Debunking the "Economy" Excuse: Cooking Delicious Meals on a Budget

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores participants' experiences and frustrations regarding hosts canceling shows due to concerns about the economy. Participants share their thoughts on how economic factors influence hosting decisions and sales, as well as their strategies for addressing these concerns.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over hosts canceling shows, citing economic concerns as a common excuse.
  • Another participant notes that many hosts are prioritizing saving money for holiday gifts, leading to postponed shows.
  • Several users mention that they have not encountered the same level of cancellations, attributing their success to promoting the benefits of hosting shows.
  • One participant shares their experience of encouraging hosts by highlighting the opportunity to earn free products through hosting.
  • Another participant reflects on the impact of low gas prices, suggesting it may alleviate some financial concerns for potential hosts.
  • One participant mentions that while some may use economic issues as an excuse, they believe it is a real concern for many.
  • Another participant shares their perspective that hosting parties can provide a fun distraction from economic worries and offer helpful cooking tips.
  • One participant recounts a conversation with a postal clerk who assumed the economy affected their business, but they reported strong sales regardless.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the extent to which economic factors impact hosting decisions. Some express that it is a genuine concern, while others believe it is often used as an excuse.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and observations about their local markets and the varying effects of economic conditions on their businesses.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into handling host cancellations and understanding the impact of economic concerns on their business may find this discussion relevant.

To offset cancellations due to the economy, you can offer 'clinics' instead of shows. Several folks in my cluster are doing 'stoneware clinics' this month. Another is offering a 'pampered chef power cooking clinic'. It helps hosts and guests realize the focus is on helping them vs selling to them. Once they understand the true versatility and value of the product, the sales are still there. :)
 
The idea of a clinic vs show sounds interesting. I also saw a "Recipe Testing" sort of concept in another thread they were using for a holiday open-house.I think the areas with the big job-cuts, are going to be tough. But for the cost of one meal out in a month, that's the average PC order. And least you won't P**P and flush away your Pampered Chef products! (That's what my director said- not me! but it's too funny and true!). Restaurants certainly seem plenty full.I'm also going to try the recruiting. I know several friends who would be good candidates...and with the current deal for recruits to get product credit, I'm going to TRY. I haven't enough experience yet to have cancellations, etc.
 
I really have a problem with the word "show" for some reason. Many of my friends just groan when I talk about "having a show" - it's so "HOME PARTY GIRL".

So, I started calling my shows, "classes". I then had a Director ask me - "Which would you rather go to - "a class or a party"? So, to try and appease my need to get away from that stereotype - here is how I list it on my card. (see attached)

When I explain that I teach them how to prepare quick meals for less money that are still really delicious - they seem to be more interested. So I am hoping my card will appeal to different needs.

Hope this helps someone...
 

Attachments

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Tara I agree with the show wording. I like to say I have cooking Demonstrations not shows, and so far I have had good responses with it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #35
Tara,
I love your idea...so do you put that on the back of your business cards or just hand it out as a separate card? I have someone that I'm doing a cooking class for in Jan because her and her friends have a hard time coming up with quick and easy meals. I told the host that was fine if she wanted to consider it a class instead of a show. I love the products and want to help people any way that I can.
 
Not to be a negative nelly but....
DH finds out this week if he looses his job. It may be a permanent lay off or maybe (hopefully) just temporary. I know that for us we are doing ok right now but anything we have "extra" we are sitting on. If he were to lose his job we would at least like to know that we put enough away to feed our children untill he is able to recieve un-employment benifits. We all know that my $7/hr. part-time job takes more away from my business than I would like but right now I have to focus on that steady money. I guess what I'm saying is that just because you don't know anyone that has personally been affected by the economy doesn't mean that it might not be a possibility. Don't be so quick to judge. I know that I will not have a party for anyone right now b/c I don't want to ask any of my friends to spend their money. It's just a situation I would rather avoid. It is getting really bad in some parts of the country so maybe don't think of it as an excuse, try to be sympathetic and positive.


Please don't take offense to any of this. I'm not directing my statements at anyone, this is just my rant about the economy.:o
 
buckeyefan08 said:
Not to be a negative nelly but....
DH finds out this week if he looses his job. It may be a permanent lay off or maybe (hopefully) just temporary. I know that for us we are doing ok right now but anything we have "extra" we are sitting on. If he were to lose his job we would at least like to know that we put enough away to feed our children untill he is able to recieve un-employment benifits. We all know that my $7/hr. part-time job takes more away from my business than I would like but right now I have to focus on that steady money. I guess what I'm saying is that just because you don't know anyone that has personally been affected by the economy doesn't mean that it might not be a possibility. Don't be so quick to judge. I know that I will not have a party for anyone right now b/c I don't want to ask any of my friends to spend their money. It's just a situation I would rather avoid. It is getting really bad in some parts of the country so maybe don't think of it as an excuse, try to be sympathetic and positive.


