Friendship - Tell them now, not in an eulogy

Original post on website/newsletter Nov. 21, 2104

You’re like peas and carrots. Peanut butter and jelly. Buzz and Woody. Bert and Ernie. No matter what happens, through the good and bad, happy and sad, you’ve never left each other’s side.

How do you describe a friendship like that? Here are some famous quotes about friendship. Which one captures your friendship best?

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” – C.S. Lewis

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” – William Shakespeare

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” – Elbert Hubbard

“My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” – Henry Ford

“Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer.” – Unknown

“Growing apart doesn’t change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I’m glad for that.” – Ally Condie

“The real test of friendship is can you literally do nothing with the other person? Can you enjoy those moments of life that are utterly simple?” – Eugene Kennedy

“Friendship isn’t a big thing — it’s a million little things.” – Unknown

Good friends are hard to find and impossible to forget. Let these simple quotes inspire you to make time for your special friend today. Nurture what you share together and send them your love in a custom card or gift today.

TGIT - Thank Goodness It's Today!

This weekend I had a great talk with a new team member who joined our Cards And Mohr team about his WHYs for wanting to start in business.  He had some great WHYs and we all know -if you know your WHY, you'll find the HOW...Well, he found us and SendOutCards.

In addition to his family and some other prominent WHYs, the one that he really was caught up on was how he was living for each Friday afternoon - and dreading each Monday morning.  That is a long week to go through waiting for one particular day.

What we told him and we'd tell you, is stick with that j-o-b for the next year as you build your new business in network marketing.  We will be the first ones to tell you, what a difference your goals and deadlines do for motivation...  Our SOC Friends and Network Marketing Expert, Eric Worre created this 8 minute post/video and I highly recommend you watch it. 

Eric has been with other companies and while other network marketing companies were trying to recruit him, he decided to be part of SOC without any incentive - heworks his business just as Tim & I do... and just as the next person on our team.  His video explains why network marketing is "better" than being employed.  And we agree 100%. It is so nice to be our own boss, but to also work at our pace and be paid or promoted based solely on our performance - we don't have to wait for someone else to promote (or die) to change roles.  We are building our legacy for our children one card at a time.

So instead of thinking "TGIF," think "TFIT..." That means, "Thank Goodness It's TODAY!" Live for the now, enjoy the now - don't wait for some day.  We all know some day is not promised.  If you are living  life and waiting for a certain day of the week to arrive like Friday, Satutday or Sunday - that is a sign.  Follow your "what if" and start feeling the excitement of those three days, every day of the year - there are 365 days (+1 this year) to enjoy.

We support our team with all our hearts, time and energy. We want the same freedoms in time and money to be their's.... we want it to be your's too.  If our company has ever been an interest to you -contact us at danielle@cardsandmohr.com or through this blog.

Cheering you on!
Danielle & Tim

Writing a Thank You Note 101

Grandma might not say anything to you, but she is probably disappointed how people today have lost their manners. I'm not here to step on a soapbox, but I do want to draw your attention to showing appreciation - to your family, friends and business acquaintances. I just found out that many adults are dropping the thank you notes... WHAT?!? And an email just won't do it!

Did you know that when you send a thank you note, that the gesture improves the frequency and quality of the gifts you receive. J People like being appreciated, and if they feel you actually notice the nice things they do for you, they’re more likely to give an encore performance. Wouldn’t you want a client/customer returning for service or product… or better yet, referring you to another client/customer? Of course!

Writing thank you notes are easier than you remember. Get yourself some stationary, note cards or a selection of postcards... or try sending notes with our card-sending tool, SendOutCards and add photos of the gift, event or person for a special touch.

I'm just a mom trying to keep the art of thank you notes alive for our children. I am not Miss Manners, but do belive in sending heartfelt cards... for thank yous and lots of other occasions.

Need help writing, just include these six steps:

 

1. Greet the Giver

2. Express Your Gratitude
3. Discuss Use of Item or Time You Had at Event
4. Mention the Past, Allude to the Future
5. Grace (say thanks again – it’s not overkill)
6. Regards

Sounds easy enough, right?!? Now get it in the mail. And remember, if trying to get to the store or post-office is your excuse for not sending thank you note, go to our site. You have no more excuses using SendOutCards and by sending notes of appreciation and kindness, we’ll help you change a life… one card at a time.

