It's Not Just the Product, it's the Process

Any of you that have followed my blog for any length of time have, no doubt, heard me refer to something that Laura over at the Org Junkie has said, written, or done.  She is probably the biggest online Organizing Icon that I am aware of.

Well, friends, I'm going there again.  As you know, I am a Founding Consultant with Clever Container and we have a few mottos that I am all too proud to repeat.  One is "Organizing Just Got Fun", and the other is "It's Not Just the Products, it's the Process"

Well, ealier this month, Laura went into detail about the PROCESS.  She cleverly uses the word as an acronym and really spells out and clarifies the organizing process in a well thought through way.  Throughout the various steps, Laura provides links to earlier posts of hers in which she delves in even deeper to that particular component of the process.  Brilliant.  Really.  You really need to make the time to read this through.  Follow the link by clicking the picture and go to her site to read through.  Make sure to click through the links and read the details that lie therein.  You won't be sorry.

(http://orgjunkie.com/2012/01/the-organizing-process-is-your-force-use-it.html)

While you are at her blog, check out The Challenge.  I think I'm going to participate.  I think I'll get my laundry room organized.  Let me know if you decide to join The Challenge too!  Post a comment below.

Hurry, though.  The Challenge begins on February 1st.

Welcome Planner Perfect followers!

I'd like to welcome you to my blog.  If you have a chance, feel free to browse around and glean whatever you can from the various posts.  During the last 100 days of 2011, I challenged myself to post one tip each day - and I am pleased to share that I was able to do that!  (LOVE when I meet a goal!)  Those tips can be found by clicking HERE.

I am so happy to have you smart woman that follow Jenny stop by to check out what I have to offer!  I am in awe of Jenny and how well she does the art of homemaking!  I feel so blessed to have happened upon her site, through BlogFrog, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to have a moment in front of her readers.

For my regular followers - you, too, are in for quite a treat.  But, first, let me tell you that Jenny, from Planner Perfect, has done a review of one of my Clever Container products, the Purse Organizer, over on her BLOG, and is hosting a giveaway.  Head over HERE and enter today!  While you are there, check out all the wisdom that you can find on her site - and make sure that you follow her as well.

I have also been given the opportunity to check out Jenny's Planner Perfect, Planner. From the moment it arrived in the mail, I knew this was going to be a life changer for me.  Jenny is really on to something here!  Unlike any other planner out there, this planner is meant to really plan what you want your LIFE to look like - not just another method to keeping track of all of you and your family's activities.  The quality of the binder and the contents are top shelf, and the ebook that comes with it promises to have me doing my life differently.  No, not just differently . . . BETTER.

Over the next few months, I am going to implement the strategy and thought process Jenny shares in her Planner and then, my dear readers, I am going to post updates so that you can see how this has helped shape my upcoming days in 2012!!

I hope you are excited.  I know I am!!

Travel WITH your office!

Here is one of the products that everyone at my shows always loves!

Product Picture from www.warriormama.com*

This is one of the higher price point products in our catalog (although it is worth every penny!) - BUT, did you know that this product can be yours for FREE?!  You can host a show - in person with me if you live in the Chicagoland area - or a catalog show if you do not live close by.  Email me at Fun@CleverColleen.com to learn more about that option, I'd love to help you get this item for yourself.

Just want it without hosting a show and willing to purchase it right now?  Simply head over to my shop , click the Shop Now! button on the top right and then search for sophisticated file tote.  This file tote comes in pink (pictured), black, and brown!!

* Lisa, another Clever Consultant, wrote a blog post about this product today as well.

Check out her post HERE.

SUPRISE SPECIAL! Don't miss it!

Go to www.clevercontainer.com/colleen and check out the special TODAY only on our EXCLUSIVE new product, the Clever Cache! Only $10 today, normally $22.  Shipping is only $3 too!!  GO! :-)

What is on special this month?!? Details below. . .

Clever Colleen's May Customer Special

Can't pass this one up!  Isn't it gorgeous?!?!?  Qualify to purchase the Bloom Pretty File Tote for only $10.00 when you purchase $35 in regularly priced merchandise (not including shipping & handling).  Fashionably and safely stash your paper away in this beautiful file tote. Accordion construction with eight sections. Regularly sells for $19.95 Available to you during the month of May for only $10.00!

