Friday, December 3, 2010

In the Spotlight: Karen Donaldson (Tomboy Tools)

I received the Tomboy Tools Consultant Newsletter today. Made me feel proud to be a Tomboy. I am featured in the "In the Spotlight" article! Here's how it read:
Karen Donaldson
It started with my search for a home-based flexible business. None of the direct sales companies I checked out had everything I was looking for. I was surprised when I stumbled across the Tomboy Tools website. In all my years of doing home improvements, it never occurred to me that I could work with better designed tools! I could share that with other women and get paid for doing it with my own business.

I had been to other home parties, but never considered being a consultant. I have worked as an employee in retail sales, restaurant, construction (commercial/industrial general contractor), customer service, small business and project management. I had the skills, I just had to bring them all together to give this a go.

Some things have definitely changed in our world. We always have a good set of tools in our house now! Better than pawing through the shelves of everything-under-the-sun in the garage, hiking out to the look in the tractor shed, or borrowing from hubbie's custom cabinet business shop.

I have big plans for my business in 2011. I have a very full and busy life now but there's always room for more. I work full-time in the IT Dept. of a print, publishing & manufacturing company. Andy and I have been together for 27 years and we have 2 teenage boys.

I'm learning how to prioritize and do what's absolutely necessary to run a successful small business. It's a never-ending learning curve. My favourite quote says it all : "Ready, fire, aim". My goal is to have a steady demand for parties and online orders while leading a growing team so I can quit my day job! 2011 Here I come.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

New Tool Set from Tomboy Tools!


I'm so excited! I just received the feature sheet for the newest tool to be added to the Tomboy Tools product list.

It's a 19pc. Pink Socket Set!!!

Check out these features!
  • Top-quality, high grade steel
  • Unique ergonomic design that offers a more comfortable holding position.
  • The ratchet system contains 72 teeth which provide more strength and durability.
  • The ratcheting mechanism allows the nut to be tightened or loosened with a reciprocating motion, without requiring that the wrench be removed and refitted after each turn.
  • The small switch behind the socket easily switches the wrench between tightening and loosening mode.
  • Comes with standard inch (3/4”, 11/16”, 5/8”, 9/16”,1/2”, 7/16”, 3/8”) and metric sockets (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19)
  • Comes with spark plug socket (S.P.K. 5/8”), two extensions (75mm and 150mm) and a wrench (3/8” drive).
If this is something you've been struggling without at home, contact me for more details and to order. I can have it shipped within Canada. You can even order it securely online using Web ID# B0131.

For shipments outside of Canada, find your country here.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Travelling Light: with only 1 bag!

If you're planning a trip, visit this website, Leisure Travel Bags :: One Bag, for tried & tested details on how to travel with ONE BAG. Trust me - that's how I travelled through Asia, and on many trips since, and I swear this is the only way to go.

Happy Trails!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Super Special Event! Wine Garden Ladies' Night (Wed., October 27, 2010)




Hello Everyone!!

Mark October 27th on your calendar as Ladies’ Night returns to the Wine Garden. The evening starts at 7:00PM and we think you will agree this is the best one yet. It is time to pamper the Ladies in our lives as we get ready for the Holiday season. We have a great line up with some new services to offer. The Wine Garden will have many special events especially designed for those special women in our lives; including draws, refreshments, International cheeses, pates and hot appetizers all evening.
We are excited to have Viviane Abonte owner of Viva Viva Spa & Boutique. Viviane is formerly of the Versace Mansion in Miami Beach and will be providing her expertise for our ladies’ with eye brow shaping & mini facials. You will have the same experience at her location as the stars on South Beach!!

Psychic Marilyn of Kingstonpsychic.com will be offering a taste of the Tarot and Crystal Ball with mini readings. Mini readings are great when you want a direct answer to a question now! More in depth readings are available at the Purple Door 613-549-2438. For the curious, check www.kingstonpsychic.com for more about Marilyn.
Susan Jennings RMT, IARP is a registered Reiki Master/Teacher. After years in the corporate world Susan found her passions; Reiki, Writing and Teaching.. She is an experienced and gifted practitioner and teacher in Usui/Tibetan Reiki and she is certified in crystal healing. Susan is also a published author and fiction writer.

