Should I Recruit a Potential Team Member for My Consultant Business?

Jillybill · Aug 12, 2008

I've just gotten through my first 30 days as a consultant, and I already have someone interested in the business. We're still going to talk more about it, she just asked me some questions about it and I'm following up later.

This lady is having a show in September, and she's my first (solid) booking outside my friend/family circle. I have one other lead for a show outside of my circle, but she is moving at the end of August so couldn't commit to a date before she sorted that whole thing out.

I guess my concern is this - if this lady signs and I hand over any bookings from her show, there goes a whole circle of people while I'M still trying to grow my business.

And having one recruit does nothing for me whatsoever, aside from the new promo (which is only valid if she does $1250 in 30 days.) I would feel so much pressure to promote ASAP and have tons of shows to make the FD requirements. So I might get $100 and lose out on normal commissions. I wasn't really looking for a downline, but I don't want to turn her away or anything...

What do I do?

smspamperedchef · Aug 12, 2008

When you do this girl's show and IF she decides to sign tell her you will SHARE her bookings with her. This way, you are not losing out and neither is she. Now, given, people like her mom, her best friend and her sister would probably do a show for her naturally, but maybe a friend that someone brought wants to host and that one and others she may not know as well would be your bookings. Make sure that when this lady has her show that she OVERINVITES and tells EVERYONE to BRING A FRIEND!!! This well help you out tremendously!
Now, also keep working on your list of 100 and keep calling those on your list to get you some more solid bookings as well. This way you won't have to worry so much about losing any bookings because you will already have a decent looking calendar after you call all 100 on your list! Good luck and Congrats on having this recruit lead. It really isn't a bad thing to grow a team. Also remember, the currrent promo is $1,000 in their first 30 days but it ends on August 31st and you said she's doing her show in September. You will benefit by earning $50 PC dollars because you are still in your 90 days! You will benefit even more when you sign up two! Don't feel pressure to promote! You would only need a minimum of 3-4 shows to meet the FD requirements and I see your goal is 8 shows a month! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

BethCooks4U · Aug 12, 2008

I worried about that same thing when I started and that's why it took me 3 years to promote.

I can tell you that if you make it about THEM (your hosts, your possible recruits, your guests) YOU will thrive. Once I put what I would get - or lose - on the back burner things changed!

I recruited 2 long time hosts that had long strong lines of shows from them and their friends. When I needed a booking one of them was happy to help. Well, they both finally signed in the same month. I admit that it "took" a lot of business from me and I struggled for several months. Finally, with coaching from my director, I realized that I needed to actually do something about it. I got on the phone and did customer care calls, follow up calls, asked for referrals, etc. I got myself back on track.

You are new. ASK FOR REFERRALS. Tell everyone you want to succeed and that you need their help to find people outside of your circle so you don't have to depend on them for business. Wear the logo. Business is everywhere. Share.

ChefBeckyD · Aug 12, 2008

BethCooks4U said:
I worried about that same thing when I started and that's why it took me 3 years to promote.

I can tell you that if you make it about THEM (your hosts, your possible recruits, your guests) YOU will thrive. Once I put what I would get - or lose - on the back burner things changed!

I recruited 2 long time hosts that had long strong lines of shows from them and their friends. When I needed a booking one of them was happy to help. Well, they both finally signed in the same month. I admit that it "took" a lot of business from me and I struggled for several months. Finally, with coaching from my director, I realized that I needed to actually do something about it. I got on the phone and did customer care calls, follow up calls, asked for referrals, etc. I got myself back on track.

You are new. ASK FOR REFERRALS. Tell everyone you want to succeed and that you need their help to find people outside of your circle so you don't have to depend on them for business. Wear the logo. Business is everywhere. Share.

Thanks for this post Beth! I am dealing with this exact scenario this week! I had both of my new recruits with me yesterday....and as we were talking about their first shows, I realized every single one of their shows was a host of mine!

I'm losing a ton of business - but gaining 2 team members!

BethCooks4U · Aug 12, 2008

ChefBeckyD said:
Thanks for this post Beth! I am dealing with this exact scenario this week! I had both of my new recruits with me yesterday....and as we were talking about their first shows, I realized every single one of their shows was a host of mine! I'm losing a ton of business - but gaining 2 team members!

Becky, I am here to tell you that it is SOOO worth it! Not only are they building their businesses we are building even stronger friendships! It is definitely win - win!! :love:

pamperedlinda · Aug 12, 2008

One of the ladies in our cluster who just promoted to Exec Dir tells a funny story. When she first started with PC she wanted all the bookings so when people would ask her how to become a consultant she would tell them "Oh, I'm so sorry, the company isn't hiring right now". Too funny! She realized what she was missing out on and look at her now!

