Robin is just such a happy and inspiring lady, so I was so grateful and excited when she said she would let me interview her!
Mary: How do you find the time to have a successful Premier business and Family?
Robin: There are two big factors that have helped me to become successful:
1. Schedule, schedule, schedule! This is SO important!
2. Work you business in the nooks and crannies. You can get a lot of calls done while waiting in the pick up line to get your kids from school!
Mary: How important is it to schedule?
Robin: Well Mary, next to having a relationship with Christ, it is pretty important! If you do not take control of your life and schedule the important things, then life will take over you. You must schedule important things in. Things like One on Ones, Home shows, Follow-ups, Courtesy Calls, Family obligations. I do not schedule time everyday to play pick up sticks with my kids, but I do schedule important "mom" time to spend with them with no phone or computer. I then fill in the nooks and crannies with phone calls or play time.
Mary: Were you always so organized?
Robin: (laugh) No Ma'am! It is my weakness. My whole life I have been able to fly by the seat of my pants and be good at it! But the larger we have become in Premier, the more structured we had to become. Even in my house I have had to become more structured and de cluttered! I find that a clean organized house helps me to have a clean organized and uncluttered mind!
Mary: How important is it for someone in Premier to have a "why"?
Robin: So important, we just got the the importance of it. This business is so emotional that if you don't have it, you will fail. You need to have an extreme understanding of your why, because it will pull you out of the trenches of your business. Have it posted everywhere, on you mirror, in your car, on your refrigerator. So you see it and it reminds you at all times.
Mary: How does someone find their "why"?
Robin: They need to search for it. They can find it by asking, "What is my purpose?". And they need to tie it up to Premier to make their purpose come alive. My why is influencing woman in a positive way and having time with my family. That is a huge reason why we sponsor. It helps me achieve my why and we can succeed because of it. And it is alright if you ask yourself sometimes if it is worth it, and it is, it is so worth it!
Mary: Is Byron Center, MI large enough for more than one Senior Leader?
Robin: Yes! We could use about 10 more! I drive up to and hour and a half sometimes to my shows, and if you put a protractor on a map and made a circle from Byron Center and an hour and a half out, that is an extremely large area! They will have customers, new jewelers and prospects in a totally different area!
Mary: How do we inspire those in small town across the country?
Robin: Well, I believe that anyone can have a successful Premier business anywhere! In big town like Dallas or little Wayland, MI, where we were when we started in Premier. We had a thriving business there! One thing everyone must remember, is woman love getting together, and most woman love to shop. So when you have give them that atmosphere, your business will thrive! And it is even better in a small city, because their options of getting a great product for a reasonable price is limited. So small cities have the advantage!
Mary: What would you like to tell everyone who is trying to reach their first level in leadership?
Robin: That is worth every bit of effort! And to keep the focus on helping people become the best person they can be. If you keep the focus on the person and not the money, you will reach your 1st and your 8th level, and beyond! And remember they will become more with your help, they will become a better woman. So don't make sponsoring about a number, make it about the peoples lives you will touch and make better.
Mary: How do you do you opportunity presentations? Do you or does Eric do them?
Robin: We both do, he does quite a bit and so do I. What we use to do them depends on the size of the group. At the meetings with a fairly large group, we use a large flip chart. If it is a one on one I will use the mini flip chart over coffee. And if it is at home with a group of 4 or 5, then I will use the 8x10 chart at our kitchen table. I also have a gal on our team that I had emailed then opportunity to, she emailed her prospect, then all three of us on speaker phone went through it!
Mary: How do you start a new jeweler?
Robin: Well, if you asked me this question a month from now the answer will be different! I just talked to Kathi Pfahl and she gave me some awesome ideas! I have been printing the New Jeweler Folder off of Premierdesigns.com, then handing that to them. It is very simple! But I am always looking for ways to make things simple both for myself and our jewelers. So after talking to Kathi, this is what she does:
She first send an email to the new jeweler with a welcome letter and the following attatchements with descriptions:
-Steps to bookings.
-Thier Family tree/upline.
-The Quick Start/Great Start form found on the Premier Site. she also offers incentives for the new jewler to do things. Like, when she listens to the taining CD, she gets a free money bag from her.
-Where to find things on the Premier site.
-A supplies list.
-Next step in preparing for thier training show.
-A New Jeweler check list to stay organized.
-Then in the email in focuses again on the importance of having at least 6 shows on the books before thier training show.
I love this because not only does this make it simple for me, I know that I have sent them this info and they have it, and they will be able to send it to thier New Jewelers when they start sponsoring, making it very duplicable!
Mary: And our last question is for fun, Whats you favorite past time?
Robin: Well, I love spending time with Eric, one of my favorite things to do with him is just drive to the beach. I also love spending time with my girls. We take walks, and we laugh together. Oh, and of course, I love to shop!
Robin and Eric Weller are 5 Diamond Designers from Byron Center, MI. They have been in Premier for 9 years and have 3 beautiful girls THANK YOU so much Robin for taking the time to talk with me! You are truly a great woman and leader!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Interviews with Becky and Kent Wallace!!
Becky and I were planning to interview on a Friday, then on Thursday, I had went to Allegan for a meeting. She was there, I was there, so we decided to do the interview right there in Joni Brummels living room! I was so excited to interview her, she is always so much fun!
Mary: What is your secret to husband involvement both in your first level and who you do not personally sponsor?
Becky: Well, from the first level, it starts straight from the beginning at the Opportunity Presentation. It is crucial to make that connection right away. and once any jeweler is in Premier, we have the "For Men only" training at our meeting. Kent saw the need at our meetings and had the ability to pull it all together. It is so important to involve them and make them actively involved in their Premier business success. They learn to encourage and support their wives, therefore strengthening their marriage.
Mary: How does it feel to involve so many men in Premier, therefore growing couples relationships?
Becky: It feels just awesome! Strong marriages produce healthy families and that is what this business is all about. We really try to respect the husband. Think of this, you would never think about switching a job without your husband being involved, and that is how important it is to have the husband involved at the Opportunity Presentation. It causes them to take the business seriously - which results with respecting their wives more, and has led a lot of woman to success.
Mary: You and Kent serve your team so much. How do you find the time for "you" time?
Becky: Its actually easier to find time than before Premier. He also has an at home business, so we are able to have breakfast and lunch together and weekends for fun. We make sure to make time, he is so much better at it than me. I will work work work, he is like, "Lets go, get out of here". And it is us time, not Premier time. We try to get our "love tanks" filled everyday through quality time together.
Mary: How do you recognize which jewelers to work with harder to take them to the next level?
Becky: See the potential. When we see it, we give them assignments like, setting up a certain number of OP's, to see if they either do them, or give us excuses. If they take the challenge and run, then they are ready. Serious ones will do what they say. And when the non serious ones decide to take the business seriously, we are here ready for them.
Mary: How do you recommend a jeweler display the fact that she is a jewelery lady in situations where she is not allowed to wear jewelery? Like their other job?
Becky: Well, they would defiantly have to use non-company time to promote their business. Like their break room or lounge. Bring in the jewelry, let them play with it. Promote it and make sure you are always laying seeds with everyone. Be pro actively verbal.
Mary: Sometimes we feel drained and frustrated. Does a six diamond have these feelings too?
Becky: Yes, but you will never see us down. Because we complain up and encourage down. And we know ANYTHING worth pursuing, like a marriage, or being a mom, takes hard work. Its OK to feel frustrated and take a break. When I would get frustrated I would go to the library and read a Peoples magazine. And realize there WILL be times of frustration. And people are the reason we are in this business, but people are a cause of frustration at times.
