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 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