Hobbyist to Full Time Consultant

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores the transition from being a hobbyist Pampered Chef consultant to pursuing a full-time business. Participants share their experiences, challenges, and strategies related to booking shows and increasing sales.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a desire to transition from hobbyist to full-time consultant after four years, seeking advice on how to achieve this.
  • Another participant shares their experience of successfully booking multiple shows in a month, suggesting that double booking can strengthen business and lead to higher sales.
  • One participant mentions struggling to secure enough bookings despite having the availability to do more shows, indicating a challenge in reaching their goals.
  • Another participant suggests reaching out to past guests to inform them about upcoming specials as a way to generate bookings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections.
  • One participant shares their commitment to making a large number of phone calls to past hosts as a challenge to boost their business efforts.
  • A fellow consultant expresses support for the phone call challenge, noting that such challenges can be beneficial for motivation and tracking progress.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of booking strategies and the challenges faced in securing shows, with no clear consensus emerging on the best approach to transition to full-time consulting.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies based on their individual circumstances and business goals, highlighting the varied nature of their journeys within the Pampered Chef community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering a shift from hobbyist to full-time status may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their own business development.

momoftwins
Messages
1,099
I am a new mom to twins and have been doing PC for 4 years. In those 4 years I have just been a hobbyist consultant. I am wanting to now make my PC business be my full time job. Any advice how I can go about doing that (hobbyist to Full Time)???? Thanks in advance.
 
Set down prior to the beginning of the month and get your calendar ready for the next month. Make note of which days you can do shows. Then set out to book ALL of those days. My director does 2 shows a week and occasionally more. FT is 8 shows a month, so you need to do that many to reach your goal. Since unfortunately cancellations do occur my director recommends scheduling 10 shows in case someone bails. That way you are still booked full for the month. If no one bails, a bonus for you!
 
If you're able to, I would double book an upcoming month. Not only does that allow some leeway if one reschedules, but if they ALL occur you'll be amazed what it does for your business. I did that back in June because I wanted to earn all the fall products for free (I did get them ALL for free since I had over $6000 in sales). So, not only did that happen, but my business was much stronger as a result. I don't think I would have done as well with recruiting either if I didn't do that.

Good luck!!! :D
 
At the risk of being chastised for using the "can't" word, I just haven't been able to get that many bookings in a month! I'm in a position in my life (empty nester) where I could do and would like to do 2 shows a week, but so far I just can't seem to get the bookings...Any suggestions?
 
My suggestion would be to get on the phone and call as many of your past guests at shows as you can. Definitely fill them in on the Jan and Feb specials since those are AMAZING!! Even if they checked "no" on the drawing slip, it's worth a call. If they say no, then they say no, but you never know who may be swayed by the awesome specials. I want to try to do this between Thanksgiving and Christmas since I'll have some business down time since not as many shows are scheduled. Plus you can appeal to people's desire to get their friends together to see them after the crazy holidays when everybody is cooped up.

Also, go back to your list of 100. That's a tool that I know I don't use often enough. Call past hosts who haven't hosted in 6-12 months or more and let them know the specials. They are definitely the ones who will appreciate what great deals they are.

Good luck! :)
 
Thanks, Becky, for the advice. I just got back from Cluster mtg. A friend there challenged me to make 50 phone calls before Sunday night. We shook hands on it! Wish me luck with that 400 lb phone!
 
Ooooh, that is a VERY good challenge! A fellow consultant and I have done challenges such as that from time to time and I think it helps! Good luck to you. YOu can do it!! Keep some stats and let us know how it goes! :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to transition from a hobbyist to a full-time Pampered Chef consultant?

Transitioning from a hobbyist to a full-time Pampered Chef consultant means shifting your focus from occasional sales and casual involvement to making Pampered Chef your primary source of income. This involves dedicating more time to hosting parties, building a customer base, and actively recruiting and training new consultants.

What steps should I take to make this transition successfully?

To successfully transition, start by setting clear goals for your business, such as monthly sales targets and recruitment numbers. Increase your marketing efforts through social media, host more cooking shows, and engage with your community. Additionally, consider investing in training and resources to enhance your skills and knowledge about the products and sales techniques.

How can I build a customer base as a full-time consultant?

Building a customer base involves networking and establishing relationships. Attend local events, host cooking demonstrations, and utilize social media platforms to showcase your products and services. Encourage satisfied customers to refer friends and family, and consider offering incentives for referrals to expand your reach.

What are the financial considerations when becoming a full-time consultant?

When becoming a full-time consultant, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation. Consider your current income from Pampered Chef and how it compares to your expenses. Create a budget that includes costs for supplies, marketing, and potential training. It's also wise to have a financial cushion to support you during the initial phase of your transition.

How can I stay motivated and avoid burnout as a full-time consultant?

To stay motivated and avoid burnout, set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements. Schedule regular breaks and time off to recharge. Connect with other consultants for support and inspiration, and continually educate yourself about new products and sales strategies to keep your business fresh and exciting.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • Michelle Nab
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
1K
Michelle Nab
  • aimee73b
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
4
Views
1K
Doraine
  • Lilamyw3
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
14
Views
6K
raebates
  • Alora Rueth
  • Pampered Chef Support Group
Replies
2
Views
2K
Julie Henne
  • Chef_2_Four
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
4
Views
1K
AnaCash
  • AMTC
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
4
Views
2K
wadesgirl
  • hoosierchef
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
10
Views
2K
JackieBozeman
  • Kari L Ferrell
  • Pampered Chef Support Group
Replies
2
Views
2K
ShellBeach
  • kewaters
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
14
Views
2K
pampered1224
  • finley1991
  • Buy and Sell Items
Replies
2
Views
899
jwpamp
Back
Top