Kari Metzger (www.thestampingrounds.com) from Patterson, CA joined us as our Dynamic Demonstrator 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 an example of what has worked for you lately?

[Kari Metzger]: <sigh> Much as I hate to admit it, what has worked for me lately is getting on the phone and calling all my stale customers on old door prize entry forms.  I spent one hour doing that a few weeks ago (with a LARGE number of conversations saying ‘yes, Kari Metzger… the Stamping lady… you met me at xxx’s workshop? … Kari Metzger…”  RUBBER stamps….  YES!  That’s me <big sigh!>) - lesson learned?  call your interested folks right after they express interest.  But, I booked 4 workshops in that hour!

We have a new Special Edition Class Planner for National Scrapbooking Month!

Wow, here we are part way into National Scrapbook Month and just weeks away from the new Annual Catalog! Yowza, lots to do! To continue our tradition of saving you time and sanity we are delighted to announce a special release of a new Scrapbook Club! The lovely and talented Amanda Coughlin has joined us again as guest designer and mastermind behind a great tool to help you convert cardmakers into scrapbookers. We’ve mixed together her secret recipe along with a generous helping of all the great photos, instructions, cost analysis information, and tools you know and love from Class in a Flash to create a simply delicious bite-sized opportunity for your business. Click below to find out more about this special edition of the Scrapbook Club so you can feature these projects or kick-off your new Scrapbooking Club or Class during National Scrapbooking Month!

Scrapbook Club – Special Edition features 1 card and scrapbook design theme featuring the Aviary and Pennant Parade stamp sets.

Available for Immediate Download!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Are you ready to get your slice of the $1.6 Billion dollar scrapbooking pie? Add scrapbooking to your business model and you’ll have another way to help grow a well-rounded successful business! Learn more about Scrapbook Clubs and then Click here to purchase your Scrapbook Club today!

My customers are thrilled with how quickly they can make 10 beautiful cards using our unique One Sheet Wonder template.If you have our Medallion One Sheet Wonder Class Planner, dust it off and get a class scheduled.  If you don’t have it yet, check out our planner today as it’s on sale. You can always use a One Sheet Wonder template to have on hand.  http://bit.ly/IJQWtZ

CPP: Do you have an example of what has worked for you lately?

[Angela Bodas]: Scheduling office hours has really helped me focus and be productive. Since my daughter has started preschool a couple mornings a week, I’ve been able to spend dedicated time working on my business. I have found that working uninterrupted, in daylight hours, has its advantages to my previous midnight-or-later office hours! I may not have as many hours to work, but my energy is high and my focus is strong. Its also a great time to connect with others, as most people are on Facebook or Twitter at this time.

Angela Bodas (www.midnightcrafting.blogspot.com) from Patterson, CA joined us as our Dynamic Demonstrator 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.

Class in a Flash can help you sell retired products! How? Besides the great class planning materials and serious time savings, one of the advantages we offer you is a large collection of project photos.

Photos add an extra zing of interest and appeal to your marketing. They help your reader identify with the possibilities that are available with the retiring products. Class in a Flash provides you with step-by-step pictures in the customer instruction document but also individual pictures so you can effortlessly show-off projects to your customers with confidence and ease. We provide professional looking photos, but we also include the required Stampin’ Up!® copyright notices for you, so they are all ready to be uploaded to your blog, Facebook, or DBWS.

Not only can you upload project pictures of retiring stamp sets, but you can further entice the sale by offering to send the Customer Instructions document as a bonus to customers who purchase the retiring products and it’s as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Use your website, blog or newsletter to advertise the projects and tutorials available using the marketing materials (Photos, Blog Text, Marketing Flyer, etc) provided with CIAF.

2. Have the customer purchase the product from your online store.

3. Open the Customer Instructions PDF file (Detail or Summary) add your contact info and then email or set up a download of the PDF files for your customers using Google Docs.

So take a look at any Class in a Flash planners you have purchased from us and make sure you marketing them for the retired products. Don’t have any?  Consider purchasing one or two so you have retiring product samples to share with your customers before it’s too late!