Reiki (ray-key) is a Japanese technique discovered by Dr. Usui Mikao in the early 1900s. Rei means universal energy—spiritual energy and Ki means life energy in all living things. Life Energy is paramount for good health. Low or blocked energy will lead to in-balance and illness. Reiki energy is channeled through attuned and trained practitioners. By lying of hands (with or without touching) allows the energy to flow freely and heal. Check out her website to learn more http://www.reiki-life-energy.com!!

Allie Fairfax, a certified Reflexologist, will be offering mini sessions to relax and revitalize you. Reflexology is a natural healing art, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands which correspond to every part of the body. By stimulating and applying pressure to the feet or hands, you are increasing circulation and promoting specific bodily and muscular functions. You can book a session directly with Allie by calling 613-692-3025.

Margaret Stubbe of Stubbe Chocolates will be returning once again with her world class chocolate. Stubbe Chocolate on Hazeldean Rd. has quickly become the place for the finest Belgian Chocolate. Stubbe uses the finest ingredients and 52% cocoa content to make their mouth watering treats. Margaret will be bringing her tempering machine to make the perfect chocolate to coat fresh strawberries. Tempered chocolate is chocolate which has been heated and specially cooled so that it forms a precise crystal structure. You will taste the difference.

The Carp Ridge Eco Wellness Centre will be onsite offering food sensitivity testing as well as tongue and cornea readings. The mission of Carp Ridge Eco Wellness Centre is to teach, model and facilitate healing and sustainability, with emphasis on our local community. CREWC is a place of many opportunities and a hopeful vision for the future based on several core values:
- Long-Term View, Cooperation Respect, Empowerment, Holistic Wellness, Practicality, Diversity, Integrity, Accountability, Earth wise Choices.
They invite you to learn more about CREWC at www.ecowellness.com.

Jan Smith will be on hand as an Independent Consultant with Epicure Selections. She will be sampling yummy snacks and will have many products on hand to see and smell. Be sure to stop by and sample the Hot Tomato Artichoke Dip! From appetizers to soup, main courses to dessert, Epicure Selections has what you need to make outstanding meals for your family and for entertaining. Are you looking for simple ways to spice up your meals? Do you need to reduce the sodium in your diet? Are you in search of gluten-free seasonings and spices? Look no further! Jan can help with making the everyday gourmet, simply by opening a jar! You will get hungry looking at her website www.epicureselections.com.

Janet Potter of The Glass Case will be returning with her dichroic glass. Janet is a glass artist who has been working with glass since 1981. Her current company, The Glass Case, has been in operation since 1996. She designs custom glass doors, transoms, sidelights, cupboard door inserts and hanging panels for your home or business. In addition to her custom work, she works with "kiln-crafted" glass, creating one-of-a-kind dichroic glass Jewellery pieces - pendants, earrings, brooches, barrettes, and bracelets. Samples of Janet’s work can be seen at www.theglasscase.ca !!

Ann Rickey of Partylite is a fragrance expert bringing you custom scents that you'll only find here. She has a fragrance for every space and every taste. Partylite is one of the largest manufacturers of fine scented candles in the world! Their exclusive formulas call for only the finest ingredients to create the best burning candles available today. Transform your home with the welcoming fragrance and flattering soft glow of candlelight. Choose from 42 fragrances, including 9 new seasonal scents, to set just the the mood you are looking for. Plus, with over 70 items $30 and under, gift giving is more affordable than ever. A complete list of products can be seen at www.partylite.com.

Isabelle Cayoutte of It’s a Belle Creations will be including a chocolate truffle for everyone’s gift bag. It’s a Belle Creations is a home based business offering everything from baby shower cakes to custom wedding cakes. We also make a wide variety of pastries including truffles, cookies and pound cakes. Everything is from scratch and made fresh to order. If you have a sweet tooth you can see more at www.itsabellecreations.com.