Mary: How do you inspire your jewelers when they feel like they have hit rock bottom?
Becky: I would tell them to go back to their purpose. This is so important. That is how you ignite their flame. Other things can get in the way, but when they go back to their purpose, they can catch that 2nd wind.
Mary: You were the Premier Princess of the year 2000. That must have been very fun for you!
Becky: Oh yes! When I got called up there, all I could think of is all the other people who are much more worthy of it than me. It is so humbling!
Mary: What are some of the "insider" notes on being a Premier Princess?
Becky: Well, they always have a wonderfully catered meal for all of us, the missionaries, and the Mr. Premier Men. Joan sends us a gift on our birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and "just because." And another funny fact, Elizabeth and I are always "on probation" with Joan! HAHA, she says she has to always watch us. We were so glad when Gayle became a princess, it helped take the focus off of us! Also, the crown hurts!
Mary: Silly question, we know you like shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "So you think you can Dance", what is your favorite show?
Becky: I also love American Idol. Any show that has real people given a chance in a life time to achieve their dreams is just awesome. Just like Premier!
Mary: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Becky: Yes, I would like to take a focus on moms in the business. I have a couple of ways to help moms be successful in Premier and to value their time.
#1 I hired a home school girl to watch my kids. I would feed the kids breakfast, then she would come over and feed them lunch and take them out.
#2 Switch children with another mom. I would switch with Betsy. I would take her kids for a couple hours on one day, and she would take mine on another day. It gave me time to work my business.
#3 When we go to Rally, I never called home. Home would call me if there was an emergency. I needed to focus on Rally, and usually if I called home, there would be a crises and I would end up thinking about it during all of my meetings, while at home it was resolved 5 minutes later. I also made sure that us leaving for Rally was a time of excitement for the kids, and put a lot of effort into making it a happy time for them.
#4 Time apart from them when I would go to Home Shows is great "daddy time". Most times my kids couldn't wait for me to leave! I have no idea what they would do while I was gone, and the house would be a total disaster, but they had wonderful dad time. Other mothers and I, can take 2 nights out of our week to be away from them, so they can be sure to be with their kids, because of Premier, during the best of times.
While we were at the meeting, Chris got the opportunity to interview Kent, something he has wanted to do!
Mary: What is your secret to husband involvement both in your first level and who you do not personally sponsor?
Becky: Well, from the first level, it starts straight from the beginning at the Opportunity Presentation. It is crucial to make that connection right away. and once any jeweler is in Premier, we have the "For Men only" training at our meeting. Kent saw the need at our meetings and had the ability to pull it all together. It is so important to involve them and make them actively involved in their Premier business success. They learn to encourage and support their wives, therefore strengthening their marriage.
Mary: How does it feel to involve so many men in Premier, therefore growing couples relationships?
Becky: It feels just awesome! Strong marriages produce healthy families and that is what this business is all about. We really try to respect the husband. Think of this, you would never think about switching a job without your husband being involved, and that is how important it is to have the husband involved at the Opportunity Presentation. It causes them to take the business seriously - which results with respecting their wives more, and has led a lot of woman to success.
Mary: You and Kent serve your team so much. How do you find the time for "you" time?
Becky: Its actually easier to find time than before Premier. He also has an at home business, so we are able to have breakfast and lunch together and weekends for fun. We make sure to make time, he is so much better at it than me. I will work work work, he is like, "Lets go, get out of here". And it is us time, not Premier time. We try to get our "love tanks" filled everyday through quality time together.
Mary: How do you recognize which jewelers to work with harder to take them to the next level?
Becky: See the potential. When we see it, we give them assignments like, setting up a certain number of OP's, to see if they either do them, or give us excuses. If they take the challenge and run, then they are ready. Serious ones will do what they say. And when the non serious ones decide to take the business seriously, we are here ready for them.
Mary: How do you recommend a jeweler display the fact that she is a jewelery lady in situations where she is not allowed to wear jewelery? Like their other job?
Becky: Well, they would defiantly have to use non-company time to promote their business. Like their break room or lounge. Bring in the jewelry, let them play with it. Promote it and make sure you are always laying seeds with everyone. Be pro actively verbal.
Mary: Sometimes we feel drained and frustrated. Does a six diamond have these feelings too?
Becky: Yes, but you will never see us down. Because we complain up and encourage down. And we know ANYTHING worth pursuing, like a marriage, or being a mom, takes hard work. Its OK to feel frustrated and take a break. When I would get frustrated I would go to the library and read a Peoples magazine. And realize there WILL be times of frustration. And people are the reason we are in this business, but people are a cause of frustration at times.
Mary: How do you inspire your jewelers when they feel like they have hit rock bottom?
Becky: I would tell them to go back to their purpose. This is so important. That is how you ignite their flame. Other things can get in the way, but when they go back to their purpose, they can catch that 2nd wind.
Mary: You were the Premier Princess of the year 2000. That must have been very fun for you!
Becky: Oh yes! When I got called up there, all I could think of is all the other people who are much more worthy of it than me. It is so humbling!
Mary: What are some of the "insider" notes on being a Premier Princess?
Becky: Well, they always have a wonderfully catered meal for all of us, the missionaries, and the Mr. Premier Men. Joan sends us a gift on our birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and "just because." And another funny fact, Elizabeth and I are always "on probation" with Joan! HAHA, she says she has to always watch us. We were so glad when Gayle became a princess, it helped take the focus off of us! Also, the crown hurts!
Mary: Silly question, we know you like shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "So you think you can Dance", what is your favorite show?
Becky: I also love American Idol. Any show that has real people given a chance in a life time to achieve their dreams is just awesome. Just like Premier!
Mary: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Becky: Yes, I would like to take a focus on moms in the business. I have a couple of ways to help moms be successful in Premier and to value their time.
#1 I hired a home school girl to watch my kids. I would feed the kids breakfast, then she would come over and feed them lunch and take them out.
#2 Switch children with another mom. I would switch with Betsy. I would take her kids for a couple hours on one day, and she would take mine on another day. It gave me time to work my business.
#3 When we go to Rally, I never called home. Home would call me if there was an emergency. I needed to focus on Rally, and usually if I called home, there would be a crises and I would end up thinking about it during all of my meetings, while at home it was resolved 5 minutes later. I also made sure that us leaving for Rally was a time of excitement for the kids, and put a lot of effort into making it a happy time for them.
#4 Time apart from them when I would go to Home Shows is great "daddy time". Most times my kids couldn't wait for me to leave! I have no idea what they would do while I was gone, and the house would be a total disaster, but they had wonderful dad time. Other mothers and I, can take 2 nights out of our week to be away from them, so they can be sure to be with their kids, because of Premier, during the best of times.
While we were at the meeting, Chris got the opportunity to interview Kent, something he has wanted to do!
Chris: Thank you, Kent for taking a few minutes to sit with me and sharing some information. We are speaking to Senior Leadership in Premier Designs to share ideas that you have in a platform that is accessible to a broad range of jewelers who want to grow their business. If one jeweler can put the foot on the gas pedal due to this then it is a success. Sometimes it takes years to see the fruit from your labor. How do you keep the faith in what you are doing when you do not see immediate results?
Kent: Well first, you are very welcome. I saw the potential of Premier before Becky did. We had been in other direct selling organizations, but Premier has a sound business model. It sells a real product and has real profit. The fact is it is based on selling that real product and serving people, not just signing them up. Making 50% of what you sell is real money. The additional money from sponsoring is on top of that. If 50% of what you sell and 10% three levels deep does not motivate you then nothing will.
