What to do with discontinued inventory.....

Ugh!  They put out another new catalog and took out a lot of what I had in my inventory.  Now what???

I'm seeing this a lot since the new catalog came out and Pure Romance discontinued a lot of products.

Bedroom Eyes- send to Kathryn. ;) 

Here are some of the options I'm using and if you have any more ideas please share!

You may have seen the cute little pink tubs the west coast Florida girls are obsessive over at Target.  We've been snatching them up like condoms at a frat party.

You can either offer them as Hostess Incentives and charge a discounted price to your hostess or give them to her as her hostess gift depending on the price of the items. 

Or, you can make a discount bin.  There are many ways you can do this.  You can just say 50% bin and pile everything in it.  Or you can tell customers if they spend $X they can shop from the 50% off bin (or whatever % you want).  It's your inventory, play around with a few ideas and see what works for you.

You can also use them as booking incentives.  Pretty them up, post them on your page or add them to an email.  A little tissue paper goes a long way!

Customer Connection Cards

These are the bread and butter of your business ladies!  These are like the key to your money vault.

And guess who didn't use them her first few parties?  ME!  And I'm still kicking myself.

I now keep one on my demo table so I don't forget.  When I get a new pack of catalogs in my 15 year old knows she has a job to do- tear out all the cards from the catalogs (BTW Thank you for moving them from the Platinum Vibe page to the back PR!!  Makes things less awkward, haha!).  I've watched guest after guest tear their cards up trying to get them out......or watched empty cards walk out the door still attached to the page.  I'm loving that PR now sells them separately for stingy consultants like me that hang on to as many catalogs as possible. 

The new catalogs have a card in the front with room for a wish list which I love!  We can also put our Vistaprint stamps on there so they remember who to call when they're ready to get the items off those lists.

 Pure Romance added a Facebook URL and Twitter which, for social media addicts like me, is schamazing!

Different consultants use these cards in a variety of different ways.  Some play games with them, some use them for drawings at the end of the night, some have them fill them out in the beginning, some the middle, some at the end.  Me?  I'm still lucky if I remember to have them filled out at all...baby steps.

Erica Rivera had a fabulous idea!  She bought a glass cube, attached super cute PR related stickers on it and uses it for her drawing jar (winners will receive prizes at your discretion, ie. foil packs, coupons, 1/2 price shipping, etc). 

Find a place to put your CCC's and make sure they stay there!!  Yes, I lost a stack of 10 that had 8-10's checked for booking parties.  I know they're somewhere, just not sure where!  Encourage your guests to fill out the front AND back.  Here's a secret I learned from Hot Mama Jessica- tell them corporate checks the cards so the more information they give the better!  Let me them know you really appreciate feedback- both positive and negative.  If you've done your job well and they feel comfortable hosting parties they'll most likely fill out an 8-10 for booking.  Make sure you have recruit packets and hostess packets available for those who pick those high numbers.

How do you use your CCC's?  Please share below any tips, recommendations, games, etc that you use.  They might make it into a post one day!

I know I'll revisit CCC's again when I scour through the info others have posted on the Facebook pages but for now, there ya go!

Importance of training

Pure Romance offers a SLEW of FREE training to all of it's consultants.  It's up to you whether or not you want to participate. 

I guarantee you that if you attend even one training event your business will improve- as long as you implement what you've learned.  My first event was Pure Romance University back in March or April- just after I'd signed up.  Not only was I able to connect with other consultants but I was given a packet of information to follow along in the class and take home to study.  I remember walking away feeling like a cartoon version of a brain about to explode- that's a good thing. ;)

