Choosing natural and organic products can be so confusing if you're a newbie and rely on marketing buzz words like "natural", "organic", botanicals" when shopping. These marketing jargons don't tell the whole truth. Since there are no government regulations when it comes to personal care products particularly natural products these labels are often clever marketing.
Unless you're a certified organic company which is held to the strictest guidelines by the USDA, ingredients such as "fragrance" in your products can mean hundreds of hidden chemicals. There is just no way to know what's really in your products.
The only way to know what's really in the products you're using is looking at the ingredients. The longer the list, the more skeptical, especially if you have no idea what those ingredients mean. Organic and truly natural products have ingredients that are recognizable such as olive oil, shea butter, vitamin E, etc. And less ingredients is more often than not, better.
Here's a tip: look for ingredients in descending order. Let's say if the products say "made with essential oils", I would check to see where the essential oils are on the ingredient list. If it's near the bottom this means you're more likely getting itsy bitsy amounts, perhaps just traces of essential oils.
For some people, they either don't care what's in their products or sometimes just not aware of the potential harm of using toxins in personal care products. There was a time I didn't know any better. But for those that care about using only organic products, your safest bet is to look for the USDA organic seal of approval or the Soil seal for the UK certification.
The USDA in particular is the strictest organic association and does not allow any synthetic chemicals in organic products.
If going organic is the utmost important to you, the seal of organic approval from the USDA is a safe bet or another reputable organic association. But you can easily learn to look for toxins in skin care and personal care products and what ingredients to avoid by spending a few minutes to familiarize yourself. Once you have these down, shopping for truly natural and organic products becomes a lot easier.
That said, organic doesn't necessarily mean it's better or more effective than wholesome, natural products. See what I mean when I said confusing? :) Some people are allergic to certain organic ingredients. I mean, poison ivy is organic in its compound but that doesn't mean you'd want to use it. It's more important to be an ingredient reader and educate yourself on what ingredients to look for and make an educated decision whether something can be potentially harmful or not.
Unfortunately, there's a lot of information online that is outdated and tend to scare people that using certain ingredients cause cancer. The more you know, the more informed you'll be to make the best decision for you.
Here are helpful articles on what ingredients to avoid and why:
http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/peg-100-stearate
http://www.goodguide.com/ingredients/255256-peg-10-stearate
http://www.organicbeautytalk.com/ingredients-to-avoid/
http://www.wellnesstimes.com/articles/top-toxins-avoid-personal-care
Best,
Janette Stoll
P.S. If you'd like to learn more about natural/organic products- email me Janette at campopfan@gmail.com for more info and FREE samples.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
The Story of Cosmetics and Why It's Important for You to Know
The Story of Cosmetics is simply fantastic. Funny and full of helpful facts! If you're not sure what's in your personal care, skin care, cosmetics products, it's a must watch video. Please watch and share.
What's Unique About Your Direct Selling Business Opportunity?
In my last post What Do People Look for in a Direct Selling Home Business I shared some key points to consider when you're evaluating a business opportunity. Since there are many home-based opportunities in the direct sales industry to choose from, how do you know which one is the right one for you?
More importantly, what is unique about the company products or business opportunity that makes people want to partner with your company?
After reading Brian Tracy's Crunch Point (one of my all time favorite authors), he shared four tips when considering your products or services and one of them is a must if your company wants to compete in the crowded field of direct selling.
Differentiation
What does the company specialize in? What makes it unique and differentiates itself from other direct selling companies? Tupperware is an iconic brand for not only being one of the originals in direct selling but synonymous with plastic containers. And Scentsy for wickless candles. And NYR Organic as the first direct selling company certified organic by the Soil Association (UK).
When you're sharing the products what is your 30-second "back story" that's going to grab someone's attention. If you tell people we're an all natural company and although this is a good thing but natural products are everywhere.
*What makes your company's natural products better than your competitor's?
*Why should your customer buy from you?
*Why should someone join your business?
*What's the back story that is so good that makes people want to jump on board and tell others about it.
Differentiation is key to selling products as well as sponsoring. If your product is just like any other "me too" already available. Or your business opportunity has nothing different to offer, your business won't be as competitive, and will probably never experience that exponential growth.
"This is the key to success in your business. What is it that you offer to your customers that none of your competitors can offer?" Brian Tracy (Crunch Point)
What is unique about your company that sets you apart from other companies? Direct selling is a crowded field with thousands of opportunities and many of them offer similar products such as various natural products, candles, jewelry, etc. And similar network marketing companies offering juice, weight loss, coffee, anti-aging skin care.
