship throughout the business enterprise. We know that working together, we can help plant a future.

Hello Green Tomorrow Global Mobilization and Fundraising

In 2010, the inaugural Hello Green Tomorrow program raised more than $2 million for the Atlantic Rainforest in South America. This year, Avon Hello Green Tomorrow is mobilizing and fundraising in more than 50 countries across six continents to help save two of the most critically endangered ecosystems on earth: the Atlantic Rainforest, once again, as well as the endangered forests of Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia.

A collection of unique fundraising products has been created by Avon worldwide, with all proceeds donated to the Hello Green Tomorrow Fund.

Avon is also using its unique woman-to-woman network of 6.5 million Sales Representatives to help drive “green” education and behavior change, focused on the “Five R’s”:
reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink and replant.

One of the products that Avon has developed is this reusable water bottle.  Made with 100% recyclable aluminum with a BPA-free interior coating, screw top lid.   It’s durable, leak free and holds 34 fl. oz. 

When you purchase this water bottle, 100% of net profits will be donated to Avon’s Hello Green Tomorrow Fund to plant trees in the critically endangered forests of South America and Indonesia.

These vital tropical forests serve as the “lungs of the earth” and clean pollutants from our air. Restoring these forests will help bring a healthier tomorrow for generations to come.

With your help, the Hello Green Tomorrow Fund has already planted 2 million trees and restored 5,000 acres, but there is much more to do. Together we can say hello to a greener tomorrow.

CELEBRATING WOMEN125 YEARS

Avon is celebrating 125 years of helping women not only look beautiful, but gain financial independence as well.  Here is why Avon has survived for as long as it has.  I am proud to re-print what Avon CEO Andrea Jung stated in the anniversary brochure:

125 years of creating lipsticks, blushes and mascaras. Fragrances, lotions and serums.But more importantly, 125 years of creating possibility. Not just by beautifying women, but by standing up. And saying no to Breast Cancer. No to Domestic Violence. By donating over $800 million for these causes and others that are critical to women.125 years of saying yes to financial independence for over 6 million Representatives in over 100 countries.

Each brochure is filled with products that exemplify our passion— making women their most beautiful. But with each product comes the promise that Avon will do more than bring beauty to doors. We’ll open them too. Which is what we’ve been doing for 125 years. Thank you for being a part of it. Andrea Jung, Chairman and CEO Avon Products, Inc.

Event Spotlight: Brides and Basketball

I was invited to be a vendor for an upcoming event called Brides and Basketball.  unfortunately I was unable to participate but I like the concept of brides to be being able to plan for their big day, while the grooms get to get all things basketball all at the same time!  It is a win/win for both parties.  Doubtful?  Well seeing is believing. Take a look:

Brides and Basketball makes stops from New Jersey to Denver.  For more information go to:  http://www.bridesandbasketball.com/.  I hope that you will be able to stop by this wonderful event.  Tell them I sent you!

Martin Luther King Day: Still Chasing The Dream

Today is Martin Luther King Day.  There is not much I can say here that has not already been said about how special this day is and what it means.  Martin Luther King had a dream that he tried to make a reality.  He succeeded for the most part but clearly there is still work to be done, as evidenced with the events that transpired in Tuscon.  Dr. King protested by peaceful means.  His adversaries responded by violence and hateful rhetoric.  Today’s climate of political discourse has seemed to me,  moved away from what Dr. King was trying to promote. 

I think that today is a day to reexamine and reflect what makes this country great: democracy, equal opportunity, and it’s diversity.  Our differences is what make us stronger and it allows us to make our democracy work while giving all the opportunity to reach their highest goals and aspirations.

I have a dream that we wil alll be able to live up to Dr. Kings dream. 

New Year – Fresh Start

The holidays are over and 2011 is now upon us.  I have been looking back over the past year with  mixed feelings.  My health had been great.  My mom has been able to retire and purchase her dream home.  And my dog has reached the age of 16 and still is in relative good health!  However, I would have liked to been a bit more successful in my business.  The economy had been tough on everyone and my finances need vast improvement.  Though I have been working to make money with my busniness,  even with the famous brand name of Avon,it still takes time, effort and commitment.  

 I am not big on resolutions as I believe that they don’t last long.  I mean we make them with the best of intentions, but then real life gets in the way and sometimes our good intentions goes by the wayside.  What I would like to do is just to make a fresh start.  Make things simple such as re-examining my work schedule, utilizing the tools that I have to make my business grow and endeavor to be more interactive with my customers.  And most important of all, ignore the nay sayers.  Sounds like a resolution doesn’t it?  Maybe it does.  But I think I will stick with my fresh start idea.  I think that this way, I will stay the course. 

What is your fresh start?

Eat, Love, Shop!

Not too long ago, Thanksgiving meant time with family, friends, lots of food, parades and football.  Then we would sit around moaning about how much food we ate all the while thinking about another slice of pie before nodding off on the couch.  Later in the evening, the kitchen has been cleaned up, leftover’s put away and then off to bed happy with the thought of being able to sleep late and visions of turkey sandwiches dancing in our dreams. 

We still do all of those things, but with a bit of a difference.    Most of us don’t get to sleep in the day after Thanksgiving anymore.  No, work does not call us to the office.  School is not in session.  What could possibly pull us out of our turkey coma?  Holiday sales of course, more commonly known as Black Friday.  No one quite knows when the term came into being, but retailers look toward this day with much anticipation and glee.  It’s their hope that the shopping frenzy will put their ledgers in the “black”.  Shoppers look forward to this day in order to help them to save money on holiday gifts. 

Black Friday had become a tradition much like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, football games and cranberry sauce.  I mean, who can think of Thanksgiving without them?  Sadly, I must admit that I am guilty of aiding and abetting Black Friday myself by holding an e-party online for my customers.  I mean a girl has got to make a living, right?  My consolation to myself is that I am not making my customers get up at an ungodly hour and venturing out into the elements.  They can participate from their home and hearth and on their own schedule.  I guess you can say that I am of the school of thought that if you can’t beat them, join them!

However you choose to spend your Thanksgiving holiday or the day after, I wish good food, great company, laughter and love.  And of course, happy shopping!

Suzy Orman’s Interview with Avon Superstar Dawn Perrino Part 2

Suzy Orman Interviews Avon Superstar Dawn Perrino

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As most of us knows, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  A lot of companies and organizations have their version of bringing awareness to the forefront.  Just yesterday, the comic section of my Sunday paper had some of my favorite characters and the panels that they were drawn inside of was in pink.

 

I am proud to say that Avon has been the leader of the pack in raising awareness.  Launching the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade in 1992, it has raised and awarded more than $640 million worldwide to support the breast cancer cause and includes programs in more than 50 countries.  In addition, the Avon Foundation for Women, which was founded in the US in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families, has buoyed the Crusade by promoting The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and Avon Pink Ribbon Products.  We are also proud to have celebrity Reese Witherspoon as Honorary Chairperson of the Avon Foundation for Women, who helps to spread the word and shine the spotlight on the importance of breast cancer research.

