Becoming a Fulltime Consultant: Tips and Insights from Successful Professionals

[stefani2]

I am thinking of becoming a fulltime consultant - any suggestions from those that have made the switch?

 

[bsaxman]

glad you brought this up, I have been wondering the same thing! My day job is driving me crazy, but I can't seem to keep my schedule busy and consistent enough to make the switch!

 

[legacypc46]

This is my full-time business. Here's how I make it work for me (your mileage may vary).

Most important is I try to stay focused on my own 'whys' for doing this business. (Autonomy, flexibility, getting to know great people I wouldn't meet otherwise, it's actually fun, and I'm a serious PC junkie.)

I view it as my business (not a hobby or something I 'do'). This means reminding myself that I'm still accountable....what I get done (or don't) and how well I do it is a reflection on me, incorporated. (And there are days I seriously want to fire myself and find a new employee :blushing: )

I accept this is a business of peaks and valleys, so I try to keep looking forward and not wallow when my business dips (I can wallow really well).
- Going to a show and not getting bookings is okay. Going to three shows in a row and not getting any is a sign to relook at what I'm doing. (I call my upline for help, come here, go to CC, listen to workshop CDs, talk with fellow consultants/directors etc.)
- I know my show average and pay attention if it starts to slide. If my hosts are doing their bit, then I relook at what I'm doing. If I have a host who is choosing not to do the things that lead to a successful show, then I may look at my host coaching. Sometimes, it's just them.
- While this is a great opportunity, a 'no' is okay. It isn't personal. If there aren't any 'yes's' in a month or so, I relook at what I am doing. Chances are I'm not listening well or following-up (or remembering to even offer the opportunity ).

The major point to all the above, is full-time success in this business often comes down to being honest with yourself and knowing the skills to work on...and skills are learnable. (A lot of what I learned, I got from this site in my first year.)

As for specifics, I have systems that work for me (again, your mileage may vary):
- I am generally 'at my desk' M,T,Th,F from 7:00-9:00. I have a set 'to-do' list to accomplish in that time. (Most days take less time than that, some days more.)
- I do choose to do Host Coaching in person and try to schedule almost all my HC-ing on the same day. (I know another full-timer who does all her HC-ing via phone enroute to shows...how brillant is that?! That won't work for me, but I'm pretty impressed at her great use of time!)
- I'm not good about having host packets made up ahead of time, but I do keep all the components in a large 3-ring binder with divider pockets. I can put one together in minutes.
- I track my business receipts and mileage. I'd like to say I do that everyday, but I sometimes fall behind (a major stack of receipts is currently on my desk )
- I begrudgingly limit my time and postings on Chef Success. When I have the time to leisurely read posts (which I love to do), I will...but I've hurt my business more than once by doing that when I really should have been doing calls, coaching, etc.

The point is to develop systems that work for you. I personally hate structure and tend to do a lot of my business ad hoc (which is probably a terrible way to run things...but it works for me).

Just sharing what one full-timer does and why I think it works for me. (Truth in advertising: there is a lot I don't do well....just ask my team! But I'm working on those areas :angel: .)

If you have a good up-line, let them know you want to go full-time. Weekly coaching calls can make a huge difference. (But if you commit to them, follow-thru.)

Hope this helps is some way. I'm honestly pretty sloppy in my business at times , but I would never want to give up the 'whys' I mentioned at the start of this post.

 

[bsaxman]

C'mon, what's the secret! How DO you DO IT? Any pointers? Anyone?

 

[rennea]

:thumbup:

This is my full-time business. Here's how I make it work for me (your mileage may vary).

Most important is I try to stay focused on my own 'whys' for doing this business. (Autonomy, flexibility, getting to know great people I wouldn't meet otherwise, it's actually fun, and I'm a serious PC junkie.)

