Author Archive
GIVEAWAY TODAY!
Posted by: | CommentsWe are so excited with our latest Class in a Flash line – Template in a Flash. We’ve turned some of our favorite Class in a Flash Stampin’ Up! class planner projects into templates for those of you that like to design-it-yourself.
This is an unadvertised special offer. We are giving away one Template Bundle (ALL 5) to a random drawer tomorrow Saturday 8am PST. It’s a 24-hour giveaway. To enter, leave a comment below and then come back to see who is the winner tomorrow!
p.s. We will have more surprises tomorrow too!
Join Me on Twitter and Facebook!
Basic Digital Photography Class
Posted by: | CommentsMy favorite Photography Instructor, Erin Manning, is having an online digital photography class for beginners! You won’t want to miss this! Great for learning how to take good photographs of your cards and artwork.
You can find out all the details including a sample video at
http://www.reneepearson.com/classes/digiphoto101.php
Hope to see you there!
Debbie
Fran Sabad’s Petal Card Punch Tag Box
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I would like you to meet Fran Sabad
Fran Sabad from Lexington, Kentucky joined us as our Dynamic Demonstrator this month in my Stamping Updates Downline Newsletter (SUDL). We always ask our Dynamic Demonstrators to answer your burning questions about developing and growing their Stampin’ Up! business.
CPP: What is your biggest challenge and how are you working to overcome it?
[Fran Sabad]: I think my biggest challenge is getting on the phone and making
those calls. I’ve set a number of calls that I’m challenging myself to make each week and have posted it where I have to look at it every day. Guilt is a great motivator and I’m trying to get to the point where I’m not on the phone all day on Fridays!
Fran Sabad’s Petal Card Punch Tag Box
Images © 2010 Stampin’ Up!®
© 2008 CraftyPerson Production
Take a moment to drop by and visit Fran Sabad’s blog at
stampersblog.franticstampers.com.
WANT TO SHARE PROJECTS LIKE THIS TO YOUR DOWNLINE?
If you would like to connect with your downline on a regular bases
consider my Downline Newsletter Monthly Service – SUDL Premier. Also included in the newsletter:
• SU Color Chart Video Video by Stamping School
• It’s Not Just Sales … It’s Service
• Stampin’ Up! Dates to Remember
• Punch Template Categories Template (DOC)
• DBWS – New and Improved Features
• Color Challenge
and more…
Import Blog Feed to Facebook
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I have one-to-one phone calls scheduled with my Stamping Update Newsletters (SUN) members. During this call a member recently asked me how to import her blog feeds to her new Facebook. I thought that was a great idea. So here is this week’s how to, compliments of Cynthia.
You want to leverage all the work you have been posting to your blog. Great idea! Let’s automatically load all your blog posts to Facebook. Below, I have tried to do my best to give you as much detail as you need, however, you will need to experiment setting up your feeds. As each of these options offer a different advantage over the other. Which one you choose will depend on your circumstances. We begin with the easiest method but it is also the least flexible.
1) Using Facebook – This option will feed your blog into your Facebook Notes.
2) Using HootSuite – I use this application to add content to my twitter and Facebook accounts. It was convenient for me to keep the RSS feed in the same place. Plus I like how the content is added as a Facebook Link instead of a Facebook Note. But not everyone will want to setup HootSuite. Although I highly recommend it and…it’s free.
3) Using Networked Blog – Unless you already used Networked Blogs, this is the most complicated by far. Once you get your blog setup in Networked Blogs, you have a lot more options on sharing your blogs content. In the long run, this is probably the best bet but set some time aside to do this.
To follow these instructions you will need to understand how RSS feeds work. For more details on RSS feeds, please see my blog posts: RSS For Beginners and How it Can Work For You and RSS: How to Find Your Blog’s Feed.
Using Facebook Method
Facebook allows you to quickly and easily import an external blog from another website.
