In California with Kristi

After a week off to play catch up at work, plan Shanna’s wedding, and take our family photo, I’m back on the Workshop of a Lifetime road again! We’re in California this week; two demonstrators earned a Workshop of a Lifetime here.

We had Kristi Jensen’s workshop last night, and once again, I was reminded how much I enjoy people! While we all love great products and stamping and creativity, it’s really the people who are at the heart of what we do—Kristi’s guests were friendly and fun! It was delightful to chat with them and get to know them better.

And that goes for Kristi too! This is the second time that I’ve done a workshop with a demonstrator who has two adorable children and is pregnant with her third (Kristi is due in August). Kristi is in a transition stage; she’s built a great business in California, but her husband recently got a job in Utah (my neck of the woods!), and they will be moving up there this summer.

Kristi’s husband is actually already in Utah working. He does fly down some weekends, and this weekend he took an extra day off so he could be there for the workshop—I was touched by that show of support! The Jensens are building a home in Utah, so until it’s done, Kristi and the kids are living with her parents, who graciously let us invade their home for the evening.

This is the first workshop where Sterling has accompanied me instead of Sara. While I greeted guests and chatted with people before the workshop, he was in charge of the first Make & Take, and I was impressed! He did such a great job, I might even let him back into the stamp studio at home! (smile) And Kristi told me later that several of her guests commented on how much they enjoyed seeing him there, supporting me and talking about what Stampin’ Up! has meant in his life.

Everyone seemed to like the projects—we focused on Sale-A-Bration products, since we’re nearing the end of our most popular promotion. I was disappointed that we didn’t get a booking; my goal is to get at least two bookings from every workshop. But this is real life, and we don’t always get what we want (darn!). Hopefully we planted some seeds, though. . .  She did have a new customer who said, “When’s your next event? Sign me up!” —maybe she’ll decide to book an event herself.

More tomorrow about tonight's workshop!

Comments

[Candy Diaz]

I am so impressed that Sterling can take charge of the Make & Take with such a large group of ladies! It gives me more confidence that if he can do it I can do it. I have a workshop on Friday, Monday and another the following Saturday. I am really pushing for bookings and recruits. I had a very fun time at Reno Regionals and was even up on stage with Jill. Can't wait for convention! Have fun with your workshops, I know you are having a blast. Hugs, Candy

[Erin R.]

Wow Sterling sounds just like my guy, every year Jeff does a workshop for the men of my customers for Mother's Day. All the guys have a great time and Jeff really enjoys demonstrating the cards.

[Staci Miserlian]

That sounds like a fun workshop. SO cool that Sterling did some demo'ing and I wish I could've heard what he had to say about supporting you & what SU! means to him. He's a great guy!

[Lisa Brown]

Sounds like it was so much fun! How awesome to have Sterling there with you! I,too, have a very supportive husband. In fact, just last night I shared a project he made for me at a church group meeting. Everyone was so impressed!

[Jo Eades]

Wow, look at Sterling! Way to go! Maybe you can convince him to get up on stage at the Australian convention. We would LOVE to see him up there!

[Terri Mongeon]

There's just something about a man in a Stampin' Up! apron that makes my heart go all a flutter. :)
Way to go, Sterling!

[Lisa]

Go Sterling!

Thanks Shelli for sharing so much with us on your blog!

My thoughts are with Kristi as she is away from hubby and moving from California to Utah - that is a big move!

God bless you Shelli and all you do!

[Kimberley Morris]

Oh my gosh, that is SO awesome that Sterling did the workshop with you! And what a sweetie Kristi has in her supportive husband, too :-) And it sounds like the demos you visit next better be careful...you're on a roll with expectant mommies! I know the Workshops of a Lifetime are a huge time commitment, but I love seeing you do them, and I'm so grateful for the example you are modeling, and thankful to be able to read about your experiences on your blog.

[Shauna Mikuliak]

Hi Shelli. Thank you for your honesty in sharing the fact that you didn't get any bookings. I had a home workshop two nights ago and I was sooo excited because I was going to use "Yes" coupons for the first time, and I was going to get BOOKINGS! I had great sales (!) and I asked every guest if they would like to book a workshop (this is the first time I have ever had the courage to ask EVERY guest), and . . . yeah . . . I didn't get a single booking. I felt a little devestated and kept wondering what I had done wrong. It is reassuring to know that it happens to even the best of us. And I too hope that I have planted some "seeds". Thanks for sharing your worshop successes and challenges with us :-)

[Leslie Esterl]

Don't know how Sterling feels about getting on stage at Convention but maybe he could put in writing what SU! has meant to him so we could all be inspired!