Considering Becoming a Pampered Chef Consultant...

[dsert4me]

Hello everyone,
My name is Carey and I am seriously considering a PC consultant. I just have a few questions. I love what I have seen so far of the company and the products, I feel I would be a great fit for this business. However, I am a little unsure about the realities of getting kitchen shows started with friends and family without making them feel uncomfortable,awkward or strange about having to buy products. I don't want to be one of those friends who puts business in the way of friendships and relationships. I worry about being cheesey....Can anybody answer these concerns.....Thank you, C

 

[pamperedbecky]

I'd love to chat with you about what my experience was when I started two years ago. I was someone who hated to be an imposition to people and was quite shy. I really stepped out of my comfort zone to become a consultant and boy has it paid off in SO many ways! I'm not a pushy consultant (I really don't think many of us are!) and I don't expect guests to place orders. BUT, what you'll find is that the products REALLY sell themselves!!! You don't have to be a salesperson much.

It was sort of uncomfortable for me to come right out and ask friends and family to host my first bunch of shows (it used to be six shows, now it's four for the "Super Starter" intro period). But I found that everyone was SO supportive. Even if they didn't have huge shows, it was ok. It was great practice and it got my name out there. Two years later I still love it and I hope to become a director someday.

If you're not already working with a consultant, I'd love to help you get started. Feel free to email me and we can chat more!!

 

[jjhoo01]

I am in the process of restarting my PC business. I did it a few years ago and got to busy to pursue it. I did learn quite a lot since then and am very excited about restarting with PC. I am a very shy person and I don't like to push things on anyone. I do not consider myself a salesperson. That's what is great about Pampered Chef. Like Becky said, the products really seem to sell themselves. You can encourage their sales by talking about how much you love and use them, but really people seem to know they are great products and buy them without being persuaded to do so. I learned that because I am shy and I too didn't want to "bug" friends and family to have shows and buy stuff the first time I did this that I had trouble with bookings. So this time I was fearless and have been talking to everyone about my new business. I simply ask if they would want to help me out by having a show. It's been working! My husband keeps saying that he can't believe how I have more shows scheduled now than I have ever had. People like to help. If you really believe that you can succeed in this business, which you can, and you really love the products and the company, people will see that reflect from you. They will want to help you out and see what's so great about it. Good luck with your decision. Hope this made sense.

 

[dsert4me]

Thank you so much.thank you so much for your encouragement and replies. My instincts are telling me exactly what you are all saying I am so glad to get confirmation on that. I have looking and looking for the right business that fits my heart and my mind and this really seems like the right one... I will look forward to communicating more with all of you. Thank you so much...Can't wait to hear more from all of you

 

[kitchenqueen]

Good choice!Well Carey, you certainly have come to the right place for information, ideas and encouragment!

Being a PC consultant has been so good for me! I started PC because being a stay at home mom was getting too predictable for me. My days seemed to be the same everyday. I love cooking and entertaining friends so this really fit me well. You can earn so much for free...products, trips, rewards and still recieve a paycheck on top of that! This company really supports you as a consultant and they want your business to thrive! There is so much potential!

For instance, if you sign up this month to be a consultant and qualify as a consultant on or before July 31, you will recieve 2 of the woven selections pieces FREE! That is over an $80 value, PLUS your super starter month 1 bonus which is a $126.25 value. To qualify as a consultant, you must submit 4 shows or submit atleast $1250 in sales. It may sound like alot at first (it did to me) but really you'll see that every order helps, it builds up faster than you think. And I wouldn't worry too much about your family and friends feeling like they have to buy from you...I'm sure they would love to help you get your PC business started! As they discover the host rewards - they will want to host shows !! By the way, where are you located?

Good Luck!!

 

[proudmama02]

I kinda know how you feel. My first show is Wed. nite at my mom's. Yes.. I am relying on friends/family to help me out at this time. But I am hoping to get bookings from their shows. I am letting everyone I see that I am now selling PC, and to keep me in mind. I either give them a book, or a card with my name/number. I put them on magnets, what better place for my card than there frig. door. I am giving it all I have, and if for some reason I don't succeed... I have lost nothing. I will have only gained free products, money, and an experience to last a lifetime. Hope this helps a little. Just keep your head high, and hope for the best. That's what I'm doing, and Best of Luck!!

 

[gmosullivan]

All these great words of wisdom. We all have a great story and have come in for different, yet same reasons. Cary good luck with what you decide. And proudmoma2 with your first show this wed. We have all been there. It's always crazy the first time we need to step out of the box. When I started I didn't have any sales experience and am not pushy and had to really reach to get my self started and did. I am still learning more and its been 3.5 years. I am having fun with it and look forward to sharing this with others. I love to help people grow, mentor and succeed. I was a manager in my past life and that was my favorate part of the business watching and helping people grow and succeed and know I had helped them. I am looking to do that this year.