Chris: That is true. The potential is there if want to work for it. At Monday's training in Plainwell, MI you said at the mens session, "That which gets rewarded gets done." Is that a Kent quote?
Kent: Oh no, that is from "The Greatest Management Principle". It really is true though, human nature. We respond positively to positive reinforcement. Winning teams have coaches who spend more time praising good behavior then punishing. We see the stern coach on TV but to be successful he praises much more often. Both are necessary, but praise brings upon the repetition of desired behavior. If you set the positive reinforcement as free earrings for buying the rest of an ensemble, guess what your retail goes up because ladies want the free earrings and buy a necklace and bracelet.
Sometimes as a leader, the worst thing we can do is nothing. You can absolutely destroy positive growth by not acknowledging it. Celebrate the victories of your team. They need you. Silence is also a powerful tool in correcting deviant behavior. If you are holding a meeting and someone comes in late, do not single them out. Keep talking as if nothing is occurring. When you stop and acknowledge the late comer you reinforce the idea that it is acceptable to be late and you inconvenience all of the people who were on time, the desired behavior.
Chris: Wow, I have never thought of it that way. I do understand praise and ignoring deviant behavior. That is exactly what we do with our children. Have you ever noticed that you seem to say what needs to be said at the exact right time?
Kent: There is absolutely no question in my mind that Joni (Brummel) has a true gift from God. He uses her as a teaching tool to get out his message at the appropriate time. I feel I have that too.
When I train or speak at a business meeting I generally have only four or five bullet points and a structure in my head. I know what I want to say but I feel the Holy Spirit filling in all the gaps. It is not Kent speaking for Kent's sake. God has given me this gift and I try hard to honor that and Him.
I knew at a young age that I had a talent to speak to a large group and hold their attention. I was not the class clown that was great at small groups. But it was not until I was saved, that I realized that it was His gift not mine. He allowed me to use it. Everything I teach is relevant in my life. I speak from where I am. That seems to be effective for me.
Kent and I spoke for a few minutes and then something special happened. Joni stopped by and the three of us just talked for a while. If you ever get the chance it is incredible to talk with both of them at the same time. I regret that I did not write any of it down but they are amazing individually and just a super team when together. I was too busy drinking from the fountain to take a picture. Both the male and female point of view with the same talent for relating to whomever they are speaking. They make you feel like you are the only person in the whole world at that moment. Thank you very much for your time and encouraging words...it is now time that we use some of the gas that you put in our tank.
Thank you SO MUCH Becky and Kent for taking the time to give us this great info! You twos are just so easy to listen too, and always find a way to touch our hearts!
Becky and Kent are 6 Diamond Designers and have been in Premier for 16 years and reside in Allegan, MI. They have 7 boys:
Rob-27 (officer in Marines) married to Andrea nad are expecting 1st grandbaby in October whom we lovingly refer to as Cletus the Fetus...Becky's dad's nickname for him :)
Topher-25 youth pastor in NY married to Sarah. Expecting grandbaby #2 in Dec
Zack-21 Asst director of Elementary program with Boys and Girls Clubs of America-just got engaged to Kristin.
Sam-19-Marine
Michael-16
Ben-14
Nathan-12
Kent: Well first, you are very welcome. I saw the potential of Premier before Becky did. We had been in other direct selling organizations, but Premier has a sound business model. It sells a real product and has real profit. The fact is it is based on selling that real product and serving people, not just signing them up. Making 50% of what you sell is real money. The additional money from sponsoring is on top of that. If 50% of what you sell and 10% three levels deep does not motivate you then nothing will.
Chris: That is true. The potential is there if want to work for it. At Monday's training in Plainwell, MI you said at the mens session, "That which gets rewarded gets done." Is that a Kent quote?
Kent: Oh no, that is from "The Greatest Management Principle". It really is true though, human nature. We respond positively to positive reinforcement. Winning teams have coaches who spend more time praising good behavior then punishing. We see the stern coach on TV but to be successful he praises much more often. Both are necessary, but praise brings upon the repetition of desired behavior. If you set the positive reinforcement as free earrings for buying the rest of an ensemble, guess what your retail goes up because ladies want the free earrings and buy a necklace and bracelet.
Sometimes as a leader, the worst thing we can do is nothing. You can absolutely destroy positive growth by not acknowledging it. Celebrate the victories of your team. They need you. Silence is also a powerful tool in correcting deviant behavior. If you are holding a meeting and someone comes in late, do not single them out. Keep talking as if nothing is occurring. When you stop and acknowledge the late comer you reinforce the idea that it is acceptable to be late and you inconvenience all of the people who were on time, the desired behavior.
Chris: Wow, I have never thought of it that way. I do understand praise and ignoring deviant behavior. That is exactly what we do with our children. Have you ever noticed that you seem to say what needs to be said at the exact right time?
Kent: There is absolutely no question in my mind that Joni (Brummel) has a true gift from God. He uses her as a teaching tool to get out his message at the appropriate time. I feel I have that too.
When I train or speak at a business meeting I generally have only four or five bullet points and a structure in my head. I know what I want to say but I feel the Holy Spirit filling in all the gaps. It is not Kent speaking for Kent's sake. God has given me this gift and I try hard to honor that and Him.
I knew at a young age that I had a talent to speak to a large group and hold their attention. I was not the class clown that was great at small groups. But it was not until I was saved, that I realized that it was His gift not mine. He allowed me to use it. Everything I teach is relevant in my life. I speak from where I am. That seems to be effective for me.
Kent and I spoke for a few minutes and then something special happened. Joni stopped by and the three of us just talked for a while. If you ever get the chance it is incredible to talk with both of them at the same time. I regret that I did not write any of it down but they are amazing individually and just a super team when together. I was too busy drinking from the fountain to take a picture. Both the male and female point of view with the same talent for relating to whomever they are speaking. They make you feel like you are the only person in the whole world at that moment. Thank you very much for your time and encouraging words...it is now time that we use some of the gas that you put in our tank.
Thank you SO MUCH Becky and Kent for taking the time to give us this great info! You twos are just so easy to listen too, and always find a way to touch our hearts!
Becky and Kent are 6 Diamond Designers and have been in Premier for 16 years and reside in Allegan, MI. They have 7 boys:
Rob-27 (officer in Marines) married to Andrea nad are expecting 1st grandbaby in October whom we lovingly refer to as Cletus the Fetus...Becky's dad's nickname for him :)
Topher-25 youth pastor in NY married to Sarah. Expecting grandbaby #2 in Dec
Zack-21 Asst director of Elementary program with Boys and Girls Clubs of America-just got engaged to Kristin.
Sam-19-Marine
Michael-16
Ben-14
Nathan-12
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Interview with Executive Director Julie Miller!!
We were so excited when we asked Julie to do and interview with us that she said, "Absolutely!" She is always so humble and serving. It was so great to speak with her!
Mary: How do you lead jewelers to "get it"-the potential of Premier? Can you?
Julie: Yes, you can help them. I believe it starts at the one on one. You must help them to see the FULL potential that Premier can be. Including retail, booking, sponsoring, but the full potential is many things, its not just money. Its about enriching lives and providing hope to those who need it. When they see it early, they can commit to their career in Premier, and then making them more successful, and helping her self esteem. They also need to see the heart of Premier in us as their leaders. We must show them we are interested in their livelihood and their family.
Mary: We are all extremely busy these days. What do you say to the potential new jewelers who are afraid the won't have time to do this business?