NEW FALL PRODUCTS!!

Click on the flyer above to open the PDF file and you can choose to save it or print it right from your computer!!

Clever Colleen
Founding Consultant
http://www.clevercolleen.com/

Cleverly Continuing. . . .

It has been a long time since I've updated my readers on my Clever Container business and how it is progressing. Too long. Well, I'm pleased to report that the team is growing. . . and growing . . . and growing. I actually have a fourth generation downline now. For those who are not familiar with the direct sales market, I am an Upline leader and those that I personally recruit into this incredible business are my downline. Anyone that those individuals recruit and in their downline and my second generation. And on and on. So, a fourth line is pretty cool. :-)

I have a few real super stars on my team right now. These ladies are absolutely amazing (and you know how you are). Don't want to single anyone out in print, for fear I might hurt the feelings of others on my team - and the thing is that we are an awesome team! I have been blessed with some super talented individuals, there is no doubt about that. So, team building is great - I think my team is around 33 right about now. :-) Sales. . . well, I'll admit that summer did slow down sales a bit. Both for me personally and for many on Team Garcia. However, I didn't have any trouble meeting my personal monthly sales goals, even with the slower pace. I honestly appreciated the slow down. . . it was good for me and my family as well. Speaking of family, we had a great time at Northland Family Camp in Dunbar, Wisconsin earlier this month. We try to make this a yearly tradition. It is always alot of fun for us all!! If you are up for this type of family vacation, I'd highly recommend it. . . however, this next summer the camp will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, so you might want to make that decision sooner than later!

If you are a new reader and aren't sure what business I'm referring to, please take a minute to check us out!! My web page is www.CleverColleen.com and I am a Founding Consultant with Clever Container - the only DSA approved company that markets incredible organizational products to help solve the most common organizing issues in your home, your car, your office, and your life!! Check us out today.

Team Garcia In The Lead!!

I am so excited, I just have to brag! I have the best group of women on my team - Team "Gar-See-Ya At the Top"

In case you are unfamiliar with me, this blog, or my business, let me explain a bit about me and Clever Container. We are the only DSA approved company that markets incredible organizational products for your home, your car, your office, and your life! I joined as a Founding Consultant in December of 2008 (first show was January of '09) In July of 2009, we had a huge growth jump in the company, when we were featured on Good Morning America. My team started to really gain some momentum during those months and it started to become clearer to me what my role as a Leader with Clever Container would be. I now have a very healthy (and continually growing) team of over 25! I love the new responsibilities of leading and look forward to making a great number of improvements in the way I encourage and train the team members that I have been blessed with.

We are still a relatively new company. There are currently three team lines that lead directly up to home office. . . Team Berger (Geri is incredible!), Team Schallon (Rachel is one of the sweetest people I ever met!), and then Team Garcia (that would be me. . .) During the previous month of May, home office challenged us to have a friendly team competition. There were numerous ways to earn points, and it was not strictly a sales numbers game. Participation involved things like posting a discussion on our message board to booking three shows on your June calendar. I really thought that Team Garcia consisted of some incredibly talented people, but I was feeling intimidated as both of the other two team leaders have acheived Director status, and I have not as of yet.

However, the team pulled together and participation was really encouraging and I really had a good feeling during the month. Still, doubt would creep in.

So, tonight was the recognition call. This is it. . . we are going to find out who won. Go ahead, guess who won. Three guesses, and the first two don't count (I never did like that saying).

YEP!! Team Garcia came in FIRST PLACE!! Woo-Hoo.

Thank you to all of you on my team. Love Ya! You know who you are!! :-) You are the BEST! {{{HUGS}}}

Now I have to get some sleep. My oldest is doing "behind the wheel" with an instructor tomorrow morning. Yikes. Prayers are appreciated!

Cleverly Continuing. . . .

Well, things have been steadily growing along with my Clever Container business. I currently have 22 active consultants on "Team Garcia" It has been such fun to see how it seemingly has a life of its own.