Set goals and go for it. Remember goals are made to be changed when they need to be. I have 4 daughters at home and have not worked my business as much as I would have liked to, but I've been enjoying being with the girls and supporting them in all there sports schedules and school funtions. I do miss a couple, but not much and that is why I sell PC because it is so flexible. GOOD Luck girls and let us know how your doing or any questions we can help you with.

 

[chefmary]

Hi, Carey and welcome to the boards!

I've been with PC for 5 years and I remember feeling much like you do now when I started. I had been a full-time executive assistant and my job didn't allow for much of a social life, so when I decided to start my business, there were few people to turn to. What I did was to host 2 of my first shows myself, so that I didn't have to turn to family first and I set up tables at craft fairs and flea markets to introduce my business to the community. I did start slowly, but eventually my business took off. When my business transitioned from one state to another, I was able to look back at how I originally started and got back on track again.

I see you posted this a couple of weeks ago, so if you've joined already, congratulations! If you haven't joined us, July is a great month because there is another special for new consultants, which HO is keeping under wraps until after conference (but is available to all consultants who sign in July). If last year's is any indication, this one is sure to be great!!!

You'll find lots of encouragement from these boards. If I can be of assistance in any way, please feel free to ask! Best of luck to you!

 

[DZmom]

Hi Carey!!I too am just starting out and I hate to be a nag about things. When booking my first shows I called on those people whom I knew LOVED The Pampered Chef products and asked when they last had a show. I received 2 bookings out of those calls and then my husband said he wanted the knives while I was making my wish list and I told him that if he wanted them that he needed to have a show and make his own wish list. HE DID IT! His show is scheduled in August!!! I couldn't believe it. I had planned on having a Mystery Host party myself and invite my new neighbors and son's teachers just to introduce myself to the area since we just moved here in April. So, voila! In less than a days time I had scheduled 4 shows and have scheduled 3 more in less than a week!!
If you put in the effort you will reap the rewards!

 

[pamperedbecky]

Wow, Donna, that's awesome! As you've probably heard on here "the phone is your friend" and it definitely is YOUR friend. That inspired me to make some phone calls today! Way to go!

 

[sem4iu]

I have the same concerns...HI Carey.....

I am in the same position as yourself, so I was glad to see your question! I have been toying with this for about 1-2 years. When I get close to signing on the dotted line, I chicken out - lol!

I am glad I found this site. Perhaps it will help us both move forward!

Shannon

 

[pamperedbecky]

HI Carey.....

I am in the same position as yourself, so I was glad to see your question! I have been toying with this for about 1-2 years. When I get close to signing on the dotted line, I chicken out - lol!

I am glad I found this site. Perhaps it will help us both move forward!

Shannon

Shannon,
It is great that you found this site. You can get so many questions answered even before you become a consultant. Plus, we're all open and honest in answering questions and sharing our experiences. If you'd like to chat anymore or ask any other questions, please feel free to email or private message me! I'd love to help you weigh the pros and cons. If you're not already working with a consultant, I'd love to help you get started if/when you make that decision! Good luck!

 

[chefjanet]

I've been there!Hi to all of you who are contemplating starting a Pampered Chef business. I know from my own experience what a difficult decision this is to make! Anyone who makes it without giving it serious thought is braver than I was! That being said, I made my decision to give The Pampered Chef a try over four years ago, and haven't looked back...

Let me give you some perspective: I was an elementary school teacher for twelve years. I never thought that someday I would decide to leave the classroom and become a Pampered Chef Kitchen Consultant instead! It was the furthest thing from my mind. But after trying to "do it all" with two children (a third came later...), I decided to try doing home day care. Then I tried selling books and videos for a company which was bought out after I signed on. Then I tried becoming a consultant for a start up "upscale home decor" company so that I could get in on a "ground floor opportunity". Needless to say, that company closed up shop within a year, too. It took me six months to gather up the courage to try one more time to have a successful business from home. It's a good thing I gave The Pampered Chef my final shot! It was the best decision I could have made.

This company is not a "fly by night" operation. There are no gimmicks, just integrity. I'm so impressed with the entire operation. The vision of the company truly encompasses what we all want for ourselves- the opportunity to achieve success with a business that we can be proud of. Yes, there is work involved. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't have to put in time to succeed with your business! It takes patience and perseverance. But as a Director now, I tell all of my team members that I will match their efforts with my support. If they are willing to work hard, I will work hard to make sure that they do not feel alone or unappreciated in their efforts. The communication, the incentives , the support from people who truly care enough to want success for you- it's all here with The Pampered Chef.

