Monday, November 5, 2012

My Jobs {Show & Tell Monday}



1. Tell us what you studied in college. Is your job now related to what you studied?
I actually did not go to college. I got into both colleges I applied to, and planned on going for something English related- journalism, creative writing, teaching...had I been able to afford the private Christian school I'd wanted to, I'd have also majored in youth ministry or mission work I think. But like I said, I didn't go. In fact, after internally debating for a long while, on the DAY OF my freshman orientation at Indiana University Southeast, I decided it wasn't the right thing for me at that moment. I do not regret that decision at all. Had I gone then, I would not have the life and family I have now, and I know that I am now right where God intended me to be!
So since I didn't study anything in college, my job today could not be related no matter what that job was!

2. Tell us what your everyday job looks like.
First and foremost, my job is being a mom to my little man. But I am lucky enough to have not one, but TWO jobs that allow me to stay home and still be there for him! My jobs are both in direct sales as an Independent Consultant for two wonderful companies- Thirty-One Gifts and Blessings Unlimited.

For those unfamiliar with the companies- Thirty-One offers purses and home organizational items, most of which can be personalized. Personally, I fell in love with the company because of the organizational items...like the Organizing Utility Tote and Large Utility Tote. But their purses are great too...my personal favorites are the skirt purse (you can change out the skirt for a whole new purse for just $12!) and the Retro Metro bag. Having an unusual name, I also love that I can actually have something with my name, spelled correctly on it!! The name Thirty-One comes from Proverbs 31, which was another great selling point for me on the company. I also love that the company gives back- like right now for every November special purchases (at just $5 for every $35 spent), they are donating a product to Operation Homefront. As a military wife, this is very exciting to me! (I cannot post details publicly, but please message me for details!)

Blessings Unlimited is the lesser known company, but one I fell in love with immediately!! For those that have been following my blog long, you probably know I LOVE Dayspring, so it would only be natural I'd fall in love with Blessings as well, as it is their direst sales line. Blessings offers the same great, high quality, inspirational decor, jewelry and gifts. Stay tuned for more info on Blessings as part of my holiday gift guide...which may or may not include a giveaway too! ;)

So what does that look like on an every day basis? Well, that's entirely up to me. Some days I do nothing. Other days involve keeping up with my Facebook group, contacting previous customers and hostesses and networking to try to get parties booked and ordered made. It also involves being there for my customers to answer any question they may have. Personally I do not do home parties, due to my husband's work schedule being so unpredictable and him working long hours. Instead I do online parties, where my hostesses can send out e-vites to all their friends to shop in the comfort of their own home (e-mail me for more details on hosting a party!). My hosts still earn the same rewards, without worrying about buying food and cleaning their home for an actual party. When I have one of these parties going on, I work to offer my hostess the 
support and information they need to have the most successful party. I'm also a constant walking advertisement for Thirty-One, I always have at least 3 products on me at any given time along with business cards. The thing about direct sales is that you get what you put into it!
3. Do you have a picture of you at work? Show us.
Since I primarily work from my computer, I don't have a ton of photos, but I do on occasion do open houses and things like that so here is a photo from one of those:



4. In 10 years, what do you see yourself doing? Same thing? More? Tell us.
The truth is, I still have no idea! I would still love to write professionally so if that dream came true, I would be ecstatic. I've also considered going to school to become a librarian, though I'm not sure. As I mentioned in a previous post, I've been told I should go into photography as a profession as well, so perhaps in 10 years, I will have gained the confidence and skills to pursue that option. Would I love to still be with these companies? Absolutely, as I said, I love them both and if I weren't a consultant still, I'd at least still be a customer! If I do continue on, I do hope I move up too!! (I'll be honest, there are a few other direct sales companies I'd love to be a part as well, but for now I will stick with these two only!!)

5. Tell us what you have learned, and what {if any} recommendations you may have for those looking to go into the field you are in. 

I have learned more about the importance of networking. Truly, I think that's one of the most important things about direct sales, particularly when you work almost entirely online like myself. It's also as I mention above- you get what you put into it. The more parties you do and the more active you are in recruiting, the more successful you can be. But even if you only want to earn a little extra here and there, or get a discount of your own personal purchases, it's well worth it, in my opinion. The other advice I would give is to find the right fit. Like I said, I love both of these companies personally, but they're not for everyone. But there are so many great DS companies (several of which I will be featuring in my holiday gift guide as well), and there truly is something for everyone!!


If you would like to see more from either of these great companies check out the links below:

My Thirty-One Website
Blessings Unlimited Catalog (I do not currently have a website for Blessings, but you can view the catalog, and contact me to place orders or with any questions!!)


Sorry if you're getting tired of this reminder, but I don't want you to miss out- make sure to check out and enter my amazing Stella & Dot giveaway! I'll have another giveaway being posted in the next day or so as well!! And I'm still accepting sponsors too!!

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb: sweet to the soul and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24