While it has been challenging for me to find the time I'd desire to work my business as I'd like, I still have managed to keep plugging away. While April was sadly void of shows, my May has been alright and my June seems to be shaping up to be amazing! I'm currently working on booking shows into July and August! :-)

Organizing is really a need that most, if not all, people struggle with! I have been working very hard on getting more organized myself. My friend, Colleen, with Organizing for your Peace of Mind (www.peaceofmindpo.com) has been helping me with my "Laundry Process" (how many of you think of laundry as a "process"?) and will also be helping me with my bedroom closet. I really desire to have this spring and summer be the time that I finally get a handle on things. Now, I realize that I will constantly be in the process, I would love to find the point where I feel more in control. I'm getting there.

What about you? Where are you at in your organizational journey? Would Clever Container be able to assist you in taking a step or two forward? Let me know. I would love to help! :-)

Teleconference on the Clever Opportunity!

Tonight, Tuesday, March 23rd at 8:30 p.m. (cst), I am leading a teleconference call on which I will outline all of the benefits of becoming a Clever Container consultant!  If you are interested in joining the call, please email me at Fun@CleverColleen.com right away so that I can get you the call-in information.  I'd love to have you join us!  Feel free to share the information if you know of someone else that would love to add to the family purse simply by getting more organized, sharing that information, and going to parties!

Not able to join us on tonights call but still want to know more?  Here's the low-down in a nutshell:

As a Clever Container consultant, you'll be able to offer your customers a vast range of organizing solutions and processes while earning a competitive base commission of 25%. Our parties will be packed with organizing tips, trends and fun ideas and our themed show ideas are bound to help you obtain repeat business and bookings! That is just the tip of the iceberg.  There are so many reasons to take a closer look at joining our company! Here are just a few more:

• No inventory - your starter kit is all you need
• No deliveries - orders are delivered directly to the home of the hostess
• Pay Yourself the night of the party - enjoy an instant paycheck. You do not have to wait until the end of the month to get paid
• Business is in demand - Organization and De-cluttering is a top priority for 90% of Americans and a $4.36 billion industry per year
• Ground Floor Oppt'y - With only a few hundred consultants across the country (and maybe none in your state yet!) there is still PLENTY of room for YOU! This is truly an opportunity to build a successful business which provides income for you and your family for years to come
• Low Quarterly minimums - $300 a quarter is all you need to sell to stay an active consultant
• Flexible Hours - You decide when YOU want to work
• Low StartUp costs - two kits are available, so for only $99 or $199 plus tax, you will receive $200 or $450 worth of products (respectively) and business supplies
• Free Hostess Rewards - you do not have to pay for hostess gifts. Our hostesses receive free and half-priced items for qualified parties, all paid for by our Company
• Free Training - Our National Sales Director personally offers monthly tele-trainings and weekly e-newsletters
• No territories - You can sell anywhere in the United States. Build your business where you choose. Be part of and develop a nationwide team!

Many opportunities await you. Check out http://www.clevercolleen.com/ for more information on this exciting business that YOU can do!

Absent, but working hard!

I have been so neglectful of my beautiful blog.  I'm sorry to those few faithful readers I have.  I have been hard at work on my business, in addition to being just very busy in general.  So many exciting things happening!  The home office has been hard at work creating a new consultant website and it is fabulous!!  While they were busy doing that, I've been busy with recreating as well.  Over the next week or so, you will see the unveiling of my own new site!  I am going to have a look that is exclusively mine.  Here is a hint:

Isn't that so cute?  My new website and my blog will both have a streamlined look.  Eventually, my site will even have a store where you can make selections of your favorite Clever Container products!  Speaking of great products, here is a sneak peek at one of the new products that will be in our catalog, which will be coming out by the end of March!  In fact, the Neat Seat is going to be our April guest special!:

Anyway, it isn't an excuse.  It is an explanation.  I have been working hard.  By the end of next week, I hope, you all will be able to see the fruits of my labor.  I'm so excited.  The other thing that is so awesome is that I will have an area on my new website where my team members can login and access a training area all of their own!  I'm planning on having templates and articles and all types of great information available for them to be the very best business builders they can!  Ooohh, I can't wait!