Please don't take offense to any of this. I'm not directing my statements at anyone, this is just my rant about the economy.:o

Honey, I don't think anyone would take your post offensively, you are living what others are living as well so you have the "other perspective"...Nothing negative or wrong w/ that!

Good luck to your husband..I know for MY Dh's company, they just sent out a memo last week that they are cutting out all company expenditures, no xmas party, no OT allowed, etc. They are trying to do this so they don't HAVE to let anyone go. My hubs works for an aerospace division so they are feeling the pinch that no airlines are ordering new planes for next year. Hopefully we are not going to be in the same position as so many but WE WILL ALL SURVIVE and get through this.

Sorry for the hijack...
 
buckeyefan08 said:
Not to be a negative nelly but....
DH finds out this week if he looses his job. It may be a permanent lay off or maybe (hopefully) just temporary. I know that for us we are doing ok right now but anything we have "extra" we are sitting on. If he were to lose his job we would at least like to know that we put enough away to feed our children untill he is able to recieve un-employment benifits. We all know that my $7/hr. part-time job takes more away from my business than I would like but right now I have to focus on that steady money. I guess what I'm saying is that just because you don't know anyone that has personally been affected by the economy doesn't mean that it might not be a possibility. Don't be so quick to judge. I know that I will not have a party for anyone right now b/c I don't want to ask any of my friends to spend their money. It's just a situation I would rather avoid. It is getting really bad in some parts of the country so maybe don't think of it as an excuse, try to be sympathetic and positive.


Please don't take offense to any of this. I'm not directing my statements at anyone, this is just my rant about the economy.:o


No offense taken at all. Great point too! There are surely job layoffs and parts of the country where there are more dire straits...no question about it. Good luck with your situation too. My prayers are with you and your family. No question that the auto industry may be taking a hard hit and it will ripple down to more that just jobs lost at the auto factories.

I think we all have to judge what is going on in areas we live in. Also, taking the positive spins that have been mentioning here too...like recruiting. Scottie Brister promoted two levels after Hurricane Katrina hit. She offered the business opportunity for all those that are out of work and it worked for her.

I have a consultant that just told me they were having a hard time booking parties. We talked about it and we are in an area that is not heavily populated, but our area is not hit with foreclosures and businesses closing. We are actually building...slowly but still growing. I shared with this consultant that just 3 team members did $15,200 in sales last month. This wasn't counting others on the team. This consultant has a full time job and I know that the people they are talking to are not any where near dire straits so I do believe that they are making excuses.

A few years back when things were booming, the media reported how good the economy was, etc. In our area at the time, it was far from booming. When listening to the media, they tend to put "the county" all in one basket and it is not that way in all areas.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some budget-friendly meal ideas that still taste great?

There are plenty of budget-friendly meal ideas that can be both delicious and satisfying. Consider dishes like vegetable stir-fry, pasta with homemade sauce, bean and rice bowls, or hearty soups made with seasonal vegetables. Utilizing pantry staples like lentils, rice, and canned tomatoes can also help stretch your budget while still providing nutritious meals.

How can I save money on groceries while cooking at home?

To save money on groceries, start by planning your meals for the week and creating a shopping list based on that plan. Buy in bulk, choose store brands, and take advantage of sales and coupons. Additionally, focus on buying seasonal produce and consider incorporating more plant-based meals, which can be less expensive than meat-based options.

Are there any cooking tools that can help me save money?

Yes! Investing in versatile kitchen tools can help you save money in the long run. For example, a slow cooker or Instant Pot can help you prepare meals in bulk, which reduces food waste and allows for meal prepping. Good-quality knives and cutting boards can also make food preparation easier and more efficient, saving you time and money.

How can I make use of leftovers to minimize food waste?

To minimize food waste, get creative with your leftovers! You can repurpose them into new meals, such as turning roasted vegetables into a frittata or using leftover chicken in a salad or sandwich. Additionally, consider freezing leftovers for later use, which can help you save time and money on busy days.

What are some tips for cooking healthy meals on a budget?

Cooking healthy meals on a budget is possible with a few strategies. Focus on whole foods like grains, legumes, and seasonal vegetables, which are often cheaper and healthier than processed foods. Meal planning and batch cooking can also help you save money and ensure you have nutritious meals ready to go. Lastly, try to limit expensive ingredients and opt for simple recipes that highlight the natural flavors of your ingredients.

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