HoustonWAHMs

J.O.B. Night -- February 7th

2012-01-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

As you maybe aware Jordan Essentials offers WONDERFUL, Made In America products that are safe for the entire family. But I believe that we're still the best kept secret in town! Or should I say in Texas! OK let's extend that to the entire United States!!!!

Others are agreeing with me, so we're offering J.O.B. Nights throughout the country, including one here in Houston TX. If you're in another state, let me know and I'll help you find a J.O.B. Night in your state.

For those of you in the GREATER HOUSTON AREA, I would love to invite you to our J.O.B. Bash on FEBRUARY 7th at Fuddruckers on Town and Country Drive! (West side of Houston). You can join us for dinner starting at 5:30 ~~ it's Dutch, but they do have great burgers and even a light menu. Our BASH will start at 6:30 PM, with an ONTIME door prize drawing. Products will be available for you to try, and we'll be happy to answer any questions that you have about the Jordan Essentials Opportunity and I PROMISE it will not be dry, boring or high pressure!!!! FUN is in store for the night.

Would love to have you there, bring a friend or two with you and share the experience. If you know of someone that you think might have an interest in finding out more about the Jordan Essentials opportunity please share this email with them, as we would love to meet them.

RSVP would be appreciated JordanEssentialsHouston@gmail.com

Looking forward to seeing you there!!

2012-01-22T22:05:00.000-06:00

J.O.B. Night

February 7, 2012

We are pleased to announce that on Febraury 7th my TEAM will be hosting our first J.O.B. Night in West Houston! If you or someone you know is looking for a NEW and EXCITING Opportunity, with a company that has SUPER Potential for EXPANSION in Houston!!! Join us at Fuddruckers 6:30 pm 10600 Town and Country Boulvard, come earliers and join us for "dutch" dinner. Try our products, find out about the opportunities, door prizes and more!!!! For complete information or to RSVP please contact JordanEssentialsHouston@gmail.com

2011-12-22T13:44:00.002-06:00

Business Tip:

The Standard Miliage Rate is where you track the BUSINESS miliage you accrue and use a standard rate. For January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011, the standard rate is 52 cents per mile: for July 1 through December 31, 2011, the rate is 55.5 cents per mile.

You need to keep accurate records of the miles incurred for business purposes, dates of business use, destinations and the business purpose (deliver order, banking, deliver catalogs, home spa show, party, one on one etc). Also you'll need to note the odometer readings at the beginning and end of the year to determine the total nimes for the year for all uses. The important aspect is to make sure you maintain accurate records. The IRS may disallow a deductioni for mileage if you are unable to substantiate your deduction.

Networking 101!!!!

2011-11-09T22:04:00.000-06:00

T.E.A.M. Chapter of ABWA

The Energizing, Achieving Motivators Chapter of American Business Women's Association

Monday November 14th

Networking starts at 5:30 and the meeting comes to order at 6:17 . . .

Networking 101!

Whether you're just starting out with "Networking" or you're "experienced

Whether you're Networking for Business or Personal resources . . . Networking 101 is for you.Learn Networking Tips and Tools that can make your experience less freightening while being more productive.

Join us Monday evening November 14th to learn more about what networking can do for you.
Hobby Hilton, 9100 Gulf Freeway, South Houston TX . . .

Cost $27.00, RSVP Appreciated for meal count. GREAT Networking, Door prizes and much, much more. :RSVP: T.E.A.M.ABWA@gmail.com or call 832-495-6347

T.E.A.M. Chapter of American Business Women's Association is in Formation, and we are looking to provide an environment for mentoring, networking and business development for the seasoned professional, business owners, corporate executive, or if you are busy working for that next promotion.
Mission Statement: To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition

Blog: http://teamabwa.blogspot.com/

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday November 10th -- 13th Annual Networking and Vendor Night

2011-10-31T13:15:00.000-05:00

13th Annual Networking and Vendor Night

Thursday November 10th

5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Location Four Points by Sheraton Houston, Memorial City

11055 Katy Freeway (I-10 and Beltway 8), Houston TX

More Info Who doesn't need an opportunity to NETWORK?

W.I.N.G.S. Chapter of American Business Womens Association is holding our 13th Annual Networking and Vendor Expo Event at the Four Points Sheraton.

