Balancing the Secrets to Success

The flexibility of running her own business afforded this SEUL the perfect work-life balance and a six-figure income.

Elena Maldonado
Right from the start Elena Maldonado knew that she and Avon were the perfect fit. Ten years ago, with four young children to raise-the youngest, one-year-old twins-Elena wanted to make extra money, but knew it would be impossible for her to work outside the home.

“My twins were born in Okinawa, Japan, because my husband was a military officer and we were traveling, but I wanted to work,” says Elena. The family settled in Murrieta, California, and Elena started looking into home-based businesses that matched her interests and could give her the income she needed. Avon proved to be exactly what she was looking for.

“Avon is such a recognizable name. Everyone knows someone who either uses Avon products or has bought them, and I wanted to have a company that was an easy sell and a good fit for me,” says Elena. “And that's what Avon gave me.” Elena quickly made it to President's Club the first year after launching her business, and soon set her sights on Leadership. She hasn't looked back. Today, Elena holds multiple titles, including Senior Executive Unit Leader, Certified Beauty Advisor and Honor Society. She's also been featured in the Avon Opportunity recruiting TV ads. Deciding to join Leadership, says Elena, gave her a renewed sense of commitment to her business and a greater sense of control over her financial future. With over 400 Representatives in her Downline-60% to 70% of whom are stay-at-home moms-Elena had over $1.3 million in Total Unit Sales last year.

Taking Responsibility
Elena monitors the progress of her Downline daily using Downline Manager and sends follow-up e-mails and phone calls if she spots trouble. “If I see that there are hold orders, I will call the Representative and ask her to contact Customer Service, because I want everyone to take responsibility for her business,” says Elena. “In order to be successful, you have to take ownership of your business and you have to be self-motivated.”

To ensure that her Downline members have the tools they need to succeed, Elena gives them training and mentors them on their business. “When I appoint someone I ask, 'What are your dreams, what do you want to do with your business.' That way they can set both short- and long-terms goals that are reasonable for them,” says Elena. She also holds Leadership meetings every two or three months and talks to all her Unit Leaders a couple of times a week to see how they're doing and offer advice.

In addition to her Leadership business, Elena maintains an active sales business, increasing her amount in Avon products sold each year. Last year, Elena had nearly $29,000 in sales. Selling, says Elena, gives her another chance to tell people about the Avon Opportunity. “It's important for me to lead by example and I teach that to my Unit Leaders, too,” says Elena. “I tell every new Recruit, 'You're going to become an independent sales Representative today, but you need to know that there are other opportunities, so don't limit yourself strictly to sales. Offer every Customer the chance to either buy or sell.' ”

Looking Ahead
The important thing for Leadership Representatives to remember, says Elena, is not to get discouraged. “As a Leadership Representative you can't be looking back, you have to constantly be looking forward. For every five or ten individuals you appoint, maybe one or two stays with her business and turns out to be good. You have to focus your energy on those Representatives who are committed and want their business to grow,” she says.