Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: My Journey to Starting a New Business

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Discussion Overview

This thread features participants sharing their experiences and encouragement related to stepping out of their comfort zones to start or grow their Pampered Chef businesses. Many discuss making phone calls, reaching out to potential hosts, and utilizing local connections to generate leads.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their excitement about taking proactive steps to start their business, including hanging flyers and reaching out to their realtor for leads.
  • Another participant expresses admiration for the efforts made by the original poster and shares their own intention to follow suit by making phone calls.
  • Several users mention the importance of building relationships with realtors and how this can lead to potential bookings and business growth.
  • One participant discusses the difference in benefits between catalog shows and cooking shows, noting that many hosts switch to cooking shows for higher sales and more free products.
  • Another participant reflects on the emotional challenges of making phone calls but emphasizes the rewards that come from doing so.
  • One user shares a personal experience of connecting with a neighbor and using that opportunity to promote their upcoming open house.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of stepping out of comfort zones and making connections, particularly with realtors. However, there are differing views on the focus of their efforts, such as whether to prioritize higher sales or potential bookings.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and emotional responses to starting a business in a new area, highlighting the challenges and successes faced by participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for motivation and shared experiences related to initiating their businesses and making connections within their communities may find this thread beneficial.

smilesarepriceless
smilesarepriceless
Gold Member
Messages
547
Ok..i want this to work. I want it bad. I am willing to step out of my comfort zone...

So, today ...

1. I hung up 2 flyers in 2 different apartment complexes nearby.
2. I called my realtor who sold us our home 2 months ago...I asked her if she was familiar with PC..she then told me how a friend over the 4th holiday was telling her how she needed to buy some stoneware, I asked if her friend sold PC, and she said no..and so I told her how I'd love to bring her a catalog....and how i'm trying to get my business started here in a new area. She then gave me 4 leads of places I could take my catalogs ( the bank we worked w/, the title company we worked with, and she said I could bring several to her office as well..) then I asked if she'd want to have a cooking/catalog show..and she said she'd be willing to do a catalog show, and I told her about the benefits, and that she could get her stone she wants for free along with other great things...and so...I'm excited!
3. I made a contact for a fundraiser..but the person I needed to contact wasn't available..but in a meeting..

My heart kind of got antzy, as i was waiting to hear the phone ring, but I did it..I just made 2 phone calls that i DIDN"T want to make..but I did want to make..

slowly.....
 
Way to go, Heather!
 
smilesarepriceless said:
Ok..i want this to work. I want it bad. I am willing to step out of my comfort zone...

So, today ...

1. I hung up 2 flyers in 2 different apartment complexes nearby.
2. I called my realtor who sold us our home 2 months ago...I asked her if she was familiar with PC..she then told me how a friend over the 4th holiday was telling her how she needed to buy some stoneware, I asked if her friend sold PC, and she said no..and so I told her how I'd love to bring her a catalog....and how i'm trying to get my business started here in a new area. She then gave me 4 leads of places I could take my catalogs ( the bank we worked w/, the title company we worked with, and she said I could bring several to her office as well..) then I asked if she'd want to have a cooking/catalog show..and she said she'd be willing to do a catalog show, and I told her about the benefits, and that she could get her stone she wants for free along with other great things...and so...I'm excited!
3. I made a contact for a fundraiser..but the person I needed to contact wasn't available..but in a meeting..

My heart kind of got antzy, as i was waiting to hear the phone ring, but I did it..I just made 2 phone calls that i DIDN"T want to make..but I did want to make..

slowly.....
Click to expand...

Heather - what an incredible lead w/ your realtor! It only takes one show to turn your business around!
Great job getting on the phone and making those calls!

Also - do a search for realtor - there are alot of great ideas on here for working w/ realtors.....and gift set ideas for realtors to give to clients.....
 
Way to go, Heather! Now I need to follow your lead & get on the phone, too!
 
That is great News!! Good for you for putting yourself out there.
 
Excellent, Heather! Keep doing what you are doing and you will have a great summer and fall! Remember that you rarely reap and sow in the same season ... they tell us what we do today impacts our business 90 days from now.
 
Hi Heather,

When I'm done reviewing the host benefits with a catalog hosts, I let her know that while I'm thrilled to be supporting her with a catalog show....in truth, hosts generally receive much more free product at a cooking show since it gives people the opportunity to see our tools in person. I then ask her if she's sure she wouldn't like to have an evening with her friends where I do the cooking...and she receives great kitchen tools.

I'd say about half my catalog show hosts change their mind and decide to host a cooking show (and go for higher sales) instead. Just thought I'd share in case this might help you. :)

Kris
 
Heather, first, congratulations on your success as noted in your local newspaper!!!