Wanda from Wicked Wanda’s Adult Emporium will be on site displaying her wares. She will be here bigger than ever displaying Lingerie & toys. At the last event each of the Ladies received a gift that was well received. I am sure that there will be something in store for you this time around. Shop ahead at http://www.wickedwandas.ca!!

A new addition this year is Stephanie MacWhirter, a transplanted Maritimer and 5 year resident of Riverside South has blended her backgrounds in esthetics and dental hygiene to open The Smile Spa. Your smile is important. It’s one of the first things people notice when they meet you. A brighter, whiter smile can help you feel better about yourself and leave a lasting impression, not to mention making you look younger! Stephanie will be offering smile evaluations as well as ultrasonic jewellery cleaning. At The Smile Spa we believe in adding value for your money. Our manicures, pedicures and facials would be considered "spa" treatments at most other salons or spas... we offer spa services at basic prices. More information is available at http://www.thesmilespa.org/default.html.

Rose Murdoch & Bruce Ford from Ability R.M.T. will be on-site offering short chair massages. As registered massage therapists we are trained in the assessment, prevention and treatment of soft tissue and joints of the body including muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, lymphatics and blood vessels. Using various techniques our massage therapists can help to bring about a better quality of life either in your work, play or sports environment. Check out their website www.abilityrmt.com for a complete list of services offered.

Daring to do things differently because it is time to do things differently is a challenge. Tocara is a Canadian company that was founded to create a line of exclusive fine jewellery marketed direct to customers through independent Consultants. Each exclusive Tocara product has designer styling and quality at affordable prices.

Products are created from sterling silver, gemstones, and our exclusive DiAmi™ stone and other natural materials. Every product is backed by the Tocara guarantee. This includes a 30-day refund with no questions asked and a lifetime warranty against defects. Marcel Dansereau will be here to answer any questions you might have and you can check out http://tocara.com/en/ to view his complete line.

Karen Donaldson is a Sales Manager for TOMBOY TOOLS® which is the company that provides unique designed-for-women hand and power tools for home improvement projects. We encourage women to become confident and competent caretakers of their homes at In-Home Tool Parties! We give hands-on demos with a tell-show-do-feedback approach to home improvement projects. We tell you how it's done, show you how to do it, give you a chance to try it yourself and then provide feedback so you can recreate the project in your own home. Turn the place you live, into the place you love! You can find out more at www.toolpartiesbykaren.com.

Once again A Floral Solution will be providing each of the Ladies with flowers. A Floral Solution is an Ottawa based florist specializing in fresh cut floral arrangements for any occasion. A Floral Solution specializes in wedding flowers; let us help make the most special of days perfect for you. Call now to book a free bridal consultation, 613-482-0649 or www.afloralsolution.com

Linda Hay RN and Certified Hypnotherapist will be offering a mini Hypnosis session to show you the many benefits of helping yourself change a habit through Self- Hypnosis. This can be done at home or work in 3-4 minutes helping you relax and ward off stress. Hypnosis is done through relaxation and guided imagery allowing our sub-conscious mind to come to the forefront of our mind to make change. Hypnosis can be used for many things such as Smoking Cessation, Migraines, Stress, Anxiety, Weight Management / Cravings, Chronic Pain, Insomnia, Nail biting and many other habits. There are no side effects and all that is needed to be hypnotized is "the desire to make the change".

Marilyn Matheson is designer and owner of Yellowbird Creations. Yellow Bird Creations, offers unique handcrafted jewellery which is designed and created using semi-precious stones and beads. Jewellery pieces are created so as to reflect the many facets of individual personalities and tastes, and to imbue a sense of reflection and spirit of the beads within each piece. Gemstone beads and stones; various glass beads, e.g. murano glass; lamp work beads; ceramic hand-painted beads and various crystals, including Swarovski are used in the creation of unique and one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. Gifts of created and custom- designed jewellery are great for those special events in a person’s life as well as to celebrate the person within.

