Brian at Cheverus told me today that his staff had reviewed the information I gave them and their next step was to take it to the school's President. Moving forward!
I called Rus and left a message about TWCCTW Day on March 7, and asked where they were in the process.
A Sgt on the Pike asked Jim if we would hold another meeting about helping Mike, so we will! I am learning to let things unfold. I'm starting from scratch tomorrow, contacting more schools. This way I'll always have something in focus.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
January 28
I believe in my heart that things are moving forward. Today, I sent out an email to the troopers with very specific instructions. I did not intend to insult them, just give tangible action steps.
Mike and Betsy's online mall is:
http://www.mypowermall.com/mall/158711
Here is what YOU can do right now:
1.Go to THEIR mall, click on the "Get Your Own My PowerMall" button in the upper left.
2.Watch the 13 minute video on World Changer Malls.
3.Sign up to become a World Changer by clicking the large button below the videos. There are other options, but this one is truly the most beneficial to you and them. You'll receive $600/year in gas and grocery rebates which will more than offset the minimal cost.
4. Shop through YOUR mall whenever possible.
5. Purchase American Express gift cards through YOUR mall to use for paying everyday bills and grocery shopping. Amex gives a large rebate back and waives the per card fee for My PowerMall. This is a HUGE component of the pay.
6. Tell 2 or more other people and have them become World Changers through YOUR mall.
In a very short time, we can all play a role in providing Mike the peace of mind in knowing Betsy will be financially secure.
Please keep the positive thoughts coming - tomorrow I will call Cheverus and St. Dom's to follow up and see where they are in the process.
Mike and Betsy's online mall is:
http://www.mypowermall.com/mall/158711
Here is what YOU can do right now:
1.Go to THEIR mall, click on the "Get Your Own My PowerMall" button in the upper left.
2.Watch the 13 minute video on World Changer Malls.
3.Sign up to become a World Changer by clicking the large button below the videos. There are other options, but this one is truly the most beneficial to you and them. You'll receive $600/year in gas and grocery rebates which will more than offset the minimal cost.
4. Shop through YOUR mall whenever possible.
5. Purchase American Express gift cards through YOUR mall to use for paying everyday bills and grocery shopping. Amex gives a large rebate back and waives the per card fee for My PowerMall. This is a HUGE component of the pay.
6. Tell 2 or more other people and have them become World Changers through YOUR mall.
In a very short time, we can all play a role in providing Mike the peace of mind in knowing Betsy will be financially secure.
Please keep the positive thoughts coming - tomorrow I will call Cheverus and St. Dom's to follow up and see where they are in the process.
Monday, January 26, 2009
January 26
We have our core group set to get things started. Only one person met with us yesterday, but the others called and want to know more so we can get this rolling. The overall response was "Wow! That's a great idea!" So I will be meeting with a few people each day, as schedules allow.
One Sgt. signed right up with a Personal mall following the memo last Thursday. I'm sending him a thank you note today, and will encourage him to upgrade.
I am especially happy about another Sgt. who is very interested in not only helping Mike, but his daughter's school as well. He saw the enormous potential immediately. I offered him my full support in working with the school.
I received a very supportive email from Big Z's Mom, and I am taking her advice branch out. It's important to keep moving forward. A letter came in the mail on Saturday from a non profit called Community Partners, Inc. The first sentence reads,"Non profit organizations are facing many challenges in these difficult times."
I will contact the Director of Operations today to set an appointment to meet.
One Sgt. signed right up with a Personal mall following the memo last Thursday. I'm sending him a thank you note today, and will encourage him to upgrade.
I am especially happy about another Sgt. who is very interested in not only helping Mike, but his daughter's school as well. He saw the enormous potential immediately. I offered him my full support in working with the school.
I received a very supportive email from Big Z's Mom, and I am taking her advice branch out. It's important to keep moving forward. A letter came in the mail on Saturday from a non profit called Community Partners, Inc. The first sentence reads,"Non profit organizations are facing many challenges in these difficult times."
I will contact the Director of Operations today to set an appointment to meet.
