How Can I Revive My Dwindling February Business?

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the challenges faced by new Pampered Chef consultants in February, particularly regarding dwindling business and canceled shows. Participants share their experiences and strategies for overcoming these obstacles and finding new opportunities to connect with potential hosts and customers.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses sadness over canceled shows due to weather and lack of interest, feeling discouraged about achieving their goals.
  • Another participant shares their experience of making phone calls to rebook shows and emphasizes the importance of host coaching to maintain excitement.
  • Several users mention the necessity of proactive outreach, including phone calls, emails, and community engagement, to generate interest and bookings.
  • One participant recounts a successful experience of booking a show on short notice, highlighting the potential for positive outcomes despite initial setbacks.
  • Another participant discusses the importance of staying active and finding alternative ways to connect with customers, such as advertising in local venues.
  • Some participants note that it is common for new consultants to experience slow starts and that persistence is key to eventual success.
  • One participant shares a specific tactic of promoting a sale to encourage orders and bookings, illustrating a creative approach to generating business.
  • Another participant reflects on their own struggles with canceled shows and the emotional toll it takes, resonating with others in similar situations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best strategies to revive business, with some participants advocating for direct outreach while others share varied personal experiences of challenges faced. No clear consensus emerges on a single effective approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the experiences of new consultants navigating early challenges in their business, particularly during a month perceived as difficult for bookings.

Who May Find This Useful

New consultants or those experiencing similar challenges in their business may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their situations.

brendaziz
Messages
88
I'm so sad. I just started in the business last month and had tons of shows lined up for this month and almost all of them have died from either snow or lack or interest.

Where can I meet people or get new people to talk to about havin a show in Feb???
It just seems so late now and i'm losing hope for my double pts month.

I'm aiming for Maui and I really have needed about 10 shows a month, not to mention recruits! I just feel so far.
 
It happens to us all. The best thing to do is get on the phone. Let people know that there is no need for several weeks' notice.As for those people who flaked in February--have you rebooked them? How's your host coaching? Are you helping them to stay excited and be successful with their shows? The key is to move forward.
 
Absolutely has happened to all of us. You need to get on the phone and call from your list of 100. I had a person book and hold her February show within 10 days and she had an over $1000 show. Make phone calls and make them with excitement. Host coaching is essential to keeping your hosts excited and anxious for their party. Most of all, DON'T get discouraged. It doesn't make it any better. Good luck to you!!
 
Yes, has happened to all of us. I had a very disheartening day of making calls the other day, but I still did it. Customer 1 had a broken stone, and when I went to process her return, she placed a $50 order. Customer 2 ended up ordering a stone. And Customer 3 ... well, to make a long story very sad, turned out to be dead ... i started a whole nother thread on her ...

So at least I'm staying active, which is my goal all along. HWC stuff would have been nice ... but I'll just buy them myself, or have a show in May.

As for the List of 100 ... talking to myself here ... a presenter at a conference once said, "If it's good enough for DORIS, It's good enough for me!"
 
call, call , call! E-mail! snail mail!

Anything to be in touch with people. I placed an ad on my church's bulletin, I donated baskets to a few silent auctions in town- check with the schools and local churches or clubs. Check with your director about any home shows in your area; you can split a shift with another consultant at her booth.

Drop a mini-catalog with your hair stylist, with the bank teller, your dentist or doctor's office. Anyone you do business with. Get a catalog tote and carry it around as your purse. I've gotten business from just that!

But don't get discouraged. You have also just started, so, for most people, it starts slow. Remember you need to crawl before you walk!

It will happen! Good luck, keep us posted!
 
Keep your chin up! I am in my first 30 days and I was really bummed because I had a cooking show that got cancelled due to the weather and a catalog show that isn't going anywhere because my friend is a deadbeat. But this weekend things have taken a positive turn just from one really good catalog show as well as getting tons of leads at a mall expo this weekend. Get out there and talk to people and you never know what might come your way!
 
Brenda...call those people that you had those tons of shows lined up with and let them know about the great 20% off glazed stoneware sale. Let them know you are placing an order on ________ date and explain to them that they can save bigger this month by ordering the products on special because next month the prices will go up. I took a few catalogs and wrote on each of the pictures of the stoneware what the price for Feb is (in orange marker) and then what the prices will be in March (in black) and then I wrote SAVE $___ (in green) what they will save by ordering from the special. For example: Save $8.60 on the Rectangular Baker Save $9.20 on the Large Bar Pan Save $9.80 on the Stoneware Fluted PanI took a catalog to a man who ordered a rotary grater and pizza cutter from me and he booked a show for the end of this month. He called me today and wants more catalogs for a bunch of ladies at his church!You can do it! Just let these people know how excited you are about the 20% sale and tell them you did not want them to miss out on it...get them to place an order with you and you count it as a show.
 
oh yeah... I also told this man that I would give everyone who orders something from his show a free Spring/Summer 2010 Season's Best.
 
Absolutely don't get discouraged (which is funny coming from me, because it happens to me everytime my calendar starts falling apart!)....just get on the phone. Usually I NEVER make calls, but when I do, I always get good results (should be a kick in the pants to try it more often, I guess!) And when you're calling around, keep in mind that your BEST shows are from those people you don't know very well - just acquaintences....("deadbeat friend")....
 
I also started last month and have found my month dwindling. I had a catalog show fall apart and another cooking show host who I met at the home show stood me up TWICE for host coaching meeting. Plus tonight I had a potential host's husband hang up on me. It has really not been my day, which is really hard for me right now because I am so anxious to quit my day job. So I defiantly understand.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective strategies to boost sales in February?

To revive your dwindling February business, consider hosting themed cooking classes or virtual parties that highlight seasonal recipes. Promote special offers or discounts on popular products, and leverage social media to showcase your cooking demonstrations. Engaging your audience with interactive content, such as polls or giveaways, can also help rekindle interest.

How can I reconnect with past customers?

Reach out to your previous customers through personalized emails or messages, thanking them for their past purchases and offering them exclusive deals. Consider sending a follow-up survey to gather feedback on their experiences and ask if they need any new kitchen tools or recipes. A personal touch can reignite their interest in your products.

What role does social media play in reviving my business?

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching new customers and engaging with your existing audience. Share engaging content, such as cooking tips, recipe videos, and customer testimonials. Utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to host live cooking sessions or Q&A events, creating a community around your brand and products.

Should I consider collaborating with other consultants or businesses?

Yes, collaborating with other Pampered Chef consultants or local businesses can expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences. Joint events, such as cooking classes or pop-up shops, can attract more participants and create a buzz around your offerings. Cross-promoting each other’s products can also enhance visibility for both parties.

How can I utilize customer feedback to improve my sales?

Customer feedback is invaluable for understanding what your clients want. Use surveys or direct conversations to gather insights about their preferences and experiences. Implementing their suggestions can help you tailor your product offerings and marketing strategies, making your business more appealing and relevant to your target audience.

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