| I had gone to a couple of shows
since my husband and myself both love candles. At the second show I
attended I decided there was so much product I wanted that I booked a
show. When the consultant showed up at my house I had over $400 in outside
orders and 4 bookings. She held the show 11 people in attendance the
quests left and we sat down to see where we were at she totaled out the
orders from the show and it was over $600. She said you really should try
this explained all about the no investment and quit if you hate it. I
closed my show at over $700 dollars in orders and had my six bookings.
That was in May of 2000. I love what I'm doing and can't stop now. I love
my fulltime job and would probably never quit nursing but PL has given my
family some great opportunity's. My husband quit his job and is going to
be a stay at home dad no more sending our three kids to the babysitter. My
children 9, 6 and 6months are so thrilled that they will no longer have to
get up extra early every morning and get carted over to the sitter. Thank
you to that consultant Denise and to PL as well as my wonderful leader
Renee. You have made a "world of difference" in mine and my
families life.
Dawn S. Candle Craze Livin and Lovin lite region
Ok. I was invited to a "candle
party" by a friend, and thought, ok, what the hey....Never heard of it....(my friend
got hooked up by an ad in the local paper) I didn't book a show then, but a few weeks
after getting my candles, and TOTALLY falling in LOVE with them, I called up this candle
lady and told her I want that "iced crystal thing".I
had my first show in November of 1996, the next in February 1997, and my sales were so
high, that my candle lady kept telling me...you gotta do it, you'll love it!! My excuses
were the same...no real $, maybe after we have kids--I'll want to stay home with
them....needless to say, I prayed, I talked, I prayed some more, and hemmed and hawed and
left the final decision to my husband. He told me to go for it! Here I am....And it is
thanks to God, to my leader, and my husband. :-)
I had always thought that businesses like these were kind of bogus. My
leader was very real with me...that counts a lot. Some of the Multi-Level Marketing
businesses were/are crooked. I like that PL doesn't want our money to start the business.
THAT was the BIGGEST issue that I had. A friend had tried to talk me into selling make-up,
but they wanted $$. I wanted a business because I didn't HAVE money!
That's my story. Looking forward to reading the rest!
Christina, TL Northwest
Embers, Di-Namite Region
I truly believe in fate.
I had gone to a [company] show across the street from my house. It was
the consultant (Nancy, RVP Ultimate Region), the hostess, me and one other guest!! Nancy
didn't push the opportunity, but I remember her asking if either of us guests earned $25+
per hour and I raised my hand. I was in mid-management working for an international
company that I'd been with for 13 years. Didn't think any more about the opportunity ..
and quite frankly, Nancy told me later that she never thought of offering me the
opportunity cause I "didn't need the money".
I had never, ever heard of [company] before but really loved the way the
candles smelled. Nancy gave us two guests a raspberry tealight to take home. That tealight
changed my life!! It smelled so good that I booked a show.
Had my show and closed it up. Two weeks later my secure job was
eliminated and I no longer had an income!!! I had two daughters .. 3 and 6 months who had
been in daycare since they were born and I hated it. I didn't want to work full time any
longer but I needed a decent income.
I called Nancy because I remembered the things she'd nonchalantly said
at my show (no investment, earn an average of $25-$30 per hour). She did an opportunity
meeting right over the phone .. I talked it over with my husband .. and had another show
(my starter) within 3 weeks of my original show. The best part, I thought, was that I
could try it out and continue if I loved it, but quit if I didn't ... NO RISK!!
I guess the moral of my story is that Nancy never pushed. She made sure
that she gave us the information that we needed about the opportunity and then let us make
our own choices.
Donna, SUL Simply Scentsational, Ultimate Region
I was looking in the newspaper and saw the fateful ad "Do You Love
Candles". I figured the ad was written "Just for me". LOL
I had never heard of PL, much less, seen a show. I was just fascinated,
and still am, at our Opportunity. My leader gave me a challenge to hold 10 shows in my
first 3 weeks of business and she would GIVE me a fantastic 3-wick. I didn't know any
better and went on to hold my 10 shows. I started February 1997. I love PL so much, that I
can't stop sponsoring. I can hardly keep up with the pace. No investment, no deliveries,
no inventory, etc. It sounded too good to be true. The income blew me away. It looked too
good to be true, but I was up to the challenge. When I found out that PL is everything
they said they were and more, I was hooked. Good luck to all of you who are considering
giving PL a try. It is definitely worth it.
