Getting Back in the Swing

I was told summer is tough for direct sales marketing.  I don't know because I, along with those I would be selling to, took off for the summer.  Honestly I got slammed with my web design business and then add to that my full-time job, which I recently (as of Tuesday) changed to a new position within the county where I work.  My focus was kinda shot.  Funny enough I still managed to sell a few things and book an online party and an in person party that I need to seal the date, and acquired a member of my team.  All of this without even trying.  So it just goes to show you that Origami Owl really does sell itself. At least in my experience.  I'm really excited about the new catalog and once I get settled in the new job, and get this other web design done that I have recently acquired I will be looking to rock the new takeout menu!

Sum-Sum-Summertime

Hello blog!  It's been a while since I've posted.  You know how it is, free time is spent doing fun outdoorsy type things and you skip over the inside sitting behind the computer things.

While I did not attend the Origami Owl convention this summer, I did get a glimpse into what is coming for the fall.  It's so exciting.  I really believe this is going to jump my business into high gear.  Aside from the lovely lockets, dangles and tags that we already carry we are now going to add charm bracelets to our repertoire.  But not your average ordinary charm bracelet.  We're talking about a glass locket charm bracelet!  That's right, our regular size origami owl locket will attach, much like a watch to an silver rollo chain that allows for attachment of all sorts of dangles!

Aside from that HUGE deal item (because yes folks have been begging for bracelets for a long time now), there are also new "window" plates.  These are beautiful items that can be added to your locket that do not fully block the "see through" effect of the lockets.  I'm particularly fond of "love"!

Of course there will be new charms and dangles added to the mix as well.  So fall, and the Christmas shopping season, is going to be incredible!

I'm loving this business.  I love the jewelry.  And despite the little hiccups in shipping around mother's day over the spring, we've bounced back better than ever.  Every single customer who has purchased from me has been completely happy with their items.  The only return I've had was the classic ball chains because they didn't work for what the person ordered them for.  I only had one issue with a customer that wasn't happy about service.  She was treated poorly by the newly-untrained customer service, however designer care got involved and took care of that with a quickness! She's totally happy with her purchases (yes plural, as in repeat customer).  Since that time our customer care team has had a lot more training on the vision of Origami Owl and and O2 has amped up their shipping team and hours which means orders are arriving as scheduled.  I'm also noticing a lot less items on back order from the get go which is fantastic.

Yes, loving Origami Owl!

Loving the New Lockets

I received my chocolate locket, black locket with crystals and my mini gold lockets and I'm in love.  I am even more so in love with the variety that I have to offer my customers. I am getting back into having parties again after taking a slight break, waiting for the waters to settle from the huge demand Mother's Day had put on the company and I cannot wait to see the response to the new items.  Based on the questions and comments I receive from total strangers regarding my black locket, I think they'll be a huge success!  I love Origami Owl!

Origami Owl Backlash

I posted some time ago and mentioned my fear at the backlash that would result due to Origami Owl's current problems with delivering orders on time.  Aside from the dock worker's strike, which created it's own mess of problems, there was a tremendous influx of orders for the Mother's Day holiday.  I'd go so far as to guess, and with good reason, this is "the season" for Origami Owl.  Who wouldn't want to give their mom a cherished piece of jewelry so uniquely fitting?  This created an ordering demand of almost double what was placed in the entire year of 2012 - in one month alone.  That is staggering.  I can't imagine any company that would be able to predict or compensate for such a large increase in orders and need for production.  I did not expect Origami Owl to come through this unscathed.  Especially when you throw in the constant and unrelenting barrage of emails and phone calls they received from designers and customers asking where their orders are.  It is safe to say Origami Owl was dealt a near crippling albeit temporary blow.  As a designer who still has some items that haven't been delivered, I've tried very hard to wrap my head around the numbers aspect of it and could only come up with the following analogy.  What would you do if you were suddenly handed a years worth of work times two?  And what if you were expected to complete this work in the span of one month, would you be able to do it? Even if you had been permitted to bring in help, you'd still need to train and instruct your new staff, and that takes time.  Plus figure you'll need to have an entire team devoted to answering calls and emails because your servers are being pushed to their limit and your phone lines have blown up.  I wonder though, how would you feel about your job security at this point?

I've heard a lot of people speculate that Origami Owl won't be able to make it.  Some designers have even gone so far as to quit, selling off their stuff and moving on.  I on the other hand feel nothing but excitement over the growth of this new little company that I've been fortunate to stumble upon.  I have SEEN the "I've gotta have it" response when my customers first see an Origami Owl locket. (I had the same reaction!) So I'm not worried that designers are quitting--I'm happy to take their customers--though a long list of Designers in Waiting are chomping at the bit to take their place as soon as the hiring freeze has been lifted.  So I don't think my optimism is unfounded.

It has been almost a month now and shipping seems to be getting back on schedule. More and more items are dropping off of the back order list.  So from an honest, first hand experience from a real Independent Designer with Origami Owl, I can tell you, while there have certainly been some aggravations, it hasn't been the end of the world.  I've been able to keep my customers informed and they have been understanding - for those designers who have had difficult customers, I've said all along, do what you can to make them happy, including giving a refund.  Because ultimately, this is YOUR business and YOUR responsibility.