Come for GREAT Networking, Holiday Shopping with our Wonderful Vendors, GREAT Food (not to mention the deserts). Wonderful Door Prizes, meet NEW Friends

Be sure to bring your business cards and 60 Second Introduction

RSVP: CathyJELady@gmail.com or call 832-465-8670

Dinner for Guests and Members: $23.00

Please share this invitation with your Friends and business Associates!

Work your Business into Normal everyday activities, you can do it

2011-10-13T08:53:00.000-05:00

Thursday Sales TIP

Don't forget to work your business into your normal everyday activities. I am going to share one of my favorite ways....LifeStyling Your Business. I use this in my business but it can be adapted to almost anything:

Get out a blank calendar. Then sit down and block out all of the time that you are NOT available. Start this NOW…and then just before the month ends go over your next months schedule and get it blocked out. So many of us get hung up on when we are going to find the time to fit our business in….well, here is a simple solution.

Fill in all of your activities, children’s activities, church, doctors appt, sports schedule ect….even fill in for household chores and shopping. You will then see what kind of time you have left…sometimes it is 10 or 15 minutes here or there…or you find you have one or two hours open. I thought about this method and figured it would work quite well.

However, I thought how to take it one step further. Use all of the times you have blocked for appointments, activities ect as BUSINESS BUILDING TIMES AS WELL. That’s right.. So, get yourself some card size blank envelopes (these would be the size that an 8x11 folded piece of paper would fit in) …found at an office store or Walmart. You can get a box of 100 for relatively cheap. In each one put a catalog, a scent sample and business card, a flyer with specials…what ever else you want. Carry these with you and while you are out and about doing what is SCHEDULED mention your business and hand them an envelope.

I have been doing this for a week now and have had 3 orders, a fundraiser inquiry and 2 people interested in the business…..just for going about my normal daily life.

In addition, if you have a ton of votives you can use these with the same method.

However, the premade envelopes with the flat scent sample is easier to carry. It is that simple.

Weekly Tip:

2011-10-12T09:51:00.000-05:00

HOW?

Ask how they heard about you. It's important to understand what marketing channels are working. If most of your new customers are coming from referrals, create opportunities for more referrals. If they saw an ad, run that ad again. Always repeat what works.

Networking Tip:

2011-10-04T21:02:00.000-05:00

Face to Face networking is important to building your business. When you walk up to someone NEW, introduce yourself "briefly" and ask this NEW person something about them, what they do, or if they have been here before. They will be more likely to remember you if you show genuine interest in them.

Catherine James

Managing Director, Jordan Essentials

www.myjestore.com/CatherineJames

Call for Vendors

2011-09-27T13:32:00.000-05:00

W.I.N.G.S. Chapter

American Business Womens Association

Is looking for Vendors at this time for our 13th Annual Networking and Vendors Night

This is our best attended event of the year, and are looking for vendors to fullfill our attendees evening shipping experience

November 10th 2012

Four Point Shearton -- I-10 and Beltway 8

5:30 to 8:30 pm dinner included

contact me today for more information CathyJELady@gmail.com

Know the Code

2011-09-21T15:16:00.001-05:00

If you haven't noticed QR (Quick Response) codes yet, keep your eyes open- you're going to start seeing them everywhere, including magazines, flyers and conference materials.

These little black and white markings are two-dimensional bar code images that, when scanned by a camera on a smartphone, open a link to a website, send an SMS or dial a phone number. QR codes are becoming widely used to supplement marketing efforts, and they're being used in ads in newspapers, magazines or even in the window of businesses. They can basically link everything in the physical world to electronic information immediately.

The cool thing is, you can create QR codes for free. Do a search on "QR Codes" and you'll find several website that will generate a code for a particular website address or piece of text, at no cost to you. The best format to get for print quality is a website that offers a tiffs option.

That means that the only cost associated is the printing, and if you're creating an ad or direct mail, you're likely printing anyway.

