Promote Fall titles and crafts!

NOW is the time to promote wonderful Fall titles including the The Gigantic Turnip,  The Barefoot Book of Monsters and Tales of Mystery and Magic.  These three titles make wonderful Halloween gifts or to be read at an event or storytime.  

I recently came upon this easy craft that would be great at a storytime and craft event.   Monster Masks..

Creating monster masks is a creative way to help children understand that something are not as scary as they seem. That monsters are a part of our imagination. Just like the one they are getting ready to make.  You'll need:

• Paper Plates
• Craft Sticks
• Miscellaneous craft supplies

1. Give each child a paper plate. Make sure that if you are going to use eye holes that you cut them out in advance.
2. Offer craft supplies and glue.
3. Encourage the children to decorate their plate to make a monster mask.
4. Tape the craft stick to the back bottom part of the plate.
5. Find some fun monster music and let the children dance with their masks on

Read more about the source of this craft here

Happy Fall

Think outside the box, part 2

Holiday time is right around the corner - make sure you are keeping up with the scattered holiday events in your area.  Churches and other fellowship organizations are great places that host holiday sales and bazaars.  Keep these tips in mind:

• If it's advertised as a "craft fair" it's still worth taking a peek to see if they would allow a Barefoot Books vendor.  The books are special and different.  Also some organizers will allow you to attend if you provide a craft or activity sheets for the little guests.   (Pssst - Busy little ones = more parent shopping time!)
• Think about hosting an online fundraiser, which will only help expand your business and contacts.  Donate a portion of your commission to the organization that you feel passionately about.  Online fundraisers are seldom much work
• Look to hospitals, large hotels that host various events, assisted living facilities, dance studios, yoga studios and other venues that target your desired audience.  These books and products have a wide appeal to people of all ages.  Don't loose sight of that!
• Balance - be sure to maintain a balance during the busy holiday season....don't sign up for every event you see, you'll only end up exhausted and too busy for yourself.  

 Read - share and enjoy this special time of year!

Barefoot on GMA

Just wanted to post the link to a recent link featured on Good Morning America that highlighted several direct sales companies, including (you guessed it) Barefoot!  Take a look here.

Summer is the perfect time to go Barefoot!

I apologize that I haven't been keeping up with this blog as much as I would like.  I don't have a good excuse, just the fact that life has sort of gotten in my way of focusing on Barefoot Books as much as I'd like. 

I would encourage everyone on my team to also become a member of Dena's Team Barefoot page on Facebook.  Dena is who I roll up under and is full of knowledge and information about these wonderful books and products.  As far as I'm concerned the more we share with one another, the more successful we will all be.  Oh, and be sure to congratulate Dena on the birth of her new son!

Just a couple of June tips...Barefoot Books and the activity cards make wonderful "Happy Summer" gifts as well as end of the school year teacher gifts.  Teachers love these books and inspire creative little minds - Riley's teacher is getting a deck of the Kids' Garden Cards, great for Summer and beyond!

As always, please do not hesitate to ask me any questions and offer suggestions! 

Happy Summer everyone!

Last days...

As most of you know, Barefoot Books' Cambridge Store is closing shop at the end of April and moving to their new location in Concord, NH.  Inventory there is up to 50% off (or more by now).  If you are in the area, it might be a great time to take one last look at this fabulous store that's been open since 2001.  Read more about it here.

Kids' Garden!

We were pretty thrilled today when our very first copy of the Kids' Garden cards finally arrived.  Riley sat right down to "dig in" and they certainly did not disappoint!  They are broken into five different categories:

1. Exploring the Garden
2. Planting and Growing
3. Fun with PLants
4. Discovering Creatures
5. Creative Garden Art

Riley (age 5) really liked the deck but had a few favorites including - Corn Husk Dolls (a card all about how to make your very own). Planting a Pizza Bed and of course, Creating Flower Crowns.

It also includes a little pamphlet all about garden tools and saftey when using them!

I am honestly giving this new deck to every little one (and bigger ones) that I know for Spring and Summer birthdays.  What a fabulous gift!  I would encourage you to take a deeper look at this particular deck which, like all the Barefoot decks is full of wonderful, educational and thought provoking activities for your customers. 

 Really, who wouldn't want to plant a rainbow?  

Sorry for the lack of posts recently.  Two little ones makes life very busy these days.  I'm still learning to balance home, family and a business.  If anybody has suggestions of topics they'd like discussed or addressed, please email me at jlanenh@comcast.net or comment here and I'd be happy to address any requests!

Reminder of this week's meetings!

Just wanted to remind everybody about the meetings this week - you know the drill....

Tuesday, March 16th at 1pm EST: Newcomer Conference

Also the open e-chat in the evening at 9pm EST

Wednesday, March 17th at 1pm EST and again at 9pm EST

Topic: Looking for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? We'll be discussing new ways to maximize your profits and how to take full advantage of the compensation plan. This looks like a great one to attend if you can!

Thursday, March 18th at 1pm EST and again at 9pn EST: Technology conference

Participant Passcode: 199753 

Toll-Free Phone Numbers:

NORTH AMERICA:  1 888 619 1583

Also, keep in mind that you can mute your line if you have distractions or little ones in the background by hitting *6 (I often mute my line when I attend and just unmute the line to participate, it works well!)

There is no Wednesday meeting next week (3-24), which is the date of the leader's call however, the community update will be on Wednesday, March 31st which is a great source of information.  

To get all the information, click here. 

Have a great day!

Emily's Tiger

Yesterday, Riley was having "A DAY".  She is still recovering from her cold, was tired and a wee bit growly.  After opening my latest stock order, she was upset that I wouldn't let her put a sign on the door that read, "Book Sale".  I literally grabbed Emily's Tiger and it couldn't have been more perfect!  She immediately joined me for the read and loved to hear about disgruntled Emily and how she learned, via her Grandmother, how to put her "growly attitude" into perspective.  I would highly recommend this book for those parents who are looking for the perfect book to tame the "beast" in their children.  Worked for us, calmed the mood and we walked away smiling (she still wants me to put up the sign though.)

Ages 3 to 7 years
Illustrated By: Miriam Latimer

Barefoot Newcomer, Training and Web Conferences

I have learned so much from attending Barefoot's weekly training,  newcomer and web conferences.  They are posted under training at Barefoot Books and a variety of topics are discussed.  Even if you aren't a brand new ambassador, I always learn something from the Newcomer training, held most Tuesdays.  The Training conferences are held on Wednesdays and discuss a variety of topics from how to run successful events, setting goals, team building and more.  The web conferences allow ambassadors to discuss effective online marketing campaigns, how to use social networking to enhance your business, run a blog and ask questions.  There is also a Tuesday chat where ambassadors are encouraged to discuss whatever is on your mind in an open forum with other ambassadors. 

This is a great way to get connected with the corporate side of Barefoot and hear from other ambassadors.  I always learn something from these forums and would encourage you to check them out as well!

JOINING A WEB CONFERENCE

Participant Passcode: 199753

Toll-Free Phone Numbers:

When available, please use local toll-free numbers for your area. 

NORTH AMERICA:  1 888 619 1583