Introducing AromaGraphics!

I have hinted around at this new side business but now it's time to officially announce it! I am so excited to provide all UB Fragrance Designers with custom marketing materials through AromaGraphics!

With the blessing from the corporate office, I can now provide a whole slew of materials to help you market your UB business. While I am still putting together my website, I thought I didn't want to waste any more time and let you all see the new flyers for the UB Fall promotions.

I have one for the Home Fragrance Collection and one for the U.B.You Signature Fragrance Collection. They both mention the October special of the free oil warming plate. Both flyers are designed to be 8.5x11 so you can print these on your home printer.

These flyers are perfect for tucking into customer bags or handing out at your UB parties. You can also slide them into a plastic sign holder (like $6 at OfficeDepot) to make a nice display for parties, vendor fairs, etc.

I will customize the bottom section with your contact information. And because we are nearly half-way through October, I will send you another version to use in November (if the promo continues, or if it doesn't, I will update accordingly).

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Introductory Specials!

Package A $25.00

Both October special flyers emailed to you as PDFs, customized with your contact info. I will also send you another set to use after the October promo so you really get your money's worth! That's four custom flyers for just $25!

Package B $45.00

>> Both October special flyers, plus a second set to use after October (second set emailed at a later date).

PLUS....

>> UB Product Info sheet. This great to use at big parties, birthday parties, or when the UB products are bought as gifts. I tuck one in with every bag!

>> Generic UB marketing postcard design. The specs are set up so you can print these at VistaPrint, usually they have a 100 cards for free coupon! With a blank back side, you can use these cards for invites, to handwrite a note to a customer, to include with product samples...the choice is yours!

Six marketing pieces to you for $45!

NOTE - Because I don't have the shopping cart function set up yet, I will email you an invoice through PayPal. Once I have payment, I'll send you your PDFs.

To order or if you have questions, you can reach me directly at kelseymfoster@yahoo.com!

Exciting Happenings!

With the latest exciting announcement from corporate about the revamped DIY oil kits (UB You system) that will be available for purchase online, I have a renewed sense of excitement with my business. Not that I was ever "not" excited but now I'm even MORE excited about the possibilities (if that was even possible!).

I am working on two projects to build online awareness for UB so this is perfect timing!

I also have a personal but UB-related announcement that I'm getting ready to make about an exciting new venture and I just have to say that I'm really, really thrilled about it.

Stay tuned for deets in the very near future... :)

Junebug Weddings writeup

I have been MIA on my blog lately but that is due to being so busy! First, I'd like to report that I had an amazing writeup by a local Seattle wedding website that is beyond gorgie. I met with Christy at Junebug Weddings and we had so much fun chatting and creating her signature scent. I also ran a small giveaway on the site that was well-received. Click here to read all about it!

Personality Plus!

I thought I'd blog today about personality types and how understanding someone's personality type can help you in your Urban Botanic business.

There are lots of different assessments and quizzes out there that can tell you about your personality type - heck, we even have our own! ;)

Here are a couple of other models for determining personality types that can help you to understand your hostesses, teammates, potential recruits, and yourself!

The first is the well-known Myers-Briggs test. Here is a link where you can take a version of this test:

http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/. I'd love to hear what your results are (leave a comment)!

My result with Myers-Briggs is that I am a ENTP. Here's a snippet of what that means:

The Visionary

You are charming, outgoing, friendly. You make a good first impression. You possess good negotiating skills and can convince anyone of anything. Happy to be the center of attention, you love to tell stories and show off. You're very clever, but not disciplined enough to do well in structured environments. You would make a great entrepreneur, marketing executive, or actor.

If you want more information about Myers-Briggs, just Google it and you'll find a wealth of information.

The next personality assessment is in the form of a brief article I found on a direct sales website. This is an unfamiliar model to me and a little simplistic but I thought it was interesting because it is so focused on how it relates to potential recruits. After reading it, I think I'm a cross between a D and an I (but a nice D - haha).

What do you think you are?

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DISC Personality types for Better Recruiting

by Kristie Tamsevicius, Webmomz.com

article found at http://www.webmomz.com/Direct-Selling/direct-selling-disc-personality-types.shtml

What if when you were talking to a potential recruit you were able to speak their language and share the opportunity in a way that really appealed to their unique personality type?

While your potential recruit may not fit into a single, neat personality category understanding they personality style will help you cater your message to cater to their specific, individual needs, goals, and concerns.

DISC is a profiling system that breaks down personalities into 4 basic types. Here is the breakdown to of the personality types to strengthen your direct sales recruiting skills.

D – Dominant

How to spot an "D":
The "D" personality is usually very independent, direct and to the point. They want to know what kind of results they can expect. They will probably tell you to "get to the bottom line". They dread routine tasks and delegate routine chores to someone else. A “D” type personality doesn’t like wasting time.

