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Discussion Overview
This thread explores the experiences and insights of participants regarding their training as new Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share what they wish they had known or received during their initial training and the challenges they faced in their early days.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, wishes their trainer had reassured them that rejection is not personal and that more frequent contact would have been helpful during the initial weeks.
- Another participant shares their experience of learning to be creative in their business after feeling stuck, discovering methods like Mystery Host shows and utilizing local venues for promotions.
- Several users mention the importance of asking for bookings and how it contributes to business growth, with one noting they missed opportunities by not asking sooner.
- One participant reflects on the overwhelming nature of initial training and the need for better product knowledge and understanding of recruitment responsibilities.
- Another participant highlights the lack of clarity around Kit Enhancement Month and the importance of familiarizing oneself with company policies.
- One participant expresses a desire for more encouragement and validation from their director, emphasizing the impact of external support on motivation.
- Another participant discusses the need for effective communication strategies, suggesting that phone calls are more effective than mailings for securing bookings.
- One participant shares their experience of organizing their business and the benefits of learning different organizational methods from peers.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the effectiveness of initial training experiences, with some participants expressing a desire for more support and clarity, while others share strategies that helped them succeed despite challenges. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach to training or support.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and insights from consultants at various stages in their careers, highlighting the diversity of training experiences and the varying levels of support received.
Who May Find This Useful
New consultants and those involved in training others within the Pampered Chef community may find the shared experiences and insights valuable for understanding common challenges and strategies.
F
friday
pamperedlinda
Gold Member
- 10,156
One thing I learned here on CS was to be creative in my business. I found this site after @ 4 months of being a consultant and right when I had run out of my friends and family to host shows for me. I was in a slump and didn't have anyone that wanted to host shows right then - I had bookings, but they were for 2 or 3 month's out. What I didn't realize was that if I didn't have a host then that shouldn't stop me, I could do it myself! I learned about Mystery Host shows, I learned @ Pampereing a business, I also placed a drawing box at the local Curves. This was during HWC time and I had friends take orders for just the 'pink stuff' - which lead to more orders and bookings.
I guess I just didn't realize that I could run my business "out of the box". It completely turned my biz around.
I guess I just didn't realize that I could run my business "out of the box". It completely turned my biz around.
hperschnick
- 413
That asking people for bookings isn't pushy, it is how we grow our businesses and how we help others stock their kitchens. I was about 6 shows in before I started asking consistently... think of how many shows I missed out on!
Set your available dates before you go to a show so your business does not run you.
Do the online training - it is very helpful. Order the CDs on the supply orders.
Set your available dates before you go to a show so your business does not run you.
Do the online training - it is very helpful. Order the CDs on the supply orders.
baychef
Silver Member
- 2,833
Ok, Miss "promoted to director in 5 months"...I've been doing this for almost 8 years and became a director about 4 years into it...I'm looking to YOU for advice!!!
That being said, there was a lot that my recruiter didn't tell me, but, it was overwhelming and I don't think at first it would have sunk in. I guess getting them to know the product and work with the products would be one thing that I wish I had done earlier.
Also, that you do NOT have to "know what you are doing" to recruit someone!
Not much help, but some of us are a little slower that others LOL!!!!
That being said, there was a lot that my recruiter didn't tell me, but, it was overwhelming and I don't think at first it would have sunk in. I guess getting them to know the product and work with the products would be one thing that I wish I had done earlier.
Also, that you do NOT have to "know what you are doing" to recruit someone!
Not much help, but some of us are a little slower that others
LOL!!!!
chefann
Gold Member
- 22,050
As evidenced by some of the posts today, clarification of Kit Enhancement Month and other opportunities needs to be covered. KE wasn't a big deal for me (I was under the old 6-month super start program and earned the first level of all 6), but a lot of consultants miss it completely because they're simply unaware of it. And with the PC$ program, it's such a magnificent opportunity.In fact, there have been a lot of questions lately about things that are covered in the policies. I think a lot of people get so excited about the products that they don't bother reading and familiarizing themselves with the policies.
chefmeg
Gold Member
- 2,071
I got NO training~simply had to look at everything myself and go from there! With that said, I wish someone had told me how easy recruiting is when you are a new consultant...your enthusiasm is contagious! I would have been a little more aware of the red flag questions if I had known. Also, I was scared because I thought if I recruited, I was responsible for those people...I guess I really didn't understand what the job of a Director was since my Director at the time was the same person that didn't train me...heck, she didn't even call me! I make it a point to tell my new recruits that it is my job to train and coach anyone they bring onto the team until the time comes that they choose to promote.