Humble Beginnings · Aug 12, 2008

This is a great post and I would love to hear more imput. I have the same situation. I didn't realize I needed 2 recruits to receive an override. Also I didnt' realize the impact of potentially handing over the bookings. I'm also within my first 90. I do feel more pressure than I wanted at this point. She is very much going to sign and yes it is very exciting but also stressful. I am trying to work on my list because as of yet I do not have any cooking shows in my calendar since my inital ones and her's that I booked off another show. I had a great start to my business and want to continue just trying to do my best. Good luck and congrats.

Jillybill · Aug 12, 2008

smspamperedchef said:
When you do this girl's show and IF she decides to sign tell her you will SHARE her bookings with her. This way, you are not losing out and neither is she. Now, given, people like her mom, her best friend and her sister would probably do a show for her naturally, but maybe a friend that someone brought wants to host and that one and others she may not know as well would be your bookings. Make sure that when this lady has her show that she OVERINVITES and tells EVERYONE to BRING A FRIEND!!! This well help you out tremendously!
Now, also keep working on your list of 100 and keep calling those on your list to get you some more solid bookings as well. This way you won't have to worry so much about losing any bookings because you will already have a decent looking calendar after you call all 100 on your list! Good luck and Congrats on having this recruit lead. It really isn't a bad thing to grow a team. Also remember, the currrent promo is $1,000 in their first 30 days but it ends on August 31st and you said she's doing her show in September. You will benefit by earning $50 PC dollars because you are still in your 90 days! You will benefit even more when you sign up two! Don't feel pressure to promote! You would only need a minimum of 3-4 shows to meet the FD requirements and I see your goal is 8 shows a month! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Oh, in Canada it ends Sept 30, and it's $1250. But I forgot about the PC dollars. So I could potentially get $100 cash and $100 PC out of it.

I'm doing my first host coaching call this afternoon, and I'm going to try and be the most enthusiastic awesome host coach ever. I'm really going to try and go above and beyond for high attendance.

And then if she decides to sign I'm going to recruit another person ASAP so I can promote!! Honestly I am just worried that I wouldn't have time to be a FD. I am going to school in the fall (full time, but the schedule is part-time). Then I will have a part time job (15-18 hours a week) and homework and then PC! Whew! I guess I just have to take a breath and think very positive.

I'm doing customer care calls tonight - everyone cross your fingers for bookings!

TinaOuellette · Aug 12, 2008

I've been a consultant for 3 years at the end of this month and still haven't recruited anyone, just by fear of loosing bookings! I feel really foolish cause I just love PC and I would be crazy not to offer this wonderfull oportunity. Thanks for the wonderfull advice. I have to really stick to my hostess calls, customer care calls and not be affraid to ask people if they ever heard about the Pampered Chef and if they would be interested in getting more info.

Thank you!

pampered.chris · Aug 12, 2008

pamperedlinda said:
One of the ladies in our cluster who just promoted to Exec Dir tells a funny story. When she first started with PC she wanted all the bookings so when people would ask her how to become a consultant she would tell them "Oh, I'm so sorry, the company isn't hiring right now". Too funny! She realized what she was missing out on and look at her now!

I burst out laughing at this!! How funny!!!

I also am one that is hesitant to recruit. In my area I am currently driving anywhere from 20min to 1.5 hours to get to a show and that is just ONE way!! Anyhow, w/ the driving that I do to get to the shows, I am still having a tough time getting bookings and I don't want to lose my bookings.
At one time I had a downline of 4. One lady had to quit for medical reasons, one was a very young girl that got a new bf and he didn't want her to do this, one is still active and the other one moved and went to college. I am very happy that I didn't make directorship at that time b/c it would have really hurt me when they all quit.
I loved having a team and looking back I was making quite a bit of extra cash off them, and I would LOVE to do it again, but I am a chicken and don't want to lose bookings. But I want a team!!!

Chef Bobby · Aug 13, 2008

I finally recruited the lady that cuts my hair. She has helped me book several shows by helping me advertise. I feel good because now I get to help her to get her business started. I think she will be a great help to my future cluster sales when I become a Director.

legacypc46 · Aug 13, 2008

You will never go wrong by helping someone else start their business. Sharon's advice is super; let your new gal know you'll be glad to share your business (your bookings) with her.

Should I Recruit a Potential Team Member for My Consultant Business?

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