A few months ago I made my list of the Top Ten WordPress Plugins for Party Plan Divas. Since then I have discovered several more “must have” plugins that will help your readers overall experience of your blog.  My absolute favorite has to be LinkWithin.

LinkWithin is an amazing plugin which will help increase your page views, but also it is a great way to encourage viewers to read even your oldest posts!   The widget uses your tags, titles, and content to display “related” posts with thumbnail images at the end of each of your posts.  Readers simply click on the thumbnail to read the related post, and are then presented with a new list of Related Posts.  I have been guilty of spending over an hour reading dozens of different posts on one blog.

LinkWithin is a free-and currently ad-free-widget that you can configure for your blog in minutes.  Just visit LinkWithin.com, enter your email address, blog URL, blogging platform (WordPress, Blogger, or TypePad), and the number of stories you want to show in your widget into the form provided on the LinkWithin home page.  (I have mine set to five – I love variety!  HA!) Check the box in the form if your blog uses light text on a dark background, and click on the Get Widget button to get the instructions and code to copy into your blog.  It will then automatically start  to display related posts with images at the end of each of your posts. (Note: it may take up to an hour to start populating Related posts)

Check out one of mine from Direct Sales Lesson From A Photographer:

See how it gives a variety of different posts and titles, but all having a little something to do with each other?  Pretty neat huh?

And of course – the REAL ones will show below this post so feel free to surf around!  If you are a  Blogger- especially a Business Blogger – I recommend adding LinkWithin to your blog asap!

Disclaimer: I didnt get any compensation for this post whatsoever – I just really love LinkWithin and wanted to help spread the word.

Name: Sandra Brougher

Email: sdbrougher@gmail.com

Party Plan Company: Michele Baratta

Your website url: www.shopmichele.com/sandrabrougher

How long have you been with your current Party Plan Company?: 2 years

Is this your first Party Plan Company? yes

What inspired you to get into the Home Party Plan Industry? : I loved the product and found it to be unique in the world of jewelry. I love being around women and making friends and I myself always loved hosting home parties myself.

What kind of Corporate Jobs have you had? (or still currently have): Manager of a large retail store.

What have been some of your major challenges with your Party Plan Company? : Bookings and promoting the business without spending a lot of out of pocket money.

What have been some of your major successes with your Party Plan Company? : Recruitment and growing the business in Texas. When I started I was the only consultant in this big state.

Describe your typical day right now: Wake up, work on the computer before kids get up. Get kids to school, work out and then come home and spend a couple hours working on my business.

Describe the “perfect” day for you: Having all the time in the world to get house hold chores done, plus working on my business and getting bookings on the calendar.

On those “not so great” days, what is your motivation to keep going with your Party Plan Business? : I believe in the product and the founders.

What is one piece of advice you would give a brand new Party Plan Consultant? : You will get out of it what you put into it. It takes hard work and dedication and without that, you will fail.

Hello Divas!  I hope everyone has had a fantastic week and are looking ahead to a fun and profitable weekend!  My friend Maria sent this to me via Facebook and it was too cute not to share!  This is Anita Renfroe, Stay at Home Mom gone Comedian from Atlanta Georgia.

To every Mom, Aunt, Grandmother, or Godmother – you will relate to this!  Enjoy!

Happy Friday Funny everyone!

I very seldom watch television.  It isn’t often that I find a show that I can sit and watch in it’s entirety without losing interest after only a few minutes.  I often joke that I have TVADD because I always seem to get sidetracked at commercials.  (thankfully I got a TiVo this week, so hopefully it will cure some of my TVADD since half the time I have no idea who Kim K is dating, what Stars are Dancing, how Kate is managing eight, or what number the Duggars are on now) But this week I discovered my absolute favorite new show – Undercover Boss.

The reviews are so split on this show – some absolutely love it, giving it even an Emmy Nomination, while others call it “crappy reality.” Though I agree that i can be a bit of a stretch at times, the purpose and fundamentals of this show are incredible.  I think it is possibly my absolute favorite “reality” show of all time.

The basis of this show is taking a CEO or owner of a large Corporation and putting him or her into the lowest level jobs to get a real VIEW of what working for their company is really like.   Each “Boss” is set up with a handful of trainers to show them a variety of jobs – from Incoming Service Calls at RotoRooter to the Chocolate Assembly Line at 1800Flowers.com.  Their trainers have the opportunity to tell a little about themselves – the hardships they have been through or are facing personally, and their struggles with the company.  They *think* they are doing documentaries or case studies, so they speak freely, unbeknown to them that they are speaking in front of the owner of the entire Corporation.