Julie
Well my story is a little unusual - I contacted my "candle
lady", Charlene several months after she had done shows for myself and a mutual
friend. I was thinking that I could use some extra money and wanted to get out of the
house for awhile since I am a stay at home mom.
I think the main reason I decided to "give it a try" was
because of her attitude ! She loves what she does so much that she made me love it too
(before I even started !) She was so enthusiastic about PL that I just had to do it!
Another reason was the fact that there is no risk. I wasn't putting out
lots of money for something I wasn't sure of, and she told me that if I really did not
like it after my first show or two, she would do the rest of them for me! (Pretty good
idea - Huh!) Well, needless to say I love it !!!!
Thank you Charlene for grabbing me by the hand and leading me to this
wonderful opportunity!
Michele TL Candles on the
Water, Keepers of the Light Region
The reason I decided to join [company] was because even working
full-time, I wasn't making enough to pay off credit cards, etc. My upline told me about
[company] and I wanted NOTHING to do with it at first. I thought to myself, "Oh my
God, I could NEVER imagine myself doing that!!!!" (little did I know!!!!) Anyway, the
months went by and I was still complaining about money and dreading the thought of working
part-time at the mall or a convenience store. My upline and myself happened to work at
the same company so we took lunch together one day. We had to stop at the bank first so
she could make a deposit. She showed me the check from [company] she was depositing
(clever little devil) and my eyes bugged out of my head!! I said, " Where do I
sign?!?!?!?!" The rest is history! Since then, I've promoted to UL, retired from that
crappy corporate job, bought a brand new home, and a whole lot more! THANK YOU
[company]!!!!!!!!
Kelley, UL Success Express
Unit, Universal Spirit Region
I had been attending PL shows since I was in college (my roomie was a
candle fanatic and was always booking shows from someone!). I booked my first show from my
sister-in-law ONLY because she needed a booking. I had a pretty good show and my cons.
asked me to consider the opportunity. I had just gotten married, just found out I was
pregnant (my son was born 10 months after we got married-lots of people were counting the
months, LOL), and just bought our first house. I told her now wasn't a good time. She
never called me back to follow up.
A friend of my hubby's was selling PL and one night over dinner, I asked
her how she liked it. She lit up like a candle (no pun intended) and started gushing about
PL. That's all I needed, I signed up a couple months later.
What really got me was the fact that I could try it for 2 weeks and quit
if I didn't like it, which is what I thought I would end up doing. I had no idea I would
like being "the candle lady" this much.
What I learned from my personal story is that if someone shows interest,
but its not the right time, keep following up until they say "no". Had my
previous cons. called me at any time during that 2 year period, I would have signed with
her.
Missi, TL Marquise
Region
Last week I posted what made ME join. Well......I'm REALLY pumped right
now - and almost asking what made THEM join.... I just got back from doing a starter show
in Mass. about 90 miles from me. I ran an ad in a paper there, got several leads,
including the starter tonight and a "maybe" show next Friday. Tonight's show was
$370, she had her six bookings up front to be held by the month's end, got two more
immediate bookings tonight, AND a June booking to be held as a starter show. YAHOO. Well,
my husband (my traveling buddy) and I got home and I went through my mail - SURPRISE -
received a signed agreement with a check for $150 from a brand new consultant in
Tallahassee. She's on AOL so after I email her I'll be welcoming her to the boards!!!
Linda, Unit Leader CameLites
(New Attitude Region)
Here's my story:
My leader is my Mom's neighbor. She and Mom spoke in passing, but
weren't close friends, just neighbors. Holly (consultant/now leader) stuck an invitation
to her starter show on Mom's door. (Lesson #1; always invite your neighbors!)
Mom goes to the show and because she's wonderful she booked one of
Holly's first 6 shows.