I view it as my business (not a hobby or something I 'do'). This means reminding myself that I'm still accountable....what I get done (or don't) and how well I do it is a reflection on me, incorporated. (And there are days I seriously want to fire myself and find a new employee :blushing: )

I accept this is a business of peaks and valleys, so I try to keep looking forward and not wallow when my business dips (I can wallow really well).
- Going to a show and not getting bookings is okay. Going to three shows in a row and not getting any is a sign to relook at what I'm doing. (I call my upline for help, come here, go to CC, listen to workshop CDs, talk with fellow consultants/directors etc.)
- I know my show average and pay attention if it starts to slide. If my hosts are doing their bit, then I relook at what I'm doing. If I have a host who is choosing not to do the things that lead to a successful show, then I may look at my host coaching. Sometimes, it's just them.
- While this is a great opportunity, a 'no' is okay. It isn't personal. If there aren't any 'yes's' in a month or so, I relook at what I am doing. Chances are I'm not listening well or following-up (or remembering to even offer the opportunity ).

The major point to all the above, is full-time success in this business often comes down to being honest with yourself and knowing the skills to work on...and skills are learnable. (A lot of what I learned, I got from this site in my first year.)

As for specifics, I have systems that work for me (again, your mileage may vary):
- I am generally 'at my desk' M,T,Th,F from 7:00-9:00. I have a set 'to-do' list to accomplish in that time. (Most days take less time than that, some days more.)- I do choose to do Host Coaching in person and try to schedule almost all my HC-ing on the same day. (I know another full-timer who does all her HC-ing via phone enroute to shows...how brillant is that?! That won't work for me, but I'm pretty impressed at her great use of time!)
- I'm not good about having host packets made up ahead of time, but I do keep all the components in a large 3-ring binder with divider pockets. I can put one together in minutes.
- I track my business receipts and mileage. I'd like to say I do that everyday, but I sometimes fall behind (a major stack of receipts is currently on my desk )
- I begrudgingly limit my time and postings on Chef Success. When I have the time to leisurely read posts (which I love to do), I will...but I've hurt my business more than once by doing that when I really should have been doing calls, coaching, etc.

The point is to develop systems that work for you. I personally hate structure and tend to do a lot of my business ad hoc (which is probably a terrible way to run things...but it works for me).

Just sharing what one full-timer does and why I think it works for me. (Truth in advertising: there is a lot I don't do well....just ask my team! But I'm working on those areas :angel: .)

If you have a good up-line, let them know you want to go full-time. Weekly coaching calls can make a huge difference. (But if you commit to them, follow-thru.)

Hope this helps is some way. I'm honestly pretty sloppy in my business at times , but I would never want to give up the 'whys' I mentioned at the start of this post.

Though I don't do PC full time I do have my own business and I think this information and advice is awsome.

I love that you have set up certin times every week and you are sitting down at your "desk", being organized I think is key to be successfull at any biz.:thumbup:

 

[Addie4TLC]

Thank you Leggy!!! I am also considering doing this full time although I love my f/t job, but the possibility of staying home with my 10 and 11 year old are very tempting as they near the teen years. (yikes!)

 

[stefani2]

Leggy - how many shows do you to (or try to) do in a month?

Is doing PC enough to pay for the bills (is it realistic to WANT to do it F/T)?

 

[jwpamp]

Being consistant is definately a must. I quit my part time job after 3 months with PC. I am lucky, though, that my husband's pay covers the bills and mine goes into savings and retirement accounts. I make between $1800 - $2600 a month.

Leggy is so right on. We had a good long talk one time, and we think very much alike.

I do 8-10 Cooking Shows a month, usually 3-4 catalog shows and do well with online and home office lead sales. While that work alone is enough, there is more that is required when you are supporting a team and holding meetings....

I don't ever want to go back to the old job, though. I am having a great time and am looking forward to great things to come! I must say that the greatest thing I have learned is that if you WANT it enough, you will FIND a way, if not you will find an excuse!

Also (from a Chinese fortune cookie):
a window of opportunity will not open itself

Bottom line is that it is a GREAT way to make an income, but you have to GO TO WORK!

Good luck, and hope that you can quit the other job SOON!