As always, thank you for following my blog and our Facebook page. We appreciate you! --Danielle

I AM a Network Marketer & Proud

This is our family and I couldn't be prouder to be in direct sales and of our company, SendOutCards! --Danielle

"Network Marketing provides me with a unique opportunity to create a business with LOW START UP COSTS and with VERY LITTLE RISK. I can work it PART TIME until it takes over the income we receive from a job. I can build a RECESSION-PROOF business for myself but have MANY OTHERS who have a VESTED INTEREST in my SUCCESS. I can LIVE and work ANYWHERE WE WANT, always be around POSITIVE PEOPLE and have an ongoing PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN. I can do what I want, when I want, where I want and enjoy an adventurous LIFESTYLE. I can create FINANCIAL SECURITY and show others how to do the same. I can HELP OTHERS live a better life with a business that is no respecter of persons meaning they can come from Yale or they can come from Jail. My business plays no favorites. It treats everyone the SAME but rewards those who PERFORM. I am NETWORK MARKETING!"

 -MLM Blueprint/Kody Bateman

Ascend to New Heights

Happy New Year!  Sure, I've said that before - but for our family and our SendOutCards business and team, it is a new year.  "WHY?" You might be asking.  Oh, so much to tell you.... I don't even know where to start.
First, to our CardsAndMohr (SendOutCards) Team, we apreciate you.  You have worked so hard in your business and now the fruits of your effort will be seen this year.  Take a peek at your January check (from December sales) and know that is your smallest check of 2012.  And here is why....

• SendOutCards has lowered the starting entrepreneur price to start business. It is only $295!
• There are Basic & Certified Training offered everywhere so you know how to work your biz - and it is the same training in Alaska as it is in Florida, Hawaii and Maine and all states in between.
• No more upfront cost for your customers to use SOC - make immediate commissions. Customers can start for $10 or $30/month depending on their needs.
• Leadership bonuses for all!  Even as a new rep, you earn $ - however, these leadership bonuses are not paid until you teach/train your new rep.  There is a lot more responsibility and committment from your Sponsor.

A lot of this needs to be in discussion.  I will plan to do a conference call after a live-streaming event on Thursday. Look for those details - or call/message me before then.

The last news to share is that SOC has published a new magazine called ASEND.  There is so much in this magazine. I LOVE the title - granted there is a play on spelling, but I looked up the definition of "ascend."  as·cend (verb) 1. to move, climb, or go upward; mount; rise 2. to slant upward 3. to rise to a higher point, rank, or degree; proceed from an inferior to a superior degree or level.

There has never been a better time to be in SendOutCards. Our CEO told us that these last six years have been our "prelaunch" stage and now we have a chance to share the two missions of our company in 2012....

• Allow people to act on their promptings (follow that voice & send card/gift to let someone know you are thinking of them
• Provide a vehicle for financial freedoms*

*I'd like to add that our success this year has not been all about the money. ;o) Of course it is, but it isn't the dollar amount - it is what those paychecks have allowed our family in time and family freedoms.  From a house cleaner now and then, Club Sports for our oldest, charity and vacation & family trips.  We are blessed - we know that, we appreciate that and never take our responsibilty and committment to our CardsAndMohr team (read family) for granted. We are here to see them... and maybe you succeed. Want to know about the business, click here for some videos or email me.

You know how I'll close this blog... SHOOT FOR THE MOON! 2012 is your's - to quote the event from this weekend, "get up and get busy."  All my best! Big Hugs - Danielle

How do I blog after my last entry?!?

Hi Friends and Followers -

First of all, you are amazing individuals who have offered up prayer for two families this week... and have included prayers for my heart. I'm blessed.  I have to admit, I'm kinda stuck on how or what to blog... While I find the next fitting entry, I wanted to share a email I received about the last video.

Last week, I tried all morning to create the video reminding you (and me) to act on our promptings.. you know that little voice that we often ignore.  I tried all morning and I never got it done... then our 3 year old came home and I still hadn't been successful.  Our kiddo was almost a good distraction to keep my tears away so I could share the message.  I was concerned and expressed it to friends that I didn't want the video to appear disrespectful with Landon crawling in the background, but was reasured he did not do that.

