Employee or Owner?

Starting a business is exciting but the challenges start almost immediately. There are many challenges that you face when you want to start a business. Especially an online business. The biggest problem, in my opinion, is the mindset. Unfortunately, most people are coming from corporate America, either having just lost their job or not being able to find one, and think that running a home business is no different from working for a boss. This is where they get into trouble.

I think that most of us are doomed right from birth. We're brought up to believe that we need to go to school, get a good education and then go find some Fortune 500 company to go work for until we hit age 65 then retire. The reality is, with the way the world is today, you're lucky if you can hold on to a job for a year, let alone until age 65.

This kind of thinking is what stops home business owners from having the success that they want. One reason is because of the "work" mentality. In the brick and mortar world, you work a job, you get paid for the work you do. Every 2 weeks there is a paycheck waiting for you to bring to the bank. With your own home business, it doesn't quite work that way. It could be months before you start seeing any return at all. For the person with the "work" mentality, this is usually unacceptable and they end up quitting before they ever really get started.

Another problem with the work mentality is that the person only does what the boss tells them to do. There is usually no independent thought in the process. Well, with your own home business, it's almost all independent thought. YOU have to decide what product to sell. YOU have to decide how to advertise and how much money to spend. YOU have to decide when something isn't working and it's time to try something else. And YOU have to get your butt out of bed in the morning. Nobody is going to threaten to fire you should you decide you "don't want to work that day."

As you can see, the mindset that is needed in order to work your own home business is totally different from what you're used to in the "real" world.

So back to the question. Are you a business owner or an employee?

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2011

Liv's WAHM Blog Top 100

Top 100 are great for page rank and getting web crawlers all over your site. The more your link is out there, the better. Many of those submitting to these lists also click on your site. These generate traffic that can result in sales or even team members. While many feel they are a waste of time, take advantage. These can be your best friend. The more people see your site, the more likely they are to remember it when it comes to shopping.

Place your banner on Liv's WAHM Blog Top 100 for free at http://livswahmblog.gotop100.com. Take advantage of premium ad space for only $5 per month. This will give you a permanent spot without having to refer traffic to Liv's WAHM Blog Top 100.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

So Chic Bag Boutique

Cyber Monday sale going on now at So Chic Bag Boutique.

Save 15% off your entire order PLUS free standard shipping!

Order that new handbag you have being wanting. Purchase that new tote bag for the young girl in your life. Don't forget to pick out gifts for all the special ladies in your life. Someone having a baby? Get that fashionable diaper bag for the new hip mom.

This sale won't last. One day only! Quantities are limited so order before they are gone gone gone!

So Chic Bag Boutique
What's your purseonality?
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

"Me" Time

You are up to your ears in laundry, taking care of the kids, keeping up with the vacuuming, the never ending dishes, making lunch for the next day, chauffeuring the kids from one game to another, and get work done. But when do you stop and take time for yourself?

As a WAHM you may think you have no time to do everything that needs to get done let alone something just for you. But you do need "me" time at some point.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Professional or personal? Are you really attracting the right visitors

You have a website and excited about the orders that will come pouring in. So why aren't they?

One problem I see over and over again in websites is the "cute" and "fun". Cute and fun do not spell a good business site. So what is cute and fun?

First hint:

You need graphics for your new site so you look for fun and exciting free graphics. You find a great picture of a glitter rose the same exact color of your site, you love roses, and even has the perfect wording you are wanting. You add it to your site because everyone will "get it". What they "get" is not professional. They see amature, no attention to details, free meaning cheap. Great image to portray to your new clients, right?

Second hint:

You hate the block of text so you decide to center your text. Makes the page interesting. You pat yourself on the back. Problem is what you see as centered can be off center on someone elses computer. How this is possible? Screen sizes vary and how they translate vary. Not so interesting anymore is it?

Third hint:

You want everyone to know exactly what you are selling and what you are all about. You spell everything out on the home page because of course this is the first thing everyone sees. You might even spell out how you came to become a WAHM and how you need this to take care of your family. Another WAHM will understand and of course they will buy. If they are all buying, then why aren't you selling? Customers don't read. They skim. They want to know what they want to know in a very short amount of time. I believe I read somewhere it is 7-10 seconds before a customer will decide to stay or go. If they have to read too much, they will leave and most likely never return again.

Anything sound like your site?

There is nothing wrong with bright colors and feeling good but keep it clean and simple. Avoid flashing graphics. Avoid glittering graphics. Avoid graphics with names or site they belong to or even redirect you to find the site the graphic was found. Graphics need to feel as though they belong. As if made just for your site and your business.

Avoid too many graphics especially those hosted on other sites. If at all possible avoid using graphics on other sites. Not everyone is working off high speed internet or the best quality computer. Because of this too many graphics and too many hosted elsewhere do not allow for your page to load quickly. If it does not load quickly customers will only click off your site looking for another site that will load quickly.

Another thing about graphics is avoid inappropriate graphics. You do not need half naked drawings with your name to sell a product.

Even those with passion type companies don't need these. I see plenty of women who do not use these graphics and are very tactful in their presentation to avoid offending anyone. Do not refer to certain body parts or acts even if they are in the site description. If a customer is interested in more information they will go to the site and view the detail.

Avoid excess banners on your site. If you have a site that is intended to be a 1 stop shop, add a few products. Talk about the products you offer. Organize in a clean and professional manner. Too many banners makes your site look like an ad site and not the professional shop you are looking for. The idea is to keep customers on your site not send them elsewhere. If they are constantly sent bouncing around it becomes inconvenient and diswades customers from buying. Don't let them get away.

