WOW!!

I don't know where the time went but realized I have not blogged in months.  So much has changed in my Mary Kay business I will have to go back and blog some catch up articles.  In a quick nutshell I have 9 team members and hope to have my 10th by the end of this month. This is my first month of production towards my first free car and I should enter Director in Qualification this month.  These last few months have been a whirlwind but all I can say is that I have really been enjoying the journey.  My team, my unit, my pink bubble group, the powder puff girls (I will blog about) are all amazing and I can not imagine my life without any of them.

I am returning to blogging and will introduce you to my Unit of amazing women !

<3 Kathleen

On Target

The first day of my Mary Kay Career was July 10, 2012 and at the beginning of the first quarter of the 50th Anniversary Year of Mary Kay Cosmetics.  At the time I had no idea what an honor it was going to be to take part in the festivities this year is going to offer. 

Last month, I announced my goal for the month of August which was to reach Senior Consultant.  Did I want my Red Jacket in August? Of course! But it was not my goal.  My goal was to get one team member. I wrote this goal down on the white board in front of all the Supergirls and today . . . I reached that goal.  I successfully recruited a woman I worked with at a Maritime Law Firm a few years back.  I admired her at the time and I am sure she didn't know it, but she will eventually now since she is my team member and will read this at some point.  I admired her because she was a strong woman.  She never let anyone talk down to her no matter who it was but yet she was one of the most caring people I have met.  She barely knew me when my birthday came around but when I walked in to my office I had balloons EVERYWHERE, a basket full of pink items, a pink tiara and a magic wand.  Oh and a boa that she made me wear.  Ill never forget that morning and how she made me feel!   Did I also mention she was a Mary Kay Consultant?

Fast forward many years and this time I am the Consultant.  I sent her an email and simply asked "Still selling Mary Kay?"  "No" she replied.  A few weeks pass and I take a shot in the dark and email her asking to meet up for coffee.  Since she was no longer a Consultant, I knew she had no concept of the newly launched Timewise Repair and I had no doubt she would want the product line.

We met up for coffee and it was just like old times. We took over a table in the Starbucks inside Barnes & Noble  with a few bags full of product. I walk through the changes throughout the past few years.  She purchases a few odds and ends and tells me she is going to sign up to get the product at a discount but also now that she is retired she is going to actively build her business right along with me. 

I am so BLESSED to have her on my team as I continue my journey to Directorship.  There are those people you meet that need Mary Kay in their lives, but then there are people you know that Mary Kay needs . . . and Mary Kay NEEDS Debra.

And There It Was !!

On the way to the grocery store today I decided to stop by the tanning salon where I have some catalogs, cards, and a facial box.  I have checked this box every few days for a few weeks now and every time . . . nothing. 

Today was no different from any other day other than I got a few good business leads this morning that have a lot of potential. I just have to figure out how to work it. 

I pull in to the parking spot right up front (like normal) and walk in.  The girls all said hi and wondered what bed I wanted.  I let them know I wasn't going tanning at that moment I just stopped by to check the box just in case.  We start laughing about the summer being over in Seattle since we had 3 weeks of sun.  As I lift the lid off (cue cheesy horror movie soundtrack here) . . .  I catch a glimpse of white paper . . . things start to move in slow motion . . . . there is a new name and number in there!!  I got so excited. This is my first new contact from the boxes.


I think I actually skipped to the car and immediately took this picture.  I was so happy I must have been smiling from ear to ear.  Then panic set in. Okay, I tell myself, now you have to call her!  She said the best time to contact her was after 6 by phone or email.  Since it was still early, I sent her an email to let her know I received her information and when she got a little bit of time to call me and we could talk about skin care, makeup, and parties.  So now it is just a waiting game to see if there is contact back.  If I don't hear from her soon I will give her a call. 

Today I came to a fork in the road and I decided to take the path lined with Mary Kay Cosmetics <3  After all, I get paid to party !!