Here is what a friend sent me:
"Danielle - God was speaking to you that day and he wanted you to do the video. Not a perfect video but that is OK because none of us are. It was genuine and heartfelt and that is what is important along with your message. I thought it was very sweet that your son wanted to be a part of it. I always thought you had a good heart Danielle even when we were kids. That is obviously still reflected yet today! : ) "

Thank you to my friend above and to all of you who have sent messages, texts, phone calls and cards. You are amazing. I hope I have blessed your life as much as you have mine and our family's. Thank you for being part of our "Family" in and outside of SendOutCards.

Big Hugs,
Danielle

Millionaire Todays... Your Choice

Quick Facts for Today...  Did you know that in in the US there were:

3.6 million millionaire families in 1991
7.2 million millionaire families in 2001
10 million millionaire families in 2011

In the 1990's the best way to make money was to make things. Today the best way to make money is the distribute things. This is the age of the home based business.

The millionaire population exploded. And all Millionaires MAKE a CHOICE. What choice will you make today?

Of course, we favor our business with SendOutCards as there are no home parties, inventory or pressuring friends to buys items they may not need. We all have a need to send cards and gifts - we might only send approx 10 a year, but have a need for at least 70.  We've shown that with the ease of SOC's system - it is now affordable and convenient.  We all missed the opportunity with Netflix, but we are beyond thankful for all the blessings SendOutCards has provided us.

Make your choice for you and your family. It's not a get-rich path, but there is so much freedom within 2-5 years.  Shoot for the Moon and make your Dreams a Reality. --Tim & Danielle

Today I am sharing this entry from our friend and supportive SendOutCards' husband, Stuart Snook.  He wrote it this past weekend in regards to his wife, Lori starting on our team.  He writes to all our friends and about missing this opportunity to be in a "young" company that is going places.  If you had known about Netflix ten years ago, would you would have done it... well, here is SendOut Cards.  For the friends who are on this journey, we are thrilled - we didn't want to leave you behind.  We'll always be here for you. --Tim & Danielle

 

"What is your excuse?

I have spent the past twelve years in sales. I have heard every reason to buy or not to buy. I have heard every excuse. Sometimes these people have made mistakes, sometimes not. What is your excuse?

I have a relative that tells a story about a missed opportunity. He was talking to a friend that was trying to sell a new business idea. He believed that one day you would be able to call your wife as she was shopping at the mall, on a wireless phone. This business man was looking for investors for his new company. My relative’s comments: “That is Star Trek type stuff. It will never happen.” Needless to say, he did not invest in this company. This company now has $19 billion dollars in revenue. What is your excuse?

We have all heard the stories about Fred Smith and his term paper that started Fed Ex. He thinks he got his usual “C” on the paper. At one point, he even took some money to Vegas. His winnings went to the company just to make payroll. Can you imagine a world without overnight delivery? What is your excuse?
Two years ago I got laid off. I could not find a job. My brother was in the same boat. We decided to start a company. This was originally just to keep up our skill set so we could find a “real” job. Eighteen months later, we have one million dollars in sales and some long term agreements with a Fortune 50 company. This is no longer a hobby. What is your excuse?

My wife joined an organization known as Send Out Cards approximately 3 months ago. It is a network marketing company. I am not a fan of network marketing. I hate having to buy inventory. I hate being invited to parties where you are pressured to buy crap you will never use, need, or seek out in normal life. This is different. This does not have inventory or parties. I do not have a lifetime supply of toothpaste, or laundry detergent. She has taken her distributorship and really kicked into overdrive. To say that her success has been extraordinary is an understatement. I almost told her not to join. What would have been my excuse?

This company is experiencing tremendous growth. What is your excuse? Contact us and find out what this company is all about. DO NOT LET THIS BE THE OPPORTUNITY THAT YOU LET SLIP AWAY! Not enough time? Too expensive? Not sure I know how to do this? What is your excuse?"

Send Out Cards - 3 min Video

For our Customers... Follow the What If?

Take a peek at this 3 minute video - and see if what you know and love as a "Customer," might be an opportunity for something bigger.

Shoot for the moon - you know we are cheering you on!
Hugs, Danielle & Family

A Compliment from a SOC User (Link)

Hi Friends,

Today's blog entry is pretty easy. I just had the highest compliment made to our business as a friend took time to write about SendOutCards, us and how she has become a card sender.

Please check out Paige's Blog, "Always So Random" which has this testimonial and lots of other fun stuff.  Depending on when you are reading my blog, her entry is dated Aug 11, 2011.

