Tips on Getting Organized for a New Consultant

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers on various organizing systems and strategies for new Pampered Chef consultants looking to manage their business materials effectively. Participants share personal experiences and methods they have found useful in organizing their work-related documents and contacts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a need for an organizing system tailored for new consultants, mentioning a desire for a binder system and hanging files.
  • Another participant shares their experience with a tickler file system, explaining how they organize follow-up tasks by labeling files for specific days and months.
  • A different participant describes a method of organizing leads and customer follow-ups using dividers labeled by month, emphasizing the importance of adapting systems to personal styles.
  • One consultant mentions using a contact tracking program to reduce paper clutter and highlights the importance of tracking contacts as a foundational aspect of managing a Pampered Chef business.
  • Another participant details their current organization system, which includes a combination of binders and file folders, listing specific binders for various business aspects.
  • Several participants express gratitude for shared tips and resources, indicating a collaborative atmosphere in seeking organizational strategies.
  • One participant asks for assistance in locating specific paperwork related to the "Business in a Binder" system, indicating a need for guidance among newer consultants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best organizing systems, with no clear consensus on a single method that works for everyone. Participants emphasize the need for personalization in organizing strategies.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a variety of experiences and preferences among consultants at different stages in their business, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by new consultants in establishing effective organizational systems.

Who May Find This Useful

New Pampered Chef consultants seeking ideas and inspiration for organizing their business materials may find the shared experiences and strategies beneficial.

E
emo812
Messages
191
Hi! I'm looking for an organizing system to get my PC stuff together. I've found a few things on here but I'm looking for something geared for a New consultant. Most of the stuff I have found is for directors and higher ups.
I want to do some sort of binder system as well as something with hanging files too.

Any tips would be welcome. I just feel like I'm not getting very far in my business because I don't have a system or routine in place yet!!

Thanks,
Erin
 
The problem with organizing systems is that what works for me might not work for you. At various times I've used what is often called a tickler file. You can do this either in a binder or with hanging files. You label files (or binder pockets) 1 through 31 and January through December. Say I have three things today that I want to follow up on in the future. One is for this month on the 20th. I'll place that in the file labeled "20." The second is for November 10. I'll put that in the November file. The third is for sometime in May. I'll put that in the May file. When November rolls around, I'll take everything out of the November file and put it in the appropriate day. If I don't have a specific day, I'll choose one at that time. Does that make sense?The most important thing about any organizing system is to use it. Adapt it to your personal style. For me, unless I find something tremendously frustrating right away, I try to give it six months. At that point I evaluate. If it isn't easy to maintain, try another system. Best wishes on your business!
 
What I have recently started doing is taping/stapling the door prize drawing slip to a piece of lined paper. If they are a booking (or booking lead) I put it into a booking binder. If they are just a customer, I put them into a customer care folder. If you have recruit leads, they can go into a separate binder as well.

So basically, I use the dividers and label them January through December. If I have a booking lead that says, "maybe in November," I put them in the October section. If they are just a customer, I put them in a spot a month or so out from the party they were at so I can follow up with them to see if they are happy with the products. When I do call them, I offer them the booking opportunity again or ask if I can continue to follow up with them in the future. Then I move them to the appropriate spot.

Rae is right though, what works for me doesn't always work for everyone. Good luck getting organized!


(ETA: I tape the DPDS on the paper so I can make notes when I do contact them again)
 
Last edited:
I've tried different things in the past and right now, my goal is to have the least amount of paper I can possibly have. I have found a tremendous contact tracking program (oprius.com) that has helped me eliminate all of my show receipts. I wish I had of used it from the beginning. You can also use PP/PP3 for tracking your contacts, but it never worked for me. There are many systems you can use, just find one that works for you. I believe that tracking your contacts is the #1 thing you need to get under control as you begin your PC business.

Now, for other papers, I did have a binder system at one time. I've attached the listing (Business in a Binder contents) for you.

At the moment, I have a combination of file folders and binders. I have a 2-drawer filing cabinet. One drawer is for PC stuff and I use orange folders. The other, I use brown folders for all my personal stuff. I've attached my listing of those files for you (both PC and personal files).