Julie: Well, everyone is busy. And every person has to choose what to do with their own time. While they are considering Premier, they need to decide if it will meet a need and make a difference. If it does, then together we will find a way to make it happen. They will have to adapt to having Premier in their lives, and we all find time to do the things that we want to do. Also, the wonderful thing about Premier is that it fits around your life and family. I tell them my personal story. I had 2 children when we signed, and had Meredeth after. I also was still contracted with my old corporation and worked 3 days a week. Because of the flexibility of Premier, I was still able to build a business and continue doing shows and sponsoring. And as we promoted and our business grew, we learned to shift priorities around, and they will too.
Mary: What are the most important skills a new jeweler must achieve to be successful? How do you help them develop this?
Julie: Well, #1, the absolute most important skill they must have is how to book. Everything flows from Home Shows. I work diligently with my new jewelers by role playing with them and giving them the correct verbiage to say so they feel effective before they even have a show. It is also crucial to make sure a new jeweler has as many shows on the books as possible. They should have 6-9 shows scheduled in her quick start before her training show. I also book shows at her training show and try to have 12 shows minimum on the books, sometimes even more than that.
The second most important skill they should have is the ability to get her hostesses and customers to do what she wants them to do (haha). By booking home shows to getting one on ones on the books. New jewelers must learn to be assertive to do these things, and when they do, they will become successful and ultimately feel confident in their skills because of it!
Mary: So do role play things like objections with them?
Julie: Yes, and really work with them on the many different kinds of objections they will hear, and how to overcome them with a positive outlook. And that is the third skill they need, how to always have positive attitude during situations. They happen, and they need to be aware of it. I talk to her about them, and I also make sure she calls me after her first 10 shows. We can talk about things that happened, and I can help her learn how to look at things from a different (but realistic as well) perspective.
Mary: How do you inspire your jewelers to achieve for themselves what you see in them?
Julie: Well, many woman have not really had people pour into them the help they need to believe that they really can do great things. As Tom Barrett would say, they did not get filled with "Good Jelly". This is important, because what it takes to become a leader is the ability to see the amazing things in people and the ability to help they, themselves, see it. When I see the potential in jewelers, I will sit down with them and honestly talk to them about it. You must be willing to do that, and honest about how they are doing, by saying things like, "This is where you are at, this is where I see you". Then make a plan to get them there. It is not just about telling them, we must actively be involved to help them not only create dreams, but also achieve them.
Mary: How do you keep the wind in your sails and keep going?
Julie: Well Mary, it is absolutely vital that I keep my purpose in mind. I know that this is what God has called me too. I go to the Father and ask Him what He wants me to do each day. I then always know I am working His will and try not to question it. I also try to stay humble by sprinkling His word throughout my day. I get *emails throughout my day with devotions* that I read consistently. God's word always gives me strength when I feel like I can't go on. I then feel like I can continue taking on the waves of Premier with passion. I also read a lot of quick leadership quotes and books throughout the day. I will try to read at least one page. A great author is of course John Maxwell. They keep me in the right perspective - a positive one!
Mary: Tell me about the moment when you first walked on the stage as an Executive Director.
Julie: It was such a special moment. It was a realization that for whatever reason, God has chosen us to be blessed in that way. It is very very humbling. We continue to realize that the only way for us to have achieved it was through the awesome leadership of our people and the growth though that. More than ever before I knew I was a servant of the Lord, and this is the path He has chosen for me. It was not so much a "Wow look at us, we are Executive Leaders" moment, but more of a "Look, God has chosen us!". He chose us even with all of our faults and deficiencies!
Mary: What is a typical day for you as an Executive Director?
Julie: Haha! Well firstly, there are no "typical days"! Some days I am home most of the day and I am talking to our people. I am also planning and working on events. Many days jewelers come over and role play or train. We also do Opportunity Presentations with our team or for ourselves. I also am sure to have an active Home Show business. I have 1-2 Shows a week so I am preparing for those throughout the week. So I am sure to stay balanced and am working all parts of my business. Also, my children are older and they do go to school. I try to make the most out of my time during then. During my entire career we had a lot of sporting events for our kids as well. So, along with getting that time with them, I have to make sure to continue to make personal time for me. Things like Bible Study are very important.
Mary: Who is one speaker that you could listen to all day? Besides the wonderful Andy and Joan of course!
Julie: There are so many, but I love Joni Brummel. She has such an amazing gift and she really allows God to speak through her. There are others of course, but you asked for one!
Mary: Haha! Your great at following rules!
Julie: I try!
Mary: True or False, Did you like the S.S. Andy?
Julie: HAHAHAHA! Ummmmm.....It wasn't my favorite....
Mary: Good answer! Hahaa
Julie: Yes, well you have to remember, back then the "nautical" look was very in. So when it came out in the catalog, it was just a regular pin. But it was not my favorite, hahahaha.
Mary: Fun question, What do you like to do with your personal time?
Julie: Oh I love to spend it with my family. We go out to eat, go to a baseball or football game, and we love to travel.
Mary: Well, I want to tell you, you made me so comfortable! You are like a "normal" person! You give us such hope! Is there anything you would like to share?
Julie: Oh I am! I am so normal! I am just a person who is continually persistent and learned to give my business to the Lord. I also want to share that jewelers need to fully understand what we have in Premier. We have an amazing vehicle to not only provide outstanding income for our own families, but also to provide hope to so many woman who need it! When we really understand what we have and allow God to use us for His purposes, and when we work hard as unto the Lord, serving with a heart for others because we know this is where God wants us to be...He can bless us beyond our wildest imagination and provide purpose, friendship, financial stability, and so much more!
Thank you Julie for taking the time to talk with me and let me pick your brain! You are such a humble person, and TRULY an awesome leader!!
Julie and David Miller have been in Premier for 17 1/2 years. They have 3 children; Allison 22, Davis 19, and Meredeth 15 1/2.
Sites that Julie uses for encouragement:
www.gospelines.com
www.PurposeDriven.com
www.maximumimpact.com
Mary: How do you lead jewelers to "get it"-the potential of Premier? Can you?
Julie: Yes, you can help them. I believe it starts at the one on one. You must help them to see the FULL potential that Premier can be. Including retail, booking, sponsoring, but the full potential is many things, its not just money. Its about enriching lives and providing hope to those who need it. When they see it early, they can commit to their career in Premier, and then making them more successful, and helping her self esteem. They also need to see the heart of Premier in us as their leaders. We must show them we are interested in their livelihood and their family.
Mary: We are all extremely busy these days. What do you say to the potential new jewelers who are afraid the won't have time to do this business?
Julie: Well, everyone is busy. And every person has to choose what to do with their own time. While they are considering Premier, they need to decide if it will meet a need and make a difference. If it does, then together we will find a way to make it happen. They will have to adapt to having Premier in their lives, and we all find time to do the things that we want to do. Also, the wonderful thing about Premier is that it fits around your life and family. I tell them my personal story. I had 2 children when we signed, and had Meredeth after. I also was still contracted with my old corporation and worked 3 days a week. Because of the flexibility of Premier, I was still able to build a business and continue doing shows and sponsoring. And as we promoted and our business grew, we learned to shift priorities around, and they will too.
Mary: What are the most important skills a new jeweler must achieve to be successful? How do you help them develop this?
Julie: Well, #1, the absolute most important skill they must have is how to book. Everything flows from Home Shows. I work diligently with my new jewelers by role playing with them and giving them the correct verbiage to say so they feel effective before they even have a show. It is also crucial to make sure a new jeweler has as many shows on the books as possible. They should have 6-9 shows scheduled in her quick start before her training show. I also book shows at her training show and try to have 12 shows minimum on the books, sometimes even more than that.
