Researching Potential Customers & Time Saving Laundry Tips

In this week's issue of Mommy's Helper - Mom's Market Ezine:
( Can be read at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-86.html )

~ Notes from Anita and Kara

~ Business Article - Researching Potential Customers
Learning about your potential customers is fundamental to any marketing plan. All business people know that marketing is fundamental to the number of sales that a company will make. Before you can start advertising, you need to know who you are targeting. Without this knowledge you will waste a lot of time and money.

~ Latest Message Board Topics

~ Product Reviews {NEW!}
Review of Cat Mat and Cat Nip Toys

~ Childcare Article - Time Saving Laundry Tips
Mom, are you spending way too much time sorting, washing, and folding laundry? Here are some quick easy tips to help get you out of the laundry room!

~ Humor Article - Forget Abu Ghraib, Use Toddlers
We don't need to keep people in these prison camps. We could sufficiently torture them and get them to spill all their top secret information with just one stroller, two toddlers and three hours of running errands on foot.

~ Recipe - Coffee Ice Cream

Read this week's issue at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-86.html

Singing the Dial Up Blues

You know, I remember singing this same tune quite a long time ago. When oh when is this area going to get with the times?!? I've been searching and searching to be able to get a DSL connection here and still to no avail. :(

I started getting real excited when I seen an advertisement on tv last night for NetZero's New 3G Service. Dial-up that is "supposed to be" as fast as Broadband. I looked it up this morning and well, got even more excited. If it weren't for the fact that it was coming from NetZero I probably wouldn't have even investigated further. It really looked too good to be true! I researched the site over and was just about to say, ah,let's give it a try. Till I found the fateful "Check availability in your area" link. Yup, you guessed it...not available here! GRRR! I'm so ready to throw in the towel!

Oh! I'm sorry, I'm lying! I did come across something from another company available here. Here's the price rundown:

Satellite Internet (Available) Downstream speed of up to 400 Kbps
Monthly Charge: $ 69.95/month
Equipment Charge: $ 749.95
Installation Charge: $ 249.95

Umm..thanks, but no thanks! The only way that I would consider that to be an option is if I had NO internet connection at all! LOL!

So, in the meantime....I'll keep singing my blues!!!

Rambling Thoughts On Article Writing

I'm an article writer, and I stress article writing regardless of what business you are in. I've been writing for a few years now, mostly on business topics related to our business newsletters.

However, in the past few weeks I spent some time brainstorming how to use this idea with my retail business. Most articles on writing that you see are for and by those with business related websites. There aren't many out there that aren't business related, and I suppose there's a real market for business related content. But for those that sell retail, non-business items and services, business aritcles are of little use.

So I decided I was going to work on articles that have NOTHING to do with business and everything to do with candles. What a challenge this has turned out to be!

I started with creating a group for product review exchanges, and that is going very well. Mixing good content while selling something at the same time. Keeping in mind those writing the reviews aren't getting paid to write them makes it better too. Those I'm offering to post on Mom's Market, because well that site really needs the original content.

While this idea was good, I needed something more that just an occational review on products of mine. I knew I could come up with something I had more control over, plus could submit to article directories and other sites more often. I also wanted a way to put a little more spice into my newsletter, so it was more than just specials and new products (*yawn* I know there aren't many newsletters like this that I want to sign up to).

Here's what I came up with:

Instead of just boring specials and new products (regardless of how exciting they may be, I know most could care less to get a newsletter that trys to sell to them on a weekly basis), I now have tips and suggestions related to candles. These articles I use in the newsletter are also sent out to various places. The articles do more than just sell a product or candle scent, they actually have good content and ideas for someone trying to decide on a specific candle. Candles are a very large market, so I giving some "personal suggestions" I believe is a good way to stand out and have them take a look at my site first.

Some of the articles topics I came up with:

- Candles for July
(see previous blog post for this article)
- Details on "light" scents and how to use them
- Truth about natural soy wax candles
- Candle burning tips
- Benefits of Tart Warmers

Because of how much I work with candles, I've become somewhat of a "candle expert" when it comes to soy wax candles. I've also been a candle lover for so long and burned enough candles that I know my scents. So it's only natural I write future articles on scents for the season and give suggestions.

