Some of you may still have snow on the ground, but now is the time to get a summer businesses off the ground so you can bring in some extra cash. Or for those of us with teens who will be out of school, I’m sure we’d rather they be earning a little income rather than continually asking us for money.

Depending on where you live, summer jobs may be readily available or may be non-existent. If jobs are scarce, consider starting a seasonal business.

Temporary jobs may be available at summer camps, ice cream shops, restaurants, resort hotels, golf courses, tennis clubs, country clubs, public swimming pools, and shoppes in tourist towns.

Here are some posts and resources for starting a summer business:

• Summer Business Ideas – The standards and some no so common ideas.
• Will Your Teens Spend or Earn This Summer – Ideas specifically for teens.
• Teenagers Pool Their Talents to Start a Business – Get inspired by three young teens who started a unique summer business.
• All summer will you be hearing “Mom, I’m bored!” or… – More ideas geared specifically for kids.

Are you or your teens planning a summer business? Please tell us about it by leaving a comment below.

If you’ve been looking around online for home business ideas I’m sure you’ve seen all kinds of recommendations for easy ways to make money online. Truth is, there are some specific skills you need in order to succeed. It’s not rocket science, but it’s not as easy as some people would like you to believe. Would a step-by-step guide help you get to where you want to be? If so, check this out.

Jimmy D. Brown just released a series of 31-day guides containing daily tasks to learn the skills necessary to launch your online business. There are six different business ideas to choose from:

1. The 31-Day Guide To Selling Digital Photos Online
2. The 31-Day Guide To Making Money On Ebay
3. The 31-Day Guide To Making Money As A Blogger
4. The 31-Day Guide To Making Money As A Freelance Writer
5. The 31-Day Guide To Profiting As An Affiliate
6. The 31-Day Guide To Making Money Selling Tiny Reports

Click here to claim one or more business guides Purchase before 10:00 PM on March 18, 2011 at a reduced price. $10 more after that.

Strong leadership, great incentive trips, and the company’s commitment to helping women are a few the reasons Julie Mansfield joined Private Quarters, the only linen direct sales company in the United States. Here is what she told me about the company and her party plan business, and how she can help you start yours.

Briefly describe the company and opportunity.
Private Quarters is a new, six-year old direct selling company focused on high quality linens and comfortwear for the bed and bath. It is the only direct selling linen company in the United States. There is huge opportunity across the country to get in on the ground floor. This is a party plan company, offering personal shopping experiences for hosts and guests and it offers incentives to host parties that are out of this world. It only costs $199 to become a comfort consultant, and each new consultant has a coach to help them be successful. There are no territories, so you can sell anywhere in the United States!

How long have you been with the company? How long have you been in direct sales?
I have been with Private Quarters since June of 2010. I left an executive level career of 25 years in corporate America so that I could have a life and be in control of my own destiny. I have never been in direct sales before, but anyone with a desire to have their own business can do this regardless of a lack of sales experience. The products are so beautiful, they practically sell themselves.

What is your title or rank with the company and how long did it take you to achieve that rank?
I am a Group Leader with Private Quarters and attained that level in five short, fun months. Group Leaders have three people on their teams and help coach them to be successful. I have seven people on my team. Some are full time Comfort Consultants, others are Interior Designers, while others are stay-at-home moms and grandmothers. Each person brings something unique to the business. Group Leaders are the first level of leadership, and there are seven levels of leadership.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
I have always loved to travel, and if you meet the objectives of the incentive trips, you will go to beautiful places and can take your spouse or a guest. We had a trip to La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs in January, and I qualified for it. It was an all expense paid trip, and it was wonderful. The next one is in June, and it is to Kauai, Hawaii. Talk about fabulous travel!! I can’t wait to take my husband and have him enjoy the fruits of my business while playing golf in Poipu.

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
We have two best selling products which are also my favorites as they are life changing: the deluxe mattress pad combined with the deluxe featherbed. If you have ever been to a five-star resort and wondered why the bed is so divine, wonder no more. Private Quarters can turn your bed into the lap of luxury which will help provide the much needed sleep so many people are deprived of.

What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
Comfort Consultants are offered a weekly coaching call, one-on-one coaching, and are given assistance and training with their launch party with their Sponsor. Private Quarters as a company provides you with your own personal web site and marketing newsletters, along with a first-in-class training manual called “The PQ Way”. Tons and tons of online training is available as well as and conference calls with the stars and trainers. This is the best training I have ever seen in my career.

