Saturday, January 23, 2010

5 Years and Counting... (and a Little Blog Candy)

Five years ago today I become a Close to my Heart Consultant. I had no idea what I was doing other than knowing that I would get a great discount on the best stamping and scrapbooking products in the industry. Once my friends got a look at all of my new goodies, they wanted me to do parties and workshops for them so I could teach them how to use these fun products. Then it just grew from there. Here I am, 5 years later with a team of fabulous women all over the country who are just as devoted to this craft as I am. I have a thriving business that I am enjoying more and more each day! (Who knew that you could turn your hobby into a lucrative business?) I cannot tell you how fabulous this company is and how amazing the people are at the Corporate Office. I have made such wonderful friends and am grateful for the opportunities that I have had. I could go on and on about how much I love being a Consultant, but what I really want to do today is share my joy with you. So...I have a little anniversary blog candy to give away.

The lucky winner will receive...

  • A variety package of (50) different B&T patterned papers. (Each sheet is different!)
  • You’ve Got Flair stamp set
  • It’s Your Day stamp set
  • Notice the Details stamp set
  • (8) Workshop on the Go How-To Guides (Each one is different!)
  • Bulk roll of Outdoor Denim Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
  • Sculpting Foam
  • 6"x6" White Simulated Leather Album
  • Groovy Buttercup 6"x6" Scrapbooking Kit
  • Package of (15) 6"x6" Memory Protectors
  • Package of Nature’s Ambiance Rub-Ons
You can only imagine how much CTMH product I have collected over the past 5 years. A LOT! I have put this little package together from my massive stash to give away to one lucky winner. All you need to do to enter is leave a comment on this post by doing one of the following:
  1. Ask me any question(s) you like about being a CTMH Consultant.
  2. If you are already a Consultant, tell me what you like about it.
  3. If you have ever thought about becoming a Consultant, tell me why you haven’t done it yet.
I will pick a winner using random.org on Friday. I will also post answers to any questions that are asked about being a Consultant at that time. Of course you are always welcome to email me if you have questions as well.

Thank you for sharing my anniversary with me! I am looking forward to many more years with Close to my Heart! *Ü*

60 comments:

  1. I am a former and soon to be consultant. Knowing this I'd like to ask you if you would share a tip or two about how to grow a successful business, after you've used up your friends as customers.

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  2. I sometimes think about being a consultant to earn some extra money, but I guess I'm afraid to try. How to you overcome the fear factor?

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  3. I haven't been a consultant for very long, but I love it just because I LOVE their products. They truly have the best stuff ever!

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  4. Ihave not been a consultant for long, but what I love the most is that I can make money by doing what I love. I do gatherings and have crops and the whole time I have a blast, so making a litle bit of ibncome is a great bonus!

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  5. I'm just new in this world of scrapbooking, and know only a little of CTMH... But I hope to get more info about it and try some of your products...
    Maybe someday I'll became a CTMH consultant too!
    Thanks for share your experience and for the opportunity of that great giveaway!
    Greetings

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  6. Hey, Lisa, you don't have to include me in your drawing... I just want to wish you a big CONGRATS on 5 years! Mine will be coming up this August. Time sure flies when you're having fun!!! :)

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  7. as a consultant are there requirements for minimum purchases per month or quarter?? and what percentage do make on a sale??

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  8. Happy Anniversary Lisa!
    No need to put me in your drawing-I just wanted to tell you how much better CTMH is becuase YOU are a consultant! I am so happy that I finally got to meet you last summer at Leadership!
    Not only are you a talented and fantastic consultant but a wonderful and fabulous person, as well!
    SMiles,
    Amy

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  9. I love all your inspiring artwork! I joined CTMH to get all the great products at a discount because I love everything about CTMH. They always have such great deals going on. I don't have any costumers, well except myself - but I find it's worth it.

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  10. Congrats on your 5 year!! I just had my 1 year last week. I love everything about CTMH from the papers and stamps to the great promotions to all the new friends I have made. There is nothing better than making money and friends doing something that you love!!