Enjoy!  And if we can help you become 'that girl' too, please let us know. 
Hugs, Danielle

Staying In Touch -

I was asked to write a blog entry for Professional Building Network (PBN) Group and I wanted to share the content with you too.  Enjoy!  To your success - Danielle

Staying In Touch by Danielle Mohr

Are you one of the 40% of sales people that do NOT follow-up with a prospect?  If yes, stay tuned for a future blog. However, if you are one of those that do follow-up, how do you keep in contact with those you have networked with or met?  How do you set yourself apart from others?

The best advice I could share would be to stay in touch and with this staying in touch efforts, make sure you are giving to give… and not necessarily gain business immediately.  The referrals and business are the goal, but with kindness and appreciation you will achieve that success. You will quickly learn that appreciation will “win” over self-promotion every time.

The first idea someone has to stay in touch is using e-mails.  While it is convenient to send emails, you need to make these attempts personal. Write and send a personal e-mails asking how the customer/client is and and briefly share a couple sentences what you have been doing. This isn’t a sales solicitation.  And yes, the phone still works… pick it up, dial and say “Hello!”

The goal is to try to stay in touch with your customers, clients and prospects on a regular basis. Eighty percent of sales are made between the 5^th- 12^th contact or interaction.  A hand-written note is a great way to show you care and stand out from the crowd. Send the card to your customer/client on special occasions and send them “just because” for fun & a positive contact with your recipient.  Send out seasonal cards – I have a client who swears by sending Thanksgiving cards for his business. It is his moment to express his gratitude for their relationship and business. By sending Thanksgiving cards, he believes he is standing out among the traditional holiday card. 

While holidays are a great time to send out cards, you can get pretty creative when to send other cards to have an opportunity to make those customer/client contacts.  Try sending recipe postcards or themed cards: “Spring Ahead – Set Your Clocks Forward” or notes of appreciation: “Thanks for your business or Thanks for the Referral” with a gift card to a coffee shop or such. Send notes about career changes, marriage, new houses, babies and sympathy cards. The gesture goes a long way.  These handwritten notes carry a great return on the networking you began. You may look at your contacts in business or with other businesses and think how will I be able to write all those cards?  There again, is another blog entry or you can contact me for the how-tos or try it out for FREE!.

The underlying key no matter what form you use to stay in touch is to build the relationship. Keep connected and nuture the friendships so they don’t disappear. These relationships are with people who you support and will support you. The first step is up to you.

And remember, "a card a day - keeps the competition away."

Making Your Biz Profitable & Others Do the Same

If you don't follow Send Out Cards on Facebook, you may have missed this.  Here is what DeMarr Zimmerman posted to SendOutCards. Make your Sendoutcards profitable and help others to the same....

"3 personally sponsored entrepreneurs will pay for you license to get started (3 x $140 = $420) and 10 subscribing retail customer will pay for your monthly $31 auto subscription (retail commission - (10 x $9.80 x .30 = $29.40) + wholesale commission - (10 x $6.20 x .05 = $3.10) = $32.50 ($29.40 + $3.10).

"This is the story we need to tell...3 and 10! Once you have 3 and 10 from that point on you are in the black, making money!" ∼ Eric Worre, Executive with Sendoutcards and International expert on Network Marketing"

The above was a post from today, from DeMarr to Send Out Cards' on their Wall - I couldn't click *share,* so I copied and pasted his comments here.   

You wanted to know how our family has so much success... welll, it all started with this... and it can for you too.  PM or email Tim or I and we'll share our story - it's no secret. I spent eight years with another direct sales company and made my share of commissions, but never saw the success we've had the past 15 months.  Yes, we've only been doing this for just over a year!  In eight years, I never went on one incentive trip... I'm going on a FREE CRUISE in October courtesy of SOC... and the fun part is, I'm not going alone.  I have a friend going with me who earned her cruise free too.  You can do it too - Listen to the 'What If" and do it. We will be here to help you along the way.  As most companies say, "you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself..." and such is true with Send Out Cards throughout the company.   It is joked about that Send Out Cards is the Netflix of today - but it's not a joke because if someone told me years ago I could make money on each DVD rented, we would have done it in a heartbeat.  Well, we get a re-do. ;o)   

If you've never listened to the SOC intro video, we recommend doing it at our website - CLick on #1 and then afterwards, if you've never sent a card - then continue with #2.  And if you have questions - for either of us, please PM us or drop an email to tim@cardsandmohr.com or danielle@cardsandmohr.com  

Shoot for the Moon.  We are cheering you on - Sincerely, Danielle & Tim

Are You Thanking Your Employees & Downlnes?

