Rewind to the week before that, an old friend of mine invited me to her online party that she was hosting. I didn't think much of it, but when I got around to it, I accepted the invite and started to explore. Ah, I was in love. I can change the color of my nails whenever I wanted... I can choose designs that would cost upwards of $50 at traditional nail salons. SOLD! I was getting ready to narrow down my favorites when I saw that the new consultant kit was $99. Because I really wanted the mini heater and all the little extras that came in the kit, I decided to give this home-based business a try.
Now, my only experience with nail wraps was from a kit I purchased from Walgreens about two years ago. The application process was a little different. It required me to buff my nails and then I had to apply a top coat to seal the wrap. It was cute, but by day 3, it looked a hot mess. Although I was still getting compliments on it, I was a little embarrassed to show my hands.
This past week that I've worn my wraps have been a true test of this product. After I applied the turpleombre, I washed the dishes with gloves on, trying to protect my nails. Since a top coat is not warranted, nor recommended for these wraps, I wasn't sure if there was a drying time needed for the adhesive to work. But then my 11 month old had a blowout and I had to bathe him. I totally forgot about my nails being done just the hour beforehand until I grabbed a towel to dry him off. I realized then that this was the beginning of a beautiful relationship!
So I have cleaned the house, soaked in the bathtub, showered in hot water, worked out at the gym multiple times, sat in the dry sauna, typed a paper, changed a gazillion diapers, cleaned up baby fluids & solids, washed clothes, played with Playdoh with my 3 year old, eaten spaghetti, fixed curry tofu and rice, and still a week later, my nails looked nearly flawless. I must admit, I am impressed.
I'm sold on the product, but why does it seem so difficult for other people to jump on the bandwagon? I can't stand being seen as a dollar sign, I find it repulsive, so I refuse to be that pushy saleswoman. Does that mean I won't speak up and attempt to make a sale? Heck, no. Maybe defining my goals for this business would be a good stepping stone. Many of my "friends" are not big spenders. They are stay at home moms on a budget. I can respect that, but it does nothing for my business, which means that I have to start from scratch for my customer base. From what I've seen/heard, most independent consultants do well with their online parties and getting hostesses, but I can't even get my own sister and best friend to do the minimum of posting an event, although they both agreed to do it last week before my kit arrived at my doorstep, bummer!
My first sale, ironically, was a client of mine that I have known for about two years. She happened to mention that she needed a manicure and I jumped on the opportunity to show her my nails that were on day 7. She was already familiar with Jamberry and even said a friend of hers had an online party on Facebook and had sent her a sample, but it came off the next day after she applied it. I asked her if I could show her how to do the application with the sample that I had on me. I pulled out my little kit and told her the process, as if I had been doing it for years (ha, ha). Then I gave her a catalog and she placed an order right away. I was ecstatic. My first sale! I can do this!
Because I love change, I decided to try another wrap last night, the #frenchtipbows in the short length. I was thinking the length sizing was based on the free edge, but I see it's relative to the actual nail bed itself.
It still looks great, but I am definitely going to order the "long" length next time so there won't be as much of a white tip. My husband approved. He loves it and told me I have to come up to his job after Thanksgiving to show all the ladies (I said okay, but hesitated in my mind because none of them bought wax warmers and scented candles from the other home business venture I tried a few years ago). He's convinced they'll love it. I have to admit that seeing is believing because a computer screen or book can't replace the real thing.
As for my online launch party, it's not going as hot as I was hoping, but I'm not hopeless. I just have to set my expectation to consistently marketing myself. The cashier at Fresh Market grabbed my hand to admire my nails up close while she was ringing up my food tonight. I quickly handed her a catalog and told her to call me if she had any questions. I see I am going to have to wear my product 24/7 in order to sell it, and I am okay with that.
My goals for this week:
- always, always wear my wraps
- always carry at least two brochures and samples with me every where I go
- have the expectation that all women that I encounter want to pamper themselves
- close out my launch party with at least $150 in sales
- stay positive and feel beautiful
My Jamberry Website: georgiaberry.jamberrynails.net
