Celebrating Achievement

 I read a quote in Forbes Magazine a few years ago, and it really resonated with me.   “Good leaders are trailblazers, making a path for others to follow. Great leaders, however, inspire their people to reach higher, dream bigger, and achieve greater. Perhaps the most important leadership skill you can develop is the ability to provide inspiration to your team. If you inspire them to reach for the stars, they just might bring you back the moon.”  (http://bit.ly/2heNNa6) 

I thought back to all the great leaders and mentors I’ve known, and know that this is 100% true.  My mother, Marie Zanavich, former Vice President and Chief Information Officer for The United Illuminating Company and CIO of United Water/Suez Lyaonnaise des Eaux,  always inspired me to surround myself with greatness.  “Great leaders and administrators find and hire people who strong where they are weak.”   This was proven time and time again as I watched my parents’ (both of whom were CIO’s!) careers.  The leaders they admired recognized their own weaknesses, and capitalized on the strengths of their team.  They worked together build a team where everyone brought something unique to the table.  Other leaders functioned like little mini-dictators, refusing to recognize their own faults, and feeling threatened by others who may have been stronger than they. 

So it’s no wonder, being surrounded by greatness my whole life, that I recognize the strengths and potential of my Stamping Bee team.    I just have to recognize my hobbyists and business builders alike, as they grow.  I don’t differentiate between team members who buy the Starter Kit to get the awesome discount or those who want to build their own Stampin’ Up! Business.  Everyone is special and important to me and I recognize and celebrate their individual strengths.  On the 1st Saturday of every month, I celebrate my top achievers.  Anyone who promotes, qualifies, has qualifying sales add to their team, or holds a private class with a hostess, receives an invitation to come.  It’s a themed stamping party, with treats, stamping, and laughter.  We’ve had such themes as  pina colada, Macaron Madness, and last month was a Spooky Celebration complete with mini pizza box decorating contest.  It’s a special “by invitation only” and it’s certainly the highlight of my month. 

So imagine my surprise when I got not 1 but 2 envelopes addressed to me yesterday.  The first one was my certificate was from Stampin’ Up, recognizing my advancement to Silver Elite in September.

The second was a gift containing EVERYTHING Silver in both the annual and holiday catalogs, from my mentor, Selene Kempton. I had a blast opening the box and discovering all the goodies inside:  Silver Foil Sheets; Silver Glimmer Paper; Silver Embossing Powder ; Silver Stampin’ Gliltter;  Silver Mini Sequins; Silver Mini Gift Bows, and assorted silver ribbons.  And a very special Silver watch.  Talk about being spoiled!

And all of this on the heels of receiving my special invitation to the Center Stage Celebration for Stampin’ Up! leaders.  

None of my Stamping Bee team was able to register for OnStage in November; it sold out too quickly!  However, this is a big anniversary year for Stampin’ Up! and next October, they’re holding a HUGE international meeting and celebration in Orlando.  I know a lot of my team are already saving up for that trip.  It’s going to be a blast.  We’re already trying to decide how many days we can take off work so we can do Disney, too!  Want to come with us?  Come check us out.  You’re all invited to come stamp with us every 2nd Sunday, at 5 pm.  First time visitors are free; and after that, the cost is just $5.   Email me today to find out more! 

November:

• November 1st – Stampin’ Blends are available to order!  (Stay tuned for an extra special treat from me when you order, too!)
• November 4th – Year of Cheer Holiday Stamp Camp –Email to RSVP by 9/30. ​​
• November 25th – Christmas Card Club,  10 am or 2 pm.  RSVP due no later than 11/15.  

December

• December 2nd, Customer Appreciation Day.  10 am  More details here. 
• December 9th – Christmas Card Club,  10 am or 2 pm.  RSVP due no later than 11/25. 
• December 10th – 2nd Sunday ​Coffee & Cards   2 pm.  Email to RSVP by 12/8  (Available in person or “to go” by mail.)
• December 30th – New Year’s Bingo – Stampin’ Style!  You won’t want to miss out on this.  Featuring Make & Takes, Bingo, Prizes, Food!.  All new products and prizes from the 2018 Occasions and Sale-a-Bration Catalogs!   Must RSVP and prepay no later than 12/15.  ​​