REBLOG Babes and Bling: My Very First Babes and Bling Giveaway!

I love this giveaway -- PINK earrings!

babesandbling:

And Celia’s second birthday! In order to celebrate our little Celia turing a whopping 2 years old, I’ve decided to do a giveaway! And it’s a doozy! Being the jeweler and gemologist that I am, it better be! I purchased these stones a while back for myself (from a dealer in NYC that works almost...

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Planning a Ladies Night Out and Online Contest

Are you in the Central New Jersey area on May 31st? Do you have a local business and would like to provide a raffle item to promote your products or services with the guests and attendees of this event? Come on out and support the launch of the bamboopink jewelry line! Please e-mail bamboopinknj [at] hotmail.com for more information...

Also, if you are not able to make it to Princeton but place an online order or contact me to place an order of $50 or more by June 1st, you will be entered to win an additional $100 in bamboopink jewelry. To look at the items available, please go to http://www.bamboopink.net/newjersey, click on "SHOP" or "Our Catalog" and enter Consultant  Number 3313.

Why I am sticking with bamboopink

"If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down."

~ Mary Pickford

The launch of bamboopink has been a bumpy ride, as many consultants will attest. Announced dates have had to be pushed back due to technical issues. Problems with jewelry quality have made it difficult to promote initial sales. The Virtual Trunk Show system is not yet available. However, as long as the company resolves these issues, learns from its mistakes, and rebuilds its reputation -- it will be around for the long haul. These are some of the positive reasons I am sticking around with bamboopink:

1. The free preview period is still an attractive option for people looking to explore the option of selling bamboopink, and the fact that the kit and website fees are optional will allow people to earn some money without a large initial investment -- especially once the Virtual system is up and running.

2. The jewelry has a unique look to it and given that it is backed by the JudeFrances name, I am convinced they will fix the quality issues and be comparable to other affordable jewelry lines. As they have promised, they are sending out replacements without asking for any returns of the defective pieces that were initially produced. My hope is that bamboopink will consider the lifetime guarantee that other direct sales jewelry companies offer, and continue to stand by their product going forward.

3. The company leaders have worked hard to listen to our feedback, making changes to their policies and compensation plan in response to our comments -- all positive changes that benefit the consultants. Also, they have been quick and honest in their response to issues. Another positive aspect is that the company leaders have selected key organizations to give back, and have shown sensitivity to consultants in areas that were affected by the tornadoes. While not everything that has been promised has come out as promised YET, I think there will continue to be positive changes in the future. I am going to stick by a company that gives back to the community, is willing to be flexible and listens to what their consultants have to say, and openly acknowledges the mistakes they have made.

That said, here are some quotes on success and failure to help keep us all going:

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

~ Colin Powell

"Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely."

~ Henry Ford

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

~ Thomas Alva Edison

"All my successes have been built on my failures."

~ Benjamin Disraeli

"Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."

~ Sir Winston Churchill

My Bamboopink Couture Box and Compression

Another contest to win an iPad!

Blogelina is giving away an iPad: http://www.blogelina.com/win-an-apple-ipad/!

This site also has great tips, articles on blogging, and connecting you with other bloggers. If you are considering starting your own blog, whether it's for personal or business reasons, I would highly recommend this site as a useful resource.

Setting Goals

I came across this comprehensive article on setting goals, which is something I'd recommend that everyone do in order to create a path for yourself:

Personal Goal Setting - Goal Setting Tools from MindTools.com



MindTools.com highlights some great categories to consider when setting your goals:

• Career - What level do you want to reach in your career, or what do you want to achieve?
• Financial - How much do you want to earn, by what stage? How is this related to your career goals?
• Education - Is there any knowledge you want to acquire in particular? What information and skills will you need to have in order to achieve other goals?
• Family - Do you want to be a parent? If so, how are you going to be a good parent? How do you want to be seen by a partner or by members of your extended family?
• Artistic - Do you want to achieve any artistic goals?
• Attitude - Is any part of your mindset holding you back? Is there any part of the way that you behave that upsets you? (If so, set a goal to improve your behavior or find a solution to the problem.)
• Physical - Are there any athletic goals that you want to achieve, or do you want good health deep into old age? What steps are you going to take to achieve this?
• Pleasure - How do you want to enjoy yourself? (You should ensure that some of your life is for you!)
• Public Service - Do you want to make the world a better place? If so, how?

Once you set your goals, you need to determine steps on how you're going to get there...

A personal touch...