Awash with Flowers
Baroque Motif
Charming
Circle Scissor Plus
Crop-a-Dile
Dasher
Falling Leaves
Fifth Avenue Floral
Flower Fancy
From the Kitchen of
I {Heart} Hearts
Inspired by Nature
Four the Holidays
Medallion Stamp
Pocket Silhouettes
Sincere Salutations
Thank You Kindly
Vintage Vogue

CPP: Do you have any organizational tips?

[Meg Loven]: I’ve started using Eventbrite as a paid service for taking class registrations online. I used to struggle with tracking who had signed up for what, plus collecting payments ahead of the class. I find Eventbrite to be very useful in simplifying the process. You can learn more at www.eventbrite.com

Anne Granger’s Double Pocket Treat Holder

I’m vacation until May 4th in sunny (WAY TOO HOT!) Tucson, AZ.  I’m sitting at a McDonald’s for breakfast and internet access.  I would be remiss if I didn’t send Anne Granger‘s project to you.  You might have seen this and downloaded the complete instructions and interview a couple of weeks ago via my Marketing and Technology Newsletter.  Anne was fabulous to work with.

Anne Granger from Dorchester, ON, 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: Any tips regarding the project you are sharing?

[Anne Granger]: This cute project is the perfect table favour for birthdays, weddings, holidays and so much more. I first saw this idea from my friend Angie Juda’s blog. The best thing about this project is that it requires NO adhesives!!!

Anne Granger’s Double Pocket Treat Holder

Images © 2012 Stampin’ Up!®    © 2008 CraftyPerson Production

Take a moment to drop by and visit Anne Granger’s blog at www.stampwithanne.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:

   • Do-It-Yourself Coasters Video
   • Home Party Plan Hostess Coaching Tips
   • Stampin’ Up! Dates to Remember
   • Online Ordering Postcards (PDF)
    • Color Challenge
    and more…

More Details Here.

In May share these projects that highlight the retiring Awash with Flowers two-step stamp set and the Thank You Kindly stamp set along with six watercoloring techniques. Purchase it today, download it and send instructions to customers who purchase this set as a incentive. Also post pictures on your blogs.   To Purchase Class Planner: http://bit.ly/JPdyZU

I’m sad.  I’ve loved this set forEVER!  This set makes great backgrounds and looks amazing heat embossed!  Perfect for weddings, elegant and simple.  Want to show off this set for more sales?  Request our Free Trial Class Planner at http://www.classinaflash.com.

SUN Members: Samples Proof is Available!  It’s all about the Retired List.  I know, I know, it’s difficult to see them go. Trust me, the last 5 hours I’ve been up close and personal with each and everyone that is listed.  <SIGH>   But, I’m anxious to see what the new catalog has too offer and with more options for customers who like clear stamps.

I included this tutorial with the April SUN Newsletter for Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators.  They were able to add this tutorial to their blog AND send it via email.  Wanna see what else you get?   Visit http://join.craftyperson.com.

The new Hearts and Labels Framelits Dies for the Big Shot have been a huge hit! There are so many great ways to use them, besides the obvious layered frames. You can use them to cut edges of cards into shapes, make window cards, make cards with fancy folds, and so much more! One of my favorite fancy folds cards is a Z-Fold card. It’s extra fun because of a cut with the Label Framelits that makes the main image flip to the inside when you open the card!

Here’s how you can make this fun Z-Fold Flip card:

Step 1: Cut a piece of 8-1/2” card stock in half to get a 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” card body. Score at 4-1/4” along the 8-1/2” side to create the folded card. Next, fold the front of the card in half. You can do this by folding the edge of the card back towards the fold of the card or by scoring first at 2-1/8” and then folding the edge of the card back towards the fold of the card.

Step 2: Turn the Multipurpose Platform to Tab 2 and place it onto the Big Shot with a Cutting Pad on it. Unfold the card body you previously scored. Place a Label Framelits (the 3rd largest works well) centered over the fold on the card front. Place the top Cutting Pad only over half of the Label Framelit so the Cutting Pad edge is lined up with the fold line on the center of the card front. Carefully hold the sandwich in place and run through the Big Shot. Only the part of the Framelit with the Cutting Pad over it will be cut.