For those customers who have been afraid to order for fear their jewelry will be sitting in limbo forever, I can tell you that I've had at least 25 orders in the past month, all of those orders have arrived in a timely fashion, there were only four creations where items were on back order. I was able to purchase a large number of these items from my fellow designers and I have completed all but three of my orders (and these only because the customers are holding out for certain charms that they absolutely cannot live without).  Most of the Origami Owl Designers I've had the good fortune of knowing, will bend over backwards to make sure you're going to get what you want within the time frame you need it.  So don't be afraid.  There are no conspiracies.  Just a lot of hard working people trying to keep up with the tremendous demand of some amazing jewelry!

Dock Strikes, Back Orders and Mother's Day Shipping OH MY!

Thank goodness I became an Origami Owl designer before all of this blew up, or I'd probably be very concerned.  For those of you just signing on, all I can say is... Do NOT be afraid.  It WILL get better.

Origami Owl has been making huge strides.  Sales have increased an unprecedented 450% for the last half of April, and we're ranking in the top three (behind Mary Kay and Pampered Chef) in the home party industry.  Couple this with dock strikes, mother's day, a new lower shipping rate and brand new products that had designers all waiting until that magic time to order (and let's not forget a new shopping cart system that, while probably aggressively tested, was not quite ready to be introduced into the wild that is a 450% sales increase) and you've got a recipe for crashed phone systems due to tremendous call volumes and servers close to exploding over the email volume.

The result?  Some back ordered items that shouldn't have back ordered, some seriously long wait times and emails that took forever to be answered.

The good news is, the dock strikes are over and the Nest has done everything from increasing man power to increasing work days and shipping things overnight at their expense to try to make everything right.  It's far from perfect at the moment, but it's getting better.

So why should you be excited if you're a new designer?  Why wouldn't you be? Aside from some snafus, are you getting the bigger picture here?  Do I need to repeat it a third time? Say it with me... 450% sales increase in fifteen days... 

I am VERY excited to be a part of this!  I cannot wait to see what May and June bring for me.  

Putting Out Origami Owl Fires (byline: Growing Pains)

I fear there is going to be a lot of backlash from frustrated designers and negative people.  Origami Owl is a new company and going through some growing pains.  I agree they may not have thought out the process of launching a new party tab, doing it at the same time they changed shipping rates, launched new products and did this all right before Mother's Day (a huge jewelry business holiday).  But it is what it is, and we're having to navigate the mine field as best we can as designers while keeping a professional and positive attitude.

I'm constantly amazed at people who don't know how to "Push away from the keyboard" and think before posting negative comments.  Listen, I found myself vascilating from tears to shouting at my monitor when trying to close out my launch party the other day.  The new cart was not functioning quickly enough, everyone was on line at one time trying to place their orders with the new line, new catalogs, new reduced shipping and new hostess rewards all being released at once.  I had to put in my party from scratch at least twice and still was having issues applying the new shipping.  All of my items are still sitting in a posted (aka not yet shipped) status and I'm hoping everything will get here and be ironed out for my party next weekend.

Guess what? I can't control this.  I did my part. I had my party, sold my jewelry and put in my order.  Murphy's law intervened and we have a shopping cart feature that probably should have been beta tested a lot more before releasing it into the wild, and a dock strike causing back ordered and delayed products.  The Nest has temporarily shut down the ordering process and will be reverting to the old cart along with the old hostess reward system until it can be fixed.  To be quite frank, it totally sucks!  But again, there is NOTHING I can do, and being negative and leaving snitty remarks on message boards is going to do more to damage your credibility than the actual issues at hand.

When I couldn't get my shipping to work out, I posted some questions to my up line and the forum. Everyone was experiencing problems.  Huge wait times at the Nest were being reported and I wasn't sure what to do. Guess what I did.  I told myself, the world will not end if I don't get this order placed today.  I took a deep breath. I went and watched some T.V., I came back later and placed my order.  I don't know when I'll get the order. I don't know if I'll even get all of my order (based on some orders having been delivered without newly back ordered items or half orders missing), but again... Nothing... I.... can.... do....

Remember one thing... Nothing is forever.  This too shall pass.

If I need to explain to my customers that there were IT problems at O2, I will. I don't think there is a SINGLE one of my customers who has not experienced some sort of IT nightmare in their lifetime.

Origami Owl is a professional company and are certainly working hard to get this all sussed out.  They're new and they're learning (I know that sounds like a cop out but it's true).  They're going to fix this, we'll move on and look back and the hell that was the month of April and say, "Wow we made it through that."  The question is, will you be proud of how you handled yourself?

Launching Into Success

The launch party was a huge success.  Cool enough, as an independent designer for Origami Owl I have the option to host my own parties. Which means that I get to be the recipient of the hostess rewards i.e., I get free stuff. I will get my commission check next Friday (Yay! to supplementing my income) AND I will have the following items in my stock and some for my personal collection (This includes the hostess exclusive I received for only $40).

