Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged!

2 comments

Lately I have been reading a few posts on other sites that are really disturbing me. The more I read the accussations, the judging, the name calling, and the putting down of others - it amazes me how a Christian would rip down another and not see what they are saying is as equally and hurtful as what they are accussing of others are doing. One bible verse did come to mind, so I googled it to see what came up... (and we are in the Easter Season) I just thought this may be something that was worth sharing. Whether one is Christian or not, I believe the message is loud and clear and something that we could all practice.

Christian Analysis of American Culture
http://www.capalert.com/


Let He Who is Without Sin Cast the First Stone

Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

Matt 7:2-5 "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged [if we judge with an evil heart or dark intent, His judgment of us will reflect it; if we judge nobly with honesty and justice, His judgment of us will reflect that, too], and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you [if we use extremes or exaggerations or other ignoble means, our judgment will reflect it and judging with fairness and compassion will garner likewise in His judgment of us]. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye [point out his sins, "minor" in Jesus' example here] and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye [our own sins, even and especially those we will not admit, magnified by our selective blindness]? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' [tell him of his "minor" sins] when all the time there is a plank in your own eye [that there are greater or the same sins in our own lives which we do nothing about or think we are above]? You hypocrite* [pointing out the sins of others while by pretense thinking of ourselves as above sin], first take the plank out of your own eye [sincerely ask the Lord for forgiveness and learn and live the Truth and Light by His Word], and then you will see clearly [be in a righteous position] to remove the speck from your brother's eye [to judge and to help him out of his bondage to sin]." At Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan, Jesus was talking to the multitudes gathered there after hearing of His message and of His healings to beseech them to not become like the pharisees and hypocrites who think they are above sin.

Something to think about, huh?

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Balanced Mary Kay Message Board

7 comments
I just started a message board.


You need to be a member to leave messages.  It should be pretty self-explanatory how to become a member.  If you have trouble please let me know so that I can post answers in case other people are having trouble.

I need ideas for topics, so for now the only topic is "Discussion Topic Ideas".

Who will be the first member?

Friday, March 26, 2010

From Southern California to South Carolina, Mary Kay is popular locally

6 comments
Hey Ya'll,

You read that right... we in the South now!  Have been for just over a year.  We (my wife and I) have embarked on a new career adventure and are absolutely loving it!

--Blessed, you can rest assured that my wife is still involved and loving her Mary Kay business--

We now work, together, at a home for children.  It is similar (in some respects) to an orphanage.  The key difference is that this particular organization aims to create a family style home setting.  The campus we work on has about a hundred kids, but the home we live and work in has 6 girls.  5 of them are in middle school and are 12, the 6th is 8 years old.  We work with another couple (they have 2 kids of their own) and trade shifts with them every other week.  We work 9 days "on" and 5 days "off" with 2 overlap or "transition" days at the beginning and end of each shift.

We are the direct care providers for the girls when we are on.  We live in the home, eat in the home, sleep in the home and are essentially parents to these kids.  When we are off, the organization (a non-profit, funded by churches and individuals) provides an "off duty" apartment or house for us to live in.  We don't pay rent, utilities or maintenance. 
We get to take care of these girls just like we would our own kids.  We take them out to dinner occasionally, teach them how to prepare meals, work on homework with them, get them involved with sports at school and the local Y, take them to doctors visits and every summer we go on a family vacation.

The campus has a learning center where all the kids can go for tutoring, a gym, a pool, an activity center, a farm, ballfields and more.  With 12 fully staffed cottages (we call the homes we live in 'cottages', though they are more like mansions as they accommodate 12+ people)  and an impressive support staff to make sure we have everything we need to care for the kids it really is its own community.  A great community!  A lot of the other family teachers (that is our job title) are also imports from other parts of the country.  There are a lot of other young, married couples, but there are older couples and singles as well.

As I type this we are filling in for another cottage (H.S. girls) and are watching a movie with them.  As my wife's dad said the other day, we are essentially getting paid to live!  That is a bit of a misrepresentation because there IS a lot of work involved.  Documentation, transportation and constantly correcting and teaching to the inappropriate behaviors of a house full of girls is most definitely work!  It is GOOD work though!  Rewarding work.  We absolutely love it.

It has been a great year learning how to do what we do.  Earlier this month we had our one year evaluation and achieved certification... which means we must be doing something right!  We are certainly not expecting to become millionaires with this, but I think we both can imagine retiring from this job.

Although I am not often vocal on this blog, I do love watching the conversations develop.  I can't say often enough, "Thank you SOOO much to mk4me and miranda particularly and everyone else generally for continuing to make this a great environment to discuss Mary Kay.  Now that I am in more of a rhythm here at work, I hope to put a little more time into developing this blog.  Maybe even create an accompanying website and I think a message board would be very beneficial.  