 

 

 

Further, in 2008 the Avon Foundation and the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation joined together to launch a new effort to foster research to understand the causes and prevention of breast cancer called the Love/Avon Army of Women.  The organization provides women the opportunity to partner with the scientists who are conducting  the research that will move us beyond a cure and teach us how to end breast cancer once and for all.  To find out more please go to the following links:

 

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer: www.avonwalk.org

Avon Foundation for Women:  www.avonfoundation.org

Army of Women:  www.armyofwomen.org

 

I am proud to be part of a company that not only helps women to become financially independent, but to also support women in regards to health, domestic violence and improving the lives of women as a whole.  Thank you for allowing me to share this with you and I hope that you will join Avon in “thinking pink” and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.   

 

The People You Meet

I am helping my sister with my nephew by bringing him to school in the morning.  Yes, it’s an early and sometimes long day, but it helps my sister out a great deal, and it also helps me to get a jump on my day.  After I drop him off, I go in search of a Starbucks, for a hot beverage and a bite to eat.  I choose Starbucks as they have free WiFi (who does not love that?) and they play pretty good music too.  But I digress.  What I am leading up to  is that during one of my mornings last week, I shared a table with a lovely women by the name of Barbara Segal. 

 

Barbara Segal: Noir Blanc Interiors

 I’ve shared a table with other strangers during my mornings but Barbara was different.  In the beginning, we both were bent over our respective laptops and netbooks, intent on our work.  I later excused myself to visit the rest room and thanked her for watching out for my things when I came back to the table.  She then asked my what I was studying.  She thought I was a college student.  Thank you Barbara! That was the nicest compliment I have had in a while.  I explained that I was an Avon rep and that I was working on my business.  I had noticed that she was using a program that I used as well, Hootsuite, and that was when the conversation really took off. 

Barbara was kind enough to give me a quick lesson in how to use Hootsuite more efficiently and other tips to help me grow my biz.  I learned that Barbara was not only one of the premier interior decorators in her field, she specializes in beach decor, but she is also a social media and PR consultant.  We talked about how being in business for ourselves and even though it’s tough going, it is the way to go these days.  Especially the way the economy and job market is currently.  

As you may have noted, Barbara made an impression on me.  Though I was a complete stranger, she took the time to not only engage me in conversation, but to give me some help and advice.  In today’s environment, she could have just said a quick, “you’re welcome” or just nodded her head in acknowledgement when I came back from the restroom and left it at that.  I am grateful that she decided to share some of her knowledge with me and to pay it forward I would like to share her links with you:

www.noirblancinteriors.blogspot.com

http://beachhousefinds.blogspot.com/

http://beachhhousedecor.blogspot.com/

So I guess the moral to this story is while you sitting in your favorite coffee-house, enjoying your favorite beverage and working, take a moment to see who is sitting next to or across from you.  You never know the kind of people you might meet.

Quick Plug: Avon Wins Five Major Beauty Awards

Avon’s beauty brand has been honored with some of the most influential and prestigious beauty awards in the September and October issues of Allure, Prevention, SHAPE, Latina and Good Housekeeping. Here is the breakdown for each of the award-winning products: ANEW Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel: Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner for Best PeelANEW Reversalist Illuminating Eye System: Prevention Defy Your Age Beauty Award for Eye Cream Smooth Minerals Lipstick SPF 15: SHAPE of Beauty Award in the Lip Color Category! Advanced Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield: 2010 LATINA Beauty Award Winner Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum: Honorable Mention Winner of the first ever Good Housekeeping Anti-Aging Awards for Best Facial Firmer

Moving: Endings & Beginnings

Most people I talk to have very mixed feelings about moving.  On the one hand, they are happy to be going to a new place, especially one that they consider their dream home.  On the other hand, just the very thought of  having to pack up many years of possessions sends a shiver of dread down their spine.   Having just gone through the moving process, I am here to say that I have seen and felt both sides of subject.   

I  have moved to a new place with my sister and also helped my mother move to her new house in South Carolina.  We have all been living together in a large apartment in NJ for the past 15 years or so.  As you can well imagine, one can accumulate a lot of stuff in all of that time. 

This is the time to get rid of the stuff you have collected over the years that you have not used or even remembered having.  If there was any debate on what should get packed and boxed or get rid of, we went by this rule of thumb of: If you have not used or seen it in a year, then you don’t need it.  Trust me, a lot of stuff got donated or thrown out.  Talk about unloading a lot of baggage!  It was great getting rid a lot of stuff along with discovering treasured pictures and items from days long past. 

All and all, we survived both moves.  There was of course, the inevitable bumps and bruises of the actual move.  There were items that were left, the truck was late in delivering to the new house, items were damaged and or missing.  But those things seem minor to the new beginnings that lie ahead for me and my family.  My mom got to retire to her new dream house along with the chance to make new friends and explore her new surroundings.  Moreover, my sister and I will be able to focus more on our financial and career goals along with supporting our mother’s new-found freedom. 

I look forward to this new and exciting journey that life has taken me.  I guess that is what life is all about isn’t it?  Endings and beginnings. 

Other Cool Stuff Spotlight

Speaking of journeys, and yes, there is a plug coming.   This is an Avon blog afterall!   Avon is partnering with Cosmopolitan to promote the new Avon Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield. Here are some of the details:

Avon and Cosmopolitan Magazine to Kick Off Frizz Free Revolution Tour

Avon and Cosmopolitan magazine are hitting the road this summer with a multi-city tour to put an end to frizz! The Frizz Free Revolution Tour will feature a glass enclosed mobile van, beautifully branded with Lotus Shield imagery. Inside the vehicle will be a fully outfitted Advance Techniques salon, complete with two styling stations, and staffed with stylists ready to give consumers a frizz-free Lotus Shield experience.  JOIN THE FRIZZ-FREE REVOLUTION TOUR! Avon and Cosmo are hitting the road this summer so YOU can be a part of the nationwide Frizz-Free Revolution Tour. Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield is an innovative treatment developed to tame frizz after one use and maintain smooth strands for up to three days.* The tour stops in Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia and New York where you can: • Experience Avon’s at-home alternative to pricey salon treatments • Get a FREE blowout • Meet Tippi Shorter, Avon’s Global Stylist Advisor and celebrity hair stylist • Houston – July 19 Galleria Mall 5085 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77056 • Miami — July 24 The Whitelaw Hotel 808 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 • Atlanta — July 28 Atlanta Station • Philadelphia — August 3 Walnut Street between 17th Street & 18th Street • New York City — August 5 The Early Morning Plaza (Morning Stop) Near 59th Street and 5th Ave Union Square (Afternoon Stop) Exact Location TBD *Please note these locations are subject to change. Check back here for the most up to date information Follow us on Twitter: @AvonPRNewsflash and check back on cosmopromo.com for tour dates and more information. Hear more about this breakthrough new product and share your story at avon.com/advancetechniques. *After using for one week Keep a look out for a tour near you.  Samples are available if you would like to try before you buy, just let me know.  Thanks for stopping by.  I hope that you will visit again soon.  Take care. Tracey

Cool Stuff Spotlight: Sweets By Megan

 

I have the extreme pleasure to introduce a great new service and tasty treat: Sweets by Megan.  I was introduced to Megan’s services by fellow entrepreneur Denise Cerveny of Landmark Investments. 

