Working with Family and Friends…
There are different schools of thought on working your Mary Kay with family and friends. Some consultants prefer to keep family and business separate while others dive right in and begin their business by working with those they already know well. Sharing Mary Kay with family and friends can present some unique challenges. But it can also be a lot of fun for you and for them. Here are some tips to share your Mary Kay with family and friends while also keeping the integrity of those relationships intact:
· Let the word get out about your business. Include friends and family in your business start-up mailings or e-mail initiatives. Sending out an announcement about your new business in the mail or by e-mail can be a great way to break the ice about your business. Even if a certain loved one is not interested, she may be able to give you a referral if she knows you’re in business.
· When it comes to face-to-face time with family and friends, take your time when introducing Mary Kay. Let your love of the product come up naturally in conversation, instead of forcing the topic. You needn’t be afraid to make casual mention of your business, but remember to keep the relationship first. Take the time to catch up about life in general before bringing up business. And if you’ve already sent her a mailing, she may just bring it up before you do!
· When family & friends do express interest, be sure to give them the same professional treatment you would to any other customer (i.e. don’t bag your mom’s order in a grocery sack if you usually give customers a Mary Kay bag for their products). It is important to provide all of your customers with outstanding customer service to prevent them feeling as if you take their business for granted.
· Play together! When a sister or cousin or best friend wants to try some of your fabulous Mary Kay products, this is a great excuse to just have fun together. If you already have a high trust level with each other then she’ll probably be more inclined to try new things that you recommend just for her. Take her lead on how much she wants to try and then as long as she is having fun, just have fun with her.
· Remember to “close” your friend or family member when you’re done “playing” with the products. A simple way to ask for the sale without putting on the pressure would be to say, “What have you tried today that you would like to take home?” If there is something she wants to take home then she’ll let you know. And if not, then you may consider gauging her future interest by offering to help her put together a wish list.
· While showing the products and even when closing, hold the sale itself loosely. If you’re otherwise very relaxed and easy going with her, then keep the mood relaxed when trying to “make the sale” with her. If you go into it with the idea that you’re just going to have fun and the sale is secondary, then she can relax and enjoy, and so can you. Whether she buys or not, at least you had a nice time with someone you care about!
· Take “no” for an answer. Whether it’s a “no” to a facial or a “no” to the Mary Kay business opportunity, it can be hard when someone you love doesn’t seem to be interested in something you love. But people and relationships should always come first. Move on graciously and continue to show the loved one the same love and respect you always have.
If you decide to work with family and friends it can be a great thing for you and for them. You will have someone you care about to work with. They will have customized product recommendations and great service from someone they already love and trust. Keeping relationships first and foremost will be the key to keeping your friends even while building a successful business.
(Many thanks to “EmeraldGirl” for this contribution!)
Filed under: Getting Down To Business!, Keeping It Real | 2 Comments
Hot off the press!
We’re in the news, girls! 
The Dallas Morning News headlines the controversy between corporate and Robin Blackmon-Dunda, on the front page of the Business section.
(Remember to keep in mind our “Guidelines” when posting any comments… 
)
Filed under: General | 7 Comments
Giving + Thanks = Thanksgiving!
(Thanks to Gina for this “Happy Thursday” submission!)
Well! I find it hard to believe that the holidays are here again – already! But this year – for the first time in my married life – I’m ready for them. My small kids are finally getting older. Being of the ages 6, 4, and 2, their zest for all the small discoveries of the world around them is both comical and astonishing to watch. Needless to say, we are having a great time singing and baking and eating and planning our festivities for the season.
October marked my third year as a beauty consultant. Since I also turned 28 this year, looking back on the last three years of my life is quite interesting. The Mary Kay opportunity found me at just the right time, and if I had it to do over again, I’d sign my agreement without hesitation.