The second most important skill they should have is the ability to get her hostesses and customers to do what she wants them to do (haha). By booking home shows to getting one on ones on the books. New jewelers must learn to be assertive to do these things, and when they do, they will become successful and ultimately feel confident in their skills because of it!
Mary: So do role play things like objections with them?
Julie: Yes, and really work with them on the many different kinds of objections they will hear, and how to overcome them with a positive outlook. And that is the third skill they need, how to always have positive attitude during situations. They happen, and they need to be aware of it. I talk to her about them, and I also make sure she calls me after her first 10 shows. We can talk about things that happened, and I can help her learn how to look at things from a different (but realistic as well) perspective.
Mary: How do you inspire your jewelers to achieve for themselves what you see in them?
Julie: Well, many woman have not really had people pour into them the help they need to believe that they really can do great things. As Tom Barrett would say, they did not get filled with "Good Jelly". This is important, because what it takes to become a leader is the ability to see the amazing things in people and the ability to help they, themselves, see it. When I see the potential in jewelers, I will sit down with them and honestly talk to them about it. You must be willing to do that, and honest about how they are doing, by saying things like, "This is where you are at, this is where I see you". Then make a plan to get them there. It is not just about telling them, we must actively be involved to help them not only create dreams, but also achieve them.
Mary: How do you keep the wind in your sails and keep going?
Julie: Well Mary, it is absolutely vital that I keep my purpose in mind. I know that this is what God has called me too. I go to the Father and ask Him what He wants me to do each day. I then always know I am working His will and try not to question it. I also try to stay humble by sprinkling His word throughout my day. I get *emails throughout my day with devotions* that I read consistently. God's word always gives me strength when I feel like I can't go on. I then feel like I can continue taking on the waves of Premier with passion. I also read a lot of quick leadership quotes and books throughout the day. I will try to read at least one page. A great author is of course John Maxwell. They keep me in the right perspective - a positive one!
Mary: Tell me about the moment when you first walked on the stage as an Executive Director.
Julie: It was such a special moment. It was a realization that for whatever reason, God has chosen us to be blessed in that way. It is very very humbling. We continue to realize that the only way for us to have achieved it was through the awesome leadership of our people and the growth though that. More than ever before I knew I was a servant of the Lord, and this is the path He has chosen for me. It was not so much a "Wow look at us, we are Executive Leaders" moment, but more of a "Look, God has chosen us!". He chose us even with all of our faults and deficiencies!
Mary: What is a typical day for you as an Executive Director?
Julie: Haha! Well firstly, there are no "typical days"! Some days I am home most of the day and I am talking to our people. I am also planning and working on events. Many days jewelers come over and role play or train. We also do Opportunity Presentations with our team or for ourselves. I also am sure to have an active Home Show business. I have 1-2 Shows a week so I am preparing for those throughout the week. So I am sure to stay balanced and am working all parts of my business. Also, my children are older and they do go to school. I try to make the most out of my time during then. During my entire career we had a lot of sporting events for our kids as well. So, along with getting that time with them, I have to make sure to continue to make personal time for me. Things like Bible Study are very important.
Mary: Who is one speaker that you could listen to all day? Besides the wonderful Andy and Joan of course!
Julie: There are so many, but I love Joni Brummel. She has such an amazing gift and she really allows God to speak through her. There are others of course, but you asked for one!
Mary: Haha! Your great at following rules!
Julie: I try!
Mary: True or False, Did you like the S.S. Andy?
Julie: HAHAHAHA! Ummmmm.....It wasn't my favorite....
Mary: Good answer! Hahaa
Julie: Yes, well you have to remember, back then the "nautical" look was very in. So when it came out in the catalog, it was just a regular pin. But it was not my favorite, hahahaha.
Mary: Fun question, What do you like to do with your personal time?
Julie: Oh I love to spend it with my family. We go out to eat, go to a baseball or football game, and we love to travel.
Mary: Well, I want to tell you, you made me so comfortable! You are like a "normal" person! You give us such hope! Is there anything you would like to share?
Julie: Oh I am! I am so normal! I am just a person who is continually persistent and learned to give my business to the Lord. I also want to share that jewelers need to fully understand what we have in Premier. We have an amazing vehicle to not only provide outstanding income for our own families, but also to provide hope to so many woman who need it! When we really understand what we have and allow God to use us for His purposes, and when we work hard as unto the Lord, serving with a heart for others because we know this is where God wants us to be...He can bless us beyond our wildest imagination and provide purpose, friendship, financial stability, and so much more!
Thank you Julie for taking the time to talk with me and let me pick your brain! You are such a humble person, and TRULY an awesome leader!!
Julie and David Miller have been in Premier for 17 1/2 years. They have 3 children; Allison 22, Davis 19, and Meredeth 15 1/2.
Sites that Julie uses for encouragement:
www.gospelines.com
www.PurposeDriven.com
www.maximumimpact.com
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Interviewing with 5 Diamond Elizabeth Mahusay!!
After I had interviewed Joni last week, God pointed my heart to interview Elizabeth this week. When I asked she said she would love to! It took us a bit to get a time down, since we had to work around business and family, and the first time I suggested, she could not do it because she had to share the business with a prospect, how awesome is that? Well, we ironed out all the details, and here it is!
After some kind words about this blog (thanks Elizabeth, you are too sweet!) I really got a welcoming feeling from her and an excitement about the interview. That really put me at ease to share time with her.
Mary: To be leaders and to sponsor, it is important to connect with people. How do you suggest connecting with such a diverse group as we all encounter?
Elizabeth: Well, when it comes to sponsoring, we need to realize that it is not about us, but all about them. We need to be sure to ask a lot of questions about them to be able to learn more about them, and connect with them on a more personal level. Often we do not take the time to learn about them, and that is a big problem.
Mary: What kind of questions do you ask?
Elizabeth: I always stick to F.O.R.M.:
-F: Family- Ask about her family, her kids and her husband if any. What are their names? How old?
-O: Occupation: What do they do during the day? (Make sure you ask this question instead of what her job is, you want her to feel accomplished, even when she stays home with her kids, that's a big job!)
-R: Recreational: What do they do for fun? (She often gets this question answered during her show when she asks what they would do with an extra $1,000).
-M: Motivation: Try to find out what motivates them to find more about Premier, you will use this to bring Premier to them in a certain direction.
Make sure to ask a lot of questions!
As for the Jeweler, you need to let them know that you care about them and not just about what they do in Premier. Get to really know their family, and them on a personal level. Let them feel that they can talk to things not Premier related. Sometimes we all feel burdened when we are talking to someone and we end up "gettin' into their junk" (a.k.a. personal life). But we need to realize that God put that jeweler on YOUR team for a reason, and she needs your support. Once you see them from the other side, it really strengthens your relationship, and gives you a deeper love. Fred and Ihave jewelers and their families over for dinner, and this helps us get to know them better. You also need to ask your jewelers, "How can I pray for you?" This not only builds the reationship, but is a huge blessing for her and her family.
Mary: You spend a lot of your time and energy teaching and training, even those not on your team. How do you spend that time and still grow your business successfully?
Elizabeth: Well, I learned a long time ago that teaching is my own personal gift, even before Premier. I have to be ultra organized, I use a "To Call" list and a "Make It Count" grid (*Both found on the Mahusay Website *). They help me know what I have to do, and they also are tangible proof that I am working my business.
I do love to train. I know that is my calling, and God will make the time for me. In 2008, I traveled a lot and spoke to many people, but I felt like my personal business suffered, especially my sponsoring. My Home Shows were strong, taking care of hostesses and working a show became 2nd nature, so I did it. But I was not able to unconsciously sponsor. Through that, God taught me to be more intentional with sponsoring, so I have learned.