Right now we are planning our summer vacation and we REALLY want to be able to take the girls to L.A. this year.  We have a lot of really good friends there that MAY be able to help us out with that.  We do still need quite a bit of money though, so if anyone want to help us out, send me an email and I'll let you know how.

That's about everything.  Thanks for letting me take a moment to share. 


Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Correction!!

28 comments
This quote/post was written on another blog and I had to share. First, was so happy that some of the "anti" folk stop by here to take a peak every once in awhile which I think could be helpful down the road.... but this is what he translates my explanation to:

If you would take the time to read my post and then read this statement, imho, it is easy to see how words get twisted around.

NOTE: OUR site profess to be "BALANCED" NOT unbiased. The writer says...."There are those out there who would suggest (and did so on another web site, purported to be unbiased), that dropping out of MK stems from a personal shortcoming, such as (by analogy) an inability to sing would eliminate one from American Idol. Oh PLEASE!!!! "

for us long time readers our friend blessed isstill hanging around!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Product review: cheek glaze

3 comments
I got the Pomegranate.

This stuff blends well, no patchiness, no sticky feeling, color is clear and clean. However, go easy on the amount, 'cause these are bright colors. You can always layer on more. I overdid it the first time! Had to start again lol. Just a touch will look like a natural flush. Use your fingertips to blend along your cheekbone, placed like any other blush you wear.

Overall, I think it's a good fresh look to wear for spring.

Friday, March 19, 2010

This week on Pink Truth; Friday, March 19, 2010

10 comments
Hi everybody and happy almost weekend to you.

I have been very encouraged to read the productive conversation taking place these last few days.

Welcome to Apompili and Amanda!  Thanks for adding to the dialogue.

This post is, of course, where you can start up a new train of thought about Pink Truth, changes in Mary Kay, or continue a thought from the still ongoing conversation on the other post.

It occurs to me that in the near future I should update everyone on the changes that have taken place for me.  I am hesitant (as I am sure most of you are) to discuss personal things on this blog as that could take away from the focus of this blog.  

Nonetheless, as these changes have been a major reason for my lack of (regular) participation here, perhaps it would be good to offer an update.

If you are interested in hearing (I promise it is pretty exciting) please let me know in the comments of this post.

Otherwise, keep the conversation going, and keep being willing to listen to what others have to offer! 

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Why??

13 comments

If someone has been struggling in MK and they want validation to quit - any negative site will give it to them. What is the old saying? Misery loves company- In some cases - it is easier to blame others for our short comings than to just admit maybe we just weren't good at something. It isn't any one's fault, it doesn't mean that they are not smart, it doesn't mean they aren't a good person... it DOES NOT MEAN THEY WERE LAZY.. it just wasn't a good fit. We all can not be good at everything.

I have used this example before but honestly... I could go take singing lessons... I could practice every day, all day, I could listen to others who are successful, I could go to workshops on music theory, etc... it won't matter... if I were ever to sing publicly - I would empty the room. Period.. I can not carry a tune in a bucket.. it wouldn't be any one's fault... but I would starve to death if I wanted to sing for a living. I make the worst people trying out for American Idol look good. lol One of my gifts when I attend a birthday party is to lip sync.. Happy Birthday.

It is what it is... but I could blame my music coach, etc... and perhaps it would make me feel better but it doesn't change what it is.

As for the complaint that it is a mlm and only those at the top make the big bucks so no one should even try. Seriously, what is different in that case than any other Company? There is only one CEO or President of a Company. There are far more "workers" than top executives so there will be the top people making more than the rest of the ranks.

There are no guarantees any where in life. We just had the pleasure of watching the Olympics... think about the people that spend every day of their lives training... many will not make the team.... the ones that do are off to the Competition... very few come home with a Medal. so should they not even try?

There are no guarantees any where in life, so why should Mary Kay be any different?

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Spring Product Review

4 comments
I just got my spring products in the mail from MK4ME: The cream highlighter and Passionfruit lip nectar. Both are fabulous!

The highlighter brings a natural radiant glow to your face. Use on cheekbones and browbones. It gives you that happy and alert look. And that's coming from a goth so you know I'm not full of BS LOL.

The lip nectar is great! It is moisturizing and luxurious feeling, and you can use one layer for sheer color or more for high impact color. Passionfruit is a wearable pink. Olive skin tones are ok with this one. Not too bluish, not too coraly, just right. It's bright without being garish. Once again, makes you look alert and dewy-pretty.

Highly recommended, both. If you demo these for your customers I can't imagine them not wanting to buy!