Which one or two sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
We primarily teach home parties which we call “personal shopping experiences” as they involve the bedrooms and bathrooms of your homes. I also sell quite a bit to individuals I meet one-on-one. Each Comfort Consultant is provided with a starter kit which contains samples that people can touch and feel.

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
The key to success with this company lies in its management. Private Quarters offers incentives to Consultants, Hosts and Guests that make it easy to be successful. This company shares the wealth with its sales force. The leaders are genuine, kind and caring.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Private Quarters believes in helping women. They support the domestic violence awareness project, and each year they give a half a million dollars worth of bed and bath linens to battered and homeless women’s shelters across the nation. They have a campaign each April called “Share the Comfort”, and through this campaign and the efforts of Comfort Consultants, PQ is able to donate product while making communities more aware of domestic violence.

Contact Julie to start your own home business selling linens by visiting her Private Quarters information page in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

Bershelle Jones recently took time out of her Diva schedule to tell me about her skincare business. She sees tremendous potential with Beauty Society and wants to help you share in this opportunity.

Briefly describe the company and opportunity.
Founded in 2004 Beauty Society began as a quest to bring the very highest quality anti-aging skincare at affordable prices to all women. We have since grown into the most sought after skincare and cosmetics line with the hottest and incredibly lucrative business opportunity for women in the US! The company offers the highest personal and team commission in the industry and enjoys an epically high reorder rate. The products are paraben free and sulfate free, cruelty free, and made in the USA. The skincare products come with a 12 month money back guarantee.

How long have you been in direct sales?
4 years. I made the switch to Beauty Society because I see the potential the company has to offer, I fell in love with the products, and they truly care, and treat their divas with respect.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
The connections I have with other divas, they are amazing women (and men), I am growing everyday and I truly believe and know I am helping others; whether that be feeling better, looking younger, or adding an income. They also have diva retreats, and have contests for free products and trips, all very attainable for all consultants regardless of title.

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
Youth accelerator – it is one of the products that uses apple stem cell technology. Simply amazing.

What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
We have company calls, private team calls, and also you can call and talk to the founder if you need to. I am available to my team anytime, they will have my home, cell, and email…. I am never out of reach.

Which sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
Online, home parties, and one-on-one. This is the key to the business, selling is the foundation to running a direct sales business. If you master the products and care for your customers you will be successful.

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
To be passionate, know what you have to offer, and then share it. I do not force this on others I simply share the products and the business and that is all it takes.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
You can get started for $129.Your success has no limit with hard work and dedication.
If you are looking for an opportunity to earn extra money, meet new friends or simply love the skincare and would like the discount for yourself, Beauty Society is the perfect business for you. This is simply and best of fun. Call or email me today!!

Contact Bershelle today to find out how to start your own skincare business.

Affordable fashion jewelry, 50% sales commission, and the opportunity to earn a great getaway trip each year combined with the other benefits of the company lead Mia Redd to conclude that in 20-years of direct sales, “Cookie Lee has been the best by far.” Read on to find out more about why:

Briefly describe the company and opportunity.
Cookie Lee is a well established company offering affordable fine, fashion jewelry for women of all ages. Our jewelry ranges from $16 to $60. We have an amazing business opportunity with start up fees starting from $99. Our consultants earn 50% profit on each and every sales with no monthly quotas.

How long have you been with the company? How long have you been in direct sales?
I have been a consultant for almost three years. I’ve been in direct sales for over 20 years and in my opinion, Cookie Lee has been the best by far.

What is your title or rank with the company and how long did it take you to achieve that rank? Where are you in the structure?
My title is Senior Team Manager which is in the middle of our comp plan. It took me approx. 9 months to achieve it. Our comp plan has been totally revamped and you can start earning commission and bonuses with just one recruit.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
My favorite perk is the dream getaway trip that you can earn each year. They are amazing and very attainable for all consultants regardless of title.

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
One of my favorite items from the Spring Summer 11 catalog is the Slipknot necklace on page 44E. It’s a three strand necklace (silver, hematite, and bronze) with a detachable three stand slipknot. It can be worn separately or layered in multiple combos. Watch Cookie herself demonstrate it in this video:

What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
Cookie Lee offers unlimited training from new consultant and manager training to jewelry tips all online at no extra cost to consultant. I also offer group meeting, one on one training and phone conferences to help my consultants to succeed.