I started working on the first article, including it in my newsletter and sending it out to various places. The resource box includes a link to a free report related to a hot candle topic, which visitors will need to subscribe to my newsletter to get. If they are reading the article and are interested in the free report, I know two important things about them:

1. They like candles
2. They like candle articles and tips

Getting them on my newsletter and making more sales is a piece of cake after the articles are writen and sent out. ;)

So far my hard work has resulted in a few new visitors, and an offer to write on a regular basis for a candle directory. Yippie! I've only just begun too, and I know there's still places that will accept my first article.

Anyway, you might be seeing some announcements and hype over a new product comming out here shortly for those that write articles. This post has nothing to do with that, because well, I'm not an affiliate looking for a $100 commission. These are just my ramblings and personal experience. ;)

Choosing Candles & Scents Part 1 - Candles for July

Choosing Candles & Scents Part 1 - Candles for July

Deciding on just a few candles is rarely easy. With so much to choose from now (possibly even thousands of scents), it's next to impossible to choose just one. This is part one of a number of articles to follow on choosing candle scents for your home.

With 4th of July and several weeks of celebration, it seems only natural too choose an Amercian type candle, or even a "summer" scent. Here are some suggestions for scents that "fit" the month of July:

American Style Containers:
Many candles companies are now offering candles with red, white, and blue layers. Others offer American flag design containers and votive holders.

Apple Pie Scent:
This has become quite popular, and for a good reason. It's absolutely yummy, and smells good enough to eat! Nothing says American quite like Apple Pie.

Blueberry Muffin:
Another very "American-like" scent. This scent smells just like blueberry muffins right out of the oven.

Watermelon Scent:
Looking for something a little more sweet? Try this summer favorite. Watermelons are a picnic favorite, and a fun summer treat.

Cinderella Scent:
If you prefer floral scents, here's a nice one for mid-summer. This unique scent is a romantic aroma of amber, musk, vanilla, with base tones of fresh cut violets and lily of the valley. Available at many candle stores online.

Dandelion Pear:
Another unique summer scent. This aroma begins with the slightly bitter aroma of dandelion, and wildflowers; perfectly mellowed out with tart fresh pear, green tea leaves, and cool aloe vera.

Honeysuckle:
Still looking for something a bit more floral? Try this simple favorite. While more of a spring-time scent, this one is also nice for mid-summer.


Need more suggestions? Read Part 2 at:
http://www.soy-wax-candles.com/suggestions.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the Author:
Kara Kelso is the co-owner of the mother-daughter candle company, Prairie Soy Candles. Grab your FREE report on "Truth About Triple Scented Candles" by subscribing to her newsletter at:
http://www.soy-wax-candles.com/newsletter.html

10 Essential Criteria For Choosing Your Target Market

In this week's issue of Mommy's Helper - Mom's Market Ezine:
( Can be read at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-85.html )

~ Notes from Anita and Kara

~ Business Article - 10 Essential Criteria For Choosing Your Target Market
A specific group of people you will focus on selling your services to is your target market. This is not to be confused with the problem you will be solving for this group. Why choose a target market?, You need to decide exactly who your audience is before you sell your services.

~ Latest Message Board Topics

~ Product Reviews {NEW!}
Review of K9 Bytes Dog Collars

~ Childcare Article - Summertime Play
Summer is full of activities for kids to do, right. Yet it's amazing when in no time flat parents everywhere will hear those two dreaded words, "I'm bored." As with most of us, you will literally come to a point in time when you will simply shrug your shoulders and maybe even scratch your head and wonder, how in the heck they can already be bored.