Stopping to ponder who I was then and the woman I’ve developed into as of Thanksgiving Day, 2006, I’d have to say that I’ve “grown up” in the time I’ve been a consultant. Granted, it’s not because of Mary Kay entirely, since most women experience a noted change or settling in their late-20’s, but having something that was mine for the first time really aided me in discovering the individual that was below the surface all along. I married very young, at age 19, and to a man 16 years my senior. Since my main focus was assisting him in ministry, I had no clue about the potential I possessed – not only to be a competent customer service rep, but to be confident and conversant in pretty much any social arena. My husband and friends knew this about me, but if I hadn’t forced myself to breach the “comfort zone” and risk new friendships, I would not be the woman I am today.
The person who was the most constant influence since the start of my career as a consultant was my Director, Robin Blackmon-Dunda. She is excellent at recognizing and drawing out one’s personality. This is definitely a learned skill and one that I am only just beginning to comprehend. I find myself recently stopping to listen to people – instead of immediately launching into my own life’s history! lol Finding out their stories and interests, makes me a better friend, companion, and customer service rep.
…which reminds me. I’m supposed to be writing about “that for which I am thankful”!
I’m thankful for the last three years. Two of them have been the most difficult in my life, but even so, are woven through with many joys and achievements that I’d otherwise never have known or experienced if I’d have only sat at home doing housework and dreaming of heroines in classic novels authored by women centuries before my time.
I’m thankful for Mary Kay Ash and for the company she founded before I was even born. I am proud to be a part of a something bigger. Something that pays bills when necessary and gives me extra money that our budget wouldn’t otherwise afford. I am free to confidently share the product and opportunity and do my part in Enriching Women’s Lives while managing a viable, instantly lucrative, yet flexible business.
I’m thankful for my husband and family. Even on the days when I want to run away to the Caribbean! I’m incredibly grateful for the health and joy that we possess. The thought that I’m molding the character of three tiny, unique persons makes me tremble each day and desire to strive for excellence in everything I do.
I’m thankful for the many, many friends and relationships I’ve built since starting my business. Having an excuse and motivation to reach out and talk to a stranger took my circle of three friends (in our new community) to having more than 275 phone numbers in my cell phone. Some of my customers are my closest friends and I’m awed that a lipstick or a mascara brought us together. My fellow unit members and adoptee consultants – you all mean so much to me. It’s a joy to do life with you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Filed under: Happy Thursday, Winner's Circle | 1 Comment
Nothing quite as lovely…
…as a restful Sunday afternoon. It’s rainy in the heart of MK country today. The “Home” CD by Michael Buble’ that’s playing in the background perfectly fits my mood and the ambience in this household today.
What about you? What recharges and nurtures your soul? Is it meeting a friend for coffee? Worshipping at church? Reading to your children or grandchildren? A quiet evening all to yourself? (Finding the best deal ever on the clearance rack?)
As women, we are called upon to meet the needs and demands of so many around us. We tirelessly nurture and care for others with genuine compassion. And while we are perfectly equipped to do so, it’s sometimes easy to lose our perspective or purpose in the everyday mundane of work, dishes, diapers and therapy phone calls.
Many times, our weakness and downright exhaustion we encounter, as our bodies take the toll of daily duties, can lead us to question our very purpose for existence. We can hardly remember “why” we got into this in the first place. (Whose idea was it to have these kids??) And who are we, anyway? Our identity seems to have been lost in the shuffle and filed away with last year’s tax refund.
Sometimes then, we fall into a sort of musing pout, longing to “find” ourselves again. In fact, it’s very tempting to get caught up in a search for meaning, and eventually, even leading to a sort of self-serving obsession. But looking for validation from those around us only brings disappointment: we’re seeking for something permanent from beings that are finite and temporal (two big words that basically mean faulty and short-lived). In short, if we count on others to fulfill our basic emotional need for meaning and value, we will end up hurting and confused – worse off than when we started this “quest”.