I was told to attend National Training as it would change my business for the better and be "life changing" for myself.  I was a little leery of the cost and about spending so much time away from my family especially since my oldest was scheduled to have her wisdom teeth removed and was leaving for college soon.  I signed up at 11:30 PM on the last day to register.  With travel time (a group of us drove from Tampa to Ohio), I was gone from my family for an entire week- the longest I'd ever been away from my husband and four kids.  We were so busy I almost forgot to call them a time or two to check in and say my 'I love you's.'  There were party demos to see, classes to attend, the new product launch, guest speakers, notes to be taken, slides to view and tons of handouts to read.  I still go back and review some of the handouts I received and notes I took during those three days.  Some of the notes you'll find on here already and eventually I'll add the rest (I'm working on the procrastination thing).  Every penny I spent to go to National Training was it worth it!!  I was doing 1-2 parties a month before I went.  Once I came home, I upped that number to 3-4 parties a month.  I was able to give my customers and hostesses a wealth of information that was drilled into my head from reading scripts over and over (which turned out to be a huge help with my ADD brain).  The big message that was taught at National Training was to "stay a student."  Even those who have been in the business for many years learned new tips and facts.

The next time Pure Romance University came to Orlando I once again hopped in the car and took off to learn more.  Some things were repetitive which is a good thing because our minds always need refresher courses.  Once again I was sent home with a packet of information to study at my leisure after it was gone over in class.  We did exercises to help us get to know our customers better and set goals which we flew across the room to others who would hold us accountable.

I didn't hesitate when the message came out about traveling to Atlanta for the PRU Series.  I would be gone for 24 hours and would miss my kids but knew, yet again, that it would be worth it.  I missed out on the Gold Series because I've been in the business less than 18 months but I was excited to hear that there was a class for us newbies.  Again, some of the information was similar to the other classes but after I got home I started to realize the amount of new information I was given in between the things I'd already learned.  I learned a lot more than I thought I did!  And having CEO Chris stand in front of me, using my name, acting like we were having a conversation- totally worth being awake for 27 hours!!  LOL   Hearing the bits and pieces the Gold Standard attendees talked about on the way home made me want to work my ass off to get invited to it once I'd met the goals for the PRU Series.  I showed that desire in my December sales hitting $2000 for the first time in just one month and increasing my bookings to five for both December and January (so far). 

With each training class that I go to my business increases.  My passion increases.  My knowledge increases.  The positive relationship with my friends, family and even myself increases.  I never got this much training with the other three in-home party plans that I used to do and I never had a fraction of success like I do with Pure Romance.

If you can attend any of the live classes that Pure Romance offers- go.  Being there in person makes a big difference.  Even though they give us handouts, mine are always covered in notes by the end.  However, if you can't attend there is still plenty of training on the website itself.  Watch the videos.  Listen to the conference calls.  Print out the documents.  Take notes.  Review your notes.  Stay a student.

<3

Marketing your business- Your Pure Romance commercial

*Updated- 30 second commercial is now referred to as your Pure Romance commercial*

This is from PRU-

The formula-
1. Your name.
2. A brief description of Pure Romance. "We are an in-home party plan specializing in romance enhancement products such as lotions, lubricants and bedroom accessories." This gives others a point of reference.
3. What you sell. Explain in a tasteful, yet simple way that Pure Romance sells lotions, lingerie and bedroom accessories. (At our last training session we were advised against using any terminology similar to "and things that go buzz in the night.")
4. Your offer. This is where you need to spend the majority of the conversation. You will want to explain why somebody would want to learn more about Pure Romance- what's in it for them?

Example 1#:
Hi, my name is Heather and I'm a Pure Romance Consultant. Pure Romance is an in-home party plan that specializes in romance enhancement. We sell an exclusive line of lotions, lubricants and bedroom accessories. And just for hosting a party, you could earn up to $100 in free product the night of your party!


Example #2:
Hi, my name is Leanne and I am a Pure Romance Consultant. Pure Romance is an in-home party plan that sells an amazing line of lotions, lingerie and bedroom accessories. Hosting a party is a great way to see and learn about our products, while having a fun girls night in!  I love to spoil my hostesses!  You can earn anywhere from $50-$100 in free product just for hosting a party!

Important points:
Talk about the amount of product a hostess receives and the other benefits of holding a party in a way that people can immediately understand.
You should develop a commercial that you are comfortable with.
Practice saying it so that it rolls off your tongue naturally.
When you have your basic commercial committed to memory, turning an ordinary conversation into a Pure Romance conversation will be easy and natural.

Brand New Enhancement Products!

