New Year's Resolutions vs. Goals

Have you considered your goals for 2008? At this time of year, we are bombarded with thoughts about what our resolutions are. I have never been really great about making resolutions or keeping them. This year, I am focusing more on goals rather than resolutions. I want to have goals that are achievable yet still stretch me. Goals that will be written down and that I will see every day. Goals related to my business life as well as my personal life. Goals that will motivate me to stay focused and keep going even if I don't have success at every turn.

So, what are my goals, you may ask? Well, I have determined some of them already. First, I want to become more financially stable and free. Specifically that means paying off my car loan and being able to support my family. Second, I want to help others improve their lives. Specifically, that means helping at least 6 people reach their goals in this business. Third, I want to become a leader in my business and be able to have a vehicle paid for my company (by June)!

I need to focus on my personal goals next, but those will probably be posted on my personal blog. Feel free to check it out.

Working Through the Holidays

We are now two days away from Christmas. December can be a great month for those of us who work from home, as long as you keep the right attitude. I am helping a few people this month who really want to develop a business. I know it is possible, because it was last December that I advanced to the first level of leadership in my business (after about 1 month of working). It's also the month in which 1/2 of the top leaders in my company enrolled.

December is a time of year when everyone starts to think about the past year and whether they've accomplished what they wanted to. It's a time when people consider what they want out of the next year, and whether they are happy with where they are in life. Many people now are truly looking for a way to reach financial freedom and time freedom. Many people are also thinking about losing weight and improving their wellness.

That's where my team comes in! We are working to help others improve their wellness - whether it's physical, financial, personal, or environmental. We are working to develop businesses to last a lifetime. That's why I choose not to take a huge break during the month of December. Sure, I'm taking a few days off to celebrate Christmas with my family. But I also plan to get back to work on Wednesday and work through the end of the month. I've already acheived part of my goal for the month, but I still need to finish helping others as well. After all, isn't it better to give than to receive?

Starting a Business with Minimal Investment

Most of the time when we start a business, you have to make some kind of investment. To start a traditional business that can be tens of thousands of dollars. To start a home-based business, often it can still costs thousands to start. Most people, though, looking for a home-based business, do not have a huge amount of money to put towards start-up costs.

I am thankful to work with a company has a low start up cost. Our belief is that anyone can do this business, and anyone can earn an income. You shouldn't have to shell out thousand of dollars to start. In fact, it usually costs less than $30 to get started, plus whatever products you choose. Right now, my company is offering the chance to get started for $1! It is crazy, but true.

Whether you are looking for a business or already have one, I encourage you to think about the start-up cost. Is is something that just about anyone could do? Is it something you feel comfortable asking others to do? Do you have to buy tons of business material or is it product you'll actually use for yourself?

If a company is going to last, it needs to have a business plan that is duplicatable and makes sense. Many companies start, last for 2-5 years, and then nosedive because they didn't have a solid financial plan. I am glad to be a part of a 20+ year old company that has minimal start-up costs and the most generous compensation plan in the industry.

Failure vs. Success

What is failure? Why do some people fail and some succeed? I think the answer to these questions can really help those of us who work from home.

Here is one definition of failure: "There is no failure except in no longer trying" (Zig Ziglar). I would agree with that. Failure is when you stop trying. It's when you give up. I don't see failure as not meeting your goals - I see it as giving up on your goals.

When I started my business last year, I had a goal to reach a certain leadership level within one year. Now, that year has passed, and I didn't reach that goal. However, I don't think I failed. I missed my time frame for my goal, but I am still going to work towards it. I am not going to give up on that goal - I'm just going to adjust my activities and my time frame that I have to get there.

To sum up, I like this quote from one of my company's leaders about failure: "The difference between average people and acheiving people is their perception of and response to failure." What kind of person do you want to be? I want to be an achieving person!! That means I'm not giving up - No matter what!

Earn Extra Money This Month

I am so excited about the promotion that my company is offering this month! If you are interested in knowing how you could earn an additional $10,500 in 2008 (in addition to all the regular income you'll receive from the business), you should definitely go to my website and click on "Request More Info". I'd like to share with you how you can do this because it is an incredible opportunity!!

I realize December is a busy month, but it is also a great chance for people to start thinking about being healthy and simplifying their life. I am so glad I made the choice last November to do this. It has changed my life for the better in so many ways! Now, I want to share the opportunity with others so that it can change their lives as well.

What do You Want?