 

[PCJenni]

I was a sales and marketing manager who worked from home for a large company before I became a SAHM. While I was accountable to a boss, I was completely autonomous in my hours and work. I was ALWAYS at my desk at the same time each morning as if I was going into an office. I always work until a certain time in the afternoon. I have carried this forward into my PC business. While I do this on a hobby/part time basis I still "run it like a business". My customers and hostesses appreciate this. This business is "flaky" and I try to distinguish myself from others in this way. It seems to me that the people who are successful are consistent and run it like a business.

 

[legacypc46]

(apologies to the cheffer whose reading this for the second time)

I personally believe full-time PC doesn't have to be more than 8-10 shows a month (just like Janice says). I find I pay a price energy-wise when I do more than two shows a week. (I'm involved in a lot outside of PC.) My show average is a little over $700, so doing 8 shows is sufficient. (But I'm also stupidly driven sometimes and book some silly schedules...like this month when trying to salvage TPC in sales. )

By staying to about two shows a week, I think it's easier to focus on our hosts. It not only helps the quality of host-coaching (= fewer cancellations), but it helps build our teams. Of the 15 qualified recruits I had this TPC year, all but 3 were either previous hosts or hosts who became consultants before their show date.

Also, when I try to do more than 8 shows, my team suffers. I think I am a very caring director, but I know I also 'disappear' on them more than I should. (Between rebuilding my business after a move and pushing for TPC, I have been pretty absent in my communication with them...all but one are out-of-state/country...I have some mending to do in June.)

I guess what I'm trying to say (and I'm a little tired) is it took me awhile to realize doing PC full-time doesn't mean I have to cram as much as I can into each month. If I invest in my hosts, I'll have both the sales and team members to continue successfully. (That's a step in faith, but I'd rather focus on my hosts than stress over having too much on my plate...am I making sense?)

I am just now starting to really figure out how to better streamline some of my business. I think that is how the consultants who successfully manage both PC and a FT job do it. (While in London, I was amazed at the Level 3 and 4 trip earners who also work jobs full-time.)

As for the income question...I don't want to share my thoughts on that when it's almost 1:00 in the morning (the Grande Non-Fat Latte I had a few hours ago is rapidly wearing off). I'll come back to this tomorrow/Saturday morning.

My apologies for typing so much just to answer the number of shows question...I'm tired and the thoughts are rambling.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Leggy,

I am learning so much from this thread, and your posts....can't wait to read the next installment on income!

Thanks for taking the time to answer so completely!

 

[legacypc46]

Leggy
Is doing PC enough to pay for the bills (is it realistic to WANT to do it F/T)?

I've been struggling on how to even try to answer this since there are so many factors to consider. I'm just going to toss some thoughts out here, but this is something each person truly has to determine for themselves.

First, I'd say assess what your bill requirements would be if you left your other job. If you currently have to pay a hefty chunk for child-care, commute a long distance to work, or have substantial wardrobe requirements...then reduce your 'future' bills accordingly.

Next, assess the benefits issue. Colleen made a fantastic flyer highighting some of the benefits available thru PC (go to the flyers search and type 'benefits' or 'perks'). You can find the Direct Sellers Association's heath insurance and investment plans under Pampered Perks on CC. If you already have health coverage via a spouse's or partner's plan, this may not be as important a consideration. (My personal opinion is never do anything to jeapordize your insurance...life can change too quickly to risk not being covered. If you have great benefits and a sucky job, it may be worth not quitting it right now.)

Next, take a look at your show average and determine how many shows you'd need to do to cover your bills. Bear in mind too, your show average will likely go up as you gain experience. Also, decide what full-time PC means to you. For me, I'm content with 8-10 shows per month (incl catalog shows). I've already retired from one career, so I relish not working anything close to traditional hours. I also have other interests and committments, so doing more than 2-3 shows/week would mean I'd have to sacrifice something I'm not willing to give up. If I was at an earlier stage of my life, I would maybe consider doing more shows (they are fun, after all)...as long as I didn't have other obligations. (I still think 8 shows is a balance.)

