How can I stay organized with a busy schedule and multiple shows in January?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various strategies for staying organized amidst a busy schedule of shows in January. Participants share their personal experiences and challenges related to organization, recipe selection, and managing multiple events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a need for better organization due to a busy schedule with nine shows in January and seeks suggestions from others.
  • Another participant shares a similar struggle with organization, mentioning the chaos in their office and the challenge of managing time with young children.
  • Several users mention the idea of choosing one recipe for the month to simplify preparation and organization for shows.
  • One participant notes that they typically allow hosts to choose recipes, although they have frequently prepared the same dessert, which has helped streamline their process.
  • Another participant discusses the benefits of limiting the number of recipes to reduce stress and make the shows more manageable.
  • One participant shares their organizational strategy using binders and labels to keep track of various information related to hosts, customers, and recruits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the approach to recipe selection, with some participants favoring a single recipe for simplicity, while others prefer offering choices to hosts. No clear consensus emerges on the best organizational methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies for managing their businesses, reflecting a range of organizational challenges and solutions based on individual circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas on organization and recipe management may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their own practices.

M
mrssyvo
Messages
1,929
I have been blessed with a CRAZY January schedule. Right now I have 9 shows for January (2 of them in 1 day) and I need some suggestions. I am in my SS3 now and My New Years resolution is to become more organized. I guess I will have plenty of chance to practice with 9 shows scheduled already!! My goal for 2006 is to hold 8 shows a month, so that is a good start, but I know that in order to succeed I NEED to become better organized.

I do have an office in my home, and a way to put my business away, so that is a good thing, but right now my office looks like a tornado hit it. What are some ways you guys stay organized, what works best for you? I find myself wasting alot of time just looking for things, show folders, ect. I need a process that is easy, and consise.

Also, do you chose a recipe a month, and just do that one recipe, or do you give choices ? It woudl be easier for me if I do all the shows the same, but I am afraid I will be bored with that. What works best for you? Sorry this is so long.
 
Wow, it sounds like the same tornado hit my office!! It drives my husband nuts. It's just impossible for me to take the time to weed through everything and organize it with two little kids running and crawling around. My husband may actually take a day off in the next couple weeks so I can devote the entire day to getting organized. I'll also be moving my office into my new workspace in the basement, so hopefully I can start off organized. That's my new years resolution too.

I, personally, don't pick one recipe for the month. I usually give my host the choice, although they usually are open to my suggestions. It does turn out I've done more Molten Chocolate Skillet Brownies than anything else. That makes it easy because I have down pat what I need and how to organize that.

I wish I had more organization tips for you!! I am in need of them myself. I do have files of various things, including all the stuff that goes into a host packet, but I need a better system for the smaller things. I'm excited about having my new Franklin Covey Planner and I need to start using it NOW. Good luck to you!
 
OrganizationWell, I think the same tornado that struck your house has been to mine! So I can't help you on that end.

However, I think that choosing 1 savory and 1 dessert recipe to offer your hosts in Jan will help you be more organized for your parties. It will help because you won't be scrambling around your kitchen trying to figure out what products you need to take. They will be the same for all of your parties.

I, personally, only do 1 recipe now. I let my host know if she would like to offer more food she is more than welcome to provide a dessert (if we are doing savory) or simple appetizers (if we are doing a dessert). I will offer them suggestions, but I no longer do 2. I try to limit her to offering only 1 additional thing because I don't want her friends thinking it will be a lot of work and money to host a party.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Chef Kearns, thank you for that suggestion about offering only 1 recipe. I started out doing 2, and now it is becoming overwhelming. I think I will reduce it to 1, and let the hostess provide the 2nd. I think that in itself will lower the stress level, as far as the show itself. One question, when you do the molten brownie skillet, do you have it in the oven before the show, and if so, what do you demonstrate? It takes so long to bake and cool, that it is alot of time to fill without demonstarting something.
 
Clean Sweep/Mission OrganizationI have really put to use the info from these two shows. I'm not lucky enough to have a room for my business. Hopefully after our May move. If your have your own room, then I say get a label maker and some baskets or plastic boxes and label them. Put them in alphabetical order on the shelf and that way you have a place for everything. Since I am just starting out. I am using Binders instead of file folders and a file cabinet to keep track of Host, Customer and Recruit info. I have a binder for each and alphabetize them. For my Host book, I have dividers in place for Potential Host, Open Shows and closed shows. I alphabetize potential and closed and I sort by date for Open. My Recruit folder is divided up in sections as well. Potential, Signed and Qualified. Hope some of this helps.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prioritize my shows and manage my time effectively in January?

To prioritize your shows, start by creating a calendar for the month of January. List all your shows and any other commitments you have. Use color coding to differentiate between shows, personal time, and other responsibilities. This visual representation will help you see where you can allocate your time effectively. Additionally, consider setting specific goals for each show to keep you focused and motivated.

What tools can I use to stay organized with my direct sales business?

Utilizing digital tools can greatly enhance your organization. Consider using apps like Trello or Asana to manage tasks and deadlines. Google Calendar is also a great tool for scheduling shows and reminders. For tracking sales and customer information, a simple spreadsheet or a dedicated CRM tool can help you stay on top of your business activities.

How can I prepare for multiple shows in advance?

Preparation is key to managing multiple shows. Start by creating a checklist for each show that includes items like product selection, marketing materials, and any special promotions. Aim to have all your materials ready at least a week in advance. You can also practice your presentation and cooking demos ahead of time to ensure you are confident and prepared on show day.

What strategies can I use to balance my personal life with my direct sales business?

Balancing personal life with your business requires setting boundaries and managing expectations. Schedule specific times for work and personal activities, and stick to them. Communicate with family and friends about your busy schedule so they can support you. Additionally, consider delegating tasks at home or during shows to free up some of your time.

How can I follow up with customers after my shows without feeling overwhelmed?

To streamline your follow-up process, create a follow-up template that you can customize for each customer. Set aside a specific time each week dedicated to follow-ups, and use a spreadsheet to track who you’ve contacted and their responses. This will help you stay organized and ensure that no customer is overlooked, making the process feel less overwhelming.

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