What Do You Wish You Knew When You First Started?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various insights and experiences shared by participants regarding what they wish they had known when they first started their journey as Pampered Chef consultants. Participants discuss a range of topics from booking and selling to training and networking strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, emphasizes the importance of asking everyone to host or learn about the Pampered Chef opportunity.
  • Another participant shares their experience of mailing invites for hosts to improve sales and attendance.
  • Several users mention the value of having fun and not taking mistakes personally in their business.
  • One participant notes the significance of being organized and utilizing available training resources effectively.
  • Another participant highlights the benefit of networking with other consultants and attending cluster meetings.
  • One participant expresses the wish they had known about the ability to order monthly specials in advance for shows.
  • Several participants discuss the concept of not reinventing the wheel and utilizing existing materials and strategies provided by Pampered Chef.
  • One participant shares their experience of reaching out to top producers for guidance and support.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants, with some emphasizing the importance of asking and networking, while others focus on organization and training. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach or strategy.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and insights based on their journeys as consultants, reflecting a variety of approaches and perspectives within the community.

Who May Find This Useful

New and existing Pampered Chef consultants may find the shared experiences and insights beneficial as they navigate their own business practices.

K
koima
Messages
226
What are the bits of wisdom you've picked up as you've gone along that you wish you'd started with? From booking to selling to recruiting to paperwork, what are your favorite tips and tricks?
 
ASK EVERYONE!

That is the biggest thing! Ask EVERYONE if they would like to host, and ask EVERYONE if they would like some information about the PC opportunity.


Also - mailing invites for your hosts really does give you better sales, less cancellations, and higher attendance.
 
Relax and just have fun. Only you truly know what goes in the recipe and if you forget something, it's no big deal.
Also this is MY business and I will not be threatened, manipulated or naive enough to fulfill everyone's demands, especially if they cost ME money or unnecessary time wasted!

Debbie :chef:
 
Ask everyone everything! Make some goals! Don't spend all your commission on products!!!!
 
Watch all the online training you can.
Never miss a Cluster Meeting even if you have to hunt a Hospitality Director.
Spend time on the phone every day for your business.
Wear your logo wear everywhere you go if practical (not to Church of course but wherever else you can).
Get organized so you can find the forms you need when you need them.
Carry mini-catalogs, at least one Host packet, and order forms in your tote bag. Buy a Catalog Tote and turn it to a yummy recipe page to attract attention!
Try to find out where booths are in your area and get one if they are reasonably priced. Don't spend a lot on booths unless you are positive you can get your money back you invested!
If you can't find any booths in the area, find some other DS consultants and find a place to set up your own vendor fair, especially in November and April (Christmas & Mother's Day).
You have done one of the best things...network on CS with other consultants!
 
1. You CAN have your own website immediately - you just can't process INDIVIDUAL orders until you are qualified.

2. You can order the monthly special the month before it is released so you have a sample to show at your shows - with certain things that really isn't applicable but with things like the pumpkin plate - I wish I had known.

3. It's only ketchup and never assume anything about anyone - ASK EVERYONE!

Have a great November!
 
I keep seeing "It's only ketchup".... Is that some inside joke for PC Consultants? If so, I don't know it! Please tell me!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Thanks for all the great suggestions! Keep them coming!

We're currently looking for a hospitality cluster that I can join. Anyone know of one on the SF Peninsula/South Bay?

How do I find booths and vendor fairs?

Good to know that I can order the monthly special in advance! I'll definitely keep that in mind for upcoming months. I'm planning on spending PC bucks, not commission, on products. I like PC products, but I'm doing it for the money! :)
 
My bit of wisdom: Don't re-invent the wheel. Theme shows, 3-2-3 success plan, great recipes, ways to do your shows (interactive, etc...) are all proven recipes for success. Take online classes, make the most of what the PC has to offer you as a consultant- Everyone at home office, as well as the rest of us in this business really want you to succeed and are willing to help!
 
Oh, thought of something else...

The teleclasses offered through Consultant's Corner have been TREMENDOUS for me. I have learned so many things from the call leaders and the consultants on the calls.

For PCCHEFJANE:
Ketchup - means don't take it personally. When the waitress at the restaurant asks you if you want ketchup with your meal and you say no - she is not offended, she doesn't feel defeated, she just moves right on to the next person. That's my take on it - someone please elaborate if I am wrong....
 
I agree with not reinventing the wheel. PC gives us great business materials to work with, there's no reason to waste your time to change them.My other tip would be to start off organized. If you get into good habits now, it won't be so harder later.
 
pcchefjane said:
Watch all the online training you can.
Never miss a Cluster Meeting even if you have to hunt a Hospitality Director.
Spend time on the phone every day for your business.
Wear your logo wear everywhere you go if practical (not to Church of course but wherever else you can).
Get organized so you can find the forms you need when you need them.
Carry mini-catalogs, at least one Host packet, and order forms in your tote bag. Buy a Catalog Tote and turn it to a yummy recipe page to attract attention!
Try to find out where booths are in your area and get one if they are reasonably priced. Don't spend a lot on booths unless you are positive you can get your money back you invested!
If you can't find any booths in the area, find some other DS consultants and find a place to set up your own vendor fair, especially in November and April (Christmas & Mother's Day).
You have done one of the best things...network on CS with other consultants!
Click to expand...


Jane you've just about covered everything!

My biggest thing is to take advantage of ALL of the available training!
 
I wish I'd known about this website!!!
Wish I'd known about fundraisers!Since being on here I've been making way more contacts and understanding way way more about PC so thankyou!! Just wish my 90days were not almost up
 
Well I did this---I hunted down people i HEARD on tapes--called asked if I could pick there brains--Drove up to 4 hours--to see a show-etc--what it was looking back I totally set myself up for TOP PERFORMANCE earning TPC and a trip my 1st year--GO FIND THE TOP PRODUCERS---AND get on there shirt tales if you want it all!
 