Pierre A. Burelle is the creator of "Scintillante" . This is a NEW finding for this Years Show, and let me tell you, their creations are stunning.Hand Blown Glass Ornaments of all kinds, edge glass with 24 karat gold details making every piece one of a kind. Scintillante Co. was born In Cairo, Egypt while Pierre was living abroad with his family for 4 years where he learned the art of glass blowing from the masters themselves since the beginning of time. Pierre has been back in Ottawa for the past 2 years producing works of art and selling them to public at different crafters events. One being the Biggest Craft Show in you're area on November 6 at All Saint Catholic High School in Kanata. You can see more of Pierre's pieces on display. Pierre has great gift ideas for all occasions. You can also reach Pierre by e mail at www.scintillante@ymail.com or 613-424-4332.

Allyson Melanson will be back again with Silpada - Sterling Silver Jewellery. Silpada is hand crafted by artisans around the world and made from Italian leather, Cultured Freshwater Pearls, Semi-precious stones and .925 Sterling Silver. Most designs are proprietary or exclusive to Silpada Designs. Slight variations in silversmith work or stone colours are characteristic of the unique and fascinating charm of the jewellery. Available only from your Independent Silpada Designs Representative.

Sarah-Jane Scrivens of Mary Kay will be here offering Silky Lips treatment which is a multi-step softening treatment making your hands and lips silky smooth. Mary Kay develops, tests, manufactures and packages the majority of its own product at its state-of-the-art plants in Dallas and China. In a typical year, Mary Kay spends millions of dollars and conducts more than 300,000 tests to ensure that Mary Kay® product meets the highest standards of quality, safety and performance. See and fell the difference of their cosmetics.

There are several other exhibitors and services on site during the event. As usual we will be holding several draws including a Night in the Penthouse at Extended Stay Deluxe Hotel generously donated by David Burkitt. Plus everyone goes home with a gift bag filled with presents and coupons valuing over $100.

The cost of the evening is $85 including a 12 bottle batch of our world blend wine. Space is limited so reserve early by calling us at 613-270-9083.


Looking forward to seeing you there.

Matthew & Kevin

The Wine Garden Warehouse
4B-100 Schneider RD.
Kanata, ON K2K 1Y2
613-270-9083

www.thewinegarden.ca

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Car Care Tip: Get your vehicle winter road-ready

Ladies, are you reluctant to take your vehicle in to the repair shop? It can be an intimidating task. October is Care Safety Month, and I've got a great article to help you become more confident with getting your car serviced.

Follow this link to read a great article that'll introduce you to signs of vehicle trouble and how to communicate your concerns with the garage employees.

If your vehicle doesn't have a rust module, schedule an appointment to have it sprayed with a rust-prevention material (eg. Krown). Now's the time before the snow & salt are already everywhere, and there aren't crazy line-ups.

Car Care Tip: Washer Fluids

Went out this morning to head out and for the 2nd day in a row, found frost on my little SUVs windshield. Brrrr! I love the changing seasons around here - so beautiful in their own way.

Enjoy this shift into Fall by knowing you're taking care of your vehicle too, not just your home. Since Tomboy Tools is offering customers a special for the month of October (their complete Auto Kit PLUS a free pair of safety glasses), I thought I'd share some handy car care tips and information.


Here's a myth debunked by Ian Hutchison, Castrol Automotive Manager:

Myth #1, There's no difference between washer fluids

Wrong - there is a difference. Summer washer fluid helps keep your windshield bug-free, while winter fluid is designed to clear your windshield of frost in the coldest weather. Having the right formula in each season will keep your glass clear.