Friday, January 23, 2009
January 23
This was a challenging day. Things aren't moving fast enough for me, and I need to be patient. I need to learn to let things unfold. Sometimes I focus more on the end result and less on the journey. Jim provides such good balance for me in times like this. I'm a list maker, very task oriented and love a schedule. He's laid back and very spontaneous.
This experience reminds me of one of my favorite times as a new forester. It was January, and a more seasoned forester and I were out cruising timber in Upton, Maine. Using a map and compass, we were walking in a grid pattern over remote, rugged terrain on snowshoes. The day was physically draining due to the cold and amount of distance we had to cover. Hours went by and we trudged on. I loved the outdoors, true, but I was ready for this day to be over.
My cruising partner suddenly took a turn that I knew was not on the compass bearing and motioned me to follow. Of course, it was uphill! I thought he was crazy. Now we'd have to take even more time to retrace our steps to get back on our original line.
But I followed him to the crest of the hill. He had a big grin as he looked on.
Down below, in the cedar swamp,still 500 yards away was a beautiful site. Dozens of whitetail deer bedded down for the winter. I stood awestruck. "Not many people get to see this," he said to me.
The rest of the day seemed to fly. Instead of focusing on being tired and cold, I kept the vision of the deer in my thoughts.
If I had been running the compass line, I never would have veered off course to see what was over the top of the ridge, and I would have missed a spectacular moment.
My challenge for this weekend and coming week is to let things unfold, and realize things may go off course from what was planned. But, as long as I keep the vision of what My PowerMall can do for the schools and Mike in my mind, it doesn't matter.
This experience reminds me of one of my favorite times as a new forester. It was January, and a more seasoned forester and I were out cruising timber in Upton, Maine. Using a map and compass, we were walking in a grid pattern over remote, rugged terrain on snowshoes. The day was physically draining due to the cold and amount of distance we had to cover. Hours went by and we trudged on. I loved the outdoors, true, but I was ready for this day to be over.
My cruising partner suddenly took a turn that I knew was not on the compass bearing and motioned me to follow. Of course, it was uphill! I thought he was crazy. Now we'd have to take even more time to retrace our steps to get back on our original line.
But I followed him to the crest of the hill. He had a big grin as he looked on.
Down below, in the cedar swamp,still 500 yards away was a beautiful site. Dozens of whitetail deer bedded down for the winter. I stood awestruck. "Not many people get to see this," he said to me.
The rest of the day seemed to fly. Instead of focusing on being tired and cold, I kept the vision of the deer in my thoughts.
If I had been running the compass line, I never would have veered off course to see what was over the top of the ridge, and I would have missed a spectacular moment.
My challenge for this weekend and coming week is to let things unfold, and realize things may go off course from what was planned. But, as long as I keep the vision of what My PowerMall can do for the schools and Mike in my mind, it doesn't matter.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
January 22
Jim had the day off but had to go into the barracks for a few minutes so I went with him. I had printed out a few extra copies of the letter just in case. Boy am I glad I did!
My husband is quite a character with an irreverent sense of humor. When he's serious about something, it catches people off guard. Lieutenant Murdoch stopped in, and Jim handed him one of the letters with a brief explanation. The Lieutenant promised to make copies and give them to all his Sergeants today. They will in turn, pass the information on to all the Troopers in their section.
My husband is quite a character with an irreverent sense of humor. When he's serious about something, it catches people off guard. Lieutenant Murdoch stopped in, and Jim handed him one of the letters with a brief explanation. The Lieutenant promised to make copies and give them to all his Sergeants today. They will in turn, pass the information on to all the Troopers in their section.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
January 21
I'm anxious to hear from Jim about the reactions to the letter. But he is in a training class until late, so I'll have to wait until morning.
I wrote a letter today to the Director of Stewardship and Development for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. I actually just modified the same letter I used for the high schools. I mentioned that I had already started the conversation with Cheverus and St. Dom's and now I would like to continue with the K-8 schools in Maine. One thing I learned that I'd like to pass on is to call the non profit first to verify who the contact person is. Some websites are out of date due to budget constraints. Your letter may get round filed if addressed to a person who is no longer there.