What is it that you want? What are you looking for? Many of us are searching for something more. Perhaps financial stability, perhaps meaningful work, maybe a healthier life. There are many things that motivate those of us working from home. While I don't believe that money or health actually give people joy, I do believe that having those things can help your life to be more stable and less stressful. As a Christian, I believe true peace comes from knowing Christ. But I am thankful for all the other things God has allowed me to do and have in life. Thankfully, I am on the way to financial freedom and I now have a healthier lifestyle than just a year ago. Plus, I have more time to spend with my family and friends.

If you are looking for financial freedom, a healthier lifestyle, or time with your family, check this out. I promise you'll find some interesting information.

Residual Income

If you are someone who has ever done a home-based business, you probably understand the importance of residual income. However, in order to experience residual income, you have to have a product line that is not only high quality, but also something people need. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses out there have products that are high quality, but they are not a necessity. They are luxury items or hobby items, but not something that people will buy when times are tough.

Thankfully, after 5 years in this industry, I am part of a business which has both high quality and high demand. I love sharing these products with others because I know that they are something everyone can benefit from. And, as a result, there is residual income. In fact, my company has the highest reorder rate in the industry.

If you would like to know how you can be a part of this great business, click here for more info. Then just click "Request More Info". I look forward to talking with you!

Thankful

Today is Thanksgiving, and I just want to take a moment to mention what I am thankful for in regards to my business:

• My support team - Sheila, Irma, and Kindel - I am so thankful for them! They helped me get started from day one, and I definitely could not have gotten to where I am now without the. I have learned a lot, and I am thankful that they have been so supportive and helpful!
• My business builders - I am thankful for people like my mom, my friend Barb, and others who have chosen to work this business alongside of me. It has been so much fun to see them benefit physically and financially. I am so glad to have each and every one of them in my team!
• My customers - The thing I love most about this business is that it is about people. It's about improving others' lives, and I am so glad for all the customers who have joined with me in using safer, healthier products for their home. It makes so much sense, and I am glad that they are part of my organization.
• Most of all I thank God for bringing this business into my life at the right time. I am now working towards financial freedom thanks to this opportunity, and I am helping others do the same.
  

Thanksgiving Day is almost over, but I do hope that we all take time each day to be thankful for the things we have. I am so blessed!

My Why

One thing this is essential for a successful business is a strong why. The reason you do your business is the one thing that will motivate you when you are discouraged or things aren't going the way you want them to. The following is my WHY:

• To improve the health of my family and the health of others
• To pay for our home remodeling
• To pay off debt - mostly school loans and our home mortgage
• To be able to work part-time and get done working when we have children
• To give more to missions and other causes
• To allow my husband and I to have the life we want and become financially free

That is a strong enough why for me to keep going, even if I don't have the exact results I want every month.

The other thing you need to have success is a good company to work with. If the business plan is not solid, if the company is not one of integrity, if you don't have a strong support team, you may not be able to reach your goals. Thankfully, my team is one that has all of those things and more!

People in Need this Holiday Season

Last night I was watching the news, and they were talking about more people being in need during this holiday season. Many more people are going to food pantries and soup kitchens, because they don't have enough money to get the food they need. Part of this is due to the rising cost of fuel, and here in Maine, it's expensive to heat your home during the winter. Many people have to choose between heat and food.

As I was listening, many thoughts came to mind. One is that I am so thankful I am not in that situation. Secondly, I think there are things that we can all do to help prevent those situations in our lives, as well as help others who are in those situations:

• Live within your means. Going along with my previous post about money, it's important to not use credit and instead use cash. Only buy the things you can afford. For example, my husband and I have had our home for about 4 years now. We have had a project we've wanted to do since we bought the house, but we didn't have the money to do it. We could've used credit or even gotten a home equity loan, but we chose to wait until we had the cash. Now, with my business, we've been able to pay for the projects without going into debt.
• Help others. This may mean sacrificing time instead of money. Most people like to give money during the holidays, which is great. But again, if you are strapped for cash, why not donate 2 or 3 hours at a local food pantry or soup kitchen? You might meet some great people as well as serve your community. In fact, this is something we can do all year round. While I was in college, I spent almost every Saturday morning in Boston handing out food and clothing to people who were homeless. More importantly, though, we were listening to their stories and developing relationships.
• Get rid of stuff. If you have too much stuff (most of us do), get rid of some of it! Go through your closet and get rid of clothes you never wear. It is freeing and helps others. Donate it somewhere where you know people who need it will get it.
• Take advantage of opportunities. Last year at this time, I would not have guess that I would've earned over $10,000 with a home-based business within a year. See, my other business at the time was not very productive. In fact, I was just barely breaking even. When my friend called me about a new company, I was skeptical at best. I am so THANKFUL that she called and shared the opportunity with me. Now, I have safer products in my home AND a business that is working.
  