If you use QR codes, keep in mind that they and the apps that scan them are still foreign to most people. You will want to make a point to spell out how to scan the code and help instruct customers on where they can grab scanner apps.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Annual Fall Festival

2011-09-14T12:48:00.000-05:00

We are excited to announce our 3rd Annual HoustonWAHMs Fall Festival on Saturday; September 24th at Chick-fil-A at 5905 FM 2920 in Spring, TX. We are still accepting vendor applications and you can obtain more information about the event online at: www.houstonwahms.org/festival.

It's all about the Follow-up!!!!

2011-09-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

The Money is in the Follow-up!

Below are sales statistics that are so worth sharing!!

Check out this little Pearl of Wisdom

*48% of sales people never follow up with a prospect

*25% make a second contact and stop

*12% only make 3 contacts and stop

*10% make more than 3 contacts

*2% of sales are made on the first contact

*3% on the second contact

*5% are made on the third contact

*10% on the fourth contact AND.....

*80% of sales are made on the 5th to the 12th contact...

How about that!!!

Merry Christmas From Jordan Essentials bath and body

2010-12-14T06:55:00.000-06:00

Cathy's Jordan Essentials News: Detox your Skin Care

2010-08-26T12:39:00.000-05:00

Cathy's Jordan Essentials News: Detox your Skin Care: "Detox your Skin Care What is in your makeup bag? The average woman is exposed to 126 chemicals in beauty products daily. That is in abo..."

2010-08-11T07:41:00.001-05:00

2nd Annual Fall Festival

Saturday; September 25th, 2010

10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Chick-fil-A / Spring Town Center

5905 FM 2920Spring, TX 77388

Visit Our Festival Page for Registration Information!

2010-08-11T07:26:00.003-05:00

Networking: Houston WAHMS offers some great networking for our members and guests, I received the below Blog Article and felt that it would be great to share with our Members giving some insite to how hard networking is for some people and ideas on how to overcome them.

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Calling all shy and introverted networkers…will anyone show up?
Posted by Debbie Langford on Aug 9, 2010 11:14:10 AM

I recently created and published a poll on LinkedIn.com using the Polls Application. (By the way, this is a super easy tool to take the pulse of your network on various topics.) I sent it to 250 of my LinkedIn contacts and 89 responded over a two-week period. Here is the poll question with the results:

Networking is difficult for shy or introverted people. What would you say is the main reason for this?

35% - I don’t know what to say
24% - I can’t stand the “forced” small talk
17% - I don’t want to bother people
13% - What if I ask and they say “no”
11% - I feel like I’m asking for charity

I see two things that stand out as the root causes for networking difficulty based on the above responses: lack of confidence and lack of trust. Without confidence, you will not attend a networking event without knowing someone nor will you feel comfortable beginning a conversation with a stranger. Without trust you will not ask for a referral from a friend nor will you ask for help from a former colleague. If the truth be told, networking is not just difficult for the shy or introverted person, but for all of us.

As an outplacement consultant, I commonly find that a job seeker’s confidence is easily shaken. A good part of the job search involves putting yourself “out there” to get referrals and leads even with possible rejection staring you in the face. This scenario can be translated to any professional who sells or markets products, services or ideas.

Let me propose a new way to view networking. It’s is not about meeting people. It’s about becoming the type of person that other people want to meet. This requires an internal change, beginning with what you think about yourself.

1. Focus on what you do have, rather than what you don’t! Make a list of what you have to offer (regardless of whether you are employed or not). People gravitate towards those who generate positive energy and avoid those who are perpetually looking at the glass as half empty.

2. Serve as a resource to others. Try sharing your valuable expertise, or helping others reach their goals, or by solving a problem. It’s amazing how loyal people will be to someone who simply makes an effort to help.

3. Think of networking as an investment of your time, rather than a waste. Wouldn’t it be great to always find what you need in just one or two phone calls or emails? If you’ve put in the time to build and maintain connections with others, you probably can. Take the time NOW; you may not have the time (or energy) later.

4. Polish your professional image. What are you telling others by the way you dress and carry yourself? Dress from the inside out so that others will notice a person who respects himself/herself. A neat and professional appearance communicates competency in a strong, non-verbal way.

I’m sure you can think of other confidence and trust builders—people are motivated in many different ways. The key is to change your mind set. Remember, networking is not about meeting people. It’s about becoming the type of person that other people want to meet. But making an internal change is only part of issue.

