15:07:30 [Suella] My day has been interesting

15:07:40 [Suella] a coaching session with a eastern company today

15:07:43 [kaygreen] good or bad interesting

15:08:03 [kaygreen] cool

15:08:06 [Suella] had a coaching session this morning I meant to say!

15:08:35 [Suella] It was my second one with them and it was interesting

15:09:43 [kaygreen] you coached them?

15:10:14 [kaygreen] I just sent reminder emails on the class again

15:10:28 [Suella] Yeah-- that is what I am charging them for!

15:10:30 [kaygreen] will bring in some ladies in a few minutes

15:11:02 [Suella] They contacted me a few weeks ago and wanted help in setting up their Direct Sales portion of their company for launch in 2004

15:11:31 [Suella] They get an hour of my time and today about 90 minutes

15:12:06 [Suella] They are really struggling with a shipping issue right now-- and they are having trouble with coming up with training materials, etc...!

15:12:07 [kaygreen] awesome for them

15:12:29 [kaygreen] shipping can be a hassle - I offered free shipping in the beginning. Had to stop that

15:12:44 [kaygreen] still offer free shipping on retail but not to reps

15:13:06 [kaygreen] had to figure out a sliding scale based on wholesale value that would be about right for both of us

15:13:19 [kaygreen] training materials take a ton of time too

15:13:38 [Suella] They are currently using UPS and boxes are arriving smashed, but also their order department is having trouble getting merchandise out in a timely way and it is taking 3 weeks to get some orders processed

15:14:11 [kaygreen] UGH not good at all

15:14:18 [kaygreen] wow UPS is usually pretty good

15:14:44 [kaygreen] I use priority mail as I get free boxes and tape plus most of my shipments are under 3 pounds

15:14:44 [Suella] I cannot solve all their problems.. but I can guide them to the right resources that will get the job done right the first time, and in the end that will solve a bunch of the petty stuff that is happening now.

15:15:00 [kaygreen] absolutely

15:15:20 [kaygreen] I know I will have to go to an order fulfillment center eventually

15:15:28 [Suella] They cannot go with USPS as the cost is way to high. Most boxes are 30 lbs or more

15:15:40 daisy enters this room

15:15:42 [kaygreen] I am still doing all the order fulfillment here - and have most orders out the next business day

15:16:05 [kaygreen] yes for higher weight UPS is the only way to go - UPS wants $28 a month just to come pick up for me

15:16:11 [kaygreen] hi Daisy

15:16:22 [kaygreen] plus then I have to still buy boxes

15:16:26 [daisy] hi there

15:16:30 [kaygreen] and then shipping cost

15:16:31 [Suella] We talked today about implementing an order audit system that would check orders going out at least 8 times a day to ensure more accuracy and timeliness

15:16:31 [daisy] how are you two?

15:16:48 [kaygreen] tell us about yourself daisy

15:17:04 [Suella] Wow Kay -- one day turnaround is great

15:17:12 [kaygreen] good idea suella - is it software based or human checking

15:17:20 [Suella] Did you know that with bigger accounts UPS will give you boxes also.

15:17:24 [kaygreen] usually 3 business days at most

15:17:34 [daisy] Well, I'm a new WAHM as of May this year...My main business is Daisy Blue Naturals

15:17:43 [Suella] It is human checking

15:17:48 [kaygreen] I called UPS and only ways is if you are doing their 2 day/overnight - not for ground rates

15:18:04 [kaygreen] well congrats daisy

15:18:05 [daisy] I have since added another little 'fun' business called Scents From the Heart

15:18:14 [Suella] welcome daisy

15:18:25 [kaygreen] I am Kay Green, owner of http://www.MyPreciousKid.com  Safety ID products - with 150 reps

15:18:29 [Suella] I am familiar with DBN

15:18:32 [daisy] thank you

15:18:39 [kaygreen] and http://www.PreciousKids.org  adoption and homeschool resources

15:18:40 [daisy] you are? wow! Not too many are!

15:18:53 [kaygreen] and http://www.kaygreen.com  family site

15:19:07 [daisy] have you tried the products?