When a Cupcake is More than Just a Cupcake

On Saturday we learned about the different personality types (D - I - S - C) and how these personality traits come out and also how to talk to those personality types.  The first step however was to figure out what your personality type was.  We then broke up into groups depending upon our personality types to discuss how we relate to other people and how we can better relate to those around us with conflicting types. 

When I finished the test I found out that I was pretty close with all of my traits but my primary was I and my secondary was S.  This doesn't surprise me at all since I am the artsy type person and highly emotional. I think I have always been I then S and probably a lot stronger traits earlier in childhood.  After art school I decided to go in to the legal field and that is probably where I developed my D and C traits. 

With age I have learned how to tap in to my D or C trait when I need to but those are not the traits that guide me.  I have been and always be the dreamer who can easily be shattered by words and actions.  To walk in to a room and be ignored hurts, not because I need to be the center of attention but because I am an emotional person.  I tend to feel abandoned or disliked if I am not acknowledged.  Part of this comes from the lack of self esteem but also my personality.  I also do not like to feel like I am being talked down to.  I come across this in the legal field a lot.  Attorneys (at times) will talk down to me because I do not have a J.D. after my name but in reality I have had more of a college education. (I switched majors three times).

The fun part of this whole experiment was we then had to decorate cupcakes in accordance with our personality types.  So being the I that I am and being told to use whatever was in the room along with bags of icing, my mind started wandering.  I brought Mio water enhancer with me (because I cannot for the life of me drink just water).  Then I eyed the pack of sugar.  I dumped out a few packs of sugar and squirted the berry flavored Mio on the plate and mixed it all up.  The sugar turned a very deep purple and clumped together like little crystals.  I let them dry a little bit as I decorated my cupcake. 



It was really fun to walk around the room and see how people decorated their cupcake.  The more reserved personality traits used fewer colors and was more simply decorated while the outgoing and crazy (I personality) use every color in wild patterns and added sprinkles etc to

the cupcakes. 

 

This exercise was not only meant to help you in personal relationships in your life, or to assist you in recognizing your customers personalities and why they say the things they do, but also to help us grow as individuals. You have to know why you tend to do the things you do or say the things you say.  If you are conscious of it, then you can pay more attention to your words and how others may take what you say.  Some of us need to slow it down and speak with a softer tone, while some of us need to draw ourselves in and grow a little thicker skin.  

 

But the absolute best part of this project was eating the evidence.

I'm Ready Right Now ~ MK 2012

I am back from my little adventure to Yakima, Washington.  I attended "Hometown Seminar" with my actual Unit.  It was a beautiful drive and only took 2.5 hours.   My cow and sock monkey enjoyed the ride too.

I blasted the music and opened the windows and sang at the top of my lungs.  I think I offended a few farm animals, but I am pretty sure none of the humans heard me, at least I pray they didn't. I arrived at the hotel around 1:30pm and was able to check in right away since my room was empty.  My room had a little deck that over looked the river and court yard.  It was very beautiful and peaceful. Even though it was in the 100s there, I opened the door so I could hear the sounds of the running river.  After I unpacked all my belongings I freshened up and headed down to dinner.  I met up with my Sales Director and a few other team members and helped them bring their luggage up to the room.  Then we all went back down to eat and chatted. 



Jennifer Snyder

After dinner, we met in the Court Yard to discuss our visions and who we are.  It was an eye opener for me.  This class was being ran by Jennifer Snyder (one of the other Sales Directors in the area).  It was her words that made me have an AHA moment and that moment carried me through the weekend.  "Are you living in your reality or are you living in your vision?"  Your reality contains self doubt, limitations, obstacles, constant hassle and stress of everyday life.  Your vision is who you are going to become, how you will get there, and your life as it will be.   So do yourself a favor and close your eyes and dream of the success in your life.  Where will you be when you consider yourself successful?  Visualize it.  No, seriously do this. 