*Post edited for new wording.  We no longer use 'creams'.  Use the proper wording- Enhancement Products since Amp is a gel.  It's suggested customers start with Boost and work their way up to O.*

Patty just released a video on the brand new enhancement products available in January.  I know a lot of us are super excited to not only start selling them but trying them as well!

Here are my notes on the new products:

Our Pure Romance chemists have developed TriPlex Tingle which is Pure Romance exclusive.  Currently our enhancement creams last about twenty minutes.  These new products will last at least an hour......an HOUR!!!  Each one is more intense than our current line and last much longer- AN HOUR!!!  The sensation starts immediately then builds over time.

Boost- This one is best for first time users, even if they've already been using another enhancement product.  It comes in a variety of flavors.

Pure- For our customers who are sensitive and/or are prone to infections this is the one for them.  It contains no scents, dyes or flavors and is made from all natural oils.

O- This is the most powerful of the products.  For women who are on medication that decreases their drive or for women who deal with low libido issues, this will definitely kick things into gear!  O has the highest concentration of TriPlex Tingle and is also great for men.

Amp- Instead of a cream, this one is a gel.  It's water based so it has a cleaner and lighter feeling.  It starts working faster and has a more immediate sensation.

Get on the phone ladies and get those 2013 parties booked!!!

Mourning chickens.......and being thankful

I learned a very valuable lesson Friday night which my friend and sponsor Karey pointed out to me on our way home from my party.  Never count your chickens before they're hatched.  I'm still in mourning.

My hostess did everything right.  She invited 70 guests, had 50 confirmed, had loads of amazing food (which I didn't get to try), decorated, had some awesome games, had 2 raffles and checked on all the confirmations.  I made sure I had her and the other co-hostess's wish list items so they had them to take home that night.  We were all pumped!

Twenty-three people attended.  Of those, less than half placed an order.  One thing I am grateful for is knowing that it wasn't due to my presentation because Karey was there and helped out a lot.  Oh am I grateful for that!!  This party was planned for over a month and was my second corporate lead.  I was so excited because my first corporate lead party had 15 guests and was my first $1000 party.  I did some quick caluclations and figured with 50 people it'd be about a $4000 party. 

Oh the plans I had for that money!!!!  What all I could do with $1200!!!  We're super behind on my daughter's dance tuition so I was going to use some to catch up.  My 15 year old and I want to go to the Twilight marathon on November 15th.  Black Friday is coming up and I would actually be able to spend some money.  I'd been wanting to do a sleep over with guests and consultants in a hotel and was looking up prices.

I brought Karey along because I wasn't sure I could handle a party with 50 guests.  Just before the party started I walked over to her and said, "So much for the 50 guests."  I feel bad that my friend and downline, Sue, had been so sick she couldn't come help like she was going to but was also glad because I'd have had to give her part of my profits for driving 40 minutes each way.  As I stood at the table adding up the party total I was close to tears.  Karey peered over my shoulder and said, "That's it?"  I nodded.  She told me to deal with it later and get with my hostesses to get their orders done. 

$374 party.  $148 in profit.  $100 of that had to go to the website I co-founded because I'm this months business sponsor.  I also owe a consultant product I borrowed and was banking on being able to order it all for her.  Plus my biggest and best customer who has spent about $1000 with me since April was hosting a Tastefully Simple party to help her sister get started and I was obligated to purchase something. 

I'd been so excited and talked about this HUGE party for weeks on our team page.  The texts started coming in Sunday morning while I was packing up the family to come home from Parent's Weekend at my oldest daughter's college.  I was so grateful it was that weekend because I really needed to have a big distraction. "OMG!  How was your party??  I've been waiting to hear!" was, "It sucked ass."  I handed my phone to my 15 year old and had her reply, "It sucked ass."  (this earned a lovely expression from my husband LOL)  

I used to get really excited when a hostess would tell me 15-20 girls were coming.  After the 5th party with less than 10 I lowered my standards.  I used to get excited when I'd walk away with 3-4 girls telling me they'd love to be a consultant.  I have 3 in my downline and none do parties- they're just there to help me get my discount.  I no longer get excited.  But I'm sucking it up and reflecting back on what I've done for the women I've talked to.