SeeMe4PC said:
1. You CAN have your own website immediately - you just can't process INDIVIDUAL orders until you are qualified.

2. You can order the monthly special the month before it is released so you have a sample to show at your shows - with certain things that really isn't applicable but with things like the pumpkin plate - I wish I had known.

3. It's only ketchup and never assume anything about anyone - ASK EVERYONE!

Have a great November!
Click to expand...

How do you order the monthly special before it is released?
 
ChefBeckyD said:
ASK EVERYONE!

That is the biggest thing! Ask EVERYONE if they would like to host, and ask EVERYONE if they would like some information about the PC opportunity.


Also - mailing invites for your hosts really does give you better sales, less cancellations, and higher attendance.
Click to expand...
What she said! She's so smart. :)
 
MORFIA said:
Well I did this---I hunted down people i HEARD on tapes--called asked if I could pick there brains--Drove up to 4 hours--to see a show-etc--

what it was looking back I totally set myself up for TOP PERFORMANCE earning TPC and a trip my 1st year--

GO FIND THE TOP PRODUCERS---AND get on there shirt tales if you want it all!
Click to expand...

That's why I am calling YOU!!!
 
This website has been such an asset to me. My director is about 1 hour away and I can't always make it to the meetings since I like to spend Sundays with my family. Anyway, I think the greatest gift a director could give a new consultant was the hint about this website, and perhaps the first year's fee for it.
 
One thing I wish that someone had told me in the beginning:
ask your hosts to invite as people that YOU don't know as (s)he can. Or ask guests to bring friends you don't know.

I make sure I tell my new consultants this now. It helps you get out of your circle really quickly. Here's the words I give my newbies:

Susie, thank you for being one of my first hosts and helping me get my business started. I know that you're going to love the products that you get to pick out and that everyone is going to have a great time. I have one favor to ask. Please, try to invite as many people that I don't know as you can. Or, let's ask everyone to bring a friend. This will help me get out of my circle of friends. I don't want to HAVE to call you in 6 months to do another show, I want YOU to call me because you WANT to do another show.

Good luck! :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #20
This is all such great information!

How do I find top performing directors? My director is in Germany and I haven't found a hospitality cluster nearby yet, or any local directors at all!
 
koima said:
This is all such great information!

How do I find top performing directors? My director is in Germany and I haven't found a hospitality cluster nearby yet, or any local directors at all!
Click to expand...
Ask your director to find you a hospitality director. She/he has to do the request with HO. If you learn of a director in your area you can ask her to request that director for you.
 
Embrace the phone! It is your friend! Don't wait for people to call you, you have to call them!
 
Make this your mantra (ala Deana McAlpin)

P-pick
U-up
M-My
P-phone
E-every
D-day
 
In addition to what everyone has already posted, spend your PC dollars wisely. Talk with other consultants about the tools they use regularly outside of the kit. Some that come to my mind are: Trifle Bowl, either the 10" or 12" skillet, deep covered baker, large round stone with handles, and one each of the color coated knives and the one with the honing case. I would also recommend the citrus press or the juicer. Also save some $$ for supplies.

Best of luck!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #25
Oh, Susan, good advice!

So, everyone! What tools do you use the most!
 
I almost always use my knives, my 12" executive pan, and the chopper.
 
Related to Susan's advice, don't rush to spend those PC$. They don't expire. Hold on to them and figure out what you'll use. And then use the PC$ in your Kit enhancement month to get the most bang for your buck.
 
I haven't read everyone's response, just kinda skimmed them, so hopefully I'm this hasn't already been said:

Be prepared for the ups and downs. The ups way outway the downs! I have so much fun in this business, but there are dissapointments. Don't count your chickens before they are hatched in other words:)!
 
I wish I had known about the progress tracker! I was less than $50 away from hitting $1250 in my first 90 days, but missed out on the extra PC Dollars. If I had known, I would have gotten one more order, or spent the money myself!

What I really wish, though, is that I had known about The Pampered Chef 20 years ago!!
 
Try to get out of your circle as soon as possible. While host coaching your first few shows, ask the hostess to invite people that you do not know, and have them bring 2 guests. Really stress that. It seems that the consultants that get off to a good start are out of their circle quickly. If not, you will run out of bookings very quickly, and feel like a failure, then give up. At my 3rd show, I did not know anyone except the hostess.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important skills to develop when starting in direct sales?

When starting in direct sales, it's crucial to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. Being able to effectively communicate with potential customers and build relationships is key. Additionally, honing your sales techniques, time management, and organizational skills will help you manage your business efficiently.

How can I effectively market my Pampered Chef business?

Utilizing social media platforms is one of the best ways to market your Pampered Chef business. Create engaging content that showcases your products, share recipes, and host virtual cooking shows. Additionally, consider building an email list to keep your customers informed about promotions and new products.

What should I know about setting goals for my business?

Setting clear, achievable goals is essential for your success in direct sales. Start with short-term goals that are specific and measurable, such as selling a certain number of products each month. As you gain confidence, set long-term goals that align with your vision for your business, and regularly review and adjust them as needed.

How important is product knowledge in direct sales?

Product knowledge is extremely important in direct sales. Understanding the features, benefits, and uses of Pampered Chef products allows you to confidently answer customer questions and make personalized recommendations. This expertise builds trust with your customers and can significantly boost your sales.

What are some common challenges I might face, and how can I overcome them?

Common challenges include rejection, time management, and maintaining motivation. To overcome these, develop a positive mindset and view rejection as a learning opportunity. Create a schedule that balances your direct sales activities with your personal life, and find a support network of fellow consultants to keep you motivated and inspired.

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