You are a home-based business owner in the Direct Sales industry. The commission on your sales is 50%. So, when you sell $1000 worth of products, you should have $500 in profit. Right? Wrong! As a business owner you have other expenses.

First, I advise you to track every business (Mary Kay, Lia Sophia, Thirty-One Gifts, etc.) expense. Only through consistent and complete tracking can you figure out where all the money is going. When you are tracking expenses, be sure to includes postage and shipping, sales aides, presentation supplies (cotton balls, pens, candy, etc.), hostess gifts, meals at Conference, registration for professional development, discounts given, gas, mileage, internet fees, etc.

Then, use a discerning eye on all your expenses. What are the categories where you can cut back? Could you utilize email or phone calls instead of mail? Or, cut down on postage/shipping by keeping full inventory and placing larger orders once a month instead of small orders every few weeks or days. Another expense to examine is sales aides. How many do you really need? For example, many times it is more cost-effective to demo from full size products than from samples. Hostess gifts – use the free products you receive from the company instead of using something in your inventory. With some focused thought, you can come up with a few ways to cut back on your expenses.

Another way consultants lose money is by discounting products. Each time you run a sale, you reduce your profit and you perpetuate the idea that your product is not worth full price. You are selling a great product; your customers love the product – why discount?

Finally, the more you sell the more money you will make. I know this concept makes sense in theory, but often we aren’t sure how to apply it to our everyday business practice. You will spend the same amount of money in samples and demo products for 1 person or for 30 people. The shipping cost for an order from the company is the same whether you order $100, $200, $600, or $1800. The more people you see, the more income you will earn. But, just as importantly, your expenses will not increase dramatically. That is where you start to see the real profit.

Tracking all your expenses and then problem solving ways to reduce those expenses will help you increase your overall profit. Which is why you are in business!

Lisa Crilley Mallis the owner of SystemSavvy Consulting and the creator of the College Success Initiative. She has assisted many students, solopreneurs, and busy moms, increase productivity and decrease clutter. Visit http://www.SystemSavvyConsulting.com for more helpful tips for direct sales professionals.

What is Thirty-Oneʼs Mission?
Thirty-One is more than just a company. We are people who believe in encouraging, celebrating and rewarding others for who they are. Through God’s strength, we’ve built a family of individuals who feel women deserve to treat themselves to something special. Our commitment is to provide women with a fulfilling, enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Who is Thirty-One?
Thirty-One is more than a company that sells unique and on-trend purses, accessories and products that offer organizing solutions. Itʼs a company that changes lives. Thirty-Oneʼs mission is to Celebrate, Encourage and Reward women, and we have been blessed to see this mission played out through the years in the individual lives of so many women who now have their own “Thirty-One Story.” The heart of Thirty-One remains in the home. As a direct selling company, Thirty-Oneʼs Independent Consultants hold home parties to share the companyʼs products in person and build relationships with Hostesses and customers.

In 2003, Cindy Monroe began Thirty-One in the basement of her Chattanooga, Tenn., home with a dream and a calling: to provide an opportunity for women to achieve financial freedom, find personal fulfillment and realize their dreams through becoming successful business owners. Our foremost company purpose is managing and building a business that helps our Consultants succeed in theirs.

How did Thirty-One get its name?
The name Thirty-One comes from the verses of Proverbs 31, which celebrate hard-working women who are compassionate, giving and inspirational to their families and the people around them.

What does Thirty-One sell?
Our stylish, affordable products are exclusive to Thirty-One. From our signature purses, totes and accessories to eye-catching storage solutions that help organize your life, you’ll find something to fit every personality and situation. Each season, we develop new products built on the idea that our products must be functional AND fashionable.

How can I buy Thirty-One products?
Thirty-One is a direct selling company, which means we bring the party to you! Partying with Thirty-One is a fun shopping trip with your girlfriends, except you never need to leave your home. Our Independent Consultants are passionate about their jobs and our companyʼs mission, and theyʼre experts on our products. Our Hostesses love Thirty-One because of the fun…but also because of the great deals and rewards they receive!

Ask me how to schedule your party or get your business started today. Visit my website at www.mythirtyone.com/kstrawn for more information.

Kimberly Strawn
Thirty-One Independent Consultant
www.mythirtyone.com/kstrawn

Jennifer has been a friend of Sales MOMS from our start in 2006.  She has been a great supporter and someone who is a stellar example of how direct sales can change your life.    A BIG Congratulations from us here at Sales MOMS at a job well done!  We are proud of you and your team!

Pasalakis Named Triple Award Earner for Second Consecutive Year

Nolensville, TN 37135

Senior Executive Director Jennifer Pasalakis of Nolensville, TN, was announced as a triple award earner again this year at Thirty-One Gifts. For the second year in a row, Jennifer was honored as Top in Consistent Sales, Top Personal Volume and Top Team Sales.