Second, keep picking up the phone....think of it as fishing!! I never cared for fishing because the girlie girl in me thought it was yucky and slimey but the main reason is that results were not as quick as I wanted. And if I did get good results, it was just a lame ole little stinking common fish!!! (Hmmmm and I think it is just others in my family that have the patience of a dead nat!!!:rolleyes:) I'm not sure what kind of fish if I was expecting but I just remember being bored when the results didn't come when "I" wanted them to!!

I usually tell new consultants to get their first six shows on their calendar....and then start working on getting the next six shows! Also, getting the connection with your realtor is an excellent idea. Making connections and building relationships...that is what it is all about. With your beautiful smile...you will certainly be someone that will attract people to book parties with you!
 
For me, it isn't the higher sales I'm personally concerned about (though I do like giving away free stuff), but the potential bookings that come with a cooking show.

(Sorry left that part off my post...it's almost midnight here and I'm brain-fried)
 
legacypc46 said:
For me, it isn't the higher sales I'm personally concerned about (though I do like giving away free stuff), but the potential bookings that come with a cooking show.

(Sorry left that part off my post...it's almost midnight here and I'm brain-fried)
Click to expand...

It's all good...recruit leads, bookings, higher sales, bigger commission checks, etc., etc.!!!:)
 
oh, don't get me wrong: i do like the higher commission checks too :)
 
Way to go! That's not working hard, it's working smart. Big difference.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
Thanks all! And...to top it off, about an hour after my original post, I had made some yummy homemade spinach dip, and had LOADS of it ( and DH doesn't eat it) so I carried it over a friendly neighbor who had brought me african violets as a moving in present about 1 mth ago..and told her that I had some spinach dip and crackers I wanted to share with her..
( she happenned to be having a dinner party too tonight in about 1 hour..so she was thrilled to add the dip to her 'food' for the evening..

Then i said to her, " I just signed up to be a Pampered Chef Consultant' and plan to have an open house in a few weeks, would she mind if I got her an official invite as soon as I get the date.."

She said "sure..that's great..and Misty ( the neighbor next to her) would come too I'm sure..I'll tell her also."!

The day has been great...

Gotta keep my momentum :> :>

Thanks guys!
 
Way to go Heather! I know how hard it is to pick up that phone and how rewarding it is when I actually do it! I love reading other people's stories, as they let me know that I am not alone and if you can do it, so can i! So thanks and congrats! Keep it up!
 
smilesarepriceless said:
I called my realtor who sold us our home 2 months ago...

My heart kind of got antzy, as i was waiting to hear the phone ring, but I did it..I just made 2 phone calls that i DIDN"T want to make..but I did want to make..

slowly.....
Click to expand...
Awesome job Heather! :cool: I am doing an expo for realtors in September here in Phoenix... you may want to do a google search for realtor's associations in your area!?! You could advertise in their newsletters, etc. I'm really hoping this lead avenue will turn into somthing somewhat steady for my business.

And congrats on picking up the phone! My heart thumps out of my chest everytime I have to pick it up too. I HATE the phone! Glad to know I'm not alone... is there a 12 step program for that?:D
 
Great job. I just started contacting realtors in my area too... keeping my fingers crossed!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired you to step out of your comfort zone and start a new business?

My inspiration came from a desire for personal growth and the need for financial independence. I realized that staying in my comfort zone was holding me back from achieving my goals and dreams. The idea of starting a business, particularly with Pampered Chef, excited me because it aligned with my passion for cooking and connecting with others.

What challenges did you face when starting your new business?

One of the biggest challenges was overcoming my fear of public speaking and networking. I had to learn how to present myself confidently and engage with potential customers. Additionally, managing my time effectively while balancing my personal life and new business responsibilities was initially overwhelming.

How did you overcome your fears and doubts about starting a business?

I tackled my fears by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating each milestone. I also sought support from fellow consultants and mentors within the Pampered Chef community, who provided encouragement and shared their experiences. This network helped me build confidence and reminded me that I wasn't alone in my journey.

What skills have you developed since starting your business?

Since starting my business, I have developed several valuable skills, including effective communication, sales techniques, and time management. I've also improved my cooking skills and learned how to demonstrate products effectively, which has enhanced my ability to connect with customers and showcase the value of Pampered Chef products.

What advice would you give to someone considering stepping out of their comfort zone to start a business?

I would advise them to embrace the discomfort and view it as a growth opportunity. Start by identifying your passions and how they can translate into a business. Surround yourself with supportive people, set realistic goals, and be patient with yourself as you learn and grow. Remember, every successful entrepreneur started somewhere, and taking that first step is crucial.

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