Deciding to Continue or Stop: My Struggle as a New PC Consultant

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around the challenges faced by a new Pampered Chef consultant considering whether to continue in the business due to difficulties in securing bookings. Participants share their personal experiences and suggestions for overcoming these obstacles.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over having only one successful show and struggles to find hosts.
  • Another participant suggests reaching out to various acquaintances, such as hairdressers and friends, to seek hosting opportunities.
  • Several users mention the importance of creating a list of contacts and actively engaging with them to generate bookings.
  • One participant shares their experience of hosting a Grand Opening event, which resulted in significant sales and bookings.
  • Another participant emphasizes the value of thinking outside the box and exploring alternative avenues like fairs and expos for leads.
  • Some participants note the potential benefits of catalog shows and online ordering as ways to engage distant friends and family.
  • One participant highlights the emotional aspect of the business, suggesting that the experience should be framed as a fun opportunity for hosts and their friends.
  • Another participant shares a detailed strategy for identifying potential contacts across various social circles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best strategies for securing bookings, with no clear consensus on a single effective approach. Participants offer a variety of suggestions based on their personal experiences.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the experiences of new consultants navigating the early stages of their business, highlighting the emotional challenges and the need for creative solutions in a competitive environment.

Who May Find This Useful

New Pampered Chef consultants seeking encouragement and diverse strategies for generating bookings may find the shared experiences and suggestions helpful.

MPaine
Messages
19
I am very new to PC. Signed 3-16 my 30 days are up April 22 and I have only had one show that was worth 700. I can't get anyone else to host a show so am seriously considering giving up! I know it says to call people, but I have nobody to call. Is there another way to get bookings? :(
 
Have you asked your hairdresser? Nail salon? Daycare? Banker? Friends? Family? Groups you are in?

Tell people you are new and your goal and they will usually help you out.
 
Have you made a list of everyone who you at least know their first name? Have you talked to everyone of these people?
 
It's so worth it! Just try to think a little more on it. You really can't get a feel for the biz after just one show and this beginning experience. It can be tricky to get started at first if no one will host for you, but if you can get past that and find some hosts, then you'll get new leads, fresh faces and potential bookings.Did you sit down and really go through and list all the people you know--your list of 100? Did you try to hold a Grand Opening?Call everyone you know. It can be intimidating at first, but if you think of this business as a great opportunity to treat people to a fun evening, time with their friends, they learn a new recipe, get to eat (who doesn't like that!), and they get free stuff! Get excited about it, so that when you talk to them they feel that excitement.Go to Consultant's Corner and do the online training courses, they'll help boost your confidence as well.Don't forget about friends and family who live out of state. They can still do catalog shows. You just mail out catalogs and order forms, supply a SASE for them to send the forms back (or just do it over the phone). If your friends don't want to commit to hosting, ask them if they would pass around some catalogs and see if their friends are interested in learning a new recipe and getting some free products. Maybe they can take catalogs around to work/their social groups and people will want to order. You let your friends know that all it takes is just $150 in sales for it to count as a show and that qualifies them for free shipping and the host special of the month...but if they collect $200 or more they'll get a lot more!Have you spoken with your recruiter/director about your struggles? Maybe they can help you get some additional ideas.
 
A $700 first show is great! Ask you upline if there are any booths or fairs you can work to get leads.
 
I second the booths/fairs/expos! Defintely get your name out there! This business is soooo worth it! Definitely try doing a Grand Opening too!! My last two consultants did Grand Openings and had $1000 in sales and got like 8-10 bookings!! It's sooo worth it! Hang in there...you just have to ask everyone!!
 
Do you hand out flyers to your neighbors, host your own show, or ask distant friend to host a catalog show.

If you don't mind me asking, what happened to the other three shows you submitted with your agreement? Do you actually have them or make them up?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I live in a small neighborhood where nobody talks to anyone because of issues with the homeowners
As far as my other 3 shows, they were tentative and my aunts have since decided not to host one right now
 
I truly understand your frustration. To me it sounds like you are extremely dissapointed and are hoping for a magic cure for no bookings. I hate to say it but there is not one. Thinking outside the box and getting out of you circle are key. fairs/ booths and expos are great. Did your Aunts give you a reason for backing out? Maybee you can help alleviate their fears and questions. Remember they are not doing a show for you. You are doing a show so THEY can get free Prod. Have you mentioned HWC? Many people may say they do not care or need about Free prod but you can bill it as a fun night out with proceeds going to the ACS.