I wrote a letter today to the Director of Stewardship and Development for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. I actually just modified the same letter I used for the high schools. I mentioned that I had already started the conversation with Cheverus and St. Dom's and now I would like to continue with the K-8 schools in Maine. One thing I learned that I'd like to pass on is to call the non profit first to verify who the contact person is. Some websites are out of date due to budget constraints. Your letter may get round filed if addressed to a person who is no longer there.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Unfortunately...
I was getting some mean, nasty comments on my blog so I had to moderate them. I still receive all the comments but get to choose which I post.
January 20, Inauguration Day!!
I prepared a letter for 6 Troopers and their spouses today. These 6 couples are very close to Mike and I know they will help. Jim will deliver them personally tomorrow:
As you may know, Mike xxxxx is in his last few months of life. I spoke with Betsy's sister, Wendy, last week, and she told me of their concerns for Betsy's financial security after Mike dies. I have set up a unique giving center for them, and need Troopers and their families to step up once again and help one of their own.
I am an ambassador for Together We Can Change The World, Inc. The sole purpose of this organization is to provide sustainable funding for non profits, schools and charities and the people who support them. My current project pertains to funding for private schools, but I have given Mike and Betsy my full attention for now. It is well within our reach to quickly provide Mike with the peace of mind in knowing his wife is taken care of financially.
I am not asking Troopers to spend or give any extra money. This approach is unique in that the money comes from their everyday spending. I will ask you to please go to the website I have set up for them. In the upper left menu, there is a 'Get Your Own My PowerMall' button. That will take you to a page where a video will automatically launch and explain how this works. Please watch the World Changer Mall video, it is about 13 minutes.
http://www.mypowermall.com/mall/158711
There is a free option and a nearly free better option. When 150 people join with their own World Changer malls, Betsy could receive over $1000/month ongoing. Each person who does this will also be earning money for their family. It's my goal to get this started immediately and I need your help in communicating with others. I will do whatever it takes to make this happen for them. Please call me with any questions xxx-xxxx.
We will meet at the Great Lost Bear on Sunday, January 25th at 1:00 to get things started. Please feel free to enlist others to help and join us.
As you may know, Mike xxxxx is in his last few months of life. I spoke with Betsy's sister, Wendy, last week, and she told me of their concerns for Betsy's financial security after Mike dies. I have set up a unique giving center for them, and need Troopers and their families to step up once again and help one of their own.
I am an ambassador for Together We Can Change The World, Inc. The sole purpose of this organization is to provide sustainable funding for non profits, schools and charities and the people who support them. My current project pertains to funding for private schools, but I have given Mike and Betsy my full attention for now. It is well within our reach to quickly provide Mike with the peace of mind in knowing his wife is taken care of financially.
I am not asking Troopers to spend or give any extra money. This approach is unique in that the money comes from their everyday spending. I will ask you to please go to the website I have set up for them. In the upper left menu, there is a 'Get Your Own My PowerMall' button. That will take you to a page where a video will automatically launch and explain how this works. Please watch the World Changer Mall video, it is about 13 minutes.
http://www.mypowermall.com/mall/158711
There is a free option and a nearly free better option. When 150 people join with their own World Changer malls, Betsy could receive over $1000/month ongoing. Each person who does this will also be earning money for their family. It's my goal to get this started immediately and I need your help in communicating with others. I will do whatever it takes to make this happen for them. Please call me with any questions xxx-xxxx.
We will meet at the Great Lost Bear on Sunday, January 25th at 1:00 to get things started. Please feel free to enlist others to help and join us.
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 19
It was tough to switch gears on the phone call this morning from talking about schools to talking about losing a friend. I didn't want to answer Ginny when she pressed me about my passions, but I'm glad I did.
When my next door neighbor, Donna, told me in November that she had only weeks to live, I was paralyzed with fear. It used to be so easy to meet in the yard and chat. I found myself second guessing everything I wanted to say to her and so I said nothing for 2 weeks. A week before she died, Jim and I went over and sat with her. After a few moments of small talk, I broke down and cried, telling her I was sorry for not visiting sooner, but I had been scared. I told her all the things I had wanted to say and hugged her. I learned a valuable lesson that it wasn't what I said that mattered to her, it was that I was there for her. Now I am going to be there for Mike.