~ Humor Article - Time Outs Are Negative
Unfortunately, my friend has just moved to a new group home where the Mommy Cops (in close association with the Parenting Police--you know the ones that stop you in the store and critique your parenting for free?) have invaded this particular group home community. The difference between the two is this: Parenting Police constantly find fault and critique with their crooked finger and pointy black shoes and hats, and Mommy Cops beam in with a sparkly magic wand and cheerfully correct your parenting with behavior modeling--you know you feel like they are parenting you as they do it. Can you just see me rolling my eyes?


~ Recipe - CHEESY CROCKPOT CHICKEN


Read this week's issue at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-85.html

Enjoy!

Succeed in your Online Home Business

In this week's issue of Mommy's Helper - Mom's Market Ezine:
( Can be read at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-84.html )

~ Notes from Anita and Kara

~ Business Article - Persist in the Right Way to Succeed in your Online Home Business
Persistence is one of the most important characteristics of a Business Entrepreneur. Without it, failures will follows. This happens to every business entrepreneur including me. When you start your own online business, you often get frustrated when you cannot get the desired results that you want. When you checked your web log, not enough website traffics is coming. You have try lots of promotion methods: banner impression, guarantee clicks, exchange links, search engines optimization and many others ways but traffics is not coming as quickly as you want.

~ Latest Message Board Topics

~ Childcare Article - Helping Your Children Discover Themselves
In Tarzan II, the future King of the Jungle struggles to belong in a world in which he is very different. In his search for self, Tarzan faces tough challenges. We are all on this life-long journey of self-discovery, and we can help our child as she explores her place in the world.

~ Humor Article - Justice and The Wee Ones
Even at 18 months, my son knows when a horrible injustice has occurred. He, like all the rest of the children, comes running to me with this look of utter self-righteousness. You know the look—it’s the “How could she/he?????” look. Horror of horrors and sorrow of sorrows! Only mom can remedy the situation. At least that’s what they think.


~ Recipe - Famous Amish Funnel Cakes


Read this week's issue at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-84.html

Enjoy!

Wahm-Blog.com For Sale

Yup, I've finally taken the plunge! I've been saying for weeks and weeks (if not longer) that I was going to sell Wahm-Blog.com but I just never had the heart to do it (lol). You become attatched to these things ya know? I just really don't have the time to keep up with it anymore and really give it the proper promotion it deserves. That site really has a lot of potential but, with all the websites I have, newsletters/ezines, the Greeting Cakes...oh , I could go on. I just don't have the time anymore. I love the whole concept of having a website that is just for wahm blogs. I know you've seen the posts all over where everyone shares their blogs. Well, that's because it's cool to follow fellow wahms! Am I wrong?? Ha ha...

So, now I'm stepping into a whole new world again. I love learning new things about my biz! The learning really never stops, does it? The again, with technology these days...how could it?? I've never attempted to sell a website before and I hope I've listed what's needed. I'm sure if I didn't someone will let me know, lol! I'll keep eveyone updated on the progress!

Oh, and for all of you that have your blogs listed there. I did mention on the sales page that I would prefer if the new owner kept the listings there but...it's out of my hands. Hmmm..wonder? Can I put that into a contract?? LOL!

Cross your fingers for me!

Take care,
Anita :)

Recruiting with FAQ – Part One

As most of us know recruiting in direct sales plays a very large role.
Don’t make them search or ask for the information they want … hand it
to them on a silver platter.

The first thing I do is make FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) and
answers easily attainable. By doing this you’re killing three birds with
one stone.

First of all your potential recruit may be “shy” and not want to ask
certain questions for the fear of being a “pain” or they may think their
questions are “dumb”. (My answer to this is that the only “dumb
questions” are the ones that go un-answered because they were never asked.)

Another “bird killed” is … Doing this saves you time. How many times
have you been asked the same questions, over and over again? Starting
to feel like a broken record? Start a list of these questions and
answer each one.

Lastly and probably the most important reason for this is I don’t know
about you but, I’d certainly rather someone know exactly what they’re
getting into before they join. Just because your business is perfect
for you doesn’t necessarily mean it is perfect for everyone. Everyone
has their own reasons for joining or not joining and they vary from
person to person. I don’t want to spend my time training/supporting someone
in a business that’s really not for them. Doing this is just a waist
of yours and their precious time. I want to make sure each recruit
knows exactly what they’re getting into BEFORE they sign on the dotted
line.