Black Locket with Crystals
Black Ball Station Chain
Chocolate Locket with Crystals
Chocolate Ball Station Chain
Mini Gold Locket with Crystals
Medium Flat Black Locket
Large Silver Locket
Flat Oval Chain
Small Black Quadrefoil Dangle
Small Smoke Quadrefoil Dangle
Small Silver Love Plate
Teal Lock Charm
Teal Key Charm
Teal Crystal Puffy Heart Charm
Black Accent Stone
April Birth Stone
Bright Eyed Owl Charm
Chain Extender

I think that's it... :)  but a LOT of goodies to say the least.  Since I can't impose on my friends once a month to keep supplementing my own habits, I do need to book some parties, so I was more than happy when I got a solid yes for a party which will be held next weekend. I also have a Take-Out Party (catalog party) in the works and two possible other parties for the month of May/June. Oh and I booked a vendor event.  I'm hoping this summer will be a success. I do plan on having more of my own parties, but I will space them out.  I think my next one will be a Christmas in July, than maybe one in November.

But the bottom line, the question I get asked, can you make money doing Origami Owl, and the answer is Yes.  Do you have fun? Yes.  Do you get free stuff? Yes.  The other question I get asked, "Are the hostess rewards good?" Uhhhh YES!

Now for those of you already in the Origami Owl biz, or just starting out, the valuable lessons I've learned.

1. While creating a cool video to play at your party to help explain the jewelry and pump up excitement, if you've already handed out the catalogs, by the time you get to your presentation they are already ordering. Not necessarily a bad thing, but look at it this way. You want a captive audience to increase sales and also talk about the opportunity or booking a party. If they don't see your presentation, you won't have a chance to sell these things.

2. Give yourself PLENTY of time to prepare. I was still putting stuff on toothpicks when my first guest arrived.  Thankfully it was my pastor's wife and she helped me out, but it caused me to have more stress than I needed.

3. Encourage all the guests to give you their email address. This will allow you to add them to your newsletter list. (Again something that can be brought up in your presentation).

So, my next party I will hold tight to the catalogs.  I will encourage my hostess to have everyone get snacks, eat and maybe look quickly at the jewelry but when I'm ready to begin, call everyone to the presentation, thank the hostess, speak about the product, the opportunity and hostessing, then at that point press play. After they have seen the presentation, play a game to loosen things up, THEN hand out the catalogs. At this point you can ask if anyone has questions and discuss highlighted items and release them on to the jewels!

Growing Pains

I watched a YouTube video last night from a girl who was supposedly giving a non-biased review of O2, saying how any marketing program that requires you to have home parties is slow going and suggested that Origami Owl required "tons" of money up front without giving you information about the company.  The end of the video contained a sales pitch for her own direct marketing system (one you had to click a link to learn more about).  So no, not a non-biased review.  Now you may say that I'm also non-biased.  Sure, I'm an Origami Owl designer.  But if you want a review about whether you can have success with Origami Owl, who better to ask.  This is a 100% no BS review. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.  I'm not skeerd!

1. Origami Owl does NOT require you to have home parties.  You can run a totally and completely online and catalog business if you wish.  It's YOUR business. You run it how you wish.  The reason Origami Owl encourages homer parties, is that this is a successful selling model.

2. Slow going?  I became an independent designer on Valentine's day.  I started getting online orders right away.  I saw income in my first week.  Now I'm not going to blow smoke and say I was making money hand  over fist, but I was making money.  And I held my first online party in March and made back the money I had put into the business. And Origami Owl does offer some of the highest commissions in the industry (between 30 and 50%)!  So if you can begin making money right away, I don't consider that "slow going".

3. Putting Tons of Up Front Money without knowing about the company? You can go to the Origami Owl website right now and find out what it costs to get in and how much you can make:  In fact, go here and put in my designer number 17556 https://irresistiblecharms.origamiowl.com/wait/index.cfm  All of your questions will be answered. There are no secret tricks, no get rich quick schemes, no hidden fees (though you do have to pay tax and shipping on your business package, but that's common sense).  And keep in mind, you are GETTING jewelry in return.  Highly DISCOUNTED jewelry I may add, and if I had a chance to go back I'd buy the biggest package I could.  But I was... yup... skeerd.  So I played it conservative and went with the lowest package of all.  See my previous post for more information about the business packages.

The Fear of Home Parties and Selling from a Non-Sales Person:

I decided to take my time with my launch as I'm a perfectionist and there were some things I wanted to do first.  I wanted a DVD to assist me in talking about the product.  I'm a stage fright kinda person and I feared I would not remember everything when "on stage". So I made a music video of sorts that covered all the important points.  I also wanted to have the perfect set up, so I got some jewelry busts, some owls and other display items to make sure my Jewelry Bar looked totally pro. I did this bit by bit when I saw things on sale.  When I felt I was ready I did my Launch Party (Meanwhile I was still selling lockets online and to friends/family/acquaintances.  Or should I say, the lockets were selling themselves).  My launch party was a great success. I didn't even NEED my video. It was a totally relaxed atmosphere and I enjoyed the party as much as everyone else.  Again, this is your business.  You decide how you want to approach your parties (if you even do in person parties at all).  While there is a suggested outline of what to do, it is ultimately up to you (provided you're not doing something crazy and outside of policies and procedures... I think they would frown on Origami Owl Beer Pong).