Okay, so what did you visualize? Me, I visualized debuting on the Seminar Stage in 2013 as a Sales Director.  Then Jennifer told everyone to close their eyes again but only this time DREAM BIGGER!  No matter how silly it may seem or unrealistic dream it. When you think you have it, dream bigger still.  I visualized going on the Elite NSD trips and belonging to the Inner Circle of Sales. Then her voice haunted me . . . . Jennifer asked "Now why didn't you dream that to begin with?"  The ONLY person that can limit you is YOU. You put the cap on your dreams with the every day reality of life and we lose track of our dreams.

It is crazy the way one persons words can affect you to the point where that is all you think about for days.  But it has.  Those words were spoken Friday night and here it is almost midnight on Monday night and those words still consume me.

So live in your vision and always remember to dream bigger <3

Sound the Alarms!!

I am so ready to push this button right about now.  Tomorrow I leave for Yakima to spend the weekend with a group of women I do not know for some bonding and Mary Kay time.  As I said previously, I tend to get anxiety since I am a socially awkward person.  Plus I have the drive over the mountains, through the burning fires of Cle Ellum (you thought I was going to say through the woods didn't you?) to a small town that I vaguely remember going to when I was in Jr. High to watch a car show. 

Its amazing how the brain will play games with you. What if you forget something, what if something happens to your family and loved ones back home while you are gone, what if nobody likes you, what if you get into a car accident and nobody finds you off some side of the mountain?  It seems childish but when you have anxiety these are the sorts of questions that go through your brain.  Oddly enough, Mary Kay has actually eased some of these fears.  I am learning to adapt and face my fears head on. 

Maybe it was because my recruiter only went to one meeting with me then I was on my own. I didn't know anyone, didn't know anything about the business, just kinda went blindly and learned to enjoy the ride.  That actually may have strengthened me.  Or maybe I was meant to do this?  Not to mention every opportunity I get, I  listen to CD's or watch DVD's of successful National Sales Directors that get you motivated with your business and also teaches you what you could do that you haven't started or even how to improve upon what works for you.  If you don't know the name Gloria Mayfield Banks . . . LEARN IT QUICKLY!!

I am almost finished packing . . . I am sure there are some last minute things I will remember as the day goes on. Just to be sure I don't leave anything behind I am going to be living out of my suitcase today.  And just think . .  In October I get to do this all again when I go with the Supergirls Unit to Fall Advance in Oceanshores, Washington (on the Coast) led by Cindy Towne!! 

I am bringing my computer with me in case I need to handle some customer orders and to keep up with my social media, friends, and family.  Will also probably bring me some comfort and sense of normalcy.

Don't hit the pink button!!

Career Board

I have been in the process of making my first Career Board for some weeks now.  At first, I sat the stared at this blank white board wondering what in the heck I was going to do with it. For days I contemplated  . . . . where was this going to go and why cant I get started on this thing?  No matter how much I focused on it or how much I thought about it. I couldnt get anything started.  Then I figured out why!! It was solid white . . . plain, boring, sterile and WHITE!  I took out some paints and went to town and came up with this a few hours later.

Since I am still very new to Mary Kay, it took me some time to figure out what the different levels were, how to achieve them, and how long it would take me to achieve it.  Going to the Director Faster Conference over the weekend helped me with all of this.  My goals became very clear. 

 This quarter my goal is to obtain at least one team member so I move up to the rank of Senior Consultant. I also expect to reach Star Consultant.  Since I know I just reached the Diamond level, I am aiming for Emerald by the end of the Quarter (Sept 15). By Mid October I am aiming for Red Jacket and Star Team Builder.  This will be on track for DIQ which is my next goal.  While at the Director Faster conference, I wrote down and signed my goal of DIQ with a deadline of December 1, 2012.  Then I have a few months to reach my last goal for this board which is to debut on the stage at Seminar 2013 as Director!

