Today we're shining the Spotlight on Paula Griffin of Stratford, Connecticut, USA, pictured above.
Paula was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She currently lives in Stratford with her significant other, Jon. She and Jon have a total of 4 children. Paula's two sons are 28 & 25 years old; her daughter is 23 and Jon's daughter is 16. Paula is also the proud grandparent of a 9 year old granddaughter and a 4 year old grandson.
After graduating from High School, Paula went to work as a billing clerk in a curtain factory. By by the age of 20, she had been promoted to the manager of that department and ran a 5 person office. She started her family soon after and, once her daughter was born, she became a stay-at-home mom.
Paula said, "When my children where still very young I became a single parent and took a job as a waitress. I worked long hours to meet the needs of keeping a home and raising a family. I quickly learned that working for someone else was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I knew I had to find another way. That is when I started looking on the internet for an opportunity to work from home."
The first online company that Paula became involved with ended up having financial trouble, so she dropped out. But she was thankful for the experience because two very important things happened to her as a result. "I was able to see that I could be successful online once I found the right company and through the experience, I met Harold Hill, my DHSC sponsor.
Harold introduced me to the DHS Club by sending me an email telling me I had to check out this opportunity. I was a little hesitant because of my first experience, but since it was Harold, I figured there was no harm in looking. He told me I could join for free and just look. He also told me not to upgrade, but to just stay a free member and see what happens. Well, shortly after joining, I started receiving emails from other members, welcoming me to the Club. Wow! This was great! All these people taking the time to send me a note. I thought, 'What a great team of friendly people all willing to help'. I upgraded the next day!"
When asked about her DHS Club experience, Paula shared the following:
"Since I became a VIP, there have been so many accomplishments in my life. Not just in business, but also personally. Getting on a plane for the first time and flying from Connecticut to San Francisco - alone, to meet my sponsor and attend my first DHSC convention was a personal growth experience that started a chain reaction."
Paula worked steadily at building her DHS Club business and reached the Emerald Director level and then she suffered some setbacks in her personal life and business. But she continued to work and go to training Conferences and Conventions. And now she has rebuilt her business and is seeing steady, solid growth every month.
When we asked Paula about what has changed in her business, she said, "I have re-qualifying level by level and on August 29, 2006 reached the level of Executive Director. I have been able to do this by learning about and using the new ClubAdvantage Business Building System, setting goals and staying focused. I do not focus on the money. My focus is to help as many other VIPs as I can to build a successful business of their own and reach their goals and dreams.
The Personal Planner is a part of my daily operation. I look at it continuously to see what needs to be done next. I constantly update what I have completed and add to my "To Do" list. I also check to see what my next monthly goals are and determine if I am on track to achieve my goals.
I keep a copy of my written goals on my desk at all times. I have taped them to my monitor. I also keep a copy of the compensation plan on my desk along with a list of all active VIPs and what it will take for each to reach their next promotion. I continue to learn all that I can so I can represent our opportunity and our Club to the best of my ability."
We asked Paula about her goals and she said, "Up until July 2006, I was employed as a finance coordinator for a Home Care agency. One of my goals had always been leaving my day J.O.B. to work full time doing what I love - building my DHSC business and it's exciting to know that because of the DHS Club, I have been able to achieve this goal! I also have a future, written goal of reaching Ambassadors Club. Besides this goal, I have a goal to move down South and buy my own home and to own a new truck. I would like to become actively involved in supporting and assisting at a shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence, as well.
"I look forward to seeing all who will be attending the conferences and convention this year as I know this will be a year we will never forget!" Paula loves going to the Conventions each year and reuniting with her Sponsor, DHS Club staff, and her fellow VIPs. Her attendance at one Convention was literally a life changing experience for her. A few years ago, she made a commitment to the Christian faith during a Sunday morning worship service that followed the Convention.
She shares how that event has changed her life, "Each day I thank the Lord for all that I have now. For the opportunity I have with the DHS Club and for the friends I have come to know so well through this business opportunity. I also pray each day that I will do whatever is needed to help others become successful; not only in my downline, but anyone who will benefit from my help."
We had a wonderful time welcoming Paula for her Executive Director HQ trip, and look forward to watching her reach Ambassador's Club!