I'm poking through Mom's hostess packet and read the opportunity info.
(Lesson #2, always include opportunity info because you never know who will be nosy and
read it!)
I was working full time and then some, making good money, but nobody
ever has enough money, right. I liked the flexible schedule and LOVED the no cash
investment. Any other part time job would not be flexible and would only pay about $5 per
hour.
So I called Holly and booked my starter show. But first I asked lots of
questions. I too was a bit skeptical. Holly mailed me a hostess packet, told me I
"had" to have $300 in sales and "had" to have 6 shows in 2 weeks. So
that's what I did. We were both a bit clueless, me way more than her! So we just did what
PL said to do!
Thanks Holly for driving to Orlando during rush hour for my starter
show!
I retired from my "way more than full time" job at age 32.
Went on a 5* vacation to Bermuda, looking forward to Hawaii! RVP right around the corner!
Thank you [company]!
Karie, GL MAGIC unit,
Southern Heat
No bad feelings at all about calling me clueless - no problem!
Yes, I was clueless when I scheduled your starter show - thought it was
normal to have people call me who I had never met and say they are ready to start selling
candles.
But I must say - by the time we had your starter show - I wasn't so
clueless - remember you were my number six and two weeks later I promoted to UL! THANK YOU
[company]! By that time, I had "learned" that six shows weren't so easy so I had
a pack of invitations as a thank you gift for having your six shows dated so I wouldn't
have to drive back to Orlando to close your show! What a prize! Anyway, you didn't need a
prize - you just did it!
(Funny now I drive twice as far or fly out of state for a starter show -
hum? I wonder why I don't have all of them at $300 or more with six bookings when I leave
that evening?)
You were a God thing - he knew I needed you - and not just for UL and
SUL and probably the S before my RVP! But for the friend I found at that candle party so
long ago! Bermuda was truly a blast to spend with you and we are gonna have LOTS of fun in
Hawaii - but most of all I thank you for being the friend you are and all the tears you
have helped me dry up over the last two and a half years! (and all the late night talks at
Conference and all year long!)
Note: one positive thing I can tell I learned since then - you never
drive to close a show - she comes to you - in the mail or to my home when it's convenient
for me if she absolutely must keep it open!
Holly, District LeaderHolly, District Leader
Real $uccess Unit, Southern Heat Region
OK HERE IT GOES:
I am going to tell you all something very personal...
I was in a terrible depression after I had my second child in summer of
96... it lasted through the New Year... I did not do counseling.... I did not have the
medical for it...
One of the very 1st times I got out of the house in 1997 was to go to my
friends candle show (I had been buying PL for over 6 years).... I booked a show....
Something finally to take my mind off things for a while! I had the show at my mom's
house.... Everyone but 1 person came that I invited... my consultant was 1 hour late due
to change in the clocks. She messed up LOL.... but it was okay. Her demo was terrific....
I had nothing to lose when
she asked me if she could offer me the opportunity... I listened... I
said I would let you know.... She brought her leader out to offer me and a friend
opportunity more formally... I said okay that's it... finally something just for me... I
am going to kick this depression with PL to help me... I was so excited for the 1st time
in months I got on the phone and booked all 6 shows while they were there! I started in
April last year.... I got my kit.... and $278 free on top of that... let me tell you I was
in PL heaven..... My 1st full month I did $3600 in sales! Ladies... I am here to say that
it is sometimes a hard day to get through still.... but I just get on the phone and book a
show! Thank you so much PL for helping me and to all of you I have met along the way.... I
have to say... you will NEVER know how much your support and friendship has meant to me!
Kim, soon to be UL Premiere
Region
Well, I have been a candle addict for 4 years when I was first
introduced to [company]. I had several shows in that time span with several consultants
then none contacted me for a little over a year. I went to my cousin's show which at the
time I was 7 months pregnant and brought lots of votives and a 3-wick. I had put on my
door prize slip that maybe in August or Sept. I would have a show and on #5 I put down
maybe. I am the type of person that can't say NO even if I really don't think I would do
it.