Watch your wording. Lenghty novel looking pages only make the customer rethink about shopping. Customers want an easy and convenient shopping experience. If they have to work at it, they don't want to shop with you. At all costs avoid the sad story about losing your home, your husband leaving you, and your 5 kids are starving so you need to sell. Customers will only feel as though they are being pushed or even scammed into buying. This will not build the long lasting relationship you need.

It is said customers decide whether they will shop from your site within the 1st 7-10 seconds. Because this is so little you don't have time for heavy graphics to load or lenthy wording to read.

Online shopping is all about convenience. Make it convenient and easy to shop from your site.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Ad Special

Get your sales, parties, and products out there during this special Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend. Be featured in several opportunities (Facebook Fan Page, Networked Blogs, Twitter, here at Liv's WAHM Blog) to reach out and share all your customers can save this weekend! You will be featured daily in this Black Friday/Cyber Monday Ad Special for only $2.50 per ad!

Purchase your ad special below for only $2.50 per business then send your ad (included all pertinent links such as website), banner, and contact information to Liv's WAHM Blog (click here or use contact tab at top of blog) . First ads roll out 8am EST Friday morning (unless requested before this time)

Don't forget to come back and shop with our other features to take advantage of the great deals.

Happy Advertising!

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Did you hear that?

We all heard it but did we really listen? What are we listening for? What our customer needs. So did you hear it?

At some point in time we all have to talk with a customer and satisfy a customer's needs. The problem is not everyone is listening. What we hear is a customer wants to buy so lets sell that customer something. What we should hear is what needs the product will satisfy.

If you want to close the sale quickly you will hear your customer say they want to buy body lotion. You may even offer an upsale. During the conversation you missed the part where the lotion is for her sensitive, dry face and the lotion she wants is not the right lotion. If you were listening you would suggest the correct lotion and explain why the suggestion would work better.

Even when a customer does not give up such good information freely, you can still get the info. Simply asking why they love a product will give you clues. If they don't have much money, give them the most bang for their buck. This doesn't mean go cheap. If they love your books for their 3 grandchildren show them sets with books for a lower price when divided vs buying just one at a time and spending more in the long run.

The point is get to know your customer and why they love the products you offer. Doing so will better serve your customer and create a life long customer.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Passing on a Lead

Someone says hey I need a new hair stylist, you give them the salon name, hairstylist, a card if you have it, location, rave reviews, and prices right? There is no difference whether this lead is personal or professional. You don't want to send people searching. You want to give as much as you can. Give a lead in a manner you would wish to receive a lead. Not only did you help your professional but you helped your friend in the process.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Think positive, be positive

Regardless of what is going on at the time you must always have a smile on your face. This gives you the appearance of being positive and friendly. People want to do business with those that are positive and friendly. When you are positive, your business grows in a positive way. When something goes wrong, find the positive. When you have a hard time being positive, just smile. You will notice a significant difference in how you speak, walk, think. So keep in mind that when you think positive you will be positive.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

What have you done for your business today?

To move your business forward you need to accomplish a minimum of 1 task for your business each and every day.

In direct sales there is the 2x2 rule -

  2  new contacts a day
  2 parties a week
  2 recruits a month








I understand that my 1 task a day and the 2x2 rule doesn't sit right but my point with it is you must must must do something for your business each and every single day regardless of what is going on.

Remember , your business is a numbers game. The more people who know about your business, the more business cards your pass out, the more parties you hold (online and offline), the more sales you will bring in.

If you have done nothing for your business today, you are not working your business.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

What defines you as a WAHM?

Being a WAHM means many different things to different people. Some say its because you have a home business with a a direct sales company. Others say its because they stay home with the kids while cafting items to sell on the weekends. Some say you don't even need to be a mom to be a WAHM.

We want to hear from you. What defines you as a WAHM?

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Watching your bottom line

Every business does not end its expenses at start up. You will constantly need to reinvest. Reinvestment can be new products to demo, samples, business materials such as catalog and brochures, advertising, and so on. But how much do you make in the end? I can ask a successful person and they have the answer. One who is not so successful will tell you the initial commission. Why? Because a successful person is always watching the bottom line and where all monies are going.

Always know what is coming in and what is going out. If you don't know these basic figures, who do you know what your profit is? Your profit is not your commission percentage. It is what comes in at the end of the day after your business expenses.

Track your mileage, prize cost that you give away, cost of catalogs, pens, anything you pay for to run your business. This is how you will find what it costs you to run your business and give you the end percentage you earn from sales.

Track money coming in and out using excel, quickbooks, an old fashion ledger. There are several programs and resources to help you keep on top of your business and watch your bottom line


Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Coffee Shop Deals

Coffee Shop Deals is a site that will allow you to shop from all different types of businesses. I am a work at home Mom and I strongly believe in supporting others that work from home as well.  I started this site as a place to promote all my businesses and decided as things evolve and change to use it also to feature a few other businesses from the amazing people I have met online over the past 2 years. So I will be changing things over the next week or so and you will see new things added here as well. I hope you will enjoy the changes I have decided to make and hope that you will continue to support all of us as we try to make better lives for our families .

Welcome to Coffee Shop Deals. We have opened our doors!! 

This blog has been moved over from Bailey's Bargain Bin and has had a complete Makeover!! We are changing things up and making it more organized and easier to navigate.With the help of Tara Todd from A Creation Of Miracles you will notice a few other things that will be added over the next week or two.

Here we completely and fully support the Work From Home Industry as well as striving to bring you the best deals, recipes, shopping experience and more. You can find all kinds of great things here and more to come as the days go by. This will also be another hosting blog of our Holiday Gift Guide Tour!!

