Frustrated with My Friends Hosting Shows: Is It Just Me?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants expressing frustration with friends and family who host Pampered Chef shows. Many share personal experiences regarding the lack of commitment and effort from their friends when hosting, leading to challenges in organizing successful events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration that friends do not take hosting seriously and do not put in the necessary effort.
  • Another participant shares their experience that friends and family often host grudgingly, making them difficult to coach.
  • Several users mention that breaking away from the friends and family circle has been beneficial for their business.
  • One participant recounts a negative experience where a friend downplayed the importance of ordering at a show, leading to disappointment.
  • Another participant discusses challenges with a family member trying to dictate how to run a show, adding to their stress.
  • One participant notes that friends often expect special treatment, complicating the organization of shows.
  • Another participant shares a recent cancellation by a friend, highlighting the unpredictability of hosting shows with friends.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants, with some agreeing that friends and family can be problematic hosts, while others share mixed experiences. No clear consensus emerges on the overall effectiveness of friends and family as hosts.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and frustrations, reflecting a range of experiences with friends and family in the context of hosting Pampered Chef shows.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are navigating similar challenges with friends and family as hosts may find these shared experiences relatable.

L
luckystar
Silver Member
Messages
51
I just startet and I did ask 2 friends if they would be willing to do a show but I`m so frustrated with them. It seems they don`t take it serious the one (party is this friday!) doesn`t really seem to care if anybody shows up. I coach her yes but it is more pushing her to email people etc.
I think is is so much easier if you have people that host shows cause they want to not to do you a favor:mad:
My other friend who did a catalog show didn`t seem to get the deal neither, she didn`t show around the catalog cause she thought so and so don`t order anyway:grumpy:
Is it just the people I know or did you have problems too that your friends didn`t put enough effort in to help you??
 
luckystar said:
I just startet and I did ask 2 friends if they would be willing to do a show but I`m so frustrated with them. It seems they don`t take it serious the one (party is this friday!) doesn`t really seem to care if anybody shows up. I coach her yes but it is more pushing her to email people etc.
I think is is so much easier if you have people that host shows cause they want to not to do you a favor:mad:
My other friend who did a catalog show didn`t seem to get the deal neither, she didn`t show around the catalog cause she thought so and so don`t order anyway:grumpy:
Is it just the people I know or did you have problems too that your friends didn`t put enough effort in to help you??
Click to expand...
It's Ironic, but friends and family are often the worst hosts! I do have 2 friends who regularly have great shows - but for the most part - getting out of the friends and family circle was the best thing I did for my business!ETA - Maybe you could let them know that you would really like to be able to help them get as much free and discounted product as possible......That, yes, they are helping you out, but you would also like to help them out too.
 
I find that often (though not always) friends and family feel like they should host a party, so they do so grudgingly. Sometimes these are the hardest people to coach. Look on the bright side--maybe you'll get a couple of great bookings from these parties.
 
It is definitely much better when you break away from your friend and family circle! Keep your chin up!
 
I had 2 people when I first started that were this way. One friend invited people that she wasn't really friends with... she worked with their husbands and hung out occasionally... One person showed up and she was just a coworker... but living paycheck to paycheck. Didn't order much but booked... then at her show when I was done with my demo she said "Now, you guys don't feel like you HAVE to order... that's not why I did this" WHAT?!?! :eek: I just wanted to scream "Then why did I waste my Saturday on you?!" It was barely a show and I DID NOT ask for any bookings - wanted to stay out of that circle! I finally broke into people who want the free stuff - it is nice!
 
wow you are so reading my mind about the friends and family thing. My boyfriend's sister is hosting show in December and so far the problem isn't with her inviting people it is more of she is trying to tell me how to run my business. First she says she would like to have an open house party so people can come and go as they please but now she has decided that she would like to do a cooking show and to make whatever I would like but then tonight I get a message saying that someone has requested we do the bites and bevs show so we can do the brie thing. She asked if I had any ideas for gift baskets so I got some ideas off of this website but that isn't good enough for her she wants me to put the actual baskets together and shrink wrap them and have several of these for display. She wears me out.

JoLynn
 
I think I'd give her the info. Let her know that you don't have time, but she's welcome to make a few up. :)
 
Friends are problem hostesses for me. You do things for them that you don't normally--make more recipes because they insist and it throws off the show for time and organization. You let them have special offers that someone else turns down and then you are picking it up from another host and delivering to your friend and she is acting like she is doing you a favor but you are not making anything. The invite, e-mail reminders and showing the catalog around--don't get me started -- 1 word --WON'T. I sympathize and am frustrated by that very thing and this is Sellathon and end of Panarama.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
I have to say it is good that not only my friends are like that, I hope that very soon I`m out of that circle so I don`t have to "bother" them anymore.
 
Friends make terrible hosts!!!!!!!!!!! My friend just cancelled on me the DAY BEFORE the show!!! Now her party is rescheduled for the end of the month and is still not going well.

Good luck w/ your party. Hopefully mine turns out ok too.

Layla
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my friends are hesitant to host Pampered Chef shows?

It's not uncommon for friends to feel hesitant about hosting shows. They may worry about the time commitment, the pressure to invite guests, or even the financial aspect. Start by having an open conversation with them about their concerns. Offer to help them with the planning and reassure them that it can be a fun and low-pressure experience. You can also suggest hosting a casual gathering to introduce the concept without the full commitment of a show.

How can I encourage my friends to host shows without feeling pushy?

To encourage your friends to host shows, focus on the benefits they can gain from it, such as earning free products or having a fun night with friends. Share your excitement about the products and the experience, but avoid making them feel obligated. You can also offer to make it a collaborative effort, where they can choose the theme or the guest list, making it more appealing and personal to them.

Is it normal to feel frustrated when friends don’t want to host shows?

Yes, it's completely normal to feel frustrated if your friends aren't interested in hosting shows. Direct sales can be challenging, and it's common to face obstacles in getting people on board. Remember that everyone has different priorities and comfort levels, so try to remain positive and patient. Focus on building relationships and finding new potential hosts outside your immediate circle.

What are some alternative ways to find hosts if my friends aren’t interested?

If your friends aren't interested in hosting shows, consider expanding your network. Attend local events, join community groups, or leverage social media to connect with new people. You can also reach out to acquaintances, family members, or even past customers who might be interested in hosting. Offering incentives or promotions can also attract new hosts.

How can I maintain my motivation when facing challenges with hosting shows?

Maintaining motivation in direct sales can be tough, especially when facing challenges. Set personal goals for yourself that are realistic and achievable. Surround yourself with supportive peers in the Pampered Chef community who can share their experiences and tips. Celebrate small wins, and remind yourself of the reasons you started your business in the first place. Keeping a positive mindset will help you push through the tough times.

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