Because this topic is too broad to tackle in one article, I’ll be sharing practical strategies on how to work large group events next month, and then tackle ways to create success with one-on-one meetings in a third article. In the meantime, there are a few books I’d like to recommend for you to review on this subject.

They are:
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
Dig Your Well before You’re Thirsty by Harvey Mackay
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann
QBQ-The Question behind the Question by John G. Miller

Hope that you found this article useful!

Catherine James

South Chapter Coordinator

2010-08-09T07:37:00.003-05:00

South Chapter HoustonWAHMS

August Meeting

Location: Fuddruckers (Back Meeting Room)11950 Kurland (Southbelt & Gulf Freeway)Houston, TX 77034 US View Map

When: Monday, August 16, 6:30PM Add to my Outlook Calendar

Networking 6:30 pm, Meeting 7 pm

Join the South Chapter of HoustonWAHMs at our monthly networking meeting and help grow your home-based business!

Table Topic:

Stirring the Pot, Are you Stirring the Right Things?

HoustonWAHMs is a networking organization for women who are currently or striving to maintain either a full or part time work-at-home business.Special Drawing: There will be a drawing for each member who brings a GUEST with them to the meeting and another just for guests!

Networking begins at 6:30 p.m. and meeting begins promptly at 7:00 p.m.HoustonWAHMs allows two representatives, per chapter, to become members of each chapter - North, South and West.We encourage anyone to attend our networking meetings. You will be allowed to do a "mini commercial" of yourself and the company that you represent. Feel free to bring business cards, marketing information, catalogs, etc. to pass out with other members and guests in attendance. We allow guests of the organization to attend two monthly meetings before deciding on joining. After the two meetings, we hope that you have been able to decide whether our organization is one that you want to become a part of. We ask that upon the 3rd meeting, you come prepared to become a member of the HoustonWAHMs organization.

To see if your company is already represented; please contact the South Chapter Coordinator, Catherine James Catherine@houstonwahms.org RSVP appreciated but not manditory.

Hope to see you there!

2010-07-22T08:19:00.002-05:00

5 Keys to Successful Networking
by Janet Attard

Networking, whether through business associations or other means, is the most prevalent and cost effective way for small and home businesses to attract new and repeat sales. Networking and "word of mouth" advertising together are 7 times more likely to bring in business than all forms of traditional advertising and direct mail combined. How does it work? More importantly, how can you make it work for your business?

Here are five tips to get you started.

1. Select a few key associations or organizations and participate actively. Go to meetings as often as possible and work on one or two committees. Your goal: to be the first person everyone remembers and suggests when others ask, "Do you know anyone who.."

2. Get to events early and plan to stay late. You can't meet and talk to people while a meeting is in progress. Be sure you circulate, too. If you spend too much time with any one person, you can't meet others. You also prevent the person you've attached yourself to from circulating, and they may resent it. If walking away from a person or group makes you feel awkward, have a few exit strategies ready to use. "Excuse me, I really need another cup of coffee this morning" works well for early morning meetings.

3. Greet people you've met in the past. Ask how projects they are working on are going, mention news articles you've seen about them, and congratulate them on any recent successes they've had. Sales grow out of relationships, and this is a good way to establish relationships with key contacts and prospects. Be sincere, though. If you're not, you'll be written off as an opportunist.

4. Follow up on leads. All the leads in the world are worthless if you don't follow up on them. Make that phone call or send the information you promised. Then, at the next meeting you attend, ask if your contact got what you sent.5. Be generous about sharing business tips, referrals and leads with non-competitors. You'll be remembered for your help, and may get business or referrals as a result later on. (You win in another way, too. Helping)

I hope that you have enjoyed this information. It's something that I've shared with others, and in speaking to some of our members found that these 5 points might be useful to you.

Catherine James

South Chapter C00rdinator

Catherine@houstonwahms.org

2010-07-19T09:56:00.002-05:00

South Chapter of Houston WAHMS

Monday July 19th

Table Topic:

The WOW FactorWhat is your WOW Factor, how do you identify it!