What do you do with your FAQ?

1. If you own and update your own website, place your FAQ’s right on
your website. Place it right on the same page as the description of your
business opportunity or put it on its own page linked from your
business opportunity page. A small example of this can be viewed at
http://www.easybakegreetings.com/distributor.html#faq

2.Place a “request more info” link on your site for potential recruits
to email you for more information. Place your FAQ’s in a word document
and email those to potential recruits as an attachment.

3. You can take it one step further if you’d like to add a personal
touch and the added bonus of a visual aid. Purchase folders from places
such as OfficeMax.com. I use Esselte Double Pocket Leatherine
Portfolios. These have a special spot for your business card, look very nice
and are fairly inexpensive. (25 pack for $12.99) When a potential
recruit asks for more information simply print out your FAQ’s and mail them
off.

You can view an example of what I do at
http://www.easybakegreetings.com/distributor-info.html

Knowing what the potential recruit needs/wants to know is half the
battle. Next week we’ll discuss what recruits are asking and a few things
they shouldn’t have to ask for.

From a Customer's Point of View...

Okay, first of all ... I've been shamed! {Blush} LOL!

I recieved an email this morning from a potential customer who was looking into possibly buying some Greeting Cakes. Well, she so polietly left me know that she was somewhat surprised that she couldn't find more info regarding the cakes such as size, s&h charges, and ingredients. Honestly, I couldn't belive her and had to take a better look at my site. And as I've said...I've been shamed!

It does need to be noted first though as business owners we do have to make sure we step back and look at what we have to offer from a customer's point of view. Imagine that you were looking at your site for the very first time (as a customer) and you've never heard of the products being offered (which as a GCC distributor, it's more often than not, lol!).

If you knew nothing at all about your products; would you be able to tell what it is, what it does or why you need it from your website? Is there a place where all the questions (or most anyway) that could possibly be asked answered?

Of course, there's no way you can possibly answer all the questions that may come up, but are the most common one's answered or are you making your potential customers contact you for the info?

So, as a resolution to this problem I built another page this morning for my GCC site with a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Greeting Cake FAQ

Take care,
Anita

P.S. Now, Rush on over to yours and make sure you've done the same!! LOL! Take my shaming as a lesson learned! LOL!

Want to See a Wahm Band?

Wahm Bands have "Proud WAHM" debossed into the bracelet.
Click picture above for more views.
(Will open a new window.)

Hope it doesn't look too bad, lol! You'll have to forgive the goon who hasn't yet mastered the digital camera!

Take care,
Anita :)

Why YOU Need a Marketing Plan

Being in direct sales can often give the feeling "I don't have to do much, just sell". It's true, you don't have to ship orders or create websites, or even design catalogs (even though we recommend it sometimes). Your job as the rep is to direct customers to products, that's it. The fact is, to 'sell' the product is the hardest part.

Because "just selling" is more complicated than it seems, it's important to you to have a marketing plan. First of course you will need to set goals, so you know where you want to be by a set time. The next part is deciding on how to get there.

A marketing plan should include the following:

- What types of marketing ideas you plan to use
This would be ideas such as purchasing ads, hosting parties online and offline, networking, having your own newsletter, etc.

- Why you want to use these forms of marketing
Of course our main objective is to gain more sales, right? Dig a little deeper on these different forms of marketing to really see WHY you are going to use these forms. You may want to host an offline party to not only make sales, but to book more shows. You want a newsletter to keep customers informed of new products and specials, to convince them to buy.

- How you are going to follow through on the ideas
Just having them down on paper doesn't do you much good. If you want to have several online parties, write down how you plan to pull in visitors. If you want to use a newsletter (highly recommended), write down how you plan to gain subscribers and what will go into your newsletter.