I garuntee if you think outside the box and don't get bogged down by what is not working you will succeed!
 
OH NO! Don't give up! You can do it. I am a new consultant myself and it was hard at first, but keep going with it. It definatly pays off. I just received my first comission check and let me tell you..........so worth the time I put into it, and not to mention the free products you can earn and the PC dollars. I agree, think outside of the box. If you have children, talk to their teachers (heck, even if you don't have kids, go by a local school), church ladies, stick a flyer up for an open house at your local grocery store, just be polite but persistant and you will get the bookings. I promise!
 
Have you looked to your director for support? Also look in the files section for a document called "82 ways to get bookings" and "100 Creavtive ways to advertise your businss".
They might lend some help.
 
Oh no don't give up... I am also a fairly new consultant and it is definitely well worth it. I have to agree with everyone who said to think outside of the box. I would check with your director/recruiter and talk to them I'm sure they will have some very helpful info for you. This site is also great. Look through old posts and just read up. Also do the trainings on consultant corner very informative. When you speak with your upline ask about booths fairs expos and everything to try to get your name out there. Once more people find out about you it will pick up. Try hosting a grand opening and invite EVERYONE!!! Good luck
 
Ok, here's what I give my downline when we are going to do a cluster booking blitz.
Name three people for the following categories:
Friends of your siblings ( 3 for each sibling)
Friends of your parents
Friends of the mother in law or significant others mother
people you do business with (post office, grocery store, daycare, etc)
People in the food industry (sit down or fast food)
friends of your friends
siblings of your friends
people you went to high school with you WANT to reconnect with
People you worked with at your last job
people who attend your church
people you are in the same service organization with
your kids friends parents
people from your christmas card list
out of state relatives
spouses of your spouses workplace
people you know who are in a service organization
people you know who are coaches
email contacts who haven't hosted before

If you can come up with 3 for each category, you've just added over 50 contacts! If you have more than one child or sibling, you have more! It is stepping out of your comfort zone but let me tell you, it can pay off!
Also, host your own show and call it "Getting the neighborhood ready for the season" even if the neighbors don't all get along, stage it as an open house for a few hours and they won't have to tolerate each other at the same time.

You can also do an online email catalog show. Your email contacts can go to Pamperedchef.com, browse the catalog and then email you with an order. You can then put it into Pampered Partner and direct ship if they are far away.

Above all, just don't quit! If you do the above and make contacts, and don't get an immediate YES then ask if you can contact them again in the future and then do it when it's time.

Good luck
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main challenges I might face as a new Pampered Chef consultant?

As a new Pampered Chef consultant, you may face challenges such as building a customer base, managing time effectively, and overcoming initial financial hurdles. Additionally, you might struggle with self-promotion and gaining confidence in hosting parties or demonstrations.

How can I determine if I should continue with my Pampered Chef business?

To decide whether to continue, evaluate your passion for the products, your sales performance, and your enjoyment of the business activities. Consider your financial goals and whether the effort you’re putting in aligns with the results you’re seeing. Reflect on your long-term objectives and whether Pampered Chef fits into those plans.

What resources are available to help me improve my sales skills?

Pampered Chef offers various resources, including training materials, webinars, and support from experienced consultants. You can also join online communities or local groups for networking and sharing tips. Engaging with your upline or mentor can provide personalized guidance and motivation.

How do I handle feelings of discouragement or burnout?

Feeling discouraged or burned out is common in direct sales. To combat this, take breaks when needed, set realistic goals, and celebrate small achievements. Surround yourself with supportive peers and seek inspiration from success stories within the Pampered Chef community. Remember to focus on your passion for cooking and sharing recipes, as this can reignite your enthusiasm.

What should I consider before deciding to stop my Pampered Chef business?

Before making the decision to stop, consider the time and effort you've invested, your financial situation, and your personal goals. Reflect on whether the challenges you're facing are temporary or if they stem from a lack of interest. It may also be helpful to discuss your thoughts with a mentor or fellow consultants to gain perspective on your situation.

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