3 Contacts a Day and the Phone Not so Scary

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants' experiences and feelings regarding making phone calls as part of their business activities with Pampered Chef. Many express challenges and fears associated with phone communication, while others share strategies and personal anecdotes about overcoming these obstacles.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares a realization about the importance of making phone calls for their business and plans to dedicate time to this task regularly.
  • Another participant expresses a struggle with finding the motivation to make calls, feeling inspired by others' experiences.
  • One user mentions being in the business for four months and feeling too scared to make calls, only reaching out when necessary for order issues.
  • A different participant discusses using a structured approach to phone calls, scheduling time and using commercials as opportunities to connect with customers.
  • Another participant highlights the effectiveness of making calls while multitasking, such as watching TV, and shares a success story of making multiple calls in one evening.
  • One participant reflects on their long-term experience and suggests practicing with phone scripts to improve confidence in making calls.
  • Another user shares a resource link for customer care call scripts, indicating a desire to help others with similar challenges.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for encouragement received and reports making several calls, despite not securing bookings yet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the ease and effectiveness of making phone calls, with some participants feeling confident and sharing strategies, while others express ongoing fears and challenges. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach to overcoming phone anxiety.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences from new consultants to those with several years in the business, indicating varying levels of comfort and success with phone communication.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to new consultants seeking encouragement and strategies for making phone calls, as well as those looking to connect with others facing similar challenges in their business practices.

kcmckay
kcmckay
Gold Member
Messages
702
So I had a revelation last night. I've been super busy and have been using that as an excuse to not make calls and really work my business. It doesn't take very long to make a few phone calls at all. I've been terrible about picking up the phone to get my mystery hosts for the only thing I'll likely submit in November!:( I also lost a November show to a January show because of not taking 5 minutes to pick up the phone sooner. Yesterday I worked till about 4:30pm then at 5:30 I had my last bootcamp class this session. Between work and bootcamp I called my December 5th host back from a call she placed Monday (i didn't get the message till late monday night and I worked both jobs Tuesday I wasn't avoiding this one) She was not available before class but I got in touch with her after and we finalized some things and she has a December booking which is great but I was really hoping to not have too many cooking shows in December with moving but I need the contacts and sales so one more won't hurt and will help with SAT for December. Anyway I'm getting off topic. I nearly had 3 contacts yesterday with less than a 1/2 an hour of calling. If I'd called more people who knows what I would have done. I need to get on the phone tonight to get my 5 other mystery hosts and start booking January so I can go into the holidays knowing that I've got a good start to the new year! 3 shows in December will hopefully help fill my calender for 2010 as well! My point of this post was really it shouldn't be so scary and seem like such an ordeal to pick up the phone. A 1/2 hour a day could result in great things for your business. So that is my plan to spend at least a 1/2 hour a day at least 5 days a week making calls for my business whether it be CC, Booking, Recruit leads. Starting tonight.
 
so, how's it going? I need to make phone calls, too. . . I just find way too many other things to do! It's really sad. . . I think you're inspiring me, though. . .
 
I'm in the business for the 4th months now. Honestly, I didn't do any customer call since I'm too scary to pick up the phone. I don't know what to say. I only made calls for those customers that have problem on their orders or I need to deliver the orders to them. And I always stop once the problem is solved. I never go on for more!! I guess that's why I don't have any booking!! I really want to work on this but always struggle to pick up the phone. I emailed newsletter for the first time this week to a group of customers that I did fundraiser for them. In the email I mentioned to them to expect get my "follow up" calls soon. It's the third days since I sent out the emails, I still don't have the courage to make the calls!! I feel like I'm a loser! :( I really hope and plan to make at least 3 calls today. I really need booking for Dec and Jan or so on! Don't want to give up on this business yet, I love PC!! Pray for the courage and wording to make those calls!!
 
I may be new to PC, but not DS. One thing that helped me get over my phone-phobia was to write down what I wanted to say.

When I was looking at a blank datebook, I would schedule one hour to sit down and make phone calls for bookings. I would do this from 8-9 pm. It was an incentive to get the kids in bed BEFORE 8 so I would have a quiet house. It was also a good incentive to keep friends/family from chatting too long. I could tell them something like, "That sounds so cool. But can I call you later? I only have until 9 to make my PC calls, and I still have 12 people on my list." My friends and family are usually very good about that, and I'm sure to call them back after 9 or the next day.

I'm also very stubborn and refused to give up my favorite TV shows in the evening. :) So I would make my coaching calls during commercials. It was awesome, because hostesses/customers knew I would keep it short. "Hey, Mary, this is Lea with PC. We met at Susan's cooking show. How's it going? I'm doing well. Watching House and they're on commercial, so I thought I'd give you a quick call. I'm just calling to see how you're liking your new stoneware..."
 
pinkunicorn said:
I'm also very stubborn and refused to give up my favorite TV shows in the evening. :) So I would make my coaching calls during commercials. It was awesome, because hostesses/customers knew I would keep it short. "Hey, Mary, this is Lea with PC. We met at Susan's cooking show. How's it going? I'm doing well. Watching House and they're on commercial, so I thought I'd give you a quick call. I'm just calling to see how you're liking your new stoneware..."
Click to expand...

