Where have all the Sales People gone?
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: May 19, 2009
Retail stores are closing or cutting people. Auto Dealers are shuttering their businesses. Banks are letting people go by the thousands.
So where are the jobs for all of these sales people? Who will employ them? Where do they turn for a paycheck?
They just look in the mirror.
There were no employers holding a job fair when people first came to this country four centuries ago. Everyone used their own skills and created businesses to support their families and the new communities.
Throughout the years, many successful businesses were started by people who suddenly found themselves out of work. They assessed their skills, found a need or a niche, and worked to create a business that met that need.
Most people will tell you they are much happier and healthier for the effort. More time with their family, less stress straining their health, personal satisfaction, basically Freedom. Freedom of time, money, and a healthy lifestyle.
You can have all of this. Take a moment to assess your skills, likes, dislikes, and interests. Then jump in and use your years of experience and sales skills to create a lifestyle of freedom.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work another day in your life.” – Confucius
I chose a business that gives me a good commission, flexible hours, no “home parties” or meetings to host, and something that I can use myself everyday. Take a look at this: ShopandEarnwithBarb.com.
This business pays a great commission and the cash back rebates are the highest for any company of its type.
Do yourself a favor – take a few minutes and take a “Company Tour” on your computer in your own home: www.24HourTour.net/ShopwithBarb
Then ask yourself – do I buy toothpaste, household cleansers, clothes, shoes, toys, DVDs, video games, books, electronics, sports equipment, children’s clothes and school uniforms, school supplies, pet supplies, vitamin and health products, gifts, kitchen products?
If you answered yes to just a few of these, you are eligible to save money and make money going forward with all of your purchases. But only if you are interested in a monthly check deposited in your bank account.
But what if you still are employed and need a bit more money each month? This is still the way to go. You can build your own business on the side, and keep it as an extra paycheck or turn it into your main paycheck.
Create a Retirement Account. Pay off Credit Cards. Start a College Fund for the kids. It’s your money. What would you like to do with it?
Evaluating this opportunity is Free. You can find more information at ShopandEarnwithBarb.com as well as the website for the online “Company Tour”. No one will call or email you afterward unless you would like to learn more and get started on your journey to Freedom.
Best wishes for success!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” Eleanor Roosevelt
Something for You, Something for Charity
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: April 14, 2009
When you spend $100 online, do you also give $10 or $20 to a charity immediately after the purchase?
If you do a little reserch, you can spend the same $100 and the retailer will donate the cash to the charity. Your shopping has done good works!
There are two ways to go about shopping for charity.
First, you can choose to patronize those retailers known for their annual donations to charities, like Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Gap, Best Buy, Mac Cosmetics, and Kroger. Many of these retailers give pre-tax profits or sell specific items during holidays with proceeds donated. There are usually few or no solicitations of you from the cashiers at checkout, as the retailers just pool the funds for their annual gifts. Many of these big retailers will support causes in the local communities as well as national causes.
Second, you can go to your favorite charity’s website, and see if there are retailers or a “virtual mall” associated with it. Any shopping you do through the link from the charity creates a cash donation directly back to the charity from the retailer or e-mall. This is great if you would like to direct your $$ to a specific cause.
For instance, my husband and I support Junior Achievement of S Fla and I am on the Board of Directors. They have a link to a “virtual mall” where there are about 1,000 national retailers like Macy’s, Best Buy, Saks, Barnes & Noble, and thousands of natural and organic “green” products (the same brands you find in the health food stores). They receive cash donations up to 40% of the purchase price of the donor’s shopping.
This online shopping does not cost you, the shopper, anymore than if you typed “bestbuy.com” directly. It is so easy to go through the charity site, click on your favorite store, buy what you want, use any coupons or discounts you have, then check out like normal. A direct deposit is made to the charity from the retailer as a % of your purchase.
There is a third way, which is not a widely used yet, but it is growing daily. You can have your own Virtual Mall, and every time you shop online, you receive cash back. You can then donate it to charity. Friends can also shop at your “mall” and you can donate the extra cash back. Or, encourage them to sign up for a mall of their own, for their children’s school, PTA, church or charity. For a Virtual Mall available to individuals, businesses and non-profits, click here for more details. It’s not free, but there is a large income potential with this option. Average cash rebates are between 5% and 20%, with some higher.
Your favorite charity, church or school can also sign up for a Virtual Mall, and have all of the parents, teachers, donors, congregation and staff all do their shopping to support the cause. Raise funds all year round!