Personally, I have a full time job and I also do web design.  I have a LOT going on in my life, this is my fun-time job.  Do I think that I could make it a career if I had to, I like to believe I can.  Fortunately right now I don't have to test it out. I have the option of doing it for fun on the side and I'm having a blast.  Am i quitting my full time job for it, No. (Ummm can you say Government Funded Health Care Benefits?)  Are there people in the business who have quit their full time jobs? Yes.

I've said it before. If you believe in the product, you don't have to be a sales person, and you will be successful.  You just have to decide how Origami Owl will fit in your life. My suggestions is host a party and see how it feels.  Do you think you'd enjoy doing it? Then go for it.  You prefer just being a host and getting discounted or free jewelry, then that's fine too.  Maybe you just love the jewelry and wish to simply be a customer.... No matter where you fit, please consider speaking with me.  I'd love to have you on my team, as one of my hostesses or of course as a valued customer!

My House Party Invitation!

Invitation

Never Underestimate a Possible Customer

While working my first festival, I met a woman who said she had heard about Origami Owl. I gave  her a take out menu (so hard for me not to call them catalogs) and she looked over all of my display items.  She proceeded to buy a locket on the spot and told me she wanted to order at least two more. I was so thrilled! I was in contact with her while she waited for her locket to ship, just to touch base and to suggest that she pick her locket up at my home office where I have everything on display.  As promised, when she showed up, she purchased two more lockets and explained that she wants to buy a third but wants her daughter to pick everything out.  I told her of an upcoming party I'm having at my house and suggested this is a perfect opportunity to bring her daughter and she can build her own locket.  (I was invoking a sales technique and didn't even know it!) She accepted my invitation and also expressed an interest in hosting a party.

How amazing is that?  Three to four lockets and a potential party from ONE customer, who was a total stranger.  Making it even more amazing, she is going to host a party and introduce me to all of her friends and family, all strangers who are potential customers and hostesses.  This to me is the key to this business.  Your friends and family are going to buy from you, but that's not enough to sustain you if you're looking to actually make a career out of this business.  You've got to hit your friends friends, your friends friends friends and so on. You've got to make contact with that "stranger" and infiltrate (for lack of a better word) their circle.  This is where you're going to find your success.  So for me, this early in the game to already have "strangers" as customers, I'm very excited!!!

{Woot Woot} and {Hoot Hoot}! <----Look I did my first "hugs around words"... Yeah I'm an Owl!

Sales Training (Sort of)

Being probably the WORST sales person EVER, this whole selling thing is a new and foreign concept to me.  I have never been comfortable asking for money or asking for a sale.  Thankfully with Origami Owl you don't  have to be a sales person.  But I'm trying to step outside of my safety zone, knowing that it will only increase my sales and presence.  I try to do something everyday that will possibly get me a new customer.  Start small, like leaving a take out menu in the break room at work. Show your necklace to a friend at work and when they say how much they love it, tell them you're selling them, "Aren't they great? I'm selling them. They're fully customize-able  look you can open them up and change the charms anytime you want!" Once you get brave, hand a take out menu to a co-worker.  I'll generally preface it with, "Hey, I just started selling this jewelry and I thought you might be interested. No pressure AT ALL, if you don't want it, pass it on to someone you think might like it. I'm just trying to get my catalogs out there..."  I have found this angle makes me feel better about approaching them.  We've all had co-workers or friends come to us with stuff their kids were selling for school or the like.  That wonderful guilt or sense of obligation that you have to buy something.  So I don't like the idea of being "that person".  But when I phrase it in a way where I'm just trying to get my catalog out there, I feel better.  A GREAT sales person would find a way to later run into them with an, "Oh hey, did you get a chance to look at my catalog, what did you think?"  I'm not there yet!

I'm proud of myself though.  I have personally walked up to an associate at work and invited them to my launch party.  I've handed my card to the waitress who always serves me at my favorite lunch spot.  I'm challenging myself daily.  I still have moments when I walk away from a normal daily situation and realize that I've missed a promotion opportunity.  But the good news is I'm recognizing it.  Someday I'll be able to look at every situation as a possible promotion or selling opportunity.  That's right around the time I will have become that annoying sales person I've always been afraid of becoming :)  But hey, it's not like I'm selling cars or insurance (No offense).