So in honor of our Grand Opening we have a few different things going on:

The first being a featured post special!!! If you would like to feature your business on this blog we will do a featured post for you for just $5!!! Your post will stay in the appropriate Category for the life of this blog. All you have to do is send us an email by clicking here and put "Featured Post" in the subject line. We will return your email within 24 hours (usually sooner) and let you know where to send payment and what we need from you.

The second is a giveaway!!! What a great way to kick off our blog by hosting a giveaway. This will be a Gift Basket full of Goodies including items from Kat's Coffees & More and Andy's Home Made Fudge!! You will get some great mixes and some homemade fudge!! What a great treat!!!

Come on over and link up and enter to win!! Hope to see you there http://coffeeshopdeals.com

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Taking care of your customers

So many are about the one and done sale and forget repeat business is vital to your success. So many times I have ordered from different reps from one company because once I ordered I never heard from them again. I also got empty promises and gave up.

When a customer first orders they are looking for a relationship. They are looking for someone to ask questions of, someone knowledgeable, someone who cares. Their first experience is a powerful experience. Make it count.

When you customer orders, send them a thank you note. This can be a simple email but a handwritten note is best. Check back with them when their order arrives. Ensure it is exactly what they wanted, if they have any questions, and even offer a little coupon for their next order. A couple weeks after receiving the order, follow up once again.

If you make an offer, follow through. Don't offer a special deal only to find it will break the bank and you have to take the offer back.

Keep track of what your customer orders. Most times they have a pattern that you can follow. You will learn how fast they need that new lipstick or when ready to buy more candles. You will also find their purchasing pattern reveals all their likes and dislikes. This will allow you to offer a new seasoning, new container, new hairbow.

Take the time to get to know your customer. Doing so on a personal level will give you insight on anniversaries, birthdays, condolences, times of congratulations. These may not be times to make a sale but it shows your customer the extra effort.

When a customer has a problem with an order, product, service, take the time to address the issue. Do not play the blame game. The moment do you, you have lost your customer's trust. Blaming others doesn't solve the problem.

Keep it simple and be smart about it. Your customer will love you for it as they will be a long time customer.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Make it your business

When you start a business or join a company, who does the work? So why aren't you making it your business?

When starting a business whether this is your product or you signed up to sell a product for another this is your business. Your work generates income so why aren't you making this your business? Every customer is yours. You provide the customer service, you sold them the product, you gained their trust.

It's time to grab the reigns and take charge. The company you signed up to represent and sell a product for has given you the tools to make this your business. But don't expect them to do the work for you. That is your job. The harder you work, the more money you will make, the larger your business will expand.

If you want the business you must go find it. Do not wait for it to come to you. Order those business cards, print those flyers, wear that logo wear.

Have a website? Give it out to everyone and you believe its only a matter of time before everyone sees how wonderful I think it is and start selling a ton right? Wrong! When showing off that website you are only making people aware of the site regardless of what is for sale. You still have to promote and sell the product. Network marketing can be lucrative but not many know how to make a go of it to make the dollars start rolling in. You have to order that product and get samples in the hands of your customers. Its the only way to get those customers to appreciate and purchase the product.

Start a blog. Take the time to educate your customer about a product. Don't focus on telling them why they should use it above others but tell them why it is useful to them. If it has more than one use they want to know this.

Start a mailing list. Either by email or postal. DO NOT add people without their permission. Its rude, tacky, and is considered spam which is illegal. Keep your customers up to date about periodic sales, specials, and events. Keep these bi-weekly for email and monthly for postal mail.

Stop sitting back and letting someone else run this for you. This is your business so own it.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009 - 2010

Share it

With school here we all have ways to manage the home, family, school, and work. Some need some advice or new tricks. Here is your opportunity to share your tips and tricks.

Throughout September we will have tips and tricks for Home, Family, School, and Work

Home  Sept 1 - Sept 7
May include but not limited to: Organizing, cleaning, recipes

Family  Sept 8 - Sept 14
May include but not limited to: Crafts, family outing ideas, game night

School  Sept 15 - Sept 21
May include but not limited to: Homework, staying focused, staying organized

Work  Sept 22 - Sept 28
May include but not limited to: Schedule, time management, staying organized

Submit your tips to disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com with "LOAWAHM Share It [TOPIC]" in subject line.

This will also be shared on http://lifeofaworkathomemother.blogspot.com

Include your name, tips, topic (home, family, school, work) and short bio to include your business info. Keep bio to 2-3 sentences.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Happy 4th of July

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Time Management

Time management and business go hand in hand. You need both to be successful.

Problem is most don't quite understand what this means. For some its doing tasks in a timely manner. For others it means watching their time. And for a few it just means sticking to a schedule. Now these are all valid. While they look the same, they are different.

Before you can effectively manage your time correctly you need to be aware of time. For this here is a simple exercise.

For 1 week keep track of individual tasks. Notate the start time and end time. When you change tasks end the time. Notate everything. No cheating now. Note everything from email writing sessions, phone calls, lunch break, even bathroom breaks. It can be a laborious task but you will find this extremely helpful. At the end of the week add together all your business time. Once this is done break it down to the individual tasks such as emails, phone calls, party time, prep time, etc. This will give you a sense of how much you not only spend your day but how long you spend on tasks and business as a whole.

The reason for the task is because often people see themselves as working all day when in reality they only worked a full 2 hours on business. Once you have a sense of how your day is spent, lump all the individual tasks into one. Now you can create a schedule of daily tasks in blocks of time. At first this can be difficult but you will soon find it can be easily accomplished. Use an egg timer to keep you on track. When time is up, time is up. Move on to the next task.

When creating your schedule you need to create breaks, lunch. Turn off the tv, This can be more distracting than anything else. Even more than children if that seems possible. If you are working with children at home, schedule around eating, naps, playtime.