There are a few sties that are only for non-profits – individuals cannot have these Virtual Mall sites. For instance, Benevolink allows charities to sign up for free, and individuals shop there with earnings distributed quarterly. The downside is that the average cash rebate is only 6%. Another is Goodsearch but again, the % of cash rebates are lower than on the paid site. For free, the lower income and loss of income potential are the trade-off.
Most of us are cutting back on discretionary shopping, but there are necessities that can be purchased online with free shipping and no tax in many states. For example, Drugstore.com gives free shipping and there is no state sales tax on items. I buy vitamins, toothpaste, make-up, etc at Drugstore.com. I also use Vitaminworld.com for most vitamins and supplements, and again, free shipping. I don’t have to go to the drugstore at all for toiletries. (And I get 10% cash back on purchases at these 2 stores through my mall, and so does my charity). So you get cash back, or your charity, church or school does, and you save gas and time too. Not a bad deal!
I encourage all of you to find out if your favorite retailers have a giving fund. If not, there are many others who are good corporate citizens and support the community and we should support them.
Or, take the lead and have your own “Virtual Mall” and get cash back for your shopping – just don’t forget those charities with some of your cash back!
The Classic Clutch
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: April 5, 2009
It dates back to the 1800′s when women carried a handkerchief and smelling salts. It was lovely when Grace Kelley and Ava Gardner carried it. We look for it on the Red Carpet. And we still love it today. The Classic Clutch.
From a cute little brightly-colored fabric bag to a hard-shell or jewel-encrusted luxury piece, the clutch goes everywhere. The office, the mall, 
the beach, dinner, dancing, theater, or charity gala – there is a look for every occasion.
And a price for every occasion as well. You can find little wristlets from about $13 to designer bags for the price of a small car. (Prada is offering a “croc clutch” for a mere $9,000). The Judith Leiber crystal clutches are pricy, but you may consider them artwork. You may also like Carlos Falchi, Nancy Gonzalez, and Escada. I know that I do!
But a handbag that costs more than my first car (or second one, at that!) is just not for me. So how do we stay fashionable?
First, I check the high-end consignment stores. I have found many lovely, classic clutches in these stores – beaded, satin, leather. 
I also love little local vintage boutiques.
Next you should check out a great site called Zappos.com. (Free shipping and free returns!). They carry wonderful brands like Stuart Weitzman, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander McQueen. They also offer Jessica McClintock, Jessica Simpson, Touch Ups, and other very reasonably priced designers.
Does your daughter have a drawer full of clutches but still needs more? Introduce her to Target. Sounds tacky, but it isn’t. They have a great assortment of bags and it won’t break the budget or her allowance. Maybe she can part with a few of her gently-used bags at a consignment store and make enough money to buy a few new ones for herself.
If leather and fur are not your thing, try Alternative Outfitters, a vegan boutique. They also offer shoes.
Of course, there are sites like Ebay for new and used clutches, current and vintage. Ask many questions before buying, and you may get a great deal.
We can fill a book with the list of stores to find great clutches for all occasions and budgets, like Ebags.com or Baghaus.com. These don’t even scratch the surface. But I hope that I have peaked or renewed your interest in this wonderful but important accessory!
(and yes, the dolphin picture and bird picture are purses! Judith Lieber, of course.)
Happy Shopping!
Beauty Freebies: Is There Really Such a Thing?
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: April 4, 2009
A number of different product manufacturers and stores regularly offer free product samples. Freebies come in all different size, shapes, and styles and they tend to include a number of different products. You may wonder if it is really possible to get beauty freebies. It is and if you would like more information on how you can go about doing so, you will want to continue reading on.
When it comes to getting beauty freebies, you will find that you have a number of different options. For instance, beauty freebies are most commonly offered by the product manufacturer. To get these types of freebies, you often need the internet to do so. First, perform a standard internet search with the name of a beauty product manufacturer that you like or one that you have just heard of. If that manufacturer is offering free beauty product samples, there is good chance that the special offer would be outlined on the website’s main page. And you may find some great discount coupons online as well.
Another way that you can go about finding beauty freebies that are available for requesting is by performing a standard internet search. for free product sample websites or freebie websites. Individuals who just like requesting free product samples themselves often run these websites. Many just like to share what they find. On a free product sample website or a freebie website, you should be able to find information on how you can go about requesting a number of free beauty product samples. Be on the lookout for beauty freebies that require the payment of postage, as these offers are not truly free.