I sat down this afternoon and wrote an email to the Maine State Troopers Association board president, a retired Colonel. I explained what I was doing with My PowerMall and how it could give Mike peace of mind to know Betsy was going to be ok financially after he died. (Mike was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly after they were married about 15 years ago. His life insurance is based on his pay at the time he went out on sick leave, so it isn't much.) I gave him their mall link and directed him to the WCM video. I then asked his help in spreading the word to the troopers. Julia is right when she says how careful you have to be to stay within appropriate boundaries. I can't solicit them directly, but it's ok through the association.
Jim and I put together a list of people who could help us with a sort of telethon. I would get 5 or 6 people on board, explain our objectives, and we would start calling. There are over 300 Troopers, so we could use the extra hands. I am going to make the calls tomorrow to get our team together.
When my next door neighbor, Donna, told me in November that she had only weeks to live, I was paralyzed with fear. It used to be so easy to meet in the yard and chat. I found myself second guessing everything I wanted to say to her and so I said nothing for 2 weeks. A week before she died, Jim and I went over and sat with her. After a few moments of small talk, I broke down and cried, telling her I was sorry for not visiting sooner, but I had been scared. I told her all the things I had wanted to say and hugged her. I learned a valuable lesson that it wasn't what I said that mattered to her, it was that I was there for her. Now I am going to be there for Mike.
I sat down this afternoon and wrote an email to the Maine State Troopers Association board president, a retired Colonel. I explained what I was doing with My PowerMall and how it could give Mike peace of mind to know Betsy was going to be ok financially after he died. (Mike was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly after they were married about 15 years ago. His life insurance is based on his pay at the time he went out on sick leave, so it isn't much.) I gave him their mall link and directed him to the WCM video. I then asked his help in spreading the word to the troopers. Julia is right when she says how careful you have to be to stay within appropriate boundaries. I can't solicit them directly, but it's ok through the association.
Jim and I put together a list of people who could help us with a sort of telethon. I would get 5 or 6 people on board, explain our objectives, and we would start calling. There are over 300 Troopers, so we could use the extra hands. I am going to make the calls tomorrow to get our team together.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
January 17
Here's the follow up e mail I sent out this morning:
Hi Rus and Brian,
I enjoyed meeting both of you this week. Thanks for taking the time to meet with me. I understand completely that what I have shown you is overwhelming! But it is truly the answer to NPO and school funding.
I have done a few calculations on what each student, staff, faculty and board member could earn each month at the start.
Using 6 at Tier 2 , 30 at Tier 3, and 150 at Tier 4, each person could be earning about $1000/month.
My PowerMall's sole purpose is to create sustainable funding for schools, NPOs and the people who support them - you!
This would guarantee college for every student. The underclassmen could have most of their college tuition banked before they graduated high school. Even the seniors would continue to earn $12,000/year or more ongoing, enabling them to graduate college without much debt.
How about if we all meet together next time? I'd appreciate it if you would contact your counterpart at McAuley and have her join us. All three schools have a wonderful mission of developing young men and women to live their lives in service to others. That's precisely why I chose you to be in the pilot program for our company. Together we can change the world.
I look forward to meeting soon,
Andrea
Hi Rus and Brian,
I enjoyed meeting both of you this week. Thanks for taking the time to meet with me. I understand completely that what I have shown you is overwhelming! But it is truly the answer to NPO and school funding.
I have done a few calculations on what each student, staff, faculty and board member could earn each month at the start.
Using 6 at Tier 2 , 30 at Tier 3, and 150 at Tier 4, each person could be earning about $1000/month.
My PowerMall's sole purpose is to create sustainable funding for schools, NPOs and the people who support them - you!
This would guarantee college for every student. The underclassmen could have most of their college tuition banked before they graduated high school. Even the seniors would continue to earn $12,000/year or more ongoing, enabling them to graduate college without much debt.