If you conduct parties or workshops, set up and take down your display several times and time it. Get an idea of how long it takes. The bonus to this is you do get faster. Knowing this will help managing your time before, during, and after parties. Do this each time your display changes too. Rehearse your presentation. Knowing how long your presentation will help manage your party time. Even video taping yourself and seeing how you look and sound can be helpful. You may find you are repeating yourself unnecessarily or leaving out important information.

Keep notes around in regards to your product. Not only is this very helpful during parties but also on phone calls. Keeping frequently used information at your fingertips can be a big time saver. This prevents you from wasting time looking up frequently asked information.

Know your products and how to explain them. When first starting out you always have that learning curve but learn quickly the features and benefits of a product. You don't have to explain it in its entirety. An example is if you are selling moisturizing lipstick. A feature is the moisturizing and the benefit is the prevention of cracked lips. You don't need to go over how it moisturizes, every color it comes in, or why it is better. Find up to 3 features and matching benefits and keep a list. If you get stuck refer to the list.

Do not always try and demonstrate every piece of your display unless it is absolutely necessary. Pick out the favorites, play games in the middle, then invite guests to view and try the products on your display.

Use tools such as mapquest for mileage and time estimates for getting to a location. You will need the mileage for your taxes but the time estimate is extremely helpful. I personal use mapquest and a GPS application on my phone. This helps keep me on track and less likely to get lost.

Use a day planner of some sort. Keep contact info and a calendar handy at all times. Update this regularly. These can be digital or paper. Use the method that works for you but use it. I personally use 3. Yes I know its overkill to some but this ensures I always have an updated version at all times. I use outlook on my computer, my blackberry, and a day planner. I print out my outlook calendar and take to parties or meetings.

Do not overbook yourself in your schedule. This can and is a deal breaker in time management. Have specific slots open for meetings, deliveries, parties, and travel time. Giving yourself a set calendar will keep you from overextending yourself and keep your business on track.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

WAHM Feature - Barefoot Books

Barefoot Books

Website: http://www.barefootbooks.com/marketplace/7076

Explore. Imagine. Create. Connect. Give Back. That’s what Barefoot Books is all about. It’s exploring other cultures, our planet, ourselves. It’s making time for make-believe and letting imaginations run wild and free. Most of all, it’s about using the power of stories to nourish the creative spark in everyone and strengthen connections with family, the global community, and the earth.

Barefoot Books began with two mothers who wanted their children to have books that would feed the imagination, while instilling a respect for diversity and a love of the planet. Today, we are a world-wide community of writers, artists, storytellers, musicians, and others who are committed to providing timeless stories and captivating art that can help children become happy, engaged members of a global society.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Free Ad Space?

When starting a new business or just trying to keep it going, budgets are tight and you often wonder to the dark side of "free." Now before we get upset, hear me out on this one.

The problem free ads have is many people are doing the exact same thing. If everyone is just there to advertise, what are you accomplishing? Not all free ads produce these results but most do.

If you are going to take the opportunity to place a free ad, be sure you are getting results. Do no join free ad groups. These are usually a waste of time. Ones that are not are hard to find and still take more work than you will get in return.

Free ad space you want is:

• When someone wants to post a WAHM Feature (such special promotions at Liv's WAHM Blog) or product review. 
• When newspapers offer free space to fill voids in their print. 
• When writing articles you include a byline at the end that includes a sentence or 2 about your business including website. 
• Social network business page where you interact with customers (check the social network TOS in regards to this prior to posting ads). 
• Email signatures where you can include your website or mini bio. Keep these short and sweet. 
• Forum groups where you can create and manage a group dedicated to teaching customers about your products and offer tips. 
• Managing a blog dedicated to your product/service.
• Word of mouth. There is nothing better than a customer recommending you to a friend or family member.

These are just a few free ad spaces that are helpful in business building.

When looking for ad space, be smart about it. Don't place an ad just because its free.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Market Like you Game

I am guilty of indulging in fun games that appear on social networks. One thing I see every day is comments of how nobody is making money or out of ideas but nobody has a problem asking for a tree for their farm. If you can share and exchange for entertainment, why not employ those same tactics in business?

Now let break this down a bit. You send everyone a request to be neighbor or for a special tool needed for a game. Does everyone respond? Those that do you continue to do "game" business with right? You may even pass on their name to others to help them gain levels and friends correct? Guess what!? You are networking! It wasn't as hard as you thought previously now was it?

Everyone you invite to play doesn't respond just as in business. Everyone you introduce to your business does not become a customer. You invest in those you have introduced and show interest.

How do you use these in business? Start with what most in business have; business cards. You pass out business cards to those interested. Don't force a card on those not interested. Its a waste of your time and theirs. Just politely thank them for their time and either move on to another subject or excuse yourself.

Next are catalogs. There is no need to leave the latest makeup catalog in areas where only men frequent. You are wasting your money. This does not mean never do this but only when its appropriate. This goes for flyers as well.

Parties. Most people love to attend gatherings. They do not however enjoy a 2 hour sales pitch. Keep presentations short, offer product they can see and demo, interact with customers one on one. Do not attempt to recruit every single person at your party. Its unrealistic and can create awkward moments. I suggest having guests complete a simple questionnaire either on an order form (this is best) or a door prize drawing slip (great to file for late contacts). Those interested in joining, schedule an appointment one on one so they have your undivided attention. Do the same at events. Its ok to give initial information but get that appointment so you can answer all their questions.

If everyone marketed their business with the same passion and drive as they do games, more would create the success they desire.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Feature - Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Website: http://teatimewithliv.com

Blog: http://teatimewithliv.blogspot.com

Email: teatimewithliv@gmail.com

Begin your experience or enhance your knowledge of tea. Share a cup with a friend, have an impromptu tea party with your children, or just sit back and relax.