In my last post, I started with a picture of a dollar bill... not very personal. And in most of my posts the pictures have been of the bamboopink jewelry products -- also inanimate representations of my business. However, thinking about what really motivates people and what makes us tick, it's really the human relationships and deeper connections we make that will keep us going and help us go the distance. And sometimes we forget this when we are trying to promote a business or sell a product. For example, one suggestion that has been made to bamboopink consultants is to replace our Facebook profile image with a picture of our new jewelry to promote the company. While I think this has been a great idea to get our friends to notice the new line (and a good way to identify which ones of my friends are bamboopink consultants) in terms of being a team leader and reaching out to potential customers, I think that having a personal image on Facebook will make a much stronger impact in the long run. (Take a look at this Guide to Building Your Personal Brand on Facebook)...

Having a "real" image of yourself is only the first step to giving your online presence more personal touch, and to begin building stronger relationships... Part of developing those relationships is understanding others and how you interact with them. For me, I think it's also about changing perceptions, and also working on developing a softer approach. As someone who is driven by work and motivated by getting results and being productive, I realize that sometimes I forget about what matters. People don't want to be "sold" to -- they want their problems solved. They don't want to be considered a statistic, they want to be recognized for their uniqueness. And in the end, while it might be nice to have a golden nest egg to pass along to your children and future generations -- it's the heartfelt memories, the laughter and tears, the whispered secrets and shared moments that keep the candle burning into eternity.

What motivates you? Would you work for $1 or $100?

So what really motivates people to do things? In a parenting course that I just started, I've learned that kids are taught to be motivated by external motivators (like money or "stickers") when we reward them for what they do. Since I think most of us were raised by being rewarded, I would think that most people work for such external reasons. However, when we encourage our children for doing things such as emphasizing their hard work and effort, or expressing pride in their accomplishments -- then we are positioning them to be influenced by internal motivators (like enjoying what they are doing or getting personal satisfaction). Internal motivators are much more powerful than external ones, and are the ones that truly make us happy and drive us forward.

However, we still do like to make an extra buck -- so this was my idea when my leaders came up with a promotion to see who could come up with the most creative (and effective) idea to post something on our blogs in order to increase our team size (and the winner would receive $200 to implement their promotion)... What if I were to offer the next 100 people who sign up to preview the bamboopink opportunity one dollar each (I'm currently at 116 on my team). If you go to http://www.bamboopink.net/newjersey, you can sign up for FREE. But you'd also get a dollar if I win this promotion. And then, I would also offer to EVERYONE on my team the opportunity to receive the other $100 -- based on whoever increases their own team size the most by the end of May. Would you sign up for the free preview? Would you work to try to invite others to preview the opportunity?

Part of what motivates you may also be the likelihood of you receiving the money. For example, if I said I would definitely give you $1 for signing up (and it only takes a minute), you may be more likely to spend that minute to sign up. But if there were 200 people who could earn the $100, you may think that you don't have a chance to get the $100 and therefore not put any time into trying to increase your team size. Just as bamboopink gives all consultants the opportunity for "unlimited income potential" -- but people who think they cannot really make a significant amount of money will not put in the effort to work the business. However, some people who think they may make only a decent amount of income may put in the effort if they are motivated by other factors: e.g., they're excited about being part of a new business started by a highly successful jewelry designer, or they want to earn a few extra hundred dollars a month so that they can make payments on a new car to go on family trips...

Promotion Winner

Thank you Kim! The promotion was a great idea to motivate people to invest in a Jewelry box, and I will be using the 20% to invest back into the business -- including rewards and promotions for my team members, hosts, and customers.

Enter to win an iPad from bamboopink!

Enter to win one of TWO iPads by entering your comment here:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=216018501745323&comments
(First, register to be a consultant -- Sign up for a FREE preview, no fees charged until after you decide whether you want to work the business)

Make sure to "Like" the official bamboopink Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/bamboopinkbyJudeFrances

Good luck!

Pending the full-blown launch of bamboopink sales...

So it's been a few days since I've posted on this blog, but the team knows from my emails and Facebook postings that things are happening with bamboopink. As with any unknown, there has been both anticipation and trepidation with this venture -- based on excitement about what can happen, and uncertainty about what will happen. However, given all the reasons why bamboopink has been successful even before the launch of company sales, people have continued to put in effort to build their teams and spread the word about the bamboopink opportunity. Now that consultants can reserve an optional "Jewelry Box" (business kit) to order in the near future, the potential to earn extra income with bamboopink is beginning to seem more real. And to increase excitement, the company is running a contest to give away three of these boxes to registered consultants (entries accepted until 4/4 at noon EST)! As the replicated websites are being updated, consultants can still register for a free preview of the system by going to the bamboopink site referred to them, clicking on the "Sign Up" button. When registering for the free preview, there will be no fees charged, but you will be able to earn money during your free preview period if you begin working the business right away. So keep sharing the opportunity and encourage team members to share do the same by growing their base of potential customers, party hosts and hostesses, and more team members in their network.