Sweets by Megan offers a wide variety of baked goods, from cookies, to cupcakes.  You can find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Sweets-by-Megan/119049201454187 and here is a menu of her delightful treats:

Sweets by Megan

Spring 2010

Ok….so here is the deal. Everything is priced individually. No order too big or small. My only request is that you order in multiples of 2, just makes things easier for me to package.

If you have ever been to a party where I have baked you see things in all sizes, big and small….this is all big stuff….big cupcakes, big cuts of the bar cookies. If you want smaller cuts, mini’s, etc, just email me and I will price accordingly.

If anyone has allergies, hates raisins, etc, just let me know and we can work something out.

You all know where to find me. Just in case my cell is 201.210.1136 or sweetsbymegan@comcast.net or search me on facebook…Sweets by Megan.

Sandwich Cookies All varieties $1.75 each

Juli’s Linzer Cookie
Straight up soft sugar cookie with a little raspberry jelly in the middle, then dipped in milk Chocolate

Ginger Lemon Sandwich
Fresh, soft ginger cookies with lemon meringue buttercream between them

The Original Carrot Cake Cookie
To all you raisin haters….Carrot Cake just isn’t the same without ‘em
Vanilla bean cream cheese icing stuffed between two cinnamon-y soft cookies full of fresh carrot, toasted walnuts and raisins.

Key Lime Coconut Sandwich
The newest addition
A cookie that will make you want to hit the beach………..Two toasted coconut short bread cookies with a tangy Key Lime cream between them. Forget coffee or milk….You will want a daquiri to wash this one down!

The Italian Oreo
Two Chocolate, chocolate chip shortbread cookies with orange scented Cannoli cream and then rollllllled in roasted pistachios.

Cupcakes All Varieties $3 each

Irish Car Bombs
WHAT! Yes, it’s true….
Very light Guinness chocolate cake, Jameson’s buttercream with some Bailey’s chocolate ganache on top. Might be my new favorite.

Coconut Cupcakes
My mom’s favorite
Dense coconut cake with whipped cream cheese butter cream and then doused in coconut

Lemon, Lemon, Lemon Cupcakes
Fresh lemon cake, brushed with a fresh lemon syrup and then some fluffy lemon frosting on top. There’s a little kiss of lemon curd on top so you can all taste the power of the lemon.

 

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

Because all bakers need a reason to have fun with a kitchen blow torch…….

We’ve take fresh lemon cake, brushed it with fresh lemon syrup, squeezed a dollop of fresh lemon curd inside, swirled some meringue icing on top and then…..Tah-dahhhhhh…. TORCHED IT! Looks just like the real pie!

D’Brickashaw’s Strawberry Cupcakes
Named after our favorite NY Jet
Mash some fresh strawberries and deliciousness can’t be far behind
Strawberry cake with a hint of orange zest and almond, covered with some fresh strawberry icing that will turn you into a Jets fan. Next season can’t come soon enough…….

Banana Love
Mini Chocolate chips swirled into fresh banana cake and then covered in a light, super whipped cream cheese frosting. Cupcakes for breakfast anyone? This one pulls double duty.

Plain Jane
Ok, not so plain………Rich vanilla cake with rich chocolate frosting……think Duncan Hines, without the box.

German Chocolate
A classic in cupcake form
Rich Chocolate cake with a frosting you will want to spread on everything full of coconut, almonds and caramel

Bar Cookies -All varieties $2.75 each

Moms Lemon Bars
2 of my favorite moms love these so we have named these for them….
A rich shortbread crust is covered in lemon curd and dusted with powdered sugar. Pucker up people!

Apple Pie Bars
Shortbread crust smothered in thin Granny Smith Apple slices and then covered in cinnamon/walnut filled crumb topping.

Megan’s Cheesecake Brownies
Many have tried but so few have ever come close…..
Vanilla bean cheesecake swirled in with the best brownie you are ever going to put in your mouth. I know my brownies, I would never lead you astray!

Crispy Peanut Butter Decadence
Candied crisp rice layered with Peanut butter milk chocolate and dark chocolate ganache. The adult Rice Krispy Treat. I’m not going to lie…..people look at these like “Eh, isn’t there something better in the box?” and then call me later and say “That was insane! I’ll take a whole box of just those next time!”. Try ’em, you won’t be disappointed.

Apricot Almond Crumble Bars
I love jelly……and I had to get my favorite flavor on this list.
A layer of short bread, a layer of apricot jelly with almond crumbs on top. So good. This might be my favorite.

 Mini Cheesecakes

Pumpkin Cheesecakes
My cheesecakes made better with warm spices and plenty o’ pumpkin. Graham Cracker crust. Fresh whipped cream on top. $1.50 each

(The following are twice the size of the pumpkins, hence the price difference)
Lemon Cheesecakes
Fresh lemon juice and zest added to classic vanilla cheesecake. Nilla wafer crust. Fresh whipped cream and a piece of candied lemon zest on top. $3 each

Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes
Espresso Cheesecakes with mini chocolate chips, chocolate cookie crust and fresh whipped cream on top. A little sprinkle of cinnamon to make it taste just like the real thing. $3. each

Odd and ends…….
Marshmallows
Vanilla (for Santa’s Hot cocoa)
Lemon (to sweeten Mom’s tea)
Toasted Coconut (because these are my favorite)
Bag of 10 – $8

Peanut Butter Cups
Milk Chocolate with creamy or Dark Chocolate with chunky
15 mini’s for $8
5 BIG cups for $10

In case you really want to mix it up…….
The following require a little work at home but are totally worth it……

Ice Cream Sandwiches
My homemade Cream Cheese Ice cream with either Red Velvet Cookies or Carrot Cake Cookies(without the icing listed above). I supply the ice cream and cookies. You are responsible for sandwiching it between the cookies.
Pint of Ice Cream with 16 cookies (enough for 8 sandwiches)
$28

Chocolate Lava Cake
Yes, you can WOW your guests and they may not know I helped.
4 ramekins filled with a light chocolate sponge cake, inside is a warm truffle full of dark chocolate ganache with has a splash of bourbon to really bring out the chocolate flavor. I bring them to you, all you have to do is throw them in the oven at 350 for about 20 minutes. Serve with a little vanilla ice cream.
Oh my!
4 servings $22
Must be ordered in multiples of 4

Chocolate chip cookies
There is nothing like a fresh Chocolate chip cookie
24 of my “6 minute” cookies $25
Wanna do it yourself? 24 balls of my dough, a couple of slips of parchment paper and dirctions that ANYONE can handle $20

I’m also working on the following that may make it to the Spring menu so stay tuned to my pics and status updates:
The Quadruple “C” Cookie-Cherry Cheese Crumb Cookie-A swirl of cherry cheesecake filling between 2 cinnamon crumb cookies. BAM!
Lemon Meringue Cupcakes-Our Lemon, Lemon cupcake with a new frosting…..Light meringue that’s been toasted on the outside. Trying to get some lemon curd on the inside too.
Chocolate Truffle Sandwich Cookies…..It’s like chocolate overload.