How about if we all meet together next time? I'd appreciate it if you would contact your counterpart at McAuley and have her join us. All three schools have a wonderful mission of developing young men and women to live their lives in service to others. That's precisely why I chose you to be in the pilot program for our company. Together we can change the world.
I look forward to meeting soon,
Andrea
Thursday, January 15, 2009
January 15
Today is a glorious sunshiny day here in Maine! After my meeting at Saint Dom's High School this morning, I went to my favorite little coffee shop in Gorham, sat in the window seat and basked in the sun. I had to take a few moments to think, and be thankful.
Russ, the Director of Institutional Advancement at St. Dom's HS is a great guy. He has a no nonsense exterior and looks like a marine so I was a little nervous. But it didn't last long. I started by telling him about myself and my family, and how I got involved with My PowerMall. We covered the details about TWCCTW, Ginny, and how schools and NPOs can create sustainable funding. I discussed the 3 sources of income, the WCM fees, rebates from the mall and the American Express gift cards. I handed him a printout of the income calculations for the school after each one. I used very conservative numbers. Tier 1 was the school, tier 2 was 50 staff, faculty and board members, tier 3 was 275 students and tier 4 was 1375 (each student getting 5).
I told him the best was yet to come - each person - staff, faculty, board member and student could help a non profit, AND earn money themselves.
He said exactly what I said the first time I saw the income numbers..."I can't wrap my head around this.It seems too good to be true" I said, "Yes, I know!"
I preempted his next comment by saying "You may think it looks like a MLM, but it's not. There are no products to stock or sell, no meetings and no games."
I added at his point that my husband has been a State Trooper for 23 years. I am used to being very careful with what I associate with. We checked out everything before I even got involved, and I invited him to do the same. He seemed pleased with this. We got back to the numbers...
"So, on this level where I would have a WCM, where does that money go?"
"To you, that would be yours." Big silence.
I know it's a lot to take in so I just sat there and let him think.
He was thinking about how they could implement this at the school, because the next question was "I could very easily see us directing parents to use the gift cards to pay tuition, but how would they do it?"
"They would go their own WCM, buy the Amex gift cards, then go to the School site and pay the tuition online."
We logged onto the Buxton Food Pantry WCM at this point and I showed him around the One Child at a Time, the Local Merchant Mall, and then we went to the biz site. I showed him which video he should watch, and the "I want a World Changer Mall" button just below it. At this point I suggested that he talk with Brian, his counterpart from Cheverus, about how we could get a pilot program started right here in Maine, and offered my help at every point along the way. He agreed that we would meet again soon.
Russ, the Director of Institutional Advancement at St. Dom's HS is a great guy. He has a no nonsense exterior and looks like a marine so I was a little nervous. But it didn't last long. I started by telling him about myself and my family, and how I got involved with My PowerMall. We covered the details about TWCCTW, Ginny, and how schools and NPOs can create sustainable funding. I discussed the 3 sources of income, the WCM fees, rebates from the mall and the American Express gift cards. I handed him a printout of the income calculations for the school after each one. I used very conservative numbers. Tier 1 was the school, tier 2 was 50 staff, faculty and board members, tier 3 was 275 students and tier 4 was 1375 (each student getting 5).
I told him the best was yet to come - each person - staff, faculty, board member and student could help a non profit, AND earn money themselves.
He said exactly what I said the first time I saw the income numbers..."I can't wrap my head around this.It seems too good to be true" I said, "Yes, I know!"
I preempted his next comment by saying "You may think it looks like a MLM, but it's not. There are no products to stock or sell, no meetings and no games."
I added at his point that my husband has been a State Trooper for 23 years. I am used to being very careful with what I associate with. We checked out everything before I even got involved, and I invited him to do the same. He seemed pleased with this. We got back to the numbers...
"So, on this level where I would have a WCM, where does that money go?"
"To you, that would be yours." Big silence.
I know it's a lot to take in so I just sat there and let him think.
He was thinking about how they could implement this at the school, because the next question was "I could very easily see us directing parents to use the gift cards to pay tuition, but how would they do it?"
"They would go their own WCM, buy the Amex gift cards, then go to the School site and pay the tuition online."
