How Do I Respond to This? Need Suggestions.

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a participant's experience with a potential recruit for Pampered Chef, discussing how to respond to her concerns about scheduling and the nature of shows. Participants share their thoughts on the differences between catalog shows and cooking shows, as well as personal anecdotes related to balancing family and business commitments.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests that the potential recruit may prefer cooking shows over catalog shows, based on her feedback from a recent show experience.
  • Another participant shares their experience of being their own boss as a consultant, emphasizing the flexibility in scheduling shows according to personal availability.
  • Several users mention the importance of engaging with potential recruits face-to-face rather than relying solely on email communication.
  • One participant notes that understanding the recruit's interests and challenges can help tailor the conversation and support her decision-making process.
  • Another participant highlights the appeal of being able to choose between cooking on the spot or preparing ahead of time, which can cater to different preferences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to engage the potential recruit, with some participants advocating for face-to-face meetings while others suggest maintaining communication through email. No clear consensus emerges regarding the preferred method of recruitment.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to balancing family life with the demands of being a Pampered Chef consultant, illustrating the varying degrees of commitment and flexibility in their schedules.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering how to approach potential recruits who may have concerns about time commitments and the nature of Pampered Chef shows might find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

AJPratt
Silver Member
Messages
6,674
I got this email from Aprill, my neighbor/poss. recruit. Her husband's schedule is hectic right now. She works part time a couple of days a week and they have a small child. So I suggested she become a Consultant that does catalog shows. This girl is really sweet, LOVES our products and I think would be amazing at this. We have been going back and forth a bit. What do you think I should say back? I'm sure someone else has a better approach.

Hey Anne, sorry that you haven't heard from me, I have been so busy lately. Lot's to do, ya know. Wow 1500.00 dollar sale that is awesome!! Good for you. I went to a simply delicious (or whatever it's called) show last night, and can I just say first of all, I have been to only one of those shows before and the last one was much better than this one. The consultant had everything made ahead of time, which is okay, but she put everything out and just said help yourself. She did have cards out in front of everything that told you what it was, but it didn't explain how to make it?? Honestly, I think I would have bought much more,but I didn't b/c I didn't know how to prepare it. So with that being said I really don't think me doing only catalog shows would really be a good thing, business wise. Seriously, I was completely turned off of buying from her. I found that it was way more interesting to socialize with the girls.& nbsp;
 
BE your own boss!!I know that I am totally turned off by the idea of having a boss again and having to follow a certain set schedule everyday all day long.

I would try to stress the fact that as a PC consultant, you are your own boss and therefore can create any schedule that works for you. Being that she loves the products and has even allowed you to talk to her about this great opportunity is a very positive step in the right direction.
I always stress when I am talking to gals about signing up to do PC that if their schedule allows one show a month or twenty, that is totally up to them.
Sometimes I have two shows a month, sometimes four or five. It just depends on my hectic schedule.
As she told you the fact that she didn't know how to make those dishes were a big turn off but a big part of being a PC consultant is helping others find delicious, quick and easy recipes that they can share with their families. And considering that you can prepare a whole meal in about 30 minutes right before their eyes, the PC products sell themselves.
There are times when I have shows with really good friends and you know what. I have most of the food prepared ahead of time and pass out recipe cards with step by step instructions so we have more time for answering their questions, showing new products they probably haven't seen, playing fun games, eating, and socializing.
Have four kids and homeschooling I know how important it is to get out and mingle. And I do take advantage of that great benefit that comes along with my job as a PC consultant. I make my shows the way I want to and also talk to hosts to see what they want. I am pretty flexible and I always have fun!! It's worth a shot, I always tell everyone, you never know!!

Just my two cents!
Debbie
 
AJPratt said:

Honestly, I think I would have bought much more,but I didn't b/c I didn't know how to prepare it. So with that being said I really don't think me doing only catalog shows would really be a good thing, business wise. Seriously, I was completely turned off of buying from her. I found that it was way more interesting to socialize with the girls.& nbsp;

Anne, Maybe I'm reading this wrong but it sounds to me like what she is trying to say is that she would prefer is to do actual cooking shows....not just catalog shows. Sometimes we sell ourselves (and PC) short by trying to decide for them and offer an alternative (ie: "I know your husband has a crazy schedule and you're really busy with work and the baby, maybe you could be a catalog consultant") when really what they would like/need is the "whole package"! I do this all the time, we point out the obstacles we see them having when many times they hadn't even thought of that....of course, until WE point them out!!!

I'd go back to her and simple say..."I think you would be great at this and I'd love to have you join my team. You have nothing to lose by giving it a try and let's see where it goes from there." Don't offer excuses, don't throw out obstacles.....toss the ball into her court and then sit back and listen to what she has to say. Respond to objections....don't give them to her :)
 
RecuritWhat I would do is say something that encourages her that PC is totaly oppoisit of Simply Tastefull. explain what you do at your shows, explain that you are your own boss and that you make your own hours and work when ever you want and as much as you want!! WOW Okay I said alot of You's didn't I??? Oh well..... but you get the point!!!! That is what I would do if it were me!!! Good Luck!!


AJPratt said:
I got this email from Aprill, my neighbor/poss. recruit. Her husband's schedule is hectic right now. She works part time a couple of days a week and they have a small child. So I suggested she become a Consultant that does catalog shows. This girl is really sweet, LOVES our products and I think would be amazing at this. We have been going back and forth a bit. What do you think I should say back? I'm sure someone else has a better approach.