These musings themselves are one of the things that set us apart as human beings, however. They point us up and away from the everyday distractions that make up every part of our lives in the 21st century. The radio, T.V., computer, and other forms of media keep us from thinking and meditating on who we are as humans and why we have been put on this earth. When we don’t take the time to shut down and recharge and “muse”, we lose sight of our real purpose. In some cases this can even lead to depression and worse.
It’s vital that we stop and remind ourselves of our “why”, regaining our perspective. As a Bible-believing Christian, I recognize that humans are made in the image of God. Acknowledging this value does bring a sense of responsibility, for it compels us to reciprocate. Once we comprehend that our value is intrinsic and not dependent on outside affirmations, we can care for and serve those around us with the contentment we once pursued. This is truly liberating! We are free to fulfill our individual purpose. Everything we work toward seems more attainable, our zeal is fresher. Physical and emotional fatigue does not set our moods, as it once did, for we remember that it is just a temporary side effect caused by our efforts toward something greater than ourselves. Surely every part of our lives – including the pursuit of goals – is best viewed in the light of our God-given meaning.
Go out and make it a Million-Dollar Day!
Filed under: Inspiration, Keeping It Real | 11 Comments
New Favorites!…
Heading straight into the best-selling season for most consultants – CHRISTMAS! We shiver with excitement every time we see the new catalogue. So many new products = so many new selling opportunities! Our customers, both new and seasoned, are going to love all the new stuff. No need to fight the madness at the mall, since it’s much more personal and convenient having a professional Mary Kay consultant servicing you.
So…we want to hear what YOUR favorites are!
This season’s color looks as seen in “The Look” Fall 2006:
…don’t forget to be prepared with this quarter’s PCP gift!
Filed under: Products To Simply Our Lives | 6 Comments
Film at 11?…
WE DID IT! +25,000 HITS!!!
Mary Kay does indeed ROCK…thanks to YOU!
Filed under: General | 13 Comments
Time for a Tuesday thing!
We’ve definitely been busy little “bee’s” this week!! Whew! September month-end is a few days away and so many new products – hope you’re as excited as we are to introduce our customers to these amazing new items. And the sets! Wow!!
We wanted to take this opportunity to show our thanks to our National Sales Director, Jo Ann Blackmon. She is quite a woman!
Jo Ann is the sweetest lady you’ll ever meet. Her voice is so soft, and always smiling – even over the phone. With her gentle but firm reminders, she never fails to urge us to make the most of our businesses, constantly keeping the example of Mary Kay Ash at the forefront. She’s always available for a kind word or advice about booking, etc. She’s also the queen of e-mail! Not a day goes by when we don’t have a new tip, deadline reminder, or selling idea in our inboxes. Jo Ann is the mother of Robin Blackmon-Dunda, and no mother could be prouder! Ron and Jo Ann provided a loving and positive environment for their children, truly encouraging them to stretch and reach their potentials…and what a legacy this mother instilled in her daughter!
More of her “story” later! WE LOVE YOU, JO ANN!!
Filed under: Jo Ann Blackmon | 1 Comment
Oh dear…
It’s finally happened.
*sigh*
We knew it was inevitable, but didn’t figure that it would be so soon.
Mary Kay Rocks is officially 2 weeks old, and we’re already at 18,000 hits! YIPPEE!!
Thanks to all of the Consultants and Directors and friends of the Winners Circle unit who have stopped by to say “hello”. In fact, check out the new Guestbook page…up there on your right! It’s the perfect place to introduce yourself. But comments are great, too, and our girls are already having a great time, if you haven’t noticed already. (41 comments on the “Your Turn” post!?! Awesome. LOL!)
We’re glad to be a part of something “greater” in the grand scheme of things…which includes you!
Love from…
~ The Mary Kay Rocks Team ~
Filed under: General | 5 Comments
One thing that has always set our unit apart (besides having Robin Dunda as our teacher/mentor!) is the way we always find a way to make things FUN. Fun is something we take very seriously. (lol) As you can see by the comment conversation we have going here, we love Mary Kay – the product and the opportunity and we love our girlfriends. Besides, everyone knows that…girls just wanna have fun!