ChefNic
- 1,048
"Just Ask"...it was a phrase the home office 'came up with" a couple years after I started...sorta like they came up with "3-2-1"
I didn't ask for bookings...or recruits...for years! and my bookings showed!
When my hospitality director drilled into my head to 'just ask' I started doing it, and it worked! Before I just explained the host program and expected people to bombard me with bookings. It doesn't always work that way.
Another thing...being consistent...holding a show a week, or two a week...not one a month, or one every other month...like I did at first...will help you be smooth and comfortable in front of guests. Being smooth and comfortable, you are having more fun, so the guests are having more fun...so they want to book and sign!
I think Directors need to know if their consultants want you to contact them, or if they are happy on their own. I really didn't get any training or encouragement at the beginning (my 1st director isn't in the biz anymore so i'm under her upline now -and she's awesome!) She thought since I wasn't turning in much, she wouldn't contact me. But really I just needed encouragement and ideas. Just because the consultant doesn't turn in 8 shows a month, doesn't mean she doesn't WANT to turn in 8 shows a month.
Wish I was in your class! Congrats on your success! Best of luck with the class! Let us know how it went!
I didn't ask for bookings...or recruits...for years! and my bookings showed!
When my hospitality director drilled into my head to 'just ask' I started doing it, and it worked! Before I just explained the host program and expected people to bombard me with bookings. It doesn't always work that way.
Another thing...being consistent...holding a show a week, or two a week...not one a month, or one every other month...like I did at first...will help you be smooth and comfortable in front of guests. Being smooth and comfortable, you are having more fun, so the guests are having more fun...so they want to book and sign!
I think Directors need to know if their consultants want you to contact them, or if they are happy on their own. I really didn't get any training or encouragement at the beginning (my 1st director isn't in the biz anymore so i'm under her upline now -and she's awesome!) She thought since I wasn't turning in much, she wouldn't contact me. But really I just needed encouragement and ideas. Just because the consultant doesn't turn in 8 shows a month, doesn't mean she doesn't WANT to turn in 8 shows a month.
Wish I was in your class! Congrats on your success! Best of luck with the class! Let us know how it went!
missyciccolella
- 791
To be honest, I didn't really have any training - at all. I do however wish I had more of a cheerleader in the beginning...I tend to be my hardest (and worst) critic so having someone tell "that is great you booked another show" or "amazing you have a recruit lead" or even "awesome show!" (even when sales are average) would have been nice. I guess I'm saying, it would have been nice for a little more external validation. Since only a few consultants are high achievers, it is nice for the consultant in the middle to know she/he is doing well too.
And I'm not trying to through a pity party for myself! LOL I know this sounds a bit "whiny". HA, HA!
And I'm not trying to through a pity party for myself! LOL I know this sounds a bit "whiny". HA, HA!
JAE
- 4,739
A few things I wish I could have gotten from someone...ANYONE.
1. Explain Kit Enhancement and give tips of the best way to start. (For example, I sent in my contract around April 17, but didn't plan to have my first show until April 30 ish. I had no idea about the first 30 days starting right away. I thought the first full month after signing was what counted as the first month.)
2. I wish someone would have told me to stop spending money on mailing things. USE THE PHONE! No one responds to mailings or nice colored copies. One mailing cost at least $60, and nothing came of it. When I started calling, I started getting bookings.
3. Ask every, yes, every guest if they would like to have a show. Don't wait to see the prize drawing slip. I love the three pile system (or 4). Offer a recipe, offer the opportunity, offer the host plan. Add a 4th pile of extra's like fundraisers, gift certificates, and/or bridal showers and registries. If I would have asked at the show, I wouldn't have to ask on the phone. Still make customer care calls, but then they can sincerely be customer care calls.