Never before has one consultant swept three categories in one year. However, Jennifer has accomplished this two years in a row. Since joining the company in March 2008, she has built a team of over 4,400 consultants nationwide and her team is in all 50 states. Team Pasalakis received top honors last year when they were the first team in the company’s history to break one million in a sales year. This year the team set a new record by achieving over $2.3 million for the sales year 2010-2011.

Jennifer has been invited to serve on the company’s Presidential Advisory Council and Leadership Council for the third year. She plays an active role in the company’s vision and training program for consultants.

Jennifer is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in accounting. She obtained her CPA license and worked in public accounting for many years before becoming a stay at home mother. She resides in Nolensville, TN with her husband Eric and daughter Molly Kate. For more information on Jennifer visit www.MyThirtyOne.com/Jennifer.

About Thirty-One LLC,

Thirty-One is one of the fastest growing direct-selling companies in the country and is the #1 direct-selling brand of exclusive, on-trend, stylish and practical handbags, fashion accessories, totes, and organizing solutions. Through the direct-sales Party Plan model, Thirty-One offers exclusive products for the home and a woman’s busy lifestyle – all of which are available through a Thirty-One Independent Consultant in your area. Thirty-One corporate headquarters is located in Columbus, OH.

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Thirty-One Gifts is a faith-based organization that offers a large selection of personalizable purses, tote bags, kids’ items, organizing solutions, and home decor. Our mission is to celebrate, encourage and reward women!

If you are looking for the perfect way to let someone know you care, check out Thirty-One! We are the fastest growing direct sales company in the US and there’s still time for you to get in on the ground floor. Thirty-One CAN change your life – it changed mine!

Ask me how to get your business started for FREE with my personal bonus incentive for new consultants! Visit my website at www.mythirtyone.com/heatherf for more info or find me on Facebook” Heather Froelich & Thirty-One GIfts”

Thirty-One Gifts
Heather Froelich
31heather@gmail.com
www.mythirtyone.com/heatherf

The Sales MOMS Network had the great pleasure of speaking with Senior Executive Director, Gretchen Manmiller of Thirty-One Gifts last week.  We talked about her decision to begin a direct sales business, her greatest achievements and the things she had had to overcome in running her own home business.  Gretchen also offers up some great advice to those who may be thinging about joining the direct sales industry. 

Take a listen to our interview below:

Thirty-One Gifts is a faith-based company offering you the opportunity to own your own home business, purchase unique, personalized products or host a party and earn FREE items. We offer women an amazing opportunity to become successful business owners. Thirty One Gifts is one of the fastest growing Direct Sales Companies in America! We offer a unique line exclusive to us of Purses, Bags, Totes, Home Items, Childrens Items & more. That can be customized with your choice of fabric & even embroidered with your name, initials or favorite phrase.

My name is Gretchen Manmiller, Independent Senior Executive Director with Thirty-One Gifts. I joined the Thirty-One Family in 2007! The team that I have been able to develop (called Silver Bells) has promoted close to 100 leaders total in less than three years! The best part of my career is watching other women fulfill their dreams! I also love that I can provide a fun shopping experience for anyone at any age that wants to purchase a gift for them self or another. Our unique, personalized & custom bags, totes & more are the perfect gift! Anyone can purchase Thirty One, as our products range from $3 & up for pricing!

To learn more about Thirty-One & how you can Earn FREE products or have your own successful business…please feel free to contact me!

Gretchen Manmiller
Ind. Senior Executive Director, Thirty-One
http://www.mythirtyone.com/gretchen

Spring is finally in the air! Can you feel it? It’s time again for Spring Cleaning! Are you dreading it?

 This year, turn to Thirty-One Gifts for solutions to help you organize and spruce up your home!

According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, 80% of the clutter in most homes is a result of disorganization, not a lack of space. And, cleaning professionals advise that getting rid of clutter would eliminate 40% of the housework in an average home. Think about what you could do with 40% less housework!!

Thirty-One offers a large selection of personalizable items that can be your simple solution to ending the clutter forever! You’ll want to check out our BRAND NEW Hang-Up Organizer, our collection of Utility Totes, Carry Alls, baskets and bins.

Think about the joy of giving a personalized gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, End of Year teacher gifts, Easter, birthday gifts, etc.

View the entire Thirty-One collection online at www.mythirtyone.com/heatherf . You can shop online 24/7 or even host a catalog or home party and earn FREE products for yourself.

Find me on Facebook: “Heather Froelich & Thirty-One Gifts.”

Thirty-One Gifts
Heather Froelich, Independent Director
31heather@gmail.com
www.mythirtyone.com/heatherf