Adjectives to describe an "D" type include:

Confident

Authoritative

Goal Driven

Demanding

Determined

Decisive

Delegator

Results-oriented

Quick Decisions

Control People

Power/Authority

Makes own rules

Focused

Assertive

Hard Working

What "D's" care about:

Let the D type be in charge. They love to do all the talking. They will tell you exactly what questions they have and what they want to know. Tell them about how they could be in charge being their own boss. Let them know how they can become a director.

I – Expressive

How to spot an "I":

You'll spot an "I" type a mile away. They are the life of the party. They love to talk, crave attention, and are really upbeat and fun around. They are very talkative and outgoing people and are quite persuasive. They love to be recognized and praised for their accomplishments.

Adjectives to describe an "I" type include:

cheerful

bubbly

optimistic

talkative

inspirational

influencing

inducing

impressive

interactive

interested in people

people-oriented

loves to talk

motivational

enthusiastic

recognition-oriented

What "I's" care about:

An “I” type personality will want to hear about the great prizes, awards, girlfriend time, and recognition. Share about the kind of recognition they will get as a consultant. Let them know that they have the perfect personality for this business

S – Steady Eddy

How to spot an "S":

The "S" type is always there when you need them.

Adjectives to describe an "S" type include:

Quiet

Love when things are running smoothly

Want everyone to get along

Easy-going

Dependable

Neat

Efficient

Supportive

Submissive

Stable

Steady

Sentimental

Shy

Family-oriented

Loyal

Slow to change

Security minded

Goes by the rules

What "S's" care about:

With an S type, you'll have to do most of the talking. They may not ask questions. Focus on the flexibility of your opportunity. Share how it gives you more family time. Tell them about the training and support they’ll get.Talk about how being your own boss gives you stability in an uncertain economy

C – Analytical

How to spot an "C":

If you want to picture a typical "C" type personality, think of your accountant, an engineer or a computer programmer or analyst. The "C" thrives on details, accuracy and takes just about everything seriously.

Adjectives to describe an "C" type include:

Likes to have everything in order

Good listeners

Reserved and introverted

Perfectionists

Cautious

Competent

Calculating

Concerned

Careful

Contemplative

Detail-oriented

Critical

Analytical

Takes time to change

What "C's" care about:

They don't care much about results. What C types want is the facts of your opportunity. They might want to know what is its how to get started, what products you sell etc. Since they are shy, don’t get too personal. Give handouts for them to review at home so they can decide for themself in their own time.

I hope these DISC personality profiles strengthen your recruiting skills by helping you speak the "language" of your prospective recruit!

This Direct Selling Article by Kristie Tamsevicius - Speaker, Author, and Online Business Expert, Kristie Tamsevicius. She is the author of several books including "I Love My Life: A Mom's Guide to Working from Home" and a contributing author to the upcoming book, "More Build it Big: 101 Insider Secrets from Direct Selling Experts" by Dearborn Publishing.

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What does it mean to be a business pioneer?

Does the word pioneer conjure up images of covered wagons, funny bonnets, and the "old west"? Well, circle your wagons and don't get your pinafore in a twist, but all of us in UB are pioneers RIGHT NOW in 2007!

For many of us in The Hive, this is our first venture into direct sales. For others of us, we come to the table with direct sales experience. But for most of us, this is our very first time pioneering a product and concept that is totally new to the market.

I personally have worked with several start-up businesses. During the dot-com heyday of the mid-to-late nineties, I gained a TON of experience with start-ups. And so did many of my friends. And we all shared stories and learned valuable lessons.

Bringing a new product to the market is a thrilling experience for some. It can be absolutely terrifying for others. For most people, the comfort level falls somewhere in the middle. I would venture to guess that for most of us involved in UB, we have an above average tolerance for risk. We also are quick to understand innovations and recognize a hot trend before most people.

Otherwise you probably would not have taken the plunge and become a Fragrance Designer. Right? (take a moment to pat yourself on the back, you hip trendspotter!)

The ride with a new company can be somewhat of a rollercoaster. As Shawna has said, it isn't a sprint but it is more of a marathon. I think it is really helpful to understand the mentality of our customers. Not from a customer service or demographic standpoint, but to understand how people tend to react to "new" ideas.

There are several theories out there but one I have seen used in several disciplines (from eLearning, to healthcare) is the Theory of Innovation Diffusion that Everett Rogers published in 1962. I grabbed a concise snippet of what it is from Wikipedia.

I personally haven't read his book, I've just been exposed to it by several presentations I've attended over the years. I do, however, highly recommend The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. It's a great mix of culture and statistics about how trends really take hold in society.