15:19:22 [kaygreen] and http://www.123HomeBusinessGuide.com 

15:19:23 [Suella] I am a transplant from MN where DB is founded-- heehee

15:19:35 [kaygreen]

15:19:46 [Suella] I have seen the catalog , and tried some samples too--

15:19:49 [daisy] you are!? I'm 40 min. away from home office!!

15:19:57 [daisy] where were you from?

15:20:16 [Suella] Way up north on the Canadian border was my home

15:20:27 [kaygreen] daisy we usually talk about recruiting and increasing sales each Tuesday - Do you have any questions on those subjects

15:20:37 [kaygreen] Oregon here

15:20:38 [Suella] But I worked a lot in the Mpls/StPaul areas and flew out regularly and often

15:20:48 [Suella] Bonnie Pfeifer introduced me to DBN!

15:20:52 [kaygreen] Suella give us your web site URL too please

15:20:53 [daisy] wow, that's neat!

15:21:28 [daisy] Oh, my mind is just spinning! Business was going so well for me and has now seemed to drop completely...

15:21:45 [daisy] but I KNOW it's because of ME! I just haven't been trying lately

15:21:53 [daisy] and don't know why!

15:21:55 [kaygreen] well we would love to help if we can

15:22:31 [kaygreen] sales do have cycles for sure - also they build with momentum so when we stop networking things back off - at least that has been my experience

15:22:41 [daisy] I've been thinking of so many ways for me "to come out of it" and get to business!

15:22:51 [kaygreen] I encourage my gals to do 5-8 new contacts a day

15:23:02 [kaygreen] setting goals is a great start

15:23:22 [kaygreen] Suella encourages us to give away 250 business cards a month (or week)

15:23:26 [daisy] yep!! Goals! That's one thing I've never done and know I NEED to work on that!!

15:23:47 [daisy] What I'm also starting to realize is that personal goals need to be worked on too!

15:24:06 [daisy] ie: getting my house in order...my office area in order..ect.

15:24:10 [kaygreen] so true- we all need balance

15:24:29 [kaygreen] I am working on blocking out time on my schedule each day to do what I need to do

15:24:41 [daisy] I'm such a shy person too, I hate that about myself!

15:24:42 [Suella] can you afford to let someone clean your house or maybe just your office for you?

15:24:54 [kaygreen] and setting aside time to clean up from the day

15:25:17 [daisy] no, VERY strapped for money right now

15:25:23 [Suella] Do you have an 800 number for recruiting?

15:25:29 [kaygreen] good idea Suella - or barter

15:25:35 [daisy] I think that is one of the things that gets me "down" and don't feel like working

15:25:55 [Suella] it only costs 2 dollars a month from cognigen to have an 800 number

15:26:00 [kaygreen] I have a gal come in once a week to help me organize, file, set things in order for my business - a huge help

15:26:15 [Suella] or ureach as a plan for $2.99

15:26:31 [daisy] wow! Cheap!

15:26:44 [kaygreen] suella are you a rep for one of them?

15:27:04 [kaygreen] I could use your link on 123homebusinessguide.com

15:27:05 [Suella] in order to have a business we must invest in little ways to make it more efficient

15:27:14 [kaygreen] so true suella

15:27:39 [daisy] that would be great!

15:27:48 [kaygreen] what about selling small baby step goals for so many contacts each day of the work week- then when you are doing that up it a bit

15:28:06 [Suella] if your house has you down-set a timer for 15 minutes and work on one area and then let yourself have computer time

15:28:21 [Suella] take little bites of 15 minutes and it will soon to turn around

15:28:41 [Suella] Nope I am not a rep for any 800 numbers Kay!

15:28:59 [Suella] But.... I have a handful of 800 numbers for my businesses

15:29:01 [daisy] have you heard of flylady?

15:29:14 [kaygreen] daisy go to http://www.123homebusinessguide.com/articles/linkstocoupons.html  to get your web page listed on my 3 sites

15:29:20 [daisy] that's what I'm trying to follow!

15:29:47 [kaygreen] I have heard of fly lady - in fact did the side track home executive system (fly lady is based on it) for years

15:29:59 [kaygreen] it helps get you in order

15:30:19 [Suella] You know businesses are great-- but we must decide if they will be profitable or just a hobby-- once that is decided than goals are easier yet!

