This has been an exciting week for Direct Sales! ABC Nightline featured a story on Mary Kay Cosmetics that was viewed by over 6 million!  (I missed it live because I was on a flight to Australia at the time to visit my family!)

At the same time, Mary Kay launched it’s first blog called Reflections!  Reflections is written by Chief Marketing Officer at Mary Kay Corporate, Rhonda Shasteen. Rhonda has been with the Company for over 25 years and worked very closely with Mary Kay Ash herself, so she has so much to share with all of us! You can also follow Rhonda on twitter.

I am really thrilled to be part of such an innovative Company that has managed to stay abreast of the times for over 3 decades, and enriching women’s lives. They are having a contest this weekend to pick a tagline. Of course, the prize is a designer handbag! (I have entered twice.)

Don’t forget to click on the ABC link to watch the news feature. I know that you will enjoy it!

Independent National Sales Director Jan Thetford and Independent Senior Sales Director Courtney Armstrong were featured in a nationally televised story on ABC’s Nightline.(click link to view) The story highlighted the Mary Kay business opportunity, and was broadcast April 8 . Great news for Mary Kay!

Tags: MaryKay blog, Mary Kay on ABC Nightline, PInk ladies in the news

Technorati Tags: Mary Kay Cosmetics blog, Mary Kay Cosmetics on NIghtline

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Have you ever had the realization that there is a greater purpose for your life than that which you are currently experiencing?
Mark Semple CCC
www.successfultogethercoaching.com

It’s not that your life is bad right now, nor that you’re unhappy or discontent. It’s more a feeling that you’re not quite fulfilled.

Does this sound familiar?

The truth is that when you open up to the possibilities that are out there, you will never be the same again.

And, the more you learn and experience, the more you want.

You develop a clear image in your mind of the fulfilling life experience that you desire. It energizes you to just think about it. And, you know that it is happening for you.

Being connected to the vision of that which you desire is a crucial step in making your vision your reality.

Until that happens, your current reality is where you exist and operate. In essence, it’s the life you’re currently living.

Although you know it’s not about being focused on where you’re at, it can be interesting to stay in the space of where you want to be, while living your current life.

Especially when time is going by and it doesn’t feel like you are any closer to that which you truly desire.

Unfortunately, too many people decide that things aren’t going to change and they give up on their dreams to merely exist in their current reality.

So, what can you do?

The key is to be in the moment. More specifically, to be in the best possible space in this moment. Your life, business or relationship may not be in the optimal space right now, but you can be.

If you are focused on what is wrong or missing, guess what happens? If you are in the space of what is right and what you have to be grateful for – right now – you are aligning yourself with the right energy.

It is imperative to be clear and focused on what you want and where you want to be. Be careful to experience it as what is unfolding for you, and not a reflection of where you are not.

Remember always that what is meant for you cannot be lost.

As Marianne Williamson says “Go where you’re wanted, go where you belong.” If you are not in alignment with what you are focused on, ie: it’s not really optimal for you, you will either struggle unnecessarily, or you will not feel fulfilled when you achieve it.

Have you ever wanted to have something specific, or be a member of a certain group? Only to find out when you achieved it, that it really wasn’t that big a deal to you?

Being in alignment with that which you truly desire – that which is truly meant for you – is a key to being in the flow of manifesting it.

To stay connected with where your journey is going, feed it. You are receiving input from your current reality and daily life constantly. You know what happens if you are constantly exposed to negativity and that which does not serve you.

The simple act of choosing more optimal inputs will assist you in maintaining your desired space. The more you align yourself with energy that feeds your soul, your passion and your vision, the less negative energy you will absorb, and the more empowered and energized you will feel.

If your vision & dreams seem cloudy or distant, it may be because you are allowing your mind to get cluttered with that which obscures it.

Essentially, this is all about you. Find time to take care of you. To clear your mind and detoxify from the negative energy. To feed yourself that which allows you to see your dream more clearly.