We logged onto the Buxton Food Pantry WCM at this point and I showed him around the One Child at a Time, the Local Merchant Mall, and then we went to the biz site. I showed him which video he should watch, and the "I want a World Changer Mall" button just below it. At this point I suggested that he talk with Brian, his counterpart from Cheverus, about how we could get a pilot program started right here in Maine, and offered my help at every point along the way. He agreed that we would meet again soon.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
January 14
Today I spent some time on the website for the school I will be visiting tomorrow. I was looking for themes or phrases that recurred throughout the site - sort of like their lingo. Even though I hate sales, I learned many things in sales workshops. Since I can't personalize a mall for them, I can focus on familiar lingo. For this school, planned giving was big. Jacki confirmed on the morning call that the malls can be willed to future generations, or even schools and NPOs- another nice detail.
On the news today in Maine, the state economist gave his forecast for the coming year. Layoffs were projected in both government and retail sectors, and giving was going to be way down. Maine usually ranks pretty high nationally in the giving category, so this will hurt. I really like the concept in the NPO video of NPOs shoring each other up to weather tough times. Instead of fighting for every last dollar, that same dollar, spent on a World Changer Mall, will multiply.
On the news today in Maine, the state economist gave his forecast for the coming year. Layoffs were projected in both government and retail sectors, and giving was going to be way down. Maine usually ranks pretty high nationally in the giving category, so this will hurt. I really like the concept in the NPO video of NPOs shoring each other up to weather tough times. Instead of fighting for every last dollar, that same dollar, spent on a World Changer Mall, will multiply.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
January 13
I think the first domino is beginning to tip......
My meeting today with Brian at Cheverus went very well. He told me how their fundraising was moving away from being event based. Which led very nicely into my presentation.I showed him how changing shopping behavior just a little could produce unimaginable, sustainable income for the school. Then I explained how each student, staff and board member could also add a nonprofit to benefit. I talked about my vision for the school hosting a TWCCTW Day. He agreed that this fit like hand in glove with the school's motto of becoming a person in service to others.
And so, this will move along to the next level. The school will thoroughly check out the company. I offered to be at each and every meeting necessary. I am very encouraged by the movement forward, and understand that challenges still lay ahead.
I am in awe of how the puzzle pieces of my life are fitting together, as I mentioned in my previous blog. I imagine heaven to be a place where you can review your life like it's a movie and say "Oh!, that's why this happened!" We might get glimpses along the way as I am now, but I'll bet there are so many more times we set something in motion that we just have no idea of the impact.
My meeting today with Brian at Cheverus went very well. He told me how their fundraising was moving away from being event based. Which led very nicely into my presentation.I showed him how changing shopping behavior just a little could produce unimaginable, sustainable income for the school. Then I explained how each student, staff and board member could also add a nonprofit to benefit. I talked about my vision for the school hosting a TWCCTW Day. He agreed that this fit like hand in glove with the school's motto of becoming a person in service to others.
And so, this will move along to the next level. The school will thoroughly check out the company. I offered to be at each and every meeting necessary. I am very encouraged by the movement forward, and understand that challenges still lay ahead.
I am in awe of how the puzzle pieces of my life are fitting together, as I mentioned in my previous blog. I imagine heaven to be a place where you can review your life like it's a movie and say "Oh!, that's why this happened!" We might get glimpses along the way as I am now, but I'll bet there are so many more times we set something in motion that we just have no idea of the impact.
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 12
I'm ready for tomorrow! My meeting with the Director Institutional Advancement for Cheverus High School is at 9:30. I spent a few hours today going over the material in the back office training section, and printed out final copies of the income calculations. I created a Business Mall for them, and printed out the Welcome sheet with their websites, mall number and key code. After I give him the background on TWCCTW, Ginny and My PowerMall, I'll ask him to log onto the new mall. I learned a while ago at a sales training workshop to personalize the presentation as much as possible. It creates a sense of ownership. I really hope this is ok to do and know I'll hear soon if it isn't! :)
I figure, this way, I can show him around the key points of the mall and back office,including the income calculators.
He then can show the mall to the board and other faculty without commitment. When they're ready to move forward, it's just a simple upgrade to the free WCM.
