Meet Jennifer Lamb!

You know how I love doing these Success Stories.  So many great people out there with amazing stories.

I met Jennifer on Facebook.  I had sponsored a Facebook fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association, an organization dear to me after watching my dad struggle with the disease.  Well, Jennifer donated - even though we were barely acquainted on Facebook.  I messaged her to say thanks and we started talking.  That's when I discovered her fabulous gift business!  And just in time because my anniversary is in a few days and I ended up having her make me one of her folded books for an anniversary gift.  They are so beautiful - and Jennifer is so sweet - I knew I had to share her and her business with everyone else.  So here she is!  Meet Jennifer Lamb!

1. Tell us about yourself. Well.. In short… but never easy to talk about… I was badly bullied all my life; through school, in relationships and also in the workplace, and alongside that I was going through a divorce and suffering acute anxiety and panic attacks.

Things came to a head and I was forced to sell my house, which was the catalyst, and I FELL!!!

 I ended up absent from work, suffered a breakdown and was prescribed an Anti-depressant to help control the attacks and to regulate my sleep (I was an active, healthy body and minded woman before).

 3 years passed, a cancer scare, tests and a big operation to rectify my medical issues, and then I felt ready to come off the tablets with my doctor’s guidance after moving house (yes it was actually easier than I thought after 20 years in the same home) and finally finding some peace. A few months along the road of being almost tablet free I slipped into what is called ‘anti-depressant withdrawal’; memory loss, slurred speech, inability to walk except to the right, cognitive loss and focus were slipping away fast plus a whole host of other terrifying symptoms.

 Post stroke symptoms were present, despite not having had the stroke itself, and it is widely known (except I hadn’t heard about this myself) that origami is a very successful therapy to alleviate many of the ‘post stroke type’ symptoms associated with withdrawal of this kind... and so I began book origami, having heard about it and being curious enough to try it (plus any form of origami would probably help I was told so why not!)  

And so Jen’s Books on the Bay was born. Accidentally, after just simply posting 3 photos to a gardening group on Facebook the demand for my books began and I was so pleased that something I had made was popular and people wanted to buy them. Who would have thought!

My handmade gift business not only brought me back to full health but is now my unexpected little business dream, in reality.

2.  Tell us about your business.   My business is named Jen’s Books on the Bay and is an online gift shop; our main product is the book art/folded books that are made to order and can be gifted for any occasion you like. You can custom order any word, name, date or year and many picture silhouettes. We also stock inspiration LED trees and make custom baubles containing swirls of paper that are printed with anything you like i.e. Quotes, names, national flags, language symbols or pictures of choice. Also we have a range of Paper Mache figures including musicians and animals and custom orders are also welcomed.

3. Why did you start your own business?  As the story above tells, my business was born accidentally and has got to be one of the best things that ever happened to me by accident.  I was originally beginning a brooch/button wedding bouquet business which was launched JUST BEFORE I became ill with anti-depressant withdrawal so it is not something that is mentioned very often, as books keeps me so very busy, around my full time job as a Headteacher’s P.A. but it IS still something that I will be looking to reintroduce as an available service once I leave my day job, to work my dream as a full time venture.

4. How did you choose this particular niche?  I didn’t choose my niche, health needs made it fated to be the path I would take and I certainly don’t have any complaints about how things have turned out.  I truly now do believe that everything is meant to happen to us for a reason.

5. What do you like most and least about being your own boss? 

I like being my own boss because I can choose how, when and where I spend my working day and each day is different. For example, if I have spent the previous day measuring and prepping books to be folded, I will go and place myself somewhere public during the folding process so that conversations can be started and future sales.. People love seeing the books being folded and ask questions during the process so I can do this in various places i.e. cafes, public gardens and parks and will be doing this more in the future once working my business full time.  I am fair to myself and don’t suffer from the influences of others who maybe don’t have my best interests at heart which sadly has been my experience in the past.  The  only thing that springs to my mind as a ‘down side’ to being my own boss is that sometimes working from home can be isolating but only if you let it. For me it is also something that is necessary for health reasons and will become my full time way of life in September.

6. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?   To run a successful business I believe self-discipline is an absolute must and you have GOT TO keep pushing yourself forward, and out of your comfort zone a little every day to progress. I strongly believe that no matter the pace or speed it takes, progress IS progress so it is important to remember to keep going and that it will take time.  Organizational skills for both hands on and your time are CRUCIAL in any business and it is something that I don’t struggle with.  I am used to multi-tasking in my day job and a busy environment where calm is the ultimate key to success.

7. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?  The most difficult part of being an entrepreneur, although it is still early days for me, I feel is the unknown financial implications this can have.  It is a safe feeling when you have a regular amount of pay coming in when you are in a day job working for others and the unknown income from working for myself full time is something that will take time to adjust to and hopefully it will settle into a pattern of income that allows some peace of mind.

8. Do you have any resources that you have used to build your business that you would recommend?  The education/training platform that I use is my biggest resource; alongside my own life experience and support from others that I have met along the way. Coaching or mentoring is something that I will be looking to take up next to give me professional help with structuring my business and forward plan its growth.  I can also call on my life experiences for resources too and this will help others as I can relate to many issues by calling on personal challenges I have faced already.

9. Do you have any tips to share on promoting yourself?  Attraction marketing is definitely a tip I would give to promote yourself.  Meeting people and starting conversations are key as you never know where they will lead. I use interactive posts and paid ads on my business pages to spread the word that we are there and ready to help make gifting easier. I will also be very keen to share with others the things that have helped me to get healthy in both mind and body and using my online business as the platform for this too.  Also, don’t be scared to try and REACH.. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it is life and it is a learning curve for us all so no one expects perfection all of the time.

10.  What other advice would you like to share with someone starting their own business?  To anyone out there who is thinking about starting their own business I would definitely firstly say to them STOP THINKING ABOUT IT AND JUST DO IT.  I wish I had done this earlier and that it hadn’t taken me getting ill to spark my dreams into reality.  If you are worried about the money then work it in your free time, around your work and family, with whatever time you have spare and go from there.  This way you are at least starting to do it, meeting people and gaining skills that will stay with you and help you progress. I will also be very keen to share with others the things that have helped me to get healthy in both mind and body and using my online business as the platform for this too. In my heart I know that looking back on this next year, I will wish I had done it sooner. I love the quote I saw recently which says ‘you are NOT too old and it is NOT too late!’

11.  How can we contact you to learn more about your products and services?

I am reachable in many ways and the links are below:

https://www.facebook.com/Jens-Folded-Books-on-the-Bay-341276282664026  to order your gifts from me, including custom orders

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JensBooksOnTheBay1 for faster ordering with click and buy

jensbooksonthebay@gmail.com  for absolutely anything and to say hello

jenlamb247@gmail.com for help with mindset, encouragement and anything that will help to get you started in business

     

https://www.instagram.com/jenlamb247  to follow us on Instagram

It Works!

“Network marketing is not a real business. Why would I want to get involved with it?” This is one of my favorite questions. Someone is looking for an inexpensive way to start a part-time business. They think network marketing may fit the bill. But they are afraid it may be too good to be real. It’s your job to show them the many benefits of having a network marketing business.
There are hundreds of reasons to join a network marketing business. You have been downsized and can’t find a new job. You would like to retire but can’t afford to. Your health won’t allow you to continue in your current job and you don’t know what else to do. You would like to spend more time with your children. You have to replace the income of an ailing spouse. Or maybe you’re just tired of working all day for someone half your age that makes 3 times what you do.

These types of programs feature a low upfront investment – usually only a few hundred dollars for the purchase of a product sample kit–and the opportunity to sell a product line directly to the people you know. Most network marketing programs will also ask you to recruit sales reps who will become your downline. As their recruiter, you’re entitled to earn commissions on their sales as well.

Many famous entrepreneurs like Warren Buffett, and Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki are either directly involved in network marketing businesses themselves or recommend it to their followers. And if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.