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  11. WOW - five years, congratulations! As a consultant, I love how I can inspire others to scrapbook their lives. Any money I make I buy more scrapbooking supplies so at least my husband can't ever complain.

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  12. Hmmm, I guess I would most like to know what the minimums are...I guess you have a successful enough business now that you don't have to worry about minimums, but when you were starting out, how did you begin to build your business up?

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  13. First let me congratulate you on the 5 year anniversery! Second I have been a consultant for almost 6 years (will be 6 in March) with CTMH. I love what I do! I meet many people I otherwise would not meet. Some of my customers are now my best friends! I love the products that spur my creativity, which is all of CTMH items. I try to make my gatherings, crops or workshops simple but fun. They keep asking for more! Have fun no matter what you teach and others will follow. Good luck to many more years as a consultant.

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  14. I love being a consultant because it has connected me to so many amazing, creative, inspiring women - including you Lisa! If any of you are considering becoming a consultant, know you will be a part of an incredible network of women!

    Lisa, I love seeing your artwork on the consultant bulletin boards and here on your blog. I admire your talent and thank you for sharing it with all of us!

    Liz Gellatly

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  15. Hi Lisa...what a GREAT name you have!!! I am also a consultant with CTMH. I joined this last October and am enjoying every moment of it. I have a craft club that meets every month and also teach classes at our local scrapbook store in town. I have been blessed with a wonderful up-line who keeps me current with lots of information. She even hosts a retreat every January (I just went!) and we have classes using all the new products. I think we made 25 projects in all!!! It was awesome! Congrats on your anniversary...and happy scrapping!
    Lisa Diederich
    Marshfield, MO.

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  16. I am a Junior Consultant. I mainly do it for the awesome consultant message boards (the discount is nice too, lol). Congrats on your 5-year anniversary and great giveaway!

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  17. I'm with Liz, I love having access to the ladies on the bulletin boards---everyone is so friendly it makes me feel like I have a big extended family. It's also fun to see the new books before they go live.

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  18. My question is similar to another one, but important to me if I consider becoming a consultant. Being with military, we are constantly moving. I've been here for over 2 years and still barely know anyone. I'll be moving again within 6 months and need to know how to get a business going, knowing how hard it is to meet people sometimes. Especially with a tough economy right now... what would be a good way to get started? Thanks for the chance to win an awesome collection of products! Congrats on your 5 years!

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  19. I love CTMH and the freedom they give you as a consultant and the beautiful product they have..I also have friends that all use CTMH product..I wish I could tap into a new market...I have so much to share.

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  20. I am not a consultant but have thought about it in the past. I am not sure how to build a customer base with out pestering friends and family to host parties; is there another way? Congratulations on your five year anniversary!

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  21. I love that I sell for a company that truly cares about me!
    Lisa

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  22. I have thought only about once a week about becoming a consultant! Whats holding me up? ( since I look at the seasonal catalogs every week as well )is that we are in the process of moving to a new community - maybe I still should be anyway!
    e mail
    gurry(at)telus.net

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  23. I am a CTMH consultant, and I too started to get the discount for myself. My buisiness has started to grow slowly and I am loving every minute of it. I also love that I can revolve my buisiness around my family.

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  24. I LOVE being a consultant! I love spending time creating with my customers/friends and love it when they get so excited to have created a new masterpiece...congrats on 5 years Lisa!

