My friend, KLee (whom you might all know), told me something about a year ago about Usborne books. She was selling these books in her spare time by doing home shows with her friends. It brought in a little extra money. That sounded awesome because I was a teacher at the time and knew that everyone would need books...plus I knew a lot of moms in my church who I was sure would host a party! So I signed up and was the only person in this area that I knew of who was doing this! I had it made!
Don't get me wrong, Usborne is a GREAT company...if you're the right person for the job. I had my supplies and was really excited, so I contacted my friends to get them to host a show. No one seemed to want to do it, so I hosted my own at school. It actually went really well. Over the next few months, I called every daycare and private school I could think of to see if I could do a book fair, I advertised on blogs and tried to get the word out as best I could. It just didn't work and I really don't know why. I even had book fairs and sold very little or nothing! Now I have a closet full of Usborne paperwork, book racks, flyers, catalogs, order forms, and posters that I bought off of craigslist that I've got to get rid of. For some reason, I spent more money than I ever made, so it didn't work for me (and she's doing great). I do have a lot of great books for our future children though!
My second big flop was the weekend before last. I hosted a party at my house. I filled out an application and was accepted as a host for a Juicy Juice Shining Moments party. I thought this was awesome because it said I was one of 2,500 moms who would be doing this. I put the word out, invited my friends and even all (103) moms in my mommy group. They sent me juice (4 cartons at first and then 4 more), 15 packs of playing cards, napkins, cups, water bottles, coloring books, and other door prizes. They required us to have it on a Saturday, so I thought that might be a problem. Come to find out, it was!
The day of the "party," I made a fruit salad and some dips (I had even cleaned my house!). My brother, his son, my husband, our son, my mom, my friend and her son were the only ones here (note our sad, posed picture)! We had a fun time hanging out, but we are still drinking that juice (the new brain and immunity ones).I found this great site for those who also have craft ideas that fail. I thought it was too funny not to share! Craft Fail
I really wish I could have been there to help get your Usborne off to a good start (or at least attempted). And like someone said, the three of us would definitely showed up to party with you!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many open houses/parties I've had for Southern Living at HOME where only 1 or 2 people showed up. It's so disappointing! And yes, we definitely would have shown up to your Juicy Juice party if we'd hadn't been across the country!
ReplyDeleteAs one of the five adults at the party I must say that it was quite fun. I've never watched a duck take a bath before! While that wasn't the point of the party it was fun to hang out as a family (and Jenni who we've known so long she might as well be too) and just chill. I'm glad that you are willing to try new things like this. We get that from mom (probably why she was there for the party too!). If at first you don't succeed, try, TRY again! Now that's being wise! :)
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