Origami Owl Day Off

What does an Origami Owl Independent Designer do with her day off? Well that depends on just how dorky she is! :) Click to see the dorkiness...Click for Dorkiness

Don't Psych Yourself Out

I found myself on YouTube last night.  I'm a little obsessed over Origami Owl right now, so I'm trying to devour everything Origami Owl I can get my hands on.  Unfortunately there are always going to be nay sayers, and it is way too easy to let someone bring you down or put doubts in your mind.  People don't always agree with "direct marketing" also known as "MLM".  While I have tried other lines (only one) and was not successful, with Origami Owl I have come to a certain truth.  You have to love the product.  You have to believe in it.  If you don't, you're wasting your time.

I've said it before. I'm NOT a sales person. I do not sit here dreaming that I'm going to be Origami Owl's top seller.  But I'm selling necklaces all the same.  How? It's simple.  When people ask me about my own necklace I can't shut up about it. "What's that? You like my necklace? Oh thank you! [not even pausing for a breath] you know, it's totally customize-able. You can swap out the charms, pick whatever charms you'd like, choose a chain, add a plate, and you can add on jewelry dangles.  I'm addicted to them, that's why I started selling them!  I also do home parties where you can earn free jewelry."  That person winds up with a card or a catalog, whatever I happen to have on me at the time.  It's the enthusiasm and excitement for the product that sells.

I might not be the highest seller at Origami Owl, or even on my own team.  But I know I've made money.  And I have seen commissions deposited into my bank account.  I've had cash in my hand after someone bought a product right out of my stock.  And don't forget, I've only been doing this a little over a month and haven't even had my first hosted party yet.

Keep up the motivation.  Avoid listening to negativity. Just keep going forward.

I have fallen in love with the idea of Origami Owl Bridal!  I decided to start a special for Brides.  All lockets sold for bridal party members will receive a free charm, and brides will receive discounts on their own locket (which will be based on the number of lockets purchased for the bridal party).  It's such a gorgeous idea!

         Kim Price, #17556

Vendor Event

I had my first vendor event.  Unfortunately it was outdoors, cold and rainy.  BUT, that didn't stop selling a few things and making some awesome contacts.  You can't predict the weather, but my thoughts are this - I didn't pay for the booth so all it cost me was my time.  If I had paid for the booth I would have maybe broke even, so it still would have been worth it with the contacts that I made.  I probably will forego cold weather month booths outside because it can go either way. I do believe had it been a sunny warm day it would have been even better, so I'll save any vendor events for the warmer months!  I'm ready for my launch party now.  Just need to set the date and get the invites out.  I'm happy with how my display came out and I made this super cute banner (you can kind of see it in the picture hanging on the back of the tent. I originally made it for the front of the table, but I forgot the pins... Hey there was a lot to tote the long way from the parking lot!)  And yes, those are ponies behind me...  AND red velvet funnel cakes. How can you lose?  I am having so much fun selling Origami Owl!

Is It Worth Doing?

I am now officially a month into selling Origami Owl.  I imagine the burning question is, "Is it worth doing?"  My original thought process was, I love the product so much, all I care is that I make enough to cover what I spent getting involved, and that I might make a few bucks, get some cool jewelry and meet some new people.  All of these expectations were met and more.

What I did not expect was for complete strangers to stop me and ask me about my necklace.  I did not expect to hand a catalog out and not have to follow up in order to get a sale.  I did not expect that I would become (gag) a sales person.  I've never been good at sales, but I can tell you one thing, with Origami Owl, I have not had to be.  All of my earnings thus far have come from a single online party and from word of mouth to friends, family and co-workers.  Obviously I plan on having parties.  I even have friends who have offered to do that for me. But the simple fact that I was able to make up what I put into getting started, and I was able to do that within the first 30 days, I think is pretty remarkable.

I think the most important thing to remember is to be passionate and excited about the product.  I've certainly got that covered!  I love the lockets and all the accessories.  I love talking about them.  I guess that's the key--I've never actually found something that I believe in enough to sell.  I believe EVERYONE needs and O2 locket with a cute dangle! ;)

Actual Origami Owl

I wonder how long it takes the Origami Owl Designer before she has created her own Origami Owl.  I made mine last Friday. I haven't even been an Origami Owl Independent Designer for a month :)

Sick in Bed but Still Orgami-ing

I'm sick, sick, sick... laying in bed with the DVR, tablet and cell phone... soon came the paper cutters, scissors and craftiness.  Before I know it, I had created these lovely football themed origami owl lockets.  Let me make it clear, O2 does NOT sell the NFL backgrounds, I printed those out on photo paper, cut them out (badly I might add, so if I make mine like this for real, I'm going to have to do a better job lol).   Of course I made Cleveland for obvious reasons.  The Dallas one I did because that star is just way too cool.  I think I'd put the crystal star in with the Dallas one and add a blue and white cystal to finish it off.  The browns I will add a brown and orange crystal and the crystal dog bone and/or dog paw (just actually thought of that now... ).

I'm exploring all the possibilities of NFL-style lockets, college football, baseball, basketball... It's endless really.

Loving the Designs

In the aftermath of my very first online party, I'm now getting pictures of all the lockets that were ordered and I'm loving what everyone came up with.  Still waiting on two more, but here is one that I received just a little bit ago.  Origami Owl Living Lockets ROCK!!!!

