CRAFTDOC

One of my favorite classes at the Stampin’ Up! Leadership Conference in San Antonio was “Including a New Generation in your Stampin’ Business” presented by Amy Swartz and Paula Critchlow.  I learned a lot about women ages 25-35, what they value and how to reach them.  More details below, but first some  ideas inspired by Leadership presentations.  These are two of the cards made at my stamp class yesterday.

I learned an easy trick to making your own glitter paper.  Take a piece of Cardstock – here real red – and cover it with Versamark ink and emboss with Irridescent Ice Embossing Powder.  Nest the smallest 3 Heart Framelits and run through your Big Shot = sparkly hearts.  I also used the new Hearts Embosslit and Adorning Accents Embossing Folder (across the bottom of  the white panel).  There is paper piercing from the hearts to the top of the page (or you could use a marker and the mat pack to make dots).  The sentiment is from the new Occasions mini set Loving Thoughts.  Make a tail on your banner with a square punch.  The second card using a FREE stamp set from the Sale-a-Bration minicatalog called Outlined Occasions.  Isn’t it cute with all the little punched hearts and the single rhinestone?  The Riding Hood Taffeta Ribbon is on the Clearance Rack right now for $1.39  – CRAZY BARGAIN.  Get your order to $50 and pick a FREE Sale-A-Bration Item.  SHOP NOW at www.kwstamps.stampinup.net

Now, more about the New Generation class.

Leadership Pillar of UNIFY

This generation loves community and connection.  The want to feel a part of something and value diversity and causes.  We can reach them by having events with a cause, giving them opportunities to share ideas, showing examples of how we care, taking pictures of events and posting on facebook

Leadership Pillar of COMMUNICATE

This generation texts a lot.  They shop socially.  We should text, keep communications brief.  Give heads up when emails are coming.  Send multiple emails and change the subject line, use supporting materials, YouTube, ASK their opinions during commications. 

Leadership Pillar of Empower

This generation is going through a lot of firsts.  They recognize power (and have lots of FB friends) and are drawn to personalization.  They are sensitive and optimistic.  They are ambitious but open to direction.  We should get them stamping, share the business opportunity, help them recognize their power, provide encouragement, pint out options, help them map a plan, explain how parties and sellling actually work, reverse mentoring.

Leadership Pillar of INSPIRE

They are creative.  They are followers, but strong individuals as well.  We should share our successes, use peer testimonials, help them discover their “why”, point out their choices, invite them to SU events, use minimalist design and they will add their own personal touch.

Leadership Pillar of CELEBRATE

They run in packs and herds.  They like sincere praise and are sensitive to fakes.  We should recognize small milestones, Praise (text), share, use participation awards.

I thought that Amy and Paula did an excellent job of presenting practical information about including this new generation in our stamping business.  (And I hope I can win a free stamp set)!  Helpful hint – my demo ID# is 15681.