Should I Prioritize My New Business Over My Current One?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by a participant balancing a new fitness business with their Pampered Chef (PC) business. Participants share personal experiences regarding time management, feelings of stress, and the impact of juggling multiple responsibilities.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses feeling overwhelmed by managing both a new fitness business and their PC business, questioning if it's acceptable to prioritize the new venture.
  • Another participant shares their experience of taking time off from PC due to personal circumstances, suggesting that it's okay to step back as needed.
  • Several users mention that it is common to feel drained while managing multiple commitments, emphasizing the importance of doing what one can without added pressure.
  • One participant notes that the flexibility of direct sales allows individuals to choose their level of engagement with PC while establishing other businesses.
  • Another participant discusses the significance of focusing on income-producing activities, sharing their approach to time management and planning.
  • Some participants reflect on the stress of adhering to a "full-time" mentality in PC, suggesting that it's important to find a balance that works for individual circumstances.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of maintaining a certain level of activity in PC while starting a new business. Some participants agree that it's normal to feel overwhelmed and that prioritizing other ventures is acceptable, while others emphasize the importance of staying active in PC.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences that highlight the challenges of balancing multiple roles, including family responsibilities and personal commitments, which contribute to feelings of stress and the need for flexibility in business approaches.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be relevant to consultants managing multiple business ventures or those feeling pressured by the expectations of maintaining activity in their PC business while pursuing other interests.

M
mistym
I dunno..something is not jiving right now and I am getting panicky about my PC biz. Recently I have been trying to set myself up as a fitness instructor. Its been a toll on my time, I took the certification which was a lot of studying, I work out 4-5 times a week plus all the promoting and advertising I am doing.

I know I can run both but the setup of this other biz seems to have taken a lot out of me both physically and mentally. By the time it comes to focus on PC I seem to be too drained. Hence i only have 2 shows and a fair for June.

For those have other home run businesses..is this normal...will things settle into a routine?? I am feeling down on myself for not doing more, but then I only have 24 hrs in the day - lol...

I am sorry to put this negative thread out there but I am curious...do I sound like I am making excuses or is it really ok to lay off PC until I am established with the new biz???...

Thanks Guys

Misty
 
Don't know about how "normal" it is/you are (he he), but I took a WHOLE BUNCH of time "off" after DH had back surgery in January. I didn't call anyone/do anything for Jan - March. Oh wait, I lied, I had one catalog show in February to keep from going inactive. But that was it.

Since the whole idea of PC is to do what you want, when you want, if you want the other biz to take off right now, then pull back on PC. Just make sure you do enough to stay active. That's my two cents... for whatever that is actually worth!
 
I agree. There are times when it seems like I have NO time for PC. Funny, b/c sometimes that's when it takes care of itself (people call me for catalog shows)...that comes with time. Keep active and do what you can/want. It IS a job though. It will always take time and energy to succeed, but with the flexibility, YOU choose when/how to do that. Don't stress...it IS normal...I think.
 
Like most women on this site, you are juggling many things at one time. The advice you've received thus far is great. I agree with my PC friends ~ do what you think you can and do one or two shows just to stay active. No matter what you'll be successful so hold on to that. You may be due for some "me time" as well. Are you married w/kids? That can be an added stress (as much as I love my family it's all very stressful to juggle at times). Okay, that's my two cents.
 
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  • #5
Haha, yes I have 2 kids...oops sorry I mean I have a husband and a one yr old.
Its really nice to hear this guys..I am my biggest critic so to hear you say "its ok" is nice. Hopefully it will take some pressure off and things will pick up again!

Keep the great advice coming!

With all your 2 cents I will be a millionaire

M
 
misty
ur so lucky, only 2 kids, i have 4! my husband, 2yr old son, and 2 goldens who are my biggest babies lol
and with a 1yr old at that stage of wanting to get into everything i dont blame you for feeling drained :) along with out hot muggy weather we finally have
the beauty of these direct sales businesses is that they work when you want them to:)
do as much pc as you can while establishing your other biz and everything will work out and fall into place for you
good luck, relax and enjoy
hope to meet at conference :)
 
Start-up in any business is stressful. I am confident that you'll settle into some semblance of a routine.

Last night I was part of a training call. The facilitator talked about the importance of concentrating on money-generating activities. Plan out your day. Group like activities--make your calls from 9 to 11, do computer work from 1 to 3, etc. Having a plan might help with some of that frazzled feeling.

And, finally, go easy on yourself. While PC is a business, it should be fun.
 
IPAs--Income Producing Activities. My husband and I always joke about that one. We went to a training together and that's one thing they kept harping on. Don't join any sports leagues because they aren't an IPA. Don't watch tv because it's not an IPA. Don't do anything that isn't an IpA!! I about had to scream!! That is NOT why I joined this. If that is how I have to work it I couldn't stay in business. It's yours to do with what you wish, honey! Two shows in June is a good start and sound comfortable to coincide with what you've already got on your plate. If nothing else just try to stay consistent with 1 or 2 a month. That goal should be easy and take a bunch of pressure off. They really coach us to be full-timers, but pssst....(don't listen to them :))
 
I agree. A life of only IPAs would be horrible! I'm sure you know I wasn't suggesting that.

What I was suggesting is that she might take a look at the PC work (and other business stuff) she's doing, and make sure it's where she wants to expend her energies. I know it's easy for me to get bogged down in doing things that are business related, but aren't income producing. Since I work nearly full time and run two home-based businesses, I don't really have time to waste doing business busywork.