Location:
Fuddruckers (Back Meeting Room)11950 Kurland (Southbelt & Gulf Freeway)Houston, TX 77034 US

Disney On Ice Free Ticket Giveaway

2010-04-07T16:07:00.002-05:00

It's that time again ladies .. Disney On Ice will be here in Houston again April 14th through April 18th and we are hosting an opportunity for you to WIN a 4 pack of tickets to an evening performance. Email me at holly@houstonwahms.org and put DISNEY FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY as the subject. We will draw a winner on Monday; April 12th and notify you that evening. Your tickets will be left at will call; so the winner will need to be able to attend. (A photo ID is required).

If you aren't the winner; here is a discount opportunity to take your family during their stay here in Houston.

Moms can enter the passcode: MOM to purchase four tickets for $44.00 to Disney On Ice. (Not Valid on VIP Dining, VIP Floor Seats or VIP Tickets. Service, handling, and facility fees may apply.) This offer is only valid on http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

We hope that you will try your luck for some FREE tickets! Feel free to share the special offer and passcode with other MOMs just like YOU!

1st Annual Chick-fil-A Fall Festival

2009-09-13T12:51:00.003-05:00

It seems that we haven't been so good about updating our blog .. hopefully that soon will change! We are hosting a 1st Annual Chick-fil-A Fall Festival on Saturday; September 26th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and we would LOVE each of you to join us.

For more information; visit us online at www.houstonwahms.org/festival. A list of vendors, entertainment and activities are listed on our Festival page.

We hope to see you there!

2009-04-25T16:30:00.000-05:00

Now Accepting Vendors

contact Holly 281-773-1887

holly@houstonwahms.org

outside venue

2009-04-23T15:21:00.002-05:00

Spring Shopping Extravaganza

Sponsored by Houston WAHMS

South Chapter

www.houstonwahms.org

Saturday April 25, 2009

9 am to 4 pm

American Legion Post 490

11702 Galveston Road (hwy 3)

just south of beltway 8

Houston TX 77034

Come Shop with US

Choose from over 25 Vendors

FREE PARKING ~ FREE ADMISSION

Vendors Include:

All-U-Wish-4 Embroidery - Cindy Fitzgerald

Arbonne - Larry Bronikowski

Cards by Laurie - Laurie Walter

Cookie Lee Jewelry - Joni Johnson

Discovery Toys - Christy Work

Good Healthy Pet - Lisa Kupgisch

Jerri's Art Boutique - Jerri King

Jordan Essentials - Catherine James

Lia Sophia - Michelle RivasMelaleuca - Stacy Breaux

Pampered Chef - Christina Hartsfield

Passion Parties - Laura Rinehart

Premier Designs Jewelry - Susan Moates

Private Quarters - Becci King

Scentsy - Mona Wroblewski

Silpada Designs - Michelle Becker

Tastefully Simple - Debbie Salisbury

Thirty-One - Holly Munsinger

Tupperware - Jennifer Bell

Wrapperlicious - Joy Bazzle

5LINX - Michelle McIlveen & Angela Williams

For more information on participating; please contact Catherine James at 832-465-8670 or email her at catherine@houstonwahms.org.

2009-01-20T08:29:00.005-06:00

Houston Wahm's is off to a wonderful start of the NEW YEAR!

The North Chapter has just started it's third year.

The South Chapter has just started it's second year.

The West Chapter will be starting it's FIRST year with their meeting on January 28, 2009 so visit our website for more information www.houstonwahms.org

We are laying in the date for Both our MONTHLY MINI Expo's which are done in an openhouse type format The first one is Friday January 23rd at the home of Holly Munsinger in spring. For more info contact holly@houstonwahms.org

You'll want to check out the PRESS that we received for our organization online in the Spring Observer! An increase in exposure for ALL of our members.

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/01/07/spring_observer/news/02soworkathome.txt

Most importantly plans are well underway for the Shopping Extravaganza's both on the North and South Side of Houston. Keep checking our blog and website for more information.

If you would like to receive Advance Notification on Meetings, Mini Expos or our Shopping Extravaganza's please forward your email address to holly@houstonwahms.org

If you're not currently a member of Houston Wahms, NOW is the time to join one of our THREE Chapters in the GREATER HOUSTON Area

Work at Home Moms make money while raising kids

2009-01-11T15:16:00.001-06:00

(As seen online at http://www.springobserver.com/)

It is the dream of many mothers to work from home and make money while raising their children. However, the task can be difficult without proper support and guidance.