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From Wikipedia:
Theories of Innovation Diffusion

French sociologist Gabriel Tarde originally claimed that sociology was based on small psychological interactions among individuals, especially imitation and innovation.

Diffusion of innovations theory was formalized by Everett Rogers in a 1962 book called Diffusion of Innovations. Rogers stated that adopters of any new innovation or idea could be categorized as innovators (2.5%), early adopters (13.5%), early majority (34%), late majority (34%) and laggards (16%), based on a bell curve. Each adopter's willingness and ability to adopt an innovation would depend on their awareness, interest, evaluation, trial, and adoption.

Some of the characteristics of each category of adopter include:

1. innovators:venturesome, educated, multiple info sources, greater propensity to take ris
2. early adopters:social leaders, popular, educated
3. early majority: deliberate, many informal social contacts
4. late majority: skeptical, traditional, lower socio-economic status
5. laggards: neighbours and friends are main info sources, fear of debt

Rogers also proposed a five stage model for the diffusion of innovation:

1. Knowledge - learning about the existence and function of the innovation


2. Persuasion - becoming convinced of the value of the innovation


3. Decision - committing to the adoption of the innovation


4. Implementation - putting it to use


5. Confirmation - the ultimate acceptance (or rejection) of the innovation

The S-Curve and technology adoption


The adoption curve becomes a s-curve when cumulative adoption is used.Rogers theorized that innovations would spread through society in an S curve, as the early adopters select the technology first, followed by the majority, until a technology or innovation is common.

The speed of technology adoption is determined by two characteristics p, which is the speed at which adoption takes off, and q, the speed at which later growth occurs. A cheaper technology might have a higher p, for example, taking off more quickly, while a technology that has network effects (like a fax machine, where the value of the item increases as others get it) may have a higher q.

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So what does all of this mean? It means that it might take a little longer to see a boom in party bookings or new recruits. It means that for almost everyone you tell about UB, they might need to hear about it several times (and in different ways) because they have never heard of it before.

Try to think about those people you know who "know" everyone and know every trend (they are the innovators and early adopters). Seek them out. They will help you tremendously in getting the word out.

We are the ones spreading the word about this amazing company. And it will likely take longer for us to see definite results in our businesses (than it would if we were in a more established company with major brand awareness). But for those of us who stick with it, the rewards will no doubt be absolutely worth it!

Hopefully you all find this information useful!

You Just Never Know

I posted a week or so ago about word of mouth advertising. And I have an amazing story to share that proves you just never know how it might work.

Just last weekend I did an Urban Botanic birthday party for an extremely delightful 12 year old and her group of friends. There were also two adult women who took part in the fragrance making, too. Well, it turns out one of the women works for my city's parks and recreation department.

At the end of the party, she asked for some of my cards and said she thought this would be a great workshop to offer through the city center (year-round they offer classes for people of all ages on a variety of topics). Needless to say, I gave her a stack of cards and told her how interested I would be in doing that.

This week I got a call from the program coordinator who asked if I would be interested in running UB workshops in their fall series.

My jaw hit the floor.

YES! YES! I absolutely want to be included in the fall series!! He emailed me the paperwork and I am sending it back to him Monday. The workshops will be listed in a magazine that goes out to nearly 100,000 households in my area!!

I am also figuring out how to thank my word-of-mouth angel. The fact that she enjoyed herself and saw value in the process enough to refer me to her co-worker just blows me away. Thank you doesn't begin to describe how grateful I am.

So, it just goes to show that you never know who might be in attendance at a party and how powerful word of mouth can be!

For Laughs

I got this in an email the other day and I laughed so hard I nearly cried.
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Here are the winners of the Washington Post's Mensa Invitational, which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.
The 2006 winners are:

1. Cashtration: (n.) The act of buying (or building) a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.

2. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an *sshole.

3. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize that it was your money to start with.

4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

5. Bozone: (n.) The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

10. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.

11. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)

12. Karmageddon: It's when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, and then the Earth explodes and it's a serious bummer.

13. Decafalon: (n.) The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

14. Glibido: All talk and no action.

15. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

16. Arachnoleptic Fit: (n.) The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

17. Beelzebug: (n.) Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

18. Caterpallor: (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.
And the winners are:

1. Coffee, (n.) the person upon whom one coughs.

2. Flabbergasted, (adj.) appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.

3. Abdicate, (v.) to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

4. Esplanade, (v.) to attempt an explanation while drunk.

6. Negligent, (adj.) absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.

7. Lymph, (v.) to walk with a lisp.

8. Gargoyle, (n.) olive-flavored mouthwash.

9. Flatulence, (n.) emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.

10. Balderdash, (n.) a rapidly receding hairline.

11. Oyster, (n.) a person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.

12. Frisbeetarianism, (n.) the belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.

13. Pokemon, (n.) a Rastafarian proctologist.