How can I make the most of my first month as a new Pampered Chef consultant?

[MomToEli]

Woohoo! I was able to sign my agreement online today (had to wait for my show to hit)! I have 7 cooking shows and 2 catalog shows booked, have my list working and am gathering ideas.

I'm really looking forward to this!

What is this most important thing I should be doing to get my business off to a fast and healthy start? Are there any systems I should put in place right from the git-go -- things you wish you would have done as you look back?

I'm already planning on going to NC - Wave 1. I'm going to a gathering at my ED home the end of this month. We don't have cluster meetings, but my director works with us one on one as we ask (too many cluster meetings of no one showing up, I'm afraid).

I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!

 

[Kathytnt]

WELCOME - You are off to a great start!

 

[Evelynt]

Welcome!
Put the 3-2-1 system into place right away and it will become the best "habit" for your business.3 Contacts a day 5 days a week
2 Shows a week
1 new recruit a monthTake all the online training courses
Observe at least 2 other consultant's shows
Go to your team meetings and take the Step Up to Director Course when your director or Exec offers it.

 

[raebates]

Welcome!!! We're glad to have you as part of our virtual cluster.

Sounds like you've got a good plan, and you've already received excellent advice. The only thing I would add is have lots of fun. Seriously, the more fun you're having, the more fun your guests will have.

 

[janetupnorth]

Welcome and good luck!

 

[StacieB]

Welcome, sounds like you are starting off great!

 

[tlennhoff]

Congrats and enjoy our virtual cluster. Make sure you've signed up for the debit and/or credit card asap so you can submit using P3.

 

[Kitchen2u]

Congratulations! You are off to a great start...

My advice ~

Keep on bookin' em! They're the MEAT of your business ~

With your excitement ~ SHARE the opportunity! Ask someone to learn with you! Excitement is contagious ~ you could be a Director in no time with your excitement ~ RECRUITING is the POTATOES of your biz!

Good luck!

Ginny

 

[GourmetGirl]

Evelyn made some great tips! I would recommend following those. I wish I kept my excitement and use of the phone up. If I was in a schedule of doing it, then maybe now wouldn't be so hard and ask for referrals if anyone from your list of 100 says no, this way you won't run out of leads! Good luck and Congratulations on starting your own business!

 

[KellyTheChef]

Welcome to CS and to PC!

Everyone has given you great advice! Good luck on your new business!

 

[sparkles17]

Welcome!! Everyone offered great tips!! I am at the end of my 2nd month with PC and I am really enjoying it. I just moved so its like I'm starting all over again! Need to get those leads going and get some shows of my own going, but sounds like you are ready for a great start!!

 

[pcchris]

Welcome! I'd make sure you stay in contact with your director/recruiter...attend monthly meetings if you can. If you can't, there are good ideas and great people here!

 

[legacypc46]

I started six months ago and, like you, had a strong schedule from the get-go. My advice: maintain balance and perspective.

This business will enrich your life tremendously...just watch for signs that it doesn't become your life! (Speaking from experience )

Okay, off my soap-box...here's some practical tips:

Establish 'business mgmt time': It's easier to stay focused on customers and shows, but set aside time for doing the admin stuff. Wish I had established this habit/priority earlier.

Tax Deductions: It'll probably be a couple months before you find a tracking system that works for you. In the meantime, still capture your deductable expenses. Even if it's just jotted notes in a day-planner. Also, have a place for receipts you haven't logged in and one for those you have. P3 has an EXCELLENT expense tracking log (wish I had leveraged the software better in the beginning...now I am trying to catch-up).

Mileage: If constantly logging your odometer doesn't work for you, try noting your PC related trips in your planner. I do this and then go back during admin time and pull up the mileage via mapquest. I've just starting using a spread sheet that has the date, to and from, distance, and purpose of trip (ie, host coaching, show, buy groceries).

Costs: Ink for printing is a real money drain (esp colored ink). Instead of the PC host/guest special flyers (from CC), try using some of the great flyers here.

Cancellations/low shows: They are going to happen; it's part of the business. Sometimes, it's because of something we do or don't do, but other times it just simply "is". Accept it, bless it, and then release it (as Rae so wisely advises).

ChefSuccess: Incredible ideas and amazingly supportive people. It's also addicting! If you find yourself spending too much time here at first, set a timer (a PC one, of course) and limit your sessions. It will force you to focus on the business-related side.....we'll all be here when you come back up for air and can actually post and chat.

Yikes, sorry this is so long! This is a great business....best decision I made in awhile...just wish I had made it sooner!!!!!

 

[MomToEli]

Wow! Thanks for the welcomes and the advice! I really do appreciate it

I really do like my Director. She has been with the company several years, is knowledgeable yet honest enough to let me know what she doesn't know and get me in touch with the person who can help me. And, she blessed me with a year and a half of her Director's Editions of the Pampered Chef Consultant News! I'm in heaven here

I have other questions that are popping up, but will post them in the appropriate places. Thanks so very much for the warm welcome.

BTW, I really need to heed the timer suggestion - this place IS addictive!

Oh, one other thing - I submitted my application yesterday morning and received my dates/consultant number last night! Now THAT is a fast turn-around time!