I have ordered a bunch more stock to include a medium gold locket, gold ball station chain, large rose gold locket with crystals and a rose gold chain and a bunch of dangles, charms and plates. I'm hoping with my latest round of stock that I will have a good sampling of everything we carry.  There are a few things I obviously still need to get but I think that my boutique will rock :)

Oh and Sunday Gerry and I made a special trip to Marshall's just because I wanted the owl mugs I saw the other day and didn't buy.  Did I mention I'm addicted to Origami Owl!?!?

My First Party (as an Assistant Designer)

My mentor, Crystal invited me along to one of her parties.  Considering flat tires and all kind of other nonsense got in the way the past two shows she had it was about time I got this under my belt and was able to get a real feel for the flow of a party.  It's a very relaxed atmosphere.  I enjoyed myself very much, everyone was very nice, and truly loved the product, which is a good thing.  Crystal will be moving in May so she was nice enough to encourage me to hand out my business cards and told everyone there, once she leaves, I would be the best person to get in contact with should they wish to have another party or to purchase more Origami Owl products.

I sold another locket today.  Yay me.  And I have one or two on the back burner, so hopefully this week I will have another two sold.  I've pretty much put all of my "winnings" back into product.  I noticed a few people asking to see the gold and rose gold lockets and chains and some of the dangles, so I figured I'd save myself from having to say "No, I don't have those".  I swear if I could have three of everything on hand I would!!!  One day I'll be reach and famous from my O2 adventures and will have huge stock to pull from, but for now I'm slowly building up my jewelry bar display items.

I should note, some may decide to hold off on putting all their earnings back into stock.  Crystal has managed to sell just fine without having various items and I don't think it hinders her sales in any way.  I'm just an anal spaz and am trying to circumvent any potential issues.  It's just my way :)

And while I'm at it, my sister got her locket and I'm attaching a picture here.  It's amazing!  Good job Meg!

PV Personal Value

This is an important one because it stole a little bit of my thunder.  Once you become an Independent Designer you have access to the "Back Office" which shows all of your orders, the total on each order, a break down of the PV.  I mistakenly thought the PV was keeping a tally of my earnings.  Wrong.  Your PV is actually the value of what you sold minus your commission.  It's essentially what O2 has made from your sales.  Here I was running around thinking I made quite a bit more than I did.  I only found this out after my first commission payout.  It made me feel a little ripped off.  Don't get me wrong, I wasn't ripped off and I wasn't tricked in any way. This was totally my fault for 1) not doing the math myself on each of my sales to see what it is I made and 2) not finding out what PV meant in the first place. I went into this saying I'd be happy if I made 50 bucks, so I'm still happy because I made that and more in my first online party alone.

Onward and upward!

The Online Jewelry Bar

What I learned by doing an online Jewelry Bar.

1) Have the Origami Owl Jewelry Bar end on a week day.  Preferably not Friday.  People are out (hopefully) doing fun things on Friday and the weekend and probably not tied to their Facebook or other online avenue.

2) I'm still on the fence about whether to do the party on a personal Facebook page or on the Facebook Business page. I feel the business page gives it more legitimacy, but the business page doesn't allow you to give a beginning and ending date.  Though people can still post up until the ending date.  So I'd probably do it again on the business page when I do it.

3) Even though you're having an online party, if someone wants to place an order with you, take the order. Do NOT refer them back to your website to place their order in person just because it's fun to see the shopping cart add people and you'll have them in your "customers" section.  Take the sale then and there.  People get busy and forget and procrastinate.  That's a good way to lose orders (so far I'm still waiting on 3 people who were genuinely interested, one went so far as to write down all she wanted, and they still haven't ordered).

4) Give incentive to order now.  My deal was that you can win a free charm.  I've considered doing it where everyone who orders gets a free charm but then I was concerned about the cost involved in shipping those charms out.  First you have shipping going from O2 to you (close to $8.00, ouch), then shipping out to those who are not local.  That can start to eat into your profits pretty heavily.  But at the same time, it depends on how much you're willing to give up to increase sales and interest.  The jury is still out as to whether the potential of winning a free charm versus a guarantee of a free winds up being the catalyst to a sale.  Consider having your online party a week before you intend on ordering more stock, this way you were going to have shipping costs anyway, and you're not hurting your bottom line so badly.

5) DO NOT over saturate with invites and posts.  Post only one time a day. Otherwise you are going to annoy people away from buying.  One invite is sufficient. Trust me, they received it. If they didn't respond they are simply not interested and bugging them is not going to increase their interest.  Instead post to your personal Facebook Page about the party with a link, and post pictures on your personal page.  One a day per personal and business page. Otherwise, overkill.

6) Flyer - Put flyers everywhere you go. I've been bad about this. I didn't leave a single one.

All in all I feel the Jewelry Bar was a success for me. I almost made up my initial investment (the party closes at midnight tonight so I may just make it yet, if those promises to buy pan out).  Wish me luck!