From a delicious black tea to a refreshing green tea, we will tempt your tastebuds in ways your never considered.

Try our line of fresh-baked products coming to you straight from the oven! Serve scones at breakfast time, with high tea, or anytime. Simply blend, shape, bake for hot, delicious scones.

From delectable, mouth watering brownies to easy no-bake cheesecakes, you're sure to find something to tempt your palate amongst our selection!

Come in and savor the flavor.

Don't forget to grab a new teapot, infuser, or try our flavored honey sticks.

Olivia Vidal

© 2009-2010

No more excuses

Over the years I hear many excuses - I can't do parties, my company didn't teach me that, my customer wants this so I can't sell to that one, my company doesn't offer that. Excuse, excuse, excuse. There are others with the exact same company, with the exact same products, and the exact same opportunity and are successful. So throw out the excuses and start owning up to your business.

There are no excuses in business. You either do or don't. If you make a mistake, say so. Don't explain how you had no sleep, your child was sick all night, and your computer has 10 thousand viruses, and your dog ran away. Excuses only lead to more. You feel better about them and feel others are ok with it so they breed more excuses. This is when I call someone an excuse addict. You can't stop and even live for them even if only subconsciously.

Don't let excuses ruin your business and your name. You may think it directly affects only you but it doesn't. It can affect an entire business. You may represent Widget World but because of you and your lack of ability to correct an issue customers will not return to Widget World. Example how this works - ever gone to a restaurant and received bad service? Ever decided to not return due to the bad service? The restaurant didn't do anything wrong. It was the service yet you were so turned off you didn't give them a second chance. Same with the WAHM world. Avoid the excuses, own up to responsibility, stop giving you and your business lower value, and start being professional.

If your company doesn't offer it, create an alternative. If your company doesn't teach it, learn it elsewhere. If you can't do parties then find a creative way to get out there in front of your customers. Overcome the obstacle not create an excuse. The more excuses, the more failure.

Once you free yourself of the excuse addiction you will set a path towards success.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Feature - Marlena Gondek and Tastefully Simple

Marlena Gondek and Tastefully Simple

Website: www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mgondek
Email thegourmetway@yahoo.com

Tastefully Simple is gourmet food at a fraction of the cost that only takes two or fewer ingredients to make.. it is truly a time saver which allows us busy moms or dads to spend more time with our families.. My goal?  Bring families back to the dinner table, one meal at a time.



Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Looking for you

I am looking for 2 more WAHMs to feature during the month of June. If you would like to see you and your business featured here on Liv's WAHM Blog with will also include mentions on facebook and twitter, send the following to disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com:

Full Name:
Company Name:
Website:
Information about your business (submit as a ready to go ad including exactly what you do):

Include a banner or product picture.

Sorry no MLM or Pay per click

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Goals Are Dreams Written Down

When you have big dreams, write them down. Don't be afraid of them. Don't be afraid to dream big.

If I asked you how much you want to make this year, would you choose:

  a) $10,000
  b) $25,000
  c) $100,000
  d) $500,000

You should have chosen e) none of the above. Always want more!

Don't settle for the choices someone else gives you. Create your own choices, dreams, and goals.

Dreams cost nothing. Goals cost nothing. So go for the gold!

A life without purpose is like a ship without a rudder. The purpose of a goal is to focus your attention. Your mind will reach toward achievement only when it has a goal.

There is no achievement without goals. If you have no direction, how can you find success? Don't expect to stumble upon it.

Know what your goals are and break them down to smaller goals. See where you are in 1 month, 3 months, 6 months.

Always have something ahead of you. Keep moving after you achieve your goals and set new ones. Momentum is maintained by always having something to look forward to. Constantly give yourself something to work for. Nobody ever has everything they want. There is always something to desire and work towards.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Featured WAHM Business - Baby Bottom Bakes

Baby Bottom Bakes™ are unique gifts for baby and the new mother. Each Baby Bottom Bake is handmade and made with only premium diapers and products. Never off brand. You will never find dollar store products on your Baby Bottom Bake™.

It's easy to see why our Baby Bottom Bakes™ are such a fantastic alternative to gift baskets or flowers.

New mothers and moms-to-be, love to receive a Baby Bottom Bake because every bake is usable. We take special care to ensure ALL of the diapers and products are usable by the new mommy.

Our Baby Bottom Bakes™ are created with the new baby in mind.

Baby Bottom Bakes™ are made in a smoke-free, clean environment, so that you can feel confident that your unique baby gift is of the highest quality and safe for mother and baby.

Why buy fresh flowers that will only wither after a few days. Order a Flower Diaper Bake™ or Lolly Pot™. Not only is it beautiful but mom can use later!

A Baby Bottom Diaper Bake™ makes a unique baby gift for centerpieces, baby showers, diaper parties, an hospital gifts! We can even create a Baby Bottom Bake™ to announce your bundle of joy or favors. Baby Bottom Bakes™ can be specially baked with cloth diapers. Our Baby Bottom Bakes™ are simple, elegant, and include what a mother wants the most!

Our Baby Bottom Bakes™ are the perfect baby gift for every baby occasion.

Baby Bottom Bakes™ are practical and unique baby shower gifts.

A Baby Bottom Bake™ brightens a hospital room with style without watering, wilting, or throwing away money.

Congratulate a new dad with a Baby Bottom Bake™ when he returns to work.

Choose a Baby Bottom Bake™ when a gift registry is unavailable. You can never go wrong with diapers and baby products.

Diaper Bakes™ and Lolly Pots™ make great baby shower centerpieces. This goes home with mom-to-be as your baby shower gift.