Well the consultant called in the middle of July because she had noted
on my door prize slip that I was due June 30, to see what I had and to see if I was ready
to show off my new baby to everyone. I told her no because I had him late and had only
been home for 3 days. She asked me if she could call back in August and I said sure. Well
she called me in August and I wanted to wait until October which we went ahead and dated
my show.
I held my show and it was $456.00 and 4 people booked. I had not really
thought about starting at that time I just asked to keep it open for a few days. My now
leader Kathy Nixon called me back the next day and asked me if I would be interested in
trying [company] for 2 weeks for FREE. I told her I would have to ask my husband and get
back to her. I called my hubby right away I figured why not no investment and I would like
to get out of the house a couple nights a week to "Party" and make some money. I
called Kathy back and told her yes and booked 3 more shows to go with the 4 that had
booked the night of my show.
Kathy told me on my 1-year anniversary that she really didn't think I
would stay in it. If it had not been for the meetings offered and the great leadership in
[company] I might not have. My husband makes great money and she was a little uneasy about
even asking because she thought that I wouldn't think I needed it. I really wasn't looking
at the money aspect I was in it for the fun and candles 50% off, but the money is great
too. I'm still here after a year and a half and as I tell the ladies at my shows I'll be
doing it until I can't light the candles any more.
The moral of my story is stay in contact with hostesses because if my
previous consultant had called me a year earlier I would have started then. Also, never
prejudge someone by what they have or don't have. You never know what they might want from
THEIR [company] business when they start.
Kelly Heaven Scent
Region
OK - - leave it to Gina to start a trend (just teasing, Gina-baby, you
know I love ya!) <3 ya!)
Why did I start my career with PL? (sounds like a great topic for an
essay. Too bad I
graduated from college a year and a half ago - LOL)
Well, I don't have a sad story to tell or nothing crucial was going on in my life when
I met my fabulous leader, and great new close friend, Dawn (Success Express). My story is
light hearted with a touch of humor (which has how my life has been since I started with
PL) One of my best friends from High School booked a show in Feb, 1997, and invited me. I
was reluctant to go cuz I hadn't hung out with anyone in a while, didn't really know if I
wanted to see anyone, blah, blah, blah (that kind of thing)
But I had heard of PL before (my cousin had shows now and then - none that I ever went
to...always sent Mom..I was too young, no $$ yet) So, now that I was older and I
remembered really liking the iced crystal trio (which Mom had bought for me...but kept in
her dining room on the buffet with my citrus punch votives - -thank God those votives were
in business boosters. I was dying for more!) Anyway, I figured what the heck, I'll go
schmooze with everyone, get the trio and leave as quickly as possible. Well, the demo was
great, the product was great (I, of course, had to have everything), I had a great time,
and I was the first one to place an order....ah..the Solitaire; it was an eye-catcher!
While Dawn wrote up the order she asked if I wanted to book a show. So, I'm thinking...of
course, why not get this stuff for FREE. One problem. Gotta ask Mom cuz I still live at
home.
So, Dawn was cool about it and we set a tentative date in April (of course I wanted to
have a show during dialing challenge..what a neat idea!!) Well, Mom agrees and I give Dawn
a definite yes. That same nite as the show, Dawn handed me a YCHIA brochure with a date of
the next opportunity session telling me that if I was interested in a part-time job that I
should go. Well, I kind of was looking for some additional income since my boyfriend and I
are avid $$ savers and have a lot of dreams that we want to fill as well as live
comfortably. And, quite honestly, I am a shop-a-holic..love to buy stuff, always spending
money I don't have..so I figured a little extra $$ would certainly come in handy.
Well, I decided to go the that opportunity session, only since I hadn't spoke with Dawn
other than to let her know I was going, I had no idea what I was in for, I showed up and
saw all these women with their name badges, but no Dawn..So I am thinking great, I have no
clue what to do...what have I gotten myself into? Finally, Dawn shows up, I say hi to her
and everyone strolls into this room and takes their seats. - - This is where the story
gets kinda humorous - -I sit with Dawn and there are some other people at our table.