- Step 1: Go to the main Notes application page by finding the “Notes” tab at the top
- Step 2: Select link on left side: Edit import settings or click here.
- Step 3: Enter the URL (web address) of your blog into the text box, and check the box underneath that states that you agree to our Terms of Use.
- Step 4: To complete the process, click on “Save Settings.” Once you do this, your previous posts will appear as notes and any new posts you make will automatically display.
As an example, I import the DBWS promotions into my Facebook Notes.
If you run into any problems visit the Facebook Help page for Importing Notes.
I’ve included the instructions for using HootSuite and NetworkedBlogs in a document that you can download and print.
Join Me on Twitter and Facebook!BJ Peters’s Scalloped Flower Pins Tutorial
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I would like you to meet BJ Peters
BJ Peters from Hastings, Minnesota joined us as our Dynamic Demonstrator this month in my Stamping Updates Downline Newsletter (SUDL). We always ask our Dynamic Demonstrators to answer your burning questions about developing and growing their Stampin’ Up! business.
CPP: What is your biggest seller?
[BJ Peters]:
I sell a lot of Big Shot machines and dies. I think it is because I use it all
the time and really point out the values, features and versatility of this
product..
BJ Peters’s Scalloped Flower Pins Tutorial.
Images © 1990-2010 Stampin’ Up!® © 2008 CraftyPerson Production
Take a moment to drop by and visit BJ Peters’s blog at
WANT TO SHARE PROJECTS
LIKE THIS TO YOUR DOWNLINE?
If you would like to connect with your downline on a regular bases consider my Downline Newsletter Monthly Service – SUDL Premier. Also included in the newsletter:
• Stitched Scallop Video by Stamping School
• Adding Your Personal Touch
• Stampin’ Up! Dates to Remember
• Catalog Bookmark Template (PDF)
• Etsy
• Color Challenge
and more…
My Home Office – NOT
Posted by: | CommentsOne of the highlights for me each year for Convention is seing the Stampin’ Up! Home Office and specifically – The Museum. It’s like a journey through IKEA for the stamping enthusiast. Beautiful every year. This year, this space was setup for a home office. Fellow demonstrator and cruiser, Debbie Makovec, looks at home doesn’t she?
Are you in the Picture?
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Mom and I in 1987
This great article posted on the Pioneer Woman Blog made me think of my own shyness to be in the picture. But not anymore.
What changed for me was about 10 years ago. My Grandmother and I took a train trip across Canada. It was a FABULOUS trip and I have some really fond memories because every night we would journal our adventures through video recordings. Did I look wonderful in the video? No, far from it. But that’s me. I don’t wear makeup when I travel or fuss over my clothing and that was captured on video. And you know what?….I’m proud of it! I much rather BE in the experience and capture the moment just as I am.
This is a picture of my Mom and I at my favorite place – Disneyland. This picture was taken about a year before she died. I love this picture of us for so many reasons. I wouldn’t say it is the best picture of either of us. However, I forgot about our fondness for big sunglasses at the time and we both loved wearing pink. You forget those things unless you can see the picture.
But because I wasn’t shy I now have the video that I can watch over and over again and experience the fun again and again. Taking pictures of yourself and others captures life. What’s more important than that?
Cynthia Grantham’s Card Trio From The Lovely Flowers Bundle
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I would like you to meet Cynthia Grantham
Cynthia Grantham from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada joined us as our Dynamic Demonstrator this month in my Stamping Updates Downline Newsletter (SUDL). We always ask our Dynamic Demonstrators to answer your burning questions about developing and growing their Stampin’ Up! business.
CPP: Do you have any organizational tips?
[Cynthia Grantham]: My Calendar in Outlook is my life! I schedule everything there so that each day I get up and my calendar tells me exactly what to do. For example: If I’m planning a Stamp of the Month Club for the last Thursday of every month then here are the tasks I would schedule on my calendar.
