I pondered over posting this and then I thought well, I would want to know if I were them. Word came out today about a new scrapbook company created by ex LPers. They are saying they are not affiliated with LP, but hello, everyone who has signed up was with them. So, you figure it out. Also, before I would hand my money over to these people I would be very careful! There were allegations about one of them and I wouldn ‘t trust them with my money. Also, why does everyone think the grass is greener on the other side? If you want manipulation, greed and then some, this will be a great company for you. The only thing they got right was that you need to sell to make a DIRECT SALES company work! It will be very interesting to see where this goes. I am just so glad that I chose a company with ethics, a strong foundation and a GREAT product!! Okay, enough of that!
Moving On…
Today I taught my first class since LP. I had to tell my best customers about LP and they were actually okay with it. My one customer was shocked and all they really care about is being able to come to the cottage and take classes. That made me feel really good. I did use the LP Thinking of You card kit and of course they LOVED it!! I was teaching and looking at Katrina’s name. No matter what anyone says about LP, I LOVED Katrina’s designs and I am a MUCH better scrapper because of LPU and all the kits that I learned from. So, I am going to use a mix of products and slowly introduce stamps and things. I didn’t realize a switch over may be tough for them. So, I will tread lightly 🙂
But, on the flip side of things I am so excited because more people want to come to my classes. ROCK ON! I love it! It is my therapy and nothing makes me happier!! YAY ME!! LOL!!
A Breath of Fresh Air
That’s the best way I can describe how I feel about this switch. It is weird how things work out. I NEVER would even be doing this had LP not had so many problems. However, it could very well end up being the best thing to happen to me.
My Starter Kit came this week and WOW! I am BLOWN AWAY! by all the product and all that is done for us! I even got a welcome call from Becky at CTMH. She was so nice!! I keep thinking about how hard we all had to work to build with LP and now I get to take advantage of a well established company that offers you the chance to really be successful. All the advertising, marketing tools, project ideas and MORE are there for the taking! I am SO excited about this!! As soon as I start creating some projects, I will be sure to post!!
Many Reasons Why…
I am so lucky to have the support of my friends and family with this new venture. At first I thought they would think I was crazy. On the contrary, they are saying they are proud of me and congratualting me! That really makes me feel happy and loved!! The biggest part of my business that I LOVED was the people. I am even more excited because my BEST friend and former LPer is joining today!!!! I am SO excited! We can do this again. I know we can!!
A lot of people are asking why I joined Close To My Heart ( CTMH). Are you ready? It’s a LONG list! Some may seem silly, but they are BIG to me!
- Idea Books out 3 x a year-GREAT for repeat customers ( very inexpensive for us to buy) and they are out EARLY- Consultants get them a month before they are available to customers!
- Product I like and WILL use. I can’t wait to get my hands on some FRESH, NEW product!
- Kits for different levels of scrappers
- Kid’s Kits
- AWESOME starter kit with training DVDs to get you started and TONS of product.
- Awesome Hostess Rewards- a gathering at 150 retail, you get $25 in product credit (use it your way!) Paid for by CTMH.
- Booking Incentives
- Stamp of the month- and lots of ideas on the site for you to use.
- Make and Take ideas on line for you to use, with supply list, cutting diagrams to save you money and these are out months in advance. GREAT for booking workshops and gatherings
- a 1-800 # to corp. ( silly? well, we nver had that at LP! ) LOL!
- Websites that you can change graphics on, share your story and promote your classes etc.. on your calendar-you can even add a picture of your project! And your own Art Gallery to promote sales!
- Websites include your OWN ON- LINE COMMUNITY!!!! You can make up to 5 boards. One for customers, for downline, your unit etc. Includes chat rooms and galleries!
- Ads that are ready for you! All you have to do is print off and use. You can even add your consultant info to it and then print it off.
- FULL PAGE ADS in major magazines. They are doing the advertising for us!
- “Rerferrals” for everyone, not just leaders etc..
- Tons of marketing materials available for purchasing.- Include cute license plate holders (HA)
That is just the tip of the iceberg! I know that there is lots more to come! I am updating my website to reflect my new endeavor 🙂 Check it out and let me know what you think. I really like the colors and the fresh look. It is hard work switching all of this over, but as always, I am up for a challenge!!