Don't forget to "Like" the official bamboopink Facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/bamboopinkbyJudeFrances

Tips for launching your bamboopink business

As bamboopink sales and online stores are opening up soon, consultants will need to determine how they want to start off their business.

1. Decide whether you want to have a party in-person
While you can take advantage of the virtual party component for guests who can't make it to your bamboopink party, I think the best way to spread the word initially is to host an event in-person to kick off your bamboopink business. Especially if you have purchased a jewelry box, you'll want to show off the pieces -- but you can also just have a computer open to show your friends all the items that will be posted online -- and ask everyone to look at the pieces on their smartphones when they come over... It'll help create a buzz, and give everyone an excuse to get out and share a bottle of wine with each other.

2. Start creating your list of guests
bamboopink has an invitation system that will send out an email to your invited guests, but a personal note and/or call from you will ensure that you get better turnout to your event (whether it's in-person or just a virtual party). Make sure you have a list with each of your guests' names and email addresses so you can easily enter it into the invitation system, and then also send out some personal emails. Try to have at least 50 people on your list who you will contact personally to invite to your launch party.

3. Invite guests to host a party themselves, and also ask them to join your bamboopink team!
Start filling your calendar with more parties. This is how you will build your sales -- by networking with people outside of your initial network! Let your friends know how important it is for you to fill up your calendar (with virtual and/or in-home events) at the beginning because you are looking to promote to a higher level; and since this is a brand new company, you have a chance to move up very quickly with their help! Also let them know that this company has been rapidly growing the last two months (now at over 23,000 consultants), and that if they'd like to take advantage of the opportunity they can also currently join bamboopink for free (register at: http://www.bamboopink.net/newjersey).

View more bamboopink videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/gobamboopink#p/u

"Like" the official bamboopink Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/bamboopinkbyJudeFrances

New info from bamboopink

The latest press release from bamboopink is on CNBC. Check it out here: 

http://classic.cnbc.com/id/42258205...

About bamboopink: bamboopink is more than jewelry, it's a lifestyle. bamboopink is affordable luxury. It is your very own direct sales business managed by you, which gives you the freedom to create your own destiny. Just like the bamboo plant representing strength and prosperity, along with feminine softness of the color pink, our company is designed to help you grow personally, financially and give you the freedom to blossom. bamboopink provides you the tools to fashion your own future by empowering you with the latest technologies, beautifully designed jewelry and the experience of successful entrepreneurs supporting you every step of the way.

Also, while bamboopink consultants are still able to sign up for free and will not be required to buy any kits to be able to sell online or through virtual parties, there are three jewelry box options that have been posted in the bamboopink back office under the "Forms" section, that should be available to order in the next few weeks for consultants who would like to sell the jewelry through in-home parties or in-person events. The options are the Couture Jewelry Box, the Designer Jewelry Box, and the Fashion Jewelry Box:

*Please Note* Exact items, color of stones and finishes of individual jewelry items may vary (i.e., Silver bamboopink Finish may be substituted for Gold bamboopink Finish). These images are a REPRESENTATION of the quantity of items in each box, actual pieces may vary based on availability.

Internet Social Media Marketing Strategies

 

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  

bamboopink Internet and Social Media Marketing Strategies ("Dos" and "Don'ts") have been posted in the company's online back office. In accordance with corporate guidelines, the URL of this blog has been changed to http://pinkpandasnj.blogspot.com. Consultants who have enrolled for free can view forms, templates, guidelines and other documents in the back office. (To become bamboopink consultants and access the back office, individuals can register at no cost: http://www.bamboopink.net/newjersey)

Please continue reading for details on what consultants should and should not be doing in terms of Internet and Social Media Marketing Strategies.

How does bamboopink compare to other home-based jewelry businesses?

I came across Amy's Home Party Review blog and found this comparison of other home-based jewelry companies: http://www.homepartyreview.com/jewelry-home-party-business-comparison.

Based on the criteria for comparison in Amy's blog, here are the details for bamboopink:

How much does it cost to join?
bamboopink: During the pre-launch phase, consultants are able to sign up for free to view the back office and generate their own URL with bamboopink. Not all information has been released yet, but consultants have been informed that while they do not need to purchase a bamboopink starter kit (also called a "jewelry box"), there will be three options available to them. See my earlier post that provides details on the three kit options which will include various amounts of jewelry and will all include business supplies and marketing materials.