But what is the unique selling position that's going to grab someone's attention and makes her/him want to jump on board with your company?
Best,
Janette
More importantly, what is unique about the company products or business opportunity that makes people want to partner with your company?
After reading Brian Tracy's Crunch Point (one of my all time favorite authors), he shared four tips when considering your products or services and one of them is a must if your company wants to compete in the crowded field of direct selling.
Differentiation
What does the company specialize in? What makes it unique and differentiates itself from other direct selling companies? Tupperware is an iconic brand for not only being one of the originals in direct selling but synonymous with plastic containers. And Scentsy for wickless candles. And NYR Organic as the first direct selling company certified organic by the Soil Association (UK).
When you're sharing the products what is your 30-second "back story" that's going to grab someone's attention. If you tell people we're an all natural company and although this is a good thing but natural products are everywhere.
*What makes your company's natural products better than your competitor's?
*Why should your customer buy from you?
*Why should someone join your business?
*What's the back story that is so good that makes people want to jump on board and tell others about it.
Differentiation is key to selling products as well as sponsoring. If your product is just like any other "me too" already available. Or your business opportunity has nothing different to offer, your business won't be as competitive, and will probably never experience that exponential growth.
"This is the key to success in your business. What is it that you offer to your customers that none of your competitors can offer?" Brian Tracy (Crunch Point)
What is unique about your company that sets you apart from other companies? Direct selling is a crowded field with thousands of opportunities and many of them offer similar products such as various natural products, candles, jewelry, etc. And similar network marketing companies offering juice, weight loss, coffee, anti-aging skin care.
But what is the unique selling position that's going to grab someone's attention and makes her/him want to jump on board with your company?
Best,
Janette
Thursday, March 14, 2013
What Do People Look for in a Direct Selling Business?
What do people look for when they're evaluating a direct selling business? Although there are many factors but having been around direct sales pals for years I can sum up what most of the women I know look for.
In general, I believe these are the things that make a direct selling business attractive, and why women choose to partner with a company.
There is no business like a direct sales business. It's more than just selling products and sponsoring. For customers, it's more than buying products, it's part social gathering with friends, while shopping.
What makes direct selling unique goes beyond great products. Direct sales offers the experience of connecting with people and being a part of a community of like-minded women. It's "making new friends" business in my book.
*Some are on a mission to share products that they've experienced amazing results and want to share with others ...
*Some are making a difference by helping other women succeed ...
*And some are just having fun and enjoying the products. There are many reasons why women choose a direct selling business.
For business builders, all things being equal- the compensation plan must be competitive with competitors in the same product category for long term growth. There are other factors that could make a difference as to why women sign up but more importantly, why they stay.
#1 Money
It's true that some sign up just for the product discounts but if you're a business builder, you're more likely to stay because you're making money.
#2 Potential
Even if people aren't making money they've set a goal for yet, they stay for the potential. They believe in the vision and see the support, training, and all the things their companies are doing to support their potential for growth. You must believe in the company's vision for success and growth.
#3 Growth
People are drawn to growth. They're drawn to the "buzz". Think Origami Owl Living Lockets and Thirty-One Gifts when it launched a few years ago. There were thousands of people that got on the waiting list to join these companies.
It doesn't matter if your company is brand new unless it generates the buzz, the desire, and catches on like wildfire because that's what draws people to your business and that's what keep people motivated to stay with the company.
Ground floor and brand new companies get people excited initially but if they don't see the growth and potential, they're not going to join or stay with the company. There are plenty of companies that have been around for 5-10 years that I've never heard of and technically, they're ground floor because they only have a few hundred consultants.
That said, some people might like it just the way it is. Some people prefer small companies and the intimacy of working with the founders.
But for business builders looking to build large, they're not only looking for the "buzz" but they want to partner with a company that's ground floor with room for growth, financially stable to invest in growth, and consultant's programs such as training/tools.
Direct selling industry is a crowded field and the competition is fierce. New companies launch all the time and the majority fail. You need great products, capital, savvy marketing, and leadership in the direct selling business, superior training, and support if you want to be a big player.
Attracting people to a new company isn't hard but making sure they stay is the hardest part of this business.