My mind is always churning people…..bare with me….and if there’s a flavor you like and don’t see on here, suggestions are always welcome!

Sweetsbymegan@comcast.net or 201.210.1136

I hope that you will try Sweets by Megan.  As an added incentive to her Megan a try, I am offering a free cookie or cupcake with an Avon order of $15 or more.  Just log into my website: www.youravon.com/traceyfisher or contact me for a brochure.   Enjoy!

Regards,

Tracey

Memorial Day

It’s Fleet Week here in New York City.  As you walk around, you can see the men and women who serve in the Navy and the Marines, in their uniforms, just enjoying the sights and being able to spend time with their friends, family and loved ones.  It makes me smile to them so relaxed and happy, because there is the knowledge that they could be deployed to the Iraq or Afghanistan someday soon. 

With that in mind, I would just like to thank those who are in the armed services.  You devote your time, your family and your life to defend this great nation of ours.  Memorial Day is not just the holiday weekend where we travel to and from the beach and enjoy picinics and barbeque in the backyard.  It is the day we honor those who have served in uniform.  In combat and in peace time. On land, on sea, in the air, behind a desk, or in the mess hall feeding the troops.   I salute you.  Happy Memorial Day.

Regards,

Tracey

Mother’s Day Is Every Day

Yes, I know that Mother’s Day has come and gone, but  I just wanted to put my two cents in.  For all of her self-sacrifice, dedication and of course maternal love.  Without her, we would not have good manners, great hygiene and of course a healthy diet (sort of).

Mom is the nurturer.  She is the one that usually makes sure you eat right, brush your teeth, and of course have on clean underwear, just in case you get into an accident and have to go to the hospital.  You know, I never really understood that.  I mean if you have an accident, wouldn’t you soil your underwear anyway?  And while I am thinking about it, why is it,  that if you did not eat all of your food, they always scolded you by telling you about all of the starving children in other countries?  I always wanted to volunteer my cooked carrots (which I hated and still do) and ship them to these poor unfortunate souls.  But I digress. 

Now I would like to briefly address the mother/daughter dynamic, since I am a daughter and can only address this matter from my point of view.  Sorry fellas.  I will try to get your imput for Father’s Day.  What kind of relationship do you have with your mom?  Is it a Gilmore Girls or a Donna Reed?  I also sincerely hope that none of you have a Mommy Dearest sort of relationship with your mom.  That would be well, kind of creepy and a little disturbing.  But I digress again. What  I am asking is, are you more of a friend with your mom or is it a more traditional type of relationship?  I have a combo of sorts with my mom.  I find that the older I get, the more I am friends with her, but there are moments when she is most definitely MOM!  At those times, especially when I am sick or feel as if life has done me wrong,  I am grateful that she is there for me.  It’s those times when I need her the most. I am sure that we all feel the same way. 

So even thought she may drive you crazy at times, ok most of the time, just remember, Mom will love you all of the time.  Yes, Mother’s Day has come and gone, but your mom will always be your mom.  Every day and always.

By the way, if you would like to hear the best ode to mom song, check out the Intruders “I’ll Always Love My Mama”:  http://popup.lala.com/popup/504684689312122178

Product Spotlight:

Now if you really want to impress mom, why not try to win her a new car?  During campaigns 11 & 12, Avon is giving you a chance to win a new Chevy.  Here’s how:

rev up the shine factor…WIN A FREE CAR

GRAND PRIZE WINNER 2010 RED CHEVROLET MALIBU 4-DOOR SEDAN Approx. retail value $29,000 Includes: • Sun Roof • Leather Seats • V6 Engine • Front Wheel Drive • Free 1-Year Subscription to OnStar Directions and Connections Plan • Free 3-Month Trial Subscription XM Satellite Radio • Front-Seat Heat Warmers • Bluetooth Wireless Technology • MP3 and CD Players • AM/FM Stereo • Automatic Transmission

5 RUNNERS-UP Will each receive a check in the amount of $1,000.00

250 BEAUTY BUNDLES An assorted selection of our top-selling full-size Avon Beauty products. a $150.00 value each!

TO ENTER OUR “NOW IS THE TIME TO SHINE” SWEEPSTAKES: For every full-size Glazewear Lip Gloss you purchase in Brochure 11 and Brochure 12, you will receive one mail-in entry form. The more you buy, the more chances you’ll have to win!

BUY A GLAZEWEAR…YOU COULD WIN A 2010 RED CHEVY MALIBUSo go out there and win one for Mom!  Or treat yourself.  Go ahead, you’re allowed.As always, thanks for taking the time to drop by.  I hope that you will come back to visit again soon.  Regards,   Tracey

Hello Green Tomorrow

Rain, rain, go away.  Come back another day.  That’s what we used to chant as kids when skipping rope.  We chant as a joke as we got older when it rains on our weekend or if we think it has rained too much.  In reality, we know that we need the rain along with all of the great things it brings, such as the rain forests.   Avon is doing it’s part by saving 1 tree at time and asks that you join the crusade.  Here is a link to a video that will explain more:  http://www.youravon.com/REPSuite/hgt_home.page.

Here is also a brief summary of Hello Green Tomorrow:

WHAT is it?
The world’s first-ever global tree planting campaign, leveraging Avon’s unique reach across the country and around the world, to help save the critical Atlantic Rainforest in South America

WHEN will it take place?
Launches late March (C9 in the US), with key promotion during April-May, and continues year-round

HOW does it work?
Every donation of just $1 plants one tree! It could not be easier! Avon has donated the first $1 million.

WHERE does it take place?
Avon Representatives and associates in 65 countries are supporting Hello Green Tomorrow

Now Is The Time

Initial efforts are focused on March through May 2010, and we will announce our first milestone of funds raised on June 5, 2010, to mark United Nations World Environment Day.

Campaign 9 is the official start of this great endeavor.  You are also more than welcome to contact me for more information.  Thank you for your help to make a difference.