Many recognizable brand names – Tupperware, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Avon, Melaleuca, Ariix, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One, Skinny Body Club – fall under the network marketing umbrella. Some of these companies have been in business for years. Melaleuca has been in business for 30 years. And

what woman hasn’t tried or at least heard of Avon? My own mother was a Tupperware representative. She didn’t stick with it very long, but right next door to us was a woman who put three kids through college as a Tupperware representative.


  

Residual Income Secrets from a Home Business Legend

You got attracted to the home business industry for its “sipping out of a coconut money” and walk away residual income.  How has that worked out for you?  Are you living that lifestyle yet?  Don't worry.  Neither are most network marketers. 

The advertisements showed cars, yachts, and beaches, but the masses are still scrambling to afford beer and peanuts. Why is that?  Was it all a lie? Are the whispers true?  Network marketing really is just a scam? 

Nope!  It's just that most people involved in MLM focus on recruiting not retention.  But retention is where the money is!

This Wednesday industry legend Diane Hochman shows you her simple secrets to CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT… More using a few simple tools and fun techniques.

The secret to residual income is NOT getting em...its KEEPING them.

Do not miss this totally FREE webinar!

Wed, Jun 14, 2017 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM CDT.

Register here! 

See you there!

Let's Dream Together

--Guest post by Shelli Barnette


One of the things I love to do is help other network marketers discover the world of online marketing.  Right now, I am holding the 90 Day Ninja Marketing Blitz.  We are having a ton of fun!  And learning the skills necessary to become true Ninja Marketers!  One of those skills is blogging and I have invited all of the participants to do a guest post on my blog while they get their own blog set up.  So read on and meet Ninja Marketer Shelli Barnette!

Let's Dream Together 

Happy Friday everyone.  My name is Shelli. I am 50 years old, married to a wonderful husband and my best friend. I have a son, stepson, and became a proud MawMaw  2 years ago to my beautiful Anneliese.

Today is my first day of blogging, and I have a couple of reasons to embark on this new adventure. First, I want everyone to know where I've been and my purpose for my final days on earth. Second, my goal is to inspire all my readers to dream big and don't settle for mediocrity; because there is so much opportunity available out there .

I was married at 18, started nursing school and became a nurse at 20.  I  had a baby at 20 and started my nursing career!  Boy, was that a busy 2 years; but well worth it.

I have been a nurse for 30 years, so I have devoted my life to caring for others.  I've helped people live. I've helped people die. I've laughed with, cried with and comforted 100's of patients and families. I've had to walk out of the operating room and tell a daughter she was not going to be able to say goodbye to her mother. I've held a demised baby in my arms attempting to comfort a mother who tried to get pregnant for 10 years.  I've carried limbs to the morgue and I've prayed with a mom watching her 21 year old daughter die. Nursing......wow the most rewarding profession; yet some of the most devastating of life's events.

My heart and soul has been devoted to helping others and I now know I have the ability to change lives, in a different capacity, with something that was shared with me by a colleague on Feb. 16th, 2017.  I believe, with everything in me, what I have to share with others will affect their health,well-being and financial security.

Before we go further though, I would like to ask a few questions to my readers.  Where are you in your life and are you exactly where you want to be health wise, family wise financially and spiritually?  What would be one thing you would change today if you could?  Why?  Do you have a bucket list? What are your goals?  What are your fears?  Can you answer these questions and if not, why?

Life is a journey and we only get one shot. Some people settle, some people exist, some people excel.  Who are you?  We all get caught up in the day to day.  We think it's the only way because no one is challenging us to be better, to dream bigger or step outside the box. Why? Are you afraid?

That is why I am here today writing and I am happy you decided to read this .  I want to be the person to instill change in you. I want to be your cheerleader. I want to help you reach your goals and inspire you to answer those questions you have never thought about.  Why?  Because remember, we have only one shot at this thing called life and there are incredible opportunities out there to give you an amazing ending to look forward too.

So, I challenge each of you to find your answers, and my goal is to partner with you to help you reach those goals and live the best life left to live.  It will happen. It is possible....if YOU choose it.
Stay tuned......
Dream BIG,
Shelli

I Know Some REALLY Smart People!

I have so many really smart people as friends.  People that have learned a thing (or three) about building a meaningful and profitable business.