Until Next Time-
Sarita
A Sea of Emotions
I have been feeling so much lately. Today it was a mix between sad, hopeful and then sad again. Reading what everyone is writing about LP and knowing what I know is a tough combination. I could write so much right now. I could tell everyone how wronged we were and how cruel business is! But I digress. I do not want to be associated with “those people”. It does amaze me how people behave when things don’t work out the way they planned. If the first company didn’t make it either then I think there is a pattern and a commom factor there. Remember, Bobby was not at Scrap In a Snap. That’s all I have to say. I can’t think about it any more. I really want to move forward. I think I may have had my last cry tonight. I was standing in my studio looking around at all the LP product and the pictures and friends I have made. It was ironic that on Gray’s Anatomy in the background Meredith was talking about how we choose the people who we want in our lives and no matter what they do, you forgive them and move on from it. Funny, a lesson should come from a TV show, but it rang true for me and this entire situation. The music playing in the background didn’t help. LOL! It’s always the music playing in the background at then end that makes me cry. Well, I am looking forward to a better day tomorrow and no tears!
I have so much to be excited about!! A new company with exciting new opportunities! I can’t wait to get my starter kit so I can start creating. I did make a cute little tag book tonight for Sofie with pictures of her friends. I’m hoping it will help with letter recognition and languge. I would post a picture of it, but she is sleeping with it tonight.
Until Tomorrow-
Sarita
I DID IT!!
I was feeling really torn today. Torn between my past with Leaving Prints and my future ahead with a new company. I swear that must be what going through a divorce feels like. I almost felt like I was cheating!! I guess I can be loyal to a fault!
Then I got an email from an LP friend and this is what she wrote:
Hi Sarita,
I just wanted to drop you a line to say THANK YOU for being
YOU!! Your honesty and INTEGRITY during this entire LP “thing” has
been refreshing – and I for one really appreciate all you have done
(Brenda too!!).
_________ told me you have joined Close to My Heart –
CONGRATULATIONS!!! If I were to join ANY company, that would be the
one. I like their products and LP really got me into loving clear
stamps – so it would be a great fit. I’m not ready for anything
right now (need to figure out what to do with all the LP stock I have
in my basement first!! ha ha). PLEASE put me on your CTMH mailing
list!! If I do decide to join a company in the future – it would be
CTMH and I couldn’t ask for a better upline 🙂 [If you have info on
their compensation plan, minimums, etc. – I’d love to look it over…]
After reading that I realized that I did all that I could and knowing that I have support from others really means a lot to me. So with that said YES, I did join Close to My Heart last night!
I am looking forward to a fresh start with NEW product, NEW classes and NEW faces! The thing that I love best about the compensation plan is that I am in charge!! No matter what my team does, as long as my sales are in order I will get my commission. This will allow for a lot more creative time for me! I LOVE spending time with my team. I have made some really great friends and growing together has been so rewarding! So, now I will get the best of both worlds. I am looking at the new year with one word in mind “BALANCE”!!
I know for some it is way to soon to even think about another company. I guess I am a “no time like the present” kind of gal! So, I will test the waters and take it slow. I know a lot more now than I did 3 years ago that’s for sure. I figure with a company that has product out on time and doing full page ads in my favorite scrapbooking magazine I can’t go wrong!
If you want to talk about the possibilites for you and Close to My Heart I would LOVE to talk to you. My web site should be up and running very soon!! Knowing the future is in my hands once again is a good feeling!
Have a GREAT day and a GREAT new year!!
((hugs))
Sarita
No Regrets!
I am so sad about LP. I have been waiting for official word from Bobby on us closing, but haven’t gotten it. He did tell me in an email that “they” backed off and other options were not looking good. But do I have actual word that it is over, no I don’t. However, we can’t shop anymore and our commission checks were cut early. So, that is all I need to know it is over.
It is so sad, but I have been mourning this “death’ long enough and I am choosing to move ahead. I have learned so much about myself and have made a great business for myself. For those of you who listened to my “Attitude of Success” speech at convention, this is exactly what I was talking about
You need to believe with all your heart that the MOST important factor to your success is YOU! NOT your upline, your US# or even your product!!