- Schedules
Don't overwhelm yourself - make a schedule of what type of promotion you'll be using first. If you want to have an online party, start your newsletter first. While I know you want to have that party, it's important to do other things first so you are ready and have the best attendance possible.

Don't skip this important step to succeeding with your company! Even though you are "just selling", having a marketing plan can make it much easier to do your job.

The Truth About Negative Commands

In this week's issue of Mommy's Helper - Mom's Market Ezine:
( Can be read at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-83.html )

~ Notes from Anita and Kara

~ Business Article - The Truth About Negative Commands (Don't Read This!)
Everyday when I read promotional emails and advertisements, or listen to television commercials and dialogue in shows and movies, or hear people around me in everyday life use commands such as the following examples, I feel dismayed for them. This is because I understand something that many others do NOT!

~ Latest Message Board Topics

~ Childcare Article - Travel Tips for Families on the GO
I can honestly say that some of my fondest childhood memories include our cross country car trips. Not only did we cover the state of Ohio from South to North every Thanksgiving and August Hayden family reunion for as long as I can remember, but when I was 10, we took our first of many trips to Long Boat Key, Florida, a mere 22 hours and counting from our home in Cincinnati and later in Lincoln, Nebraska. Can you say road trip?


~ Humor Article - Good-bye Mattel And Company
Dear Mattel and Company,
Our Momma is going to give away all our toys. She means it. We don’t care a whit about all the cars, blocks, stuffed animals and battery operated noisemakers that we have. So Momma is giving them all away to charity and leaving only our favorite playthings around the house.


~ Recipe - Sweet Strawberry Smoothie


Read this week's issue at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-83.html

Enjoy!

Wahm Bands are Here!

I am oh so happy to announce that I've just recieved the first shipment of Proud Wahm Bands!! I'm very impressed! The bands look so nice and are a very good quality ... not to mention I wasn't expecting them until around the 16th and here it is only the 9th!

Of course wouldn't you know hubby has the digital camera at work today or I would be posting a picture right now, lol!

Hopefully I'll be able to get the picture up tomorrow!

All orders will be shipped out first thing Friday morning!!

Take care,
Anita :)

Dissapointed....

I'm sure everyone has heard the news about Corey Rudl's death. While neither one of us knew him, nor even read any of his marketing books, the entire Internet Marketing community is shocked at his death. It's sad to see someone (anyone for that matter) die at a young age in a tragic accident.

What's more shocking is the way some in the internet community have been handling his death. We've seen several topics and comments of his death followed by plugs for their own businesses. We realise life must go on, but to use someone's death for your own gain just doesn't seem right - especially if you didn't even know him that well.

I've even seen a few wahms taking advantage of the situation, and I'm dissapointed to say the least. With so many companies targeting us because of our desire to be with our children and even telling people HOW to play on our emotions, it upsets me to see a mother using tactics like this. I've always felt the wahm community was a close one, so it's disspointing to see a wahm trying to take advantage of a situation like this. :(

"The Market Is Saturated" Syndrome

Hi all! I read something this morning that I just HAD to share! I so believe in this post and I think it's REALLY an inspirational slap in the face!

I'd love to hear what you all think too!

"The Market Is Saturated" Syndrome

A Little Business Humor

I thought it would be fun after a very stressful day to post a few fun links. Both are business related, but very funny:

Bad Customer Service Quotes

You Know You're In the Wrong MLM When...

Priceless. :)

Will Your Business Survive Summer Break?

Summer is approaching and soon the children will be out of school. Is
your schedule ready?

Some of you may know from past years, when the kids are out for the
summer your "quiet time" during school hours is no more. Here are some
tips to keep the school age children busy while you keep up with your
business:

1. Plan family days
Take a day each week to spend the entire day with your kids. Make it a
weekly event. Do things such as go out for ice cream, going to the zoo,
etc. Try to plan it for in the middle of the week.

2. Set aside nights and weekends
In addition to your weekly outings with the kids, make sure you set
aside your evenings and weekends to focus on them.