I asked these clever folks a question.  "What's your best biz tip?"


Today I'm sharing their answers.  Lots of good stuff here!


"Be willing to do stuff most won't do...which starts with being willing to BE who most others won't be.  One other...let go of the need of anyon's approval." - Larry Hochman


"Be consistent, show up everyday, do things that make you uncomfortable." - Rhonda Clark


"Stay alive one more day!" - Ken McArthur


"Never stop learning and growing." - Brian Basilico


"Create and maintain a great network of friends...especially giving, thoughtful ones." - Mary Eileen Williams


"Be coachable!" - Robin Smith


"Make self care the highest priority." - Wendy Y Bailey


"Pay attention to details and what your customers are telling you." - Steve Abshier


"Give away as many small valuable gifts (as perceived by others) as you possible can daily.  Givers get rewarded and givers make sales." - Rob Canyon


"Write your own script, in your life and in your work." - Shelley Krehbiel


"Have a plan, then work to bring that plan to reality.  Don't get sidelined by unexpected happenings." - Bea Kunz


"Focus on what makes you happy.  Give 100% and understand that you can't do it all.  You have to pick and choose." - Brian G. Johnson


"Love yourself, love others, respect each other's unique qualities." - Heidi Caswell


"Show up and be YOU.  Have an attitude of service." - Felicia Slattery


"Go the extra mile for your clients and they'll share your helpfulness for miles." - Joyce Mason


"I believe the greatest success comes from strong relationships that we build personally and professionally.  Truly caring for others and living your life with the highest integrity within those relationships." - Julene Franz (Hello Gorgeous! of HOPE Inc)


"Two things: have a plan written (yearly, monthly, weekly, daily)...and consistently stick to the DMO until you have gotten a certain level of result before trying to be fancy shmancy.  (Hint: talk to people, talk to people, talk to people...also known as master the basics."  Jennifer Roopenian


"Never give up." - Richard Weiler


"Whatever you are doing, find the 'why'.  If it isn't a big enough 'why', look deeper until you find it.  Your 'why' is your motivating and driving force." - Andy W Shepherd


"Margin is as vital as Momentum." - Carrie Owensby Wilkerson


"Start with a plan...put it in writing, add a timeline and get started!  Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today to get you closer to reaching your goals." - Heidi Richards Mooney


"Communicate genuinely." - Kerry Stricker


"Look at every opportunity to promote your business." - Joyce Holden Wheeler


"And of course, this doesn't just apply to your life...but to your business also.  Good to keep it in mind! 'Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing on one's own sunshine...'  Ralph Waldo Emerson." - Penelope Jane Whiteley


"Choose to do one thing each that will make a difference in YOUR life and the life of another." - Heshie Segal


"One quote that has always served me well is 'If it is to be, it's up to me.'  Just roll up your sleeves and do it!" - Linda Gracy


"Put your dreams above your fears, draw your line in the sand and know that failure is not an option.  You got this!!!" - Lynn Allen-Johnson


"Truly love and care about your prospects and customers.  Develop intimate relationships and listen closely to them with your heart.  Find out their problems or their pain, and offer them real solutions.  People don't care how much you know...until they know how much you care!" - Jeannie Levinson


So...I'm sure you were expecting all sorts of advice on how to market, or where to advertise.  Does it surprise that most of these tips - all from entrepreneurs that are at the top of their professions - have more to do with mindset, relationships, and communication than actual skills?  These are the things that will make or break your business.  I can teach you the skills.  But the rest has to come from within you!


Ready to get your mindset straight?  Join us on our daily wakeup call!  Monday - Friday.  11:00am EST.  512-807-0222.  See ya there!  And if you want to hang out where many of these cool people hang out, here is where we are!

Make Your Home Office Family Friendly

One of the reasons you chose to work from home was to spend more time with your family, am I right?  Perhaps you were working outside the home and began to resent those lost hours to the point you were getting jealous and angry. You are not alone. Many people find a work-at-home situation soothes the stress they were feeling and is the ideal solution for their family life.