Just like my board, things are finally starting to come together and things are becoming very clear.  I will make this happen!

Success Meetings

Once a week the Supergirls Unit holds a Success Meeting (like most other Units).  During this time we acknowledge everyone for the challenges they faced during the week and also the great successes during the week.  This is also the time when a unit member picks up prizes they may have won for completing challenges etc. 

But to me, it is MUCH more than that.  It is a time to sit around with your girlfriends, laugh, celebrate, and lift each other up.  I mean lets face it.  Everyone gets down from time to time.  We all need that extra push.  For me at least, this is a time for me to gather energy and motivation from women who chose the same path.  While being a Beauty Consultant is a lot of fun and I wouldnt change it for the world, it can be trying at times.  You have to be dedicated to yourself.  Karen from the Supergirls said it best last night: "If I was an employer, would I hire myself?"  You really need to think that way.  Working from home is not always that easy. There are a lot of distractions.  Staying in contact with your Unit helps IMMENSELY!

I do not care if you are a new consultant or you have been doing this for a year or two  . . . GO TO YOUR MEETINGS!! Get involved. Support your Sales Director. I am sure she has done a lot for you in your career return the love.  The Supergirls unit is trying to reach Cadillac and so support and getting involved could never be more important for Suzanne.  I wish there was something I could do for her to help her but since I am an adoptee there isnt  whole lot I can do EXCEPT go to the meetings and retreats etc.  My support will have to be emotionally but just that can mean a lot. 

Energy is addictive and it spreads like crazy.  Do your part to support yourself, your unit, and your Directors. Meetings, conferences, seminars, retreats . . .  just do it. 

Those who show up . . . go up!!

The New TimeWise Repair Line

For the last few months everyone in Mary Kay has been talking about the Timewise Repair line.  This skin care collection has been researched for YEARS.  It was the talk just prior to Seminar, at Seminar, and then to everyone's surprised, was RELEASED during Seminar.  It was not supposed to launch until September 15, 2012 but it was getting such rave reviews, Mary Kay launched it early to everyone's delight. 

For the first time in Mary Kay history, a skin care collection was build around the factors of WHY skin ages, not just the end results of aging.  This prestigous collection contains retinol, peptides, botanical extracts and Hyaluronic Acid to just name a few. This stuff is truly amazing.  Even more spectacular is TimeWise Repair launched with the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.  It doesnt get any better than that!

My unit did the "hand" test last week.  Our left hands were given the treatment line and our right hands stayed as is.  We were all shocked at the immediate results.  Then to add insult to injury we were given liquid foundation on BOTH hands to see the difference. Yeah, I am ordering my own private set for personal use. 

Since the line is relatively new, the photographs of before and after havent quite reached the mainstream yet but I did manage to get my hands on this sample.  This is after just TWO weeks of use.

The set contains five products: Volu-Firm Cleanser revitalizes, renews, and maintains moisture balance. Volu-Firm Lifting Serum helps firm and lift skin and promote skin resillence. Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream targets deep lines, sagging skin, under eye puffiness, and dark circles. Volu-Firm Day Cream contains broad spectrum SPF 30 and helps address damage that can lead to sagging, deep wrinkles, noticeable loss of skin elasticity. The Volu-Firm Night Treatment contains Retinol that fights the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles and is known to promote the production of collagen and help increase elasticity. These five products at $199 replace NINE current products at $286 - a savings of $87.

When you compare the Timewise Repair line with other Department Store lines . . this is the end result.

The bottom line is:  Great makeup starts with a fantastic skin care collection.  Make sure you get a set for yourself.

Director Faster Conference

I would say I only have one word to describe the conference I went to today but I can't. I am SPEECHLESS!  Last night I was nervous as all heck.  Even this morning I was a wreck.  But as soon as I got there, Cindy Towne came up and started talking to a Consulant who came with me, so I smiled, extended my hand, and introduced myself.  I cannot for the life of me figure out why I had no fear in that moment but I didnt.  Here we all are. . .

