ChefLisa
- 851
Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges and strategies for achieving Level 3 of an incentive trip in a direct sales business. A participant shares their goal of earning 74,000 points within six months but realizes they must significantly increase their sales and recruit more team members. The necessity of recruiting is emphasized, with several contributors noting that successful consultants often achieve their goals through building their teams rather than solely through sales. Key strategies for achieving these goals include maintaining a consistent show schedule, specifically aiming for two shows per week, which helps in generating leads for recruitment. Participants highlight the importance of being intentional in recruiting efforts, suggesting that simply asking potential candidates about their interest in direct sales can be effective. There is a strong focus on accountability and support among peers, with plans for post-conference calls to motivate and discuss progress. Several individuals share personal experiences of overcoming challenges related to time management and recruitment, stressing the need for commitment and proactive outreach, such as making phone calls to past hosts and contacts. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of setting clear business goals, maintaining a disciplined schedule, and leveraging personal relationships to enhance recruitment efforts in the direct sales environment.
M
Mel5497
Meg, Here's the feedback I promised yesterday (sorry for the delay, but we're still setting up our new apartment). You all already know I can be wordy and touchy-feely...that's just me. So here are my thoughts...your mileage may vary :angel:.
Having a consistent show schedule and asking everyone works best if you're actually comfortable recruiting. (This was..and sometimes, still is... the hardest part for me.) So, I recommend first addressing your motivations, then your hesitations, and then identifying the words/skills you need to be comfortable.
Why do you want to recruit? Okay, I know you want Mexico (and I'd love to salvage Paris), but isn't that just the carrot to get us past our personal recruiting hesitations and discomfort zones? If someone told you today, that you were no longer allowed to work this business (or any direct sales), how would you feel? Crushed at the idea of having to replace your income thru traditional work and work-hours? Upset to lose the social connections, support network and unique friendships you have thru PC? Sad to no longer be privy to what's new and getting it for free/half-price? What would you miss most (besides us
)? Seriously, stop for a minute and think about this.
(It's not a minute yet)
Did thinking about what matters most to you help to reaffirm your choice to do this business? (Hope so!) My suggestion is to let how good you feel about your decision to be in this business be your motivation to recruit. Given that we all know you're a tremendously caring kind of gal anyway, this should provide you alot of recruiting 'energy'.
Also, since you love the company, draw energy from the fact you are helping PC when you add a consultant to your team. We are the favorite DS company of those who host home parties; our kitchen tools are the most poplular on the market; our customer service is rated the best...BUT how often do we still find people who've never been to a show before or even heard of PC? That, to me, reflects a need for more of us.
What are your hesitations?
- The Sleazy Factor. Are you recruiting solely for the points? Then you can feel sleazy (sorry, that's just my opinion). Otherwise, recognize that the points are simply a great, fantastic by-product of you helping others successfully start their PC businesses. And a 3% override is nothing to feel sleazy about. (That's not a complaint. I think it's great that PC doesn't pay huge overrides...it's means our products are fairly priced. Besides, the 3% 'grows' quickly as our teams enlarge.)
- The Pushy Factor. There is absolutley nothing pushy about offerring someone an opportunity you genuinely feel good about yourself. Pushy is when we don't respect their boundaries or their decision as to what's right for them (and we all know what that feels like!).
- The Rejection Factor. They are saying no to the business, not us. Would you really want someone to feel obligated to say yes and then resent saying it? Wouldn't you rather invest your personal energy in someone who truly wants to give the business a try than someone who half-heartedly backs into it. As much as we may think this is a perfect match for someone, we really don't know what is going on in their lives or what motivates them.
So, if you aren't sleazy, pushy, or afraid of rejection...can you give yourself permission to actually feel good about recruiting? Really, what is left to feel negative about it...other than being comfortable with the words?
What skills and/or words do you need to feel comfortable? Remember your first show? How awkward it was searching for the right words to describe the features and benefits of a product (to even remember what those were
)? Now do you even hestitate to rhapsodize about the food chopper? Bet you don't. I also bet you don't feel sleazy, pushy, or rejected when demo-ing the food chopper. You're in your selling comfort zone.
Finding the recruiting words that are natural for you and then working on the skills that go with them is nothing more than creating a recruiting comfort zone.
...I hate to stop when I'm almost done...but I have to break for a phone appointment...I hope this helps...if I sometimes sound like a school teacher...I was once...so, again, take it in the spirit offered.:angel: (I don't consider myself an expert by any means...just sharing what works for me)
Having a consistent show schedule and asking everyone works best if you're actually comfortable recruiting. (This was..and sometimes, still is... the hardest part for me.) So, I recommend first addressing your motivations, then your hesitations, and then identifying the words/skills you need to be comfortable.