Product Spotlight:

I would like to remind you that I have the Anew Reversalist Eye System in stock for only $25. 

40+ ANEW REVERSAL FIGHTS MODERATE SIGNS OF AGING ISTnew INTRODUCING ILLUMINATING EYE SYSTEM

• Brightening Veil Sheer veil with potent skin brighteners. Illuminates under eyes instantly. Use after Eye Cream and reapply as needed. .09 oz. net wt. • Eye Cream Visibly repairs dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles over time. Use twice a day all over eye area. .5 fl. oz.

Item#: 245-213 Price: $25.00 buy now & save Will be $30.00 INSTANTLY Eye area appears more luminous IN 4 WEEKS Dramatically reduces the look of fine wrinkles World’s 1st two-part eye system with Activinol Eye Technology Help reactivate skin’s REPAIR process and DRAMATICALLY REVERSE VISIBLE WRINKLES BRIGHTENS EVEN YOUR DARKEST UNDEREYE AREA Please contact me if you would like to order this great new product.  Shipping is free.  Thank you for taking the time to stop by.  I will keep you posted on Avon’s Hello Green Tomorrow’s efforts.  Please also feel free to comment or ask question here. Thanks again and take care.  Till next time. Regards, Tracey

In Business For Yourself, Not By Yourself

As an Independent Avon Representative, I’ve often wondered about the word “Independent”.  Yes, Avon is mine to basically run as I please.  I can work on it when I want, how I want and where I want.  Shape it to fit my needs, not the other way around.  However, I do have the support system of Avon itself.  I can utilize their advertising, samples, demo products and the management team is there for any help and or advise that I would need.  But I have to admit that sometimes, even that is not enough.  With the advent of social media such as Twitter, Facebook along with Ning groups, help for my business has gotten a bit easier.  I would also like to make a point of a few other very helpful souls out there whose business is to help small biz owners like myself to prosper and grow. 

During my forays into social media groups such as Twitter and Facebook, I have been fortunate to come across people such as Ann Evanson: http://www.warrior-preneur.com, Carrie Wilkerson: http://carriewilkerson.com, Lucinda Cross:  http://corporatemomdropouts.com, Denise O’Berry: http://www.deniseoberry.com/, and Kim DeYoung: http://metromom.com. 

Though they all offer coaching of one type or another, they each have their own specific style and specialties.   Yes, their coaching comes with a fee.  Like the rest of us, they have to make a living too!  However, they offer many free products and services as well such as newsletters, blogs, e-books, podcasts and much more.  Ann Evanson aka the Warrior-Preneur even goes so far as to allow bloggers to post their blogs on her Facebook page once a week!  This is just one way to show how she is there to be the help you need, when you need it.

So basically what I am saying that if you are like myself, and still are looking for that extra push or support that you need for yourself or your business, you don’t have to look far.  They are out there and they are waiting to share their expertise and experiences with you.  Remember, you may be in business for yourself, but you are certainly not by yourself. 

Product Spotlight

You have heard me mention great products from Avon’s Anew line.  They have now introduced the Anew Reversalist Regimen.  Focusing on moderate signs of aging it reduces wrinkles, improves firmness and evens skin tone.  The Illuminating Eye System in particular zeroes in on decreasing dark circles under eyes.  The Illuminating Eye System is now available for only $25, regularly $30.  I have 5 in stock right now so contact me to get in on this great product and great deal! 

As always, thank you for stopping by.  Please let me know if there us anything in particular you would like to see here on the blog.  I would be happy to share any news or information you think might be beneficial.  Till next time.

Regards,

Tracey

Empower

I was in the hair salon today, waiting for my stylist when I picked up a copy of  Ladies Home Journal.  I was skimming through it when I came across an article detailing one woman’s battle with domestic violence.  Her name is Amanda White and for the purposes of this article for Ladies Home Journal, she became the face of domestic violence.  Here is her story: 

The Face of Domestic Violence

 http://www.lhj.com/relationships/marriage/challenges/the-face-of-domestic-violence/

This story brings home the need to have support groups, organizations and foundations to help women such as Amanda White.  Avon as most of you know has been active in such endeavors.  With the help of Reese Witherspoon, Avon’s Global Ambassador, Avon has become one of the largest corporate supporters of women’s affiliated organizations and charities, such as the fight against domestic violence and breast cancer research.  Avon is not only the company for women, but is empowering them as well.

Please take a look at how you too can help empower women along with Avon and Reese Witherspoon:

EMPOWER

Empowerment Tee

Cotton/spandex. Machine wash and dry. Imported. S(6-8), M(10-12), L(14-16), XL(18), 1X(18W-20W), 2X(22W-24W)

Price: $15.00 100% of the net profits ($8.87) will be donated to the Avon Foundation to end violence against women.

Join Reese Witherspoon Since 2007, Reese has partnered with Avon to make a difference. She has presented millions of dollars in Avon grants for breast cancer research and access to care and spoken out against domestic violence in Washington, DC, and at the United Nations. Join her and make a difference, too.

You can MAKE A DIFFERENCE Avon believes that when women are empowered they can make their dreams a beautiful reality. Nowhere is that commitment more evident than in our philanthropic efforts, led by the Avon Foundation for Women. Avon is the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause, and the largest corporate-affiliated foundation for women’s causes, with programs in more than 50 countries.avonfoundation.org

Empowerment Bracelet

Silvertone infinity symbol represents a future without limitations for all women. Blue stretch cord fits most. Small (“6), Large (7 1/4”)

Price: $3.00 100% of the net profits ($2.24) will be donated to the Avon Foundation to end violence against women.     Domestic Violence Unisex Bracelet Features empowerment emblem. Fits most adults. Silicone. Item#: 056-574 Price: $3.00 100% of the net profits ($1.74) will be donated to the Avon Foundation to end violence against women

Thank you for allowing me to share this information with you.  Feel free to comment and or contact me if you would like more information about any of Avon’s foundations.  Thanks again and take care.

Regards,

Tracey

Direct Selling 101 – ABC News

As I am sure you have heard from news programs, editorials and talking heads alike, the economy is taking it’s time to recover.  Unemployment is still at an all time high and people are looking for ways to make money.  Here is one way to do so, direct selling.  Whether you choose Avon, Tupperware or Mary Kay, take a moment to review this quick crash course to help you to choose the direct selling opportunity that is right for you. 

	“Direct Selling 101 “ Benefits & drawbacks of choosing a direct selling opportunity.

via Direct Selling 101 – ABC News. 