Creating a family friendly home office is one of the tasks you have in front of you. It is a delicate balance to try to achieve. On the one hand, you need to get your work done. On the other hand, you want to enjoy your family. Is there a way to do both? Let's take a look at some suggestions.

Cozy

Nothing says relax like a big comfy sofa. It also serves as a 'magnet' to draw the kids together in one cozy area away from your desk. Have blankets and pillows handy for short naps or cuddling. Invite the family in after school to relax and catch up on their day. For pre-school children, keep a box of toys and books handy to keep them busy while you wrap up loose ends. If your home office isn't large enough for a sofa, throw down a rug with a couple bean bag chairs or big pillows. The object here is to have an inviting place to welcome your family into your surroundings, but still separated from your work area.

Busy

Put a coffee table or small kitchen table and some good lighting in your office separate from your desk to make a homework spot for your school age kids. Use the same idea for your pre-school children and include lots of art supplies so your young children can 'work' while you do. If room isn't available for a table, get out those old TV tables you have stored and put them to good use, then fold them and store them away again until needed.

Food

Snacks and beverages are especially important when kids arrive home from school. Children are hungry after a long day, and hunger creates unhappiness. Rather than leave your office to fix them something in the kitchen, have a small supply of snacks and drinks ready in your office space. Consider having a small refrigerator in your office to complete the welcoming feeling, and for convenience. Serve snacks picnic style for fun and your kids will know they can relax and enjoy their food in your company.

Rules

Having a family friendly office does not mean there are no rules involved. There will be times when you will need your office to yourself, and this needs to be made clear from the beginning. If you have a set schedule, you can post your hours on the door for all to see. You may want to have a 'Welcome' mat to put outside the door when everyone can come in, relax and visit. Save work that doesn't need a lot of concentration for those 'family times.' Be clear about the rules and arrange your work time so you can enjoy your office and family both.

 

Isolating yourself in your office and making it totally off-limits to your family may not be what you had in mind when you decided to work at home. If that's the case, you will want to create a home office that is, at least at times, open for visiting. Take time to enjoy the reason you decided to work from home - your family!

Site Structure Basics Every Service Provider’s Site Must Have

Once you have your domain and hosting, and you’ve installed your theme, it’s time to figure out your site structure. For a service provider’s website, that structure typically consists of a few “standard” pages:

• Home – or the front page of your site


• About – where you talk about yourself


• Testimonials – good things previous clients have to say about you


• Services – what you do and for whom you do it


• Contact – how potential customers can get in touch with you


• Blog – where you create content potential clients need to know

Your Home page should let readers know instantly what your site is about. When a new visitor lands on your site, you have only seconds to tell him or her what your business does, so make sure it’s very clear by creating a short, meaningful tagline, using graphics wisely, and prominently displaying your site navigation, so visitors can find what they really need.

Next to your home page, probably the most read page on your site is the About page. For a service provider, it’s important to share a little about you, but even more about what you DO. Don’t make the mistake of telling the world that you’re a stay-at-home mom or that you’re only doing this to earn some money while you look for a real job. Keep it professional, with just a touch of personality thrown in. And don’t forget to include a photo of you.

Next, it’s important to include a services page, so visitors can see exactly what you do. A simple list is fine. Keep in mind that it’s often better to show your expertise in one area than to have a list of 101 things you can do. Potential customers want to know that you’re an expert, not a “Jane of all trades,” so don’t worry that your services list is too short.

You’ll also want to provide a variety of ways people can reach you. On your contact page, it’s a good idea to include a form they can fill out. Contact Form 7 is a flexible, free plugin for WordPress that does the trick nicely. Include an email address as well, and if you can, a phone number. Potential clients will find you much more trustworthy if they know they can reach you by email or phone.

Finally, if you are going to blog on your site, make the commitment to consistency. The last thing you want is for visitors to find an abandoned blog on your site. It will only make it look like you’re no longer in business.
 
One more word about your blog – keep in mind who your audience is. Chances are, it’s not other service providers, so avoid writing blogs about how to get clients, how to market your site, and how to learn new skills. Instead, write about topics of interest to your ideal client. And remember, you don’t have to have a blog to have a successful website, but it is a great marketing tool if you use it correctly.