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  25. Congratulations Lisa on your anniversary. I am not a consultant but if I were to become one, I don't know how I would find customers. There are a lot of CTMH consultants in the area, so what could I do to make me stand out above the rest?
    Connie (connielynn40@yahoo.com)

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  26. I love reading your Blog Lisa. I had attempted to be a CTMH Consultant. I have a daughter that is special needs (quadleplegic with cerebral palsy) I have a difficult time holding classes as something always seems to come up as I am her sole caregiver. Hubby works shifts. So, I love love love the CTMH Products. I never have to hunt for things to MATCh as it all does... My best work comes out when I do use my CTMH products. We recently moved back to our home town after being away 9 years.We feel so blessed because I hve found a group of ladies that asked me to hold a Crop night/classes when the Youth Group meets at our Church. It is so fun and out little group is starting to grow. The only thng was when I started the group with the Children's Pastor - I wanted to just start teh group- I ddnt want to make it "Sales" it was to be FREE & From My heart. Well it is starting to grow into a "fellowship group" for us ladies. I feel so blessed! My daughter just went into the hospital for the week and all my new friends were praying for my daughter - got us thru the rough time! So I love my Scrapbooking Friends...it is truly a ministry now! So Now I need to buy a kit and begin my Business. The ladies say that they would want to buy CTMH stuff. So I feel led to figure out a way to start up my biz. You could email me some suggestions on how to get goin? chellchatting@yahoo.com

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  27. I am a Consultant, and coming up on my 5 year mark as well.. Congratulations Lisa!
    I love being a Consultant because of the sisterly bonds you make with fellow Consultants, they truly are ready to share anything with you, from their ideas to a tape roller!
    Lisa Osterlind

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  28. I am about to celebrate my one year anniversary of becoming a consultant. Hard to imagine a year has gone by. The greatest acrylic stamps in the industry, they sell themselves!

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  29. What is one piece of advice you can give that you learned about the business side of CTMH that has made you successfull?

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  30. Congratulations on your 5 years with CTMH. My daughter became a CTMH consultant in May last year. She is having such a good time with it. I love the products and love the colors - they always match. Thanks for this great give away in celebration.
    Rebecca:)

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  31. I have been a consultant for 5 years also, and we are military so I have to rebuild my customer base all the time. How do you get people committed in this economy, and to inspire others. Thanks for sharing your GREAT art. Blessings.

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  32. I have been a consultant almost a year and am what you'd call a hobbyist. I wanted to get the products discounted for myself. I love seeing all the ideas from other consultants. Sandy

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  33. I think about being a consultant every time a place a large order ;-) I guess I haven't mainly because I'm concerned I wouldn't make the minimum requirements (whatever they are). Also, as a city dweller, it is sometimes very difficult to meet people who share your interests.

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  34. Yes, I have thought about being a consultant, but I just don't think I have the time to put into it as a business. I barley have time to scrap and keep current. I'm not sure what the minimum sales requirements are or if I could even maintain it. Who knows, maybe someday. Meanwhile, I really enjoy your posts.

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  35. Hello, I absolutely love your site. I get lots of ideas from it. I have thought about being a consultant, however we already have 3 in our area (it's small) in Northern Ontario, Canada. This is another reason why I don't order on line (shipping here would kill). Anyway love your site.

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  36. Lisa, congrats on the 5 years! That is wonderful. I have been a consultant for just over 1 year now. I love CTMH and being a consultant as it is a company that I believe in. They have excellent product (at great prices), the corp staff are amazing, I have met friends from all over the US and Canada. CTMH product sells itself and that says a lot to me. I love being a CTMH consultant.

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  37. WOW!!! 5 YEARS?! That is quite an accomplishment...so CONGRATS and thank you for sharing your talents with all of us! As for a question, what are your top 5 reasons for becoming a CTMH consultant? -KT

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  38. Lisa, I love your blog. I have been a CTMH Consultant for 3 years, and I love that I have made some really good friends during this time. Of course, the product is great too! What a wonderful and generous blog candy, thank's for the opportunity to win.

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  39. A big congratulations to you, Lisa, on 5 years! You're work has inspired me since I first became a consultant 2 years ago. I love CTMH because of the great products, but also because of the fabulous consultants that make up this wonderful company. And you are definately one of the best! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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  40. Congratulations on 5 years as a consultant and for all the success you've had. I am not a consultant, but I have considered it many times. I love the products, but I am not sure how to become a successful consultant. What are some things you would suggest to make a successful business with limited funds to invest up front and few contacts for potential customers?