Our unit meetings were possibly the most entertaining in the company. Surely every consultant in our unit has her favorite “Robin” moment! Robin Blackmon Dunda was indeed a Director that took her leadership role seriously. She was so eager to teach us the methods she learned from Mary Kay Ash – as young as 7 years old! – that she pulled out all the stops to engage us and convey the passion that Mary Kay herself possessed for this company, product and opportunity.
We’ve been known to get up and dance during the awesome music provided by our favorite maestro, Stryker; hug each other for no reason at all, giggle so much that we were nearly banned to the hallway (tee hee), be spontaneously served Krispy Kremes or chocolates, host amazing potlucks, scream and cheer while watching ourselves on stage in last year’s Seminar movie clips, and leave the meeting exhausted from laughing, yet inspired and exhilirated to make it our best week ever.
The most valuable thing we had drilled into us tho, is that being a consultant isn’t about you. It’s about “enriching women’s lives”. In our society and all over the world, women work hard as mothers, wives, teachers, nurses, accountants, etc. and many other seemingly thankless jobs. Make it fun to be your customer! Do what you can to brighten someone else’s day at a party or a facial or even with a thinking-of-you card. In doing so, you’ll enrich your own life in the process – growing your business, yes, but forging relationships for life.
…and that, is a concept that’s “something completely different”.
Filed under: Robin Blackmon-Dunda, Something Completely Different, Winner's Circle | 10 Comments
Your turn…
…and now we want to hear from you!
This is an interactive site, and our desire is to make it as user-friendly as possible. So leave us a comment, giving your feedback about what you like so far and offer suggestions for improvement!
It’s a great day!
~ The Mary Kay Rocks Team ~
Filed under: General | 51 Comments
Speaking of fruitcake…
It’s uncanny how our lives seem to be “themed” at times. Meaning to say, no matter how alone it might feel to face our individual trials (a.k.a. growth spurts!), and when it seems we are nearing the end of our proverbial rope, a word of encouragement from a friend we “happen” to bump into, a song or hymn sung at church, and even a phrase read from a blog, can all serve to tie in and even make sense of what the Lord is doing in our lives!
How many times have you ever felt like this?? (lol!)
The following was written by a friend of ours recently, and we thought it brought out a very good point:
I’ve been thinking about the comparing/competing cycle that we humans seem to be caught up in, and am noticing how we spend the great majority of our time proving our worth in order to get kudos from others. It’s like we spend all our time trying to suck praise and admiration out of others, and we’re all doing it!
Listen to the conversations that happen around you, listen to the words. It’s like we need to get our quota of reassurance each day. I’ve also noticed that there’s a distinct difference between those who have a better handle on how loved they are, and those who don’t.
The biggest indicators are:
* they aren’t constantly looking for someone to blame
* they readily acknowledge their faults
* they are genuinely humble
* they apologize quickly
* they rarely tear others down, but rather recognise their brokeness and have compassion for them
* they don’t need to be constantly reassured
* they’re low maintenance friends
* and possibly most importantly, they can freely give love away, recognizing that it doesn’t cost them anything
Sounds wonderful doesn’t it? This is who I want to become, with God’s help… and love.
Of course, those of us who are in Mary Kay, get plenty of sincere recognition from our Consultant friends, who are just as excited as we are – or more so, in some cases!! – when we overcome an obstacle and develop another aspect in our businesses.
But as rewarding as recognition for our business achievements is, what if we depend on this alone as our “validation”? The result could be somewhat detrimental to our emotional health! Instead, it’s important to remind ourselves – and each other – of our immense value in the sight of God, our Maker, who will never leave nor forsake us. His love is “vast, immeasurable, boundless, and free”.
And so we conclude with this sweet picture, which is a touching portrait of our Father who watches over us (even if we momentarily forget His incredible care for us!) 
