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!  

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!  

$1 Can Change Your Life!

I know it did for us!  I joined up with Internet Ceo Moms and our partner company last April during a $1 enrollment promotion.  Now that I have been a member for 6 months, I KNOW that I would have joined for the regular membership fee of $29!  It has been one of the best investments I could have made for our family!  Not only am I able to shop for safer products for my family, I am able to bring home some extra income for us as well!  So where's the risk in spending $1 to join a GREAT company and earn some extra income, too?!  They have a fantastic customer referral compensation plan- so you don't even have to make it a business if you're not up for that!  But I know I have, and these days, every little bit helps!  This promotion lasts until October 20, so contact me TODAY to learn how to get started and shopping!!

We have just started Miles on the kid's vitamin supplements.  I have been reading up on the science behind our vitamin line and am learning all sorts of interesting things!  I am definitely not a chemistry person, but learning about how our bodies absorb vitamins and how much they help supplement our health has been so neat!  Email me if you'd like some more information on this!  I would love to share a video with you on the science behind our vitamins!

...from another team member's site...

As I was wandering around the internet tonight, doing my procrastinating by "blog stalking", I came across this team member's site and really enjoyed reading this--- you can read it here.

Enjoy!

My Support Team

How much fun is it to work at something alone?!  I mean, I know there are some things that are more well-suited to working alone, but when it comes to work- I'd much rather be a part of a TEAM!

When I was working full-time in the school system, I always collaborated with the teachers on my hall.  Then when I went to part-time as an Intervention Coach, I wasn't effectively working with the students if I didn't check with their classroom teacher to see what they needed help with!  Even now, as a homeschooling tutor/teacher, I work with a friend- and it is so true- two heads are better than one!  We can bounce ideas off of one another, support and encourage each other--- you get the picture!

I think that one of the things that drew me to working with Internet CEO Moms is that I wouldn't be working alone!  My mentor Kristie approached me with this opportunity from the position of building a business together!!  And that's what she's done- she is a great helper and is always there when I need her to answer questions!  And we don't even live in the same state!  In fact, her mentor Bonnie lives on the other side of the country from us!  And I have been on the phone with even her at times!  I know that when I need something- there will always be someone there to answer my questions or encourage me!  Here are their real-life photos if you don't believe me!!  (Bonnie, Kristie, Jeannie)

 

                                                                       

There are weekly team calls, website support, a wealth of information in our team room, not to mention our great  company that we're partnered with and all of their support.  I have never had any problems with customer service or any customers with issues that weren't resolved quickly as well!  

So that being said- if you're looking to start a home business- make sure you research the team you'll be working with and what type of support and training they offer you!  If any of this blogpost has gotten your curiosity up about my team- take a minute to check out my official Internet CEO Moms website!

www.internetceomoms.com/lgdarby

I hope you find what you're looking for!

Check out these groups on Facebook:

One Million Women Working From Home

Internet CEO Moms

Moms Helping Moms!

I came across this website of member of some Internet CEO Moms- the home business I am a member of (aside from my membership to the wellness company). It has some great testimonials of moms just like me who wanted to be able to be home with their families! Hope you enjoy reading these! If it inspires you to take that next step in making your dreams of being a SAHM, or even a working mom with some extra income on the side, let me know and I'll be glad to help you get your business started!

Enjoy!!

www.ceomomstories.com

Extra Cash, What?!

When you are a member (which is just a one-time membership fee of $29), and you refer another member, you get a "thank you" check each month when your referral makes their monthly purchase! What a deal! It may start off small, but just think, if you make a few referrals in a month's time, that check could get bigger and bigger each month! And there are always new incentives to enroll more folks! Where's the risk in that?! You don't have to take any orders or deliver any products- just simply help your friends and families enroll in a company that makes green, safer products for your home and family!

Want to get started today?! Contact me at lgd625AThotmailDOTcom

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I hope to use this blog to introduce you to ways and products my family is using to keep our home safe from caustic chemicals and fumes, and how we are doing our part to help keep the environment safe, as well! If you would ever like more information on how you can take a step to make your home safer for yourself and your family, please get in touch with me by leaving a comment or shooting me an email- lgd625@hotmail.com.

A little bit of info...

These products are all eco-friendly- the company is very environmentally conscious and uses less packaging, no water fillers- for example: a bottle 96 load liquid laundry detergent from grocery stores is 2x's concentrated (which actually has a lot of water filler) and comes in a HUGE bottle! This product line is 6x's concentrated and comes in a 48 oz bottle! Let's just say I'm not knocking bottles and containers around in my laundry room cabinet anymore!

Each product has a comparable grocery store brand that performs just as well (if not BETTER) than leading brands!

There are 5 product lines to keep you shopping each month: household products (cleaner, detergent, etc), bath and body (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.), vitamins and fitness, pharmacy, and cosmetics.

I would love to be your shopping coach! Let's get started, how about it?! You can get started this month for just $1! Contact me now by leaving a comment or emailing me: lgd625@hotmail.com

Check back soon for testimonials and pictures!

** If you would like more information on how to start a home business, please visit my website www.internetceomoms.com/lgdarby and request more information! **