The binders I have right now are:
- Recipe for Success - I have here the old and new PC business guides, any notes I have taken during coaching calls, meetings or conference go in the appropriate section.
- Recruiting binder - Info on recruiting and business cards from different consultants about why they joined and are in the business.
- Host binder - Host information sheets for all upcoming shows.
- Dream Team binder - all info about the Dream Team I am on with my Director.
- There are others, but I'm not home right now and can't think of what they are.
- Newsletters/flyers binder - I have monthly tabs here with CN, specials, newsletters filed behind the appropriate months. I go through it once in a while when it gets full and purge old info.

Anyway, I hope I have given you a few ideas....sorry for the long post!

Have fun getting organized!
 

Attachments

  • Thread starter
  • #5
Thanks for the tips and files Marie!! They are very helpful.
 
I do have a question to the person who made Business in a Binder. Where can you find most of the paperwork. I am a consultant of 4 months now. I need to get organized so bad. I am trying to follow for the binders but I can't get my hand on some of items on the list. Can someone help and guide me in the right direction?

Thanks so much in advance.

Rachel
 
rbvernon said:
I do have a question to the person who made Business in a Binder. Where can you find most of the paperwork. I am a consultant of 4 months now. I need to get organized so bad. I am trying to follow for the binders but I can't get my hand on some of items on the list. Can someone help and guide me in the right direction?

Thanks so much in advance.

Rachel
Click to expand...

I'd love to help you out, Rachel. What is it you're looking for? Email me if you like at [email protected] and maybe I can email you some of the things you are looking for.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps a new Pampered Chef consultant should take to get organized?

The first steps include setting up a dedicated workspace, creating a planner or calendar for scheduling parties and events, and organizing your Pampered Chef products and materials. This will help you manage your time effectively and keep track of important tasks.

How can I keep track of my contacts and leads?

Using a customer relationship management (CRM) tool or a simple spreadsheet can help you keep track of your contacts and leads. Make sure to note their interests, follow-up dates, and any specific details that can help personalize your communication.

What tools or resources should I use to stay organized?

Consider using a combination of digital tools like Google Calendar for scheduling, Trello or Asana for task management, and a dedicated notebook for jotting down ideas and notes. Additionally, Pampered Chef provides resources and training materials that can help you stay organized.

How can I manage my inventory effectively?

To manage your inventory effectively, keep a detailed list of your products and their quantities. Regularly check your stock levels and set reminders to reorder popular items. Utilizing inventory management software can also streamline this process.

What are some tips for organizing my party planning materials?

Organize your party planning materials by creating folders for different types of events, such as cooking shows, virtual parties, or fundraisers. Include templates for invitations, follow-up emails, and promotional materials. This will make it easier to access what you need when planning an event.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

What are the best online party game ideas for consultants?
  • BonnieK
    • Pampered Chef Support Group
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Tips for Staying Organized in a Small Space: One Bedroom Apartment Living
  • blueikaos
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
15
Views
4K
cmcchef
  • Sticky
How Can ChefSuccess.com Enhance Your Pampered Chef Journey?
  • Admin Greg
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
0
Views
9K
Admin Greg
Tips on Getting Your Business Started and Organized
  • kat29
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Requirements for New Consultant?
  • Cat2000
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
2
Views
6K
Admin Greg
What advice do you have for a new consultant?
  • Cassandra Blair
    • Pampered Chef Support Group
Replies
2
Views
1K
Monica Thorpe
How Can I Succeed as a New Pampered Chef Consultant?
  • Erin Bender
    • Pampered Chef Support Group
Replies
2
Views
2K
DebPC
Looking for a Consultant on the Island of Saipan
  • Sheila
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
11
Views
2K
NooraK
What Are the Essential Supplies and Tips for a New Consultant Starting Out?
  • Debbie.A.NOC
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
10
Views
2K
tlag1986
Any Tips for a Brand New Consultant?
  • pc_am1
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
3
Views
2K
PamperedPrincess74
Back
Top