Step 3: Fold the card and decorate the Framelits section with other Framelits layers and stamped images. When the card is opened, the image flips to the inside of the card. Use Texture Impressions Embossing Folders to add embossing to cut Framelits for even more detail and interest!

Have fun experimenting with this great Z-Fold Flip card using the Framelits Hearts Collection, too!

Meet my friend! My downline, Linda Arnold, showed me how to make the bunny. The bunny is precious with a little cotton ball on the back. I added the cone die because I always give my hubby chocolate at Easter and this one was for him.   But this would also make an adorable favor at a baby shower, don’t you think?

CPP: Do you have an example of what hasn’t worked for you?

[Angela Bodas]: Trying to stay current on my blogging and Facebook page has been challenging. You’d think with two kids of school age I’d have more free time, but I am actually really enjoying having my time filled by my family. What time I do have to craft and create has been spent making, but not been making it to cyberspace. One of my goals is to build “sharing time” into my business schedule and keep my blog and Facebook page more current.

Angela Bodas (www.midnightcrafting.blogspot.com) from Patterson, CA joined us as our Dynamic Demonstrator 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.

My SUN Newsletter customers have been asking me to post some of the same graphics we use in our newsletters.

Click on the graphics to retrieve HTML code.

Blinkie

Here’s instructions for adding graphics to blog sidebars.

My compliments, giving credit is not required however comments and link backs are always appreciated.

SUN Members: Monthly Proof is Available!  It’s all about the Summer Smooches.

IN THIS ISSUE Summer Smooches Thanks Card, Spreading Ink Technique Video, Q&A-Fancy Framelits Folds, Sneak Peek Summer Smooches.  ENJOY!

I would like you to meet Meg Loven.

Meg Loven from Mahomet, IL joined us as our Dynamic Demonstrator 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 have you done to retain your customers?

[Meg Loven]: I maintain contact with my customers regularly through email newsletters. I want them to remember that I’m out there, whether they have been to a class or workshop lately or not. That way when they have a stamping need, they think of me first. It’s fairly common for me to hear from customers again after 2-3 years without seeing them. I never remove a name from my email contact list unless requested, and I often hear that people love the ideas I send and look forward to a time when they can get back into stamping.

Have you ever wished you could accept credit cards at craft fairs or during classes? Now you can, affordable and easily with this handy dandy device. Accept credit card payments on your Android, iPhone or iPad with the free Square Card Reader. You’ll never miss a sale again.

What are the fees?

It’s wonderfully simply. No cost to start up. No monthly fees. No cost for the device. 2.75% per swipe for Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AmEx. Nice huh? That means if you sell a class fee for $10, you will pay 27 cents for processing fees. That’s actually better than using PayPal at 2.9% + .30 transaction fee. The customer receives an electronic receipt via text or email, whichever is entered in right away. And the funds from all Square transactions are deposited next business day directly to your linked bank account. Did I mention the device reader is FREE? Pretty cool huh?

Is it Secure?

As secure as it can be right now. I would use it. But don’t take my word…read the deets at
https://squareup.com/security

Are you asking…what’s the catch? There are a couple things to consider.

==> The fees are based on swiped cards. If you don’t swipe a card, instead entering the numbers in manually, the fees go up. Manually-entered cards cost 3.5% + 15¢ per transaction.

==> No customer data is stored. That means you can’t do a lookup by name if there is an issue, and enter the name into your mailing list. You need to have a backup plan for collecting
customer data.

==> Internet is needed. An internet connection is needed to send the data so you must have access to the internet via your mobile device.

Here’s what the receipts look like:

All in all, it’s worth it to have on hand when you need it. So click below and be square.

https://squareup.com/square

I would like you to meet Angela Bodas

Angela Bodas from Patterson, CA 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 have you done to retain your customers?:

[Angela Bodas]: Keeping up with my customers projects and general lives helps me stay current with their needs. Facebook and Twitter are great ways to keep in contact, and easy as well!