So, what will you do this week? Will you choose to live within your means? Will you help others by donating time or money? Will you get rid of some stuff? Will you take advantage of opportunities that can improve your life and others as well?

Calling Stay at Home Moms & Party Plan Pros!

Are you a stay at home mom? Do you have young children, want to stay at home with them, but also want to help earn money to support your family? Or perhaps you are a party plan pro - maybe you've tried more than one business to earn the money you need. Maybe you've tried other ways to earn money - working online or doing art or cleaning houses. Perhaps you've tried everything, but never really gotten ahead.

I was there. I worked really hard for several years, along side working a full-time day job, to try and get to the point where I could end up staying home should I decide to have children. I had a great support team, good customers, and I enjoyed it! But, after 4 and 1/2 years, I was left with a bunch of inventory and no residual income. I wasn't any closer to being able to stay home than when I started!

I'm now working part-time and doing my business part-time. And I know when I do have children - even if that's within a year - I'll be able to stay home full time if I want. I'm enjoying a different business where I can help others do the very same thing. I love helping people who are serious about earning an income from home. If that is you, let me know. We can work together to help you create financial freedome for you and your family! I like to work with people who are honest, care about physical and financial wellness, and truly have a desire to help themselves and others. Contact me today!

Advancement!

I got the call! I found out today that I advanced. I am so excited!!! I have been working really hard, and last month I really pushed myself, and it paid off. I have advanced to the next level of my business, and I am looking forward to the next step. My real goal is to reach the level where I will get a car bonus. That is only 2 more advancements away!

Once again I am in awe of how blessed I am. I truly believe that God brought this business to me at the right time in my life. And I have been so blessed by the business, the products, and most of all my team! I have so enjoyed the friendship and support I've received from my team, and it's been wonderful to help other people as well.

One thing I love about this business is that it is about helping other people reach their goals. And by doing that, I have begun reaching mine.

Money, Money, Money!

Money is something that some people like to talk about, and others don't. I used to be one of the ones who didn't like to talk about it. I grew up in a family that had to pinch every penny to get by. We lived in apartments most of our lives, until I was about 12 and then my parents bought a trailer. It was only a trailer, but we were so excited! We finally had a place of our own. When I was in college, my mom finally had a house built. But I never remember money being the topic of conversation growing up. It was almost like money was bad or wrong to talk about.

During college I went through a phase of really pondering the issues of wealth and poverty. I started to become somewhat critcal of anyone who had money, because I had seen so many people living in such poverty in developing countries. I started to think that living in poverty somehow related to spirituality. And, yes, I do still believe that people who live simply tend to have more of an appreciation for their faith. I'm not sure, however, that it's the actual money or lack thereof that relates to spirituality, but rather the attitude one holds towards money.

Now, I recognize that what we do with the money God gives us is a way to be a good steward. I just got the book, "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. One of the leaders in my business mentioned this on a training call, and he said that our company provided the top performers with this book. You see, one of the principles that my company promotes is financial freedom. I now know that becoming financially free is a possibility - one that I never imagined before. I know that because of the success I have already had, and the success of many others on my team.

So I am looking forward to reading "The Total Money Makeover", because I know that it's not just about earning money, but it's about what to do with it. I can't wait until we have paid off my student loans, our car loan, and our mortgage! It will be a great day. The best part of that is, I know that the more financially free we are, the more we can give to others and the causes we believe in. And that's what it's all about... being able to help others improve their lives!

Working From Home

What do I like about working from home?

• I set my own schedule
• No boss telling me what to do or when to do it
• I can work in my pajamas (bonus!)
  
• I have my cat sitting next to me and my dogs downstairs
• I can take a break and eat a snack
• I get to connect with others over the phone and internet
  

What do I like about working from home and actually earning money with my business?

• I can pay for house projects that we didn't have the money for before
• I don't have to carry inventory, make deliveries, or hand people's money
• I have healthier products in my home that actually cost less than what I was buying before
• I quit my full-time job and switched to part-time after working this business for just 8 months
  
• I am paying down my student loans
  
• I can actually see the possibility of being debt-free in our future!

Yes, I think that sums up why I love working from home!

Party Plans

Have you ever done a party-plan business? Have you been part of a fun team that recognizes your success? I have. I'm sure many of you have as well. It's a growing trend for people to become consultants because they love the product - whether its makeup, scrapbooks, stamping, purses, jewelry, or kitchen supplies. How many times have you been invited to one of those parties? Too many to count, right?