I partcipated in the Valentines Day Swap hosted by The Mommy Files and I'm so excited.  It was alot of fun.  My husband didn't quite understand it, but that's alright.  I thought it was great and I'd most likely participate in the next swap as well.  I can't remember the last time I was given a box FULL of goodies like that!  It was a real treat, and the kids had just as much fun going through the contents as I did.  You can read more, and hopefully view pictures on Sunday, when I post my Valentines Day Swap posting.

I didn't know I was supposed to take pics, so some of the items have been "processed" (like eaten), but those that I still have around, I will take pictures of!

Filing Tips and 2 New Team Members

Have I told you all about my newest Clever Container team members?  Jennifer signed on yesterday, so I know I didn't tell you about her, but I may have told you about Stephanie.  Well, I have two new ladies on my team and I am so excited to watch them grow their home businesses.  It is always so exciting to me when someone new signs on.  The excitement of the consultant to really do well with her business is inspirational and encouraging for me as well!  Good attitudes and intentions are contagious, aren't they?


Hey, I also wanted to share a filing tip with everyone. . . I came across this great article from Freedom Filers (which is a good product), and it has loads of great filing information for you even if you don't have their system.  http://www.freedomfiler.com/LearningArticles.cfm This article is 4 full pages of detailed information on a great way to set up your filing system.  Of course, I am also a huge fan of the Clever Container exclusive product, PANIC No More, which is Clever Container's President, Karen's system for dealing with the day to day papers that come in our homes.  The PANIC No More is featured on page 17 of the online catalog, which can be viewed here.

PANIC No More

Great Shows

Business is rolling right along now.  I had a great show this past weekend (thank you, Annette!) and then another show in an office setting (thank you Jack and Stephanie), which was not the normal setting, but alot of fun none-the-less.

Both home shows that I had these last two weekends had a show booked from them, so my February is looking good as well.

I did get one piece of bad news, however.  I was so excited about the fundraiser I was going to be working this month and next.  Unfortuately, the executive board elected not to use Clever Container for this fundraiser.  Jill told me that I have a shot for their spring fundraiser.  I pray I get it!

Clever Container Opportunity

I just wanted to give you this quick reminder about tonight’s teleconference phone call that I'll be leading. Call in to hear about the opportunity that awaits you as a Clever Consultant. There will be time for questions and answers at the end. Don’t miss it!!

CLEVER CONTAINER OPPORTUNITY TELE-CLASS
Dial-in number: (712) 432-0075
Participant access code: 438806

Successful show! and Self-Discipline

Saturday night had me giving a Clever Container class for a wonderful USborne book representative (http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/main.asp?sid=W2040&gid=92138979) that I met at one of this winter's vendor fair, Kathy.  She had a beautiful home and wonderful friends!  I really enjoyed myself.  I brought my daughter, Jessica, with me to this show.  She was helpful, although she was freaking out on the drive over.  Of course, I did get lost.  :-(  It was, fortunately, early enough that I wasn't concerned that I would be late. . . but I was cutting my setup time down by taking so long to find her home.  It was a pretty good show for Kathleen, especially considering that she gets both Pocketfulls.  Oh yeah, we figured out that the 18 pocket one is the perfect size for photos.  Kathy scrapbooks and said that she intends to use the 18 pocket Pocketfull for sorting out the pictures that she would like to add to her scrapbooks.  We tried it out with actual pictures and it was a perfect fit.  Thanks Kathy for the idea!!  So happy that she will be able to get something so useful as her bonus for booking with me in January.

Anyway, on a personal note . . . I've been very reflective lately.  It is probably something to do with the new year, I suppose.  I'm always analytical, and usually pretty aware of my shortfalls.  Putting those two things together, I find myself trying to find out why I am the way I am.  Ever do that?  For example, I love to organize and I feel so wonderful when I have a room or area really well organized.  It makes me feel great and I feel that I'm pretty good at it.  However, it doesn't stick.  I end up having to repeat these same processes over and over again.  I think I've figured out why that is.  I'm not lacking organization exactly, I'm lacking the self-discipline it takes to keep things up.  Well, now I know how to pray, right?  I have started a Bible study on Self-discipline and I hope that posting such will keep me accountable to actually work the whole study through.  :-)  Feel free to email me and ask me how I'm coming along with that.  I'd love to hear how you are doing with your organizational challenges!