Last week the episode highlighted Chris McCann from 1800Flowers.com.  As I sat and watched the “Baby Brother” Executive, I knew it was going to be a great episode.  I immediately liked him as a person, and was drawn to his insecurities of being the younger brother trying to always live up to and prove himself to his older brother.  He was a very “likable” guy from the very beginning with a good sense of humor and an optimistic approach to the whole scenario.

As Chris goes through learning the “ropes” of his company, he visits the #1 profit producing store managed by a lady named Dee.  Several scenes in the segment show Dee calling customers by name, asking them about their lives, and even getting a hug from a toddler who “visits” her often when Mommy wants flowers.  Her belief that you should “treat customers as if you are welcoming them into your home” is shown over and over with her interaction with event first time visitors to her flower shop.

It is no wonder her store is the Number One in the nation. She understands the importance of RELATIONSHIPS.

Sales is all about relationships – not manipulation.  Sales is about friendships – not convincing.  Sales is about talking from the heart, not talking someone into something.  Sales is about using the right words – not just the ones that are “SEO Friendly” or “Keywords.” Sales is about caring more about the benefits the OTHER person will receive – not looking at what you yourself will receive.

There will never be a “perfect script” that will work in every scenario.  There will never be a “perfect sales technique” that will work 100% of the time.  There are no “magic words” to close every sale, and there are no “perfect opportunities” to recruit every prospect.

What WILL work more than anything else is talking from the heart, sharing what you love, focusing on other people’s needs, and as Dee said – “treating everyone like they are in her home – they are friends and family.”

Oh, and in appreciation of Dee’s inspiration, Chris designed a beautiful flower arrangement just for her -check out Dee’s Paradise.

Check out CBS to watch all of the episodes of Undercover Boss.

Facebook has become the #1 Online Activity around the world – with over 500 MILLION active users spending over 700 BILLION minutes surfing, chatting, and posting about their lives and opinions.  It has become THE PLACE for finding old friends, connecting old flames, keeping in touch with family, networking, sharing information, meeting new friends, and more!  With the “Live Your Life Online” mentality spreading rapidly, it is becoming second nature to freely speak your mind either via Tweet, Text, or Status Update.  However, as a Party Plan Diva, there are a few things you should NOT do.

1. Dropping the F-bomb. Honestly, there is just absolutely no excuse to use the F word in any social media arena. If you choose to say it on your own time, in the privacy of your home – fine.  But not in public.  I am no prude,  I have been known to drop it a few times myself, but we have an image to uphold as Party Plan Consultants, and it is about time we began holding ourselves to a higher standard.

2. Cussing at all. While we are on the subject, let’s just ban this all together.  Thing is, cussing is still “taboo” and bottom line is that respectful, upstanding people simply do not cuss like pirates.  Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc are PERMANENT.  Once they are out there, you can not get them back.  Professionals can get the same point across without stooping to the level of curse words.

3. Family Drama – Save The Drama For Your Mama! NOT for Facebook.  Remember that you never know who is reading your profile or status.  If you have a prospective recruit “checking you out” before she signs up, and she learns of all of your Baby Daddy, Trifling Sister, Overbearing Mother, Lazy Husband Drama… who wants to associate themselves with that?

4. Joining Facebook Groups that are offensive. I will give the benefit of the doubt that not everyone knows that when you join these groups, or even “Like” these groups – it updates your profile. Though these groups might be “cute” or funny, it is another one of those things that can possibly turn someone off from you.   Be cautious when you are joining or “liking” groups whose topics may offend.

5. Slamming other Party Plan Companies. You know your company is the best.  You know, because you chose it over everything else that is out there.  Here is the thing – we ALL represent fantastic companies.  It is very bad form to insinuate otherwise.  Instead of pointing out other companies faults, highlight what YOU believe makes you better.  Point out what makes you AMAZING.

6. Slamming other Consultants. Whether they are in your same company or another company, they are your SISTERS.  Do not slam other Consultants for any reason what so ever.  Talking poorly to make another Consultant look bad will actually make the BOTH of you look bad.  Her, for whatever you may have said, and you for lacking the professionalism to not be a catty business woman.

7. Drunk photos or videos. I will fully admit that being a Party Plan Consultant comes with some responsibility.  Honestly, I believe it is this responsibility that is what is so significantly lacking in our industry, which continues to let so many people think our job is a “joke” or “scam.”  If you have a throw down free for all with your friends from high school – GREAT.  It is good to let lose sometimes.   But again, if a new Consultant was checking you out – and the first thing she sees is you – three sheets to the wind – with your skirt up to your…. well, you get my point.

