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The Close To My Heart (CTMH) company offers home-based business opportunities to those interested in combining their love of crafts with earning money. In 1996, founder Jeanette Lynton began Close To My Heart, which is headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah. After 12 years, the company began including scrapbook supplies, and then became international with consultants in Canada as well as the US.

The CTMH scrapbook and stamping company mainly gears itself toward women who are looking to supplement their income, or to those who are working full-time, or who are stay-at-home mothers. Some of the benefits the company say they offer their consultants include access to exclusive products, travel opportunities if desired, and discounts. Flexible hours and having the ability to set their own schedules, as well as the opportunity to work from home, are among the top reasons consultants say they enjoy being with the company.

New consultants of Close To My Heart must purchase a kit that includes a variety of scrapbooking products ranging from albums to cardstock, to embellishments and accessories. The fee for this kit is $150 in the United States or $187.50 in Canada, and contains business supplies and forms, as well as training materials such DVD's and catalogs.

The company provides additional training through team managers who send emails, newsletters, and offer support through phone or online conferences for new consultants. Consultants at Close To My Heart earn commission with the potential of earning incentives, but are not required to maintain any quotas or set number of hours.

Close To My Heart hostesses are directed by consultants at parties referred to as Home Gatherings. Here, the latest products will be showcased, along with demonstrations and shared scrapbooking techniques. The gatherings are designed to promote products and increase sales while socializing and sharing new ideas.

Hostesses at Close To My Heart gatherings may earn rewards including stamping or scrapbooking products along with free shipping of hostess gifts with orders totaling over $150. Other rewards such as free products will depend on the amount of subsequent parties booked, and the amount of sales amassed at the party.

This can be a very exciting opportunity but before you join it is imperative that you find the appropriate upline sponsor. This may take some due diligence on your part. Don't just join under the company star because they have gazillions of people in their downline. You are responsible for making sure that they have your best interests at heart. This includes having at least a fundamental understanding of the basic principles of Internet Marketing. Also make sure that they are around to do a three way call with a potential signup.

Products such as a full line of rubber stamps, inks, and 9" x 9" scrapbook albums are some of the items sold in catalogs that are shared with friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. The emphasis of being a consultant with Close To My Heart is focused on having interesting Home Gatherings, as the amount of income will of course depend on the amount of sales one earns.