Creative Memories sells a variety of materials and tools to assist in making photo albums, scrapbooks and other items to commemorate big events both on paper and in digital versions. In order to get their products to the customers, the company uses thousands of direct-sales consultants. If you'd like to join their team and sell Creative Memories products, read on to find out how to become a Creative Memories consultant.

Founded in 1987 by Rhonda Anderson and Cheryl Lightle, Creative Memories began with a single consultant and has grown throughout the years to include more than 70,000 consultants.http://www.creativememories.com/MainMenu/Our-Company/Our-story Each consultant acts as an independent contractor, setting their own hours and running their own small business.http://www.creativememories.com/MainMenu/Our-Company/Job-Opportunities

To get started as a consultant, the first step is finding an existing consultant to serve as your mentor. This person will help you get going as a consultant and be around to provide advice along the way.http://www.creativememories.com/MainMenu/Join-Our-Team/FAQs

As with most direct-sales opportunities, a minimum investment is required. Creative Memories requires new consultants to purchase a starter kit. There are six Collections of products that a new consultant may choose from at the time you sign your agreement. You may purchase one of each if you wish; purchase of these collections is optional. After your starter kit arrives it's time to sell and grow your business.http://www.creativememories.com/MainMenu/Join-Our-Team/Get-Started

Starting March 1, 2010, the cost to get started is $50. The $50 Business Kit is contains enough business materials to hold your first four Get Togethers (parties), plus you will get a $39.95 coupon code to purchase the Storybook you will be able to make to help promote your business. Once you sign up, anything you purchase for your personal use will be at a 30% discount. This makes it easy to get started making your own albums to share with potential customers.http://www.creativememories.com/MainMenu/Join-Our-Team/Get-Started

The first step in joining the team is finding an existing Creative Memories consultant to serve as your sponsor. This consultant will help you get started, train you and work with you as you start and grow your business. Select your consultant carefully as you will be working with them for a while.

1. Ask family and friends if they know of an existing Creative Memories consultant in the area. If you know an existing consultant that's even better. Working with someone you know and trust is suggested for the best possible experience.
2. Another option is to visit the Creative Memories official website to be matched with an existing consultant in your area. By entering your address, city, state and zip code, you can find contact information for a consultant in your area. Additionally, consultants who speak Spanish and those who can communicate with the deaf or hard of hearing are also available.http://www.creativememories.com/Find-a-Consultant/EntryForm

Ask your consultant about the business, including how selling works, if they enjoy what they do and any problems they may have encountered.

Once you have a sponsor, it's time to apply to the company and purchase one or more starter kits. As an initial investment is required for the starter kit, it's a great idea to ask any remaining questions about the business to your sponsor before signing on the dotted line. Be sure joining the company as an independent consultant is right for you before spending money to join.

1. Obtain the consultant agreement. Read it over completely and ask for explanation if you see something you do not understand.
2. Complete the consultant agreement fully, answering each question openly and honestly.
3. Purchase your Business Starter Kit
   1. Purchase of the business starter kit, which costs $50, is required. This kit contains product catalogs, order forms, training DVD’s, a Presentation Guide and other information to get you started doing your first four Get Togethers. It also contains a $39.95 coupon which you can use when you make your first Storybook.
   2. Purchase one or more of the Product Collections (Optional) at a 30% discount.

Once you turn in your consultant agreement and receive your starter kit, you are ready to get started selling and growing your business. Consultant Agreements can be returned to Creative Memories by mail, fax or online through creativememories.com or your personal consultant’s website.http://www.creativememories.com/MainMenu/Join-Our-Team/Get-Started

Now that you have all your supplies, it's time to get selling. There are a variety of ways to sell Creative Memories products and plenty of resources to help along the way.

1. Begin selling to family, friends and neighbors. If you know people who are into scrapbooking already, starting with them is a great way for instant success.
2. Host a get together. Similar to a Tupperware party, a Creative Memories get together is hosted by someone other than the consultant, bringing people together to view and purchase the items. Not only does the consultant earn money for the sales, but the host does as well, taking home a percentage of the sales plus bonuses like free products.http://www.creativememories.com/MainMenu/Host-a-Get-Together
3. Set up your website as provided by the company and begin marketing your company. Using social networking tools like Twitter and Facebook is a great way to connect with potential customers.
4. Learn more about product offerings and seasonal specials by visiting the Creative Memories website. The project center portion of their site provides ideas for creating scrapbooks on paper and in digital versions.
5. Grow your business by expanding your customer base and recruiting new consultants. Just as you had a sponsor to help you get started, you can mentor new recruits to help them begin their business with Creative Memories.
6. Many consultants hold monthly Crops or Workshops to enable their customers the opportunity to have uninterrupted time to work on their albums. They may teach a new technique and/or showcase new products at that time.