Best,
Janette
In general, I believe these are the things that make a direct selling business attractive, and why women choose to partner with a company.
There is no business like a direct sales business. It's more than just selling products and sponsoring. For customers, it's more than buying products, it's part social gathering with friends, while shopping.
What makes direct selling unique goes beyond great products. Direct sales offers the experience of connecting with people and being a part of a community of like-minded women. It's "making new friends" business in my book.
*Some are on a mission to share products that they've experienced amazing results and want to share with others ...
*Some are making a difference by helping other women succeed ...
*And some are just having fun and enjoying the products. There are many reasons why women choose a direct selling business.
For business builders, all things being equal- the compensation plan must be competitive with competitors in the same product category for long term growth. There are other factors that could make a difference as to why women sign up but more importantly, why they stay.
#1 Money
It's true that some sign up just for the product discounts but if you're a business builder, you're more likely to stay because you're making money.
#2 Potential
Even if people aren't making money they've set a goal for yet, they stay for the potential. They believe in the vision and see the support, training, and all the things their companies are doing to support their potential for growth. You must believe in the company's vision for success and growth.
#3 Growth
People are drawn to growth. They're drawn to the "buzz". Think Origami Owl Living Lockets and Thirty-One Gifts when it launched a few years ago. There were thousands of people that got on the waiting list to join these companies.
It doesn't matter if your company is brand new unless it generates the buzz, the desire, and catches on like wildfire because that's what draws people to your business and that's what keep people motivated to stay with the company.
Ground floor and brand new companies get people excited initially but if they don't see the growth and potential, they're not going to join or stay with the company. There are plenty of companies that have been around for 5-10 years that I've never heard of and technically, they're ground floor because they only have a few hundred consultants.
That said, some people might like it just the way it is. Some people prefer small companies and the intimacy of working with the founders.
But for business builders looking to build large, they're not only looking for the "buzz" but they want to partner with a company that's ground floor with room for growth, financially stable to invest in growth, and consultant's programs such as training/tools.
Direct selling industry is a crowded field and the competition is fierce. New companies launch all the time and the majority fail. You need great products, capital, savvy marketing, and leadership in the direct selling business, superior training, and support if you want to be a big player.
Attracting people to a new company isn't hard but making sure they stay is the hardest part of this business.
Best,
Janette
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
It's Time to Start Anew and Spring Forward!
It's time to start anew, starting with my new blog dedicated to my passion for natural living and eco-friendly products. There are so many things I'm super excited about. Starting with daylight savings. I love longer days and warm weather. Even though it was a bit hard to spring forward with the time change but how I love this time of year. It's a springboard for so many things. There's a saying "spring cleaning" for a reason. It's a new season to start anew. I love that! If you haven't accomplished much so far this year or just needed a reason to start something new now is the best time. So what's on your radar? For me, I've got a few things in mind.
With that, here are some things I'm excited to tackle.
*Start an herb garden. Herbs are a daily ritual with my cooking (I'm a foodie).
*Learn more about essential oils benefits and how to make everyday household products using essential oils.
*Write more articles on natural living and why I love going organic.
*Get out more and do more live local networking. I love working online but with this beautiful spring weather upon us, it's time to hit up those outdoor vendor boutiques, meet new people, make new friends, and smell the roses.
*Show and share more of my yummy all natural and organic personal care products for women, men babies. Hint hint: these products are heavenly, the scents are intoxicating, so luxurious, and did I mention certified organic without the nasties? More to come :).
*Spruce up my Pinterest boards which need a make-over along with my other social media profiles. Time to get spring cleaning!
These are just some of the things on my list. How about you?
xx,
Janette
With that, here are some things I'm excited to tackle.
*Start an herb garden. Herbs are a daily ritual with my cooking (I'm a foodie).
*Learn more about essential oils benefits and how to make everyday household products using essential oils.
*Write more articles on natural living and why I love going organic.
*Get out more and do more live local networking. I love working online but with this beautiful spring weather upon us, it's time to hit up those outdoor vendor boutiques, meet new people, make new friends, and smell the roses.
*Show and share more of my yummy all natural and organic personal care products for women, men babies. Hint hint: these products are heavenly, the scents are intoxicating, so luxurious, and did I mention certified organic without the nasties? More to come :).
*Spruce up my Pinterest boards which need a make-over along with my other social media profiles. Time to get spring cleaning!
These are just some of the things on my list. How about you?
xx,
Janette
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