Mary: Wow, that is comforting to know that even though you are a Senior Leader, you still have some of the same learning experiences that all jewelers have.
Elizabeth: We need to remember that ups and downs are all learning experiences! There will never be a time where we are not going through something. God needs to mold us and we all need to grow. When ever I think there is nothing else for me to learn, I pray, "Oh Lord, please don't let me get to the point where I think I know it all." And the Lord will continue to humble me.
Mary: You must have a mentor or two, who are they?
Elizabeth: I have three people: 1st, Julie Colburn, who is my grandmother in Premier. She is a wonderful encourager. Fred and I have a real connection with her. The other two are ladies form church. Gayle and Theresa. Gayle is part of a Bible Fellowship and teaches about God's word. Theresa and I have a strong bond and she brings me God closer. She is my "God sister", and I know that I can get Godly advice from her.
I also want to say it is so important to have a person who you can give and receive Godly advice. We must pray, "Oh Lord, please give me a Godly mentor." Because there is always a lot going on, Premier related and not.
Just then, she asked me to hold on as she had to talk to her son, Samuel. Cuing me into my next question! It really was my next. God touched us at the same time.
Mary: Is it difficult to split your time as mommy of 2, wife, and professional? How do you do it?
Elizabeth: It is always difficult when I don't let God orchestrate my time. When I feel overwhelmed, it is because I have taken over my time and not let God have the control. When I let go and let God lead me, He gives me balance. So it is an issue with me, I must GIVE IN.
I also make sure to do things that bring my family together. I love to cook, so I cook 3-4 meals a week. And my son, Samuel loves to do that with me as well. Because I am cooking, that also means that we are eating together as a family. We have to make sacrifices to do that. Like we eat quite early at 5 or 5:30-but we choose to do it. We eat, then I am usually off to a home show. We must carve out time for family. We plan family time minimally one time a week. For example, we get together and Fred picks out a Bible Characteristic that we are working on that week, like honesty, and we all talk about it. Date night is also a big thing for us. That is time that we work on our marriage. It is a very basic thing. Our hearts hurt for couples who think Premier is a burden on their marriage.
Mary: Sometimes people blame Premier for issues in their life like arguments or added stress on themselves or their marriage. How do you feel about this?
Elizabeth: Well, God has changed both Fred and my lives. He has also taught me about people issues. What appears to be a problem for someone is rarely the actual problem. Like, say a woman is successful in Premier and thinks that because she is successful, she does not need her husband. So, she divorces him. Or, a husband resents his wife because of Premier or the money. Premier just brought the feelings and problems to light, it did not cause them. It is rarely the problem.
In marriages and with all people, we must again, learn to ask questions, to find out the underlying reason. And remember, they themselves might not know the real reason! Problems are a reason for us to both learn from the experience and use them to help others. Now, when I have my own problems I might not be so happy-go-lucky about them. I must remember to stop and ask myself questions to expose the real reason I am going through things and feeling that way. And I must remember that God is always trying to humble me and make me a better person.
Mary: What is your best advice for someone who has not reached a certain level in the time they wanted or who has lost a level?
Elizabeth: This question touches me, because for us to go from 4 Diamond to 5 Diamond was quite a learning experience for us. It took us 15 months. Each times, three times total, being only one jeweler away to finally become 5 Diamond. Prior to that, we had attained 1 level every 12 months, so 3 years seemed like a long time to us. It made us realize that it is easy to follow a title. I had to learn that people don't follow titles, they follow a good leader.
I had to ask myself, what did I do in my first 4 years to grow, and what must I change to continue to grow? It was not easy to change after doing certain things for so long! But God is after different things in all of us. He will push us, prepare us, and grow us. Always make the time that it takes to reach goals. It takes time to grow. And we must all ask ourselves, "Are we making goals our God?" "Are we pursuing God or a goal?".
As for the jewelers that have gone back a level, they must learn that they can love their team, teach them, and pray for them. However, we cannot do it for them. If you understand the lessons that were taught to you through the ups and down, the "blow" is not so hard.
Also, Gary Googe once said to me, "Choleric's can easily fall into managing what they already have. They must work on building new people." We must still encourage and support all of our jewelers, but don't get hooked up on just managing only certain ones or you will go back. Continue to ask God to show you the next person that needs to be lead.
Mary: Wow, that touches on our next question! Do you know your temperament type? Are you mostly Choleric?
Elizabeth: Fred and I train on temperaments a lot, I am mostly Choleric then Sanguine. I have learned to communicate through the years pretty well with all types, but I am still working on Phlegmatic, I am working to learn to genuinely listen.
Mary: What is your favorite Bible Verse?
Elizabeth: Oh, that is a hard one, but I really like Ephesians 1:17-20,
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:
18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the Saints.
19And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,
20Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised him from the dead, and set him at His own right hand in the heavenly places.
The more I study, the closer I feel to God, and this talks about that. It gives me enlightenment. This verse also says that the enlightenment from God is available to all of us. Not just Myself, or Joni Brummel, or anyone else, it is there for all who are willing to cling to Him and learn about Him.
Also, I have had a lot of pride issues in my life, and still do. I used to believe in Him for very little. When I and all of us realize the power of God, we would absolutely be amazed.
Mary: What is your favorite Rally memory?
Elizabeth: Well, this past National Rally was my.......8th. I have a lot of memories, and prior to this past Rally I would have given you a different answer, but I was touched at the last one. My top favorite memory is when Tim and everyone presented Andy and Joan with the statue. It was amazing, and there will come a day when that is the only way for jewelers to get there picture taken with them. We and all of the jewelers there were a part of it, and it will be a treasured memory. Aside from Primer, they are a great example to married couples. They have been married 64 years!
Mary: And the final question, what is your favorite food?
Elizabeth: Ooh, sweets and baked goods. Especially, red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Yum!
Fred and Elizabeth have been in Premier for 7 1/2 years, they have two boys, Anthony 8, and Samuel 6,they reside in Tampa, Florida. THANK YOU Elizabeth for taking the time for me to interview you! You really are an AWESOME conversationalist and an inpiration! You really touched me!
*Mahusay website: www.servingthe813.com*
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Treasures from Gems - 7 Diamond Joni Brummel!
Joni Brummel, a Premier Designs 7 Diamond Designer is our very first interviewee! We set the date and time to do the interview a couple of days ago, we decided to do it at 1:30, when my children go down for a nap. I called her today exactly at our appointment time. She answered the phone on the second ring, "Joni Brummel, how may I serve you?". Her voice was so sweet!
Mary: Hi Joni! It's Mary, how are you doing?
Joni: Great! Did you get those 3 babies down for a nap?
Mary: Yes! I filled their belly's and they went straight to bed!
Joni: Oh great! What a good Mommy! (She is ALWAYS this personable and warm)
Mary: Well, lets get started! First Question:
What is your motivation when you began Premier and what is it now?
Joni: 13 years ago when I began, my motivation was to fund my childrens' college, and let them have the opportunity to graduate without the ball and chain of debt. And the main reason is to Minister. I have a special heart for woman that struggle with self esteem. Becky (Her sponsor) helped me see the ability to minister through Premier.
I have since paid for all three childrens' school tuition; Melissa to go through hair school, and Becca and Joel through college. I have also paid for Melissa's wedding.
Mary: And your motivation now?
Joni: Of course to continue ministering and to pay bills and anything that might come up for our family in the future.
Mary: What is one piece of wisdom you wish to share with every new jeweler?
Joni: I always give new jewelers 4 things that they must do:
#1. You MUST be a master booker, You must replace every show with a show, and replace cancellations. To do this you must;
- Believe in our hostess plan.
