First of all, I need to tell you something funny (well, "funny" might not be the right word, but I have a good laugh about it now ...)

I took a break from direct sales!

Yep, I sure did! It was around October (2008) I decided I just needed to take a step back. I had been with a few other companies ... but, for whatever reason, I just didn't feel that any of them were my "niche." I really wasn't sure what I was looking for and, even though I LOVED direct sales, I started questioning if it was for me.

Well, in December, 2008, someone sent me an e-mail - just a one-liner that said, "I would like for you to take a look at my new business and tell me what you think."  hmm... the first thing I thought was, "Oh yeah, right ... here we go again!" (And I'm really NOT a negative person!!)  But, I went ahead and clicked on the link ... I looked ... and looked some more ... and honestly, the only way I really know to put it is, "I fell in love with everything I saw!!"

Such cute handbags, totes, duffle bags .. oh goodness! And you could even get them personalized! Oh and then I saw baskets, candles, home decor ... AAHHHH who is this person that sent me this link and how could they tempt me like this?? What's girl to do???

I'll just join for the discount (personal use)!

I knew I wanted one of everything I saw ~ and since I don't like to pay full price, I decided to join for "personal use" ~ so I could get the discount :) I even told myself I wasn't even going to THINK about working this as a "business" ... of course, looking back now, I could kick myself ... but that's another story!

So less than 24 hours after I clicked on that link, I was a Consultant! I ordered the $99 Kit and received over $300 worth of products ... and when I received that kit - oh my ... were they ever beautiful! Even more so in person! I had a different bag to carry everyday and I was a happy camper!

Help me! I'm falling in love and I can't say no!

I hid the bags from my hubby (I do NOT recommend or advise anyone to do this!! I just didn't have to nerve to tell him I had joined yet another business!!) and if someone commented on them ... well, "Thank you" was about all I could say because, once again, if I said more, the cat would be out of the bag .. ha!  But, I finally decided that since so many people were loving these bags I carried ... and the response was amazing and unlike anything I had ever experienced before (with other businesses)... so I thought it couldn't hurt to have a party myself, right? Now, I told myself I was STILL "just personal use ..." and just because I was having a party didn't commit me to anything. Just have fun with friends and family for an hour or so and make a little money for doing that - what could it hurt?

Of course, I realized that I had already "burned out" many friends/acquaintances with my past businesses, so I would have really been shocked if they came to the party ~ but I sent the invitations out anyway! Long story short, I had 3 people show up at that party - 2 sisters and 1 friend. Now, don't feel sorry for me (lol); we had a blast and they let me go through the entire party script (for practice ... I know, why would a "personal-use Consultant need to practice?? hmm...)  We played games, I gave prizes ... and get this: that party was over $200 and I got 2 bookings! HOLY MOLY, how did that happen??!! Not too shabby for a personal-use gal, huh??

Someone pinch me - can this be for real??

Wow, one booking lead to 2, 2 lead to 4, 4 lead to more .... and here I am, 8 months later, loving this business SO MUCH, I can't even begin to shout loud enough through this screen!! :) I just promoted to Director on July 1 and I am blessed to have over 150 wonderful women in my downline! Who would've "thunk" it?? Not me, that's for sure ~ only because that wasn't my plan when I joined :)

I'm finally doing something I LOVE and am finally seeing that direct sales really CAN be successful WHEN you find your niche and make your mind up to just say YES and GO FOR IT! I absolutely love everything about it .. I love selling, love parties, love my downline, training, teaching and coaching them AND watching their success and hearing their excitement! It is the most amazing and rewarding feeling to know that so many women are reaching goals and seeing their dreams come to fruition ~ and they're reaping the rewards! Who can't get excited over that??!!

My First Year Stats with Thirty-One

Since actually "working" Thirty-One as a business (beginning March, 2009) here are my stats as of December, 2009:

So, are you here by coincidence? Or, could this also be "the" one for you?

I've learned some things since starting this home business:

• never say never
• never give up
• don't give in to your doubts
• don't give up on your dreams
• be happy and positive
• your dreams CAN come true
• if you are willing to work your business, great things are possible
• you reap what you sew
• giving and teaching has a whole new (wonderful) meaning

If you would like more information about my business, please fill out the form below. Once you submit the form, you will receive our business opportunity information. You won't be sorry!! What have you got to lose?  You are under absolutely NO OBLIGATION by requesting information!

I offer *Business Opportunity Calls every Monday at 2:00 PM EST and 9:00 PM EST. You can register for the call of your choice right here. I hope to "meet" you on an upcoming call soon! Be sure and list my name (Phyllis O'Neill) as the Consultant who invited you.

*Note: these are NOT company calls. They are led by me as an Independent Director.