Cindy Towne is an amazing woman. She joined Mary Kay in 1981 when she was working as a hair stylist.  In 1985 Cindy won her first pink car and in 2004 she became a NATIONAL Sales Director.  Her daugher and mother are also Directors with Mary Kay. Her unit has been extremely successful earning $500,000 plus in sales 11 times and her highest sales in one year was $800,000 and was runner up in the Queen of Unit Sales in 2000.  Not only has Cindy earned many notorious diamond rings but also earned trips for her and her husband to Africa, Hungary, Gibraltar, Paris, Spain, Scotland, Austria, Canada, Alaskan Cruise, Bermuda Cruise, Baltic Sea, Russia, Australia and Great Britian, Ireland, Italy, and Hawaii. Oh did I mention she has received 14 FREE cars and is currently driving a PINK Escalade Hybrid?  Her highest monthly check pushed $20,000 and YES that is MONTHLY and became a Mary Kay Millionaire and just earned her second million as a National Sales Director.

To say today was motivational for me doesnt begin to cover it.  Today was all about recruiting and building your team to become Director.  I now realize what I need to do and how I need to get there.  All I have to say is that I will be in this suit (Director's) hopefully Seminar 2013. WAIT I WILL be in this suit at Seminar 2013.

Good Morning Good Morning Good Morning

Cue yawn and stretch here . . . . I tried to stay awake last night to watch the meteor shower but I just could not keep my eyes open anymore.  Right before I went to sleep I managed to watch a very large brilliant one shoot across the sky.  It was such an amazing feeling to see it.  I felt like a little kid who just looked up at the sky for the first time.

So here I sit with my coffee writing this little blurb and all I can think about was the meteors I saw last night.  But I must get motivated for today.   Later on I have a conference to head to at the Dream Center.  Cindy Towne, a National Sales Director, is giving a 3 hour long class on how to get to Director faster. Let me tell you, I jumped on that chance so quick, I was the first one to register. There are only 50 slots so it is a more intimate setting.  Seven of my adoptee unit members are also going so it should be a blast. 

Then later on tonight I have a Unit Conference call.  Monday is skype training and Tuesday is my Success Event.  All of this is leading up to this next weekend.  I will be in Yakima meeting my Sales Director Debbi and the rest of my actual Unit in a weekend retreat that includes an award ceremony.  Yay for getting to wear a little black dress again :)  I am excited but also scared at the same time.  I will not know anyone there.  Being socially awkward and in introvert, this should be a blast. Oh did I mention I get anxiety when I am driving somewhere that I do not know where I am?  HA!! Lets add some fuel to the fire.  But I am sure I will be fine. I am pretty positive I will have a ton of fun and meet some new friends . . . its just my brain playing games with itself to make me paranoid. 

So that is my plan for this week.  Most of all I NEED to sell this week.  I have spent the last two weeks focused on my materials, getting organized, and doing career talks. 

I leave you today with some inspiration from your local coffee shop.  Sometimes it is so pretty I don't want to drink it and ruin it.



Late Night Contemplation

I have been watching the skies for the last hour or so as we begin to turn into the debris field of the Swift-Tuttle comet.  Every August the skies light up in a spectacular lightshow.  I have a little time until the best viewing hours so I thought I would write about just how insignificant I feel right about now.  

I started off in the back of the house immediately watched a few shoot across the sky. One of them was very bright. I was hooked immediately but I soon found out that trying to lay back on a wooden set of staircases is not the most comfortable position. Not to mention I have a green belt behind me and I could hear the animals stirring in the woods.  Scared the living heck out of me.  So in the house I went.  I opened up the front curtains, grabbed my lounge, and opened the windows facing West.  I was immediately mesmerized by a very bright star in the West that was flickering at me.  Then it hit me.  We are a tiny planet in this universe.  At that very moment . . . none of my problems seemed to matter. The mere fact that I was alive and sitting in that lounge watching the meteors zoom across the horizon was pretty damn amazing. 