You can also try visiting one of your local beauty supply stores. It is not uncommon for a beauty supply store to offer free product samples on some of the beauty products that they carry for sale. By offering beauty freebies of their most popular products, a beauty supply store stands a better chance of selling the full size version of the product as well. It is also possible to occasionally find other retailers, like fashion stores or department stores, that also handout free product samples, including free beauty samples.
If you aren’t already requesting beauty freebies, you may want to think about doing so. In addition to getting something for free, you may find a great new product that you never would have otherwise tried.
I Could Have Danced All Night…
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: April 3, 2009
If you’ve ever been to a wedding or prom in uncomfortable shoes you know the importance of this process. You absolutely must select comfortable shoes if you plan to be dancing for a long period of time.
Having those gorgeous knock me dead heels is all well and good for the picture portion of your evening but when you’re dancing you will want to be wearing shoes that you can actually move around in without wanting to cry. Besides who really wants to risk a mascara river for the after prom party?
If you want to be sure whether or not your prom shoes will be comfortable for the big dance event try dancing around the house in them at all hours of the day and night. Make sure that there is no pinching, rubbing, or blistering as a result or your will spend the vast majority of your prom night sitting on the sidelines rather than dancing with your date.
The same holds true for weddings. Pictures are all well and good, so is making that stunning entrance. At the same time there is nothing quite like being the last one standing when it comes to the dance floor.
I am a firm believer in cute shoes. I am also a firm believer in having comfortable feet. Recommendations for heel height are that 2 inches are actually the best for providing arch support and foot health in addition to comfort. Yes, this means that this height is actually recommended over wearing flats. You’ll also want to make sure there is plenty of room in the toe area so that your foot has a little breathing space without allowing room to rub and potentially blister. In other words a snug (but not tight) fit is preferable to shoes that fit loosely. You should have your shoes for the big event properly sized.
If you just can’t seem to part with the gorgeous 4 inch stilettos you found on sale as the perfect companion for your prom or wedding dress, then you should at least consider a back up pair of shoes that will be much more comfortable once the entrance has been make, the pictures have been taken, and you lose all sense of feeling in your feet.
It is quite difficult to make complicated dance step when the voice in your head is screaming “Ouch! Ouch!” with every single step you make. Your shoes will actually affect almost every once of enjoyment you experience for the evening there is no reason you should be miserable for an evening that is supposed to be fun.
You might want to check out dance stores in an around your hometown and see what they have to offer. They make shoes that are first and foremost designed to be danced in. They also make some very sassy shoes that are completely appropriate for formals and would be quite suitable to wear to a wedding or prom.
You can find these shoes online though I recommend against this as you just can’t get them properly fitted online and it doesn’t matter how great they are designed if the shoes do not fit properly, they are quite likely to hurt your feet. The important thing is that you take the time to find shoes that you feel will be comfortable for dancing without sacrificing the look you are attempting to put together. Party on!
Formaldehyde for Babies?
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: March 23, 2009
Is Formaldehyde a preferred baby product in your house?
The Wall Street Journaltoday reported that trace amounts of Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are present in Johnson & Johnson baby products sold in China.
J&J confirmed the report, and alleges that both chemicals are safe in trace amounts, and that they were in compliance with safety laws in all the countries where it sells these products.
Does that make it right? Do you want to rub Formaldehyde on your baby? I think not.
With all of the chemicals in the air, water, and food that the child will absorb or ingest over their lifetime, why start out by rubbing chemicals onto their beautiful skin right from birth? Give the poor kids a chance!
(Hey – just for fun, scroll down to my earlier post “Beauty for Animal Lovers” and follow the link to the reporting sites. See where J&J fall into Does or Does Not Test on Animals…)
There are many alternative products to the giant conglomerate brands. Natural and organic baby products can be found everywhere from the internet, to the drug store, to the supermarket and department store.
I buy natural and organic baby products for our grandkids and new niece (and I get 20% cash back, too!).
All of those added chemicals do not benefit the baby – they only benefit the corporation trying to make something more cheaply.
So let’s tell the giant companies that we are not going to take it anymore! We want natural and chemical free products for our children and for ourselves!
Buy Natural and Organic!
Plain Brown Wrapper
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: March 21, 2009
Pssst – just leave the Prada in a brown bag at the back door and don’t be seen!
That is the new “Stealth Luxury”. It is now chic to play down affluence.
While those who can afford the luxury items still purchase them, many are choosing to hide the labels of the shopping bags in plain wrappers. Some even have them delivered to their home disguised as gifts!
Is this a sign of respect for others suffering in this recession? A twang of conscience about ultra-splurging on total un-necessities or flaunting their extravagance? Displaying less is more. It’s trendy to be thrifty.