- Design the Class: 6 weeks before
- Advertise the Class: 4-5 weeks before. I use Constant Contact and Kijiji for my advertising.
- Order in the stamp sets 3 weeks before the class.
- Send out the 1st reminder 1 week before the class and cut for the class.
- Send out a second reminder 2 days before the class.
This system has worked because I have very few no shows to a class. Participants order and pay for their stamp set at the previous class. Because they can see the projects in advance, it helps them to stay excited about upcoming events.
Cynthia Grantham’s Card Trio From The Lovely Flowers Bundle
Images © 1990-2010 Stampin’ Up!® © 2008 CraftyPerson Production
Take a moment to drop by and visit Cynthia Grantham’s blog at
cindyloustampingguru.typepad.com.
WANT TO SHARE PROJECTS
LIKE THIS TO YOUR DOWNLINE?
If you would like to connect with your downline on a regular bases consider my Downline Newsletter Monthly Service – SUDL Premier. Also included in the newsletter:
• Color Coach Poppy Parade Video by Stamping School
• Holding an Open House
• Stampin’ Up! Dates to Remember
• Starter Kit Flyer (Single)
• Career Plan Revisions: Retitlement
• Color Challenge
and more…
June Class in a Flash Winner
Posted by: | CommentsJune Class in a Flash Winner is:
Sandra Abreu
Sandra, contact us to claim your prize before end of June 2010. Congrats!
Class in a Flash is a Class Planning Service for Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators. Every month we draw from our list of newsletter subscribers to give away a FREE CLASS! Become a subscriber and receive a free trial offer of our Elegant Monogram Card Set Class Planner.
Claim a free trial offer
NEW Class Planner for June
Posted by: | Commentsannouncing…..
Birthday Builder Wheel Card Set Class Planner for only $9.97
Everyone has a birthday, so this class is perfect for your customers. Help them celebrate a favorite birthday youngster or just those that are young at heart! These bright and cheerful cards make a great gift or can save the day when you need a last minute birthday card. Don’t forget to show your customers the versatility of this project. With a quick change of color and products, these projects can be used over and over again for all kinds of themes such as Holidays, Weddings, Showers and much more.
In this class, customers will make:
• Four Birthday Cards
• One coordinating Circle Box
These projects feature the Stampin’ Around Builder Wheels; Candle Crazy, Birthday, and So Many Stars along with the Party Hearty stamp set and circle punches. The bright fun colors and bold designs make this set party ready any time of year! The Circle Box holds the coordinating cards and also makes a unique gift bag. Get customers in the party spirit when they create this set to give as gifts and to have on hand. They will be glad they did when they are prepared, even for last minute parties, with fun cards and complemented on their creations.
Available for Immediate Download!
Positive Attitude, Apply Here!
Posted by: | CommentsDeveloping a positive attitude will help you grow your business and achieve success. You will also notice that finding hostesses and customers may become an easier task. When you display a positive attitude, others will react to that. They will want to host a party with you and recommend you to others.
Everyone has times when things in their business do not go as planned or as they may want. The announcement of the new Stampin’ Up! colors has sure caused a stir. If you have a positive attitude, you will be able to pass those obstacles and get back on track.
The following are some tips to help you develop a more positive attitude.
Be Proactive
When you notice a problem coming up, do not wait until the last minute to solve it. Be proactive and think of a solution before the problem becomes serious. By keeping a step ahead of potential problems, you will be able to avoid setbacks. What I mean by this is to decide today if you are going to buy the new Stampin’ Up! colors to add to your collection or not. With the decision done and over with, you won’t lament over it and you can move forward with a new positive attitude.
Spend Time with Positive People and Avoid Negative People
I learned this one from my mentor, Ali Brown and the Millionaire Protégé Club. Attitudes are contagious. When you spend time with positive people, you will feel more positive. When you talk to a positive person, you will find yourself in a more positive place.
