Hernando Farmer's Market

How many of you LOVE Farmer's Markets???  

This is the first year that we have really been all about them and made our grocery list based off of what we can get there versus what we get at the store.  Hubs has really started changing his diet to consist of more organic and fresh foods, which is what we all really need to be eating anyway--- right?!  (Check out this website for more info on what Hubs is shooting for!)  And with our boys- I want them to grow up being healthy eaters!  My oldest could eat chocolate, cookies, and ice cream all day long if I let him!  The youngest will eat whatever you put in front of him- so I need to be so purposeful in what they eat!

I had the opportunity to take my Melaleuca business down to the first annual Earth Day Celebration in Hernando a couple weekends ago!  They were celebrating green living, of course, so I thought what better way to get my business out there!  If you were there and have visited my blog- I sincerely apologize for not having it better updated!  Feel free to email me for more information on becoming a preferred customer!  {lgd625(at)hotmail}

I'm hoping to set up a booth a few times this summer down there, so come check out what I have to offer in the line of safe eco-friendly products for your home!!  But of course, we plan on visiting weekly!  If you're in the DeSoto County area, check out Hernando's Farmer's Market and Cedar Hill Farms.

Whew!!

Hey Folks of the Blogging World!!!

So sorry to have taken such a hiatus!  Unintentional...but so many other things going on right now- it hasn't exactly been on the top of my priority list!

Anyway- one of our team members posted this video to facebook recently- my husband and I have talked about it before, but I had never seen it!






It's amazing what all we can miss when we're so focused on such specifics!  Not that those "specifics" in life aren't important- but what all are you missing out on?!  I know lots of times I'm so focused on mine and my family's needs, that I forget to pay attention to what's going on in my friends' lives and how I can minister to them.

My Reasons "Why"

What are your top five reasons for doing what you do?  This can apply to anything in life, but I will give you my top five for choosing to work with and continue to grow with Internet CEO Moms!

1.)  Support.  We have weekly training where our leadership team trains us on topics relevant to each of our businesses:  internet marketing, bulding your contact list, creating a vision for your business, and (my favorite training) was on the difference in our company and MLM companies.  I have a list of at least 5 business partners I know I can contact at any point during the day who are willing to help me out- no matter how big or small!  They want me to succeed- and not just for their own success, but because they care!  Can't you always tell the difference in a person who is simply doing things out of selfish ambition and the ones who are genuine?!

2.)  Working from Home.  As I was growing up, my mom was always at home with my brother and me.  Once I had kids of my own, it was no question in my mind that I would be at home with them as well.  I have my degree in elementary education and I love teaching!  But at this point in my life, I love being at home with my kids more! The reality of being at home hit us that first fall that I was no longer teaching full time!  I was fortunate enough to get a part-time job at the same school I had been working at, and it was a great opportunity!  But I still wasn't home full-time like I desired to be!  Well, with education budget cuts and all the craziness revolving around education, my job was deleted.  Luckily, I had already found Internet CEO Moms, and my potential to grow with this team of moms was endless!  I do still teach part-time with a homeschool group, but even that allows me more time at home and the freedom to grow my Internet CEO Moms business while I am at home with my precious boys!

3.)  Family.  Like I said in #2, family is why I want to be at home!  But even beyond that- Internet CEO Moms is something that my husband is proud of and very supportive of!  I did try another home business before, and while I did earn decent money for my time away from my husband (this was before our kiddos were around), if I really wanted to succeed, I was going to have to spend at least 2 nights away from home doing home parties.  There are some who welcome that break- but for me and my family, our nights that we are all home are sacred! (Plus, I quickly ran out of my customer base.  With Internet CEO Moms, because I use the internet, my contact list is always growing- on top of just the people I personally know!)  Some of my best contacts and ideas for contacts come through my hubby!  He loves the products we use in our home just as much as I do- and he is all in!  There wasn't much he could do to support me in my previous business attempt, other than wait up for me when I got home from my parties.  When I recently had an in-home presentation, it was at our house, my potential customers brought their own families, and my husband was there to help where needed!

4.)  Internet Training.  I have learned so much about marketing my business on the internet!  Now, I've been blogging for a while, but I have found so much information through my training with Internet CEO Moms.  Social networking is HUGE and has been such a great source of contacts for my business.  But not only have I learned how to market my business, but the best thing- I haven't put in loads of money into advertising!  I have decided that I am not going to put anymore than about 10-15% of my check into advertising.  (Because let's face it- the money I am bringing in is money that we NEED!)  So our internet training is one of the most enhancing parts of our business!

5.)  Compensation and Bonuses.  Let's face it--- the biggest reason I even considered working a home business was because we needed some extra income!  We have been married for about 6 years, have 2 young children, hubby has a good job, but with my desire to be at home, we need extra income!  There is no time-pressure, but there are great bonuses for those who work the business in a certain amount of time.  If you would like more information about our compensation plan, let me know!    

So, I would encourage you to sit down and think about the things you are doing in your life.  Create a list of 5 reasons that explain why you're doing what you're doing!   I'm telling you- this activity has been a GREAT exercise for me and discovering my "why"!