Plus, props to MK4ME...excellent, prompt customer service, and there's always some nifty little extra in there for me. I can see why you have a zillion customers! I feel loved. :D

Friday, March 12, 2010

Stalking is stalking in or OUT of Mary Kay

3 comments

This is very sad. This was sent to us from a director, who asked me to share so people are aware of what some are willing to do. Personally, I Do NOT believe the owner of any of the negative blogs would want this done so please do not make assumptions on who did this but my point is.. stalking or spamming people to sell Mary Kay is just as bad as stocking or spamming people to sell their opinions.

Subject: Earning your Mary Kay car
From: pinktruth@gmail.com
To: (I have deleted the over 20 email addresses that this was sent to for the privacy of the consultants)

Are you working on earning a Mary Kay car and maybe going for DIQ soon? This is the REAL story on the cars and directors that you won't hear from anyone in Mary Kay. You owe it to yourself and your family to be educated about what you're getting yourself into!

http://www.pinktruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1406:mary-kay-career-car-corruption&catid=20:mary-kay-cars&

http://www.pinktruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=258:calling-all-mary-kay-diqs&catid=52:moving-up&

http://www.pinktruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1246:do-you-know-what-you-really-agreed-to-when-you-became-a-mary-kay-sales-director&catid=52:moving-up&

http://www.pinktruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58:premier-club-director-gails-earnings&catid=18:director-earnings&

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Information on Limited Edition Products

4 comments

Just a little helpful hint:

Limited edition color/product is fun but trendy - for newer consultants it is wiser to introduce your new clients (at appointments) to staple colors that are in the permanet line so when they go to reorder, they can replace what they have been using. I reserve the limited edition colors for my established clients (as in showing the colors at appointments)- and those that specifically ask for them and let them know they are limited edition and trendy (time/season sensative) so that they are not disappointed when they go to reorder them and if they really love a product, they can purchase a couple to have on hand.

It is wise not to overstock on these items because after the quarter/season, they will no longer be in our Look Book and will be much harder to market. So overloading on limited edition product that after the Season is much harder to market is not a wise financial move for your business. Also - clients aren't as likely to be disappoited if they have to wait a few days for you to deliver a "specialty" item if you decide not to stock the limited edition line as they would be waiting for their skin care.

Run your bizz - money smart!!

What's Hot this Coming Season??

3 comments

As springtime nears, here's a beauty trend right from the runways - and totally wearable! Check out the different ways to embrace lavender, lilac, and orchid (aside from your garden!)

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Brand Recognition

0 comments
Published 03.09.10 From Mary Kay Intouch

Mary Kay Ranks Number 1 on Brand Keys’ 2010 List

Mary Kay is sitting pretty as number one on Brand Keys’ 2010 Customer Loyalty Engagement Index in both the Cosmetics (Mass Merchandiser) and Moisturizing Skincare (Mass Merchandiser) categories! According to the Brand Keys press release, winners “are those brands best able to engage consumers and create loyal customers.” The current Index, according to Brand Keys, examines customers’ relationships with 518 brands in 71 categories.

In a Jan. 30 Brandweek article by Noreen O’Leary (“Report: Starbucks, Wells Fargo Surge in Customer Loyalty”), Brand Keys Founder and President Robert Passikoff said that “although the economy hasn’t improved much in recent months, consumers expect more for their money. That means they want a strong brand for a good price.” You know from your own experience with your customers that women aren’t just considering price, they’re comparing a product’s benefits and the brands reputation—two areas where Mary Kay shines!

For more information on the Brand Keys 2010 Customer Loyalty Engagement Index and to read the press release, go to http://www.brandkeys.com/awards/. You can print out the list of 2010 award winners, and share this exciting recognition with your unit members, potential team members and customers.

Friday, March 5, 2010

This week on Pink Truth -- Friday, March 5, 2010

41 comments
One of the particularly important concepts this site was created for was to offer an environment where people could correct the misinformation that Pink Truth perpetuates.

Not wanting to obsess about or lend too much credibility to their particular brand of propaganda this site has evolved into more of a discussion about what Mary Kay IS (as opposed to correcting Pink Truth by saying what Mary Kay ISN'T).

However, I believe that it is still important for people to be able to speak out against lies, especially when those lies are aimed directly (or indirectly) at you.

I want this site to continue to allow that opportunity, so here it is.  "This week" is intentionally vague.  Post about last week, this week, whatever.  I will try to post one of these every Friday (or so)... perhaps Wednesday as, for some reason, that seems to be the day most people visit us here.

Please leave comments, feedback, thoughts, soap-box tirades, or anything else that you feel would be appropriate.

The usual rules of common decency to all readers, mutual respect for varying opinions, and clear delineation between opinion and fact apply.  