So the next time you refill your wiper fluid reservoir, make sure you're using the winter variety of washer fluid and your view ahead will stay clear.

~~~~~~~
Got your own car care tip you'd like to share? Please add as a comment post below, and thanks for reading and sharing this blog with the women you know.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Do It Yourself - the how-to bible of home improvements for Canadians





I picked up a copy of this book, and WOW! It's amazing. Clear, understandable instructions and tips, with excellent photos!

Even if you don't already have a job to do around your home, get a copy and keep it where you can find it. Trust me - you'll be glad you have it for your next home improvement, repair or seasonal maintenance task.

It's the first place I go for 'how do I' information.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Save money, save lives with a smoke detector



Today I received a link to the Home Hardware flyer, and on page 8, there are smoke detectors on sale. Reminded me that we all need to set ourselves a very important reminder....

In Ontario, they promote smoke detector testing & new battery installation every 6 months. The easiest way to remember to do it, is to do it when we change our clocks for daylight savings time. This fall, it's on Sunday, November 7, 2010. So go mark it on your calendars!!! Takes no time, and can save the lives of you and your family and pets.

Other bonuses include:
  • saving you the cost of your deductible and increased insurance premiums
  • avoiding the disruption caused by restorations, renovations or new construction
  • avoiding the emotional toll from surviving a fire (or worse)
If you need new or more detectors, check out the sale at Home Hardware and see if other stores have great deals too.

BEFORE Nov. 7: Make sure to look at your existing detectors, and go buy new batteries that will fit them. Start preparing now, and you can get them on sale too!

Follow this link for information from the City of Ottawa about smoke alarms/detectors, how to choose them, where to install them, etc. Here's another page with more info on the same site.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

How to: Winterizing your Cottage

It's a grey and chilly morning here at home, and my thoughts wander to the cottage a 1.5 hr drive north. Time to plan the winterizing activities. Each cottage has it's own requirements depending upon how complex it's design (on or off the electrical grid, insulated or not, running water, etc.).

Here are some links to great info and checklists to help you get organized and remember everything:

Winterizing your plumbing

Closing up the cottage

Friday, September 24, 2010

BizTip: Motivating your employee (Consultant, Independent Rep., Recruit)

I received this wonderful tip from Mike Michalowicz this morning about motivating employees. His experience shows that it starts with their 1st day on the job.

If you're like me, you'll remember a first day with a pile of HR paperwork, sitting in a cubicle reading boring procedures or program objectives, trying to remember the floor plan from the brief tour someone gave you before they headed off for their far-away office, and feeling left out eating alone at lunch.

Then you go home and answer the inevitable "How was your first day?".

And that's the key.

Click here to read Mike's solution for employee motivation that is SO simple, and it produces a most amazing result. And it's not the dangling carrot technique!

Monday, September 13, 2010

New Hostess Benefits Announced!

With the release of the new Tomboy Tools Product Catalogue I am thrilled to share some exciting changes to the Hostess Benefits!

How does MORE sound????

· All kits are now available at $500.00 in total party sales – this includes the PINK SUPER STEPPER! Please note all kits must be different. If a hostess has earned 2 kits they must choose 2 different kits.

· At $500.00 in total party sales the qualifying hostess will receive FREE SHIPPING on her individual order regardless of her total purchases. All customers and hostesses will continue to receive free shipping on individual orders of $251.00 or more.

· At $500.00 in total party sales every qualifying hostess will receive a VIH “VERY IMPORTANT HOSTESS” Card. This card will entitle your hostesses to an additional 10% off all future orders for the next calendar year. Hostesses will receive their VIH Card with their qualifying party order. The VIH Card will included the Tomboy Consultants’ contact information and are individually numbered. When submitting party orders simply enter the VIH Card number in the space provided on the “Enter Customer Orders” Page and 10% will be taken off her regular retail total. Your commission will be calculated on the discounted amount.

All changes will be effective September 13, 2010.


Contact me and I'll schedule your Tool Party so you can reap the rewards!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Great Tool: Track your home improvements, records, and more!

