Blogger and my Milestone

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, May 06, 2011
Today is a great day! It's Friday, the sun is shining, butterflies are landing on my Peonies,  all the people I love in this world are safe and for the most part happy. The Lord is Good and has blessed us with safety and health.





Butterfly


 Sure, we could all use a little more of this and that ( money, time off, new shoes, peace of mind). BUT, this glass - is- half- full lady is counting her blessings and doing a happy dance because of my blessings and this lil' blog that could!

You see, My WAHM Plan has reached a milestone! Sometime in the last 24 hours I got a new follower that put me at 100!! I am so happy and excited and.... what?
 I can't actually see my followers on my blog? I see the magic number on my dashboard, but nothing on my front page. Can everybody else see my followers??

 Arrggh... So off to Blogger help I go, I do all they suggest:
Remove and re-install Followers, clear my cache, rub my stomach and head at the same time... okay I added that one for a bit of levity because according to Blogger help, this has been a HUGE problem for quite some time here in blogger world.

Arrggh... I love my blog, I want her to succeed, so should I move her? Probably.
Will I?
Eventually.
It makes my palms sweaty just thinking about a Move of any kind. House, blog... yuck. Then of course there is the money thing. Free is good for me right now!

Maybe I have overlooked the solution and this snafu will work it's self out. Or maybe I should just use another follower platform!
That might be the ticket because I don't like moving, period!


Do you use something other than Google Friend on your blogger blog? If so, please leave me a comment and I'll check out your link.

If you are my 100th follower, please comment with a link back so I can come say Hi and thank you.

Remember to smile, it makes the world a better place and when you feel you are at the end of your rope, tie another knot!
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A Direct Sales Formula for Success

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, April 29, 2011
Happy Friday my Blogging Friends! I have been busy doing some much-needed work offline this week. Yes, you can be productive and in touch while spending the bare minimum of time online! I'll admit,  it did feel odd at first, this break from my routine but I'm am happier for it.


Speaking of productive: I came across a wonderful website a couple of weeks ago. I learned a great deal there and I just have to share Julie Anne's Direct Sales Formula for Success with you today. 


Direct Sales Formula for Success
By Julie Anne Jones

Direct Sales Formula for success percentage


I've noticed that I write quite a bit on this blog about time and organization – how to manage your time so you have a successful business while still maintaining the harmony in your life. That's because it's the single most frustrating thing about working from home. I've broken down the direct sales time commitment into a formula for you. Hopefully, this will help you see where you're not on track (and where you are).

Here's my formula for a successful direct sales business:


60% Money Making Activities


 These are things that have a high probability of producing income for you. We're talking the ACTIONS that will bring your business success. This includes (but isn't limited to) sales, bookings, parties, & sponsoring.

20% Preparation and Planning


 I do yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly and sometimes daily planning. It's the most important time I spend on my business (but notice its only 20% of the time I spend). You should also include team management in this piece of the pie. This allows you to solidify the foundation of your business so your long-term outlook is more profitable.

10% Administrative Tasks


By administrative, I mean anything that you do in support of your business that does not directly make you money. Pay attention to this category. My guess is you struggle to keep this from eating up less than 50% of your time, let alone 10%. I know it's the biggest issue I face. Nothing pulls me down a rabbit hole quicker than things like banking, e-mail, my website, etc. All are important to my overall business success, but none are income producing.

10% Raise-the-Bar Service


These are those extra touches that make you stand out in the crowd in your community, company, and industry. Do you send handwritten thank you notes to your hosts or make customer service calls to your party guests once they receive their products? How about sending birthday cards to your hosts and customers? What are you doing to build long-term relationships with super service to your representatives, hosts, and customers? My friend Jennifer Fitzgerald has created an amazing program called "The Client Angel" that will absolutely help you in this area. Check out her free trial membership here.
 ( *Julie Anne Jones is direct sales corporate consultant, 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 her weekly blog posts, visit her at www.julieannejones.com.*)




So there you have it. A simple, do-able formula for direct sales success!


Do you have a direct sales business? Please share your tips in comments. 
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Spring Cleaning Continues without Spritzes

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, April 14, 2011
I've been slowly ( and by slowly I  mean, I'm glad my Mom doesn't live close, slowly) working my way down my Spring Cleaning To Do List.
This is over and above my regular domestic chores, which for today happens to be bathroom duty.  I usually do all the wiping, swiping and scrubbing, turn around and smile at my handy work and my finishing touch: A Spritz of Lysol to make things smell ever cleaner!
After reading this article, I've decided I'll stop all my spritzing and just open up the windows instead.

Please take a moment to read:
Air Fresheners’ Real Impact On Indoor Air Quality Healthy Child Healthy World



I enjoyed my visit at Healthychild.org. It is full of helpful, easy to use tips to help us raise healthy kids.

I especially enjoyed these tips on Cleaning with 5 Basic Tools.  I didn't know Lemon Juice could be a cleaning agent, did you? Read the list and then please come on back and let me know which tool you will use.


