The Low Down on Becoming a CM Advisor

It’s been about 7 months since the “New” CM launched and I’m thrilled to report that not only have we seen the return of many favorite products (with more on the way!) but it’s never, ever been easier to earn money, a discount & more while sharing something you love! 

If I had to pick one word to describe the new CM I think it would be simple. Not simple in a boring way, but simple as in super easy to understand.  Simple as in no suffocating rules & regulations, no minimums and straightforward communication from the Home Office.  It’s refreshing!! 

There are NO MINIMUMS as a CM Advisor.  Only a $49 annual fee!

Most of the questions I get about becoming an Advisor are about the commission.  This is a great snapshot of the earnings plan: (Click to enlarge or right click to save.)

It really is that simple! 

As Advisors, we place our orders on the same website that customers do, via our unique Advisor URL (website link).  At the end of each week our commission is sent via either a check or direct deposit – whichever we choose.

In addition to commission & bonuses, Advisors have access to some products that are not available to customers.  So far these have been deeply discounted former favorite products that are commissionable and count towards our account balance!  CM has also had Advisor-only offers – the latest being a great bundle free with each qualifying order!

How does this new CM stack up against the old?
(Click to enlarge or right click to save.)

A few things not mentioned above:

• Each & every Advisor is included in the “Find An Advisor” feature on the website!
• OK to sell old (not current) CM product on Ebay
• OK to use the CM logo in your own designs
• Each year when you decide to renew your $49 Advisor fee you’ll also have the option of changing who you sign up with!

I have shared some information & thoughts about signing up – especially deciding between signing up under the Home Office or an Advisor in this post.    For me, it makes perfect sense to sign up under an Advisor – it’s just another layer of support!

There is one additional area that needs to be mentioned & that is communication.   Simply put – it’s FANTASTIC - both from the Home Office & TO the HO!!  THEY ARE LISTENING to ALL CM Advisors & customers, too!  CM has conducted several surveys, has an email set up for product suggestions (cmproductsuggestion@outlook.com) and has even left the final decisions on designs for a few new products up to a vote by Advisors. 

CM is weighing all requests carefully & trying to keep all of us happy but at the same time they are trying to make sure that CM will be around for a very long time!  This means that sometimes products we really want may not be available for various reasons. For example, since the return of CM there was an overwhelming request for 8x8 bookcloth coversets from customers and Advisors.  CM brought those back but sales were very low so they have been discontinued.  CM has mentioned that these may make an appearance every now & then as limited editions so if 8x8 bookcloth coversets are a favorite of yours keep your eye out! I’ll be sure to let you know when they’re available.

If you’d like more information about becoming a CM Advisor please don’t hesitate to post a comment or contact me via the “Email Me” link at the top of the blog. 

You’ll find even more information by clicking on “Advisor Program” at the bottom of my CM Advisor Site.

Thinking of Signing Up as A CM Advisor?

Update:  It’s official!  I’m a CM Advisor!  Here is my link if you would like to shop my site or join my team! http://www.creativememories.com/user/lisagraham 
This blog post by CM about signing up as an Advisor was very helpful - I'd also suggest to print out a copy of your order confirmation page for your records (and CM Advisor scrapbook if you will be making one of those.)

Those of us signing up as CM Advisors have the choice of signing up directly with the Home Office (HO) or with another Advisor.  While it’s true that the HO will provide all Advisors with facts & information I think it’s advantageous to sign up with an Advisor vs. the HO.
Ideas for marketing products (and yourself,) providing customer care, ways to use product, etc. that come from people that actually have (or have had) their  “boots on the ground” almost always trump those provided by the Home Office.  I think teaming up with someone that is familiar with the direct sales model and also scrapbooking and above all – someone that will respect the type of business YOU want to have is ideal.  Bonus if this person can help you wade through the technology & various aspects of social media available to help you promote and run your business.  Even if you’re planning on signing up only for the discount, or if you’re not planning on having a “big” business it’s still a business.  Might as well get all the help you can.
Your relationship with the Advisor you sign up with should be a 2 way street – after all, the person you sign up with will earn a % of your sales.  What are you going to get out of this relationship?
Your upline will be the person who will (hopefully) share their tips based on experience for providing great customer care, encouragement and recognition when it’s due, and other more personal aspects of running a business and helping others preserve their memories.  Choose someone that will support the business side of your business and someone that communicates well and often.  
Personally,  I'm hoping to help those Advisors that join my team use the internet & social media to maximize their CM sales and also help them with other affiliate programs if that's something they're interested in.  Setting up and maintaining a blog is the easiest way to support your existing customer base while reaching out to new customers. This is something I’m familiar with and will help those on my team that want to learn more about blogging.  I will have a Facebook group for our team and also will have weekly emails to share ideas, tips & information.  I’ll help keep you on track (if that’s what you want) and cheer you on!
I will continue sharing tips, info & facts to help you make the most of your time.  I pride myself on being able to increase sales without being obnoxious.  I’ve been stalked in the aisles of a grocery store by someone trying to push their products, spammed by uninformed advisors/reps for other DS companies and pushed way to hard to increase sales and recruit, recruit, RECRUIT!!  even when I had no interest in that part of the business.  Sometimes it’s important to know what not to do as much as it is to know what to do.
I will respect you and the way you want to run your business. 
I’ve always been a huge fan of providing the facts so informed decisions can be made – especially when it comes to running a business.  I will continue to share facts (& sometimes opinions) and while, undoubtedly, this might be construed as less than 100% positive by some (realistically, what isn’t?) it will always be honest. 
One thing that I love about the New CM is that you can change who your upline is when you renew your Advisor status annually.  If the fit between you and your upline isn’t what you had hoped it would be you can switch.  You will not need the permission of your current upline to do this. 
Congratulations to all those signing up as CM Advisors!  Looking forward to working with you and exchanging ideas!