You know all that info that seems to be filed in so many places, like your insurance, repairs, warranties, seasonal work to be done, home improvements you're dreaming about.... Yeah. If you're like me, you have some of it filed in a folder, maybe in a cabinet or a box, and maybe updates are in a pile to be filed, and then there are ideas and to-do lists scattered here and there. And then SURPRISE, something happens - and you jump into action, grab the file folder and wonder if the latest info is what you're looking at.

So far, this is one of the very few books I can find that will help you get all your info into one very handy spot:


Stay tuned: I'm also reviewing an online application that let's you do the same thing, electronically (which would be another great tool because in the worst case scenario - when you can't get into your home - you can still get the info if you've got access to the internet).

Question on my mind: How organized are you with this kind of info? And if you had a great tool to pull it together, would you do it? Please post your comments below.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tomboy Tools Business Starter Kit: Fantastic Changes

I love dialing in to the Tomboy Tools corporate update webcasts. I never know what wonderful surprises they'll have for us! Last night I learned the following that our Business Starter Kits are changing (effective September 1, 2010). Now new Consultants will have some incredible options:

Begin with the Tomboy Tools Canada Starter Kit
  • Tomboy Tools Pink Super Stepper with all its ergonomic and female-friendly designed tools, plus
  • Pink wide-mouth bag
  • Tomboy Tools Guide to Home Improvements
  • Training DVD
  • 50 Sales Receipts
  • 50 Catalogues
  • 50 Postcard invitations
  • Demonstration Kit
  • Personal website access and ongoing training
  • 30% active buying discount
$249.00 (plus $21.95 shipping/handling, no taxes)

Then you can Super Size My Kit! with the following products:
  • Pink Stud Finder
  • Pink Suede Tool Belt
  • Paint Brush Set
  • Ergonomic Paint Roller
  • Pink Mini Scraper
  • 8V Pink Impact Driver
  • Precision Screwdriver
  • Pink "Hostess Only" Tool Box
  • Tomboy Tools T-shirt
For only $249.00 (plus 12.95 shipping & handling, no taxes)

You can even customize these items for $9.95 each:
  • Wide Mouth Bag
  • Impact Driver Zippered Case
  • Canvas Apron
(Note: customization adds 10 days to your order)

The big bonus with these changes, are the new Consultant's ability to demonstrate our 3 biggest sellers: the Super Stepper, The Tomboy Traveler, and the Tomboy Body Pocket.

For information about becoming a Tomboy Consultant and the benefits of joining my team, please visit my website at www.toolpartiesbykaren.com.

Helping women across Canada change their world, one room at a time!


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Tomboy Tools appear in Better Homes and Gardens Storage magazine


Pick up a copy of the current Storage magazine (in stores until September 14) and you'll find all kinds of Tomboy Tools products in their "43 fast & easy fixes" article. Discover all kinds of great ways to boost your storage in a big way.



Thursday, June 10, 2010

The importance of the R.S.V.P.

I have many wonderful hostesses that have had guests (even close friends) not follow the rules of etiquette. The R.S.V.P is a simple thing that asks for common courtesy. The article below has been copied whole from another blog and addresses the problem.

The Meaning of R.S.V.P.
By Donna Pilato, About.com Guide

Let's Clear Up the Confusion Over RSVPs
I hope that this week's tip will benefit hosts and guests alike, because there seems to be a lot of confusion about the meaning of the above term.

Lack of RSVPs - A Growing Problem
I hear more and more often, and have found in my personal experience, that hosts often do not receive firm indications whether guests plan to attend their parties, even if RSVP is clearly printed on the invitation. This could mean either one of two things. First it could mean that rudeness is a growing trend in our society. Or, as I would prefer to believe, people no longer understand what the term means. Assuming the best, and that the decline in RSVP's can be attributed to ignorance and not rudeness, I will clarify this for the record.

What RSVP Means
The term RSVP comes from the French expression "répondez s'il vous plaît", meaning "please respond". If RSVP is written on an invitation it means the invited guest must tell the host whether or not they plan to attend the party. It does not mean to respond only if you're coming, and it does not mean respond only if you're not coming (the expression "regrets only" is reserved for that instance). It means the host needs a definite head count for the planned event, and needs it by the date specified on the invitation.

Why It's Inconsiderate to Not RSVP
An incomplete list of respondents can cause numerous problems for a host including difficulty in planning food quantities, issues relating to minimum guarantees with catering halls, uncertainty over the number of party favors and difficulties in planning appropriate seating, among other things.