It's November, the time for thanks.  I am thankful for the amount of money I make from Pure Romance- every penny.  It's a penny I wouldn't have if I hadn't signed up.  I'm thankful for every hostess that opened up her home to me.  Some were already my friends and some have become friends.  I'm thankful for every guest that has walked through my hostess's doors.  For a couple of hours they were able to get away from their normal daily routine, hang out with the girls, laugh, drink, eat and in many cases, walk away with products to make them feel better or to improve their relationships.  I'm thankful for my Pure Romance sisters who are always there when I need them.  I have three Facebook pages to go to in times of need and four sisters who I know I can text at any time even on their days off.  I'm mostly thankful for my family who do a lot for me to have my business and never grumble when I have to miss important moments in their lives.  My oldest daughter had her wisdom teeth pulled the day before I left to go to National Training.  On our way up there my husband texted me asking for the doctor's number because his lymph node swelled up the size of a golf ball.  Neither asked me not to go or to come home.  My 15 year old never complained about having to take care of her older sister, her dad and her 2 younger siblings.  The little kids were ecstatic to eat McDonald's, pizza and Chinese food for a week.

I learned a lot this weekend.  On our way back from Parent's Weekend I was trying very hard to be thankful for what I had while still grumbling about my party.  This morning, I woke up refreshed (probably due to eating whatever the hell I wanted this weekend and the nice extra large cocktail my husband brought me while I was soaking in my garden tub last night).  I was ready to reflect, let things go (thank you to Patty for those pads of paper from NT!) and be thankful.

We have some pretty awesome parties.  We have some ok parties.  We have some really ass sucking parties.  But we love our jobs and will continue to entertain, educate and empower women whenever we can.

My November Rain of sales

The Guns n Roses November Rain song just popped into my head.  lol

Ok, ladies.  I'm all about sharing and the holidays are coming which is a great opportunity to SHARE!

The biggest share is to share your business.  At BJ's meeting on Sunday she encouraged us to look at sharing the business opportunity as a gift.  Talk to Theresa at the carloop.  Ask her if she'd like to earn some extra shopping money.  Tell her you'd like to give her a gift and offer her the latest kit sale flyer.  If you can, toss in the incentive of gaining $50 in free product if she signs up before the kit sale ends (or $75 or $100, whatever you can afford, or a specific product like a dual vibrator or 2 Coochy and 2 Body Dew, etc).  Like with all gift giving, sometimes people will say "No."  Don't take this personally.  Give her your card and ask her to keep it just in case they ever change their mind.  Also, ask her for her information so you can put her on your VIP list to receive monthly emails about sales, etc.

More sharing- of course you want to share the fabulous party side to your potential hostesses.  Offer extra incentives- double hostess credits, free product, items at your discount, shipping deals, etc.  I tell my hostesses that I create special sales just for their party and type it up so she and her guests can see what great deals they're getting that night.

Here's the big one!  I'm excited to share this idea!!  First, the one I stole from BJ is offering to wrap and send a note to the guests friend, mom, whoever for Christmas.  You can let them know you'll wrap for free then mail it to their mom for them or send it to them if they'd like to personally deliver the gift.  Keep all those little boxes from your shipments to keep hand delivered wrapped presents from getting torn or wrinkled.  Second, I'm sitting down today and making up a calendar of sales.  Some days will be half off shipping, lubes at a discount one day, c-rings at a discount another day, bath one day, etc.  I'm putting the best deals in the beginning so not to tick off clients if they order on the 10% off day then see a 20% off day a week later.  (The monthly calendar will not be posted, it's just for me to remember what sales I scheduled.  You can preload posts on your Facebook page to go out on future dates- awesome feature!)  I will have special Black Friday sales as well and will be encouraging everyone to make sure they keep their Smart Phone handy while they're out shopping so they can see the deals on my Facebook page.

DO WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO DO!!!!!  Don't ever sell yourself short causing you to lose money.

If anyone else has ideas they'd like to share please post them below or on the FB page!! 

Thanks so much for reading!