On the other hand, bad attitudes are contagious, too. You have probably heard the saying “misery loves company”. When you are around people that are constantly complaining, you will find things to complain about as well. Little things that you would normally shrug off will seem to bring your whole day down. You will feel drained of energy. I don’t want that for you and I’m sure you don’t want that either. Do yourself a favor and stop reading the negative posts on the forum.
Once you lose your energy and motivation, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of things. This can have negative implications on your Stampin’ Up! business. Going through periods of negativity is similar to spinning your wheels.
Practice Good Time Management
When you are organized you will be more efficient and able to get more things done. You will know what you want to accomplish each day; and will be able to spend the day working, rather than looking for your hostesses lost phone numbers or email addresses. When I’m unorganized, I tend to get frustrated and then nothing seems to work. Of course, I blame my computer but it doesn’t help.
Be Nice To Others
My Mom made me do this at an early age and I’m so glad she did. Being nice to others will make you feel good about yourself and put a positive spin on your day. Please know I don’t mean that you should let others take advantage of you.
Join or Form a Positive Mastermind Group
Many people are hiring coaches or teaming up with other demonstrators to help them achieve business success. A coach or mastermind group will help you decide what you want out of your business. They will help you set achievable goals and will also hold you accountable for your actions. This year, I joined a formal mastermind group that has nothing to do with stamping and it’s been such a blessing. It has helped me get back to basic business practices. They help me see things I never would have realized before. However, you don’t need to join a formal group to feel connected. Three years ago, I meet a like-minded demonstrator at Convention and we made a commitment to call each other once a month. We would talk through our goals and action lists and we’ve been friends every since. In fact, Class in a Flash wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t meet Amy Barnes.
A positive attitude can help other areas of your life as well, including your health. When you have a positive attitude, you will feel more confident in yourself and your business abilities. Trust me, it will show on the outside and you will feel it in the inside. Give it a try.
More Cruise Details
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I’ve been getting questions about the Convention Cruise to Riverton. The most frequently asked questions so far is how does it work and can anyone come?
If you are joining us for the cruise to Riverton, we will meet you at the convention center. A seat will be waiting for you in our luxury, air-conditioned bus to take you for a whirlwind tour of Salt Lake City (1pm bus only). Trust us when we say you will arrive in style at the Riverton Office to explore the home office. You will have 1-1/2 hours to visit the office. Along the route we have games and prizes! Have you ever played New Product Bingo? It’s a great Open House crowd pleaser. We will give you all the instructions so you can entertain your customers when you get home.
Yes, at this point we have added a second bus and we do have open spots so all demonstrators and support staff are welcome to join us.
We only have 10 more seats available on the cruise. Feel free to forward this on to your demo buddies to join you by signing up at http://party.craftyperson.com.
Back from Vacation
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Ireland and Italy were great. Although, I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. The food, people and music were fabulous in Ireland. And we had great weather too…I know in Ireland! You should have seen all the fair Irish locals with sun burns. I of course, brought sweaters and a rain coat. Even though I didn’t bring a sun burn home with me, I do have a few Irish drinking songs that are stuck in my head now. Have you heard the No, Never, No More song? It’s fun and addicting. More details coming.
Successful Online Brand
Posted by: | CommentsHow do you develop a profitable online presence? There are lots of ways. However, there is one secret to any successful blogging business that is the same regardless of the niche: traffic and conversion. If you have these two elements, you will make money.
If you have a small budget, like me, you may want to start out with the free methods – search engine optimization, videos and tutorials. However, if your site doesn’t convert your visitors to sales, even a million visitors a day isn’t going to do you any good. How do you increase your conversions? Here are four simple strategies:
#1) Avoid too many blinking ads on your blog.
One or maybe two blinkie ads in your blog sidebar can be effective to grab attention with a simple call to action. However, when you have too many ads, this form of advertising is often not very effective.
Why? Generally I find because there is no call to action. In other words, there is no reason for the prospect viewing the advertisement to buy. With so many ads blinking, the prospect can get confused. A confused mind won’t buy.