A Baby Bottom Bake™ is perfect for the new mom and baby who has everything.

You will be the talk of the diaper party when you walk in with a Diaper Bakes™ instead of a boring, plain pack of diapers .

Check out our selection of beautiful Baby Bottom Bakes™ and order one today!

Click the banner to visit Baby Bottom Bakes™

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Mia Bella Candle Sale

ATTENTION MIA BELLA CANDLE REPS and CUSTOMERS:

I have 2 mixed dozens of Mia Bella votive candles. Great candles. Just have too many and I keep storing these. I hate seeing a great product put away and never used.

Dozen #1 Includes:
Apricot Freesia
Caramel Apple
Victorian Rose
Chili Vanilli
Tahitian Spiced Vanilla
Lemon Verbena
Sicilian Lemon & Rosemary
Forbidden Fruit
French Vanilla
Georgia Peach
Sugar Cookie
Cucumber Cantaloupe

Dozen #2
Black Cherry
Ginger & Cedarwood
Caramel Apple
Lemon Verbena
Christmas Essence
Peach Papaya
Apricot Freesia
French Vanilla
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cactus & White Peach
Forbidden Fruit
Blueberry Cobbler

All yours for $18 a dozen (plus shipping) or $45 for both (including shipping).

A dozen votive, single scent, retails for $36 plus shipping.

I accept Paypal (paypal balance, echeck, credit card) and ship USPS

Email Olivia at disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com

*I am not a Mia Bella representative nor do I represent Mia Bella and its company. Just a great customer who got a little over zealous buying candles and don't want to see them wasted in storage.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Ease Stress

We all come across stress at some point. One of the most stressful times is when building your business. Try this technique I came across recently:

Gently tug on the ends of your hair for a few seconds
Massage your entire scalp with your fingertips in a circular motion for 1 minute

This gentle massage can reduce the stress and anxiety of your day. Use this technique anytime you feel stress or anxiety.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

If you host parties, how many guests bring a child? In my experience I can count on at minimum of 1 child per party. Carry with you coloring books, puzzles, crayons, or any other small activity. If old enough you can even have that child help! Keeping that child interested not only allows mom to shop but also gives you a child that had just a good of time as the other guests!

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Invest in Yourself

To build a successful business you MUST invest. There is no getting around this. Go half at it or cut corners and I will show you a half business with lots of mistakes and a date of doom.

It's OK to invest in yourself and your business through education, tools to make your work easier, etc. Try and find even one successful business out there that has had zero dollars ever invested in it. There aren't many. You have to invest in business cards, classes, and sacrifice. There is no such thing as fast money and you do nothing to earn it.

Invest in yourself and others will invest in you as well. They will see the time and money invested because you took the time to invest in yourself lending to your success. You will be knowledgeable, prepared, organized.

You will have to learn new skills and habits. Just like when you became a mom for the first time. You learned new skills and habits you never thought you could. You realized that you have a lot to learn and change in order to be a good mother. This is the same in business. You learn new skills to be a better business person and successful.

You will have to educate yourself if you don't want to be one of those that struggles constantly with their finances. You can't expect to just sign up for the latest make money idea and expect the checks to start rolling in automatically. Attend webinars, study those handbooks your company offers, take a marketing and accounting class at the local college.

Take the time to create success. You will find it was well worth the effort.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Closing The Sale

You started your business and it has started great. Problem is you may not be getting the sales you are hoping for. Are you closing the sale or waiting for the sale?

Lets talk about closing the sale. You can have a great opening, great middle, but forget you have to close the sale. If you don't close you are leaving it open without moving the sale along. This is not push sales. This is following through. Not every close will get the sale but your sales will increase.

Closing a sale is many times assuming your customer is wanting the product/service you offer. You present your product and ask them what color they would like to order, service they want to start with, matching item they want to pair.

In closing the sale you want to avoid being passive. This doesn't mean you have to be overwhelmingly aggressive. You are just focused on getting the sale and helping the customer make the most of their purchase.

At the end of the sale do not ask if they would like to order. Assume they do and ask what they want and be specific.

Lets say you sell candles. You approach the customer with the product and why its best. You proceed with "Mary, what is your favorite scent? Great scent, did you want to order a jar or a dozen votives"? If they do not want to order either they will give you their objection and give you the opportunity to overcome it.

Listening is very important to closing the sale. Do not focus on selling one thing and one thing only. Focus on fulfilling the customer's needs and closing the sale based on these needs.

So when closing you need to remember a few things:

Do not be afraid of the word no. You may get a no for various reasons. Listen or ask why the no. It may be they are interested in another item, different color, no finances. Even with no finances offer the customer a way to earn it for free. Even if you have no reward program, create one. If they have their friends buy 10 candle jars in total your customer gets one for free. If you sell makeup have their friends buy a total of 10 lipsticks and they can earn 1 for free. There is always a way to overcome an objection and close the sale.

Upsale your close. If the customer orders a purse, offer a wallet. Fast food restaurants do this everyday when they ask if you want fries or a drink.

If you get a no after overcoming objections, don't keep pushing. Some sales gurus may have a difference of opinion here but you don't want to make your customer uncomfortable and leave with buyers remorse. This will not give you a loyal return customer.

Sales is relationship building. Getting to know your customer is key when closing the sale. If you don't get to know your customer you will not be able to close the sale effectively.

The best closers in the world are children. They are completely focused on the prize and will reason with you until they get what they want. Watch and listen to children. You will learn a lot from them.

In a group setting one no does not mean the entire group will say no. Many times a group will talk those no's into a yes.

Keep the customer comfortable and the conversation professional.

Write down a few closes. Start with a one product and ask friends and family to give you reasons to not want the product or service. Even go as far as asking what will turn that no into a yes. Practice overcoming the objections and perfecting your close.