Be mindful of who you interact with on a regular basis. It is said that you will be like the average of the 5 people you hang out with the most. Are you interacting with like-minded, positive, empowered people who see the world & future the way that you do? Or are you around people who are essentially toxic to you?

Makes you think, doesn’t it?

It is empowering also to remember each day that you are choosing. Regardless of where you are currently at, or what is happening in your life, if you are feeling like you are stuck, you are giving your power away. When you come from a space of choosing, you remain in your power and you stay connected with the right energy.

If you are doing all of the above and you still feel that your journey is not unfolding the way you desire, then it may be time to get an outside opinion. Connect with a coach or expert who you feel synergy with and allow them to assist you get clear on your opportunity.

Know always that there is never anything wrong. You simply do the best you can with that which you have at hand. As you learn more and as your awareness expands, you simply make more empowered decisions. It’s called experience, and there is only one way to get it.

No matter what, you simply are where you are right now – in this moment. It’s what is coming next that is the opportunity for change.

Be in the best possible space & energy in this moment, be clear on that which you desire and trust the process. Which includes the timing.

Enjoy your journey.

Mark Semple is a Certified Comprehensive Coach, Founder of Successful Together Coaching and the 2007 International Coach of the Year.
For more of Mark’s perspective on the success journey, visit http://www.successfultogethercoaching.com/

Technorati Tags: business, direct sales, home, partner, success, together, vision

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As we begin another month, I am continuing on my series of honoring those loyal women in my unit of Sutherland Superstars. I would like to recognize and congratulate Phyllis DiNicola this month who I have chosen as the “Superstar of the Month”. Behind each Superstar there is a story. Today’s post is about hers.

Some of my readers might remember my story of the first Seminar in Dallas that I attended as a new director, in my second year in business. When Karen Ann set a goal that year to be in the Queen’s Court of Personal Sales and earn a diamond ring that next year, I was so excited for her. However, at that time it was something that I had not yet accomplished myself. When she gave up on her goal half way through the year, I made a decision to make it my goal, even though I had to do over two thirds of the required personal sales the second half of the year.

I couragously announced the goal to my unit of independent beauty consultants, so I was committed. After all, they were watching me, so failure was not an option. That was the year that I believe I really sharpened my skills in the field because I saw more people and developed many new customers in the process. One of those customers was Phyllis.

Phyllis was a hostess for me in June and was so excited about my goal to earn a diamond ring. She kept getting me outside orders as we got closer to the end of the month and our Seminar year. When I suggested to Phyllis that she could do the same thing and earn her own diamond ring, she quickly said, “oh, no, I could never do what you do.” (At the time she was a SAHM with two small children)

Somehow though, I convinced her and in June of 1989, Phyllis became one of my personal team members! I knew that she wanted to earn a diamond ring too, but I had to work with her only one step at a time. She consistently held two parties a week all year as I tracked her progress towards reaching that goal. It wasn’t until the last three months that Phyllis could start to “see herself” on stage being awarded that ring.

That was the year that I first discovered the joy of mentoring another person to success was even better than achieving big goals of your own. Although I was awarded my second diamond ring for the Sales Director’s Court of Personal Sales, I was so much more excited to watch Phyllis walk down those same stairs on stage and be awarded the ring for the Beauty Consultant’s Court of Personal Sales!

The strong network of customers that Phyllis developed that year led her to achieving the Court of Sales many times again! The good customer service that she provided those customers have made them “customers for life”! I am so greatful for having Phyllis in my unit and in my life for all of these years.

To read more about Phyllis and listen to her interview once I complete it, click here.

While you are there, perhaps you can take the time to get to know some of my Superstars from previous months. If you can relate to any of those women, or have dreams that you would like for me to help YOU achieve, fill out the contact form above !

Technorati Tags: insiderscoop, Superstar of the Month

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The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation has kicked-off this year’s Team Up for Women! Challenge from March 20 through Mary Kay’s birthday – May 12!

Last year, generous donations helped raise more than $165,000.

