Author Archives: Debbie LaCroix

About Debbie LaCroix

Debbie is a work at home mom to two active boys. She is the owner of http://www.passiontosuccess.com, a website that offers tools , information, job listings and a message board to help you succeed. If you want to work from home, come visit. Her passion is her children and she is an Usborne Books rep (www.goreadtoday.com). Debbie graduated with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Sociology. She worked in TV, radio, newspaper and advertising. Debbie began staying home when her oldest was born. She was bored and fell into direct sales, where she soon became successful. When not working from home or playing, Debbie loves to write and spend time with her husband. They have begun date nights once a month after realizing that it is too easy to get lost in being a mom and working. Her best piece of advice: Follow your heart. It will lead you in the right direction.

Ways to Identify Spam 101 (and why not to)

How often are you on a message board when you see a post with an intriguing title. You open it and it’s a “hidden” ad? For some reason, people don’t think that is considered spam. Example: Subject: I am sooo excited! Hi all! I’m soo excited! I just started a new business for the best company. My upline already made $4500 a month in her first 3 months with the company! This company is the best. I would love to help you get started. Please email me! OR Subject: #1 Reason for Failing Wow! I found the perfect opportunity. I … Continue reading →

Finding Hostesses

When a new consultant starts, one of their first fears is “Nobody will host! Who can I find?” Now every person is in a different situation, so you need to look at where you are at, and how many people you know. 1.) Grand Opening. This is one option. Invite everyone you know. For some people who love to have parties and are used to good turn outs, this is a great option to introduce your products. For those who are afraid of being forward, unless you are willing to pick up the phone and call everyone, it will probably … Continue reading →

Direct Sales, The Party!

Some people love them, some people hate them. But the truth is, the party is the heart of most direct sales businesses. However, the word party just sounds like so much work! With a party you have to have a huge guest list, send out nice invites, provide a ton of food, clean, and it takes tons of work. Because of this notion, many companies are changing the word party to get-together, workshop, spa, women’s night out or even mommy’s playdate. Really, hosting a party is as sample as picking a date, giving the consultant your guest list, picking up … Continue reading →

Direct Sales

One of the most popular forms of a home business is direct sales. Pampered Chef, Mary Kay and Discovery Toys are some popular direct sales businesses. The secret to these businesses starts with a great product. I have never heard anyone say Pampered Chef is crap. In fact, though you can find similar items at Walmart, the quality of Pampered Chef I much better then a lot of things you will find at large retailers. Discovery Toys have a lifetime guarantee, so you know they are durable. This great product they offer is one thing that gives these businesses a … Continue reading →

What’s in your “toolbox”, Part II

When you go to out to “sell” you have certain things you need to take with you. You may “sell” in different ways. If you are a freelancer, you will sell to clients. If you have a direct sales biz, you will “sell” products or the business. If you offer a service, you “sell” you. Before going out, make sure you have everything you need! Products or Portfolio: This is probably the most important thing to have. You need something to show. If you sell a product, like toys, you will want to show your potential customer the value of … Continue reading →

Watch out for Scams in your Inbox!

Scams are everywhere, and they may even haunt your Inbox. In fact, I had a wonderful example of scam in my Inbox the other day. It was from South Africa and looked similar to the one below: —– It is my pleasure to contact you ….I need your help…I was left a ton of money and need your help. Now I have decided to invest these money in your country or anywhere safe enough outside XXXX for security and political reasons. I want you to help assist me claim and retrieve these fund from the Fiduciary Fund Holders and transfer … Continue reading →

Typical “Work Day” At Home

Many people ask, what is a typical work day at home. Typical? Define typical. There is nothing typical about any of my days, though I wish there was. (I do know others who are very scheduled, that’s just not me). Basically I make a list and cross it off. I have scheduled calls on Mondays, but otherwise I am not really “scheduled”. I find that my mornings are often my errand time, and I work in the afternoon, but every day is different. Luckily for me, my son is in school so we have to all be up by 7 … Continue reading →

“You aren’t really working.”

Do you ever feel like others don’t feel as if you are really working? Often times, spouses, friends and family do not understand what it is we really do and that we actually do get a paycheck. Often my mom calls do go out to lunch or shopping and I’m in the middle of writing with a deadline or getting ready to tutor and I have to say “no”. She’s always annoyed. Or she’ll call when I’m in the middle of something or on the other line with a team member or potential hostess. Or my husband will be sitting … Continue reading →

Don’t forget your “tools!”

What is a carpenter without his tools? Or a mechanic without his box? Can you imagine a doctor without his stethoscope? As business women, we also have our tools, and we shouldn’t leave home without them! There are many types of tools. The ones I will address now are your “out of the house tools.” Your Voice. Whenever you leave the house, take your voice. Word of Mouth marketing is going to help you expand your customer base (for free). Check out my blog on WOM. Business Cards: What is using your voice if you do not have a business … Continue reading →

Kosher

So after writing about bacon, I decided to teach my students about keeping Kosher. I teach third and fourth graders at Midrasha (Jewish Sunday school). I have eleven amazing students who are all growing up in a smaller city where there is not a lot of opportunity to keep kosher. There are a few families who keep kosher, but it’s not easy. The nearest Kosher butcher is 90 miles away and there are no kosher restaurants here. That means they are required to cook all of their meals. Even having the Rabbi over for dinner can be a challenge. Most … Continue reading →