Other Cool Stuff 

Here is a direct selling opportunity that may be of interest.  It is a body wrap company whose focus is on weight loss.  My fellow direct seller and colleague, Cindy Voorhies gives a brief description of the company along with the link of the website: 

Hi Tracey, 

My business has in home body applications in which you can lose up to an inch in 45 minutes. We are an all natural based company. The applicator helps tone, tighten and lose inches. We also have supplements and skin care, along with facial and chin wraps which helps with wrinkles. This company is also going Global this month with the launch into Australia and then onto the U.K.  This product has become very popular as it is an alternative methods to liposuction and very affordable. 

My website is itworks.net/cvoorhies  where you will find more information.

Thanks

Cindy Voorhies

Please feel free to contact Cindy for more information.  Please also let me know if you have a direct selling opportunity out there you would like to promote.  As I have said before, we are all in this together.  If we do not help each other out, who will?

 Thanks and I hope to hear from you soon.  Take care.

Regards,

Tracey 

 

 

 

 

NY Times Article: Avon’s Little Sister Is Calling

The following is a re-print of an article that I found in the NY Times and I wanted to share it with you.  Please take a moment to read it and let me know what you think.  Thanks and enjoy! 

Greg Sailor for The New York Times

Kristiauna Mangum, left, an Ohio State University student and the campus sales manager for Mark cosmetics, with Amanda Heintzelman, a sales representative.

By CAMILLE SWEENEY

Published: January 13, 2010

KRISTIAUNA MANGUM, 22, a senior at Ohio State University in Columbus, said she always had a flair for makeup, but never considered it a professional calling. Then she heard about a pilot college program offered by Avon’s little sister brand, Mark, two years ago. “My mother was an Avon Lady, so I thought, huh, maybe becoming a Mark Girl could really be the way to go,” she said.

Greg Sailor for The New York Times

DIGITAL TOOL A Mark iPhone app.

Now Ms. Mangum is the sales manager for Mark at Ohio State, and manages 155 other Mark Girls who roam the dormitories and sorority houses, selling Mark beauty products and fashion accessories for a commission in the range of 20 to 50 percent.

“It’s really a grass-roots kind of thing, hitting the dorms, sororities, Facebook,” said Ms. Mangum, who uses her share of the profit, about $800 a month, to help settle her student loans. “I even rented space at local high school fairs — with 16- and 17-year-olds, you can move a lot of lip gloss,” said Ms. Mangum, whose major is marketing.

She is one of more than 40,000 Mark Girls in North America, mainly 18- to 24-year-old women who are changing the nature of direct sales by using the brand’s personalized e-boutiques, iPhone app and new Facebook e-shop, one of the beauty industry’s first forays into Facebook e-commerce.

“We’ve taken the same DNA of direct selling that has always been a part of Avon’s history and applied it to the digital world for our Mark reps to reach their customers,” said Claudia Poccia, president of Mark at Avon, which introduced the brand in 2003. “Now, we’re offering our Mark reps the opportunity to sell products not just door to door, but on Facebook, wall to wall.”

The Mark brand is evolving. It has its own spokeswoman, Lauren Conrad, the former reality TV star of “The Hills,” now a fashion designer and best-selling author of “L.A. Candy.” Its Facebook fan page has over 84,000 fans. According to estimates from Stifel Nicolaus, an investment bank, Mark’s revenue last year was about $70 million.

Unlike other companies involved in direct sales — including Amway, which may dedicate a product line or two to a more youth-oriented market, or Mary Kay and Avon, whose products are geared toward middle-aged women — Mark focuses almost exclusively on teenagers and women under 30.

The younger demographic, at least concerning sales representatives, has its drawbacks. “The fact that the reps are younger can mean different rules apply as to how a direct-selling company is going to have to manage them,” said Linda Bolton Weiser, a managing director of consumer equity research at Caris & Company, an investment bank. “There could be questions about volume limits and credit — a younger rep may be cut off earlier. And, if a rep is under 18, obviously you would need parental permission.”

Still, Mark’s motto — “Make your mark” — seems to resonate with its zealous representatives.

But can Tweets and news feeds from Mark Girls compete with over a century of Avon Ladies’ experience?

Because of the difference in how the products are branded and the separation between Avon and Mark representatives (those selling Avon can also sell Mark products, but not the other way around), there is some internal competition among representatives.

On the mark.girl discussion board on Facebook, the Mark-versus-Avon topic sparked a lively debate when one Mark representative wrote: “Has anybody else noticed Avon reps not taking the Mark product seriously?” An Avon representative replied: “A lot of Avon women I know don’t push Mark because it has a lower profit as compared to the Avon core product line.”

Some experts in the beauty business are fans of Mark. “It really helps that Mark has such low price points,” said Elaine D’Farley, beauty director of Self magazine. “Visually, it’s fun. The products hit the trend.”

Indeed, products such as the magnetic refillable color palette compact ($4) and Hook Ups (about $10) — two-ended cosmetic dispensers that can be customized to connect, for example, lip gloss and lip pencil, eyeliner and mascara — are so popular, as one Mark representative said, that “they’re impossible to keep in my purse.”

But some products have been criticized online, where a bad review may resonate more negatively than an item quietly returned to a store. On the Mark Web site, one reviewer said that a cheek tint left “zero shimmer on my cheek but plenty on my hands.” And on Makeupalley, a forum for comments on beauty products, a reviewer complained about Mark’s Good Riddance: “I have under eye circles and it didn’t even come close to covering them.”

But when it comes to using social media tools to sell services or products, Annemarie Frank, director of digital media and strategic alliance of Mark at Avon, said the viral nature of Mark’s brand presence is what company executives are after.

“Mark Girls can advertise their ability to sell products right on their Facebook profiles, and the widget functionality of Mark’s e-shop enables us to drop the shop into other places to give the brand a presence wherever people hang out online,” she said.

Of course, Mark is not the only beauty company to use digital marketing. Direct-sales firms like Mary Kay and Avon are also using social media and online tools. Both companies have a presence on Facebook as well as apps for cellphones and hand-held devices that their representatives can use to make sales.

Other skin care companies like Jafra, which also sells cosmetics, and Arbonne do less with social media.

But this might be changing.

The Direct Selling Association dedicated its annual communications seminar last month to new media strategies. “Attendance was double our usual number,” said Amy Robinson, an association spokeswoman. “If you’re a direct-selling company and you’re not on the Internet or making use of some of these new technologies, you’re already behind.”

For college-age sales representatives, Mark’s digital and mobile offerings can inspire any number of approaches.

One Mark representative, Hannah Parish, 20, a senior at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C., has been selling Mark products since last January, when she ordered a Speedway Do Everything cover stick ($8) and signed up for her Mark Girl starter kit two weeks later.

“I fell in love with it,” Ms. Parish said.

This fall, when the Mark Rewards Program advertised a contest for all-expense-paid trips to this year’s Sundance Film Festival (a guest included) for the two highest-selling Mark Girls, Ms. Parish said, “That forced me to be really creative.”

She created a Facebook event, “Send Hannah to Sundance,” and invited 600 people in her network to join. She made numerous special offers, including one to bring her best client along with her to the festival in Park City, Utah.

