FAQs For Prospective Eco-Consultants

What expertise do I need to qualify?

Since it's a new field, we don’t expect you to have been an Eco-Consultant before. We train you (via web based training) on all of our services and products, including the detailed Green Home Makeover Plan, which covers room by room improvements a homeowner can make to live a greener, healthier lifestyle. We want to bring on Green Irenes who are passionate about living a green lifestyle, yet non-judgmental.

What hours would I work?

You set the hours you are willing to accept appointments and schedule Green Home Makeovers and other in person visits. Some people work 9 am to 3 pm a few days a week, others only want to work on weekends and others only accept early evening appointments because that fits their lifestyle and that of some clients.

Is Green Irene a Franchise?

No, and as a result there are no Franchise Fees.

Do you have to be a woman to be a Green Irene?

No. Guys also like the idea of work that improves the environment and provides a valuable service to their neighbors.

Is there a typical “Green Irene”?

There is no typical Green Irene. Our Green Irenes come from many backgrounds, including stay at home mothers who are looking to conduct one or two Green Home Makeovers a day or several days a week, people re-entering the workforce and recent college graduates who want a “Green” opportunity. Active seniors are also attracted to the opportunity and the flexibility. There are opportunities to make this a second job by taking appointments only in the early evenings or on the weekends.

Would I be the only Green Irene Eco-Consultant in my town?

Our goal is to help you become the Green Guru of your community. We want you to have a large enough territory that you can be as busy as you care to be, though we don’t want you driving long distances for appointments. More information is available on this in our Distributor Agreement, which you can review when you express interest in becoming a Green Irene.

Do you need a college degree to be an Eco-Consultant?

No, but we do require a high school degree.

What skills do you need to be a successful Eco-Consultant?

You need to have a healthy curiosity to keep learning in an evolving field. You need to be comfortable interacting with a homeowner and going through your consulting plan and explaining your recommendations. You need to be friendly, organized and have excellent follow-up skills. It certainly helps to be passionate and interested in creating a healthier world, but you definitely won't be successful if you are a “Preachy Green Person.” You will find yourself in a basement checking the water temperature setting on a hot water heater and screwing in a lot of CFL energy efficient lightbulbs, but no mechanical skills are required.

Can I work from my home?

Yes, of course. You do not need an “office” to commute to since you visit with clients in their homes.

What is the cost to become a Green Irene Eco-Consultant?

The training and business set-up fee is $150 and you have 30 days in which to buy your demo kit (the demo kit is shipped promptly after payment).The set-up and training fee includes the online training, customized marketing materials in digital form, access to The Ask Green Irene database, access to the BackOffice, your own personal Green Irene ecommerce website (www.GreenIrene.com/YourNameAndYourCommunity) and email forwarding (YourName.YourCommunity@greenirene.com). Then, within 30 days, you buy the demo kit for $300 that includes a representative group of the Green Irene recommended products (not sample sizes, but real products) - CFLs, a water conservation kit, toxic free cleaners and a few other items. During your training you can start selling through your new website and begin earning money to pay for the demo kit!

What do I need to be an Eco-Consultant with Green Irene?

You are required to have a computer with a high-speed Internet connections (i.e. DSL/cable) as well as a cell phone so we can reach you on short notice if a client needs to reschedule. You will obviously need to visit with clients in their home in your community, so the transportation requirements will vary.

How do I get customers?

We advertise and market Green Irene nationally and provide you with leads, but we need you to market yourself locally and network in your community. This is a grassroots, community-based effort, and the best marketing is word-of-mouth recommendations.

Do I receive a salary and benefits?

No. Eco-Consultants are independent business people and not employees of Green Irene LLC. You are trained by Green Irene and use our consulting materials and products.

How will I get paid?

Green Irene LLC handles all billing fees to the clients. You receive a monthly check based on collections from your clients for consulting and product sales.

Can I do this as a summer job in college or high school?

The opportunity does not lend itself to a short term or seasonal job because it takes time to build a client base through word-of-mouth and local marketing. There are start-up fees and investments for training that also aren't ideal for a short-term effort.

Do I need to be Incorporated or be able to accept credit cards?

No, you do not need to have a corporation. You can do business as a sole proprietor and report your income and expenses on your personal 1040 tax form. Green Irene LLC processes payment from the clients by credit card or check and ships the products directly to their home.

What products does Green Irene sell?

Our products are not Green Irene-labeled products, but Green Irene recommended products. That means that we research and evaluate products in order to hand select what we believe to be the "best in category" products. Consequently, we are always looking for new products to add to our offerings and welcome suggestions from our Eco-Consultants.

Do I need to hold inventory of Green Irene products?

No, we hold the inventory and ship the products directly to the buyer. The Eco-Consultant will need a demo kit to be able to effectively sell some of the products, but the Eco-Consultant is not required to buy and hold any inventory.

How can I get more information on becoming a Green Irene Eco-Consultant?

Please CONTACT US to have Rosamaria call you back to discuss the opportunity at a time convenient for you.

Is this the best green business I can start?

We tell anyone who will listen that they should redirect their career to participate in the booming Green Economy. Being a Green Consultant is one way to make money and to make a positive impact in your community. As you think about all of your options, you may want to buy the book, 75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make a Difference, by Glenn Croston, which is available at Amazon now.

He doesn't discuss green consulting as an option in the first edition of the book, but discusses green consulting and Green Irene in his blog.