However, to grow as a person and a business professional, I’m thinking I’m going to have to step outside of my WAHM comfort zone here pretty soon. You may be asking “You own an online greeting card business, why on Earth would you want to do that?” Well, there are a couple of reasons.

I have been a WAHM now for 4 years, and so far I’ve been able to conduct all of my business online. But now that I’m looking at both kids being in school for the first time this Fall, I’m looking at ways to take advantage of the business in my own ‘backyard’! That’s right – I’m branching out offline.

I’ve already checked the local paper for the times and locations for meetings of business networking groups, and plan to call our local Chamber of Commerce to find out when they hold their meetings. (Hopefully this won’t conflict with my youngest’s school schedule – don’t know if he is in morning or afternoon Kindergarten yet.)

Let’s say I go to the next meeting and there are 30 people there; statistics show that the average person knows 250 people…. Well, if each of those 30 people in this networking group knows 250 people, who knows how many of them may need my greeting card service?

By showing up regularly for meetings and events, eventually I will get to know the other members. The conversation will eventually lead to the subject of what each of I do for a living. When they, or someone they know, are in need of my services, I will be the first person they think of to ask for help.

Besides, it might be nice to get dressed up and get out of the house!

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There are so many features of the system that sold me, but my favorites are…

With over 13,000 greeting cards to choose from in the online card catalog, I have yet to find an occasion that I can’t find a card for! Plus, with business and personal greeting cards, I have been able to use the system to send out cards to customers and contacts, as well as my friends and family.

The Gift Catalog gets bigger every month with options for sending gifts at any occasion!

The PicturePlus system that allows you to take your photos, and other jpeg images and upload them onto the front of, or inside of a card. This has been a great way to create some great personalized greeting cards, and our annual Christmas card.

The Online Contact Manager that keeps all of my contacts names, addresses, birthdays, etc. accessible with a couple of clicks when I want to send a card. I can even add the spouses and children’s name and birthday information. The Reminder Service actually sends me an email a week before someone’s birthday, making it even easier to remember to send a card. I’ve got groups set up within my contact manager and can even send one card to an entire group with a few clicks – instead of having to send out each individual card one at a time.

Okay, I admit – the cost of the cards are a BIG plus!  I can send a card with postage for under $1.25! That’s like a third of the price just for the card alone. Then I don’t have to look for a stamp either – there’s a time saver right there! LOL!

So much I have planned for this business!

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There are a lot of Moms and WAHMs out there looking for a company to join. At WAHMchats, we would like to help them make an informed decision when it comes to starting a new venture.  Check out multiple companies in one day. Find out all the details about joining their company and being active in the party and then ask the rep the questions YOU really need answers to.

Business Opportunity Fair Schedule

11-11:45 – Mary Kay : Diane McLachlan : We are more than makeup. We are more about proper skin care. Everyone has skin and everyone wants it to look wonderful. You can help others feel good about themselves.

11:45-12:15 – The Scented Tub : Val Selby – US Manager : Join now and receive your sign up fee back in store credit! Sign ups start at only $5.

12:15-1 – Unique Diva Boutique : Sabrae Carter

1-1:45 – Usborne Books : Tina Peterson : **September’s Kit is $35 with a FREE website and I will be offering an additional $25 in FREE books (your choice) as a gift from me! Come see what Usborne Books has to offer you, your family & your community! Click to see September’s special: http://www.ubah.com/consultant/PDF/sept2008recruiting.pdf

1:45-2:30 – Greeting Card Connections : Lauren Haugh : Who do you know that could benefit from an unexpected card? Learn about the 3 ways to become a “Sender of Cards” and the business opportunity that gives you 7 ways to earn. Join as an Entrepreneur to receive compensation as you help others become senders of cards.

2:30-3:15 – Tomboy Tools : Linda Jirous : Tomboy Tools is offering a $99.00 dollar new consultant special!!! This is a savings of $60.00! The tools alone are valued at over $140.00 plus you get all the business materials. I am offering to a new team member a $25.00 Tomboy Tool gift certificate after they hold their first event.

3:15-4 – Gold Canyon Candles : Heather Magallanes : Gold Canyon MORE THEN JUST CANDLES SHOP ONLINE – $5.95* SHIPPING EVERYDAY!
New Demonstrators – Choose Your Discounted Kit and More! New Demonstrators can choose between the full Demonstrator Kit for a discounted price of $99 (Save $76) or the Sampler Kit for a discounted price of $49 (Save $50).

4-4:45 – Homemade Gourmet : Nikki Ilgen : ** Homemade Gourmet is one of the top Up & Coming Homebased Businesses according to Family Circle.**…Homemade Gourmet provides the products & ideas that makes today’s home cooking easy for people with busy lifestyles….Sign up by 9/30/08 for only $39.00 (plus shipping & tax) and receive a bonus coupon for $39.50 in free product with your initial order. Entry Level Opportunity!

4:45-5:15 – open

5:15-6 – open

6:15-7 – UndercoverWear Parties by Marylyn : Marylyn Friedmann : **September Recruit Special for Military Dependents…FREE $125 Kit (Value $250)! **September Recruit Special: Receive $60 FREE additional merchandise to add to kit!**

7-7:30 – Lokelani Designs : Marianne Glynn : September Sign-On Bonus! Consultants who sign-on in September receive our versatile 3-Strand Rolo Necklace ($60) for FREE!

7:30-8 – ~Passion Parties by Janet~ : Janet Piccarillo : Join my team Today and receive: **250 biz cards **$100 worth of Passion products to get you started with your new business!!

8-8:30 – Taste of Home Entertaining : Holly Weissenhofer : Smart Start incentives for new consultants! Earn product, free gas, an iphone, laptop and more! Special incentive for anyone signing by end of Sept….also earn a free new metal tray after your 1st party! Check us out!

8:30-9 – Thirty-One Gifts : Patti Wentz : Join my team and get 25 extra catalogs to get you started right away!

9-9:30 – South Main Designs : Charity Treat : Free to join! Join my team, & receive a FREE pair of earrings!

9:30-10 – Cherish Bound : Tara Brown : Anyone who schedules a sponsoring appointment at the close of my presentation and holds it within 48 hours of the event will receive a free Cherish Bound Story Starter. New Consultants that sign up will receive $29 in publishing from me! Kits start at $99.

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