The Great Friends & Money Debate

I have been contemplating whether or not I was going to publish this post for the last few days. I have obviously decided that I should. Maybe my experience will help someone else in their business.

Last week I wrapped a few of my church members at a bbq. That was exciting because I really had no intentions of doing so. It gave me a feeling of accomplishment because when you join a network marketing company most people are skeptical and doubtful,especially the people closest to you. Since we had an impromptu wrap party, the ladies told me they'd pay me for the wraps on Sunday. Cool Beans. I had no problem with that.

On Saturday night I kept debating with myself about whether or not I should send a reminder text since it had almost been a week, and I know people have busy schedules. For me this was strictly business. I thought about all of the other times I had been so timid about money matters when I was a part of another network marketing company. I hated dealing with money and felt like it was a turn off for customers when you approached them about their balance. But I need to change that mentality in order to succeed.

I told myself that since this is a business I decided to build, I need to realize that money comes with the territory. I wasn't going to allow my discomfort with approaching people about money, stop me from building my dreams. So I waited until Sunday morning and sent a general text to everyone reminding them to bring their money to church. Boom! Message sent, I felt like a grown woman handling her business.

I received a text from one of the women that really hurt me. I think I was more hurt because I knew my intentions weren't to offend anyone, especially this particular woman who I consider a good friend. This was the main reason why it had taken me so long to send the text. No lie, I almost didn't go to church because I felt so distraught over the fact  that she'd think I didn't trust her or that I was hounding her for money.

I kept questioning whether I really did something wrong. That's the conflict when it comes to friends and business. I was thinking in terms of my business and how I need to ask for what is owed just like any other business person. Her mindset was, if we're friends you shouldn't feel the need to ask me for money because I haven't given you a reason not to trust me.

The whole thing sucked! I did call her on Monday and apologize. We had a short discussion about it and that was that. I'm thankful for the learning experience but I'm even more thankful that I didn't lose a friendship over it.

http://betteryounow.myitworks.com/

Wrap Star in the Making

This has been an amazing day! Matter of fact it has been an amazing week!!

Today I had a one on one with a young lady my husband referred to me. We met at a local Starbucks to see if this business would be of interest to her.

One thing I love about this business is the freedom it gives me to be myself. I didn't feel like I had to put on airs or act like I was more successful than I am. I didn't feel like I looked less professional because I wore my hair in an afro. I wore jeans and one of my fave Old Navy shirts. I was comfortable and I was me. 

Another thing that made me fall more in love with this business is the comfort level I had with taking my little princess to the meeting with me. I had originally planned to have a babysitter, but it didn't work out. Thankfully the meeting was at 11:30am, which is nap time for her. 

Having her there with me gave me more confidence and helped me convey my passion in a way that I would have been nervous to do otherwise. I mean, my baby girl is my primary reason for building this business so I think it was good to have a visual for my prospect and myself as I expressed my desire to be debt free and achieve financial freedom to insure my daughter had a future with no limits.

The meeting went well. The young lady was very interested in the business and will become one of the first distributors to sign up under me. Yaaay! 

I'm very excited about this month. Last month was basically my training month, but now it's on! I am ready to party...Wrap party :) Business is Boomin!

http://betteryounow.myitworks.com/

Choosing Victory Over Defeat

I'm Baaaack! I've been really busy since the last time I posted. Let's see....My little family flew to Philly on the 16th to visit my mother & siblings. It was a very interesting trip. Persia did very well on both flights, for which I am beyond thankful since I had to go it alone on the ride back.

My initial thoughts for this trip were: leave the kid with grandma, sleep, eat and sleep some more. But that was before I joined this business. I wanted to make sure I took advantage of any opportunity I had to get the word out about my products. So I scheduled a wrap party at my mom's place. I was also able to meet with my coach and friend, Bonita. The day we flew in my husband and I went to her beautiful home for dinner and training. 

Throughout the week I made calls, sent texts, e-mailed, etc to confirm my guests for my wrap party. I really didn't want to disappoint Bonita because she was willing to come help me, even though she was getting back from vacation the day it was scheduled. So many people bailed on me, but that's why you over invite. 

On the day of the party, I swear it seemed like everything and everyone was against me. I really wanted my mom to be there but she had to work until 7pm. A few more people called and cancelled, then there were others who just didn't show up. The internet was turned off. There were several block parties around the neighborhood that blocked off major streets and caused a lot of confusion. My siblings waited until 4:30pm to begin cleaning and my party started at 5. Everything was just crazy! 

But I had 2 guests show up, along with Bonita and they both became loyal customers. One of my guests tried the crazy wrap and she lost 2 inches around her waistline in one hour!!! That excited all of us. So everything worked out. 

If I wasn't passionate about this business I would've just quit and let my frustration deter me, but I have found that when I am most frustrated, is when I am the closest to an accomplishment. That frustration is the thin line between victory and defeat. Nothing worth having comes easy. I appreciate my minor setbacks much more now. They are an important part of the journey.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

(Romans 8:28)

https://betteryounow.myitworks.com/Home

Lesson Learned

So today I was supposed to have my first 'wrap party.' That didn't quite work out. No one showed up, but I am confident that I will still be a successful Wrapstar. I blame my poor marketing for this defeat. You can't expect people to jump at an opportunity when they only have a 3 day notice, no personal contact from me (FB isn't personal), and very little knowledge about the product. So I will definitely make sure I am on my p's and q's next go around.

So what did I do with the time I set aside to wrap away the fat lol? I did what any smart business owner would do. I worked!! After I ate some ice cream of course...I'm only human :) I journaled a bit because I wanted to rid myself of any negativity. I had to admit to myself that this was poorly planned and I need to take better control of my business. Then I reminded myself that since I want this to work I need to continue taking the necessary steps that will allow me to become successful. Last, I reassured myself that God would not plant dreams, goal, and desires in my heart that HE isn't willing to fulfill.

After journaling I called a few people who showed interest in my products and possibly becoming a fellow/lady business builder. Had some great conversations. Moved on to my weekly conference call, where I was commended by my upline for showing leadership by sharing this business with others, even when I didn't have product (ego boost).  Then I made that dreaded call to my mother, because I never want her to feel like I am hounding her. But the thing is, a lot of my motivation for success comes from my desire to help her financially when I am able. I don't think asking her to spend $33/mth is too bad. Give and it shall be given, right?

Now I'm sitting here blogging, waiting for my husband and daughter to return home with some french fries for this hungry momma. Guess that means I need to take a fat fighter!

Today was good but tomorrow will be great! Lesson Learned.

https://betteryounow.myitworks.com/Home