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Active? Inactive? Terminated? Gone....

51 comments

Hi all... great question from one of our readers..

mkmommy said...
Actually, I do have a question....in order to keep my active status, does that $200 wholesale have to be at one time, or can it be in a couple different shipments in different months.

Okay... once a consultant places a $200 w/s ($400 retail) order in a month she is officially "active" - at this point she has earned the discount privilege which means any size order during the month she placed the $200 w/s order and the following two months will receive a 50% discount no matter the size of the order. (Important thing to remember though is we do contribute $8.75 (plus tax) on the s/h. So it would make sense not to order one lipstick, even though you would receive the discount. This is also the time period a consultant is considered active. After this time period a consultant is considered "inactive" - it is really not as bad as it can be made to sound. Nothing happens to an inactive consultant except in order to receive the discount, the 200/400 rule applies to receive the discount. But!! if you don't need to order that month the consultant just doesn't have to place an order. She can wait until she needs to place the order.. be it one month, two months, etc... now if during the following two months after the order is place if a consultant places several small orders during the same month and they combine to $200 w/s, the clock starts over again.
(for those looking to maximize their profits, it would make sense to do as few orders as possible in a month so that the $8.75 s/h doesn't end up eating all the profit on the orders.)

So an example.. a consultant place a $200 w/s order January 10th.. in February so places no order, the beginning of March she place a $100 w/s order and the end of March she place a $100 w/s order, together they total $200 w/s so her clock starts again. She has the remainder of March, April, and May where she is active and no minimum order is required. If she placed a smaller order than that, she would have to do the $200/$400 in April, or in May, or in June, etc... it wouldn't matter which month she did it because to receive the discount it would have to fall under the minimum order requirement.

The only disadvantage to being inactive is that if you have a team and your are receiving a commission check, you will not receive the check. Now, I really want to point out... if you are going to receive a $4 commission check and DO NOT need the product, it would be rather silly to place a $200 order to receive a $4.00 check. Wouldn't it?? The other thing is if your recruiter is on on target car or diq, an inactive consultant doesn't count....but that should not be the concern of the consultant if she doesn't need the product. It would be the recruiters responsibility to add more team members so that she doesn't have to pressure ones to order if they don't need the product.

After 6 months of non-ordering a consultant "terminates" sounds awful, but it isn't that bad either... if you had a team you would forfeit your team, you do not count for your recruiter or director as a team/unit member but in order to reinstate, all it takes is a $200/$400 order and you are an active consultant again.

If a consultant goes a year without placing another order than she is no longer a consultant and would need to submit a new agreement. The key is that at any time after a consultant goes inactive, it only takes an "qualifying" order to activate them again.

From reading other sites, they try to make it sound that you must do an order every three months, honestly the only thing a consultant must do is one $200/$400 order a year and she could stay a consultant the rest of her life. Many of my personal use consultant order just twice a year.

I will agree that to stay an "active" consultant it would require a $200 w/s every three months but as I said, one would need to have a reason to be active.

I hope I explained this well... but please ask and I will clarify until it makes sense.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Customer Sweepstakes

10 comments

To our readers: If you are a customer, please take a minute and visit your consultant's website to enter our sweepstakes and to consultants, what a great way to introduce your clients to your website by inviting them to visit and while they are there they can enter the sweepstakes!!

No one will know if you don't promote it! Miranda, make sure you enter!! Now, just how cool would it be to have her posting that she was a winner!!

Published 03.01.10 from Mary Kay Intouch


“Spring Into Style” Consumer Sweepstakes
Talking with your customers and hostesses about the “Life Happens: Spring into Style” sweepstakes can be a great booking tool – giving you a perfect opportunity to connect with your customers about hosting a spring trend party. And, in addition to the other great reasons you already offer your hostesses (earning free product, trying before buying, girl time, etc.), now there are fantastic prizes for you to talk about – and, entering the sweepstakes can be as easy as sending your customers to your Mary Kay® Personal Web Site! Click here for a Spring Sweepstakes flier you can print and share with your customers.

From March 1 – April 30, 2010, customers can enter for a chance to win:

A trip for two to New York City,
$1,000 in spring magazine must-haves
and, a behind-the-scenes tour at Marie Claire magazine!

www.marykay.com/

For Further Reading...

This Week On Pink Truth - Click Here
Pros and Cons of Mary Kay - Read or Contribute or Both!
First Post - Why I Started This Blog
The Article I Wrote For ScamTypes.com (here) (there)
If this is your first visit please leave a comment here. I would love to hear from you!
If you want to email me: balancedmarykay@gmail.com
But you are probably better emailing mk4me: mk4me2@gmail.com