But others are scaling back not only the display, but the actual spending by choosing commercial airlines vs. private jets, less expensive bottles of wine at restaurants, rooms vs. suites, forgoing that new handbag or designer dress, etc.
Initially we say, “Good for them”.
But there are industries dependent upon their extravagance. When they don’t eat out, or cut back on the total bill, the restaurant workers make less money. Less shopping creates the need for less retail associates.
So now we say, “Show us the labels!”
Let’s keep stimulating the economy with those extravagant purchases! Don’t be seen in last year’s styles! Buy new!
And don’t forget to donate last year’s styles to a charity thrift shop for those of us who refuse to pay retail!
Mood Rings for Sales Prospects
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: February 19, 2009
I wish that there were “Mood Rings” for sales prospects. Then you would not have to guess how they will receive and understand your sales presentation.
For example, if you start to chat about their family because you noticed photos on the desk, will they get irritated if you don’t get down to business? Or if you are “full of facts and figures”, will they get turned off by an “aggressive sales pitch”?
Can you size up people’s personalities in the crucial one- or two-minute window of your first meeting or phone call? Now you can.
There is a “Color” system for identifying personalities called “Color to Success”.
If your prospect is a Yellow, chances are that they are nurturing people, who give from the heart. If you push too hard, they will back off.
Blues “just wanna have fun”. Not so much into boring details. Get them excited and have fun.
Greens are into every detail, fact and chart you can produce. They will not be “sold” but will have to “sell themselves” at their own pace. Could take weeks.
Reds are “show me the money” people. Get to the point with Reds – no small talk.
If you use the wrong approach, you may lose your opportunity forever with that prospect. So you must learn to take your standard sales presentation and tailor it on the spot to the personality that you see in your prospect. You don’t have to change the product, just the delivery style.
You will see more success, close more sales and bring more people into your business when you connect with your prospects on the correct level.
So take the crucial first few minutes and listen to your prospects to understand them. Now that is a “Win-Win” situation.
To learn more about this “Color to Success” technique, CLICK HERE to download a Free E-Book.
To your success,
Barb
All That Glitters…
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: January 26, 2009
My friends, my mom and I are all attracted to shiny things – just like birds! And although diamonds are a girl’s best friend, girls need a pretty big wallet to have lots of friends.
So the alternative is to load up on the fabulous costume jewelry available today at ridiculously affordable prices.
When we were teens, a silver ring or pendant was just not that shiny. It tarnished quickly and polishing the grooves of the jewelry was impossible. It lost its luster and attraction at the same time. I stopped buying silver earrings because of the tarnishing.
Today there are wonderful silver products available. Many are rhodium-plated, or “faux-platinum” plated. They shine like a mirror and don’t need polishing.
Prices for these glittery baubles are mere pittances. You will find them on the TV jewelry channels like HSN, Jewelry TV or QVC. I have purchased some great items from InspiredSilver.com. I had a fun time choosing gift items for Christmas and the prices were great! Limoges Jewelry is another site. It is especially useful for ordering personalized jewelry.
There was no guilt about buying a little item for myself with the great prices I found online!
Don’t forget before you check out – open a new browser window and look for discount coupons at RetailmeNot or BradsDeals or CouponCreep or CouponCodes. You may get a % or $$ off of your purchase or free shipping. Then just insert the promo code at checkout for your discount!
Why deprive yourself? Skip 5 Lattes and buy yourself some earrings! It’s all about the accessories!
Retail news for week of Jan 23 2009
Posted by: Barb Capeletti on: January 25, 2009
Ladies, Coach is down but not out. According to Financial Times, luxury leather goods retailer Coach has scaled back plans to open new stores in North America from 40 to 20.
Coach’s network of over 100 Factory Outlets have kept up the profits, while management has refused to discount prices in order to protect their brand. However, it plans to sell more lower-priced bags (good for us!).
And we may not have seen the last of Circuit City- while they have taken down their website while in bankruptcy, there is a possibility that they may return – a la CompUSA.
Last, thanks to all of us aspiring “Guitar Heros”, GameStop has posted a large 22% gain in sales in January, beating the stuffing out of competition like Best Buy. Even I could not resist the urge to purchase GH II for myself, and the Aerosmith GH game as well! Gamestop, a 2004 spin-off of Barnes & Noble, specializes in the sale of new and used video games and equipment, with an attractive feature of giving credit for trade-ins of used games towards purchase of new games. The used sales give them almost a virtual lock on that segment of the market.
Happy Shopping!