Why do you want to recruit? Okay, I know you want Mexico (and I'd love to salvage Paris), but isn't that just the carrot to get us past our personal recruiting hesitations and discomfort zones? If someone told you today, that you were no longer allowed to work this business (or any direct sales), how would you feel? Crushed at the idea of having to replace your income thru traditional work and work-hours? Upset to lose the social connections, support network and unique friendships you have thru PC? Sad to no longer be privy to what's new and getting it for free/half-price? What would you miss most (besides us
)? Seriously, stop for a minute and think about this. (It's not a minute yet)
Did thinking about what matters most to you help to reaffirm your choice to do this business? (Hope so!) My suggestion is to let how good you feel about your decision to be in this business be your motivation to recruit. Given that we all know you're a tremendously caring kind of gal anyway, this should provide you alot of recruiting 'energy'.
Also, since you love the company, draw energy from the fact you are helping PC when you add a consultant to your team. We are the favorite DS company of those who host home parties; our kitchen tools are the most poplular on the market; our customer service is rated the best...BUT how often do we still find people who've never been to a show before or even heard of PC? That, to me, reflects a need for more of us.
What are your hesitations?
- The Sleazy Factor. Are you recruiting solely for the points? Then you can feel sleazy (sorry, that's just my opinion). Otherwise, recognize that the points are simply a great, fantastic by-product of you helping others successfully start their PC businesses. And a 3% override is nothing to feel sleazy about. (That's not a complaint. I think it's great that PC doesn't pay huge overrides...it's means our products are fairly priced. Besides, the 3% 'grows' quickly as our teams enlarge.)
- The Pushy Factor. There is absolutley nothing pushy about offerring someone an opportunity you genuinely feel good about yourself. Pushy is when we don't respect their boundaries or their decision as to what's right for them (and we all know what that feels like!).
- The Rejection Factor. They are saying no to the business, not us. Would you really want someone to feel obligated to say yes and then resent saying it? Wouldn't you rather invest your personal energy in someone who truly wants to give the business a try than someone who half-heartedly backs into it. As much as we may think this is a perfect match for someone, we really don't know what is going on in their lives or what motivates them.
So, if you aren't sleazy, pushy, or afraid of rejection...can you give yourself permission to actually feel good about recruiting? Really, what is left to feel negative about it...other than being comfortable with the words?
What skills and/or words do you need to feel comfortable? Remember your first show? How awkward it was searching for the right words to describe the features and benefits of a product (to even remember what those were
)? Now do you even hestitate to rhapsodize about the food chopper? Bet you don't. I also bet you don't feel sleazy, pushy, or rejected when demo-ing the food chopper. You're in your selling comfort zone.Finding the recruiting words that are natural for you and then working on the skills that go with them is nothing more than creating a recruiting comfort zone.
...I hate to stop when I'm almost done...but I have to break for a phone appointment...I hope this helps...if I sometimes sound like a school teacher...I was once...so, again, take it in the spirit offered.:angel: (I don't consider myself an expert by any means...just sharing what works for me)
jwpamp
- 1,614
DebbieJ said:
It is hard to set office hours in the summer....not because I have small children at home, but because everyone else does! I find it difficult to catch people at home -- even on Sunday evening which is usually a catch-all for people in the fall and winter.
I am at 54,000 points. I have 6 recruited this year so far. I truly feel that it has to be an even spread between sales and recruiting. Especially with the requirements for the levels this year. However, I strongly agree with Kris that the points are only a reward for sharing the opportunity, not a number that you should knock people over to achieve.
I am on track for Level 4 (Mexico for me), but I am not sure about the sales I will have this fall -- happy to get to level 3, though!
pamela
- 41
Kris, I can only say thank you with tears in my eyes as I type this..........
when I read "what if I were asked to give up PC?" I felt a knot in my stomach! I would NEVER voluntarily give this business up!
I have been on the phone for about 45 minutes and have gone thru most of the "A's" on the list...I have had to leave a few messages, which is weird because I don't even know at what show I met some of these people! I got 3 responses to add folks to my email newsletter, as they want to host a show sometime, just not right now!
Plodding along!
when I read "what if I were asked to give up PC?" I felt a knot in my stomach! I would NEVER voluntarily give this business up!
I have been on the phone for about 45 minutes and have gone thru most of the "A's" on the list...I have had to leave a few messages, which is weird because I don't even know at what show I met some of these people! I got 3 responses to add folks to my email newsletter, as they want to host a show sometime, just not right now!
Plodding along!
finley1991
- 1,712
I haven't read this whole thread yet (tomorrow!) because I'm working my PT job today and really want to read it through and digest it... (And I'm LOVING my PT job because it doesn't take away anything I'm doing with PC... it's a great add-on!)When I read the line above... I got a horrible feeling in my stomach and the hair on my arms and neck stood up!When I worked my corporate jobs, I used to sit at my desk and thing, "What would I be doing if I didn't have to be here?" I've never once asked myself that with PC! And I say that at EVERY show I do.chefmeg said:
pamela
- 41
M
Mel5497
chefmeg said:
I'm so relieved it helped Meg. Talking about recruiting is kinda awkward...we each have different styles and hesitations. :blushing:
(I was writing for you as much as for me....my focus after moving was more on reestablishing a viable business than team building...I'm only now starting to recruit again.)
kris
PamperedChefDebi
Silver Member
- 1,176
annew
- 178
I'm in for what ever you all decide
I definately need a kick as well!!! I REALLY want to go to Mexico b/c Atlantis was such a great trip!!!