So the next time you see RSVP on an invitation you receive, please call your host and respond promptly.

Direct Selling (DS) Business vs Multi Level Marketing (MLM)

I am sometimes asked if my business is an MLM. There seems to be confusion between MLM, Network Marketing, and Direct Selling. I won't even bring up Pyramid Scheme because it's illegal, and there are many sources on the internet where you can read about it.

Let's start with Network Marketing. For some reason, some people use the term "Network Marketing" to mean MLM. I'm not sure why. As a business owner, I do network marketing when I make services and products available to the people I know. It's like word of mouth marketing (you give your friend a compliment, and they happily provide you with the info so you can get/experience/buy the same thing. The communication between the product or service source, your friend, and you are network marketing in action.) In my opinion, if you're not doing network marketing, you're going to have a very difficult time helping others and growing your business.

As for Direct Selling vs Multi Level Marketing, there are many similarities and some distinct differences.

Here's some info I distilled from a website I was reading earlier today:

Both DS and MLM have independent representatives (consultants) that offer products or services directly to the customer. DS gives a higher percentage of commission to the consultant, and a small percentage to their "upline" (the sales management that may be supervising their work).

"If you want to build a long-term residual income, you should consider Multi-Level Marketing. MLM distributors must still sell their product, but the sales process usually begins with their “warm” market of friends and relatives. Retail commissions offered by MLM companies are usually much lower since more of the available commissions are directed toward bonuses paid to various upline management people in the sponsor tree. In turn, you can also sponsor a downline of distributors that not only sell but also consume products making them your customers as well."

I like the DS model because it keeps me focused on spreading the word about Tomboy Tools. ALL women need to know about these home improvement tools. I have yet to discover an MLM company with a consumable product that I'd be prepared to convert people into 'lifelong consumers'.

If you're interested in the Tomboy Tools business opportunity, as a direct selling independent consultant, let me know. The career plan is simple and straight-forward, you learn while you earn, and receive 'active' status commission from day 1. Visit my website at www DOT toolpartiesbykaren DOT com for more details.

If opportunity doesn't knock, BUILD A DOOR!
Tomboy Karen

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Wednesday Writing

Monday for admin and planning, Tomboy Tuesday for team building and coaching, Wednesday Writing for blogging and communications, Thursday is still undetermined, Friday's for Family, and the weekend is open for working around home and spending at the cottage.

Huh. That took less than 5 minutes to write. Not a bad plan either. Daily themes will help me accomplish tasks in different areas of my business.

While I choose which dates are available for my Tomboy Tool Parties, sometimes there's no option but to yield to the hostess' availability and party on a different date. That's acceptable, as long I'm sure it won't have a negative impact on me and my family.

The trick is to PLAN, use the tools available to do this simply, and stop reacting and feeling like there's too much to do. When I schedule tasks to be done, I can relax and focus on what I have to do now.

*sigh* That's so much better.

What's your plan for success?
Tomboy Karen

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Been thinking... about business, blogging, and balance

Thunder's getting closer. It's a dark, windy night after a record breaking hot & humid day. In MAY. Uncommon. The breeze blowing in the office window is fabulous, and the voice in my head is groaning about my lack of blog posts.

An ezine in my mailbox today reminded me of other articles I've read in the past about marketing, branding, creating a memorable persona, etc. So here I sit at my keyboard, trying not to fidget or walk to the kitchen for a snack (bad choice when you're in the middle of a successful diet), trying not to waste time ruminating over my online 'brand'.

If you're a mompreneur, maybe you've encountered my challenge too: wearing so many hats, being so many things to so many people, that the idea of defining yourself online with a set brand can be very daunting, yet an enviable goal. *sigh* you mean, I get to be just ONE character? *tensing* But which one????

Mom, wife, lover, nurse, chef, housewife, computer and electronic guru, bookkeeper, finance and insurance agent, business coach, Tomboy Tools Consultant, teacher, blogger, website designer, taxi driver, counsellor, egad the list goes on and on.

Who do I want to be?