I will reiterate throughout my presentation my commitment to helping every step of they way. I'll probably be on the 8pm call tomorrow, so I hope to have a positive update.
I am keeping Larry in my prayers. Ginny is right, this wonderful bootcamp has made him like family.
I figure, this way, I can show him around the key points of the mall and back office,including the income calculators.
He then can show the mall to the board and other faculty without commitment. When they're ready to move forward, it's just a simple upgrade to the free WCM.
I will reiterate throughout my presentation my commitment to helping every step of they way. I'll probably be on the 8pm call tomorrow, so I hope to have a positive update.
I am keeping Larry in my prayers. Ginny is right, this wonderful bootcamp has made him like family.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
January 10
What a week this has been! The pieces of the puzzle are starting to fit together both in my efforts with the My PowerMall bootcamp, and personally. I really believe I have found what I was put here to do. Please allow me to explain.
As I look back, I see several turning points in my life that led me to be here today. At the time, they didn't make any sense, yet I truly felt the pull to make those choices.
My career path was science based. I have a BS in Biology and a Masters in Forest Management. I was painfully shy in school, and sought a career in forestry for the love of the outdoors and the solitude. I loved being in the Maine woods all day alone, and I saw many magnificent things. After a few years,I became involved as a volunteer in an education program called Project Learning Tree. As a female forester, I was unique, and schools sought me out to come speak to the children about the Maine forest and nontraditional roles for girls. I loved this new challenge and found that my voice grew with each experience. I was asked to serve as a board member on several environmental education based non profits, and was a regular in the Maine State House, giving testimony before the legislature on pending bills that affected the Maine forest. Where did this come from? In high school, I don't think I said two words out loud. Here I am, now a spokesperson?!
Eventually, I became the Community Relations Manager for another corporation's Maine location. With that, came the responsibility of administering the foundation funds, about $500,000/year. As a hands on person, I spent most days visiting local non profits, hearing about their needs - a consistent flow of money and volunteers.
Since the area was economically depressed, I decided to focus on education and mentoring. I wanted kids to know they had choices beyond working in the local mill.I also wanted the mill employees experience the great rewards of volunteerism. Programs were set up that rewarded schools and non profits financially when employees volunteered for them.
I loved my job and felt I was truly making a difference. Well, life is unpredictable. Just when I thought I was in my dream job, we had to relocate for my husband's career in the State Police.
That was ten years ago. I love being at home with my kids, but always felt I was meant to do more.
Last night, when my husband came home from work, I started talking about My PowerMall and didn't stop for 45 minutes! He just listened patiently. When I finally took a breath, he smiled and said, " You're back!"
As I look back, I see several turning points in my life that led me to be here today. At the time, they didn't make any sense, yet I truly felt the pull to make those choices.
My career path was science based. I have a BS in Biology and a Masters in Forest Management. I was painfully shy in school, and sought a career in forestry for the love of the outdoors and the solitude. I loved being in the Maine woods all day alone, and I saw many magnificent things. After a few years,I became involved as a volunteer in an education program called Project Learning Tree. As a female forester, I was unique, and schools sought me out to come speak to the children about the Maine forest and nontraditional roles for girls. I loved this new challenge and found that my voice grew with each experience. I was asked to serve as a board member on several environmental education based non profits, and was a regular in the Maine State House, giving testimony before the legislature on pending bills that affected the Maine forest. Where did this come from? In high school, I don't think I said two words out loud. Here I am, now a spokesperson?!
Eventually, I became the Community Relations Manager for another corporation's Maine location. With that, came the responsibility of administering the foundation funds, about $500,000/year. As a hands on person, I spent most days visiting local non profits, hearing about their needs - a consistent flow of money and volunteers.
Since the area was economically depressed, I decided to focus on education and mentoring. I wanted kids to know they had choices beyond working in the local mill.I also wanted the mill employees experience the great rewards of volunteerism. Programs were set up that rewarded schools and non profits financially when employees volunteered for them.
I loved my job and felt I was truly making a difference. Well, life is unpredictable. Just when I thought I was in my dream job, we had to relocate for my husband's career in the State Police.