Have a great day and remember to Smile! It's the best gift to give and receive!
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Being Big Bird

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Do you remember watching Sesame Street as a kid? How about with your kiddies? Yes and Yes x 2 for me. One of my favorite characters is Big Bird.  For my first born, it was Elmo all the way; she only gave a brief nod to the sage wisdom that is Big Bird, but for my youngest; Big Bird was THE One!

 Maybe it's because he's Yellow and that is her favorite color, or maybe it's because my youngest appreciated that Big Bird wasn’t a know it all and was often asking questions because, "Asking questions is a good way of finding things out!"

Kids are really good about this, at least mine are. They ask me and my hubby questions all the time! So you Moms out there with 3 and 4 year olds thinking there might be an end to the non-stop Q & A, I say maybe not and that is a good thing! Feed their brains with your knowledge and truth first before the world tries to take over.
 So, why am I talking Big Bird this morning? Because I wanted to share an amazing tool with you, one that we all possess but may be underutilizing: the Art Of The Question and the often forgotten art of waiting for an answer.   Ask, listen. Repeat.  Small Talk.
 I have been offered 2 jobs in the last month and I am not even looking for work outside the home! I attribute these offers to my openness and my:  ask, listen, repeat way of interacting with others.
The first offer happened just as I entered the office at my daughter's school, signed the parent visitor log and was greeting the office staff.  I've been chatting with most of these ladies for the better part of 4 years, so when the main secretary asked me how I was, I replied  " great"   and then I stopped what I was doing, looked her in the eye and asked her how she was AND I waited for a response. I was open and in the moment, not three minutes down the hall in my mind and that's when she asked, Linda, would you want to substitute for us this morning?
 Just like that. A job I'd never even thought about doing was presented to me. I was so caught off guard that I told her I'd have to think about it. All the office staff chimed in assuring me they would help, they would make sure I had a trained aid in the class, etc.  I was honored and frightened and happy by turns. I left the office to go to my daughters classroom, telling these nice ladies I would think about it and let them know ASAP.
I told my oldest daughter about it and she said " Go For It", as did her teacher, who said I would be so good as a substitute because I have such positive energy. That had me smiling!
 I happened to run into my youngest daughter on the way back to the office and she was so excited about her Mommy being a sub that I was seriously considering it!
But I had questions, several questions in fact, just like Big Bird.  As soon as I walked back into the office, the secretary asked, Linda can you do it?   All eyes were on me as I asked my most important questions: What about a background check? Don't I need to be cleared by central office before I can sub?
Aha! They hadn't thought of that! They looked at one another and the secretary said " we thought you had already done all that and were cleared to sub, You'd be perfect for it".  Well, what do you know? They think I'd be perfect sub material, cool.
 I left the school with central office contact information, but more importantly I left with a new sense of self because these nice ladies had revealed a facet I didn't know was there. Not only did they think I was qualified to be a substitute teacher, they thought I'd be a good one!

My second job offer came Saturday at Sam's Club.  Did you know the sample ladies and gents don't actually work for Sam's Club but are sub-contractors? I know this because I ask questions and chat with these nice people who give me free food.  Well, I was standing there chatting with the lady who had just given me a sample of an herbal drink ( think super sweet green tea) when I noticed her name tag looked different from the other sample ladies that day, so I asked her what company she was with.
 I was just making small talk as I waited for my hubby to come back around the aisle. The next thing I know I'm being offered a job! Just like that. I asked a question, looked this lady in the eye showing a genuine interest in her and voila!,  I was being told all about the position, the pay, the flexible hours etc. Well, who knew?  I can be a sample lady and make more money than the Sam's Club hourly employees do.  I thanked this nice lady, assuring her I would think it over but I wasn't really looking for a job.  But hey, this WAHM is thinking it sure is nice to know I am employable should my needs change!
  Interesting. Big Bird is right! Asking questions is a good way of finding things out! It may also land you a job, so if you are looking for work outside the home, get out there and start chatting and asking questions. You never know who may be hiring. Don’t discount yourself or overlook a potential position just because you hadn’t thought of it.  You never know until you ask, listen, repeat.  Good luck!
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Monday and My Plan

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, March 21, 2011
It's going to be another busy, fun week here at my house.


Spring break continues for the girls and I, but hubby has to work so I'm on the look out for fun, cheap (or free) things to do.

My oldest daughter also turns twelve this week,  so we have lots going on to celebrate.
 She wants to make her own birthday cake from scratch because she's turned into a label reader herself and wants to be able to pronounce what's in her cake. Ah, sweet Mama payoff. See, they do listen! Okay sometimes.

Speaking of healthy eating, did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? There’s no better time than now for you and your family to commit to more wholesome snacking options. My Blog Spark has asked me to help spread the word about Yoplait's healthy snack options, and in return, I get a chance to win a Yoplait prize pack. Yay!  


 My whole family will Love it if I do win because we run through Yoplait's Fiber One Key Lime Pie pretty quickly!  Moms: here's a snack tip, put your yogurts in the freezer for a couple of hours for a yummy frozen treat!