This board is a wonderful place to find answers, get encouragement and meet people who are willing to help you. I'm very impressed by the fellow consultants I'm meeting here. If anyone wishes to chat more with me privately, I encourage you to contact me by e-mail or visit my personal website where you can get more information.

I encourage you to continue to ask questions and to feel free to express your concerns. None of us will ever have ALL the answers, but together we can do a pretty good job of helping with most of them! Good luck to all of you!

Warmly,
Janet

 

[pamperedbecky]

I can't help it...here's another long response Janet....
I couldn't have said it better myself. Especially the part about the vision of the company. I think the entire theme about supporting women, men, families, etc is so strong throughout this business. Not only the products we sell and how they make life easier in the kitchen, but especially the opportunity. I found that it really empowered me personally. I discovered skills I didn't know I had, it allowed me to have something FOR MYSELF and taught me it's ok to want things for ourselves, it allows me to contribute to our family income, it allows my kids to see how it pays off to have goals and strive to achieve them (they're young now, but later they'll really understand what this means), and it gives me something to focus on and feel successful at so I'm a happier mother, wife, friend, etc.

If some of you haven't read Doris Christopher's book, definitely go buy it or borrow it from the library. It's a great story and helped me see how she put the vision she had into action. It's so inspiring! I"m just glad she was able to build this incredible company so we could all benefit from it-in so many ways. I think the non-monetary gains I've gained from having my own business are so priceless. I just hope those out there considering doing the same thing at least give it a try. Like you said, Janet, it does take work but it is so rewarding when you see that work pay off. If those considering the opportunity don't think they should make that leap because they never pictured doing something like this....take a chance! I would bet that most of us here never imagined we'd do something like Pampered Chef.

I truly love this board because I feel I can pour my heart out and everyone understands! Of course, my husband hears all this too, but he doesn't have the same connection with it that you guys all do. Thanks for listening!

 

[gmosullivan]

Well put Janet and Becky!!! I think they covered it all from My prospective. It truely is a business to help you grow personally and help others to the same. I was in Management for many years and left that to stay home with my 3 daughters, now 4 daughters. After 4 years I was ready to do something for me, since it seemed that I was doing something for everyone else. I made the time to research and start the PC. I loved the managing part of working with so many people and friendships I made with my staff. I loved the menotoring and helping people succeed is the greatest reward.

In PC you can do that and more. I've grown so much in the last 4 years and have worked it within my girls busy schedule. I am working to share this opportunity with everyone to help them succeed as well. There is no risk factor in this, but all the rewards. It can be challenging, but live is challenging every day. So ladies we all can answer your questions, just email one of us personally or post it here. We are all helping each other succeed. This is a great site!!!

 

[Lisa S]

I am just going to add to everyone else's sentiments.

For all of you quietly lurking in the background trying to decide if PC is right for you...

Congratulations on taking the time to thoroughly investigate this company and the opportunity. It took me over 5 years to decide to become a consultant... I am coming up on my one year anniversary and am loving it! (although I wish I had decided sooner!) This business has offered me reward after reward ~ some in terms of money and free products ~ but a lot of personal rewards too.

I never thought I would be putting on an apron. I am a college educated woman who had a high profile job in health care administration before quitting to stay home with my newborn son (who is now almost 7). I have three kids total, and cannot imagine going back to "work". As arrogant as this sounds, I always thought that something like PC (or any of the home-based demo businesses) were beneath me. I was so incredibly wrong!!! PC has been my "outlet" for adult interaction but has also been a lifesaver the last few months in terms of flexibility. From Feb thru July, all three of my children were seeing medical specialists of some kind. I was able to put my PC business on the backburner a bit and attend to them. I would never have been able to do that in the "real world". I would have been fired for missing too much work.

Take your time, ask your questions. The men and women on this message board are here for you. Then make your decision.

I hope you all decide to take a chance. You will be able to succeed if you put your heart into it.

Good luck on your decision and your new venture!

 

[Ann F]

I hear you, Lisa. I'm a pharmacist at our local hospital. I didn't think it was beneath me, as such, I just didn't consider it AT ALL! Until last summer. My husband had become disabled and had to retire, my son got married, and my daughter was getting pretty serious about her boyfriend. I thought of my options, got a PC invitation in the mail, and thought "That's what I can do!" Good thing, too, because my daughter became engaged a couple of weeks after my son's wedding, and HER wedding was Dec 18! She would have had to elope if not for PC. I've been going a year now, and absolutely love it.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Call your recruiter or give one of us a call/email and MAKE your decision while you can still get that Roasting Pan for FREE! You know you want to do it! You know it's a great company! We've been honest about our frustrations and we still stay - that should say something!