15:30:22 [daisy] I've been a member for quite a while but never follow it!

15:30:22 [kaygreen] so can you add a couple business contacts to your fly lady list every day

15:30:28 [daisy] But I'm determined to start!

15:30:50 [kaygreen] so true suella - it is ok to have a hobby business as long as you decide that is what you want

15:31:09 [daisy] I'm on the coupons links page...is that right?

15:31:10 [Suella] What kinds of customers have you met with your DBN?

15:31:28 [kaygreen] I have done both over the years - hobby and business - but now I am working my business as a business

15:31:40 [kaygreen] yes daisy - you can add a coupon to all three sites

15:31:56 [daisy] ok, great! Thank you!

15:32:13 [Suella] How much did you invest in your Daisy Business Daisy?

15:32:27 [daisy] oh all kinds, but somewhat frustrated that all of my contacts have become recruits! lol

15:32:36 [daisy] so it has really limited my customer base

15:32:41 [daisy] $150

15:32:57 [Suella] Nothing wrong with a hobby business--

15:33:00 [daisy] was the kit, but have been doing it over a yr & 1/2, so quite a bit more

15:33:40 [daisy] that's what I've been thinking...I have been "playing" my business now I must "work" it!

15:33:48 [Suella] Are your recruits being motivated by you? Are you setting the standard for leadership?

15:34:56 [kaygreen] recruiting can help give you a wider profit base but you must still keep making new contacts

15:35:02 [daisy] No, I kind of "fell" into leader ship and really don't know how to be a leader when I can't seem to work my own business

15:35:16 [Suella] Could it be that you need to get excited by one of the products and promote the beejeebers out of it and find ways to excite the rest of your team? Sometimes by taking the focus off one area will start the wheels turning in other ways to build your business

15:35:31 [kaygreen] Suella - will you share some of your daily make contacts leads that you do

15:35:36 [daisy] I started monthly meetings, but then we stopped doing them during the summer months

15:35:54 [kaygreen] how many on your team

15:36:13 [daisy] oh darn I have to go!! Someone is here...do you do this every tues?

15:36:22 [daisy] I have 18...but some are out of state

15:36:26 [Suella] Just parking your car at the end of a shopping store lot and walking the distance to the store gives you time to relax and refocus and smile to everyone you walk by-- Simple exercise to rejuvenate the cogs!

15:36:37 [kaygreen] yes every Tuesday afternoon

15:36:48 [daisy] I believe that is true too!

15:37:00 [daisy] ok great!! Thank you guys so much for listening!!

15:37:18 [kaygreen] come again daisy

15:37:23 [Suella] By daisy-- what is your name?

15:37:33 [daisy] see you next Tues!!

15:41:53 [Suella] welcome kimberlea

15:42:07 [kaygreen] hi Kim

15:42:15 [Kimberlea] Hi there, I almost forgot about the chat

15:42:35 [kaygreen] glad you found us

15:42:54 [Kimberlea] so what all do you gals discuss in here?

15:43:07 [Suella] What is happening Kimberlea with your web startup business?

15:43:27 [Kimberlea] kaygreen> where did you find this program? and is it avail for Free?

15:43:35 [kaygreen] recruiting, sales, contacts, business

15:43:52 [Kimberlea] business has been extremely slow

15:44:03 [kaygreen] not my room so do not know

15:44:14 [Kimberlea] between summer activities and family issues didn't get much of a chance to promote the biz

15:44:20 [kaygreen] I use chatnow.org

15:44:30 [Suella] Did you decide on a website name?

15:44:36 [Kimberlea] trying to get back into it again

15:44:55 [Kimberlea] oh are u talking about the one where I asked for help with a name

15:44:57 [Kimberlea] hahaha

15:45:06 [Kimberlea] thought u were talking about my gift biz

15:45:10 [Suella] Life is interesting-- one day at a time!

15:45:26 [Kimberlea] yea I decided on KCS Consulting, but have not registered it yet

15:45:29 [kaygreen] amen

15:45:31 [Suella] Yes I remember some things!