Please help in continuing to honor Mary Kay Ash’s legacy of enriching women’s lives by helping to eliminate cancers that affect women and to end domestic violence. (these are the only two causes that the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation supports)  For more information on the foundation click here.

You can contribute to this worthy cause two different ways.

• Order your favorite products on my site during the promotional period and 20% of all sales will go to the Team Up For Women Challenge. ( this includes web parties and individual orders) Each order that puts “Team Up” in the comments section will also receive a FREE GIFT from me as a thank you!
• Contribute any dollar amount directly through Pay Pal. Click on the button below to be taken to the secure site to donate.

Technorati Tags: cancers that affect women, charitable foundations, domestic violence, fundraisers, Teamup for women

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Once upon a time a very effective leader in direct sales was asked what attribute was needed for success. A very simple there word answer was given- “and then some“.  What exactly does that mean?

To be successful in any business requires more than doing all that is expected of you. It requires going the extra mile. When is the last time that you did something totally unexpected- something that nobody could have predicted? Random acts of kindness happen every day.  Can you imagine the effect if this was duplicated again and again?

In my direct sales company , one of the most esteemed form of recognition is awarded for doing just that. When someone exemplifies the true spirit of giving to others, they can be nominated for what is known as the “Go-Give” Award. This award can only be received when others contact the company and give examples of how the Sales Director has demonstrated this ability to give unselfishly to others.

Maybe it sounds corny or old fashioned to you, but I believe that it is something that we can all aspire to do. In fact, in my unit of independent beauty consultants, I frequently recognize them for doing just that. I attribute the fact that over half of my unit has been with me for one or two decades to them all running their business in that manner. In fact, I decided to spotlight one of them each month and publicly acknowledge them on my blog! You can get to know my Superstar of the month by listening to my interview with her!

When you become a generous person, your giving has no boundaries. It extends beyond your personal life to your business as well. The great benefit of this is that it all comes back to you tenfold. I have experienced this again and again! There is never a traffic jam on the extra mile, so why not go there today? It will get you to your destination faster, and you will find yourself taking many others with you along the way!

Technorati Tags: abundance mentality, Go-giveaward, golden rule thinking, random acts of kindess

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Here is another behind the scenes look at my Direct Sales Business? In the second of my podcast series featuring an interview with one of the independent beauty consultants in my unit each month. The “Sutherland Superstar of the Month” for March is Alexis Campbell.

I’d like to share a bit about Alexis with you. She was recruited in 1987 by a personal team member who is no longer in either of our lives. So Alexis was part of my qualifying unit, which means that she was with me before I became a director! This is not unusual, since over half of my unit have been with me for a decade or more.

In my business, the relationships that are developed are for life, either as a customer, or a consultant. Some become both at different stages of their life. I believe that even if someone is with us for a season of their life, they leave with more than they started- more confident, more positive, and of course looking better!

When Alexis  started her business, she didn’t have any children yet.  She was married, and was ready to start a family. Shortly after she started her business, she found out that she was pregnant, and needed bedrest.  In those early years, we saw each other frequently at local events, but even though she only lives a few miles from me, we haven’t been together in a while face to face. So it was great to catch up with her on the podcast!  Now her children are grown and she is also looking forward to transitioning her lifestyle again.

I hope that you enjoy getting to know Alexis  through this interview podcast. She will give you some insight into why women choose a career in direct sales, and why they enjoy being part of my unit for so many years. Learn how she built a business that has taken her through different life stages for more than two decades!

To listen to the podcast and learn more about Alexis, click here

Technorati Tags: podcasts, Recognition, Sutherland Superstars, Unit members

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What is your passion and purpose? Are you designing your life, or just reacting to circumstances around you? Did you know that you can design your life and enjoy it along the way? In direct sales, you have the ability to create the lifestyle that allows you to prioritize what it most important to you.

You have to have a vision, or a clear picture of what you want your life to look like first.  Your current circumstances may have nothing at all to do with the person that you were created to be. Many women have discovered the value in putting together a “dream book” with photos and affirmations of all the things that you desire in life.