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  41. Congrats! I wondered if your blog increases your business sales. or, is your business dependant on the classes that you teach.

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  42. Congratulations on 5 years! I'm a consultant and just love CTMH in general- great products, great support system with other consultants, great company. And I love the fact that since we move alot with the military, I can take my job with me.

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  43. I joined CTMH 3 years ago for the same reasons you did . . .to get great discounts on the best scrapbooking and stamping stuff out there . . and I've never regretted it! I totally understand your massive collection of CTMH products . . . the collecting is almost as much fun as actually using it! I love your blog and admire your work! Thanks, Lisa!

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  44. Love being a consultant! However, I sometimes lack in the motivation department and before you know it, a whole month has gone by and I haven't done anything. That's my goal this year to try to do a workshop or gathering at least once a month. Congrats on your 5th anniversary with CTMH!
    Janice McCallum

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  45. I joined CTMH 2 years ago to have fun and get a discount too. I have a monthly club and it funds my crafting/paper habit! I have attended 2 CTMH events and each one was amazing! I LOVE that all the CTMH materials coordinate and no more looking for matching paper/ink/etc. I love your blog and "stalk" it quite frequently for inspirations!

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  46. Congrats on 5 years!!! I'm coming up on my 3 year and like you started for the discount and have thrived from all the friends I've made and the fun I'm having!

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  47. Hi Lisa! Congrats on this great milestone with CTMH!!! I am also a consultant and besides loving all the great products and perks, the thing I like best about being a consultant is being able to tell my hubby that I "need" some new product for my business, or that I HAVE to spend time scrapbooking for the business--LOL!!! Needless to say I don't make much at it as I spend pretty much every penny I earn!!!

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  49. Hi Lisa, I actually started as a consultant in Decemeber so I am still new. Same as you, joined to get discounts on wonderful products, but eventually hope to get a business going - maybe when my kids get a little older.

    How do I follow your blog? I don't see a google following widget thing on yours.

    My question is is: How do you attract customers if no one you know likes scrapbooking?

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  50. I've thought about becoming a consultant to support my own hobby, but this is a small town and most of my friends who scrapbook already have a consultant. I don't think I really have time to add being a consultant in to my schedule but I have thought about it!

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  51. I have thought about becoming a consultant for a long time, I haven't joined because last year my husband took a 40% pay cut and I haven't been able to afford to join, we are just making it right now. If in the future this changes so might my status.

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  52. Congrats on your CTMH anniversary! I am not a consultant mostly because I live out in the country and have no way of receiving the shipments easily.......BUT I do have a very good freind that is a consultant here in Canada as well as one int he US too, so I'm set!!

    Love your work!

    Hugs, Kelly

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  53. I totally love CTMH products! I've thought about becoming a consultant, but convinced a local consultant to do a hostess club instead. Me and my friends meet monthly and take turns getting the hostess rewards. We even included my sister who lives in a different time zone for a while. She participated via skype. I may consider it again, but for now this is meeting my CTMH product cravings!

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  54. I love the many friends I have made through being a CTMH consultant and as well loving the products- the paper, the stamps, the accessories- it's all wonderful!!

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  55. Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary!! I love being a consultant for the products and for the friendships that are built through teaching and sharing. Such a blessing!

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  56. What is your favorite CTMH product that you constantly use??

    inky Hugs,

    Catherine
    catlevy@eastlink.ca

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  57. Congrats on your 5 years with such an amazing company!!! I joined CTMH because I was addicted to the products and wanted to share the passion for the products with others. Not to mention the great discount and being able to earn extra $$$. Hugs!!!!

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  58. Lisa, I don't want to win (I have a stash of my own!) Just want to say hip-hip-hooray on your anniversary. You are so talented and generous with your gift. I enjoy your blog, and your artwork.

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  59. Hi Lisa, happy 5 yr anniversary! Congrats on this big milestone on your business. I'm also a consultant but because I'm currently 7 months pregnant, I haven't been very active. I love CTMH products that's why I joined. They have great quality products. :)

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