This online party stuff is a lot of work.  I think it's party such a pain because I have it going on in two places at once.  I liked the feature of doing it on my regular facebook page and then the business page but I think next time I'll just do it on the business page and link to it.  Having to keep both updated AND the google+ updated is a chore.  Next time one place and link and invite to that place in the other venues. Lesson learned :)

I've posted to my personal facebook, irresistible charms origami owl facebook, and google+ and added a new picture for the online jewelry bar.  People are joining the parties (it took almost 24 hours before that really started to take off).  I emailed everyone in my contacts a link to the parties.  I texted the link on my phone.  I've pretty much covered all the bases of my contacts and hopefully haven't annoyed anyone too much.  Next is to beg my close friends and family to share it along.  I'm also sending a couple of catalogs to my out of town family members who are not quite as tech savvy as most.

Meanwhile I've made a new locket and posted the picture to my parties.  This one is pretty fun, I call it "Wine and a Good Book"  This is the Medium Silver Crystal Origami Owl Locket with red wine, crystal heart and love to read charms.

Oh and one thing I did learn. When doing an event on a facebook business page, be sure to set it for the LAST day of the event. Otherwise it will drop off after the first day.  I wasn't able to set it for a span of days which I think is a major flaw.  What if someone was inviting people to a weekend event or a week long sale?  Ahhh well, lesson learned there.  On the personal facebook you can do a span of days, much better I think.

Origami Owl Online Party Facebook Google+ and Beyond

Okay so I posted my first Origami Owl Online Jewelry Bar.  I'm still overwhelming myself with too much technology.  Aside from setting up Google chrome the way I want it, and Google drive (because I've been going back and forth from computer to computer lately) and setting up Google+ and Twitter and changing my Facebook to a Business Page and integrating with my personal page... whew....

I wasn't sure how I wanted to do the online party thing. I thought I'd do it on my Facebook Business Page, and that is where I started.  The thing is, my business page is so new, I don't have a lot of "fans" on it yet.  So I went ahead and created an event on my personal page as well. And then an event on Google+.   I uploaded a boat load of pictures to each event so the visitors will have something to look at. Then I sent an email with a link to the events to the contacts on my phone.  That SHOULD cover everyone.

So I guess it's official.  I have my first party underway. With any luck I'll see something soon.  Fingers crossed.  Prayers said.

Personal Facebook Event
Business Page Event
Google+ Event

As always, my store front is here: http://www.irresistiblecharms.origamiowl.com

Today I'm wasting WAY too much time trying to figure out what the difference is between a personal Facebook page and a business page.  I had created an irresistible charms Facebook as a personal page, which I guess was in violation of their terms of use (oopse).  But I was reading about the business page and why it's important so I decided to transfer the personal page into a business page.  Unfortunately Facebook stopped referring to me as "irresistible" every time I posted, that was kinda fun.  At any rate, it's as if the personal page never existed.  It pulled any friends that I had and turned them into "fans" of the page, but I'm not seeing where I can see who my fans are, or how many I have.  Meanwhile I had a ton of friend requests for my personal page which, while accepting, seemed to just go nowhere. Hopefully it added them as fans... who knows.  So I went ahead and linked my REAL personal page to the new business page.  Which I really didn't want to do. I was trying to keep my business stuff and personal stuff separate.  I'm still trying to grasp the concept of how I communicate with my fans or encourage them to "like me" or become a fan.  It's all very confusing at the moment.  The good news is, I believe I found where I need to go to start an event, which is what I'm going to use for my online party.  I'm about to go research online parties, and then get in touch with my mentor because I do believe in the process of transferring my page I lost access to my upline facebook group. Ooopse... Gotta do something about that.

Visit my store at: http://www.irresistiblecharms.origamiowl.com

My Perfect Origami Owl Locket

If I keep this up, I will have nothing left to sell!  I've swapped out my original locket for the large crystal locket.  I LOVE that the crystals are Swarovski. I have a ton of Swarovski jewelry.  Believe it or not, I prefer it over diamonds.

I decided to procure the large silver "Blessed" plate for myself and added the white enamel flower.  I obviously kept the two charms that Gerry bought me.  I wore it to work and everyone loved it, but suggested a longer chain, so of course I attached it to the long flat oval chain and it was a big hit.  I'm telling myself that wearing the jewelry is good marketing ;)  Whatever I need to do to make myself feel better about keeping stuff for myself!

This is what I feel is the match for me and Origami Owl, my love for the product.  It's easy for me to "sell" it because I can't stop talking about how cool it is.  While the concept is pretty simple, it's an amazing idea.  The options of what you can do are endless.  I myself have decided that I will have a set of charms for every holiday and swap them out.  I'll be slipping in the four leafed clover charm for St. Patrick's day of course.

Now back tot he business and marketing aspect.  I was successful in switching my facebook page to a business page.  I'm still messing around with it and have sent invites to the page to everyone in my email and  on my personal facebook page.  Once I get everything ironed out I'm going to have my first online party.  Wish me luck!  Obviously I'll report on how I'm doing it and the results.  See you soon, hoot hoot!

Business Package Arrived!

