Keeping up with Us

I know exactly what you mean! I sometimes have "unplugged" days. I pick a day of the week where I stay 100% offline, no tv, no radio (cd's are okay, so is a DVD), I don't answer my phone - nothing. It's so nice to totally unplug and just be mellow - I get so much more done too!

I totally know how you feel with the wanting to just drive off - just wanting a day off totally free of all of it. Ugh! Sometimes the everyday stresses are way worse than the big stresses that happen in life. At least with the big stresses you know there is an end in sight, or an easement of it. With the everyday stuff it's hard not to think, "well once I'm done with this one there will five more just like it to deal with!"

Thanks, Meg! It is really frustrating, but I think Keith's right...I just need to sit back for a while and not try to focus so much on the sales aspect of things. Once people start seeing the differences these products are making for me, (hopefully) they'll start asking questions! And don't get me wrong...Avon has some great products, too. The jewelry they sell is very good quality and price, and I love the shoes they sell! But when it comes in to skin care and cosmetics, I feel so much stronger about the Arbonne products.

Thanks for letting me rant a bit, everyone!

Here are my thoughts: Stop focusing so much on selling for a while and lets just use the products from each company that we like. Skin care, cleansing, and weight loss from arbonne and deoderant and bug spray from avon. For example. That way you will have more of a success story with your knowledge. If we come across someone who wants to know about what we do, like Cher, then we talk to them about it but just not make it a big stressful push right now. I understand how frustrating this is especially when we know people who we thought for sure would help due to the fact the vegan certified products seemed to fit their lifestyle and they didn't even give you a shot or take you seriously.

I really like the Arbonne skin products better but even without that I want you to be successful at either one. I just think you might have better luck if we could get you a personal success story with a longer use history.

I do think you should sell what you are most excited about. I agree with Cher, it will take awhile to build up a new client base - especially with a product like Arbone which is more expensive and less well known. A lot of people are willing to just "throw money away" on cheaper products - even if they don't work well.

The economy has definitely influenced what kinds of products we buy. I've downgraded all of my soaps and what not to drug-store brands to save the extra cash, sometimes at the slight expense of my skin or time. So that might have something to do with the lack of interest since you switched back to Avon.

It's got to be really frustrating to switch because so many people asked you to and then have those same people avoid you :/

Hang in there though. It will work itself out.

Thanks, Cher! I did have an intro party, I had a mystery hostess party, and I had an open house....invited over 60 people to each one and people just wouldn't come! It's almost like they're afraid of me or afraid of what I have to say! I did the whole sample thing...I even did the 'here's a bottle to try for two weeks', but people wouldn't even consider it! Direct sales here is nothing like it was in El Paso. But then again, most of the people here aren't either! *sigh*

(btw, I'll put a book in the mail to you next week when I get the new holiday catalog in!)

Well, remember you had to build that client base with Avon, you just have to do that with the new one. Yes, financially people are not buying what they used to. I myself haven't ordered Avon in over a year. I don't really use any of their products(once they stopped making/selling the MilkMaid soaps really wasn't a point). Yes, most people are also stuck in a runt they are familiar with(Avon) and trust what they know. Personally, I'd be willing to try your new stuff, but I don't like ordering online, I actually like to have the chance to flip though a booklet/mag. several times before I order. As for you using the products-go back to the one you were happiest with!! Simply tell your Avon customers that you just weren't happy selling or backing Avon any longer. Set up a party-just don't say it's an intro party for your new stuff, and it will give you a chance to show it off. Give out free samples(if you can), do a demo. Once people see that you believe in your new product, they may follow.

Thanks! I'm sure I will! I have the sweetest the little boy who is already talking about making me heart shaped pancakes for breakfast! ;-)

Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day, too!

Happy Birthday AJ! Hope you have a great day!

Merry Christmas!

I remember Lacie from the time I went to your house while you were living here. She was so friendly. I was driving down the street I grew up on until I was in 4th grade and to see the house and I parked in front of it and remembered how we used to get grapes from the vines of our back yard neighbor. Those memories are so special and should never be forgotten.

I will definately be in prayer for them.

I read it, too, but like Meg said, you haven't posted a lot lately. I know that time has been at a premium since the shop opened. I'm planning to start writing more on our site, too! Keep posting! :)

Yeah, I haven't written much here because I wasn't sure if anyone was even reading!! :) Thanks for letting me know you do!! Glad you guys made it back to the states safely!! See you at Thanksgiving!

I read it! I use google reader to catch when you post.... I comment when something catches my eye, but you haven't posted much lately girl!

Some people are just like that...very quick to complain but never compliment. Then, there are also people who expect everyone to be forgiving of them when they have a bad day, but seem to forget that sometimes other people have a bad day, too!

*sigh*

Good luck!

Thanks! We all had a great time! I LOVE the mug!!!!!

Happy Birthday! The food was great...so was the company! Hope you had a great day!

Thanks, Mom! I couldn't have become who I am now without you and Dad!