Which one or two sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
I do home, catalog and online shows and fundraisers also. My favorite are home shows so that the guest can see, touch and wear the jewelry. I can also demonstrate all of cool trick and various ways the jewelry can be worn.

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
My key to success is consistency and resisting negativity. Cookie Lee also makes it pretty attainable to succeed with amazing support and an excellent program.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
With any direct sales business, It’s what you make it. Your success has no limit with hard work and dedication.
If you are looking for an opportunity to earn extra money, meet new friends or simply love the jewelry and would like the discount for yourself. Cookie Lee is the perfect business for you. Call or email me today!!

To contact Mia, visit her Coolie Lee information page in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

Phyllis O’Neill has enjoyed success with her home business as a Thirty-One consultant. And she wants to help you reach your goals too. This is what she told me about her company and her journey.

Briefly describe the company and opportunity.
Thirty-One is a faith-based party plan company, our name being derived from Proverbs 31. We offer a beautiful collection of personalized gifts, including handbags, purses, totes, wallets, stationery, baskets, and so much more. You can start your own Thirty-One business for only $99 and this includes over $250 in products and business supplies. We are ground floor and the only thing missing is YOU!

How long have you been with the company? How long have you been in direct sales?
I have been with Thirty-One almost 2 years. Prior to Thirty-One, I was with several other direct sales businesses, always searching for “that perfect one.”

What is your title or rank with the company and how long did it take you to achieve it? Where are you in the structure?
I am a Senior Executive Director with Thirty-One and reached this rank in 23 months. This is the highest position in the company.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
I love the incentive rewards that the company offers us. So far I have earned a new lap top and printer, an all expenses paid trip to Riviera Maya, and most recently, a trip for four (which I haven’t decided where to yet). I was also awarded as #2 top dream builder in the entire company and was 1 of only 13 selected to be on Thirty-One’s PAC (Presidential Advisory Council), as well as being selected to be on Thirty-One’s Leadership Council. In August, 13 of us were flown to Chicago for PAC, all-expenses-paid, and met with Cindy Monroe, President and Owner, along with the support team from home office. The PAC members were able to give lots of input and feedback into current and future products, etc. with the company. In September, as a member of the Leadership Council, I flew to Columbus, OH and we were provided specialized training and had more input into our Thirty-One business.

I will have to say that probably the greatest benefit as a leader with Thirty-One is teaching and training others to success. This is my true passion! Celebrating team members who are reaching goals and dreams that they may have never thought possible is so rewarding to me!

And, last but not least, now that I am debt-free and financially secure, being able to give to others is one of the greatest rewards ever! God has blessed me and continues to do so, and I love being a blessing to others.

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
One of my best selling products is our Large Utility Tote. I use one for trips to the grocery store, one for laundry, and one for linens. Other uses include packing for vacations and/or camping trips and carrying inventory to parties (many other direct sales reps love these totes for their products, too!). There are so many uses for this bag!

Another favorite is our Skirt Purse. Within a matter of seconds, you can change the look of your purse by removing one skirt and replacing it with another!

 
What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
My team is never lacking for training. From new consultant calls, to bi-weekly team meetings, to topic-specific training courses, to specialized training for future leaders, I want my team to have the best training and support possible, and I pride myself in providing that for them.

Which one or two sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
I primarily do online parties, but my teaching and training covers all types of parties and selling. Every consultant who joins has the opportunity to run her business the way it works with her schedule, her family, lifestyle, and personality. The consultants’ success is my ultimate goal!

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
Learning to be the leader I would follow, and making others my “why.” I believe you lead by example and I always strive to be the best leader I can possibly be. I also believe that a huge key to success is participation. From involving yourself in team meetings, participating in training courses, reading motivational books and/or listening to top direct sales speakers, I firmly believe we can never stop learning. There is always another gold nugget we can learn and pass along to others. Participation in company events, company incentives and national conference is also HUGE! Communication is also key. When I know what a consultant or potential team member wants from Thirty-One, we can put a plan of action into place to help her achieve her goals.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes … take the words “I can’t” out of your vocabulary and believe in yourself! The only one who can hold you back is YOU!

To start your own home business selling personalized handbags and other gifts, or to request more information, visit Phyllis’s Thirty-One page in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

Have you considered starting your own coaching program in conjunction with your current online business? Do you wonder if it’s a good idea? Here’s something that will help you decide if you should move forward with the idea. And it won’t cost you a thing (not even your email address).