I received my origami owl business package the day before yesterday. I tore into that sucker like it was the coveted Red Rider BB gun!  And, I would like to go on record to say...I was WRONG. Yes you heard right.
In my last post I mentioned that I didn't feel the $140 business package would have enough items to hold a party. Boy was I wrong. I THINK that the package information listed at origami owl
is more of a guideline, because I received four lockets (large silver crystal, med silver crystal, large silver and med silver), 36 charms (no duplicates), two plates (large silver blessed and medium rose faith), 4 ball station chains, two different length ball chains,  one long flat oval chain, a silver extender, two dangles (clear crystal and silver life is) a gift, one empowerment tag, one inspiration tag, three accent tags and a pearl earth element. I also received five votives, three tweezers, two plastic charm trays, four fortune cookie jewelry cases, 12 "O" jewelry bags, five take out boxes, 25 order forms, 25 take out menus, 25 save the date invitations, 25 business cards, five 4x6 pricing display cards and a tote bag.  Phewww
Obviously enough to play with at a party.  Being a perfectionist, I have decided all I really need is a rollo chain, large silver survivor and dream plates, blue and pink baby feet charms, police, american flag, sister and grandma charms to be a little more flexible with designs to display at a show. I would obviously like to have a lot of stock on hand but I promised myself I would not spend any more out of pocket. If I can't make enough to add to stock I will assess if this is the right opportunity for me.
I have a very positive outlook and am really excited about origami owl and hopefully that will translate into sales!

Journaling My Journey

This is my official Origami Owl at a local coffee shop that my fiance and I frequent. My now mentor Crystal, had a stategicly placed table that caught our eye while waiting in line for our java fix. Gerry and I were so taken with the product that we purchased one of the display models instantly. This "I love you locket" as Gerry calls it, consists of a ball station chain, a medium stainless steel Living Locket and two starter charms--a crystal heart and cross. I also picked up a catalog so I could build upon my locket in the future. I planned to purchase charms, plates and dangles for every holiday and special occasion, While perusing the catalog my attention was drawn to a page detailing the opportunity to become an Origami Owl Designer. I quickly pulled out my phone and began scouring the website. I mean, if *I* love this locket so much, I can't be alone right? I figure all of my friends and family are going to want one! And if they don't buy from me, they'll buy from someone else? Or if they don't buy at all, what a great Christmas gift idea. Heck, if all else fails, I get some really great jewelry!!! So I called Crystal the very next morning, which in hindsight was much earlier than I probably should have on a Sunday, getting her out of bed. We had a quick conversation, exchanged email info, and by days end I had put in my application to become a designer. Again Origami Owl had virtually sold itself! The next two weeks as a designer in waiting...waiting to be promoted, my excitement only increased. I had received so many complements on my own Living Locket and promises to buy or host a jewelry bar, when I received my welcome letter on February 12th I did a happy dance. On February 14th (yeah, that's Valentine's Day!) I officially became an Origami Owl Independent Jewelry Designer! Yay me!

Now for the nitty gritty: I purchased the smaller business package at $140. I will admit I was not exactly thrilled by the fifty plus shipping and handling and taxes, but I still felt this was a small price to pay for a business opportunity. And the fact that I barely skipped a beat indicated how much I believe in the product. (At press I have been told that the shipping rates are being reduced.) Regardless, I believe I can recoup my cost by at least the second jewelry bar.  Oh, and there was a larger package and I had actually toyed with getting but honestly, they don't tell you what charms and plates you're going to get, you can't pick them yourself. My concern was spening over $500 (including taxes and shipping) to get all "nana" plates and soccer ball charms. Not that I have anything against soccer or my Nana, but you get my point. I wanted the ability to have more control over my starting inventory. Instead I will pick a few pieces here and there and build my own package.

As to that, I do not intend on having my launch party until have enough product. The business package only comes with one chain and a few lockets and charms, not enough to have people touch and play with. I think that will be key in the launch party. I do however fully intend to market the bejesus out of my business on the internet and will hopefully be able to recoup some expenses and buy some more goodies.  I'm excited about it and I think that will help keep me motivated in the marketing area.

The good news is my excitement also seems to be contagious and I already have one friend willing to have party for me, which meets my business plan goal of booking one party by February. And yes, I have a business plan. I think it is very important to set out goals and expectations. This way you have something to strive for are better equipped to gauge whether you are meeting your goals. DO THIS... I may be a young OO desinger, but I've been in the business world a minute and I do have some skillz to bring to the table ;) So now I sit and wait to see what goodies come in my business package. I've also set up my facebook account, twitter account, this blog, a gmail account with my business name (yes i also have a business name), and I've got a start on my own website. I know there is a portal for people to buy from me http://irresistiblecharms.origamiowl.com/ but hey,   I am a webdesigner by trade so you know I have to have a site of my own, hopefully driving traffic to my portal where people will buy tons of stuff or join OO themselves and become a part of my team.  Hopefully those people will be as motivated and exited as I am!

So off I go to wait for my business package and do some internet marketing.  Social media here I come!