Ms. Parish sold $6,000 worth of products; she and a friend will be traveling to the festival in two weeks.

“I’m a film buff and I’ve never seen snow,” she said. “When I answered the phone and heard, ‘Congratulations,’ I started screaming. My friend who bought $617 worth of merchandise and gets to come with me is still screaming.”

New Year, New You

2010 is here and I am more than ready for a brand new start.  2009 was not the best year for me with health issues, finances and just life in general.  I am eager to see what this new year will bring.  New ideas, perspectives, and empowerment, and a positive attitude.  This is the year to make a difference.

That being said the Avon Foundation for Women  along with Reese Witherspoon, Avon’s Global Ambassador is stepping forward to bring awareness to not only Breast Cancer research but for domestic violence as well. 

For more information about the Avon Foundation for Women, go to www.avonfoundation.org. 

Keeping with the theme of a New You, I would like to talk a bit out the resolutions that we all seem to make about keeping in shape.  We all promise ourselves to eat better, work out more and cut down on any vices we may have.  Now I may not be able to make you stick to your diet or drag you to the gym, or even make you quit smoking.  What I can do is make it a little easier to make you stick to your resolutions.  The Curves for Women Toning Trainer is just one the ways that I can help to support your decision to stay in shape.

All you have to do is put them on and let your feet do the rest.  Not bad, huh?  By the way, Curves has a lot more ways to help you to stay on track.  Go to my site www.youravon.com/traceyfisher for the rest of the Curves product lines. 

Thank you for all of your help and support this past year.  It was a rough year for everyone in 2009, but with each other’s continued encouragement & support I believe that we can make 2010 a banner year for everyone!  Take care and see you back her soon!

Regards,

Tracey

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a quick note to wish you all a very happy and safe Thanksgiving! Eat, drink and be merry.   And don’t forget about Black Friday! Avon has some great deals for the great holiday shopping. In between the parades, football games and of course the turkey coma, take a minute and check out some of the the great sales.  Here is just one expample of the many bargains that Avon has to offer and can be found at www.youravon.com/traceyfisher:

 

I would also like to give special thanks for my customers for their continued patronage and for my friends, family and collegues. You have helped me, supported me and encourged. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tracey

Avon Breast Cancer Crusade

It’s October again, one of the most important months of the year.  Why you may ask?  Breast Cancer Awareness.  Many companies have come out with “pink products” in support of this very worthy cause.  However, I am proud to say that Avon was one of the first to initiate this type of program.  Along with providing pink products for the Avon Foundation, Avon’s Global Ambassador, celebrity Reese Witherspoon is helping to promote awareness about domestic violence with 2 very special items: the Empowerment Pendant Necklace and the Empowerment Bracelet.  Along with this years pink product, the Breast Cancer Crusade Moisturizing Bar Soap, Avon is well on it’s way in spreading the word about these worthy causes.

As quoted in the current brochure:  “More than 742,000 U.S. Avon Representatives raise funds to eliminate breast cancer and domestic violence by selling Avon products like these—not just in October, but in every campaign, all year round, every year since 1993!

 

Please also note that included with every purchase to benefit the Avon Foundation for Women is a free Breast Health Resource Guide or a Domestic violence Resource Guide.  Copies can also be found at  www.avonfoundation.org.

 

In addition, the Empowerment Bracelet is free with any Avon Foundation purchase which can be found on pages 78-79 in the current brochure. If you don’t have a brochure you can go online at www.youravon.com/traceyfisher or contact me and I will send you one. 

 

I hope that you will join me in this life saving cause.  Thanks for your continued support and let’s think Pink!

 

Regards,

Tracey

Mini Fair, Breast Cancer Awareness, & More

I had a very exciting weekend.  I participated in my very first fair!  It was a mini book fair sponsored by my local town library.  Of course, books were the star of the show so to speak, but there were various vendors there as well.  The weather was great and the turn out was pretty good as well.  And of course there was nothing like fair food!  Hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, cakes, soda and pork on a stick!  Yes, that’s right, pork on a stick.  People shopped, ate and generally had a good time.  I know I did! 

And as much fun as I had, I also realized that October is right around the corner.  As you all may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I will endeavor to update you on new Pink Products that Avon has to offer along with some old favorites.  Here is what was offered for the last Pink Product promotion:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for more updates about Pink Products, and Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

Other Cool Stuff

As I mentioned earlier, there were many different vendors at the mini fair this weekend.  Here are a few that I think you will find of interest.  Please take a moment to visit their websites and or contact them for more info:

Landmark Investment Group:  If you are looking for an investment firm with that personal touch, then this is the firm for you.  Rick Saltarelli:  ricksaltarelli@investwithlandmark.comand Denise Cerveny: denisecerveny@investwithlandmark.com are the financial specialists that will answer any and all of your financial questions. 

Tupperware:  I found a Tupperware consultant!  Another direct seller and she is right in my neighborhood.  If you were looking for a Tupperware consultant, than look no further.  Contact Sheetal Nagpal.  Here website is www.mytupperware.com/sheetal. 

Wildtree:  If you are looking for all natural foods than check out Wildtree.  Contact Christine Hartigan at chhartigan@gmail.com.  To see the great products they offer go to:  www.chartigan.mywildtree.com. 

These are just a few of the great vendors that were at the mini fair.  I may have more vendors on my next blog update.  I encourage you them out.  It will only take a few moments out of your day and you may actually benefit from their products and or services. 

Of course, I would also encourage you to check out my site and the other stores that I have to offer here at Let’s Talk Avon.  Remember, along with Avon, you a can also shop Amazon from my Cool Stuff Stores at the top of the page.  And as an added bonus, if you order $40 or more of Avon from me, you will be rewarded with a $10 gift card from Starbucks!  Personalized shopping and gourmet beverages.  What more could you ask for? 

Last but certainly not least, I would like to make a very special mention of fellow Avon rep Kristen.  She has a great blog called Avon  My 365 Day Journey: http://knockhere.blogspot.com/ , giving helpful advice and inspiration for Avon reps such as my self.  She also has another great sites that is worth checking out: www.FunnyYardCardRental.com.  Thanks Kristen for advice and inspiration!  I will be checking in with you soon.

Well that’s all for now.  Thanks for visiting and hope to see you back here soon.

Regards,

Tracey

September

September. It seems as if this is the most popular month of the year, with the exception of December, for obvious reasons. Why do I think that September is popular? Well let’s see. I can think of at least 3 songs with it’s name being mentioned. Have you guessed them? Ok, if not they are: September morning by Neil Diamond, See You in September by the Tempos and of course the simply stated September by Earth, Wind and Fire. See what I mean? Let’s face it. September is a very busy month. Labor Day weekend, students going back to school, designer fashion shows and the start of of the fall season are just a few things that make this month a busy month for one and all.

