Can Multitasking Boost Direct Sales for Consultants?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the experiences and opinions of participants regarding multitasking in direct sales, particularly among Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their thoughts on whether managing multiple direct sales businesses simultaneously is beneficial or detrimental to success.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about the rules surrounding multitasking in direct sales and questions if one business can help sell another.
  • Another participant shares their experience that while consultants can engage in multiple businesses, they cannot sell products from two companies at the same show, and believes that splitting focus may hinder success.
  • Several users mention the stress of managing multiple direct sales contacts and the potential for decreased attention to each business, leading to possible failure.
  • One participant recounts a friend's success in managing three different direct sales businesses, noting that this friend holds multiple parties each month, but expresses a preference to focus on one business initially.
  • Another participant discusses the commission structure of Pampered Chef compared to other companies, highlighting a desire for higher commission rates.
  • Some participants reflect on the potential hidden costs associated with other direct sales companies, suggesting that higher commission percentages may not account for additional expenses.
  • One participant humorously considers the logistical challenges of representing multiple brands and the potential conflict of loyalty.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of multitasking in direct sales. Some express concerns about the challenges of managing multiple businesses, while others share anecdotes of success.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and observations about multitasking in direct sales, with a focus on the Pampered Chef business model and comparisons to other companies.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering or currently managing multiple direct sales businesses may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant to their own situations.

M
melaniepc
Messages
311
not sure if I can post this here but searching the internet I have noticed alot of consultants who do more then one thing at a time for direct sales. Are we allowed to do that? Does one help sell the other?
 
Consultants can do this, but you can not sell BOTH at the same show...

Directors and above are NOT allowed to do two companies.

Personally, I think your time and success would be split between the two, but that's just me...
 
KellyTheChef said:
Consultants can do this, but you can not sell BOTH at the same show...

Directors and above are NOT allowed to do two companies.

Personally, I think your time and success would be split between the two, but that's just me...
Click to expand...

I agree. I think you need to find your "passion" and put your energy into it! That's my 2 cents! :p
 
In your travels around the internet, have you ever found someone who is successful at more than one DS comapny at a time? Just something to ponder...
 
I've heard of folks doing this, and I even considered it for about 2 whole days. Then my husband simply asked me, WHY? Well, of course, I bounced right back with more money, different contacts, different product....and he said again, why? I was getting a bit annoyed, and then I paused: the stress of managing two completely different sets of contacts, email groups, what you offer to who, when, and then not giving enough attention to either one because you are so busy trying to do both that they each would fail. Not worth it!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Actually , one of my good friends in another state told me her best friend sells three differnt things and I was like OMG how on earth does she keep up with it all? She said she does very well with it and does about 2-3 parties a month for each one. Sometimes one gets slow and she can still do the others. I wouldnt want to do two, especially at the start. I am still trying to get leads for my pc business. I was just curious if others did this.
 
melaniepc said:
Actually , one of my good friends in another state told me her best friend sells three differnt things and I was like OMG how on earth does she keep up with it all? She said she does very well with it and does about 2-3 parties a month for each one. Sometimes one gets slow and she can still do the others. I wouldnt want to do two, especially at the start. I am still trying to get leads for my pc business. I was just curious if others did this.
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I'd rather focus on one, especially since our commission changes as our sales go up. If you're doing 6 shows in a month anyway, wouldn't you rather make them all PC shows and have a $3000 month?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
you make $3000 a month in commission? or do you mean the party? I agree, it just depends on how you look at it. I guess if you have lots of time and you like doing more then one thing it can work .. I do wish pc offered a bit more in commission. my aunt just started selling with a different company and she is making 40% . thats alot!!
 
melaniepc said:
you make $3000 a month in commission? or do you mean the party? I agree, it just depends on how you look at it. I guess if you have lots of time and you like doing more then one thing it can work .. I do wish pc offered a bit more in commission. my aunt just started selling with a different company and she is making 40% . thats alot!!
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She is meaning $3,000 in commissionable sales, so you would make a percentage of $3,000. As our total sales go up in one month, our commission % goes up too.

Not trying to be argumentative...but does your aunt have to pay other things that we may not? As in, does she pay for any of the host benefits...have her commission adjusted for returns...have to pay a yearly fee to accept credit cards...etc. Sometimes things LOOK better than they actually are.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
I am not sure about the expenses for her things, I have no interest in what she is selling, I was just surprised she got that much commission!! I was just curious is all. I just dont know who those girls keep their heads straight while doing so many parties
 
KellyTheChef said:
Not trying to be argumentative...but does your aunt have to pay other things that we may not? As in, does she pay for any of the host benefits...have her commission adjusted for returns...have to pay a yearly fee to accept credit cards...etc. Sometimes things LOOK better than they actually are.
Click to expand...

That's a perfect thing to take a look at. VERY good point. If there are potential consultants taking a look at more than one biz (or if current consultants are considering adding a business), it may appear if our commission isn't as high but is completely our commssion. Nothing comes out of it. ONe other thing for these people to consider is inventory. Can you imagine if we had to carry inventory?? First of all, my house would be over-run with PC stuff. It already is just from all the free stuff we get!:D But we never have to worry about unloading inventory when things get discontinued. I know from skincare/makeup companies whenever they come out with new colors and stuff like that, other lines are d/c'd and they have all that inventory. The amount of training needs to be considered too. I have heard from consultants from more than one company that our training seems WAY better and more comprehensive than any they've ever seen. I think that's a huge thing to take a look at too.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
I know, I am so glad that they give us such a great starter kit with PC. Really you have almost everything you need right there. IF you want to add to it thats great but you dont have to.
 
Another thing to consider--everyone eats. You mention that you aren't interested in what your aunt's selling. Forty percent of no sales is much less than 20% of good sales. Plus, as a friend once pointed out, if they are able to pay the consultant 40% and still make a profit, their products may be overpriced.As to your original question, I know people who have sold with more than one DS company. I can't imagine doing it, though. I would think it would divide your loyalties. Besides, which logo wear would would wear? I can see it now--a PC hat, MK shirt, and GC fanny pack. LOL!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can multitasking help consultants manage their time better in direct sales?

Yes, multitasking can help consultants manage their time more effectively by allowing them to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. For instance, they can engage with customers while updating their inventory or preparing for a presentation. However, it's important to balance multitasking with focused work to ensure quality and effectiveness in each task.

Does multitasking improve sales performance for Pampered Chef consultants?

Multitasking can improve sales performance if done correctly. For Pampered Chef consultants, being able to engage with customers, manage social media, and handle orders at the same time can lead to increased sales opportunities. However, it's crucial to prioritize tasks and avoid spreading oneself too thin, as this can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities.

What are the risks of multitasking in direct sales?

The risks of multitasking in direct sales include decreased productivity and potential errors. When consultants try to juggle too many tasks at once, they may overlook important details, leading to customer dissatisfaction or lost sales. It's essential for consultants to recognize when to focus on a single task to ensure quality and effectiveness.

How can consultants effectively multitask without compromising quality?

Consultants can effectively multitask by prioritizing their tasks and using tools to streamline their processes. For example, they can schedule specific times for social media engagement, customer follow-ups, and inventory management. Utilizing technology, such as apps for reminders and organization, can also help maintain focus and quality while multitasking.

Is there a recommended limit to multitasking for direct sales consultants?

Yes, there is a recommended limit to multitasking for direct sales consultants. It's generally advisable to focus on two to three tasks at a time to maintain quality and efficiency. Overloading oneself with too many tasks can lead to burnout and decreased performance. Finding a balance between multitasking and dedicated focus is key to success in direct sales.

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