When did the company get started?

bamboopink: The company began opening its free enrollment period to consultants on January 19, 2011 and is planning to officially launch with sales soon (expected date is April 1, 2011).

How many active consultants?
bamboopink: During the pre-launch phase, over 22,000 consultants have enrolled. The number of active consultants will be more clear once the company officially launches their sales.

Commission (for a starting consultant)?
bamboopink: Details of the compensation plan will be released soon, expecting personal sales commissions to range from 20%-30% -- but the company will also pay down up to seven levels, and offer Fast Track, Power Team, and check-matching bonuses.

What are the Sales Requirements?

bamboopink: $500 in 12 rolling months

Here's a sneak peak at some of the bamboopink earrings that will be available to purchase soon!

Why the bamboopink business model is successful... even before the company has launched its products!

 

There are several reasons that bamboopink has been successful at attracting over 20,800 women to join its sales force in just two months -- BEFORE it has even made its products available for sale. I've put together some thoughts on why I think the business model has been so effective, which are also reasons why the company will mostly likely continue to grow at a rapid pace.

1. The company is backed by well-respected and established jewelry designers who have successfully sold to high-end department stores and celebrity customers.
2. The brand name is unique and memorable.
3. The company uses a similar structure as other network marketing and home party companies but puts a spin on their offering by emphasizing the ability to do "virtual" shows in addition to in-home shows -- an attractive proposition for those who do not want to leave their house to sell/buy jewelry.

Some thoughts on Direct Sales and Network Marketing... How to Succeed!

$Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Often companies in direct sales, network marketing and multi-level marketing get a bad rap. People look at the turn-over rates and the low percentages of high-earners, and think that these companies are "scams." 

However, as with any industry, direct sales and network marketing companies are all about numbers. For example, only a small percentage of people will submit a resume for a specific job, then get an interview and then the job -- and an even smaller percentage of those who get jobs will work their way up to becoming an executive with a company. This is not illegitimate, it's simply the way life is structured. In the same way, some people will spend more time working, others will have different priorities (or no priorities)... Usually, only the  percentage that puts in the effort will see the results.

A direct sales/network marketing company will also attract people of different backgrounds and goals. For example, one person may become a part of the company simply because they love the products and just want to get a discount on ordering a kit. Some people will want to sell the products occasionally, and others may work at selling them full-time. And yet another person may want to focus their efforts on introducing the company's products to other people who would be interested in selling -- and work on building a team. Those who reach the top usually need to be able to do both: sell the products, and build a team. In order to succeed in this industry, I believe that consultants need to develop some key traits that will help them do both.

1. Develop a thick skin: Understand that there will be people who say No. Some will not want to buy products, and even more will not want to sell them. Accept the "No" people and keep asking -- you will get to the "Yes" people and those are the ones you want as your customers and team members anyway!
2. Be a team player: Leverage your sponsor and those above. You can't do everything, so ask those above you to help develop your team members. Just like in the corporate world, find a network marketing mentor who can help you work through issues that you may be having.
3. Think creatively, but follow the system. Use different ways to get across the message of the company, and try to reach key target audiences who you think would be interested in the product or business opportunity -- but do what works. Instead of reinventing everything, spend your time taking what has been provided you and being creative in getting it out there.

More info about bamboopink jewelry

About the Jewelry

 

How it’s Made

All bamboopink jewelry is hypoallergenic. This means it is not only nickel, lead and tarnish free, but all earrings have a titanium surgical post as well. bamboopink will random test every shipment of jewelry to insure quality control. The Gold BP Finish pieces are 24 karat gold plated which create the stunning gold shimmer. The Silver BP Finish pieces are plated with the precious metal, rhodium, a member of the platinum family, to create the silver sheen and unique brushed look.

The Signature bamboopink by JudeFrances Love Knot

Inspired by the ancient Celtic and Chinese knot characters symbolizing love, trust and harmony, the bamboopink love knot represents the union of the three unique founders to create one harmonious company. The symmetrical knot is interwoven into itself with no beginning or end—the three founders, Jude Steele, Frances Gadbois, and Debbie Millar, saw this design as a perfect depiction of their partnership and vision for the company: unity, trust and love.