15:45:34 [Kimberlea] ooooops

15:45:42 [Kimberlea] meant KCS Enterprises

15:45:43 [Kimberlea] sorry

15:45:54 [Suella] How come it still shows daisy in here and earlier it said on screen she exited the room?

15:46:17 [kaygreen] do not know

15:46:22 [Kimberlea] maybe she came back in?

15:46:40 [Suella] Have you thought about your placement in phonebooks and such with starting with a K for the name?

15:46:45 [Kimberlea] Kay, is chatnow.org a free program?

15:46:46 Shannon enters this room

15:46:59 [kaygreen] yes

15:47:05 [Kimberlea] yes I have, but unable to think up anything better

15:47:12 [Suella] welcome Shannon

15:47:25 [Shannon] hello :0

15:47:27 [Shannon]

15:47:33 [Kimberlea] kaygreen> cool, tried doing a yahoo chat this morning and had major problems

15:47:35 [Suella] Kay what percent of your reps do you gain each week now?

15:47:45 [Kimberlea] hi Shannon

15:48:01 [kaygreen] 20-40 per month

15:48:11 [Shannon] hi

15:48:16 [Suella] Have you all heard-- msn is charging to do chat now?? Major bummer for me as I loved that place

15:48:17 [Shannon] at work so I might be slow

15:48:40 [Suella] Fabulous Kay--- is your retention rate good?

15:48:45 [Kimberlea] bummer w/the MSN

15:49:06 [Kimberlea] I had been thinking real serious about getting the 90Day owner to switch over to there

15:49:32 [Suella] Yeah it is a bummer-- because in order for people to join the chat and just participate they have to pay the $19.95 a year too--

15:49:42 [Kimberlea] I will check out the chatnow one

15:50:07 [Suella] Hey Shannon how is the newspaper work today?

15:50:20 [Kimberlea] so have any of you had any luck recruiting in these chat sessions?

15:51:05 [kaygreen] we do not recruit in here - but learn to recruit in your business

15:51:25 [Suella] I usually don't come here with thoughts in mind to recruit-- instead I come for a few minutes to help someone be successful with their business-- that gives me great JOY.

15:51:30 [kaygreen] suella have 150 0f 360 still with me after 2.5 yrs

15:51:54 [Suella] That is a good number Kay

15:52:23 [kaygreen] that is what they tell me

15:52:33 [Suella] Could be a bit higher-- but the economy has been sluggish and so that does bear into it whether we like to think it or not! LOL

15:52:42 [Kimberlea] oh okay, guess I misunderstood then

15:53:10 [kaygreen] what is your greatest recruiting challenge

15:53:14 [Kimberlea] Suella, what is your biz?

15:53:33 [Suella] In business we say 1% a month in loss of retention is normal-- anything over that we need to re-evaluate our system-- but that varies a lot with home business startups

15:53:40 [Kimberlea] mine is physically telling people about it

15:54:02 [kaygreen] they tell me the big direct sales companies keep less than 25% long term

15:54:11 [kaygreen] many join then never really work the business

15:54:13 [Suella] My outside the home biz is Marketing, Coaching and Consulting

15:54:22 [Kimberlea] my dh and I have just started getting active in promoting our PPL biz again

15:54:32 [Shannon] Suella> slow until I came into chat *LOL*

15:54:37 [kaygreen] PPL?

15:54:58 [Kimberlea] Pre-Paid Legal Services

15:55:09 [kaygreen] the other thing I see is those who join a home business w/o any resources to run a business (time and money)

15:55:19 [kaygreen] and then get frustrated

15:55:21 [Suella] That 25% number seems high to me--

15:55:27 [Kimberlea] that is a biggy Kay

15:55:52 [Suella] Shannon-- heehee -- isn't that how it always goes??

15:56:12 [Kimberlea] I know that is one of my big downfalls, not having the avail funds for the recruiting process

15:56:23 [Kimberlea] materials I should say

15:56:42 [kaygreen] probably varies too Suella - I know when in Tupperware and Discovery Toys it was probably les that were still in after 1 yr

15:57:01 [Suella] Oh yes-- why join a business or think you will start one without the two biggest things-- money and time-- makes me wonder sometimes what people are really thinking? How do they think Penny's, Sears, etc.. have made it all these years?