I love this idea! I'm terrible on the nights that my shows are on. What a great way to touch base with past customers. Plus with a DVR, if the call runs a little long I still wont miss my show!
 
TiVo is an awesome thing! LOL

I made 7 calls last night, all while watching the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance." I now have one possible recruit in Georgia! :)
 
FFBearPChef said:
I'm in the business for the 4th months now. Honestly, I didn't do any customer call since I'm too scary to pick up the phone. I don't know what to say. I only made calls for those customers that have problem on their orders or I need to deliver the orders to them. And I always stop once the problem is solved. I never go on for more!! I guess that's why I don't have any booking!! I really want to work on this but always struggle to pick up the phone. I emailed newsletter for the first time this week to a group of customers that I did fundraiser for them. In the email I mentioned to them to expect get my "follow up" calls soon. It's the third days since I sent out the emails, I still don't have the courage to make the calls!! I feel like I'm a loser! :( I really hope and plan to make at least 3 calls today. I really need booking for Dec and Jan or so on! Don't want to give up on this business yet, I love PC!! Pray for the courage and wording to make those calls!!
Click to expand...

I have been doing this for 9 years and I know what you mean about not knowing what to say!!! Yes, I am blonde, but that is beside the point!!!!:D What has helped me is going over some of the phone scripts that PC has in their business guides. There used to be nothing but now there is so much more. Also, in the "going for the gold" action plan there are some word phrases to use.

I have to stop myself from saying...hey hi, hope you are doing well...want to book a party?:eek: Not too smooth! This is why it is good to practice...pets are especially receptive to helping you (especially if there is a treat involved!!)

Also, I THINK there may be a file in the archives about words to say. I will search and if I find it, I will repost it.

In the meantime think of that phone as the door to your favorite store. Even if you did not on intend on buying anything...you like to shop there and maybe learn something new. Then think of wanting to go to that store and realizing they are closed...repeatedly. Open your door for business and eventually, you will get better at the words to say! Also, don't worry about what people are going to think or say...just keep your income goal in mind.

I needed to pay for a major repair this fall and even though I am not there yet, I am amazed that I did not have to take out a loan...I just had to pick up my phone!!!!:love:

So just do it and you will get better at it!!!
 
Thank you Ann E for your advices and encouragements. I finally made 8 calls yesterday and today. I didn't get any booking, but I will keep trying today and tomorrow!
 
Thank you so much for this...I have been looking for something like this.
 
Thanks for thread. I've been with PC for about 6 months and had about 6 shows. I finally for the first time made my three contacts today and picked up thr phone for 2 of them. Thank you everyone for all the great tips. I only had one booking this month and she just changed she show to "maybe" next month. :( I'm gong to keep makeing those calls and I really hope to get a booking for January.
 
This is exactly what I have been needing to keep my calls professional and organized! Thank you!!!
 
So I am going to make some calls this weekend and try and get s few more for Jan and start booking feb and march...but I am curious, when you leave someone a message what do you say and in how much time do you follow up? because 99% of the time when I call a customer they do not call back.

I was also thinking of doing the 24 bookigs in 24 hours idea, but using phonevite? any inputs on that?

any suggestions or ideas would help.

Thanks
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "3 Contacts a Day" strategy?

The "3 Contacts a Day" strategy is a simple yet effective approach to direct sales that encourages consultants to reach out to three new contacts each day. This can include friends, family, or potential customers. The goal is to build relationships, share products, and grow your customer base consistently over time.

How can I overcome my fear of making phone calls in direct sales?

Overcoming the fear of making phone calls can be achieved through practice and preparation. Start by scripting your conversations, focusing on the benefits of the products, and remembering that most people appreciate being contacted. Additionally, role-playing with a friend or mentor can help build confidence.

What types of contacts should I focus on for the "3 Contacts a Day" approach?

You should focus on a mix of contacts, including warm leads (friends and family), past customers, and new prospects. Consider reaching out to people who have shown interest in Pampered Chef products, as well as those who may benefit from hosting a party or becoming a consultant themselves.

How do I keep track of my daily contacts?

Keeping track of your daily contacts can be done using a simple spreadsheet, a notebook, or a dedicated app for direct sales. Record the names, contact details, and notes about each conversation. This will help you follow up and maintain relationships over time.

What should I say when I contact someone for the first time?

When contacting someone for the first time, introduce yourself and explain your connection, if any. Share a brief overview of what you do with Pampered Chef and express your excitement about the products. Ask open-ended questions to engage them and listen to their needs, which will help you tailor your conversation.

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