mom entrepreneur interview: patty reiser

Mom Entrepreneur: Patty Reiser
Business:Heritage Makers
Website: www.bookyourphotos.com
Facebook: Patricia Reiser
Twitter: @patty_reiser

In two words. Digital Scrapbooking. But its all that and so much more. You can create heirloom quality books with all your photographs so easily with their web based program so you never have to hassle with upgrading your software. You can also create works of art with their Gallery Wrapped Canvases. Send personalized Greeting Cards, postcards and invites. And even jewelry. The possibilities are endless.

What inspired you to start your business?
I love photography. I love capturing those special moments and everyday candids. I had been involved with another Direct Sales company since 2004. One thing I kept hearing was that you should have a passion for what you are doing. And quite frankly, it was not that business. My husband encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming a professional photographer. With that support I decided to do just that. I also wanted to find a Direct Sales company that was in line with my passion for photography. While searching online I found Heritage Makers and I knew this would be a perfect compliment to my photography business.

How long have you been in business?
I joined Heritage Makers in October 2009.

What did you do in your past work life?
Since becoming an adult I have basically worked either in the medical field or law enforcement in one clerical position or another.

Describe your ideal workday.
My ideal workday would have to be a day where I am hosting a Workshop. Everyone is excited to learn about storybooking and how they can preserve their photographs and the stories behind them in a new way. Guests are excited to play the fun games I have planned and win a few prizes. I have a Hostess who is easily excited and motivated to reach her sales goal for this workshop. When it comes time to place orders, just about every guest places an order and my Hostess has surpassed her goal. She is thrilled to be able to place an order herself and have most of it paid for with her Hostess Rewards and can’t wait to get started on her projects.

What have been some of your major successes?
One of the first Workshops I did was my ideal day. A friend decided to host a Workshop for me about six weeks before Christmas. While she only had about 6 people actually attend, everyone was really excited to learn about storybooking and many placed orders. I was also able to add a few outside orders to her final sales total which helped her exceed her goals. She was able to complete her Christmas shopping with her Hostess Rewards and everyone loved the gifts. Not a single one was returned.

What have been some of your major challenges?
Marketing my business. I live in a small rural town which has been hit pretty hard with this recession. I have seen more businesses go under these past few years than the entire time I have lived. Seems like everyday another one is being closed. I have had to take my business online and utilizing social media to market my business.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
My Director. She is very supportive and always there for me. We work well together and collaborate on a weekly basis to build a successful business together.

Do you have a motivational quote?
God never gives us more than we can handle.

If there was one piece of advice you could give to your children about running a successful business, what would it be?
Never give up.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Get your family involved. My son loves to help me out with my business. Even if it’s just putting labels on catalogs for me. It’s time spent together that is important. My daughter will go with me to Craft Shows on occasion. My other secret is to be organized and to schedule time with family first and then business. I keep a calendar and block off family events first and let my clients know that my time is limited.

Do you have a favorite business tool and/or resource?
The Internet. It allows you to connect with people all over the world. There are also many applications available to you that allow you to run your business successfully no matter how big or small of a community you live in.

What is next for your business?
My immediate goal is to reach the level of Director by the end of 2010. My goal for 2011 is to purchase a high speed scanner so that I can expand my business to helping others preserve their non-digitized photographs.

Give us your two cents sales pitch.
I kept my family in a shoebox until I met a Heritage Maker. Let me assist you with getting your memories out of the shoebox and into storybooks that will last for generations.

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