Business is going well, I've become more confidant about approaching people to ask if they want a book. I've had a few who were extremely excited and said their rep had quit/moved/etc and were glad I stopped them. My last order-first real order-had only two back ordered items for customers so that wasn't too bad.

Last night I was able to make it to a leadership meeting with my DM and two other ladies. Aparently there should have been many more attending but didn't show. It was enjoyable..didn't really help me as I'm not in leadership yet. I have a plan for that...helpers who will eventually want to become reps themselves. Hopefully.

I did enjoy meeting with the DM and got 4 sample packs and a hannah montana toy for Lily due to my progress so far. I ordered more books this morning-I'm hoping it'll be shipped out today because I haven't had books in days and how can I get any sales without books!? There was a $7 separate order that I'm hoping will be removed from my account-the DM said it shouldn't happen.

I have ordered a few things from ebay also-two avon rep pins, a skirt suit, and an avon briefcase. I'm in love with the briefcase it's so amazingly useful and well taken care of for a previously owned case. Really excited about the pins and the suit too...and I've learned I can write off almost anything as a business expense.

Since joining the Avon company I have completed 11 of their online training courses. Just finished two today and working on another right now.

I was able to give out 3 books to acquaintances today. One was a lady working at the local food lion, and while talking to her about it the cashier said she needed to have a look when my original lady was given the book, so I said she could just have one of her own. Again at a different store later in the evening I was able to give a book to a cashier.

My first order (JUST for me-supplies) arrived today. One day after it shipped out. I'm SO SO excited, it was two boxes which IMO was a bit excessive because I was able to cram it all into one box so it seems a waste of material and postage. Eh, well I don't have to pay for it.

I did get a pack of delivery bags, door hanging bags (clear w/ Avon logo on them), catalogs and a few samples. There were of course other necessary supplies like an order book and such.

I've been spending a lot of time logged into the youravon.com site reading forums and taking training classes on there. I think I might go for a short walk tonight and hang some books.

* Attach samples-such as fragrance-to your business card. It will more than likely be passed around for people to smell, and will create a more vivid memory associated with your name and business. Business cards can be purchased from vistaprint.com paying only the shipping.

*When tossing books it's a good idea to add samples again. This can be as simple as buying little 1/2 oz plastic bottles from a site such as express yourself.com and filling it with a fullsize bottle of lotion or body wash. You can get quite a few trial sizes this way. -Also keep some of the trial product with you to pass out to people you meet in your day along with a brochure.

*Using vistaprint.com you can purchase ink pens that have your contact information, these are nice to leave anywhere you have to sign your name.

*Express yourself .com also has a sheet of adhesive magnet. Attach business cards to this magnet and slip into your what's new bag, or pass out as you see fit. Customers who place it on their fridge will see your name more often and be more inclined to call and request new brochures and or products.

*Hang what's new bags on the outside of your vehicle with brochures and samples. You can find large suction cups at walmart/lowes/etc that have an attached hook, much like what would be used to hang stained glass. You can fit about five bag brochure combos. There are also companies listed under the avon advantage who sell over the window business card holders, these are also a good idea.

I have my erep site up and running now. www.youravon.com/aludwick-jones (feel free to go shopping!) I have completed two of the online courses, and given books to my neighbors. I am still very excited and am wondering who I could recruit....I realize I should stick to selling first though, and get a better feel for the company and how it all works.

I will be filling out my paperwork and joining the avon company this evening. I have a meeting with the DM of my region to get started, very excited.