Everyone is chatting and Charlene Reagan (Candles on the Water) asks me who I am and so I
proceed to tell her that I met Dawn at a show in Feb and I was here for opportunity
session that she invited me too.
Well, thank God Dawn was eavesdropping cuz she had no clue who I was. All of a sudden
she is like "Oh my God, Jennifer!" Well, needless to say, she is glad that she
over heard me or I could've very well walked out of that place and she would've lost a
sponsor (though doubtful, I may have missed the opportunity session, but the Regional
Meeting I ended up at was great!!!.. and inspirational) [We still laugh about this story
together]
Well, that April show I booked ended up being my starter show and my second show was a
starter show for my best friend Tina! I was so excited.... and still am. Now I have more
$$ (still haven't quit my day job.... yet...that is next on the goal list) I now spend
more $$ than I used to, but I can always pay for everything) My boyfriend is happy cuz he
has lots of free candles and product (which he loves) thanks to me! - - Ultimately PL has
brought me more self-confidence, dreams..that can now and are coming true (like my new
Jeep Cherokee..woo-hoo!!!) and the ability to stay home with my children (once I have
some) which is very important to me!! Oh, yeah, did I mention that I make great $$ and
have tons of great friends!!!
Jennifer, TL (soon to be UL) Success Express, Keepers of
the Light
I was an "easy" sponsor! Had just turned down my MK lady on that opportunity.
(I am always the one that consultants say "you'd be so good at this"
yadayadayada) Other products didn't trip my trigger enough to "sell" them, Ya
know? Soooooooo, my beautician's sister was a candle lady and I had known this for a good
year and half. She was saying one day how much $$ she made after only 3 years and we
compared that to what the MK lady had made after 15. Then she said the magic words: It
doesn't cost anything to start!
Knew that would be the only way I could run it past my husband....and despite his
objections I did it anyway cuz there was nothing to lose, right? I had never been to a
party or anything. Can you imagine getting that kind of a call? My sponsor said I'd better
get to a show and her UWS was the day after that and the rest is history. I graduated from
college the year PL started! However, due to a Military lifestyle and lots of moves, there
was nothing I had ever been able to settle into. Taught Jazzercise for 8 years in this
little town, blew out my knees, lost money (but had a great time). Was a Counselor at a
youth residential treatment center for 2 1/2 years right before PL. (Lousy pay, lousy
hours but hey at least it was flexible hours) Enough said, I could go on and
on..........my husband says I like all the rah rah, etc. Yep, I like "belonging"
to something, not just being Mrs.so and so and especially shocking people with PL stats!
Kathleen, GL Uplifted, Contagious Region
Been with PL now a little over a year. Started last jan. I'm a stay a home mom, also
with 2 kids. 4 and almost 2. I love it . Wouldn't trade it for the world and consider
myself very lucky that I am able to stay at home. I was just going a LITTLE stir crazy
though. My oldest daughter was so attached to me that she would give me such a hard time
leaving the house just to go to the store. I was in some serious need of adult
conversation with out my kids and I needed to get out more often. Actually looked in the
paper for PT jobs and called on some. All this before my starter show of which I had
already booked. Anyway, the jobs in the paper wanted day hours, or starting at 5:00, and
the pay was min. wage. Couldn't find anyone for my kids to work during the day and my
husband got home from work at 5:15.
To make a long story short, started with PL because no boss to report to, work when I
want, not do a show and still get paid for it, able to stay a home with my kids, great
money, and the best reason is that I HAD TO PROVE MY HUSBAND WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was
totally against it. I love him dearly but he gave me such a hard time. So, I went on my
merry way and did what I wanted to do anyway. By the end of last year, he had ADMITTED to
me that he was WRONG..I almost fell over. Now he tries to come up with suggestions and he
gets into it now. LOL. He even asks me every month when our reflections comes if my name
is in it.( for bonus)
I get in my slumps every now and than but I LOVE IT. THANKS PL.
ps- My oldest daughter now pretends to she going to her candle meetings and she needs
stickers for her candle show. I just crack up.
Donna Anita Light Unit
My story - is one that a lot of us would prejudge our hostess - thank GOD my leader was
trying to earn double points that August and really pushed me.