(Not offended; just clarifying.)
 
Chef Kearns said:
They really coach us to be full-timers, but pssst....(don't listen to them :))
Click to expand...

I totally agree! It took me awhile to realize that I could be successful in my own mind & not have to do as well as everyone in the CN. I've had a really hard time this year getting a good balance from PC & the rest of my life. My daughter is now 2 & wants more "mommy time" so I can't get much done when she's awake. Plus I'm 5 months pg with #2, which has completely drained my energy. And I watch my 3 year old nephew & my sister is due with #2 in July, who I'll watch when she goes back to work. I started when DD was 4 months & my nephew was 22 months, so they took more naps & didn't drain me as much with their energy. Now that they are older & 2 more are on the way, I've had a really hard time getting a routine. I realized I was trying to run 2 full time jobs, but since I was at home, I didn't really think I was working. So I've decided that I want to be in PC for the long run, so I'm going to do it part-time now (mostly just doing shows & not spending so much time at home with it--on phone, paperwork) & then going to full-time once the youngest kid starts some kind of school so I have some time to myself to work my biz. I've felt much better since making that decision!

So, I agree with the others. Spend time on starting up your other biz right now & just do enough with PC to get by/keep you satisfied. Then you can ease more & more in once you get going with the other biz. Good luck!!!
 
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  • #11
Chef K..I do think I get stressed because of the "full time" approach that PC has to the biz. I mean, understand why and kudos to EVERYONE who can do this. I think I just get carried away in thinking that I should also be doing this while forgetting that I do a HECK of a lot of other stuff. I love this term IPA....I always assess my day based on my IPA's whether it be PC or Fitness...I know that 90% of my days are focused on stuff that will generate income (be it now or in the future).

Thanks guys.....***cleansing breath***....you really are the best support a girl could have!

M
 
raebates said:
I agree. A life of only IPAs would be horrible! I'm sure you know I wasn't suggesting that.

What I was suggesting is that she might take a look at the PC work (and other business stuff) she's doing, and make sure it's where she wants to expend her energies. I know it's easy for me to get bogged down in doing things that are business related, but aren't income producing. Since I work nearly full time and run two home-based businesses, I don't really have time to waste doing business busywork.

(Not offended; just clarifying.)
Click to expand...

I'm glad you weren't offended because I wasn't speaking about you. Your comment made me think of that training!:p
 
Nah. If someone wants to offend me they have to make it really clear--naming me specifically, using my address, phone number and birthday; using personal insults like stupid, ugly, useless . . . You get the idea.
 
Rae- you're not stupid, ugly and useless. You're brilliant, pretty and one of the most helpful people I know.

Aww... can't you feel the love coming through the internet?
 
I feel it! I do! Thanks, Ann.

I've mentioned this before, but I decided years ago that I would take things in their best possible light. Unless someone let me know in no uncertain terms that they were insulting me, I wouldn't take it that way. I'm much happier this way.

(Plus, it frustrates the heck out of those who are attempting to insult me. http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/happy0188.gif)
 
Well, y'all have helped me too. I have had some struggles here lately and have to say I am hard on myself too. I work a full time job and am a single mother of a special needs child. I would love to do the 2 shows a week but have to say the 3 contacts a day is really really hard.

I get home and am so exhausted that I sit there staring thinking "I need to get on the phone". Gap a little bit more and say to myself "I really need to get on the phone". "Oh shoot, it is now 10 till 9:00, guess I will get a good nights sleep and make calls tomorrow" Little do I know it is a repeating cycle.

I am working hard on not being down on myself but it is helpful to see discussions about it too. I was excited that I had 4 shows booked for June but now my show for Saturday "cancelled". I hope to re-schedule her but doubt it will be for months when she described what was going on. I need to come up with some way to get sales or shows by making up for the time not going this weekend.
 
Try to take at least some of the time you had set aside for the cancelled party to work on your business. Make some calls. Send some emails. Whatever. You don't need to fill up the whole time. But it's one way to make up for a cancelled (let's hope postponed) show.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I prioritize my new Pampered Chef business over my current job?

It depends on your personal circumstances and goals. If your current job provides financial stability and benefits, it may be wise to maintain that while gradually building your Pampered Chef business. However, if you see significant potential for growth in your new venture and can manage the risk, you might consider prioritizing it.

How can I balance my current job with my new Pampered Chef business?

Time management is key. Set specific hours for your Pampered Chef business, and use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay organized. Communicate with your employer about your commitments, and ensure you’re meeting your responsibilities at both jobs.

What are the potential risks of prioritizing my new business?

Prioritizing your new business could lead to financial instability if it does not generate immediate income. Additionally, it may strain your current job performance, which could jeopardize your existing employment. Carefully assess your financial situation and consider a gradual transition.

How long should I give my Pampered Chef business before deciding to prioritize it?

It’s advisable to give your new business at least 6 to 12 months to evaluate its potential. During this time, track your sales, customer engagement, and overall growth. This will help you make an informed decision about whether to prioritize it over your current job.

What factors should I consider when deciding to prioritize my new business?

Consider your financial needs, the growth potential of your Pampered Chef business, your passion for the products, and your current job satisfaction. Additionally, think about your support system and whether you can manage the demands of both roles effectively.

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