I just received notice of a free report that explains why now may be the perfect time to start a coaching program of your own. What surprised me about the report is that it’s not just about adding another income stream. “7 Reasons Why You Need to Offer Your Own Coaching Program” details how a coaching program helps build your current business.

>>> Use this link to grab your Free PLR Report – 7 Reasons Why You Need to Offer Your Own Coaching Program

And here’s a little secret… you don’t even have to create your own content for your coaching program. Inside that free report you’ll find a source for high quality PLR Coaching Content.

There are some direct sales companies that seem to enjoy greater customer and consultant loyalty and enthusiasm. Lia sophia is one of them. Region Manager Tina Gibbons clearly demonstrates that enthusiasm in her answers to my interview questions below. I appreciate the time she took to reply.

Briefly describe the company and opportunity.
Lia sophia is a high quality fashion jewelry company with a continued focus on affordability, an incredible lifetime replacement guarantee and amazing benefits. Reps can earn up to 40% commission and monthly bonuses. Reps also receive a 70% discount. Lia sophia allows its hostesses the opportunity to earn 40% in free product for only $15 along with multiple $15 items and half priced items. Lia sophia has a huge celebrity following and is often in featured in some of the hottest fashion magazines in the country! Whether you’re interested in working part-time or are ready for a full-time career, lia sophia invites you to join their amazing opportunity.

How long have you been with the company? How long have you been in direct sales?
I have been with lia sophia for over 7 years and was personally making a six figure income by my third year. I have supported my family for the past 4 years and have done so well that I have inspired my husband to go into direct sales too.

What is your title or rank with the company and how long did it take you to achieve that rank? Where are you in the structure?
I am a Region Manager. lia sophia has 5 levels (Advisor, Unit Mgr, Division Mgr, Region Mgr and Zone Mgr). I became a Unit within 6 months, A Division within 3 years, a Region within 5 years and I would expect to get to the zone level within a couple years. Your income increases with each level as your are able to make higher commission from deeper levels, along with higher monthly bonus opportunities.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
A great perk to selling lia sophia is that we can earn amazing vacations based on our personal sales and team sales. I earned my first trip (to Hawaii) within my first 5 months of selling the jewelry! Anyone can earn the lia sophia incentive trips by just doing shows on a consistent basis! Another perk is lia sophia provides me with more family time. I love that I am able to be more of a “hands on mom” than I was able to be when I worked as a Human Resources Manager. I am making more money but yet have more time with my family! Also it doesn’t even feel like “work” when you love what you do! Any amount of effort I put into lia sophia hits my bottom line! I love that!

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
My favorite products come from the “Kiam Family” Collection. Its featured in the center insert of our catalog. These exquisite pieces make great “booking items” you can get these items at a huge discount when you decide to host a party!

What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
I offer a very comprehensive personal one on one training. meetings, conference calls and we also have a great corporate website with access to “lia sophia university”, web classes and so much more.

Which one or two sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
This is definitely a home show party business. I tell all my potential teammates that if they consistently hold 2 shows a week and share the opportunity with others, they can grow an amazing business!

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
The key to success is hard work and consistency. Jewelry is the perfect thing to sell, women love jewelry and it makes a great conversation starter. I am able to share the opportunity so often because people compliment my jewelry everywhere I go! This company has such a formula for success. They have an amazing product coupled with a lucrative business plan!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
This is an incredible opportunity that rewards you for your efforts. If you want to work this part time, you will earn amazing part time money. If you decide to work this full time, you can make a very lucrative living.

Our starter kit is only $149 which comes with over $1, 000 in merchandise (some of of our hottest styles) and supplies. Its hard for me to believe that my $149 investment has led to such an amazing income!

To join lia sophia and have a successful start you have to line up some initial shows. I lined up 8 parties when I first started (with some of my closest friends and family) and as a result, in 7 years I have never been out of business and am making a multiple 6 figure income. This is the type of business that rewards you for your efforts. You will get out of this business, what you put into it! This is the right opportunity at the right time! Women love jewelry and our jewelry is so on point with the latest styles and trends!

I am looking for some hard working, no nonsense people to join my Executive Team! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! I would love to help you get started!

To start your own home business selling fashion jewelry, or to request more information, visit Tina’s lia sophia page in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

When the opportunity presented itself it seemed only natural that Annette would embrace a home business that allowed her to combine her direct sales experience, her love of kids, and her desire to include her daughters in the family business. Annette kindly agreed to share a bit of her story and the Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop opportunity by answering a few questions for me.