1. Explain Kit Enhancement and give tips of the best way to start. (For example, I sent in my contract around April 17, but didn't plan to have my first show until April 30 ish. I had no idea about the first 30 days starting right away. I thought the first full month after signing was what counted as the first month.)
2. I wish someone would have told me to stop spending money on mailing things. USE THE PHONE! No one responds to mailings or nice colored copies. One mailing cost at least $60, and nothing came of it. When I started calling, I started getting bookings.
3. Ask every, yes, every guest if they would like to have a show. Don't wait to see the prize drawing slip. I love the three pile system (or 4). Offer a recipe, offer the opportunity, offer the host plan. Add a 4th pile of extra's like fundraisers, gift certificates, and/or bridal showers and registries. If I would have asked at the show, I wouldn't have to ask on the phone. Still make customer care calls, but then they can sincerely be customer care calls.
lockhartkitchen
- 2,154
1. How to organize your business. A consultant and I a few months ago teamed together and showed the newbies to our cluster different ways of organizing their business. I use PP as a calendar to tell me when to call, send emails, etc. Once I have put in names and contacts (using show slips), I recycle them. My friend does only paper trail. She uses a photo box with months labeled inside and had a different system. Though they both work, it was nice for people to see.
A "tour" of the director's office space. My director took the time to show me how to use PP and input a show, this was so great.
A "tour" of the director's office space. My director took the time to show me how to use PP and input a show, this was so great.
chefann
Gold Member
- 22,050
wadesgirl
Gold Member
- 11,383
I agree with office use. My director took me to shows with her and let me use PP on her computer and also had me hand calculate orders for customer's and then she checked them on PP (math is a very strong thing for me so no problem there). But one thing that may have helped would have been to see how she organizes/utilizes her office area.
I'm a hands on person so any hands on training helped me.
I'm a hands on person so any hands on training helped me.
V
vwpamperedchef
Software training I think would be important. There are so many facets of places in PP and PP3. I agree to tell new consultants about the free, % off they receive etc. Its a lot of info all at once, it should be spread out a little bit. I am still learning PP3 and what it can do. I find something new every time. (and I am like WOW I didnt know I could find this?!). LOL
I'm still looking for someone to show me how to organize!!
One thing my recruiter told me that was very valuable was to keep adding and asking for bookings, even though I had the first 4 on my calendar. I (like most newbies) thought I'd get all the others that I needed from my shows, but my first show had NONE! So it was a good thing she had already warned me about that!
One thing my recruiter told me that was very valuable was to keep adding and asking for bookings, even though I had the first 4 on my calendar. I (like most newbies) thought I'd get all the others that I needed from my shows, but my first show had NONE! So it was a good thing she had already warned me about that!
Sallie_M
- 253
MORFIA, that would be SWEET!
Another thing: just what going to conference can do for you & your business. And about conference club.
I didn't go to conference for 3 years. My business took a huge step forward immediately after my first time there.
It had to do with the networking with others, the confidence I got from the workshops, and seeing the whole picture.
Another thing: just what going to conference can do for you & your business. And about conference club.
I didn't go to conference for 3 years. My business took a huge step forward immediately after my first time there.
It had to do with the networking with others, the confidence I got from the workshops, and seeing the whole picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Getting off to a 'Grate' Start--In 2008"?
"Getting off to a 'Grate' Start--In 2008" is a training program designed for new Pampered Chef consultants to help them launch their business successfully. It provides essential tools, resources, and strategies to build a strong foundation in direct sales.
What resources are available in the "Grate" Start program?
The program offers a variety of resources including training materials, online webinars, and access to experienced consultants. It also includes tips on product knowledge, sales techniques, and customer engagement strategies.
How can new consultants benefit from this program?
New consultants can benefit by gaining confidence in their selling abilities, learning effective ways to host cooking shows, and understanding how to build a customer base. The program aims to accelerate their growth and increase their sales potential.
Is there a cost associated with participating in "Getting off to a 'Grate' Start--In 2008"?
No, the program is typically offered at no additional cost to new consultants as part of their onboarding process. This ensures that all new team members have the opportunity to succeed from the start.
How long does the "Grate" Start program last?
The "Grate" Start program usually spans the first few months of a consultant's journey with Pampered Chef, allowing ample time to absorb the training and implement the strategies learned into their business practices.
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