Hey Anne, sorry that you haven't heard from me, I have been so busy lately. Lot's to do, ya know. Wow 1500.00 dollar sale that is awesome!! Good for you. I went to a simply delicious (or whatever it's called) show last night, and can I just say first of all, I have been to only one of those shows before and the last one was much better than this one. The consultant had everything made ahead of time, which is okay, but she put everything out and just said help yourself. She did have cards out in front of everything that told you what it was, but it didn't explain how to make it?? Honestly, I think I would have bought much more,but I didn't b/c I didn't know how to prepare it. So with that being said I really don't think me doing only catalog shows would really be a good thing, business wise. Seriously, I was completely turned off of buying from her. I found that it was way more interesting to socialize with the girls.& nbsp;
 
SUGGESTION:

"That is what is so good about TPC - we can either do all the cooking on the spot right in front of everyone - or we can do it ahead, and just sit and chat with the girls!"

L I S T E N more, talk less. Quit emailing and get with her over coffee. Just spending time with her will incline her your way. The best recruiter in our national cluster told me - think of the pigeons and breadcrumbs. Give a little, they come closer. Throw the whole bag, they fly away...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks for all of your suggestions. I've been trying to get together with her for a few weeks, but her husband is a cop, and he's working all this mandatory overtime, so its been tough to get together. I thought emailing would help keep an interest maybe...
 
Definetly try to sit down with her face to face. If she can't get out without her little one try to think of alternatives. Maybee a park or an indoor playground. It sounds like she really is interested. Find out what exactly has caught her eye.

I know when I started I had an 18month old and a hubby with a crazy (3pm to 1am mon thru thursday)schedule. With no family arround to help with my daughter. I had always loved PC so I started doing just 1 or 2 shows a month on the weekends to get out of the house. Of course you know how easy it is to get addicted to this business.

When you find out her thoughts you can know better how to guide her thru her challenges. The nice thing is the minimal commitment. If she decides after he 4 shows it's to hard with her family schedule she can stop.

Thats my $.02 :)
 
I have actually met several of my hostesses and potential recruits at playgrounds or indoor playlands. Especially the ones that have young kids themselves. They are very understanding and we are able to actually spend more valuable time than we sometimes would in one of our homes because the kids are having a fun outing too.

Maybe ask her over for a visit and set up her child with the new decorator set and some sugar cookies while you talk.

Talking to someone is definately the key. If she was able to go to another home show the other night maybe the idea of getting out of the house for a real "reason" like going out for coffee and a visit would be more appealing.

Michele
 
I've met gals at the play area at the mall and in their homes so the kids can run around and we can talk.

Offer to come over when it's convenient for her--it's not a big deal business appointment, but just an opportunity to sit down and chat more about it.

Good luck!
 
I agree about getting together at a time with her child. Make sure you aren't annoyed by the child's interruptions. You may not be able to finish a complete thought for the entire meeting, but being nice to her child will get you all sorts of bonus points. (You may automatically do that but I just want to state the obvious.)

I would also (when you finally get with her) ask her what she thinks she could offer at a cooking show. Help her see herself helping others cook better sense that seems to be her passion. Good luck.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
This is what I sent back...

I can see what you mean about the Tastefully Simple show. I also see how you could be concerned about catalog shows having the same effect. I guess I just was thinking that mostly everyone knows Pampered Chef and the products, so that might not happen.

Listen, I am not trying to push you into something you are not ready for or interested in. It's just that I am so excited about my business and I really think you'd be great at it. And I'd love to have you on my team...but only when and if it is right for you.

If by chance, you are still a little interested... I do want to mention that there is a meeting on September 12th in Mays Landing where if you have some questions they could be answered. Since I'm still new at this I don't know if I'm doing such a good job. Or... I can always ask my friend if we can get together at my place or your place for snacks/coffee. She's been doing this a lot longer and has children, so she may better be able to understand your situation.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I say when a potential customer is hesitant to buy?

When a potential customer expresses hesitation, acknowledge their concerns and ask open-ended questions to understand their reservations better. You might say, "I completely understand your hesitation. Can you share what specifically is holding you back? I’d love to help address any questions or concerns you might have."

How do I respond to someone who says they can't afford your products?

In response to someone who feels they can't afford your products, you can empathize with their situation and highlight the value of the products. You could say, "I understand that budgeting is important. Many of our customers find that investing in quality kitchen tools saves them money in the long run. Would you like to hear about some of our more affordable options or any current promotions?"

What should I say if someone is interested but not ready to commit?

If someone shows interest but isn't ready to commit, encourage them to take their time while keeping the conversation open. You might respond with, "I totally get that making a decision takes time. Would it help if I sent you some additional information or followed up with you in a week to see how you're feeling?"

How can I respond to a friend who is skeptical about direct sales?

When a friend expresses skepticism about direct sales, it's important to share your personal experience without being defensive. You could say, "I understand that direct sales can seem different. I was skeptical at first too, but I've found it to be a great way to connect with people and share products I genuinely love. If you're curious, I'd be happy to share more about my journey!"

What do I say to someone who has had a bad experience with direct sales in the past?

If someone mentions a bad experience with direct sales, validate their feelings and offer a different perspective. You might respond, "I'm sorry to hear that you had a negative experience. Not all direct sales are the same, and I strive to create a positive and supportive environment. If you're open to it, I'd love to show you how my approach differs!"

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