Why did you choose Mia Bella Gourmet Candles?
I am an 14-year veteran of Direct Sales and Network Marketing. I started my business after my first child was born. Like so many mothers
(and fathers) out there, I wanted to be home with my children. I built my first company to a very successful level, but was not excited
about the product so I left in search of a product I could get excited about—a program that was SIMPLE, yet lucrative.
I was attracted to the company initially because of the fundraising program. As a parent of grade school children and involved in
numerous outside activities, we were constantly "raising funds" for some group. Being sick of candy, popcorn, cookie dough and cheap,
little trinkets that I don't need, I went in search of a better fundraising program. When I first saw the candles, I thought "this is
something I would buy more of from a fundraising group because I would not only use the product, but would give the candles as gifts."
When looked at the whole business, I was sold.
The low start up costs appealed to me because it allowed me to reach a market of moms—and others—who were (and are) serious about
working a home business, but couldn’t afford the $150 to 200 monthly "auto ship" requirements of other companies. Now, I have a
solution that they LOVE!
Mia Bella's Gourmet Candles have really provided the answer for me and my family. Candles can't get much simpler—just light and enjoy! Yet,
it's a product that people enjoy and become emotionally attached to.
Finally, Mia Bella’s Gourmet Candles have been such a blessing because it truly is a family business.
Last summer, my 8-year-old sold candles with me at a local Farmer's Market, has helped me with home parties, and tells people
about "our” candle business constantly. It gives me the chance to involve my children "hands on" in the business and teach them some
entrepreneurial skills for the future! That is a TRUE business gift for me!
When did you start your career as a consultant for Mia Bella Gourmet Candles?
I started in March of 2003.
How long did it take you to start earning a profit?
 I
was profitable my first month. I had a few parties to introduce the products to people I knew, then I contacted a few organizations
about fundraisers. Fundraising groups were very receptive to such a great product for their fundraising needs. I also began finding
people who also wanted a home business.
I am passionate about the three exciting ways we have to earn income, too: retailing, fundraising and building a team of other
distributors, because our candles literally "sell themselves." All three methods work very nicely together.
How has the business worked around your family?
Tremendously. Because gourmet candles are a simple, "no explanation necessary" business, my family can actually get involved and help with
the business. My kids can do the presentation and have a great time. They have also worked some Farmer's Markets and street fair booths
with me. They love it when new scents come in, opening the boxes, putting labels on the candles, etc. My son is now joining me in some
online marketing of the business.
What was the most difficult thing about starting your business?
Having the courage NOT to quit is the most difficult part of starting a business. Aside from that, not worrying about the people who
said "no," moving forward, being ready for those who say yes is the key to success.
Personal development is a big part of direct sales and network marketing. I've learned to pay attention to areas of resistance because
they often become my greatest strengths. We are in a sorting business, not a convincing business. We must learn to overcome the tendency
to "oversell."
What do you do to make your business successful, while still meeting your mom duties?
I'm organized. I have systems set up to allow some parts of my business to run on autopilot. Through the internet, I can promote my
business 24/7, 365 days a year. I schedule family time and business time and have taught my family to respect that.
By getting my family involved in my business, it has helped that challenge a great deal. I've also learned to let go of "perfection" in
certain aspects of a home business. Yes, someone on the other end of the phone may hear children's voices from time to time, but that is
why I have a home business.
Where do you find your clientele Mia Bella Gourmet Candle parties?
I have developed a very strong, consistent customer base from my friends, neighbors, and business associates. Fundraisers are every
where, even the phone book—so many groups need to raise money. Most of my sales team has come from the Internet. I do about 90% of my
business online, and even pick up customers online.
What have you found to be your best form of advertising?
I do a lot of small ads on Internet sites, such as The Dabbling Mum. Online forums offer a good chance to meet and connect with others
who are looking for what I have to offer. And, word of mouth from my customers is great, too.
How do you help your Mia Bella Gourmet Candles downline promote their businesses?
I have training manuals set up for every aspect of building the business, including using the Internet. Whether they want to focus on
home parties, fundraisers, sponsoring others or a combination of both, the training is there.
I hold a weekly team coaching call where we discuss all aspects of the business, and I have a training website, and online discussion
group for sharing ideas, files, tools, etc. I hold a mini-training at every company function we have so my team can get together, meet,
and form relationships—which are the heart of this business.
Is there ever a time you call it quits with a downline?
No, I make a commitment to always be there as long as someone wants me there. They have to quit on me! I will run as fast, or walk as
slowly as anyone desires. If a person decides this is not for him or her, that's okay, but I don’t ever want it to be because the
support was not there. That's my motto and my team knows it!
If a mom were to say to you, "I want to work from home, but I just cannot sell. What would you say?
First, let's talk about selling. When you close your eyes and conjure up a sales person, what do you see?
Often, just overcoming that obstacle is the key because a lot of people associate sales with rude, pushy, overbearing types who won't
take no for an answer.
I work with people to develop their own hot button and learn to share that with others. What is appealing to a distributor about our
products is part of their story. As long as one is sharing his or her story, the product will often sell itself. It's not about spouting
facts and figures, etc. It's about being real with people and sharing what this business means on a personal level.
I also talk about the different ways we have to make money and we see if there is something there that is a fit!
Thank you very much for allowing me to interview you.
Visit her at: Mia Bella Gourmet Candles
About The Author:
Alyice Edrich is the author of several highly praised e-books designed to help you work from home. To discover how you can
earn $50 in two hours or up to $10K in your spare time visit her store:
http://thedabblingmum.com/ebookstore
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