Filed under: Keeping It Real, Recognition | 1 Comment
Bringing you some sunshine…
Goodmorning, ladies! It’s Friday!
The end of another busy week for many of us. This morning, we received this entry via e-mail from Junanne, who has beautifully summed up her thoughts and has given us all another reminder to focus on exactly what we’re to be about. Again – why let yourself willingly be distracted and disheartened? Ponder her words! Her example of a real-woman’s feelings, yet her choice to react with the forbearance and love we are all called to – both as Christians, of course, and as fellow humans in a fallen world – are a timely inspiration. Thank you, Junanne!
And to all who are reading this blog today…
We love you and want God’s BEST for you – today and always!
Mary Kay Rocks ~
Thank you for your positive, uplifting thoughts, and for giving us a place to keep the bonds of friendship alive that were formed through the Winners’ Circle!
When I read your words which reminded me to think about things that are pure, lovely, and of good report, I decided to “be still” for a while tonight. I decided to think about good things while I sat here watching the full moon illuminate everything outside. It’s almost impossible not to think about God and other awesome things when the sight outside the window is so breathtaking.
I believe that one of the most wonderful aspects of being human is that we always have more that we can do. As people who walk through the world, no matter where we work, no matter what our circumstances, who our friends are, where we live, what our dreams are, whether we are young or old, married or single – it doesn’t matter. There is always a chance to do “more.” We all fall short, and of course as humans, none of us is perfect. We have a choice each day – we can do more good – or not. We can move past a disappointment with courage and assurance – or not. We can hold a grudge – or not.
Each day of our lives, we can pray for: More faith in God’s wisdom and His will. More understanding. More love than anger. More resolve to refrain from bitterness. More power to shun gossip or hurtful words. More trust. More words that build others up than tear others down. More tolerance. More kindness. More courage to ask for forgiveness as we seek to forgive. More humility. More time made for things that are eternal.
We can seek out ways to bring more happiness to others. We can ask for hearts that will know more about easing the pain of those who are hurting. We can take more opportunities to help those who are less fortunate. We can be more generous. We can pray that those who feel hopeless will be filled with more hope. We can praise God more for everything. We can be more adamant about never sitting in judgement of another person. We can be more sure about never casting the first stone, knowing that none of us is without sin. We can focus on how we choose to treat others more than we allow ourselves to focus on how we are treated.
God didn’t promise us that our lives as human beings would be easy. In fact, He told us that we would always have trials and tribulations. His Word does teach us how to react to almost every situation, though. We can always, and should always, strive to do better – and do more. My hope and prayer is that anyone who asks would be blessed with more fruits of the spirit. May there be more healing, if healing of any kind is needed. May we always be reminded to give more than is expected and to love more than we believe that we’re able to love.
~ Junanne
Filed under: Directors Speak!, Inspiration | 5 Comments
Happy Thursday…
In an attempt to address a couple of concerns that have been voiced recently, we thought it important to discuss some of the “why’s” of the way we do things on this site.
To begin with, we are in no way unaware of certain circumstances affecting our unit at present. However, since we are independent consultants and our relationship with the company is unchanged, to debate these issues publicly would be not only fruitless, but would also tend to distract us from the task at hand – which is to educate ourselves in order to work our businesses more efficiently and, most importantly, to live our lives to the glory of God. (As stated here.)
The point of this blogsite is to give us a place to interact with the friends and fellow members of our Million-Dollar Unit, and to remind each other of our accomplishments (2006 = #1 – we did it!!), not forgetting the goals which lie ahead. This is by no means an exclusive site, for our group alone. If you are reading this and are not a member of the Winner’s Circle unit, we are thrilled to have your support and hope that you will be encouraged in turn by what we are up to here!
