New CM Products!

Looks like the product launch and Advisor sign-up has been postponed.  Looking forward to Monday (11/3) afternoon when we should hear more details about how the launch will roll out & hopefully when we’ll be able to purchase products. (CM mentioned that the launch date is hopefully during the first week of November.)

Until then, we do have some flyers released showing new products that will be offered by CM.

Here is the starting line up for the new CM:

Link to Primary flyer

Link to Vintage flyer

Link to Neutral flyer

Link to Bright flyer

It’s a start!  I know personally, there are a lot of items I’d like to see more of but I’m thrilled at some of the paper packs & those strap-hinge, bookcloth albums!

CM (on their Facebook page) gave a sneak peek of another album that they’re currently producing, so I think it’s safe to say that this is just the beginning! 

Stay tuned!

Digital Scrapbooking Day Sale at Panstoria

 

In honor of Digital Scrapbooking Day, which is this Saturday, Nov. 1, all digital content in the Panstoria store will be 25% off.

The sale will begin Saturday morning and end Sunday at midnight (Eastern Time).

Here are just a few of the fun digital kits you’ll find at Panstoria.com:

LJS Digital Designs:

Jen Martakis Designs:

Much, much more available at Panstoria.com!

This post contains affiliate links – which means if you click on them I’ll earn a % of your purchase price.  Thanks!

Signing up as an Advisor with CM

Tossing my hat in the CM ring (almost.) I want to look over the agreement that CM will have with Advisors but barring any surprises I hope to sign as a CM Advisor as soon as I'm able to!  I am hopeful that these albums, pages and protectors offered by the new CM will be suitable replacements for the Creative Memories products we miss so much.  I still have some questions - especially about the tests that will be used to back up the claims that the albums are "photo safe" but from all I've read I think this new company is headed in the right direction.

If you're interested in signing up as a CM Advisor, here is a bit of new info released this oday:  

* There will be no titles or ranks in the new CM - Everyone will be a CM Advisor. 

* Advisors may, but do not need to, sign up under an Advisor.  You can also sign up under the Home Office. 

* You can choose a new Advisor to sign up with annually.

* CM has listed some that were leaders with Ahni & Zoe -should you want to sign with them.  

Complete details can be found here:

http://www.creativememories.com/optional-upline-advisors.html

I would love to build a team of CM Advisors.  If you're interested in signing as an Advisor and are looking for someone to sign with I hope you'll consider joining my team!  

I will continue sharing tips, info & facts to help make the most of your time - either as a CM Advisor or customer.  I've always been a huge fan of providing the facts so informed decisions can be made and will continue to do that with the new CM. 

I love that the new CM is allowing Advisors to decide if they would like to be connected to someone or not.   Personally, I will be signing up with someone I've "known" for years.  I met Nicole years ago on a scrapbooking message board but I've never met her in person. Why am I signing with someone I've never met IRL (in real life)?  I have always appreciated Nicole's candor, honesty and integrity.  Over these past few years, when it became clear that there were 2 distinct camps that many fell into when it came to opinions regarding Creative Memories, it was crystal clear that Nicole was also in the group that preferred to hear the truth, even if it wasn't all sunshine, rainbows & unicorns. Thanks to being connected to Nicole, and others, I was able to get the facts I needed to make informed decisions when it came to Creative Memories.  Am I worried that I'm not geographically close to the person I plan on signing up with?  Not at all.  With cell phones, email, texting and the internet I know that it won't be hard at all to connect if there is some issue that needs attention. 

So, still lots of questions - I expect we will have some answers very soon!  

I'm excited at the thought of being part of a team again, exchanging ideas and being able to make some money sharing products I (hopefully) love once again. 

Stay tuned!! 

The New details about the New CM

CM held a webinar today and released more details about the new company that will (hopefully) be bringing back our beloved CM albums!  This call was about the business side of things – how  the company will be structured & how people can make money selling their products.

The call was recorded & will be available soon.

Until then, here are the basics:

THIS is what I’ve been hoping to see – a commitment to quality!

The new seal that CM will be using, showing their commitment to producing photo safe products you can trust:

CM will do testing in house but will also use an outside lab that they will use when they cant test themselves in house.

Income Opportunity – A Hybrid

CM wants to have a fresh approach that will work for the field.  They ask us to open our minds to the new opportunity.   They’re getting rid of some old beliefs and keeping the best.

CM mentioned that they reserve the right to adjust this plan as they go along & make adjustments as needed.

There are only going to be 2 ways to purchase from CM – Customers & Advisors, There will be no preferred customers as mentioned in a previous call.

The $49 annual fee is for12 months. There are NO ordering minimums - only the annual fee.

This will be a ROLLING 12 month period.  Beginning from when you sign up.

Advisor’s discount/profit will vary based on their sales volume.  Advisors will have the opportunity to earn account credits, earn on advisors that sign up under you. Advisors can create teams

Team would be one level deep, I believe.  You can sign up as many as you like under you.  

The role of an upline advisor is likely to be different.  Not as much training or coaching will be needed - or trying to help people get to various levels. This will be more about sharing ideas, encouragement, making this more FUN and easier to be an upline.