- Communicate the Hostess Plan clearly
- Ask every customer
It might take time, but remember that God uses us through our home shows, and of course, we make money through our shows. Remember it does not take a certain way-whatever works for you-and be sure to be consistent!
#2. NEVER miss a training. I don't care if you are busy, tired, or have too much going on. You must be there to learn information and to be with other jewelers. Your sponsor cannot teach you everything, you only receive info from her world. At training, you receive info from many other jewelers' worlds. And of course, ALWAYS go to Rally!
#3. Call your upline. This is very important, it gives you accountability, and helps build that relationship. You must trust enough that your sponsor was good enough to bring you into this business, and she is good enough to teach you. You might not agree, or you might not see eye to eye, but it is important.
#4. You must be very excited to show the business plan. You never know, you might meet the next person who needs Premier in their lives.
Mary: Leaders inspire us to do our best, what was the most important piece of advice that you have received?
Joni: I would say, "Do what successful people do". Copy what they say, and their actions. Hang around people that are successful and positive. It even says in scripture that, "Bad company corrupts good character."
Mary: Isn't that the truth!
Joni: It is! You will become the people you are around. If you are a jeweler who wants to be a designer, hang out with designers, if you are a 1 diamond who wants to become a 2 diamond, hang out with 2 diamonds, (and so forth). I am a 7 diamond, so I hang out with Executive Directors like Julie Miller and Julie Colburn.
Mary: Julie Colburn, wasn't she just promoted?
Joni: Yes she was! And she has been in Premier for 11 years. I remember when they we were on Designer trips and they would run up to us and other Senior Leaders and ask if they could hang out with us. They would ask a ton of questions like, "What do you do when," "How would you..". So it is no surprise they are Executive Directors. So I hang out with those people, even if it makes me uncomfortable, or pushes me out of my box. And you must apply it! Use the information you have collected in your own personal business. And do not be too afraid to do well, fear is the enemy!
Mary: Sometimes experienced jewelers feel like the wind has left there sails. How do they catch it and keep sailing?
Joni: (sigh) This is so true Mary, so true. You HAVE to remember, as an experienced jeweler - that it is normal, and you have to stay passionate and must always know your "Why" factor. Why you got into the business. It can't be a title, titles are given and titles are taken away. It must be big enough to push me to do Premier even in the hard times. If it is money, it must have an amount. It can't be "I want to make more money". Well, whatever money you make will be more than you have, and you will just stay that way. You need to say, "I want to make THIS amount of money in THIS time period." And also remember, sometimes jewelers do not succeed or quit because they are afraid to lead. They must have courage, and must allow themselves the chance to lead! Purpose and Passion really come when we work on them.
Mary: What would you say to the jewelers that are doing all the right "steps", but do not feel successful?
Joni:"Well Mary, this is going to sound harsh,
Mary: That's OK, we need to hear the truth!
Joni: Well, those jewelers are not doing the right steps then. The right steps produce the right results, and the wrong steps produce the wrong results. For example, jewelers might think they are doing the right steps when it comes to presenting the hostess plan, but they are not getting bookings. It is not the plan that is not right, it is the direction or communication of it that is incorrect.
I had a jeweler tell me that she was doing the hostess plan at her shows, but was not getting any bookings. I had her come over, and when she got there, I told her I wanted her to role play with me. She refused, she tried EVERYTHING in her power to get out of it. But I told her she would not leave my house until she role played. Finally, she gave in and did. Well, in the first 30 seconds I knew why she was not getting bookings. She was not saying things correctly, and we corrected some small things that needed corrected. And guess what?
Mary: She got bookings?
Joni: Right. And we must also remember that what has worked in the past might not continue to work in the present or future. Things change, our economy has changed, we must adapt to them to produce activity. You might not have had to do certain thing (like booking with boxes) in the past, but you might now.
Mary: Very good point, I guess as we become more seasoned in Premier, the more we think that the correct steps are concrete.
Joni: Absolutely. We must have the courage to change things - it pulls us out of our comfort zone, and no one likes getting pulled out of their comfort zone but if you want to grow as a leader, you have to accept change. God gives us bigger gifts as we personally grow bigger, and as your "box" gets bigger, so does your influence, then your vision, and your character to grow and develop continues to grow.
Mary: What is your favorite sponsoring technique?
Joni: Well it depends on the crowd, I will do Big Money, or the Ask it Basket questions on the back of the big bills. I will either ask the questions, or I will use the money that the questions are on for my Big Money. That way I do not carry more stuff, and I can switch (*finger snap snap*) between them easily .
Mary: Why is it so important to involve the husband at an Opportunity Presentation?
Joni: I believe that God made him the head of household, and I need to honor him and his wife. Him being at the O.P... he needs to be there to ask me questions and have an active roll in the decision. And he thinks differently. Woman tend to think in short terms and are emotional. Men have the ability the see the big picture and in long term. I also want him to get to know me personally, and know that I am not trying to convince or scam his wife.
Mary: How in the world can there be a 6 and 7 Diamond Designer in the little town of Allegan, Michigan?
Joni: Mary, that is a great question!
Mary: Thank you, Chris can up with it, (giggle)
Joni: Good job Chris! Well we (Becky Wallace and herself) know that our world is not the small town of Allegan Michigan. We have the mindset, "Have jewelery, will travel.". Our vision is not the small town of Allegan, our vision is all of Michigan, to the corner of California, up to the top of Alaska and the tip of Texas. We know that we can sponsor anywhere. And that we must train, encourage, and give those jewelers the tools it takes to be successful. And the question I want to ask everyone is, "How big is your world?" If it is as small as Niles, Elkhart, or any other city, then your business will be just as small. But if it is so big that God must help you to achieve it, then your business will be as big.
Mary: How many states do you have jewelers in?
Joni: Oh Mary, I am not sure, (Long pause and counting sounds). Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, hmmm, there is so many too count!
Mary: So you have a lot!
Joni: Yes! I have exactly 400 Jewelers, I just saw!
Mary: Oh wow! How awesome!
Joni: Yes!
Mary: What is a hidden talent of yours?
Joni: Oh man! I don't know! I wear myself on my sleeve, everyone knows pretty much everything about me! I would say I love to sing! I sing around the house, in the shower, and at church.
Mary: That is a very good talent!
Joni: Haha
Mary: One last question: What is you favorite new piece of jewelery?
Joni: I would say the Runway - I love it! It is absolutely gorgeous and will be one of my favorites!
7 Diamond Designers Joni and Mel Brummel have been in Premier Designs Inc. for 13 years. They reside in Allegan, Michigan. They have three children, Becca, Melissa, and Joel. Their 2 Daughters, Melissa Tubergan and Becca Brummel, are also in Premier!
Thank you, Joni, for taking the time to let me interview you and "pick your brain"! I hope that this information helps jewelers across the country grow both personally and professionally!
Mary: Hi Joni! It's Mary, how are you doing?
Joni: Great! Did you get those 3 babies down for a nap?
Mary: Yes! I filled their belly's and they went straight to bed!
Joni: Oh great! What a good Mommy! (She is ALWAYS this personable and warm)
Mary: Well, lets get started! First Question:
What is your motivation when you began Premier and what is it now?
Joni: 13 years ago when I began, my motivation was to fund my childrens' college, and let them have the opportunity to graduate without the ball and chain of debt. And the main reason is to Minister. I have a special heart for woman that struggle with self esteem. Becky (Her sponsor) helped me see the ability to minister through Premier.
I have since paid for all three childrens' school tuition; Melissa to go through hair school, and Becca and Joel through college. I have also paid for Melissa's wedding.