If there is anything that our Top Director, Robin Blackmon-Dunda, taught us, it’s that if anything great is to be done in this company, it takes a collaborative effort. “One, is the loneliest number that you ever did see…” (Does that bring back any memories of unit meetings? ) Under the leadership of Robin, our unit has been a part of such amazing fun! Last summer, we remember sitting on the very front row in the Arena at Seminar 2005 and seeing Robin crowned Queen of the Sapphire Division with our very own eyes. To sit there and watch that Award’s Night play out on stage, knowing that you had contributed personally to our unit’s success with just the measures taken to grow your own business, is (nearly) indescribable! That moment was incredibly thrilling and one that will never be forgotten.
Some have wondered whether it is wise to post memories of these things publicly, since it is possible that what we hold in high regard may be scorned by those who have never experienced such leadership, but the collaborative team here at Mary Kay Rocks agree that we have nothing to hide. The Bible itself tells us not to “put our light under a bushel”!
The influence of Robin Blackmon-Dunda , and our Million-Dollar unit that represents her, is far-reaching indeed. It’s possible that while here we will edify not only ourselves, but many, many others of the MK community and general public, and for that reason, we do not take lightly our responsiblity as Christian women to “shun profane and vain babblings “, but encourage you to think instead on those things that are “lovely, pure, of good report”, etc. We hope you will take our admonition to not frequent any website that only serves to slander and cast shadows upon the character of those affiliated with our company. Our purpose in this is not to prevent you from being exposed to certain “truths”, but hopefully make you aware that to fill our minds with such things is both fruitless and disheartening. Therefore we serve to remind you that there are always two sides to every story.
Life is a journey that includes both exhilarations and disappointments. Our value as a human being in God’s sight is tremendous, but it’s easy to lose sight of this Truth when we face personal hardships and sorrow. How much better then to lift each other up in prayer and with an encouraging word? For our bond of friendship is much stronger than the alliance we have as Independent Beauty Consultants. And that is what we celebrate here.
Love from…
~ The Mary Kay Rocks Team ~
Filed under: Happy Thursday, Keeping It Real, Winner's Circle | 3 Comments
Let’s get this party started!…
…with a picture blog! (Thanks to Amber and Denai for some great pix!!)
As a Gonna Bee Director, Amber can’t wait to drive her daughters home in the famous Pink Cadillac. The model shown at the MK Expo for this year’s Seminar was FABULOUS!
The annual Awards evening that we dress up in our princess gowns, leave the year’s struggles behind us forever to celebrate our accomplishments in style, gives us a renewed vision to make next year the best ever!
We get SO excited when our sisters succeed! If you’re a new Consultant, our enthusiasm may be a different experience for you – and even a tad alarming! (lol) – but we can’t help it, it’s undeniable, and you have to admit that there’s nothing quite like watching someone you care about finish the goal!! (Hurray for Tammy!)
But although profit from sales made and prizes earned are both thrilling, the real treasure we value are our FRIENDS. At group events, we get a chance to spend real time with each other and usually end up making best buds for life!
To the all the unit members and friends of the Winner’s Circle and our amazingly talented Top Director, Robin Blackmon-Dunda…
We love you!!
~ The Mary Kay Rocks Team ~
Filed under: Gonna Bee Directors, Winner's Circle | 11 Comments
Just walking in the rain…
The nice thing about rain is that it gives one a new perspective of the outside world. After weeks and weeks and weeks (months?!) of nearly unbearable heat that turned me into a hermit, holed into my dark bat cave, hiding from even the suggestion of light, I’ve now opened up the entire house! In fact, my family and I frequented the outdoors all weekend long – even in the rain.
As a rule, I can’t stand the rain, and avoid it at all costs, but the relief that it has afforded has been immense and has left me ecstatic for an entire week. Hurray for rain!
I’m hoping that this September – and perhaps this website even! – will offer you the relief and renewed perspective that the rain has brought my way: washing over us with a clean breeze and reminding us to cherish what was ours all summer long, now embracing it with a vigor that will rejuvenate us in every area of our lives.
Go out and make it a Million Dollar Day!
Filed under: Keeping It Real | 4 Comments
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