8. Sexy Profile Pictures. Ladies, come on.  This is not match.com.  Just because you sell a sexy product, does not mean you need to have a sexy profile picture.  Remember your main clientele is WOMEN – not men.  Women do not want to see you as “sexy” – they want to see you as trustworthy, reliable, knowledgeable, and understanding.  Besides, even if you are single and trying to catch the eye of some dudes via Facebook… independence, professionalism,  and confidence are way sexier than anything provocative will ever be.

9. Reposting the same status as everyone else. So it is Monday, you are exhausted from the weekend, and you see a fantastic Status Update from a Sister Consultant about the new products, hostess rewards and opportunity you have right now.  Resist the urge to copy and paste.  I know, it is tempting.  The problem is if someone has several of your Sister Consultants on their page as well… suddenly the “News Feed” looks like a game of Simon Says. Take the additional 4 seconds, and write the same information in your own words.

10. Bad grammar and misspellings. I want to end on this to stress the importance of Spell Check and proper grammar.   People want to do business with educated people.  You are looked to as the expert in your field.  Proper spelling and punctuation is the very BASIC requirements for a professional image online. Re-read your posts and use spell check if there is any question.  Use the proper words, and the proper time – ALWAYS.  Check out a humorous explanation of commonly misspelled words here.

Bottom line – you are a Business Owner.  Please remember that every moment of every day, especially when it comes to your Online Presence.  As I said before, it is about time we hold ourselves to a higher level of professionalism in this industry.   Look to the top of your company – are the people at the top practicing these rules?  I am wiling to bet money that they are.  Those who are at the top understand these rules, and those who understand them will more easily RISE to the top as well.

I am so excited about the Party Plan Divas Success Seminar 2010 I can hardly stand it!  I spend all day every day talking to new Sponsors, coordinating meals, speakers… oh gosh I am just so excited.

But I can hardly STAND IT when I get a knock at the door, and it is the mailman bringing me stuff like THIS!!!!

Every attendee to the Party Plan Divas Success Seminar 2010 will be receiving a “SWAG bag” of all of the hottest new Home Party Plan Consultant Tools on the market today!

Sponsored by: CardCaddie, EZDisplay, MyGirlfriendsHouse, Jill Hart of Christian Work At Home Moms, MyPictureCookie and MORE!!

If you are a Party Plan Consultant – any where, any company – you should join us for this one of a kind event!!  Three days of Party Plan Training for only $125!  Come Learn How To Party With The Best at the Party Plan Divas Success Seminar 2010!

Name: Ann Odle

EMail: abcspaescape4u@aol.com

Party Plan Company: BeautiControl

Your website url: www.beautipage.com/abcspaescape4u

How long have you been with your current Party Plan Company?: 22 months

Is this your first Party Plan Company? If not, what else have you done?: first one

What inspired you to get into the Home Party Plan Industry? : I loved the products my friend had me try; I mostly joined because of that (not really to sell, just to get the discount). 2 months into it, a friend at work was looking at my products, and signed up on the spot. I felt like I should give it a go after that; I’ve been in retail (part-time) for about 18 years and have always been a good salesperson.

What kind of Corporate Jobs have you had? (or still currently have): I have worked in the Publications Department of a Southern California Community College for 24 years. I have also worked in a variety of customer-service related jobs my whole life–McDonalds (manager) during high school & college; Casual Corner, Ann Taylor Loft, a couple other small retail stores and right now Le Woof Dog Bakery Boutique (www.lewoofshop.com)–all part time.

What have been some of your major challenges with your Party Plan Company? : The hardest part has been introducing my company to others. BC has been around for 30 years, but it seems not to be as popular as the “big” name skin care companies.
The other hard part has been getting bookings; I’m not sure if its the economy in So Cal or just the people I approach (mostly I see colleagues because of my busy schedule) but soooo many people are not interested in the idea of a home party

What have been some of your major successes with your Party Plan Company? : The biggest success I have to date is that I seem to be great at networking. I have gone to several networking functions, and even to some parties for friends, and people know of me–through friends or through posts I have put out there, or places I have had displays.

Describe your typical day right now: Wake up early and get ready for work–every day, depending on which day of the week will dictate which job I am going to. During the week I am very busy at the college, but manage to work a bit on my BC business in between things; on weekends I am on line, on the phone or trying to figure out where I can go to meet people–after I get off work in the late afternoon.