NO GROUP OR PERSONAL VOLUME REQUIREMENTS!!

 

 

 

Looks like people will be able to sign up with CM as Advisors at the end of October (for the US right now – Most of Canada will need to wait while they wade through legal stuff) and we will be able to order at that time.   Some bookcloth albums will not be available until November.   The majority of products will be available at the end of October. early November.

CM is going to be much more web friendly, advisors will be able to share blog posts that will be on the website.  Lots of features being developed for the website; it will be searchable, will have a wish list, a blog, view products by categories.

CM will have competitive shipping rates & no extra charges for direct ship.

LOTS to digest – I’m very excited about the simpler business plan.  Thinking I might again be a CM Consultant Advisor!!

Last Call for the Sheraton!!

 

We’ll be scrapbooking October 17 – 19 at the Novi Sheraton, located in Southeastern Michigan – not too far from Hobby Lobby, IKEA and a wonderful local scrapbooking store, Scrappy Chic,  (among other wonderful places.)  Michigan has some other wonderful places, too!

We still have a few spaces available but final counts need to be turned in this Wed!  Please contact me asap if you’re interested in attending our weekend retreat at the Novi Sheraton.  

I love our retreats.  They’re not bargain basement priced but the retreat organizers try very hard to make sure that they are worth every dollar spent! We know how hard it is to get away – even for an afternoon, let alone a whole weekend! We’ve done our best to keep costs down while upping the pampering factor as much as we can!

Our retreat has somewhat of an unconventional set-up.  Scrapbookers are in one ballroom on the first floor as well as in all the conference rooms on the 2nd floor.  This set up allows us to host a large numbers of croppers (50 - 100) while keeping the rooms filled comfortably - making it easy to carry on a conversation, move around, etc.  I’ve been involved in weekend retreats in one mega-room.  I didn’t mind them until we switched to this layout.  Gone are the never-ending rows of tables smooshed up against one another, where we’re struggling to talk over the din of the other croppers.  Yes, we’re separated a bit but we’re just across the hall from one another.  Mingling is encouraged and happens frequently  

Scrapbookers are the nicest kind of people! 

We know how valuable your time away is and aren’t going to keep bugging you with sales pitches or product demos during our retreat.  Hoping to help you make the most of your time, we keep the interruptions and extra events to a minimum – and they’re always optional.  We do have scrapbook related products for sale throughout the weekend and there are lots of door prizes that can be won by any retreat attendee.

The Queen of the Crop (QOTC) raffle is a favorite (one lucky winner gets her next weekend on the house complete with extra pampering and spoiling!)

We also have a vendor show on Saturday afternoon (in a room separate from croppers.)  A masseuse and also an album embosser are available throughout the weekend for an additional charge if you would like to use their services.

It’s just a few days away from our next retreat (thank goodness!!!!!) so maybe there isn’t enough time for you to arrange for your departure to make it this time (trust me, I KNOW how much work it is to get away!)  I hope that if you’re looking for a fun, relaxing weekend you’ll consider coming to our retreat.  If you can add an extra day (or more) I’m happy to play tour guide & suggest some spots to visit based on your interests & time available.  I love Michigan & am happy to pass on some suggestions for side trips if you need them.

One thing I have to say is that we try very, very hard to keep our retreats drama free.  We work hard to make sure that everyone receives the same, fair & consistent pampering (except the QOTC who gets extra!) We know that not everyone will find our retreat a good fit & that’s o.k.   We try to be as up front as possible - you can read a bit about our weekends on our blog and if you have any questions please, don’t hesitate to contact me! 

‘'

This is a pic of the hotel rooms before the Novi Sheraton recently remodeled but the beds are still the same. THANK GOODNESS!!! I’ve never slept on a better bed!

We eat very well during the retreat!

2 things that are very popular & I don’t see changing in the near future:  Roasted veggies as part of the offerings for Sunday lunch and Chocolate Mousse for dessert (at least once during the weekend!)

See you at the Sheraton! 

A Glimmer of Hope from CM Japan

CM Japan has some launched some new products!  A quick refresher - Caleb Hayhoe bought CM Japan (which had not filed for bankruptcy) back in July.  He also bought the rights to the CM & AZ names along with some production equipment.  CM (the new company Mr. Hayhoe is starting will offer products from both the AZ and CM lines and they hope to launch later in October.

Here are some images from the CM Japan catalog:

I think I remember reading somewhere that the albums offered in the US were going to all be true 12x12 size.

Halloween Papers

Be still my heart…Cardstock!!!

Love the double sided corner rounder!

LOVE THAT MULTIPURPOSE TOOL!!  I have so many requests for this – I hope it comes back to the U.S.

Lots of other products are shown in the catalog including Fast2Fabulous albums and some familiar Power Palettes.

Don’t take my word for it – go see for yourself! 

Here's a link to the translated website:  http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.creativememories.co.jp/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dcreative%2Bmemories%2Bjapan%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DxDM%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26channel%3Dfflb

Link to the catalog: http://www.creativememories.co.jp/products/catalogue/

The next scheduled call for the CM Group is on Thursday, October 16th.  Hoping we get some solid details about the future offerings in the U.S!