That is where Houston Work at Home Moms comes in.

For Holly Munsinger, founder of WAHM, sharing her experiences with other mothers working from home and helping connect them with women in the area just like themselves was something she felt was crucial to a home business's success.

"The group was created with the work-at-home mom in mind. As a mom, we understand what everyday life is about and we want to be able to share the best local resources available," Munsinger, who has worked in direct sales for almost 13 years, said.[

Launched in January 2007, the organization has grown to 44 members from different direct sales and work-from-home companies.
"I think we can easily double our membership," Munsinger said. "Women are always looking for ways to contribute to their household income. Being a stay-at-home mom, they can start their own business on the side while their kids are in school."

The Spring-based WAHM meets once a month and has a north chapter and south chapter, with a west chapter opening this month.At meetings, members share upcoming event dates, booking ideas and success stories.

"Not only do we network with each other, but we find out what has and hasn't worked for each other and brainstorm together to make things better for all of us," said Katherine James, south chapter coordinator, who sells bath and body products for Jordan Essentials. "It's very important to have a circle of peers who you can go to for questions."

So far, the group has held four different events, or "shopping extravaganzas," which are opportunities for the women to showcase their products and services. The last event was in the fall at the Spring Chateau.

Despite consumer spending being down all over the place due to the recession, Munsinger said her business hasn't been affected.

"Whenever the economy is bad most home businesses still come out ahead," she said. "People are always buying products, especially food products and beauty products. Those are probably the two most successful companies going right now because people have to eat and women always spend money on themselves."

Munsinger sells embroidered gifts for women and said she posted great sales numbers around Christmas. Seeing no slowdown in sales, Munsinger credits the WAHM network to thriving businesses for all involved and a way to avoid the stress of making money - because after all, raising kids is stress enough.

"I hope that through this organization we can help others, make friendships, share our products and spread the word on ways to earn some money while we are home with our children," she said.

http://www.houstonwahms.org/

Newest Members

2008-11-30T14:54:00.003-06:00

It has been awhile since we posted; but I didn't want to not announce our newest additions to the HoustonWAHMs organization.

First off, we would like to welcome our members that renewed their membership with us over the past few months! We are pleased to still have among us:
Kathy McDonald - Creative Memories
Lisa Rabinowitz - Southern Living At Home
Penny Baird - Southern Living At Home
Beckie Bellesen - Pampered Chef

Welcome to our NEW Members who joined in October:
Samantha Gordon with AromaLites
Lindsey Mangold with Wine Shop At Home

And Welcome to our NEW Members who joined in November:
Melanie Williams with Mary Kay

New Members

2008-10-08T16:19:00.003-05:00

The HoustonWAHMs organization has been blessed with several new additions to our organization in the last few months. I would personally like to welcome each and every one that hasjoined us and hope that your membership will prove beneficial to you and your business.

Our August New Members include:

Melissa Barrier with Kokoon
Cyndi Blau with Beauticontrol

Our September New Members include:

Rome Berg with Taste of Home Entertaining and Votre Vu
Valerie Gay with Southern Living At Home
Kerstin McDermott with Cookie Lee Jewelry
Laura Rinehart with Passion Parties
Linda Rosemeyer with Beauticontrol
Debbie Shaw with Silpada Designs Jewelry

We are so glad that you have joined us and welcome you to the HoustonWAHMs family!

Creating An Extraordinary Experience

2008-08-21T09:10:00.003-05:00

Booking Parties, the mainstay of those in Direct Sales, however sometimes getting those parties "booked" are a little hard in a small town like "Houston TX", because of time to get there, having to clean the house, what to do with the kiddies and hubby. . . . what ever the reason.

Some find that Creasting An Extraordinary Experience is what's needed to really kick off a great party string. It's all about having fun and making everyone feel special. Theme parties are great for this, and many of us have a stack of Theme Parties that we can pick from.