Assuming you have a limited amount of time and money, and want instant results, you probably should limit your ads and make sure to always include a clear call to action. Examples would be “Click Here to Order Now” or “Click Here to Reserve Your Seat”.
#2) Tell the benefits of using our products
People aren’t interested in your business; they want to know what you can do for them. You need to have your benefits clearly outlined, preferably on a separate blog page or section to grab their attention. Obvious examples are attention-getting headlines.
#3) Have a USP (Unique Selling Proposition)
Make sure it’s clear what you can do for your prospects that no other Demonstrator or craft store can. If you are just a “me too” site, you probably aren’t going to do as well as if you have a unique approach.
#4) Have a strong back end
This is one of the most important elements of any successful business. You can make money on the front end, but it’s usually much easier and more profitable to keep selling to an existing customer than to generate a new one. Have a plan to keep your current customers interested, such as a regular newsletter, or a plan to contact your customers by phone, especially your Hostesses. Your customers need to know that you are thinking about them.
Remember, the key to making money is traffic plus conversion. Hopefully this information will help you do that.
5 Reasons You Need an Email List!
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If you’ve ever entered an online contest, offered your email address to an online or local store, or given the okay for a sales consultant to send you information, you’ve joined an email list. Email lists are simply the email addresses and names of people who signed up, by one of many different means, to receive emails such as electronic magazines (“e-zines”) or newsletters, electronic courses (e-courses), or product information in their inbox.
Collecting customer and prospect contact information and keeping in touch with them on a regular basis is the key to any Stampin’ Up! business’s success. Here are some of the main reasons to start building your list now:
1. Easy to Share – Word-of-mouth can be your best source of new business. By providing easy-to-share electronic newsletters or product information, you make it more likely that your current customers will pass the word to their friends, without incurring a minute of your time or a penny of your money.
2. Feedback – Do your customers want your next class to be on scrapbooking or holiday cards? Do they prefer a different day or time to meet for a club? Would they host a workshop if you made it a Chicks & Chocolate workshop? Don’t guess — just ask them! Email lists give you a simple way to solicit feedback from the real experts – your customers themselves. If you use a professional email program, you can track what information they reader chooses to click on. That’s more valuable than anything else because now you know there is an interest.
3. Education – The industry standard says it take 7 times for someone to think about a product, before they buy. Some products require more education before prospects are ready to purchase,
especially if they can’t attend a local workshop. Email lists offer an easy, inexpensive way to provide the information your prospects need, moving them through the learning curve, until they’re ready to buy.
4. Connection – Your average customer may only purchase from you a few times a year. But you continue to stay in touch with her, providing her with quality information that relates to a topic she’s interested in – scrapbooking and stamping tips, for example. When she DOES need a more stamps, you’ll be the one she buys it from. Why would she spend her money with some website she’s never heard of when she knows you, her online friend who sends her useful information every week?
5. Presence – An email list that you use regularly gives you an easy way to keep your name in front of your customers and prospects on a continual basis. By making your name top-of-mind, you’re increasing the likelihood that your customers will purchase from YOU when they’re in a position to buy. Since you are sending the information to your email list, they don’t have to try and remember where you DBWS or blog address is.
Starting, growing, and maintaining an email list of targeted subscribers is one of the most profitable things you can do to build a successful Stampin’ Up! business. Not every prospect will become a subscriber, and not every subscriber will turn into a loyal customer, but you’ll find you’re much more successful selling to your list than you are to a group of relative strangers.
Provide subscribers with quality information on a topic that interests them, and they’ll gladly allow you to tell them about your products and services, knowing you’re an expert at what you do. I usually provide 20% pure sales and 80% value-added content as a general rule. So you are probably asking yourself, where do I get the great content, I don’t have time to do more. That question I will respond to for my next newsletter.
Share Your Thoughts and Questions with Me below.