I said "I have no time" and I really didn't. I was working as a CPA at a
public accounting firm. I was getting my Masters degree at night so I had classes lots of
evenings, I was a director of music at a church - no time left - and I couldn't image how
I would ever do this in tax season. Well, Crys said you make the time for what you want to
do.
She caught my attention with no investment and she was making $30,000 a year part time
- (more than I was full time with 7 years of college). So she gave me information at the
party I booked from (to get the Iced Crystal Trio for free). I think I read it every
single day until my party came. I invited over 50 people. I think I really wanted to do it
but thought I was crazy. I told her no on the phone and when she got there, but she says
to this
day she remembers seeing that twinkle of excitement in my eye. After the party $423 and
5 bookings, I said only if I can get that 6th booking. She came back later and I didn't
have it - so she made me get on the phone right then and book it (Karie's mom! from prior
post!)
So I started and I "warned" her first that I was only going to do one show a
week until Christmas and then I was quitting [company]. Sold around $3000 a month each
month of brite start and promoted to UL by Dec. 1st. As you can tell, I never quit - did
slow down for a while because of tax season - but that was the last tax season I ever
worked! I just party through them now!
The moral of my story - I looked like a person who would never want it - I had a
promising accounting career -( I was really good at it - but I hated it and know I could
never stand 40 years of it.) I was too busy and I gave Crys every excuse out there.
Don't give up on the ones you really want - if you think they would be good - the deals
not done until you send in the show!
Holly, District Leader Real $uccess Unit, Southern Heat
Region
Wow. What a great way to wake up and read all those inspiring posts. And ladies, don't
apologize for posting "long" posts....they are great reading!!!!! What made me
join? Because at the show I co-hosted with my neighbor the consultant showed me her profit
check ($150) and I was amazed!! I thought, hmmmmm....if I could only make grocery
money.... I just wanted to make $100/week. This past Feb. 1, I received my largest check
from PL for ONE week...$2977!!!!
We bought groceries, for sure.
Chrysa, GL Hot! Hot! Hot! Unit, Ultimate Region
I had been hostessing shows for about 5 years and would not let my consultant even
mention the idea of me becoming a consultant. Then in January 1996 I went to a regional
meeting that she was having. I didn't even know it was a meeting. I expected to see a
bunch of women sitting around by card tables with their product displays. I went to see
the new product line because I had a show already booked at the end of January just to get
free stuff. I had seen the catalog and everyone kept saying "I want this, I want
that." I thought to myself "if they all want all of these new things, I'm going
to be the one to have the party that they buy it from".
Anyway, my consultant (who is my RVP) was talking about the
region's sales the previous year, etc. And when she said she had earned $84,000 last year,
I about fell over. I told her before I left that day that I was going to become a
consultant and my January party would be my starter show and what did I need to do? She
was also in shock. Thank you Sandy Vidosh. I love you and I LOVE [company].
Cheryl, UL Stars Burning Brite
Ok, I was invited to a candle party by my sister-in-law... I had never even
heard of [company] before, but I love candles so I figured I would go. Meg the consultant
was very excited about the products that she had and was really good at throwing in hints
about how easy it was to become a consultant.
She passed around candles asking everyone to tell about themselves (like how you know the
hostess, what you do during the day, and if you have ever considered direct sales) I
answered "no way" to considering direct sales..I didn't want any part of it...
But we I told her that I had recently lost my job she continued to talk about the opportunities that
[company]
had to offer...
Later in the day she played the stealing hearts game. I didn't ask a single question and I
believe she was giving up hope of signing me up. But when someone ask her how much money
it would cost to get started and she said nothing it really got my attention. After the
game was over she went around the room and ask if anyone would like to book a party... I
told her "NO! I want to do what you do!" I truly believe she was floored by that
response!!!
I have only been doing [company] for a few weeks but I am really excited about it and plan
to stay with it for a while... I am traveling nearly 45 miles tonight to do a show and I
am very excited about it..
Thanks MEG and [company]....
Gail Blakey, Flames of Gold Unit, Galaxy of Stars Region, Springfield
Missouri |