But keep an open mind to the options available:

Many people offer their own home for their hostesses to use -- this a great answer to those with kids and hubby that they are concerned about. Or those that don't have time to clean or make the munchies

Mystery Hostess Parties These are great to invite your customers and previous hostesses to, then give away entries for things like being ontime, bringing a guest, placing an order and so forth. Then draw a winner and she receives all the hostess benefits.

Here is one that someone named Joan that is in a forum with me tried and found to be very successful, which is kind of a mixture of both of the above with an added twist!

I did a real neat party and invited all my past hostesses to a mystery hostess party at my home. I drew a name from all that attended and the one picked became my hostess! I also stood with this person and had them do my presentation with cheat cards (LOL - she signed up afterwards) to show how easy the business was. At this party my DH and a good male friend dressed up in Tuxedos and waited on us gals and it was a blast! I had great sales, a new recruit, and 5 bookings from this!

At the South Houston Chapter meeting, we discussed making an Extraordinary Party Experience and bringing that WOW to our Parties. Maybe make it into a Friends Night Out Party, or a Customer Appreciation Party, or a Wine and Cheese Party.

We would love the hear more about what your Extraordinary Party Experience was, just leave us a comment below.

Mommy and Me Photo Contest

2008-07-30T22:09:00.004-05:00

ExploreSpring.com partners With Houston Work at Home Moms for Mommy & Me Photo Contest. Photo contest spotlights the relationship of the mother and her children .

Spring, Texas July 21, 2008 – Explore Spring http://www.explorespring.com/, which hosts monthly online photo contest for Spring TX, announces the "Mommy and Me Photo Contest." This month's contest, which is sponsored by Houston Work at Home Moms (HoustonWAHMS), encourages entrants to "break out the cameras" and become their own "personal photographer."
The contest is all about spotlighting the relationship between a mother and her child(ren).

What makes your relationship unique? Do you and your child(ren) look amazingly alike? Do you and your child(ren) have the same quirky habits? Explore Spring and Houston WAHMS wants to know--and see--the dynamics behind your children.

August 1 through August 31, 2008, mothers and kids of all ages will be able to enter the Explore Spring/Houston WAHMS Mommy & Me Photo Contest for a chance to win a $35 Visa prepaid Visa and a Explore Spring personalized shirt(s) for each member in the photo.

The winner is chosen by Explore Spring online viewers. Entries and voting take
place online at www.explorespring.com/pages/Photo_Contest . The entry with the most online votes at the end of the month wins the prizes.

"The Mommy & Me Hair Contest gives kids and moms the opportunity to showcase their relationship and really have some fun," says Holly Munsinger, Houston WAHMS Founder. The mommy and me contest photo entries may be from anytime and any place or can be taken specifically for the Mommy & Me Contest.

For more details about Spring/Houston WAHMS Mommy & Me Photo Contest, please visit the Explore Spring website. If it's about Spring
Texas it’s on Explore Spring.

About Explore Spring, is a locally owned and operated online city guide and business directory for Spring, Texas. Here you can find all kinds of services - from restaurants and automobiles to shopping and home services.
ExploreSpring.com provides a central online location 24 hours a day to find information relevant to the Spring TX Community. The web site is located at http://www.explorespring.com/.

About Houston WAHMS Houston Work at Home Mom is a networking organization for mothers who are striving to open, grow or establish a
home-based business. Launching in January 2007, this local organization is for those in business for themselves.

After several months of being up and running, our membership has grown to 44 members from different direct sales and work from home companies. The web site is located at http://www.houstonwahms.com/.

How Strong is your follow up?

2008-07-23T06:37:00.003-05:00

WOW, did we have a great South Chapter meeting (Houston) on Monday Evening. Our topic of discussion was "Follow Up", in the case of many of us there, is the Hap-Hazard method of follow-up that we each implement. While each of us present represented a different company, some in direct sales, some not. . . we each were guilty of knowing what we should be doing and yet were not doing.

Now you may wonder what we mean by "Hap-Hazard" . . . well it's when we think of it, or get around to it. We each seem to forget that those lead cards from Shows, or the business cards that we've picked up at networking events or even past customers are warm leads.

Now, whether you are just starting out in your business, or have been in business for awhile, for most of us, that telephone weighs 600 pounds and it's so hard to pick up! Remember that these warm leads are your opportunity to build your business, and the phone is actually lighter, I PROMISE!