Describe the “perfect” day for you: I have dreams of leaving my full time job and working as a PPD, maybe staying at my part time job (love the doggie store).
I would still wake up early, but wouldn’t have to rush off to work–maybe just walk down the hall & work in my office; have a team meeting with my down lines in the afternoon(the ones I’m still searching for); load my car up for my evening spa party, and have a really successful evening “spa-ing” the guests; the evening would end with a couple more recruits, bookings and great sales.

On those “not so great” days, what is your motivation to keep going with your Party Plan Business? : I try to tell myself that “this too shall pass.” I step away from what I’m doing for a little while and work on something else in my life. It’s amazing how cleaning the windows, or finishing the laundry, or trimming all the roses (I have about 40 rose bushes) will pick my spirits up and bring me back around!

What is one piece of advice you would give a brand new Party Plan Consultant? : Keep at it; nothing in life that is worthwhile is going to be instantaneous or easy. A sense of accomplishment will come when you least expect it–a compliment, and order, a referral. You just have to be ready for it.

Over on the Party Plan Divas Message Boards we often share our different blog posts with one another.  This week, Michelle Wolski a Creative Memories Consultant and Photographer,  who happens to be our Diva Spotlight Saturday this week, posted a great post over on her blog with tips for taking the perfect picture.   An excerpt from her post:

“Have you ever noticed the difference when you get closer to your subject while taking a photo? It eliminates the busy background (or just boring background) and brings the viewer’s attention straight to the subject, which is, after all, the reason you are taking the picture!”

Now, maybe it is just the Coach in me, but I realized immediately when reading this how synonymous this is with everything in our life!

How much time do we spend on “the background?”

When you think about life or your business – how much time and focus are you putting on “the background”- the little mundane tasks that really do not matter or  the zillions of distractions we have thrown at us every day?

It is easy to lose focus in today’s world.  With so many distractions and so many demands pulling you in every direction, getting lost in “the background” can be very easy, and happens to the best of us!  We get distracted with the news, the recession, family issues, house work, friend drama, sickness, children… the list goes on and on.

So how do you regain your focus?  ZOOM IN!

Remember what is important. If you have lost focus, admit it and get back to work.  It happens, we all fall off the wagon sometimes.  But the first step in getting back on is to admit it, and remember what you are striving for.

Keep your eye on the prize. Like in baseball, you have to keep your eye on the ball – or you will strike out.  Keep your goal “in your face” at all times.  Put your Vision Board in your office.  Put pictures in your car, on your vanity, in your wallet – EVERYWHERE – so that you will see it often.

Fade out “the background.” Seriously.  Learn to say “NO.”  Leave the drama for your favorite reality show and surround yourself only with positive, ambitious, focused people and influences.  This one task alone may be the hardest, but will absolutely make the biggest difference.

FOCUS on task. Keep your focus on one task at a time.   The adage of how to eat an elephant – one bite at a time - is so true.  Break your goal down to small “bite size” tasks, and then focus on one at a time.  It is easier to stay on track with small, quick tasks than with one long drawn out goal.

If you have lost focus, don’t beat yourself up.  Just think like a photographer and ZOOM IN!

Yesterday I took the family up to IHOP for brunch … it turned into a Math Lesson ….

Personally I am not sure there is anything hotter than a man explaining algebra to two little girls… but that might be the love talking. =)

Happy Wordless Wednesday!!

I love quotes.  I have sticky notes all over my home and office with quotes that motivate and inspire me.  My favorite quotes always seem to come from sports Coaches – my absolute favorites coming from Vince Lombardi. Noted as one of the best NFL Coaches of all time (NY Giants, Green Bay Packers, and Washington Redskins) Lombardi holds a career record of 105-35-6, including the very first (and second!) Superbowl with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

This week I put together a list of my Top Ten favorite Vince Lombardi quotes.  Some of these you may recognize, but I hope that all of them speak to you.

I would love to hear your favorites in the comments!

The strength of the group is the strength of the leaders.

It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.

If you’ll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your lives.

Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.

The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.

Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you’re willing to pay the price.

Winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is everything.

If you can accept losing, you can’t win.

All right Mister, let me tell you what winning means… you’re willing to go longer, work harder, give more than anyone else.

For all of Vince Lombardi’s greatest quotes, visit www.SimpleTruths.com for “What It Takes To Be A Champion.” written by Vince Lombardi, Jr.

What are some of your favorite quotes to keep you inspired?