Party-plan companies have a lot to offer folks. They offer discounts on the product - usually the reason people sign, the opportunity to share the products with others, the chance to earn an "income", social contact, and the chance to be part of a team. All of those things are good. However, there are also some downsides to party-plans:

• Large investment
• Inventory
• Giveaways - many times you end up giving away product in order to get people to book parties
• Dealing with people's money
• Paperwork
• Sorting orders and making deliveries
• Product returns
• Running specials for downline
• Booking new shows in order to get more sales
• Every month your income starts at $0 and your income is based on your work that month (no residual income)

Although I loved being a part of a party-plan and never imagined doing anything else, I began to look at the numbers. I noticed that even if I did 4 shows a month (or one a week), and got average sales, my income would be about $420. That's before expenses and paying for extras, such as catalogs and recruiting tools. And, ususally I ended up putting half of that into inventory, because "what you show is what you sell".

Now, I am so happy to actually be in a company that rewards you not only emotionally (i.e. recognition, team support), but also financially. I now know that even if I have a slow month, my residual income will still be there. Plus, I get to see other people having the same success! I'm looking for others who have party-plan experience to join my team and start getting paid what they are worth. If that is you, please send me an email: littlefield@wedeliverwellness.com. I look forward to talking to you soon!

A little more about me

I've shared a bit about me, but I thought I'd add a photo here and a little more info. This is my hubby and on the coast in Magnolia, Mass. I LOVE the ocean and am truly a "Mainer", but I am always at awe of God's creation no matter what state or country I'm in.

As for a little bit more about me - I graduated from Gordon College 5 years ago with a BA in Social Work. Since then I've worked here in Maine as a social worker - imagine that! My husband used to be in construction, then he joined me in social work for a couple years until he was offered the job at our church as full time youth pastor. We both love working with teens and so it is the perfect match for us. A little while after we were married, I decided I needed a hobby, so I took up scrapbooking. Soon I found that it was a bit expensive, so I became a consultant in order to get the discount on the products. Then I realized it would be good to actually earn money with it, and I worked hard to do so. After a while I promoted but then lost my title just as quickly. I found that there was no residual income, so every month I had to start at $0 and work up. Then last November my friend called and introduced me to a fabulous company. In a very short period of time (1 month), I promoted in that company and now I'm earning a significant income. Enough to work just part-time instead of full time, which allows me to do more of what I enjoy - spending time with my hubby and helping our youth group.

That's all for now... more to come.

Goal Setting

Here's some tips I learned on a training call the other night...

Steps to achieving what you want:

1. Set goals - Set your goals in each of the following areas: physical, emotional, spiritual, financial family, intellectual, professional, material, fun. Goals must be specific and measurable. Decide what you are willing to give up and what you are not willing to give up. Determine how much time you have to put into each goal.

2. Adopt new beliefs - Whatever your goals are, you must believe that you can actually accomplish them. You may need to change some beliefs about yourself and/or other areas of your life.

3. Trust your gut - You have to trust yourself and know that you are able to accomplish your goals.

4. Get to action - Put an action plan to work. You have to actually start working towards what you want. Write it down!

Identify what you want and go after it! Create the best possible life that you want. With my business, I know that is possible.

One Month Ends, A New One Begins

Well yesterday was the end of September. I had a busy month and a productive one. I am looking forward to finding out if I promoted this month, as that was my goal. Many people in my group did a great job and promoted, and I'm so excited for them! That is what is so great about this - my success is directly linked to me helping others succeed.

On top of that, today I found out the promotion for this month, and it is so great! I can't wait to help everyone earn the great prizes and share this with others. I've already got a couple people who have said they are getting started in October, so I am hoping to help them this month as well.

Welcome!

Hello! This blog will be about my business. I am looking to share with anyone who would like to know more about how to work from home and love it! I started working from home about 5 years ago in a party plan business. I joined because I loved the products and wanted to get them at cost. Later, I started to work really hard and try to earn an income. I really wanted to be able to work part-time instead of full-time with my regular job. However, despite all the hard work, I really didn't see a lot of results. I did promote in the company and received a check for a little over $800, but this didn't continue. Within the following few months, the people I recruited ended up dropping out and I lost my status. I continued with the business because I still loved the products and did want to help others.

Then I was introduced to a different company about 10 months ago. I wasn't sure about doing something new, but I gave it a try. Some of the reasons I tried were because it did not involve having inventory, much of it could be done over the phone from home, and it resulted in residual income. I have totally enjoyed this business so far AND I've actually made a paycheck every month since I started. In addition, I have still been able to help other people - and this time other people are actually earning money too!

I plan to post periodically about what is going on in my business. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions, or click here for more info about my business!