Take time out for yourself, no matter what stage of life that you are in. Age is nothing more than an attitude. If you don’t take time, time will take you!  Using good skin care products will make a huge difference as you get older. You can’t lead others unless you are building your own self esteem with intentional personal growth..

Live each day as if it were your last. Procrastination is the great thief of time. Always have a goal, for every area of your life- personal, spiritual, financial, business, family. Surround yourself with positive people. You can’t afford negativity if you want to lead an abundant life. It’s a choice that you make.

Never stop learning. Embrace change because it is inevitable. Discover the benefit of a mentor. Keep fitness a priority by getting enough exercise, drinking plenty of water, and eating nutritious, fresh whole foods.

Take time to enjoy a rainbow, the beauty of a child, or a sunset. Discover the child inside you by not taking yourself too seriously. Your positive attitude will be contagious!

“We must have a theme, a goal, a purpose in our lives. If you don’t know where you’re aiming, you don’t have a goal.” ~Mary Kay Ash

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Did you know that you can vote for your favorite Direct Sales Cosmetics as well as drug store or department store brands on Alllure magazine’s Readers Choice Awards?
The deadline is approaching, so don’t forget!

Through Feb. 28 you can vote for your favorite products on the Allure magazine Web site under the category of Department Stores, Specialty Stores, Spas and/or Salons.(of course I know that all of my customers will be voting for their favorite Mary Kay products, especially the Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover that is the best selling in the US of all eye makeup removers! hint, hint!)

Click here to vote. Do it now because the deadline is Saturday, Feb. 28 at midnight Eastern Time.

I am very proud to represent a Company in my direct sales home business that has the most high quality products with a proven demand from a very loyal customer base!

Technorati Tags: Allure magazine, cosmetics, direct sales c, Mary Kay products, readers choice awards

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mp3   (right click to download)

Karen Ann and I at Seminar

How would you like a behind the scenes look at my Direct Sales Business? I have started a new podcast series featuring an interview with one of the independent beauty consultants in my unit each month. The “Sutherland Superstar of the Month for February is Karen Ann Antonucci.

I’d like to share a bit about Karen Ann with you. She is a personal team member who has been a part of my unit since 1988. This is not unusual, since over half of my unit have been with me for a decade or more. In my business, the relationships that are developed are for life, either as a customer, or a consultant. Some become both at different stages of their life.

When Karen Ann started her business, she lived in New Jersey and I am in Pennsylvania. She was married, worked a full time job, and was ready to start a family. In those early years, we saw each other frequently at local events, and I would travel to work with her one on one. A few years ago, she moved to North Carolina , taking her business with her. ( this has happened with many of my consultants, explaining one of the reasons why I have consultants all over the country)

I hope that you enjoy getting to know Karen Ann through this interview podcast. She will give you some insight into why women choose a career in direct sales, and why they enjoy being part of my unit for so many years. Learn how she built a business that has taken her from different life stages and even geographical locations.

Technorati Tags: direct sales success, Superstar of the Month, Sutherland Superstars, Testimonials

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• February 10, 2009 -- Discover Baby Sleep Solutions to be More Productive in Your Business
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Is your baby’s lack of sleep at night interfering with your direct sales or home business? As many women are making the choice to work from home, the problem of sleep deprivation is still an obstacle to reaching your productivity and goals.  One of my neighbors has discovered a solution that will get both you and baby a good night’s sleep.

Maureen Howard invented the Magic Sleepsuit and promises to get your baby to sleep! I just ordered one for my new grandson and plan to ship it to Australia for him!  Since so many of my readers are also WAHMs or even Moms who go out of the home to work, my excitement about her product was something that I felt that I MUST share with you!

Maureen and her Magic Sleepsuit recently attended the Golden Globe Awards where Hollywood new moms and moms-to-be were given their very own Magic Sleepsuit! You can see some of the celebrity photos on her site below!

For more information on her Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit, or to enjoy the magic of a sleeping baby first hand, visit her site at- http://www.magicsleepsuit.com/

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