Your friend Susie Stamper has a big family reunion coming up in a couple months? I’ve got stamps for that! Sally Stamper just got back from a wonderful vacation to visit her grandkids, well I’ve got scrapbooks for that! Sandy Stampsalot needs ideas for classroom favors for the next holiday? Well, I think I know who can help her out!

You don’t have to be nosey, or even pushy, but just be aware. People like to be noticed for the things they post, you’re noticing and offering them ways to make those events even more special, memories into treasures, and “What-do-I-do”‘s into “Look What I Did!”.

Angela Bodas’s Butterfly Enchantment Card & Page

Images © 2012 Stampin’ Up!®    © 2012 CraftyPerson Production

Take a moment to drop by and visit Angela Bodas’s blog at
www.midnightcrafting.blogspot.com.

WANT TO SHARE PROJECTS LIKE THIS WITH 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:

• Making Envelopes Video

• 14 Tips For Recruiting

• Stampin’ Up! Dates to Remember

• Diagonal Score Basic Box

• Petite Purse Die

• Color Challenge

and more…

More Details Here.

Below is our projects in this month’s Class in a Flash – Country Club Staggered Mini Album.

We think the Staggered Mini Album, featuring the Country Club Simply Scrappin’ Kit and Clear-Mount Stamp Case, is the perfect way to make your spring classes and sales blossom! We are excited to hear what you think of this unique project featuring the time-saving Simply Scrappin’ Kit. Share your thoughts with us on our blog.

For More Details Visit Our Store.

Open houses are a great way to get back in touch with your customers. When a new catalog comes out, it is also a great way to unveil the new catalog and its products. If you are looking for something a little bit different than snacks and stamps at your open house, here is how you can do a “Leave Your Wallet at Home” Open House. The basic idea is that you have the attendees earn “auction dollars” that they will turn around and “spend” at an auction that you will do at your open house. For the auction, you can get creative — auction off retired products or grab bags, 3-D samples, Sale-a-Bration items … it’s really up to you.

How can attendees earn “auction dollars”? Well, here is a list to get you started:

• RSVP by a certain date (or be one of the first 10 to RSVP and get extra dollars)
• Arriving on time
• Bringing a friend who is new to you
• Wearing something that’s a Stampin’ Up! color
• Booking a workshop
• Signing up to be demonstrator
• Signing up for a ribbon or marker club

As you can see, there are plenty of ideas. Make them fun, make them something that will help you to grow your business, and make sure to let the attendees know AHEAD OF TIME how they can earn dollars so that they can come to the open house prepared.

For the auction, you can run it as a Silent Auction or as a Live Auction. For a Silent Auction, put out your items up for bid with a sheet next to each one where attendees can walk around and make their bids. You can put down a minimum starting bid at the top of the sheet if you want to. For a Live Auction, announce an item up for bid and then take the bids from the attendees. Choose the type of auction that is most comfortable for you — your customers will have fun either way.

Some “twists” that you might find interesting:

• Boost your dollars to increments of 10 or 100 (instead of giving $1, give $10 or $100) to make your customers feel like big spenders.
• Get out that Big Shot and create some bidding paddles if you are going to do the Live Auction.
• Auction off a “private” stamping class where the winner can invite 2-3 friends and they’ll make a special project.

So get out your calendar and set a date for an open house. Whether you try this idea or something else, hosting an open house is a great way to start the new Stampin’ Up! year off with a bang.

Like to Use the Graphic Above? You can, CLICK HERE to retrieve the URL.

We include an alternative samples in the customer instruction documents every month to show you how easy it is to recycle a class tutorial. Class in a Flash offers suggestions and photos for using alternate stamp sets and color combinations to allow you to re-create the project to your style or for other occasions! Templates, card layouts and project designs never go out of style, they just need to be re-fashioned or recycled in current trends and products that we are highlighting.