That was ten years ago. I love being at home with my kids, but always felt I was meant to do more.
Last night, when my husband came home from work, I started talking about My PowerMall and didn't stop for 45 minutes! He just listened patiently. When I finally took a breath, he smiled and said, " You're back!"
Thursday, January 8, 2009
January 8
Another school contacted me today! So now, I have an appointment to meet with one next Tuesday and one on Thursday. As I was preparing the income calculations for each school, I had a few AHA! moments. What if people bought American Express cards just above the limit they really want? For example, buy one for $1025, instead of $1000. There's a big jump in rebates. For my sons' school, it would add thousands of dollars each month. What if every person at a school or non profit selected their own school or non profit as their NPO mall. I can't even begin to figure out how to calculate that income for them!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
January 7
I received a wonderful email today from the Director of Institutional Advancement for a local private high school. He was confused because he received a copy of the email I just sent to the President of the school asking for a chance to meet about MPM. Apparently, he had been trying to contact me since my original emails, calls and letters back in November. For some reason, my email was rejecting messages and all of his were among the rejected. He has wanted to her about My PowerMall for weeks!
I spent the little free time I had today preparing myself for the meeting I'll have this week at the school. (Today was a snow day here in Maine, so I had all the daycare kids from 7am to 5:30pm, and my own five kids. I SO wish I had a very large margarita right now!)
I printed out 3 of the income calculator pages with different scenarios. (Using some conservative assumptions on the number of malls with 500 students, each student setting up a free NPO World Changer Mall for a local charity, family members and alumni and NPO staff on subsequent levels), I calculated the schools income from the shopping rebates on the malls, then the income from $1000 American Express cards used to pay tuition each month for each student, and $500 for parents' monthly bills, and finished with the WCM fees.
I plan on showing him the new NPO video, then the pages of the income calculations.
I spent the little free time I had today preparing myself for the meeting I'll have this week at the school. (Today was a snow day here in Maine, so I had all the daycare kids from 7am to 5:30pm, and my own five kids. I SO wish I had a very large margarita right now!)
I printed out 3 of the income calculator pages with different scenarios. (Using some conservative assumptions on the number of malls with 500 students, each student setting up a free NPO World Changer Mall for a local charity, family members and alumni and NPO staff on subsequent levels), I calculated the schools income from the shopping rebates on the malls, then the income from $1000 American Express cards used to pay tuition each month for each student, and $500 for parents' monthly bills, and finished with the WCM fees.
I plan on showing him the new NPO video, then the pages of the income calculations.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
January 6
Great ideas on the call today. I used to be a Chamber of Commerce board member, so I will make some calls tomorrow. Today, I followed up with one of the schools. The President of my sons' school was very interested and will set up a meeting! Yippee! I also sent all 3 schools an email with the new Business Site NPO video link - I love it! It's much more representative of our great company. Thanks Ginny.
I also had an idea to contact the umbrella organization in Maine for all non profits.
There's usually a newsletter that goes to all the members.
Good things are just around the corner, I can feel it.
I also had an idea to contact the umbrella organization in Maine for all non profits.
There's usually a newsletter that goes to all the members.
Good things are just around the corner, I can feel it.
Monday, January 5, 2009
January 5
My PowerMall is such a positive, powerful way to help others. That's what I am focusing on this year. I know in my heart that I am doing a very good thing when I promote it. I will be following up with the three parochial high schools tomorrow. Other parents are probably feeling the pinch of tuition payments like we are. All 3 principals took time over the break to review the information, so the time is right.
Today, I called 7 local people to follow up. All of them wished me good luck in my goal to help the food pantry, but nobody was interested. I talked with 5 teachers at the school where I schedule substitutes. Budget cuts are hitting hard. I was surprised to find out that many teachers have side businesses also. This will be my focus for the week.
Today, I called 7 local people to follow up. All of them wished me good luck in my goal to help the food pantry, but nobody was interested. I talked with 5 teachers at the school where I schedule substitutes. Budget cuts are hitting hard. I was surprised to find out that many teachers have side businesses also. This will be my focus for the week.
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