I'm @ 34,614 right now
so I need to do about $5700/month which might be stretching it a bit
I've recruited 6 people this year which is an increase but I really need to kick it into HIGH gear!!!
You guys are great w/all of this advice I'm lucky to have promoted to be on this site!!!
I definately need a kick as well!!! I REALLY want to go to Mexico b/c Atlantis was such a great trip!!!
I'm @ 34,614 right now
so I need to do about $5700/month which might be stretching it a bit
I've recruited 6 people this year which is an increase but I really need to kick it into HIGH gear!!!
You guys are great w/all of this advice I'm lucky to have promoted to be on this site!!!
pamperedlinda
Gold Member
- 10,156
finley1991
- 1,712
All I can say is WOW!I just finished reading this entire thread and I am really excited to get working on the 4-question call, doing outstanding host coaching and intentionally recruiting. Basically, doing everything I supposed to do as a consultant/director.I do have one quick question... anyone saying anything special when you get voicemail? Thanks for sharing!
pamperedlinda
Gold Member
- 10,156
pamela
- 41
finley1991 said:
I am saying one of two things based on if I remember the person or not:
I remember them~"This is Margaret Childs from The Pampered Chef and I met you at ________'s show about a hundred years ago! I am calling all of my contacts from the last 8 years to verify I still have all of the correct information you gave me. Since I am getting your voicemail, I know the phone number is correct so I will call you later in the week to check in with you! Thanks!"
I don't remember them~ "This is Margaret Childs from The Pampered Chef. We met several years ago at someone's show and I honestly cannot remember whose! I have your information because you were a guest and I want to get you updated in my files. I will call back this week to check in with you. Thanks!"
I am trying very hard to keep it light so that no one thinks I am stalking them! I had to leave ALOT of voicemails yesterday (I am guessing because it was a holiday weekend). I am getting back on the phone tonight and calling all past hosts~I feel I need to start there as I have some kind of a relationship with them versus the people that were guests at their shows!
ETA: I got 1 more July booking and added 3 new people to my newsletter list. I am going to really push the July 21st-25th cookware deal when I call past hosts tonight!
pamperedlinda
Gold Member
- 10,156
pamela
- 41
I wound up doing my contacts a different way in order to not have to print almost 200 pages! I esxported them to excel and sorted by last name...I am able to go into P3 and see the date I entered them as a contact and associate that with the show I had that day...it is a little bit more work, but I seem to be doing OK. I just could not justify wasting that much paper and ink!
Keep calling!! we are going to get some great results from this and if nothing else, we will have updated files!
Keep calling!! we are going to get some great results from this and if nothing else, we will have updated files!
cmdtrgd
Gold Member
- 4,935
This is perfect timing for me! Beth Jacobs is in my upline and she is doing two contact blitzes tomorrow - I'll have tons of people to call!Oh, right now I have 24,909 points with three recruits left to qualify of those I recruited this year. I want Paris and I want Level 4 so hubby will be totally blown away with our first trip! I also desperately want the Spa Rewards trip, so I'm looking to promote directors. I have about 4 that I think would b e awesome, but nobody has recruited yet!!! I'm finally doing my own meetings, so I think that will help, and Beth has been helping me, too....any other suggestions? I do think I'll do the exercise Leggy noted in a previous post about recruiting and why, etc.
cmdtrgd
Gold Member
- 4,935
imported_iteachurkid
- 351
I need this so bad! I'm in for the 20th. I want to go to Mexico so bad...it's been my goal, and I can taste it. I had a great first 3 months of the year, but the last three months have stunk. Right now I have 30,321. I have one submitting her last two shows tonight (she was a May recruit) and two more to get qualified (I'm worried about one of them). So that puts me at 36,321. I'm almost half way there, but really need the accountability. I'm so excited!! This site and everyone on it rocks!
chefkugler
- 115
I finally got to read all this. ( sorry haven't been on in a few days).
You guys are amazing.
I too want Level 3 and I know I can do the points, but I'm behind in recruiting. I only have 1 so far this year. So reading all this really has given me the " I can do this" approach I needed.
Thank you
You guys are amazing.
I too want Level 3 and I know I can do the points, but I'm behind in recruiting. I only have 1 so far this year. So reading all this really has given me the " I can do this" approach I needed.
Thank you
M
Mel5497
Just a quick note to say I haven't forgotten that I still need to finish my earlier post. I've been dealing with my own little motivation crisis 
, but am back in the swing of things. (Thanks Janice and Meg!)
It's a hectic time...but I promise to finish my earlier ramblings as soon as I have the time to sit down for more than jst a few minutes.
, but am back in the swing of things. (Thanks Janice and Meg!)It's a hectic time...but I promise to finish my earlier ramblings as soon as I have the time to sit down for more than jst a few minutes.
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