No matter your business, you as the owner or manager are similar to that of a Coach.  Your employees, sales reps, downlines and others within your company are part of your team and you are the Coach.  And just like any team, the performance of each individual player affects the performance and image of the entire team.

Now-a-days, you see a turn-over within a business as employees look for other options.  Not always do employees leave for bigger & better things, some employees leave because they did not feel appreciated.  You will find yourself in a cycle of training employees who leave, thus costing you time and money.

Do you send them a thank you card, a gift or even say "Hey, you did a great job!"  Have you ever thought what a difference your note of appreciation or gratitude for their efforts, performance or success would have on the employee?!?  We all have an innate desire to be appreciated... what if it were so simple as sharing your thoughts in written words.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -Wm Authur Ward.  Allow us to show you how easy it is to use a system for personal & business needs - for customers, employees and downlines. Take a couple minutes and show someone you care... you appreciate them.

We are making a difference for many and will be there to help you make a difference too.

Wow - Exciting Stats

During the first 143 days of 2011 Send Out Cards averaged 31 new customers a day.  During the last two weeks we averaged 446 new customers a day! If my math is right, our customer base is growing 1450% faster since the new retail changes! From Jan. 1 - May 23rd of 2011 Send Out Cards added 4383 customers. In the last 2 weeks we have added 6238 new customers! That's more new customers in 2 weeks than the previous 20 weeks!

The summer is one of our slowest times of year for growth! Imagine what November and December will look like.  If you want to more know about the Retail Options or how to start a SOC business of your own, check out our Send Out Cards page.  Your time is now - shoot for the moon!  <3 Danielle

Just the Facts... on Greeting Cards

Hi Friends - In the past couple days, we've fielded a lot of questions regarding our business with Send Out Cards.  The fundamentals of 'how to get started, the history and mission, the future, and more.' In the conversations, we've also talked about Netflix and how Send Out Cards is often compared to Netflix.  And they are a good comparison - what if you knew about Netflix ten years ago and you could make $ on each DVD sent out... well, the time is here with Send Out Cards and the the chance to make $ with each card or gift that is sent out.  We usually ask you to message us for details because I do believe in the relationship with those we sponsor. We don't just *sign* someone up for SOC.  We get to know you, your need and what package will fit you best... do you need it for business, personal, or both... give us a call or email to start OUR conversation.

In one of the conversations, we were asked about the greeting card company.  We did some research and found some facts.  (Thanks Laurie Delk!)

U.S. consumers purchase approximately 7 billion greeting cards each year, generating nearly $7.5 billion in retail sales. The exchange of greeting cards is one of the most widely accepted customs in the U.S.

The average person receives more than 20 cards per year, about one-third of which are birthday cards.

Greeting cards range in price from $1 to $10, although counter cards typically cost between $3 and $5. Cards featuring special techniques, intricate designs and new technologies are at the top of the price scale.

Women purchase more than 80 percent of all greeting cards.  *And although women are more likely than men to buy several cards at once, men generally spend more on a single card than women.

There are two categories of greeting cards -- Seasonal and Everyday. Total card sales are split approximately 50/50 between the two types.  The most popular Everyday cards are Birthday (60%), Anniversary (8%), Get Well (7%), Friendship (6%), and Sympathy cards (6%). The most popular Seasonal cards are Christmas (60%), Valentine's Day (25%), Mother's Day (4%), Easter (3%), and Father's Day (3%) cards.

Nine out of 10 Americans say they look forward to receiving personal letters and greeting cards because cards allow them to keep in touch with friends and family and make them feel they are important to someone else.  Although e-mail, text messaging and phone calls are valued by Americans for helping them communicate with family and friends, the majority of Americans say they prefer the old-fashioned handwritten card or letter to make someone feel truly special. 

More than 90 percent of all U.S. households buy greeting cards, with the average household purchasing 10-30 individual cards in a year, but have a NEED for 70 greeting cards a year.

Why don't people buy these other cards? It's more expensive, it's inconvenient, it's time consuming, and they forget.  Well, we have a fix for all the above - Hopefully we can help you... and then you can help the next person looking for a great system for keeping in touch. 

You can do this too... Always here for you - Danielle