15:57:21 [kaygreen] yes it does take materials, printing, postage and such for recruiting and business - although web sites make it easier now

15:57:47 [Kimberlea] they are hoping that by joining a business they will have money and time

15:57:51 [kaygreen] I agree Suella - most of those I lose are ones who join, get the kit, then never work the business or get started

15:58:09 [kaygreen] of those who actually work the business I lose a much smaller percentage

15:58:29 [Suella] With computers and printers that can be bought for as little as $40.00 for color these days, there is no reason why people cannot print out even 10 things a day to grow their business

15:58:45 [Kimberlea] yes the web is a great marketing material now, but you still need to get that info in front of people

15:58:50 jojotabare enters this room

15:59:03 [kaygreen] when talking to new prospects I tell them it is like opening a store in your community - it will take time, effort, and money to get the word out that you are open for business, you have a product they need and want and it benefits them to buy it from you

15:59:25 [Kimberlea] exactly Kay

15:59:32 [Suella] Welcome JOJO-- glad to see you in a chat!

15:59:46 [kaygreen] I agree Suella - the new free printer program has sure helped my business. I have put out 30,000 coupon flyers to other wahm packs this year alone

15:59:54 [jojotabare] Hi Suella!! I can only stay until my customer comes

15:59:55 [kaygreen] hi JOJO

16:00:15 [jojotabare] Hi Kay! Ladies!

16:00:24 [kaygreen] and I want to encourage you all to budget some money each month for advertising, printing, recruiting and such

16:00:45 [Suella] That free printer program is great too-- but even the little color Lexmark work great for the home business part time business person

16:00:55 [kaygreen] when I first started doing the coupon -packs I did 200 copies a month to send out plus made my packs

16:01:03 [kaygreen] so true Suella

16:01:16 [Suella] Learn to budget a book of stamps for $7.40 into every weeks budget

16:01:33 [kaygreen] TRUE!

16:01:39 [Suella] Those stamps can work miracles in exposing people to your business and your materials

16:01:45 [Kimberlea] stamps.com is great for postage too

16:01:59 [jojotabare] I used to do stamps.com

16:02:00 [kaygreen] now I do 2500 copies a month and distribute 250+ coupon packs a month

16:02:12 [kaygreen] usps.com does stamp printing too - only no added fee

16:02:18 [Kimberlea] Wow Kay

16:02:29 [Suella] What you are doing Kay with those coupon packs is awesome

16:02:35 [Kimberlea] I saw that http://usps.com  is doing that now

16:02:44 [kaygreen] kimberlea but I had to budget it a bit at a time to build to that number

16:02:55 [Suella] the networking, and exposing you are doing with them is having a much longer residual for you too--way to go Kay!

16:03:06 [jojotabare] I was thinking about your coupon packs Kay. Would they go mostly to moms of young children?

16:03:26 [Kimberlea] speaking of coupon packs Kay, I want send you some, but don't know if I can do 200 a month

16:03:35 [kaygreen] the coupon packs ( because my niche market is parents) works for me - I can give them out where ever I am in town - to any parents I see - on cars with car seats in them - to clerks - to organization - everyone says yes to free coupons

16:04:13 [kaygreen] kim do what you can - I will take all you can send me. That is for all of you. I am happy to add your coupons to my packs. PLEASE send them to me

16:04:25 [kaygreen] jojo they go to moms of all ages

16:04:35 [Suella] --something to think about-- marketing comes in many different forms-- even if what you consider is your target audience does not see the pack-- it still planted a seed in the person who received it-- the more times they see your name or business the more it stays with them

16:04:35 [kaygreen] 50 a month is fine

16:04:35 [Kimberlea] okay, thanks Kay

16:04:56 [jojotabare] I was just wondering because right now I have studies for teens

16:05:08 [kaygreen] Kay Green, Coupon Packs, PO BOX 550

, Cornelius

OR 97106

16:05:15 [Suella] 200 pieces of paper is nothing and the cost to print something to expose your business is less than $5.00 a month