3. Hire Local Neighborhood Kids
Is there a responsible child in your neighborhood? Hire them to take
your children to the pool, the park, or other areas in the neighborhood.
Preteens are always looking for a way to make some extra money, or
someone to pay for their day at the pool.

4. Have crafts and movies lined up
Avoid the "I'm bored" comments by having several activities set aside
for children to do for at least 2 hours, giving you enough time to
finish a project or two.

5. Take breaks outside
Since the weather is nice, children will be begging to go out. Make
sure you take a break daily to go out for even just an hour. Remind them
when it's time to go back inside they will be able to go out again when
you are finished working.

6. Trade Babysitting
Talk to other mothers in your community and trade babysitting. Remember
the first tip? Take someone else's kids on your family day out, and ask
if they will watch your children on another day.

7. Hire Babysitters
When all else fails and you need to get major work done, send them to
daycare once a week. Don't feel guilty - it's only one day! Your kids
need a break from you too sometimes, and the chance to play with other
children.


Good luck surviving the summer, and don't forget to enjoy it yourself!

Web Site Strategies that Work!

In this week's issue of Mommy's Helper - Mom's Market Ezine:
( Can be read at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-82.html )

~ Notes from Anita and Kara

~ Business Article - Web Site Strategies that Work!
Are there clear business goals and desired outcomes behind your Web site, and for each major page or section? How will you evaluate your success?

~ Latest Message Board Topics

~ Childcare Article - 10 simple ways to improve your child's nutrition
Nutrition is the process of nourishing your body. The organisms in your system obtain energy in the form of food for growth, maintenance and recuperation. Nutrition of children has always been a premier topic of discussion for any parent. Children nowadays are shifting towards junk foods. If a child is offered to have a pizza or a burger, he/she will grab it, but if he/she is asked to have a glass of milk, they would reluctanctly have the same of it. A litany of incredulous excuses will come forth.

~ Humor Article - Weight Games
I went outside to let the dog relieve himself and my dear husband walked out right behind me, locking the door and leaving for work, stranding me outside while my two-year old and 3 1/2 –year old were inside. Of course they REALIZED that they were out of mom’s reach and proceeded to get into everything they know is off limits.

~ Recipe - Chocolate Cream Pie

Read this week's issue at: http://www.momsezine.com/issue-82.html

Enjoy!

WahmBands.com Official Grand Opening!

I'm so very excited to get this first announement out! Quite a few
things have happened around here in the past few days!

First of all...
We've changed our color. Due to a high number of requests we have
changed the "Official Wahm Band" to Purple. I have contacted all
that have pre-ordered and everyone is welcoming the new color. I've
even recieved some comments that they're much happier with the new
color!

No longer need to pre-order...
You read that right! The official first shipment is in production!!
I've recieved the confirmation that I am to expect the first
shipment here around Thursday, June 16th. Please allow an
additional week for your bracelet to arrive. I will ship them out
as soon as I recieve them. You will still recieve an email
confirmation once I've shipped your band.

Affiliate Program Added...
You've asked for it and we've provided it! Now, you too can sell
the Official Wahm Bands! Affiliates will earn $.50 per bracelet
sold via their affiliate link. For more details on our affiliate
program please visit http://www.wahmbands.com/affiliates.html

Team Wahm Bands Available...
We've added the option to have your own customized Team Wahm Band!
There is a minimum order of 20. We've also discounted the price for
Team Wahm Bands that are purchased in bulk. For more details on Team
Wahm Bands please visit http://www.wahmbands.com/team.html

Promotional Idea Contest...
We're holding a Promotional Idea Contest at WahmBands.com. By
submitting your idea to use Wahm Bands for promotional purposes
you'll be entered into our contest to win a FR*EE Wahm Band! For
more details please visit http://www.wahmbands.com/promotional.html

That's about it for today. (Wasn't that enough??)

As always, feedback is deeply appreciated! If you ever have
anything to say...drop me a line at anita@mommyshelperonline.com

http://www.WahmBands.com
For PROUD WAHMs Only!