I absolutely adore Walt Disney. And Disneyland is truly the happiest place on earth. I love Close To My Heart Consultants. And Convention is one of the most magical events of the year. Bring all of those elements together, at one time, and at one place, and you have an unforgettable whirlwind of pure delight. It's been a few days since I returned home from California, and my heart and mind are still spinning (could it be the teacups??) from all that we did, learned, and shared.
My experience at Convention is different than most participants—see, I'm often in the lights, not in the seats. I'm on the stage instead of watching the stage. And although this means I'm not relaxing, laughing, and savoring the show, I assure you that I wouldn't trade places with anyone! From my vantage point, I get to watch a sea of screaming, smiling faces—laughing at each silly skit, roaring when our exclusive Cricut cartridge was announced, and seeing the surprised, joyful faces of award recipients and contest winners come to share the spotlight on stage. This past week, I had the best seat in town: the view of YOU!
You are the reason this Convention was so magical, exuberant, creative, wacky, exciting, memorable and just plain fun. As an executive team, we wondered how you would embrace the announcement of our new Cricut collection. We quickly learned the answer when the product received a standing ovation in general session! I can't wait to see what you can create with this awesome and innovative addition to our idea book.
And as "Princess Polymer," I was privileged to introduced lower stamp set prices. With the best designs, greatest variety, quality materials, top sales force, and now even better competitive pricing, I know Close To My Heart is uniquely poised to revolutionize the stamping industry (yet again!).
I loved our Directors' night out at Disneyland—riding the Midway Mania attraction was great, and our premium seating for the World of Color show was unforgettable. So great to be surrounded by so many friends! We played and laughed like kids. After all, what are grownups but antique children?
Another favorite moment for me was the announcement of Karen Morris as the Spirit of Close To My Heart winner for the year. Karen has been a true, dear friend to me for more than 20 years and her patient, optimistic guidance really have shaped the direction of the company and drawn so many wonderful Consultants to our community. She really is a shining star, and I am honored that she chose Close To My Heart.
Speaking of stars, we also honored three new Rising Stars in Rachel Ventura, Tonia Spitulski, and Traci Pasqualone. It was so fun to watch their faces (from the monitor backstage) as they realized that the video playing to announce each award winner was about THEM! These moments of joy, recognition for great work, and gratitude made my heart full to bursting.
And when that final video played, recapping all our Convention moments together, I felt so humbled and honored that tears came to my eyes. This is an incredible community of caring—more like a family than a company. The Disney staff felt it, too: our audio technician, Thomas, upon watching the closing video commented, "I never thought I could work anywhere other than Disney. But after this week, I'd work for Close To My Heart." Thomas: I have some Consultants I'd like to introduce you to!
Being a Close To My Heart Consultant is such a joy and honor for me on all sides.
ReplyDeleteI am backed by the most creative and competent company I know.
I am surrounded by my CTMH "sistahs" for encouragement and inspiration.
And I have in front of me the entire world to excite with the CTMH experience of scrapbooking and more.
Kudos and thank you.
Jeanette, This was my 4th convention and was by far the best!!! Thank you so much for so many things... new products, new ideas, new business practices... new ways to make us (consultants) successful!!! I loved this convention and can not wait until Dallas, 2012!!
ReplyDeleteJeanette, I am the blonde lady in the last image, this was my very first convention and I am a brand new consultant, I had a ball and am delighted to be a part of CTMH! --Jill Perla
ReplyDeleteThis was my first convention and it has inspired me to move from "hobbyist" to actually working my business. The classes were great, the new products incredible...but you sharing your heart was at the top of the "favorite parts" list.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanette, for all that you and CTMH do! I am honored to be a CTMH consultant!
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a wonderful post. Jeanette, you have the most amazing heart and I feel very blessed to now be a part of such a wonderful company. Your consultant campaign promotion in May was just too good to pass up. Wish I could have been a part of convention, this year. The stories that everyone have shared are truly magical.
ReplyDeleteI love the new idea book. So many exciting possibilities, that I'm actually having a hard time deciding where to start and how to "cram" them (workshops) all into just 6 months! LOL
Thank you, again. You are CTMH. :)
I can't even describe the feeling I had when I realized that it was me and my family up on that screen for the first Rising Star Award! I honestly did not think it was possible to win such a fabulous award when I was surrounded by so many talented women! I am so honored to be part of this amazing company. Jeanette, you are so inspiring that it makes us all push ourselves every day to be better, both personally and professionally. Joining the CTMH family was the best decision I have ever made, and there is no turning back now!!!
ReplyDeleteConvention 2011 was an awesome experience - each year just keeps getting better and better! Your post perfectly captured the spirit of convention. Each time you speak to us, your warmth and personality shine through and make me feel honored to be a part of this company.
ReplyDeleteThe new idea book is just full of possibilities for consultants and customers alike and I can't wait to share it! Thank you for everything you do! See you in Dallas in 2012!