Here are my specifics: as a consultant averaging 9 shows/month from Jan thru Aug last year, I averaged about $1300/month. I made Director in Sep and now generally earn between $1700 and $2800 a month. A big chunk of this is the extra override on my own sales. (I moved twice this winter, so I didn't earn anywhere close to this those months.) I do receive a pension on top of this, but it doesn't go towards any of our monthly bills. (It's applied as an extra mortgage payment so my husband and I can actually retire sooner.)

In addition to reviewing your money requirements, I'd suggest taking a strong look at what you really want. Prior to PC, I was earning over double what I do now. Good money, but I was really miserable (and working insane overtime). I was also in an environment that was more self-serving than I was used to. DH and I have had to make some lifestyle changes, but I'm much happier (and therefore, so is he ).

Lastly, I would advise not losing site of the earning potential. When discussing with DH my initial decision to try PC, I told him it didn't matter so much what I earn in my first year, but what I earn in my fifth. :angel:

This is a good opportunity, but it is also work. Invest in it, and it pays back. I don't intend that to sound too direct, but long-term success in this business should be intentional. This site is a fabulous resource. And if you truly are interested in going full-time, tell your upline. If your director isn't willing to help, go up another level. (I know I would gladly invest in weekly calls and share everything I know to help anyone on my team who seriously wanted to do this full-time.) I love the personal freedom it has given me and, like Janice, would never go back to the job I left.

Ugh, I hope all these words help. They're just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

 

[baychef]

This very realistic! Years ago, there was a workshop at NC concerning what there is to consider when going from a job to doing PC F/T. It was exactly how Leggy has described it.

My ED and I went over what I would need my income to be to match my F/T day job and my PC income. I would have to promote to no less than an AD and be on my way to an SD to match my current income with PC alone.

I am the only person providing income. I am not married, still paying child support and will be purchasing waterfront property from my parents to help them live comfortable for the rest of their lives. (there will be a 2 year time period where this will over lap...God help me!)

Basically, each one of us brings a different set of financial circumstances to the table. You have to sit down and look at the big picture.

I wanted to retire early and really forge into PC in about 5 years. Looking at my retirement benefits...if I work 5 years and 8 monts beyond that, I will have an extra $11,374 a year to fall back on. Hard for me to pass up. That is a sure thing. I always worry that if I ever fell ill, I have no benefits with PC.

Could I make more with PC. Quite possibly, but I also know that I have A LOT of work to do in my business and on me, the CEO.

 

[legacypc46]

I'm curious if there is anyone out there who is using...or know anyone who is...the health benefits plan available thru the Direct Sellers Association?

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I'm curious if there is anyone out there who is using...or know anyone who is...the health benefits plan available thru the Direct Sellers Association?

Colleen Finley has her insurance thru PC, I'm pretty sure.

 

[baychef]

I know that it varies by state. New York state's rates are totally out of this world, I have heard.

I wish HO had more discussions on moving to F/T. Also, maybe it is just me (no doubt!!:yuck: ) but there is a certain change in thinking you have to have when you are a director and then transition to upper level.

Sometimes, I think that maybe I could earn more if I made the total switch, but I am getting to the age that if it didn't pan out, it would be much more difficult if not impossible to come back to where I am. And once again, in my situation...if it is to be it is COMPLETLY up to me !! That scares the stuffing out of me!

 

[pamperedthorpe]

When Jenny graduates in 12 months time she'll be earning nearly double what our current combined non-PC income is, so I'm already thinking about doing PC full time when she starts earning again. This thread will be very useful, so is going on my "watch list".

 

[finley1991]

I do have my health insurance through PC.. I'm going to start a thread about that if there are any questions!

 

[jrny2001]

Thank You for putting this into perspective!
I have FT ideas but have been living in the hobbiest world.
My big wake up call came at NC in the dream room. It was (can't remember who's board it was on) Having a dream with out a foundation is just living on wishes. I have been living on wishes...since NC I have been building my foundation.
Thanks again for this thread. I really needed it!
Heather