Slim, yoga fit, well-rested, centred woman with wry wit, creative and practical outlook on life's adventures. Well-travelled, and looking forward to more travels, made possible from a successful online business and an ever growing Tomboy Tools business. Has time to stop and smell the sawdust, learning new DIY skills and sharing them with other interested women, is able to help mastermind groups find amazing solutions to interesting problems/challenges. Followed online, respected, and enjoyed. Not a caped hero, nor a Bob Villa or Jon Eakes, but a gal that others can look to for inspiration because 'if she can do it, then so can I'.

Now how do I take all that and distill it into my online persona?

Stay tuned. I'll get this thing figured out and sort out the purpose of my facebook page (do I really have to change to a 'fan' page?), twitter communications, blog, and website.

This years goal: SIMPLIFY.

And what do you think of this closing line: Keep your eyes on the nail!
Karen

Monday, April 5, 2010

Looking for my first Quebec Tool Party


It's official, I can operate in Quebec. Tool Parties, catalogue orders, events, and even helping new Home Consultants join!

I want to be the first in la belle province. Help me and save!!! If you are my first Tool Party Hostess in Quebec, I'll give you free shipping on your first order. If you connect me to someone that becomes my first Tool Party Hostess in Quebec, I'll give you a $25 Tomboy Tools gift certificate. (A Tool Party = 1 Hostess + 2 guests. 3 orders from an in-home presentation, or catalogue orders).

Let's have some fun! I've got the new French catalogues and Customer order forms, and with my rusty French, we're going to have lots of fun and laughs.

Thanks!
Karen

Last Day for Starter Kit Sale. Ends Apr. 5, 2010 midnight


Here's the sale poster. Questions? Contact me. Click here for information that'll help you decide if this is a good fit for you.

Ready to jump in to the fun? Fill out the Agreement form including my name and Web ID# B0131, then fax it off to Tomboy Tools Canada. Then call me to get things started! No need to wait for your kit to arrive - I have info to help you set you office up, and learn how to launch your business. It's easy and fun, and you decide the pace you want to follow.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Stop staring at the walls and PAINT them!

Spending more time inside during the winter can leave you staring at your walls, feeling less than enthusiastic about how the place looks. It's a great time to perk things up!

With paint, you can stick with a similar colour to subtly refresh the look or go for something completely different by using a dramatic change in colour. Either way, painting is probably the easiest and least expensive change you can do yourself.

There are all kinds of websites with excellent information about painting your home. Here's a few you can start with:

Click here to visit an ezine article that describes how to prime your paint brush or roller cover BEFORE dipping into your paint. It's a simple step that will prolong the life of your tools, and give better painting results.

When it comes to colour selection, check out Bob Vila's website to learn about colours and how to choose them, then visit Rona's "Paint Selection Tool" where you can play around changing the colours in the photo of a room.

Once you figure out what you want to do, the next really important task is to gather the best tools and materials to do your project. There's a wide range of quality and price for materials like paint. Don't be shy - talk with the people at your favourite hardware or paint store for their recommendations. Make sure they understand your budget too.

Just as important is the quality of your tools. Use a cheap paint brush, and you'll be picking bristles out of your paint, leaving unwanted textures in the painted surfaces, and if you wash and reuse the brush... at some point a nasty streak of rust will creep out of the ferrule to slide into the paint coming off the brush. Annoying, a waste of time and money. Do things right, the first time and you'll be so much happier!

Doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune. For little more than $14, you can enjoy a pink Tomboy Tools paint brush. Choose from these 3 styles: 1.5" straight, 2" angled, or 2.5" straight. All have our unique ergonomic handle that has NO METAL in it (no more rust streaks!)

They also come as a set for $39.95, and as part of a Mini Paint Kit for $54.95. We also carry a 5-in-1 Paint Tool, Mini Paint Scraper, an ergonomic handled Paint Roller, roller covers, a Paint Tray Kit that can hang on the side of your ladder, a Paint Bucket that can hug your hand, and a reusable Paint Can Lid (so you can pour the paint without getting it down the side of the can). Smart designs for the discerning female do-it-herself-er.

If you're in the Ottawa area, I give hands-on demos where you can try these tools out before you buy. Have fun, learn tips and techniques, and ...

Turn the place you live in to the place you LOVE!
with
Karen and Tomboy Tools