 To give Yoplait a hand in expanding its community on Facebook, and to keep up with all the exciting news and offers we have in store for fans, be sure to use this link to “Like” Yoplait on Facebook today.

*  Grab a free cup while supplies last during the Million Cup Giveaway on Yoplait on Facebook! *  You can print coupons from their Facebook fan page as well, which I will gladly use because I'm going to take part in Yoplait Light’s Two Week Tune Up Plan!
 Here's what Yoplait says:
Start spring off right with Yoplait Light’s Two Week Tune Up Plan – Replace breakfast and lunch with a cup of your favorite flavor of Yoplait Light, a whole grain and a piece of fruit and you could lose 5 pounds in two weeks. Go to Yoplait.com for full diet details.
Please join me in Yoplait's effort to help us all eat better in March and in the future by clicking here and liking Yoplait on Facebook today.  Thank you!
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5 Productivity Misconceptions of Multitasking

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, March 18, 2011
Happy Friday!

 I wanted to end the week by sharing this wonderful article on the misconceptions of multitasking. I know I have been guilty of trying to squeeze just one more thing in that power hour.
Except for the talking on the phone while emailing thing, I try my very best to avoid that one like the plague! On the very rare occasions when I must, I feel bad if I'm not talking to the very person I'm emailing because I know they can hear me typing! I feel it's rude not to give my phone conversation 100% of my attention.
Please visit Wendy and read:
5 Productivity Misconceptions of Multitasking


then come back and let me know your thoughts. Do you find it rude when you are on the phone and you can hear the other person typing? Think friend to friend here, not business calls.
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Monday and My Plan

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, March 14, 2011
This week is a continuation of projects I started last week.

 March 8th was International Women's Day.  I recognized the day by visiting sites, learning more and sharing a link here, but did you know that the 8th was also National Home Office Organization Day?  I didn't think so.

 I didn't know about this day either until a story popped up on Google!  In the spirit of this day I thought I'd share some of the tasks I did on the 8th and what I hope to accomplish this week.

·           Emptied my inbox. No, not emails. The ever so neat looking "inbox" sitting on the top shelf of my desk with all manner of notes, to-do's , half-finished  projects and the like.  Nothing urgent enough to do ASAP.  I have a folder just for those projects.
   Seems I've let this task go for a while. I unearthed some love notes from my girls and re-read each with a smile straight from my soul.  No wonder they are still here I think to myself.  I’m such a clever lady to have put them back to re- discover them later.
  Hmm, what else do I have in here? Pizza coupons.  The email address to a contact I've already put in my hubby's business contacts,   school fundraiser forms (you know the kind sent home almost daily until the event)?  I know I volunteered or sent in the money/drink/gadget required because,   see?  There’s my check in the top right corner indicating DONE in my world.  So why do I still have the paper? Cause my neat looking inbox hides oh so many secrets.

·          I did a quick eenie, meenie, miny, moe to decide which file cabinet to open first.  Left or right.
 Left being the behemoth holder of ALL and right the smaller less frightening holder of how to manuals, notebooks and trade publications with important articles for hubby.  Yes! I do read them and turn down the corners of interesting articles.   I am his secretary after all and you could learn a lot about the state of our economy by reading what is going on in the housing industry, but let me not stray too far from the subject:  file cabinet on the right was my best option last Tuesday.  35 minutes later I felt pretty good about the overall state of affairs in that file cabinet, but alas, I broke my stapler!  Darn the luck, looks like I'll just have to put off file cabinet on the left until I purchase a suitable replacement.

·            Next, I took everything off my desk and gave it a good cleaning. Not just a dry dusting, nope. Warm, slightly sudsy,   lemony scented water and a nice towel dry.
Okay, you may be yawning at this point and saying to yourself: Boring!  Trust me on this one: a clean and shiny desk in an office that smells good equals a happy work zone.  I also de-cluttered. The pencil sharpener that didn't really do more than gnaw the pencils?  Tossed and added to my list of needed office supplies.

And so went my morning. I had a box of recycling and the lid full of shredding and a nice happy work zone to show for it.
Today I am  still minus a stapler (I was way too busy flying kites and re- learning archery with my family to go running to the office supply store this weekend) so this week:
 I've decided to tackle the sideboard in my dining room that doubles as work/family filing and storage. I'm a bit nervous because I can't quite remember the last time I took everything out of this lovely piece. Wish me luck.

 I'm also going to do away with the ever present basket of incoming stuff that has taken up semi-permanent residence on my kitchen counter. It's full of receipts, coupons, pictures, cards, washers, nails, cameras, and better keeps because this looks important to (insert appropriate family member). 

It’s amazing how much time I have to spring clean my office and home now that I’m no longer working in direct sales. It’s true what they say about less is more. I feel more efficient and in control.  Please try to do yourself the favor of cleaning off your desk and maybe ridding yourself of the clutter of too many things on your plate.  You and your family will reap the benefits.

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