A Great Article...

This is a great article by founder of Internet CEO Moms- Donna Stewart.  Hope you enjoy! 

The Detriment of Front End Loading with a Home Business

Author:

Donna Lessard Stewart
Here are 5 questions to ask to help with understanding the detriment of Front End Loading.

1. Does the company require a large investment of product to start? Large, meaning $500   or more to get started.
2. What kind of commission do you earn when you get someone to start with a large order of product?
3. Are the majority of commissions earned on the initial purchase of a new member?
4. Can you buy your status? Meaning can you purchase a certain amount of product to 'Get to' or 'Maintain' your status with wth business?
5. Are you advised that you can recoup your money from your big product purchase by retail selling?

I know, I know. Some of you reading this may be saying, 'What\'s wrong with any of those statements?'


I say, 'A lot!'


Now, stay with me here for just a moment.


So many companies make most of their revenue on 'Front End Loading'. Sad but true.


What is Front End Loading? Basically it means the majority of product(s) sold are to the 'Distributers', not the end consumer. The company makes the majority of their profits from new distributers buying a lot of product up front or to 'Get To' or 'Maintain' a status.


Even if the new distributer is unable to retail sell the products, the company still makes money because it has already been purchased by the distributer, not an end consumer.


Most companies that front end load their members, will give a nice commission to the distributer that gets someone to buy in with a big order. This creates a major promotion of the 'big buy in' when someone starts.


The distributer is excited about their new venture of starting their own home business, and eventually realizes that they are unable to retail sell the products and they are stuck with it. Unfortunately, this happens all the time.


Sure, most companies have a return policy, however, it is typically a short time frame. By the time the distributer figures out they are unable to retail sell it, the time frame to return the product(s) has lapsed.


When this happens, many distributers try to give the products away as a method to lure potential customers and business partners. They may get a few, and the entire sad cycle begins again.


The company earns their profits while the distributer does not.


Now, lets dive a little deeper.


Let\'s say you have achieved a status of … let\'s call it 'Queen Bee'.


As a 'Queen Bee' you are required to have $1000 dollars worth of product purchased (from you or your customers) in any given month. (This does NOT include your initial buy in.)


So, you\'ve joined and paid $500 to start and have products on hand. You need to go out and produce another $1000 worth of product purchases (sales) in a given month to be a 'Queen Bee'. And you do it!! YEAH!! You\'re a Queen Bee!!!


You earn XYZ amount of commissions, you\'re happy and on your way to achieve the next status of 'Ultimate Queen Bee!!'


To achieve 'Ultimate Queen Bee!!' you need $2000 worth of product purchases (sales) in a given month and one of your customers (business partners) needs to achieve, 'Queen Bee' and have at least $1000 worth of product purchases (sales) in her business for the month.


Now you have your sales in line for the month, however, your business partner is 'short' about $500. Hmmmm…what to do??? How do you get her to work so you can advance to 'Ultimate Queen Bee'?


Well, your business partner could call the company and purchase that $500 worth of product herself to get to status of 'Queen Bee', which means she could advance to 'Queen Bee' and YOU would also advance to 'Ultimate Queen Bee'!


Soooo, you pressure your business partner to either go out and have parties and make the sales or just buy the amount of products needed to reach the status and ‘hopefully\' sell them next month.


Do you know what happens down the road?


You have a lot of people getting to and maintaining 'Queen Bee' by personally buying the amount of products required. (In hopes of retail selling)


You have a lot of people getting their business partner to buy products to maintain their status.


Hardly any, if any product is getting sold to the end consumer.


People get stuck with products they don\'t need or use and are unable to retail sell it. They are unable to get their money back because the return policy time frame has lapsed.


Yet, the company continues to make money while many, dare I say most of it\'s members lose their money.


Be Careful Out There

To Your Success,






Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/the-detriment-of-front-end-loading-with-a-home-business-4135778.html
About the Author
The decision to work from home may be a great choice for some people. With today\'s economy and lack of financial security, starting a home business has proven to be a viable option for many. With over a decade of having a successful home business, not only have I been able to create financial security for my family, but I have helped so many others to do the same. I hope to continue to help others to achieve what ever their goals may be.

Take Good Care of Yourself

Your physical health is the most important thing you possess.

Think about these gifts:

You have a heart that beats over 100,000 times a day without you having to think about it.

You have eyes that instantly make over 10 million different color distinctions.

You have muscles that if they were to work together and pull in one direction, would equal tons of pulling power.

And this entire process is operated by a body that’s made up of about 98% water and a three-pound lump of matter we call our brain.

Ultimately, the factors that influence your health and vitality most are your choices.

Current research shows that many of today’s major health concerns are directly related to lifestyle choices which are preventable or minimized by developing good health habits.

When you consider some of the biggest health concerns we all face today, what are some that come to mind?

Weight Issues, Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Stroke, Depression

Asthma, Allergies, Osteoporosis

The statistics on the increasing incidence of these health concerns – and their causes – are troubling.

