Cash for the Holidays (and more...)

The calendar may not acknowledge it yet but it is fall.  Labor Day is done.  The kids are back in school.   Halloween displays are taking over the stores.  If it is fall, that means that the winter holiday season is not far behind.  Have you saved money for the shopping onslaught that is about to begin?  If not, do you have a plan?

It's at this time of year that many people turn to direct sales for a boost to their household income.  And why not, try direct sales?  It's a fun way to make some money and receive discounts on your favorite products. 

Have you noticed that the media is touting the importance of direct sales as a viable income option as well?  I've known that direct sales can help you make (and save) money for years!

In these hard economic times, if you are considering joining a direct sales company here are some things to consider before getting started:

1.  What are your passions?  Think about what products you love to use.  Do you like to cook?  Love fashion accessories?  Do you use organic products?  Is made in the USA important to you?  Whatever you choose to sell, it should fit your personality.  You need to be comfortable talking about the products as well as be comfortable using them.  There are direct sales companies to fit every personality and passion.  You just need to look for them.

2.  What are you hoping to accomplish?  Decide what you want to make of your new direct sales business.  Do you want to make money?  Do you just want a discount on products?  Joining a direct sales company doesn't need to mean that you are changing your life.  Most people who are involved with direct sales just do it for the discount!  That's OK!!  If you are looking to make some money, I suggest that you look for companies that don't have many consultants in your area.  It will be easier to book shows and get new customers.

3.  How much are you willing to invest?  In most cases, you will need to put out some money to become a part of a direct sales company.  Kits can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.  But, the direct sales investment is not just money.  It is also time.  How much time do you have to put into your new business?  You will get out of it what you put into it.  If you just want the discount for yourself, no time investment needed except to make sure you maintain your active status.  If you want to build a business, you will need to do much more!  Decide where you are on the business spectrum and how much time you need to take out of your schedule to accomplish it.

4.  Once you have answered these three basic questions, check out the Direct Sales Association.  They have a search engine that will help you find the company that is right for you.  (Of course, I'd be happy to talk to you about any of the companies that I work with!)

Direct sales is a great alternative when looking for an income boost.  What other job gets you a discount on products that you love, do you "party" while you work and you meet new people?

If you decide to go for it, good luck in your venture.  If you aren't the consultant type, please support those of us who are!  Book or attend a party.  Do some shopping.  Not only will you be getting some great products, but you will be helping someone local support their family and save for the holidays!

Remembering and Explaining 9/11

On September 11, 2001, I went to work as usual not thinking much of the day.  By the time I went home earlier that morning, I had felt a fear like I had never felt before.  I spent the next few days glued to the TV, sleeping very little.  I watched the skies for planes.  I didn't even know anyone in the towers, at the Pentagon on on Flight 93 but I was still afraid.  I can't imagine with those to a connection to the tragedy went through.  To this day I can't think of that morning without getting goosebumps and my hair standing on end.  Ten years later, I am still uncomfortable seeing images of that day on television or the Internet.  I pray that my children will never have to experience a day like that in their lifetime.

With all of the exposure that the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 is receiving, my children are beginning to ask questions.  Actually, the questions started with the death of Osama bin Laden when my 5 year old asked who he was.  To say that he was a very bad man didn't seem to cut it, but it was all I could come up with.  As the day approaches and more media time is dedicated to the tragedy, more questions seem to arise.  I work hard not to give too much information but to relay the importance of the date.  I don't have all the answers.  I don't even know if the answers I give are the right ones.  But, I am doing my best to give honest, thoughtful answers to all of my children's questions.

I think it is fitting that the 10th anniversary is on a Sunday.  It gives us all a chance to gather at a place of worship, remember the fallen, give thanks that we have come through and pray for peace in our world.  Even if you are not religious, or believe in a religion that doesn't come together on Sundays, use the date as an opportunity to gather with those that you love and give thanks for them.  Surround yourself with love so that the memories of the day ten years ago can be shared and our collective healing can continue.

As my children get older, I will share more of the story with them.  For now, I want them to know that they are loved and to feel safe in that love.