Feels Great to Purge! and Menu Plan Monday

Oops.  I didn't get my meal plan up until just now.  Wow, today I was totally sidetracked from my routine.  My plan is at the bottom of the post (again, thanks to Stolen Moments!)  I did the best I could to keep the kids on track with schoolwork, but I really got "lost" in organizing the front room and the little kids' room.  Once I started, I couldn't find a good point to leave it until later - and I was really motivated.  I filled two large bags with things that I dropped off at a local Amvets drop off location and I filled about 1 full bag of garbage.  It feels great.  I also am almost caught up with laundry.  The clean laundry table is full to the brim and I intend to weed out any clothing that doesn't deserve a spot in the newly cleaned out closet and drawers.  Feels great! 


As great as it feels now to have two rooms of my house totally cleared of clutter . . . everything is in its place. . . tomorrow I have to get my head back into 'business'!  I have numerous Clever Container calls I am looking forward to making.  There is a lot of new interest after the holiday break.  I have 8 people to call back about hosting and/or the opportunity.  Woo-hoo.  I love it!!  I am also very excited about listening in on several training teleconference calls this month.  Have I mentioned that I am leading the Opportunity Call again on the 19th of this month - I was so nervous the first time I led an opportunity call.  Email me if you are interested in listening in to learn more about the business opportunity.  What do you have to lose besides clutter?!?  :-)


How about you?  How has your new year started out?  Start with one closet, or one drawer. . . once you get that momentum, it will spur you on!

Now, for food this week:

Monday's Dinner
Brown's Chicken (thanks Mom! - I was seriously sidetracked from everything, including making dinner!)


Tuesday's Dinner
Almond Chicken Stir-Fry
Rice

Wednesday's Dinner
Pork Chili Verde
Biscuits (D)


Thursday's Dinner
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Egg Noodles
Peas

Friday's Dinner
Spaghetti
Green Beans

Saturday's Dinner
Bacon Breakfast Casserole (made ahead - I'll be doing a Clever Container show!)
Cinnamon Apples

Sunday's Dinner
Polish Sausage
Cheese Baked Veggies

52 Below Zero!?! Yikes

http://www.kgan.com/template/inews_wire/wires.national/3ad74e18-www.kgan.com.shtml
If you have time, follow the above link to see the news story.  Apparently, North Dakota hit a wind chill of 52 BELOW zero!!  Yikes.  Being a Chicagoan, cold weather is something I'm accustom too (notice I didn't say I like it), but that is just ridiculous.  I love how the one woman comments on how her car started, but her tires were frozen (she knew cuz of the bump, bump, bump on her way to work).  What was she thinking . . . . going to work?  The state should have declared a day off of . . . well, life, at that temperature - no one should be going anywhere!!  Anyway, it made me think that when it seems that things are bad, you can rest assured that there is somebody out there that has it worse than you do.  Always.  I think the heavy snowfall we are getting as I type is inconvenient. . . but my tires aren't frozen :-) so I'm fortunate, right? 

Anyway, it has been awhile since I reported on my home business with Clever Container.  Mostly that is because I had been enjoying the last several weeks with my family - - we were on a vacation from the routine, and that included work as well as school.  That is one of the biggest blessings to being in direct sales and being my own boss. . . I decide when and how many hours I put into my business.  Still, just as I welcomed the routine of the kids returning to school (1 out, 3 at my kitchen table, and 2 just causing it to be more challenging), I welcome the thought of returning to "work" as well.  I have two shows scheduled for January and 1 scheduled for February, so far.  Those that have been following my blog for a while should know that I tend to only hold 1-3 shows per month.  That works for me, for now. . . not that I would turn down more business, but it is comfortable for me to fit that amount of work into my already crowded life.  As my life progresses and things shift, I desire to work the business more diligently.  I have also been steadily growing a team and intend to continue doing that as well.  Clever Container is making some exciting changes as well and I'm looking forward to more and more people knowing the Clever Container name in this calendar year.  Here is where you can help us grow. . . tell someone you know today about the newest, best direct sales company that is DSA approved and sells awesome products for your home, office, auto, and life!!  If you'd like to host a show, let me know and I'll hook you up with a local consultant.  In the event that we don't have a consultant in your area, perhaps you or someone that you know would like to be the first Clever Consultant in your area.  We have a $99 and a $199 Starter Kit now, so make this your best year yet and contact me today!!  :-)  Be sure to also check out the short 3-minute introductory video to Clever Container that is right over in my sidebar here.  Thanks!!