Don't stress if your close is not perfect. Keep practicing. It will becoming habit and you will be comfortable as you go along.

Keep pursing your business and the sales will come.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Attend A Free Webinar

I am always looking for great resources for WAHMs. I came across Office Depots webcafe where they offer free webinars. Everything from social networking to organizing your business.

The next webinar they offer is on Tuesday, February 2nd at 4pm ET
10 Marketing Ideas for Under $100 (60min)

Make relationships count

Be creative on a dime

What is an effective communication plan for your clients that keeps you visible, consistent and pleasantly persistent in the marketplace

http://www.officedepot.com/webcafe

Whether you are a new business owner or in the business for years you can always learn something new and refine your skills.

* Liv's WAHM Blog is not associated with Office Depot and is not compensated.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009 - 2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

One Step At A Time

Success is one step at a time. It is not overnight and not without work. For some it is more than they are willing to give. If you want to start at the top you will need to dig a hole.

Everyone who got where they are now had to begin at the bottom. Don't look at where a successful persons is now. Look at where they were and how they go to where they are now. You will see sacrifice, hard work, and dedication.

Your opportunity for success is right in front of you. You just have to learn to recognize it when you see it. In the beginning you will create your own opportunities rather than wait for the opportunity. As you grow and learn you will begin to seize opportunities. Never wait for an opportunity. If you wait, it will pass you by not realizing it has.

To attain success or to reach your goal, don't worry about having all the answers in advance. You just need to have a clear idea of your goal and move toward it. The answers will follow as you move forward.

Don't procrastinate when faced with a difficult problem. You have to face a problem to solve it. Break your problems into smaller parts and handle each part at a time. You will be surprised how easy and quickly you can overcome these. Break your biggest goals into small steps and take the first step right away. The longer you wait to make the first step the more likely you are to fail. Success starts with a first step.

You can make something happen today. You just have to get out there and make it happen. Don't wait for it to happen. If you wait, you will always wait while others propel themselves ahead of you.

Your success begins one step at a time.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009 - 2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

Do you hold home parties? Recycle those old real estate signs. Contact a local real estate office or a sign shop and ask about old real estate signs. Revamp them to note where a party is. Most have a plastic container that holds flyers. Next time you have a home party, yours or a hostess, take the sign and post for guests to easily find. Attach balloons to make these noticeable and fill with flyers so others can take one as they pass by.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Finding the Right Sponsor

Finding the right sponsor is just as important as finding the right company. Finding the wrong sponsor can set the tone of a failed business regardless of how great the company is.

How can you learn from a sponsor who is unknowledgeable or only cares about the added commission?

Now you may be a go-getter and willing to take the bull by the horns but without direction and support you can lose motivation, become misguided or misinformed, learn bad habits, or even have an unfair opinion of a company based on your sponsor.

There are 2 ways you will have come to have a sponsor with your new business - you will either choose one or be assigned one.

When you choose one its is because you have had a conversation with and willing to join the team of the consultant who's team you will be part of. When you are assigned a sponsor this is because you have decided to join a company but not had a conversation with a consultant and willing to join their team.

When joining a company I highly recommend going in with a sponsor rather than joining blindly. When you choose your sponsor you have already established a relationship and rapport.

Regardless of whether you choose or are assigned a sponsor, this person will benefit financially from your successful sales. They receive compensation as your support. This is a job not a free ride. This is why you must choose the right sponsor for you.

When thinking about joining don't automatically go with your best friend. Your friend may have just joined for the discount and not interested in building a business while you are interested in a full-time business.Business and friendship are not one in the same. These are separate and you must have a business mind here. This is not saying don't join a friend. This just means choose wisely and choose the path that will secure the most successful path in your new venture.

Here are a few tips to choosing the right sponsor:

You will want to choose a person who is compatible with you. Someone you get along with and feel good about. Sometimes you just know.

You will want to interview more than 1 potential sponsor to find one that you believe is right for you.

Choose someone with similar goals. If your goal is to replace a full-time income and/or build a large team, a sponsor who joined the company to get a discount on the products is probably not the best mentor for you. You want a sponsor with similar goals who can share what has or hasn't worked for her.

You will want to choose a sponsor to mentor you based on the level of experience you desire. If you do not want someone brand new, do not select a sponsor that is new. If you are brand new to direct sales you will want a mentor who has been with the company for more than 1 year who has the ability to help you in ways you will need help.

During your interview of potential sponsors you will want to ask if they offer continued support and training. Some choose to get you started then let you run with it will others continually mentor regardless of your success.

How you plan to market your business can also be a determining factor when choosing the right sponsor. If you plan to market and build a team offline you will want to choose a sponsor who is local rather than our of state. Having a sponsor who is local can be beneficial with parties, one on one training. If you choose to build your business strictly online you can benefit from a sponsor that is long distance. These sponsors have learned the tricks of the trade when it comes to online marketing.

Some sponsors will offer their own incentive when joining their team. While this may be enticing you have to stick to the goal at hand, finding the right sponsor for your success.

If the sponsor you choose decides to leave the company, what will happen to you? Will you move to your upline's sponsor? If so you may want to talk with their sponsor as well to ensure the you have the right fit.

Will you be interacting with a team in a regular basis? Learn about the team and the dynamics of the team. Something as simple as the team is filled with young mothers while you are the lone grandmother can give you a sense of not belonging. It has nothing to do with whether or not they make you feel this way.

Don't let a sponsor sell you into a business you are not comfortable with. If you feel pressured you will not start on the right foot. Join when you are ready and when it feels right. Go with your instincts.