Here’s a sample of how we took a Christmas Project and simply recycled it for Valentine’s Day. Visit Chicks & Chocolate Workshop Tip.  ==> http://bit.ly/wNRRk5

You are sitting at your craft table staring at a pile of cardstock and stamps. You need a card for a class, special occasion, thank you to your customer, or encouragement for your downline and you are flat out of inspiration. I’ve been there, you’ve been there, we’ve all been there done that! Why start from scratch searching online when you have oodles of project ideas at your fingertips with Class in a Flash? We have a chart on replacing retired colors with our new colors.  Visit Color Renovate Your Planners Tip == >http://bit.ly/wqEDOU

Thanks for celebrating our Fabulous Fifty Sale with us this week celebrating our 50th planner offering! We had a lot of fun with it and we hope you walked away with some great planners to put in your resource toolbox. We appreciate you helping us reach this incredible milestone and sharing the sale with your Stampin’ Up! Family of demonstrators.  YOU ROCK!

Email Marketing is still the best place to invest your marketing efforts with a $40.56 return on investment (ROI) for every $1 spent.  Others: Mobile $10.50 & Social Media $12.71.   (The Magill Report)

It’s a fabulous day to celebrating Fabulous Fifty with us!   Today’s 50% off Daily Deal is Class in a Flash – Handmade Holiday Gifts! Plus all Class in a Flash and Club in a Flash planners in our Clearance Bin are 50% off!

Visit our Store

http://debbiemcneill.com/store/handmade-holiday-gifts/

It’s the last day of our Fabulous Fifty celebration, don’t miss out! Thank you for being a part of our Class in a Flash Family. We look forward to celebrating another 50 with you!   Today’s 50% off Daily Deal is Club in a Flash – Technique Club Volume 1! Plus all Class in a Flash and Club in a Flash planners in our Clearance Bin are 50% off!

Visit our Store

http://debbiemcneill.com/store/technique-club-volume-1/

Shake off the mid-week blues with our Fabulous Fifty celebration!   Today’s 50% off Daily Deal is Class in a Flash – Mocha Monogram Purse Set! Plus all Class in a Flash and Club in a Flash planners in our Clearance Bin are 50% off!

Visit our Store

http://debbiemcneill.com/store/mocha-monogram-purse-set/

Celebrations are more fun with friends, so share time and sanity-savings with your demonstrator friends and downline during the Fabulous Fifty celebration!   Today’s 50% off Daily Deal is Class in a Flash – Stencil Trio Card & Frame Set! Plus all Class in a Flash and Club in a Flash planners in our Clearance Bin are 50% off!  

Visit our Store

http://debbiemcneill.com/store/stencil-trio-set/

Thanks for kicking off our Fabulous Fifty celebration with us!   Today’s 50% off Daily Deal is Class in a Flash – Spotlight on Style! Plus all Class in a Flash and Club in a Flash planners in our Clearance Bin are 50% off!

Visit Our Store Page

http://debbiemcneill.com/store/spotlight-on-style/

Fifty is Fabulous! We just published our 50th monthly edition of Class in a Flash! We couldn’t have reached this milestone without all the support and feedback you have given us.  Thank you! To show our appreciation, we are having a Fabulous Fifty sale this week only, starting Monday. Yes, that means 50% off a selection of our fabulous class planners!

Clearance Bin Blowout:
All Class in a Flash and Club in a Flash planners in our Clearance Bin are on sale for 50% off until Friday the 24th! After 50 editions, it’s time for some spring cleaning. This is a great opportunity for you to get your hands on these planners before we say goodbye to some of them for good. Planners in the Clearance Bin feature retired paper, embellishments, and/or stamps. Of course, you can easily re-create many of these designs with different paper and stamps, so we think you’ll like the extra bargain!

Daily Deals: Each day a featured class planner will be 50% off! You’ll find these one-day-only deals Monday the 20th through Friday the 24th. We specially selected favorite classes and classes that will help you feature the Simply Adorned and Décor Elements product lines before they retire. For the first time ever we are even including the Technique Club Volume 1 Club in a Flash planner as one of our sale items!

Plan to visit our store each day so you don’t miss any of these Fabulous Fifty deals! Sign up now for a daily reminder.

Thank you again for helping us reach this fabulous milestone!


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