Clever Customer Service

I think that customer service can make or break a company, don't you? I have often decided whether or not to patronize a business depending on how I am treated by the employee dealing with me. A good example of this is the two Popeye's franchises in my neighborhood. I am used to dealing with one and I have always been pleased with the treatment I have received there. We don't do it very frequently, but on occasion, we have opted to purchase 50+ pieces of chicken to serve when we have a birthday party for one of our children. We feel that it is well worth the cost, which is always less than $1 per piece at that quantity plus any coupons I can round up, and a reasonable way to feed as many guests as we typically have for these family parties. We make baked mostaccoli and salad ourselves, but the bread, butter, beverages and of course, cake and ice-cream (Edy's Chocolate!! Love it!). Anyway, I got off on a rabbit trail…so, one time, I called ahead to give them time to get my large order ready and I was treated AWFUL. Really, really badly. The lady had an obnoxious attitude and was demanding pre-payment (which I had never been asked to do before). There was no reasoning with her either. Finally, exasperated, I said "Is this the Popeye's on Kedzie??" She quickly told me no. I was so relieved . . . I had mistakenly dialed the wrong Popeyes. Still, that experience really made me think about the value of customer service. The place that I had done business with in the past would continue to get my business the way they chose to do business with me. They were always polite and accommodating. However, had my experience originally been with the place that I had mistakenly called. . . well, I doubt I would have even gone through with even the one order. . . . never mind any repeat business.

Recently I have seen two examples of outstanding customer service that I have experienced within Clever Container. The first experience was the way that the Clever Container home office counseled me to handle a customer that had reported a product to be missing two rings that were needed to assemble it correctly. The thought that I had running around in my head was that it really could be fixed through a little creative rigging. Of course, I also understood that the customer's experience with our company and the products that we sell can make or break our success. So, I waited to hear about how to handle her situation. Well, I was pleased beyond words when they asked me for her contact information so that they could send her out a new one right away! Furthermore, there was no need for her to return the product to me or them. Remember earlier I said that the product could be made to work. . . so in a way she got herself two products! Still, I am sure that her experience with us would be reported to her friends and family as a good one, right? Then, the second experience was more personal. I wanted to use my Clever Cash (money consultants earn based on sales and recruiting that can be used to purchase catalogs/order forms) to purchase more of our catalogs, and I am positive that I had two to use, but I could only find one (don't judge. . . I never claimed to be completely organized, just to really desire to be organized J). Well, the sweet ladies in home office allowed me to place the order even though I could only report the numbers off of the one CC I could find. Of course they told me to keep better track of my business, and that they wouldn't be able to do this again. That is totally understandable, and I honestly was pleasantly surprised that they extended me the grace even that time. Karen and Jennifer are really amazing Christian moms and the Clever Container business owners. If you'd like to learn more about them or Clever Container, check out when Clever Container was briefly featured on "Good Morning America" or you can check out Karen & Clever Container on "Mom Invented", or even listen to an interview with Karen and Jennifer online here (there is also an option to view the PDF transcript of the interview if you'd prefer to read it).

I thank God for allowing me this opportunity, and leading me to a company where I could learn alongside those I am teaching. I thank Him for having me chance upon this company that was headed up by two extraordinary Christian woman who, I am sure, will lead this company to its success without losing their integrity. Did you know that I was the first Clever Consultant in Illinois? My guess is that, chances are, you haven't heard of Clever Container before, am I right? I'm betting that will not be the case a year or two from now. J I look forward to watching what the company becomes as a whole and also look forward to what kind of success I might experience personally. It is challenging to 'work' much with the ages of my children right now, but as the seasons of life change, I'm sure that I'll have more opportunities.