 

[gmosullivan]

Thanks Beth for the the sentaments. I am with you all the way. Anyone thinking of doing Pampered Chef you should give it a try. There is no risk at all. The risks if you discide to do it and stop, will you get the roasting pan for free $145. value with your qualifying and $350 in products for $90 dollars which you will get back in 1-2 shows. Commission from the shows and could also get additional Pampered chef product free. Your already in the Black! and in less then a month or 4 shows.

As Beth said call you're recruiter or Email one of us. We all want to have you succeed and it doesn't matter were we all live technology is a wonderful thing. I would love to help anyone in there futher endevors. Good Luck!

 

[PhyllisRamp]

You're not doing anything TO the host, you're doing something FOR herI think this is one of the toughest things for new consultants (or those considering the business) to get past.

Just as you are considering PC because of the benefits that it will bring to you, you need to present hosting in the light of how it will benefit the host. Don't approach her with "can you do me a favor and host?" Go to her with "I've decided to try on the apron and become a PC consultant. I want you to be one of my first hosts because you're going to love the host program!" If she says no thanks then ask her "Who in your circle of friends do you think would be interested in a $90 shopping spree from PC? (free product value earned at an average $500 show)"

If you are a new consultant, be sure you are very well acquainted with the benefits of hosting. I encourage my new consultants to memorize the $500 show level benefits and to know the host bonus for the current and next two months.

Also, let your potential host know that you'll be partnering to make her efforts are fruitful as possible. Be sure she understands that part of that success for you will come by her inviting "everyone she knows since birth who eats" and asking each guest to bring a friend.

My best advice to you is don't turn this decision into brain surgery - it's not. Your commitment is 4 shows or $1250 in sales. Once you've done that, you're done. Only you will then know if you want to pursue building your business or not. But with the support of a good director, fellow cluster members and your family, you'll be able to take your business to whatever level you desire.

Finally, you must remember that if you try it and it doesn't work out, you will be in no different position than you are today (OK, well you'll have some neat new kitchen tools and a few hundred dollars in your pocket from commissions). But, if you don't try it, you will never have given yourself the chance to succeed.

Phyllis Rampulla
Independent Sales Director
[email protected]
www.pamperedchef.biz/phyllisramp

 

[PamperedGinger]

Call your recruiter or give one of us a call/email and MAKE your decision while you can still get that Roasting Pan for FREE! You know you want to do it! You know it's a great company! We've been honest about our frustrations and we still stay - that should say something!

Beth couldn't have said it better. The best thing about Pampered Chef is that it is NOT a lifetime commitment....you only have to try it for 4 shows! What more could you ask for....paycheck, $350 worth of products for $90, FREE AMAZING Professional Roasting Pan (limited time), and an opportunity to meet new people!

It is a win-win situation here! If you don't like it after 4 shows, you stop.

Any one of us would love to have you on our teams, including myself. I know what Pampered Chef has done for me and I love sharing that with others.

So if you are out there lurking, GIVE IT A TRY! Call your recruiter or if you don't have a recruiter, go online and sign up. All you need is the consultants name and consultant #.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

[annverrett]

I Did ItI signed up today, yipee!!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I signed up today, yipee!!

Congratulations! Welcome to the family!!

 

[DebbieSM]

Good luck with your new business!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pamperedbecky]

I signed up today, yipee!!

That's great!! Have a great time starting up your business. You'll really enjoy earning all those FREE products! And a nice paycheck, I might add.

 

[gmosullivan]

I'm with everyone else congrats and welcome to the family. Your going to love it!

 

[kitchenqueen]

Congrats!You will enjoy so many of the perks PC has to offer!! You found a great website that offers instant ideas, advice and support! Good luck with your business and welcome to the family!

 

[annverrett]

Thanks for the WelcomeThanks for the Welcome. I can't wait to get my kit and get started.

 

[Chef_Penny]

Donna, I am so impressed with you idea of a Mystery Party Host. I am brand new as a Kitchen Consultant and have recently moved from the West Coast to the East. Therefore circles of friends in my local area are not very full at present. I do live in a large (very) condo development. There are 4 buildings, each with about 190 units. I am trying to devise a friendly way of hosting a party or several and inviting neighbors even though I do not presently know them. Could you tell me more about your mystery party? I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance, Penny