I for one find September a little bittersweet. On the one hand it is the mark of the end of Summer, a season that is my most favorite. I love the warmth and the sun and everything that goes with it. Going to the beach, the pool, the park and vacation, when I can afford it, that is. And let’s not forget the new shows for Broadway, film and TV. I am a big entertainment buff and I look forward to the renewal of my favorite shows and to see what new shows and films that the powers that be thinks will entertain us. On the other hand, September is the month that introduces the Fall season to us. As you may have already guessed, I am not a big fan of cooler temps. Yes, the leaves turn pretty colors as they fall from the trees and a brisk day or two would not be a bad thing, but what can I say? I am a Summer girl and I am darn proud of it!

As I desperately try to hang on the the warmth of Summer, I fantasize about hitting the Lotto and going on a really cool vacation. Not going to happen, but a girl can dream can’t she? Speaking of cool vacations, my friends at Cooler Travel are already looking into planning cruises to Alaska in 2011 and Hawaii in 2012.

Sound like fun, huh? Check them out when you get a chance and tell them I sent you. They also have a great fan page on Facebook as well.

So if you are trying to plan that last minute vacation or are thinking ahead to next year keep in mind your travel accessories. I think you see where I am going with this. Yes, the obvious Avon product plug! What I have in mind are items that won’t break your budget and easy to carry. Lotions, shampoos, deodorant and more. You can even keep them on you and not be hassled my airport security. Take a look at what I am talking about:

Pretty neat, huh? And of course they are not just for travel. Keep the minis handy in your purse, in your guest bathroom, or as a nice gift.

And now onto the dreaded phrase: Back To School. Yes, I said it. Oh sure, parents love it as it gives them a break from having to deal with the little darlings all summer. But the kids are, shall I say, a little down in the mouth? I remember when September came rolling by in my, ahem, younger days. Let’s just say I was not in a happy place back then. But here is something that may put a smile on their faces and not put a frown on yours when it comes to your budget.

And don’t forget that you can also find more back to school items at my Cool Stuff For School Store. Yes, I know. Another shameless plug. But a girl has got to make a living, right?

So think of it this way. September can be seen as both an ending and a beginning. Yes, the end of summer and leisurely vacations, but also a beginning for students, entertainment and a whole new season. I wish you the best for this next phase of the year. Enjoy and see you next time.

Regards,
Tracey

Summer Camp

I have been away from the blog for a while.  Trying to catch up on other things, but you know how that is.  You never seem to catch up!  Then with the summer season upon us, the lure of sunshine and warm weather is sometimes too tempting to ignore.  But I am back and will try not to stay away again for so long. 

Well here we are, almost the end of July and it seems as if the summer just started.  The kids are out of school and attending some sort of camp or are on vacation with the family.  I myself attended the PAL, which stands for Police Athletic League,  daycamp and then later on the sleep away camp courtesy of the Fresh Air Fund and the Girl Scouts.  I had more fun than you can image.  Swimming , camp fires, and field trips marked every summer while I was growing up. 

Of course when you are a kid, you don’t realize what summer camp meant for your parents.  Because my sister and I were raised by a single parent with the help of wonderful grandparents, the PAL was a great way to keep us entertained while my mother was at work.  Moreover it gave my grandparents a much needed break after a busy school year.  The PAL is a non for profit organization that has been around since 1914.  For more information, check out their website at: http://www.palnyc.org/800-PAL-4KIDS/Home.aspx.   And like the PAL, The Fresh Air Fund,  http://www.freshair.org/,  is also a not for profit agency that helps city kids experience summer in the country, for free.  And for those of you who are addicted to Girl Scout cookies, please note that they have a great summer camp as well:  http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/camping/.

 But of course, along sunshine and camping comes the inevitable insect bites and possible sunburn.  Ok, here comes the inevitable plug. Don’t look so surprised!  This is an Avon blog after all, LOL.   Now where was I?  Oh yeah, the product placement plug.  The Skin So Soft Bug Guard line offers products for insect protection, sunscreen, and itch relief in case you forgot to use the Bug Guard. 

 

So, all you happy campers out there (yes, pun intended), go out there and enjoy the summer.  Go to the beach, take a swim in the pool or just simply take a walk in the park.  And whatever you do, don’t forget your Skin So Soft Bug Guard!

 

Other Cool Stuff

I recently attended a great round table sponsored by the DSWA to discuss the direct selling business, recruiting specifically.  I got the opportunity to not only learn a few things, but I got the chance to meet some great ladies along the way.  I would like to now take the opportunity to give a shout out to these wonderful business women and their businesses: Roz Kelley representing Mary Kay:  www.marykay.com/rkelley2, Billie Elias representing Discovery Toys:  http://www.toysofdiscovery.com, Marie C. Grant representing Arbonne:  www.arbone.com, Mary-Jean Eraci representing B’s Purses:  www.bspurses.com/meraci,  Regina Brown representing Pure Romance:  www.ReginaBrown38366.Pureromance.com.  I would also like to mention another fellow direct seller Tricia Beaudoin.  Tricia is someone I met on Twitter and she represents Tupperware:  www.mytupperware.com/triciabeaudoin.

If you are interested in any of these products or would like to know more about their businesses, please contact them directly.  They have great products and I am sure they would love to hear from you.

Ok, that’s about all for now.  I hope that you will take advantage of all the summer has to offer and camps that I mentioned.  Please also check out the other direct sellers that mentioned as well.  Hey, there is enough business to go around for everyone!  Let’s try to do our part to stimulate the economy! 🙂 LOL  

Till next time.

Regards,

Tracey   

 

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

Sharing The Dream

Today is Martin Luther King Day.  It is also the second inaugural of President Barack Obama, America’s first African American President.  We have indeed come a long way since Dr. King marched on Washington. 

With the Civil Rights Movement that was passed in the 1960’s, there have been a lot of gains for minorities throughout the country.  With the ending of segregation, the right to go to the school of your choosing, to eat at any restaurant, to shop at any store was hard fought but was won. These are rights that are taken for granted today.  However, the work that Dr. King started is an ever and ongoing thing.  We must never forget what was fought for, and why it was fought for, lest we fall victim to our past mistakes.  We must all, together keep the message of equality and peace uppermost in our hearts and minds.  

Yes, we have come a long way, but we still have a way to go to fulfill Dr. King’s dream.  Let’s try to travel that road together. 

Remembering September 11th

Memorial Day weekend, the start of Summe

Memorial Day weekend, the start of Summer. Yay! Ok, here’s the pitch: Don’t forget your insect & sun protection:http://youtu.be/bldzLUzL1lA

missed the last opportunity for FREE SHI

missed the last opportunity for FREE SHIPPING? Now is your chance to save. No minimum order required.Offer ends midnight: http://ow.ly/aVgaR