Mary: And your motivation now?
Joni: Of course to continue ministering and to pay bills and anything that might come up for our family in the future.
Mary: What is one piece of wisdom you wish to share with every new jeweler?
Joni: I always give new jewelers 4 things that they must do:
#1. You MUST be a master booker, You must replace every show with a show, and replace cancellations. To do this you must;
- Believe in our hostess plan.
- Communicate the Hostess Plan clearly
- Ask every customer
It might take time, but remember that God uses us through our home shows, and of course, we make money through our shows. Remember it does not take a certain way-whatever works for you-and be sure to be consistent!
#2. NEVER miss a training. I don't care if you are busy, tired, or have too much going on. You must be there to learn information and to be with other jewelers. Your sponsor cannot teach you everything, you only receive info from her world. At training, you receive info from many other jewelers' worlds. And of course, ALWAYS go to Rally!
#3. Call your upline. This is very important, it gives you accountability, and helps build that relationship. You must trust enough that your sponsor was good enough to bring you into this business, and she is good enough to teach you. You might not agree, or you might not see eye to eye, but it is important.
#4. You must be very excited to show the business plan. You never know, you might meet the next person who needs Premier in their lives.
Mary: Leaders inspire us to do our best, what was the most important piece of advice that you have received?
Joni: I would say, "Do what successful people do". Copy what they say, and their actions. Hang around people that are successful and positive. It even says in scripture that, "Bad company corrupts good character."
Mary: Isn't that the truth!
Joni: It is! You will become the people you are around. If you are a jeweler who wants to be a designer, hang out with designers, if you are a 1 diamond who wants to become a 2 diamond, hang out with 2 diamonds, (and so forth). I am a 7 diamond, so I hang out with Executive Directors like Julie Miller and Julie Colburn.
Mary: Julie Colburn, wasn't she just promoted?
Joni: Yes she was! And she has been in Premier for 11 years. I remember when they we were on Designer trips and they would run up to us and other Senior Leaders and ask if they could hang out with us. They would ask a ton of questions like, "What do you do when," "How would you..". So it is no surprise they are Executive Directors. So I hang out with those people, even if it makes me uncomfortable, or pushes me out of my box. And you must apply it! Use the information you have collected in your own personal business. And do not be too afraid to do well, fear is the enemy!
Mary: Sometimes experienced jewelers feel like the wind has left there sails. How do they catch it and keep sailing?
Joni: (sigh) This is so true Mary, so true. You HAVE to remember, as an experienced jeweler - that it is normal, and you have to stay passionate and must always know your "Why" factor. Why you got into the business. It can't be a title, titles are given and titles are taken away. It must be big enough to push me to do Premier even in the hard times. If it is money, it must have an amount. It can't be "I want to make more money". Well, whatever money you make will be more than you have, and you will just stay that way. You need to say, "I want to make THIS amount of money in THIS time period." And also remember, sometimes jewelers do not succeed or quit because they are afraid to lead. They must have courage, and must allow themselves the chance to lead! Purpose and Passion really come when we work on them.
Mary: What would you say to the jewelers that are doing all the right "steps", but do not feel successful?
Joni:"Well Mary, this is going to sound harsh,
Mary: That's OK, we need to hear the truth!
Joni: Well, those jewelers are not doing the right steps then. The right steps produce the right results, and the wrong steps produce the wrong results. For example, jewelers might think they are doing the right steps when it comes to presenting the hostess plan, but they are not getting bookings. It is not the plan that is not right, it is the direction or communication of it that is incorrect.
I had a jeweler tell me that she was doing the hostess plan at her shows, but was not getting any bookings. I had her come over, and when she got there, I told her I wanted her to role play with me. She refused, she tried EVERYTHING in her power to get out of it. But I told her she would not leave my house until she role played. Finally, she gave in and did. Well, in the first 30 seconds I knew why she was not getting bookings. She was not saying things correctly, and we corrected some small things that needed corrected. And guess what?
Mary: She got bookings?
Joni: Right. And we must also remember that what has worked in the past might not continue to work in the present or future. Things change, our economy has changed, we must adapt to them to produce activity. You might not have had to do certain thing (like booking with boxes) in the past, but you might now.
Mary: Very good point, I guess as we become more seasoned in Premier, the more we think that the correct steps are concrete.
Joni: Absolutely. We must have the courage to change things - it pulls us out of our comfort zone, and no one likes getting pulled out of their comfort zone but if you want to grow as a leader, you have to accept change. God gives us bigger gifts as we personally grow bigger, and as your "box" gets bigger, so does your influence, then your vision, and your character to grow and develop continues to grow.
Mary: What is your favorite sponsoring technique?
Joni: Well it depends on the crowd, I will do Big Money, or the Ask it Basket questions on the back of the big bills. I will either ask the questions, or I will use the money that the questions are on for my Big Money. That way I do not carry more stuff, and I can switch (*finger snap snap*) between them easily .
Mary: Why is it so important to involve the husband at an Opportunity Presentation?
Joni: I believe that God made him the head of household, and I need to honor him and his wife. Him being at the O.P... he needs to be there to ask me questions and have an active roll in the decision. And he thinks differently. Woman tend to think in short terms and are emotional. Men have the ability the see the big picture and in long term. I also want him to get to know me personally, and know that I am not trying to convince or scam his wife.
Mary: How in the world can there be a 6 and 7 Diamond Designer in the little town of Allegan, Michigan?
Joni: Mary, that is a great question!
Mary: Thank you, Chris can up with it, (giggle)
Joni: Good job Chris! Well we (Becky Wallace and herself) know that our world is not the small town of Allegan Michigan. We have the mindset, "Have jewelery, will travel.". Our vision is not the small town of Allegan, our vision is all of Michigan, to the corner of California, up to the top of Alaska and the tip of Texas. We know that we can sponsor anywhere. And that we must train, encourage, and give those jewelers the tools it takes to be successful. And the question I want to ask everyone is, "How big is your world?" If it is as small as Niles, Elkhart, or any other city, then your business will be just as small. But if it is so big that God must help you to achieve it, then your business will be as big.
Mary: How many states do you have jewelers in?
Joni: Oh Mary, I am not sure, (Long pause and counting sounds). Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, hmmm, there is so many too count!
Mary: So you have a lot!
Joni: Yes! I have exactly 400 Jewelers, I just saw!
Mary: Oh wow! How awesome!
Joni: Yes!
Mary: What is a hidden talent of yours?
Joni: Oh man! I don't know! I wear myself on my sleeve, everyone knows pretty much everything about me! I would say I love to sing! I sing around the house, in the shower, and at church.
Mary: That is a very good talent!
Joni: Haha
Mary: One last question: What is you favorite new piece of jewelery?
Joni: I would say the Runway - I love it! It is absolutely gorgeous and will be one of my favorites!
7 Diamond Designers Joni and Mel Brummel have been in Premier Designs Inc. for 13 years. They reside in Allegan, Michigan. They have three children, Becca, Melissa, and Joel. Their 2 Daughters, Melissa Tubergan and Becca Brummel, are also in Premier!
Thank you, Joni, for taking the time to let me interview you and "pick your brain"! I hope that this information helps jewelers across the country grow both personally and professionally!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Beginning
So this is the very first Blog for our "Treasures from Gems" Series. We (Chris and I) will be interviewing awesome Premier Designs Jewelers to really get to know them and there successes! We have hopes for this blog, that we will be able to get some great info out to all of you jewelers out there! Please write me with any comments, suggestions, or ideas!
Blessings,
Chris and Mary Deno
Blessings,
Chris and Mary Deno
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
