A Southwestern Flavor Day

I knew when I left Phoenix yesterday morning and drove to Tucson for Mary’s workshop, it was going to be a great day—the sun was bright and warm, and I looked forward to a quiet and thoughtful desert drive! Most of you know that I’m a warm weather girl, but I’m also a desert girl. There’s a distinct beauty found only in the desert, and Arizona boasts cactus like nowhere else. And with all the rain this spring, the cactus flowers were in full bloom and absolutely gorgeous!

When I arrived, Mary and her husband and 16-year-old daughter greeted me so warmly, and I couldn’t help but feel welcome and comfortable in their beautiful southwestern home filled with sunlight and warmth.

Six of Mary’s downline (one man—woo hoo!) were also at her house—they’d been in town since Thursday! Some flew in (one from Wisconsin!) and others drove several hours. We had a delightful lunch, chatting and snacking on yummies.

About an hour or so later, the Southwest Stampers arrived. These ladies are a group of local demonstrators (not all in the same group) who meet once a month for fun and stamping. Mary met them when she moved to Tucson last July, and they welcomed her with open arms. The chatting and snacking continued, with me sharing my Stampin’ Story and talking a little bit about recruiting and workshops and other business-related topics.

Then the demonstrators left, and it was time for the workshop to begin—and the fun continued. Mary had 9 guests, none of whom she’d met before! It was a smaller group, so we all gathered around her dining room table, and it was cozy and intimate. We stamped, talked, laughed, and had fun.

They all seemed to like the projects; the Make & Take used a set from May’s promotion, and the demonstration project featured a stamp from the Summer mini. One guest mentioned that she didn’t usually like to stamp in front of others because it made her nervous, but because the projects seemed so easy, she was willing to try—and her project turned out beautifully! One thing I’ve learned is to keep the projects, even the demonstration one, pretty simple. Because there’s so much going on at a workshop, even experienced stampers seem to appreciate simple stamping.

And guest what?  Mary got five or six bookings (I’m not sure how many—I just know that my four booking incentives were gone and I had to pull out a couple extra), plus a couple guests talked openly about their interest in signing up as demonstrators! Mary’s never done a workshop (she’s been an online demonstrator), and she was very excited about the possibility of getting some workshops on her calendar. And to identify some potential recruits was just icing on the cake. What a great day

Comments

[Terry Molineux]

Wow! 9 guests 5 bookings and possibly recruits. You couldn't ask for more Mary!!!
Shelli you have done an awesome job over and above and it shows when you here success stories like this. I was so wishing to be able to attend Dawn's Lifetime workshop here in New Jersey but I work full-time now and will be unable to make it. Well I guess I'll see you at convention.

Thanks for sharing!

Inky Hugs,
Terry~~

[Maxine Conrad]

Woohoo! I am so happy to hear Mary's workshop went so well. I can't wait to chat with her. Bring the warm weather back to UT, please Shelli :) x

[Staci Miserlian]

Sounds like another very fun & very successful workshop.
I hope you had a very lovely Mother's Day yesterday, Shelli!

[Mary Fish]

It was the perfect day. Great food and company. Thank you, Shelli, for helping me launch a new aspect of my business model. I had so much fun watching you and seeing how easy and rewarding a workshop can be. Hugs, M

[Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek]

How fun that you got to spend the day with Mary! My mom and I so enjoyed having Mary and her husband as our table mates on the cruise.Isn't she just neat? Best wishes for safe journey to the next Workshop of a Lifetime!

[Terra Duke]

So glad that your trip to our LOVELY state was "Chamber of Commerce" perfect weather for you!! We "desert dwellers" always love to have a fresh prospective on the beauty of the desert! Feel free to schedule a regional here again in the near future!! hint hint:)

[Carla Brooks]

This is in regards to the letter posted today about the retiring colors. Thank you! I'm so sorry that the colors are selling out. I think the right decisions are being made. Keep your chin up. I can't wait to see the new colors and I continue to love Stampin Up!

[Constance]

"One guest mentioned that she didn’t usually like to stamp in front of others because it made her nervous"

How ironic that Shelli Gardner herself was there..heehee. I'm sure that was some workshop!

[Kelli]

How fun that you love the desert! I am wondering why Stampin' Up! hasn't created a fabulous desert themed stamp set for you! I have waited years, literally, for a fun desert stamp set. We need a fun cactus, lizard, sun, etc. stamp set! For selfish reasons, I hope one is designed soon! :)

[becky p]

I was just wondering how does a demonstator get to have a workshop with you.

[Stephanie Daughtrey]

I am one of Mary's PAL'S, she's the BEST! Wish I could have been there. Stephanie

[Chris Gallacher]

What do you do for booking incentives??

[Jason]

I'm glad you all had such a wonderful time. I'm one of Mary's downline that unfortunately couldn't be there. She's such a fantastic upline and demonstrator. I'm happy to see enjoying the fruits of being such an amazing business woman.

[Kristyne Brandt]

Mary and Shelli -- two of my favorite Ladies in the same room; I wish I could have been there! Shelli, I just don't know how you find the energy and the time to do this, but you are an inspiration! I just heard today that you are now headed for Australia too....you're a crazy person (in the most loving way!).

As an aside I also wanted to mention that I just read your post on the color issue and I wanted you to know that at least one demo out there understands and appreciates the predicament that SU has run into and I know I speak for my customers when I say we understand and we appreciate you taking the time to address it! As always you are an incredibly classy lady!

It was so great to see you and your family on cruise. My Mum and I had a wonderful time on our first incentive trip!

Hugs,

Kristyne Brandt

[Patti MacLeith]

Hi Shelli! It was so nice to meet you and chat so easily with you and all of my Pals, and of course Mary! You have so much energy and make everyone feel at ease. I felt like I was chatting with a friend while you were in Tucson. Thank you so much for an amazing opportunity to hear things straight from your heart. Best Wishes on your remaining Workshops!

[Sarah McEvoy]

What a great workshop! Like Chris, I was wondering what you did for booking incentives? I would love, love to have one of these workshops video recorded so we can learn from the best! Thanks Shelli!

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