Starting out on the right foot is one step closer to success.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Tips for Effective Networking

Networking can be very effective in building your business if done right. Networking needs to be consistent regardless if you are networking online or offline.

Networking takes place in everyday life. If you need a new doctor you ask a friend or you when you need a new hairdresser. This is networking

Here are a few basics when it comes down to networking.

Networking is NOT about selling your business or products to everyone you meet. It is about gaining contacts and getting your name out there.

Don’t come on too strong the first time you meet new people. People are put off when you are overly aggressive. Relax and speak casually yet professionally.

Share about yourself, not just your business. You want to build a relationship and not just be a walking ad 24/7. People do business with people they know and trust.

Ask people what they do and invite them to share about themselves and their business. Showing genuine interest and not making it all about "me" makes you likeable and someone others want to do business with.

Listen more than you talk and ask questions that will get people talking. This will be done in return as well so don't worry you are talking about everyone else and you never come up.

Ask for their business card. Getting the business card allows you to follow up. You can exchange cards if you wish but always get their card or if online, their email or IM name. Ask permission to contact them again. If you don't ask you will spam them. Nobody likes being invaded.

Make notes on things contacts offer that might be useful to yourself or others. Keep index cards on hand to make notes and file the business card with the index card. This is also great to make note if a contact makes mention of an occasion coming up such as a birthday or anniversary. This gives you a reason to pick up the phone and make a call.

Find common ground with the person you’re getting to know. If you both enjoy wine tasting, you have something to talk about other than business. If you have nothing in common you may not be comfortable talking to this person outside of business. That can make the contact awkward so find that common ground.

If asked what you do don’t give someone a long sales pitch. Keep it short and informative. This is where your mini commercial comes in. This is a 20-30 second explanation of what you do, why you love it, and shows your enthusiasm.

Always tell the person you were talking with it was a pleasure meeting them and ask if it is ok if you add them to your contact list. The worst thing you can do is add them without permission and insult them. Never burn bridges.

Don't file your contacts away never to be heard from again. Use them when you need something. Refer them when someone else needs them. If you don't use or refer their services they will forget about you. When you refer someone, tell them to mention your name such as "tell them Olivia from So Chic Bag Boutique referred you." This will remind them of who you are and not just a name.

Keep it professional. Watch your language. Offensive language will not be tolerated and you will be tossed to the side. People want to do business with professionals.

If you do it right networking and propel your business in the right direction.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

As a WAHM we tend to grab food on the go. Most times these are unhealthy snacks and meals. Those unhealthy snacks and meals equal unwanted pounds. Have healthy snacks on hand throughout the day. The night before while making dinner or lunches for the next day, prepare healthy meals for yourself. Opt for cut fresh fruit, veggies, and cheese. Create a healthy salad and use the meat from the night before on your salad. Have several bottles of water available daily and skip the soda. If its not in reach, its not convenient.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Go for the Goal

As a WAHM building a business, at the top of your list is your goals. Your goals are your foundation and direction in which your business moves forward and build. Without goals you will wander in every direction but forward.

When thinking about your goals, these need to be realistic. What are realistic business goals? A realistic goal is what you should be able to meet with persistence and hard work. This does not mean keep them simple. Challenge yourself but make sure you are aware of the achievable limits of these goals. An example of an unrealistic goal is making a million dollars and live debt free within 1 year. A realistic goal is to make enough money to pay for your mortgage payment using your profits after 1 year.

If you meet that goal, go back and set a new goal. Once your achieve a goal, your goal setting is not over. You should always be setting and striving to achieve goals. If you achieve a goal early, great! Move on to the next.

Why should you set business goals? Setting goals give you focus and a reason for being in business in the first place. It does not matter whether you are selling your homemade candles or you have just become the new beauty consultant in your neighborhood for an up and coming company.

When beginning to think about your goals, think short term. Take baby steps. You can't go from the bottom to over the top over night. Do it right and do it right the first time. Start with how much you would like to earn each month. Now remember to keep this realistic. There is no such thing as fast money in an honest business. Lets start with $100 a month. This number sounds very reasonable and less intimidating. Make it more attainable by breaking it down further to weekly. In this case it would be $25 a week. Maybe your weekly or monthly goal will be sponsoring a new member to your team or courting a new customer even breaking out of your shell and meeting new people and giving out your card. If you are in a home party plan you goal could be 1 party booking a week at bare minimum. Your goals are anything you will achieve to build a flourishing business.

Now that you have your short term goal, how are you going to achieve this? Time to make a list. This is where that notebook I have mentioned time and time again comes in. How many new people will you approach? Will you host a party that week? This is the time to be honest with yourself and know what you will and will not do to achieve those goals. The only thing between you and your achievement is you.

While you are thinking about and setting your short term business goals, you also want to keep in mind the long term business goals. I suggest starting with looking at 6 months ahead and 1 year ahead. What kinds of goals would you like to have met in your business in 6 months and at 1 year? Can you see yourself obtaining these goals? Start with 1 year and write down all the things you wish to accomplish at this point in time during that first year. Once you have your 1 year goals, break it down to 6 months.

By now you should have weekly, monthly, a 6 month goal, and a 1 year goal. Don't write them down to never be seen again. Put these on your calendar. Refer to them often. Look over them from time to time and modify anything that may have changed. Make new goals to replace goals achieved. Never go a day without having a goal. If at any time you miss a goal, don't beat yourself up over it. Accept it, learn from it, keep moving.

You have your goals now go after them!

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

Get dressed in the morning. Get ready for the day just as you would if you had a job outside the home. Getting ready for the day helps you feel refreshed. Getting out of bed and straight to work keeps you feeling sluggish through the day. Prepared for the day makes for a productive day.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Happy New Year!

I wish you all a wonderful 2010!

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com