What's truly amazing is that the more that you lift it and make those calls the lighter it actually becomes. We've all heard that a customer has to see and hear your name 7 times before the remember you. So why not with follow-up calls.

The other advice that we receive that it takes 10 no's to receive a yes. So start making those calls to get you no's so that you can receive your YES!

Part of our resolve in moving forward in our Follow-up is to each implement a "POWER HOUR" for our telephone calls. Some agreed to try and do it one or two days a week, some more. We're going to report back next month on how the "POWER HOUR" has helped each of us.

We also want to thank the "Direct Selling Women's Alliance" for producing some exciting tools that we can use. We each took some great "Follow-up" notes from their Chapter Go the Extra Mile from More Build it Big, a great resource.

Before I close I wanted to welcome the 4 NEW Members that joined the South Chapter of HoustonWAHMS this week.

Welcome!!!!!!

Melinda Sena -- Melinda's Precious Gems and Jewelry

Becci King -- Private Quarters

Natalia Sena -- Mary Kay

Christina Hartsfield -- Pampered Chef

Catherine "Cathy" James
South Chapter HoustonWAHMS

So Many Choices

2008-07-18T07:48:00.003-05:00

At last months South Chapter meeting of Houston Wahms we discussed blogs, how to get them started and exchanged some great information. I took that basic information that I presented there and presented it last night to the ABWA Chapter in Baytown TX. A question was asked "How Do I know What to Write About?" Very simple write what you like, about what you are interested in, write about what's important to you. It's your choice.

On the drive home, it dawned on me that we already know that Direct Sales and other Home Based Businesses are growing in numbers. We all make the decision to "Start a Business" out of need, but that need is different for each of us. It could be because of job uncertainty, or it could be because we need that little extra for a new car, or to help offset those gas prices, or we need to build a new life for our selves.

There are So Many Choices out there, the hardest decision is finding the company that is right for you, then I realized that maybe we should be thinking about the company that we become involved in, like deciding to write a blog or what the topic of that blog will be.

There are many wonderful companies out there that offer great products and great compensation plans. . . so do you choose because your friend is selling it, do you choose because there are not many selling that product in the area, do you use the product that you will be selling . . . the questions go on.

Make a short list of what's important to you and then "CHOOSE" the company you wish to represent.

Starting Your Home Based Business ..

2008-06-26T20:49:00.002-05:00

So, you are interested in starting a home based business? Just where do you begin?

How can you make it happen? I have been dreaming of being a full work-at-home mom for many years now and have never really found the perfect balance. Either I am not making enough at home financially that my family needs, or when I am at home, I tend to not devote the time needed to making the home business successful? Are you in the same boat as me?

I think for me it's the fear of failure if I do it 100% and can not be successful at it ..

I have learned from others that it is possible!

The trick with any home business is to ease your way into one. Keep your regular job while you “develop” your home business. Start your business part-time and let it build. When it reaches the point where you are making enough money, you can quit your regular job. This way, you won’t be taking risks and depending on a new business to support you right away. That is where I am right now .. I just need to make enough money to quit the other one and be consistent with the outcome.

You have to find something you enjoy and then it takes ALOT of DISCIPLINE AND MOTIVATION ..

Where are you at in being successful starting your home based business? I would love to hear from you!

To be continued ....

We're Here ..

2008-06-25T21:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I have had several of you ask about us starting a HoustonWAHMs blog .. well, I finally had some quiet time in front of the computer and thought that I would get it started. For those of you that don't know .. HoustonWAHMs (work-at-home-moms) is a networking organization for those that are work-at-home-moms or those striving to maintain a home-based business. We have monthly meetings on both the North and South side of town and encourage anyone to attend.

I founded the networking organization in January 2007 and we now have almost 40 current members. I have two great chapter coordinators that help keep our monthly meetings going. I am hoping that we can get both of them to help contribute to our blogs.

Catherine James, who represents Jordan Essentials, is our South Chapter Coordinator.

Julie Peters, who represents Arbonne International, is our North Chapter Coordinator.

That's all for now - stay tuned to more updates and hope to be in contact with you on a regular basis.

Talk to you soon!