Jennifer Hammond is a Jersey girl at heart, but has called Ontario, Canada, home for the last 10 years. Jenn met her husband in the Newark Airport and life has been a whirlwind ever since with a new job, new country, new life, and new baby girl, Stella. Jennifer enjoyed her time as a stay at home mom, until Stella started school full time. Not wanting to go back to the financial/corporate world, Jenn decided to research Arbonne further after using their products for years. Thanks to her friend & sponsor, Mel’s gentle persistence allowed Jennifer to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Read our interview with the lovely Jennifer below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Honestly I was bored and felt I lost myself. I loved being a stay at home mom and taking care of my family, but I got completely wrapped up in that and forgot about me! I needed something to call my own, and felt I needed to be a better role model for my daughter. Don’t get me wrong, being a SAHM is the hardest job ever and I felt privileged to be able to do that, but I needed more. My family needed me to have more and Arbonne has allowed me to still be home for Stella and have my own business. Really best of both worlds.
Tell us about your business.
Where do I begin? The short answer is Arbonne is a 37-year old health and wellness company, based on Petter Morck’s vision of pure, safe, beneficial; a combination of nature and cutting edge science. We are vegan certified, gluten free, kosher and never have been and never will be tested on animals. The Arbonne opportunity can change someone’s life in so many ways. Just to name a few – the financial growth is limitless, you get time freedom, personal growth or helping to change others lives, not to mention the Mercedes cash bonus at a certain level, and so many other perks!
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I always try to find the best deal for my clients. And I always have a great referral system in place. Right now Arbonne is running an amazing deal! Preferred clients can upgrade to consultant for just $23.50 and newbies can join for $47.50! That’s half price!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I got to the first level of our company very quickly! Just over 2 months. I am a District Manager and now I get paid to buy my personal products for my family and I!
Where is your business based?
My business is based out of Ontario, Canada. But my business goes wherever I go! Arbonne is currently in seven different markets – US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, UK, and most recently Taiwan. We will be expanding much further over the coming years! I plan on expanding to each of them!
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I just jumped right in! I invested in a start up business order and booked workshops and got myself out there. I had a very successful launch and made sure to keep the momentum. I also educated myself on not only Arbonne, but on the network marketing profession, which I continue to do.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Word of mouth is huge! It’s easy when you love the products you use. I talk about our products the same way I would recommend a restaurant or a great bottle of wine. I also somewhat rely on my clients to spread the word and I have an awesome referral program in place for them! And social media of course. I am currently working hard on building that up. Especially since I want a global business, and not necessarily with contacts in all those markets!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Believing in myself has been by far the biggest challenge for me. This business also focuses so much on personal development. This has been huge for me and I have overcome this challenge in so many ways. And I continue to grow in this area. I am a goal oriented person. You need to know where you want to be, but you may have to change the plan and be flexible about it. So if you can learn to love the process, it’s a very different outlook.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Personal development, continuously working on myself. I read, write in my gratitude journal, and do yoga. I try to keep myself centered and remember I am not alone.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
My team members! Like we always say, you may be in business for yourself, but never by yourself. I can call on them whenever I need them, and that includes all my sideline sisters! It’s actually pretty unbelievable the support you get. This is really an environment that empowers women, this kind of culture keeps me motivated and the support of my loved ones and clients are amazing as well.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I am part of a company that really stands out from the rest. We have over 450 products, literally something for everyone. And our business opportunity is truly amazing. So I never feel I have to “sell” anything. The products speak for themselves and I love sharing the opportunity.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Stop comparing myself, and stop over thinking everything; which by the way I have a real gift for doing LOL. It doesn’t serve me at all and when I overthink, I tend to not do. Or when comparing myself, I shut down. How is that helpful? So I worry about about my business, because what others are doing is really none of my business. Also be intentional! Make sure everything you do has intention behind it. I find setting my intentions daily or before I do an event or make a call keeps me focused. More often then not my results are positive!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Always keep learning and working on yourself. Do not compare yourself to others and be coachable! You may have great ideas and there will be a time to implement them, but remember your sponsor/upline got to where they are by being coachable! Find someone you admire and learn from them.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
My favorite tool is our samples! I always have samples on me. People love to try something before buying.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @figuring.jenn.out
Twitter @FiguringJennOut
Facebook www.facebook.com/figuringjennout
Email jennhammond74@yahoo.com
Hashtags #figuringjennout #entrepreneur #goaldigger #lifebydesign
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I love to read! A few of my favourites this past few months are:
- “Go Pro” by Eric Worre
- “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
- “On Fire” by John O’Leary
- “The Universe Has Your Back” by Gabrielle Bernstein
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Like I said earlier, I am working on the social media aspect. Facebook Live, Facebook workshops, reaching people through other social media outlets. So I am educating myself on that and experimenting. It’s been a lot of fun!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I am going to hit the next level with Arbonne. I am concentrating on sponsoring and believing in myself. I truly believe what you give is what you get, so positivity all the way. I am also working on a few projects with some amazing women! We are setting a up a workshop for young (teen) moms, helping them see their options and empowering them. I will also be working with a friend to find a way to make sure women of little means or from bad situations, along with their children, are clothed. We really don’t have anything like that in place in my city. There is a real need for this and my heart is truly happiest when I am helping others.