16:05:22 [kaygreen] I agree suella - it is all ages and gets your name out there

16:05:26 [Kimberlea] my products are for the young and old, kids or adults w/out kids

16:05:33 [jojotabare] I haven't made up any coupons and I am not sure how that would work with my shopping cart online

16:05:52 [Kimberlea] which shopping cart are you using jojo

16:05:53 [kaygreen] actually if you do quarter sheet coupons you get 200 out of 50 pieces of paper in your printer

16:06:23 [Kimberlea] I am getting ready to switch over to http://www.WAHMshoppes.com  and he has a coupon option avail

16:06:26 [kaygreen] do free shipping or percent off order or free gift with order - then you can contact them after to arrange for it if your shopping cart will not handle;e it

16:06:34 [Suella] yes that is true Kay-- postcard size would be cheaper to print yet

16:06:52 [Kimberlea] I wasn't sure if I wanted to do postcard size or biz card size

16:07:08 [kaygreen] yes wahmshoppes uses http://www.mals-e.com  shopping cart and has a free voucher system

16:07:16 [jojotabare] I don't know...my web mistress handles it all

16:07:17 [Suella] We must advertise consistently in all types of media or else the customer base will slowly die

16:07:27 [Kimberlea] definitely get much more if I print biz card size ones

16:07:28 [jojotabare] I am html illiterate

16:07:29 [kaygreen] I do all of mine quarter sheet - I think biz card size get lost too easy

16:07:47 [Kimberlea] okay

16:07:51 [kaygreen] but all sizes are fine

16:08:10 [Kimberlea] brb ladies

16:08:31 [kaygreen] also for $5.20 you can get 250 business card at vista and get them drop shipped to me - just put a discount or free shipping on the card too

16:08:40 [kaygreen] many gals do that

16:08:45 [kaygreen] once a month

16:08:53 [Suella] Biz cards are nice if you are attracting the business owner -- but for customer driven incentives a little larger is more eye appealing-- more like candy! LOL

16:09:33 [kaygreen] go to http://www.123homebusinessguide.com/  to get the free biz card link and the freer labels link and the free printer link and the free ink stamp link

16:10:21 [kaygreen] I agree Suella - I have one for sales (10% off), one for recruiting (free shipping on rep pack), one for 123HomeBusinessGuide and one with a discount for all three. I do them quarter sheet each on a different color paper

16:10:35 [Suella] You cannot grow-- what you do not advertise

16:10:36 [kaygreen] so I know at a glance which one it is

16:10:51 [jojotabare] I will have to think of something for the coupons for you Kay. I would love to participate. I have to go now, though. My customer is on her way. Thanks so much ladies..

16:11:01 [kaygreen] and then I do an invoice (with the coupon being an item number in quick books) to keep track of who I send what when

16:11:10 [kaygreen] awesome jojo

16:11:18 [Suella] Wonderful Kay-- you are setting such a good example

16:11:30 [kaygreen] anyone want a free coupon pack from me to see a sample

16:11:48 [kaygreen] email me at kay@kaygreen.com  and ask for a free coupon pack and I will mail it out tomorrow

16:12:08 [kaygreen] thanks Suella - it is just that so many have shared their good tips with me so I want to share with others too

16:12:27 [kaygreen] I have learned you can not out give God - HE has blessed me so much

16:12:37 [Suella] Amen!

16:13:12 [kaygreen] I hate to run ladies but this classes is officially closed. You are welcome to stay and chat though - I have a child to pick up - Thanks ladies - see you next Tuesday 1 pm west coast time 4 pm east coast time http://smallbusinessreferralnetwork.com/chat/phpMyChat.php3 

17:11:04 [kaygreen] free advertising here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WNC-Chat-Advertising/ 

17:11:13 [kaygreen] and http://www.123homebusinessguide.com 

17:11:55 [kaygreen] and on Monday at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/1ChristianWAHM/ 

Chat by Kay Green of http://www.MyPreciousKid.com  , http://www.123HomeBusinessguide.com  , http://www.KayGreen.com  at kay@mypreciouskid.com We meet every Tuesday 1 pm PST, 4 pm EST
http://smallbusinessreferralnetwork.com/chat/phpMyChat.php3