Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Paperly is Different... and Better!

On occasion, I hear from potential Consultants, "I'm considering a few companies. What makes Paperly different?" Fortunately, the answer is easy.

While there are many direct sellers that focus on everything from bags to jewelry, Paperly is the leading direct seller of personalized stationery. Being the leader means having the widest assortment of products, the best-in-class technology, a lucrative commission & career plan, a supportive training process and exceptionally strong marketing materials (e.g. catalogs, loose samples, etc.).

Further validating Paperly’s #1 standing is its membership in the exclusive Direct Selling Association (DSA.org). As DSA’s President, Neil Offen, has said, "The members of the Direct Selling Association pride themselves in their commitment to the highest standards in business ethics." No other direct seller that focuses exclusively on personalized stationery can make that claim.

Additionally, and this point should not be underestimated, Paperly’s designs are exclusive. Without exclusive designs, there are few compelling reasons to purchase products from you versus elsewhere. Paperly’s exclusive designs also enable it to keep its retail price as low as possible, since it does not need to pass along licensing fees or royalties.

Lastly, Paperly drop-ships personalized orders directly to customers. Therefore, Consultants do not need to hold inventory. That’s a big deal! Inventory is YOUR money tied-up in unsold products. That’s why some companies need to pay an outlandish commission. Basically, they’re trading the promise of a high, yet uncertain commission for your upfront purchase of inventory. Personally, that’s not a deal I’d want to make as a distributor.

All that said, there truly is no comparison. If you want to be a part of the leading direct seller of stationery, then Paperly is your best option.

Regards, Jay Rudman, CEO * Co-Owner, Paperly

Friday, January 7, 2011

In 2011, Produce... Don’t Just Consume

I’m a bit tardy on my New Year's resolutions. Perhaps my first resolution should be, "Don't procrastinate when it comes to writing Paperly's blog!" Putting that minor character flaw aside, one of my New Year's resolutions can be summed-up as, "produce... don’t just consume".

What does that mean? It might be best explained with a few examples:
  • Reading a book, albeit one of my favorite pastimes, is consuming. Writing a book, journal or letter is producing. Writing produces ideas, creates tangible and everlasting artifacts, and leaves something for future generations (kids, grandkids and great-grandkids) something to ponder.
  • Living in Chicago is consuming. Contributing to Chicago is producing. I love Chicago for its beaches (not during the winter though!), its architecture, its fine dining and its cultural attractions. However, to be a productive member of Chicago's community, I need to contribute: e.g. join the school board, volunteer at a shelter, have Paperly sponsor a neighborhood event, etc.
  • Working for a company is consuming. Starting a company is producing. Creating a company offers the owner hope for a better life, provides employees a financial means, and can significantly impact the surrounding community positively.
Tying this back to Paperly (which I undoubtedly need to since this blog is supposed to be about Paperly ;) joining Paperly as a Consultant is an amazing first step towards producing rather than consuming. As a Consultant, you run your own business, you manage your own work-life balance, you generate self-income and you earn tremendous satisfaction by helping others find their perfect personalized product. All are examples of producing. In fact, being a Paperly Consultant might just be the perfect encapsulation of producing rather than consuming.

Perhaps this idea of producing versus consuming is too provocative? Maybe it's an oversimplification of the Golden Rule, "It is better to give than to receive"? Regardless, I am going to work hard in 2011 (and hopefully beyond) to produce. And I think the world just might be a better place if everyone tries the same.

Happy 2011 to you and yours.

Regards,
Jay Rudman, CEO * Co-Owner, Paperly