The Jewelry Pieces

All bamboopink jewelry is designed by co-founder, Frances Gadbois. This classic, sexy, elegant and affordable collection starts at $19 with most pieces under $100. Featuring only the finest crystals as well as seasonal colored stones in turquoise, coral and more, bamboopink jewelry will always be on-trend yet classic for everyday wear. The line is composed of a myriad of earrings from hoops to studs to show-stopping chandelier earrings; super chic bangles and bracelets that are perfect for layering; stackable rings as well as bold and funky cocktail rings for day into evening looks; and collectable pendants and chain necklaces which make bamboopink the most versatile fashion jewelry collection around.  

ALSO...

While it is not mandatory to purchase a "jewelry box" to market and sell bamboopink as a consultant, there will be three options available for purchase soon.

Our bamboopink jewelry boxes are offered at three levels and include all the tools you need to start and successfully run your bamboopink business.

Just posted on Facebook by bamboopink, another preview picture!

As bamboopink has just posted on Facebook:

The time is almost near! Here is another stunning sneak peak of the bamboopink jewelry collection. These gorgeous cocktail rings come in the Gold BP Finish and Silver BP Finish accented with exquisite crystals, pearls, and on-trend turquoise stones!

Quality of bamboopink jewelry

This just posted on the official bamboopink Facebook page:

READY FOR EXCITING NEWS! All bamboopink jewelry is hypoallergenic. This means it is not only Nickel, Lead, and Cardamom free, we random test every shipment to make sure ….but all earrings have a titanium surgical post as well. The Gold BP Finish pieces are 24 karat gold plated which create the stunning gold shimmer. The Silver BP Finish pieces are plated with the precious metal, rhodium, a member of the platinum family, to create the silver sheen and unique brushed look.

bamboopink Videos and links!

• Video of private launch party:  Bamboopink Party
• News clip: Bamboopink Business Opportunity
• “Opportunity” video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XWQ0z0fjwk
• Official bamboopink Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/bamboopinkbyJudeFrances
• Enroll for free:  http://www.bamboopink.net/newjersey

bamboopink has made it to Times Square!

The world has been told about our launch... Don't wait to jump in the game! Take advantage of the opportunity and expect bamboopink to become a household name brand. Sign up for free to view more information in the back office: http://www.bamboopink.net/newjersey

The explosive growth of bamboopink!

Over 13,500 women and men (in less than 4 short weeks) have DECIDED to make bamboopink the #1 internet company opportunity of choice (2,300 on our Team Leader's group alone)!!! Sign up at http://www.bamboopink.net/newjersey or email bamboopinknj@hotmail.com to learn what the buzz is all about!


Also, welcome our newest family member, Micah (born on 3/4/11) -- we look forward to watching him grow as team bamboopink grows too!

See a Sneak Preview of Bamboopink Jewelry

Check out this interview with my team leader, Kim Davis, who is in Tennessee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpNs0QvtmXo&feature=player_embedded

And a video that shows some of the line that is going to be available for sale in April: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UeB1BWUQg0&feature=player_embedded

Opportunity

Here's the email you can send to your friends:

1. Customize it with your own info (make sure to change the text in red and include the Information Sheet and Story PDFs as attachments (find them in the bamboopink Back Office under "Forms")
2. Update the links to go to your own site once you get your own website (you can get a free URL at): http://www.bamboopink.net/newjersey

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, (or "Dear Friends and Colleagues,")

I am reaching out to you because I came across your listing on a vendor shows where I also list my business, and thought that you might be interested in a new venture that I think is a great opportunity for women and men to build a business based on an innovative "hybrid" model with a multi-faceted compensation plan. Personally, as a full-time marketing professional (currently on maternity leave with our second child), I also have been juggling a part-time business doing home parties and vendor shows -- so having been introduced to this opportunity last month, I truly believe it will be an explosive company that will help many people earn a significant income. 

The company officially launched on 3/15, but is still in the process of releasing key information such as their aggressive compensation plan. During their pre-launch phase, consultants can enroll for free and view their back office and get started building their teams without any sign up fee! There is still a window of opportunity to enroll with bamboopink at no cost, so you can begin taking advantage of their back office resources. (To enroll, go to: http://www.bamboopink.net/newjersey). 

Notes from Conference Calls on Monday February 28, 2011

A. Paul's call

• Over 1000 women a day at one point becoming a part of Bamboopink, and launch has had over 8000 people enroll in first month.

• Never judge who would potentially be a representative or customer, send out an email that encourages all of your friends and contacts to:

1. Get info on the company (share JudeFrances current designer jewelry)
2. See images of bamboopink jewelry line
3. Witness the fastest growing launch of an online jewelry company in the United States

• Financial model has to work, and the business has to be easily replicable -- try to get a radio personality and other people with wide reach -- can make thousands a month will explode business to $millions of sales...