It could all end in the blink of an eye.

Give Me Power!!!

There is always a song. You know what song I am talking about.  No not the one that sticks in your head for days every time you hear it and not the one that annoys you to no end.  I am talking about the song that gets you motivated.  The song that you FEEL and that speaks to you.  This is known as your power song.  Buy it off Itunes, save it in your favorites off Youtube . . listen to it in the car, in your office, in the shower, and even when you are getting ready for work.  You will be surprised just how powerful this song can be for you.  Not only will it make you feel more confident but this is something you will put out there for others and they will feel it and see it too.  Make it yours! 

Here is my power song right now.  It is in Spanish and English and by Prince Royce. 

Sell Sell Sell!!

I bought my inventory, ordered my bags and organizers, attended meetings, and sold to my friends.  Now . . . it is time for Skin Care Parties.  I need to generate a good customer base and the only way to do that is to get out and meet people.  Have I mentioned that I am socially awkward and a introvert? How in the world am I going to do this?  To give myself a little push, I bought a few facial boxes and put them in a local tanning salon and nail salon that I go to regularly.  I have checked the boxes once.  Every time I open the lid, a sense of panic comes over me!  What if there are names in this box? Then what do I do?  That would mean I have to talk to people !! (Enter very loud gasp here). 

I started an online program as well called "Promoter Program."  This is very similiar to the Hostess Program I would typically give a Hostess of a party.  A person decides to be a promoter for me and refers new customers my way.  As they purchase products, we keep track of who ordered and how much and the promoter earns credit towards their next purchase.  If the promoter recruits other promoters for me (and they are active) then the percentage they receive from total sales goes from 10 percent to 15 or 20 percent depending upon if they recruit one or two promoters.  So if the promoter recruits two promoters and his/her friends purchase $500 worth of product, then the promoter receives $100.00 off their next purchase. 

Bottom Line:  I need to keep repeating to myself "YOU ARE NOT A WIMP"

Mary Kay Changed My Life

Her name was Kat and she changed my life.  It started off with a few samples of the Botanical Line from Mary Kay.  I was terrified to try them in fear I would completely break out in hives. First I tried the Microderm Abrasion.  I have NEVER been able to do Micros without suffering for DAYS afterward.  My skin is so hyper sensitive. After I rinsed off, I used the Botanical line.  I hopped in bed and waited to see the aftermath in the morning.  As soon as my alarm went off I ran into the bathroom to see the damage.  I see nothing. I move in closer to the mirror, still nothing.  Completely amazed I begin to rub my face in amazement at how soft and silky my face felt. 

At that very moment I knew that I could not just be a happy Mary Kay customer.  If these products did this for MY skin, I knew that it would help many others out there that suffer from extremely sensitive skin.  Those people, like me, who dreaded trying a new cosmetic or cleanser for fear of not wanting to go out in public for days afterward.  Not to mention the incredible burning associated with the break out.

So I met Kat at a local coffee shop down the street.  She came walking in the door in a pair of jeans and cute little pumps with an immense smile on her face and this adorable little name tag and pin that said "Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant"  I wanted one of those pins.  We discussed what the cost would be, how the meetings were set up, where the directors were located, etc.  She convinced me to go the a local meeting the next night for a facial. 

The following day I decided this was it.  I was going to do it.  I signed the agreement, built my website, ordered my business set, and signed up for Propay all before the meeting.  I have to admit I was nervous.  I was an introvert and very much a socially awkward person.  When I walked in everyone was so sweet. I was called up and given a rose and I was "pinned" a new Consultant.  It has been 4 weeks now and I haven't looked back.  Those little sample packages changed my life forever.  So did a woman named Kat.