As you know, there is nothing more powerful than our body’s own inherent ability to heal itself…as long as we provide it with what it needs to maintain optimum health:

Air, Water, Proper Nutrition, Sunshine, Exercise,Love, Laughter

Internet Ceo Moms can show you how to take a more pro-active role in your physical vitality – simple lifestyle choices that don’t interrupt your life, only enhance it. Through scientifically developed, patented products, and education about wellness at the cellular level, you’ll find it easier than ever to be Preventive – vs. Reactive – in the area of health and wellness for you and your family.

Internet Ceo Moms is really about two things - Your Health and Financial Wellness. Which could you live without? Which could you use some help with? What about everyone else out there? The market potential is endless, as EVERYBODY wants Health and Financial Wellness, not to mention the time freedom to enjoy both!

**by Donna Stewart- founder of Internet CEO Moms!  

Laundry Secrets

No...I'm sad to say I don't have any-- besides some fantastic products that leave my laundry smelling so fresh and work wonders on stains!  Now...if only they put all the laundry away...

Anyway...

I feel like I am constantly sorting and doing another load before I've put up the last 2!

Our bedroom  floor looks RIDICULOUS!  But this just seems to be the best place to sort that's out of everyone's way!  And the hideous recliner??  All of those clothes are clean!  {going to put those up now...}

excuse the *cute* little camera hog!

So...type A:  what are your secrets??  Everyone else...tell me I'm not the only one!

Helpful Little Tip...

First of all- I posted a delicious potato soup recipe over on my other blog last night- it's SOOO good and SOOO easy! 

Secondly- I am sitting here at my desk at school (where I teach part-time) and my lamp is terribly dusty!  And it reminded me of something my mom figured out just recently...excuse us if we are a little behind...and if you already knew this- excuse our ignorancy...

Dust your lamp shades with a lint roller! 

+

 =

DUH!

Doesn't that sound like something you should have already thought of?!  And doesn't it sound like a great product for an infomercial?!  You better count me in on your millions if you steal my idea!! 

{{food for thought}}

Welcome!!

Just a quick WELCOME to my new business partner, Gina!!  You can check out her blog here!

Have you started a new home business this year?  Have you had one in the past that didn't work out so well for you?  {{{been there...done that}}}  I'd LOVE to share with you how my business with Internet CEO Moms and Melaleuca is so much different from everything else out there!  I am a part of the greatest team of moms and work-at-home ladies out there!  I have so much support and training to pull from- there's no way I could NOT succeed with this business--- the only thing getting in my way is...well...ME!

Join us, why don't you?!  You will be so glad you did!

7 Days In

We're seven days in to 2011!  Can you believe it?!  I know I sure can't!

So...how is your year going so far?  Mine so far has been a good reflection time.  Goals I have (and I'm not really a goal-oriented person), strides I want to make, things I want to accomplish.

Thankfully- I have already started living out two of my goals!

1.) Create a healthy lifestyle for my family.
The first way I am doing this through using safer products.  I know that by using products that are green I am not exposing my kiddos to all the harsh chemicals and dangerous substances that other brands offer.  And this isn't just through my cleaners!  I'm using safer laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, bath products, and even vitamins that are specially formulated to break down to be used more efficiently in the body!
Now--- I am working on being a better PLANNER for meals.  There are some weeks that I do GREAT!  Then there are some weeks (like this week-- that I don't do so great!)  {{real life moment...we were driving around last night desperately searching for a DECENT place to eat.  I hadn't planned a meal because I had friend's jewelry party to attend- and Thursdays are my "end of the week" day where I'm just worn out!  Luckily we found a meat and 3 place open and ate some yummy food!  Much better than fast food!}}  But my hubby and I have both agreed that despite how hectic our schedules can get- the better planned out we are- the healthier we eat (and the more money we save!)

2.)  Find a business that I can work from home with and truly succeed. 
Yay!  I'm so glad that I have found Internet CEO Moms.  Not only do we represent a great company whose products are necessities, but they have the greatest business plan out there for ANYONE who would like to have a home-based business!  This plan doesn't require any home parties, deliveries, or taking orders.  It does require working HARD to make it work for you!  Because let's face it- most "get rich quick" plans are schemes and you end up out less than you made.  And I personally don't have free weeknights to go into people's homes to do parties (although I do love 31 gifts and Premiere Jewelry and Pampered Chef--- it's just not practical for me).  Now I will tell you that while home parties are not required- it can all be done online- I love opening my home up and presenting these products and letting potential customers see first-hand how well these products work!!  In fact- feel free to email me to find out when I will be doing this, if you're interested!
And this doesn't have to be just for moms!  Say you AND your hubby want to get involved, or you know of someone who is at a dead end at their current job.  Send them my way and I'll be glad to share our business plan with them and how they can have their business up and going by month's end!  Remember- it isn't easy street- it's working hard, being disciplined, and setting goals (which is what I'm working on- right?!).

So make this YOUR year!!  

Start living your life---  don't let it live you!