Avon Calling! **Give-Away Alert**

Today, I want to introduce you to Sandy! She is an independent consultant with Avon. Whether you have used their products for years or are looking for an easy way to get to know their product, Sandy is your gal!

How did you get started with Avon?

Over 28 years ago, I was at a neighbor’s house where a teenage girl was painting every one of her toenails and fingernails a different color. She made the simple statement, “I wish someone around here sold Avon.” Her mom told me I should be the one, so I called a phone number that I found in the newspaper and left a message. Just a day or so later, my baby sister was killed in a car accident. Needless to say, it was awhile before I ever thought about Avon again. This was long before cell phones and most people (including me) did not have answering machines. Some time later, I called the number again. Soon, my call was returned by an Avon manager. I told her about my sister - We talked and set up an appointment to get together. She came to my house, and I found her to be a genuinely caring, Christian lady. We talked about my sister, and I signed up to be an “Avon lady.” Within a few months, I connected with two Avon ladies who quit and gave me their customers. That was a major boost for me. For several years, I did not have any more contact with the manager (my choice) - not until a friend of mine became an Avon rep. She was competitive, and she got me fired up. We went to sales meetings together. We shared plans and goals. She did not stay with it very long, but she had gotten me going. During that time, I had a baby girl. (I already had two boys - 11 and 13 years old - when she was born.) I remember - in the middle of the night - sitting on my bed crying like a baby and telling my husband I just couldn’t do it all: a new baby - 2 teenage boys - a husband and an Avon business. I decided I had to quit Avon. The next morning, I called my manager to tell her my decision. She said she totally understood, but she would like to come over and chat. We worked out a strategy, and I decided to keep at it. I took my little girl to sales meetings with me. She was known at my sons’ school as “little miss Avon”. From the time she was three years old, she earned money by putting labels on my brochures. Her cousins of the same age learned to work in Avon and make money. Every child that came to my house asked if there were books to be labeled. My kids, nieces, nephews and now grandchildren have accompanied me on my Avon route. What other business is there that can and does include the entire family? There was a time when I was in the middle of a huge fund raiser and became ill. I could not process the merchandise sitting in my house. My nieces and daughter - ages 8 to 10 processed the entire order and did it correctly with no supervision. That is how simple it is.

Why are you so passionate about Avon?
It costs $10 to $15 to become a business owner. That is it. Where else can you start your own business for only $10???? Avon gives everyone the opportunity to become financially secure. You honestly get out of it what you put into it. I am an Independent Avon Representative. There are very few ground rules - basically place orders and pay for them - everything else is handled the way you want it to be. Do you want to work 100% alone? Fine - do it. Do you want to attend meetings and seminars??? There are plenty from which to choose. Do you want to work with a team??? Plenty of opportunities. Do you want to lead a team? We call that program Leadership. Do you want to go door-to-door? Please do.  Do you want to have home parties?? You may. Do you want to utilize helpers??? The more the merrier. Do you like conference calls and/or webinars?? So does Avon. Do you like helping groups make money? We have several different types of fund raisers.  Do you like community outreach??  When it floods in an area - Avon sends in cases of bug guard to give away to help protect against mosquitoes. The money that is made from our pink ribbon products - has come back to my hometown of Charleston, WV and lots of other communities. We don’t just donate 10 or 20 cents from each item - dollars from each item go for cancer research and treatment. Avon has cancer walks to raise money. When Charleston, WV had a chemical leak a few months back and contaminated our water supply - Avon sent boxes of random merchandise for our managers to hand out to people just because we needed a reason to smile.

What do you love most about the company?
I have met hundreds of people I never would have met. I have made money to help my family through tough times. I have helped high school kids make extra money while learning how business works - while under the watchful eyes of their parents. I have watched a lady on five-day-a-week kidney dialysis make money to provide for the needs of her kids. I have helped girl scout troops, school children, cheerleaders, etc. make money for their groups. I have helped a family raise money for their child to get a “helper” dog.

What current sales/specials are you offering?
Our sales change on a regular basis, but our current specials are as follows:
24 oz. Bubble Bath - $5.99 (regularly $8)
24 oz. Skin So Soft Bath Oil - $9.99 (regularly $16)
Naturals Shower Gels - $1.69 (regularly $6)

What is the best way for readers to contact you?

If you have any desire to be a part of Avon I will be happy to help you in any way I can. If you want to buy products, you can go to my website where you will find FREE shipping on all orders over $35.

Do you want to become an Avon Rep? Go to the Avon website and use the code “sthompson5614”

Would you like to do a fundraiser or just ask a question? My e-mail is avonsandyt (at) yahoo (dot) com.

A Note From Elizabeth:
When I was in high school, I partnered with Sandy to sell Avon, and it was such a great opportunity for me! It allowed me to have hands-on experience in the areas of business/finance, advertising/marketing, time management, etc. Financially, it was a huge blessing, and if you are at all interested in the same opportunities, I know she would love to hear from you!

**GIVE-AWAY ALERT**

Sandy is offering a give-away of nine bottles of shower gel (one in each available fragrance) to a randomly chosen "All Kinds of Things" reader!

To enter, simply answer the following question in the comments below: What is your favorite thing about spring? The winner will be chosen at random! **Contest Ends Friday, March 28th**

If you are a small business owner, an independent consultant, a blogger, a creator that uses Etsy as a marketplace, a collector that sells on Instagram, etc. I would love to hear from you! I am passionate about seeing small businesses grow, and I would love to help you reach a new audience! When advertising with "All Kinds of Things", you will receive a customized blog post (which will include any and all information/photos you would like to share) as well as exposure on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Looking forward to working with you to expand your business!

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