First I asked her to briefly describe the company and opportunity to which Annette replied:
 
Noah’s Ark Workshops started in 2004 as the first ever traveling “Stuff N Fluff” workshop bringing make your own stuffed animal workshops to children’s events like birthday parties, scout troops, child learning centers and more. Our reps are event entertainers, helping the kids have the greatest time ever at their event and providing a great “friend” for them to bring home afterward. It’s a blast!

I then went on to ask the following questions.
 
How long have you been with the company? How long have you been in direct sales?
I started in direct sales many many years ago doing door to door back in the days when Avon Ladies walked the streets! After college when I was married and staying at home with my kids I started with my first company (Stampin’ Up!) doing the home party routine but when Noah’s Ark caught my eye in 2005 (still brand new) I jumped in right away.

What is your title or rank with the company and how long did it take you to achieve that rank?
I’m a “Senior Captain” which is the top level in our career plan. I reached that level early in my second year with the company.

Besides commissions and cash bonuses, what’s your favorite benefit or perk?
Oh wow, that would be hard to pinpoint I think. I can remember at my first company convention being SO nervous about speaking in front of the group during a panel discussion session that I thought I’d throw up and the thought of doing team conference calls gave me hives. Since then that part has gotten easier, though I do still get nervous but it has been a great way to force me out of my little comfort zone. Probably the best “perk” would be the friendships that I’ve made with women across the country through the business. I have some dear friends now that I would probably have never met had I not been in this business.

What’s your best selling or favorite product?
I’ve yet to meet a stuffed animal I don’t like but my favorite of our line is definitely Cubby Bear – our premium white polar bear. He’s so soft and there’s something about his nose that makes me smile. Our best selling product is the Mojo Monkey – both boys and girls just love him!

What support and/or training do you provide to lead your team members to success?
Working with my team is my favorite part of the business. I have a private team website, a training website and also send out a series of autoresponder training emails to help my team get started in their first month or so. I have recorded conference calls as well as screen capture videos to shorten the learning curve and I tell my direct team that I’m available to them pretty much 24/7 (although I prefer not to receive calls during the middle of the night!) That said, success is definitely defined differently for each person and I don’t force MY goals onto anyone. I try to come alongside and work with people at whatever level they are comfortable in our business.

Which one or two sales methods do you primarily use and teach?
Our business is pretty unique as far as direct sales goes. We don’t have home or catalog parties since we’re really more in the service business. The “sale” is made before the event actually happens. So most of our/my parties are birthday parties, child care centers, girl scout troops and even the occasional senior citizen center! The seniors love the animals almost as much … or maybe more … than the kids do!

What would you say is the key to success with this company?
Like any company, a willingness to work and a realistic picture of what it means to own your own business. This is not a “if I sign up the phone will start ringing” type of business. You have to get out there and market yourself so people know you’re in business. So if you can be consistent, persistent and patient, things will start happening.

I know your children have been directly involved in this business with you. Are they still involved? What have they gained from the experience (aside from monetary gains)? Do they talk about going into business for themselves in the future or are they thinking of other types of careers?
Yes, my girls are still involved somewhat. When we started this they were at the prime ages for this type of thing and when they would come along to our events the little kids just LOVED having older kids be their “teachers”. Both of my girls have used the experience in our business to find their own passions as far as their own business goes and are working on developing those businesses, so their involvement in this one with me has tapered off somewhat. Being involved in Noah’s Ark has helped them tremendously in their interactions with the kids, building business skills and discovering their own passion areas.

As Annette said, I’m sure success requires dedication and hard work, but to me, Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop sounds like a fun, rewarding opportunity. If you are interested in more detail about starting your own home business offering stuffed animal workshops at children’s events, contact Annette by visiting her Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop page in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

In addition to helping her team succeed, Annette shares her direct sales and homeschooling expertise through a number of different resources which you can find through AnnetteYen.com

These three teenage girls prove that with a little creativity, a good business plan, and a lot of hard work, it’s possible to launch a home business during summer vacation. In just weeks they went from their idea to their first party. And they have me convinced this could be hugely successful.

 
Good luck Opal, Aqua, and Saphire. With your entrepreneurial spirit and creativity you surely have a successful future with this, or any other business endeavor you pursue.

[Thank you, The Dunwoody Crier, where I first read about the Mermaids of Dunwoody]