Building yourself as an asset gives you the assurance that you can rebuild success in another area, if necessary, that is true peace of mind.
Now, of course when I said this I was not even thinking I would ever be in that boat. But here I am and I believe it. I really do!! I know that simply with the knowledge and experience I’ve gained and the fabulous people in my life I can do it! Now, that is a GREAT feeling!!
Then I was sitting in church and the message was that knowing God gives us a peace that surpasses human understanding and knowing that peace will guard and protect our hearts in times like these. I feel that is very appropriate for the situation at hand.
So, with that being said, I am looking to the future with NO REGRETS and a peace in my heart. I am not going to blame anyone for anything. Business is a risk and when you decide to go into business for yourself you take a risk. Matter of fact I was just reading the Leadership Manifesto at the DSWA and it said YOU move from employee to entrepreneur when you decide to do direct sales and I truly believe that!
So, with that entrepreneurial spirit I will push ahead and I am excited!! I will sign with my new company tomorrow and the adventure begins!! I will let you know as soon as I do.
Happy New Year!
Sarita
•
WAITING……
WOW! Talk about a lesson in patience! We are waiting on the answer from “the company” that we are in talks with. Kenney called yesterday and said that they are still talking. That is a good sign! This would be such a blessing for all involved. I am going to burst though. It’s hard having this secret and not being able to tell anyone, when all I want to do is tell EVERYONE! LOL!!!! I am PRAYING that it will be TODAY!
While I wait though I will be baking my ever popular sugar cut out cookies and getting teacher gifts ready. I am still making gifts too. Finally got my cards done yesterday. I will try to post a pic.
Well, today Sofie starts private speeech. That should be really good. I am already tired of all these appointments and tomorrow is the BIG ONE! It’s hard to think of anything else. I just want her to get diagnosed so we can get her treated. I never knew the plight of the parent of a special needs child. What a wild ride. More like a roller coaster! 🙁 I am praying for a better day today.
Back From Utah
Many of you know about the rumors concerning LP. For those who thought LP was closing and jumped ship early, not only did they show their true colors, but I think they will find it was a hasty decision!
For those who are sticking around and offering support and prayers, your rewards will be GREAT! I wish so badly I could tell you who the company is that is looking at us. Brenda and I went out to Utah this past week. An early flight on Tuesday and we walked into a meeting with “their” reps, as if on cue! We had the chance to answer questions about LP and our role as leaders and as a comsumer. Because after all, it all comes back to the product!! We love the LP product!! They were impressed and we have lots of positive vibes, just not a definite answer! I am hoping and praying for a Christmas miracle!! All those people who couldn’t stay 2 minutes, much less 2 weeks, well, what can I say?
Anyway, we had a BLAST in UTAH!!! Working in the warehouse was a blast! It is amazing to me to see exactly how all of our products come together. It was also confirmed again, that anything printed is designed by Katrina. Of course we have other vendors like PC, but Katrina designs our paper and the colors of our cardstock. We counted page protectors and put them in plastic bags, we did paper the same way. We assembled swatch titles complete with the bonus brad! We were happy to see the temps come in and take over! Tons of orders were being shipped when we were there. So, be expecting yours soon!!!
We spent time at Katrina’s house. Her Mom cooked for us and it was YUMMY!! First time having Filapeno food! Delish!! Her children are adorable and it was so fun just hanging out with the girls!! She has a beautiful home and you can tell a scrapbooker lives there, for sure!!
Upon our return LATE Thursday night I discovered my hubby put up and decorated my tree in the dining room and hung the mirror in my office. I should go away more often!! LOL!!
We didn’t get home until 1:30 pm from Chicago. Today is the first day I could function! So I spent the day in my shack making a project for Scott’s Mom and Dad and some Christmas cards. I will try and post pics tomorrow.
Until then-
Sarita
The MOST “Crafter”-ful Time of the Year!
Yesterday I turned on the Christmas music and got into the spirit of the season. Even though it was a whoppin’ 50 some degrees- very rare this time of year! I made the cutest box for a bonus project for my card class. It has so much potential for gift giving. It even fits our 5×7 chipboard albums. It took a little while to get it right, but I LOVE the final result! I am sure my participants will like it too. Well, it’s off to do dishes now!