How Do You Full-Time-Rs Do It?!! :)

[babywings76]

Oh my goodness! I am swimming in customer care duties! I have had such a busy show calendar this month and I loved it! But now I have so much follow-up work to do. I'm a bit overwhelmed. This week I'm glad I don't have any more shows because I still need to close 4 shows. And I have 4 catty shows out there somewhere. Plus I'm printing off receipts from all the outside orders and mailing them off, calling up all the potential bookings from the shows, making customer care calls, etc. Aahh! Taking a deep breath....

 

[ChefBeckyD]

It's the customer care and after care issues that get me when I do more than 8 shows a month. It does get overwhelming.

 

[legacypc46]

When I'm doing 8 shows a month, my customer care seriously drops off. If it's a straight forward 'everything okay' call, I intentionally ring them up when I know they won't be home. I leave a nice friendly message and my contact info should they have any problems. This way I can knock out a whole show's worth of calls in only a few minutes. (If there is the possibility of a booking or other business, I do try to actually talk with them.)

 

[wadesgirl]

Honestly... as much as I would like to have the time to do CCC, I really don't have the time. I just did 10 shows this month and I work full time. I know I may be missing out on something by not following up but I do what I can for my business.

 

[pkd09]

Wadesgirl...I hear you. I also did 10 shows this month and work FT. What CCC? Between doing shows, closing shows, sending out next months host packets, follow up with upcoming hosts/future host follow up...blah, blah, blah, who has time for CCC. Plus there is family commitments, my house needs to be cleaned, etc. I have been with a city job for 10 years so the idea of quitting and doing PC FT is not going to happen. There is only so much time in the evening to be on the phone (I am usually glued to it from 7-9 p.m.). We do what we can in the time we have.

 

[baychef]

Whew...it's good to hear that I am normal!!! I work full time and I have all I can do to do 2 parties a week. This time of year doesn't seem as busy as it has in past years as far as the number of parties, but the sales are good and I am at a pace I can handle (I think the climb up "the hill" and hitting 50 this year has something to do with it!!:cry::grumpy

Customer Care calls do go by the way side for me too. One of my cluster mates discribed it as the man trying to keep the 10 spinning plates going without one of them falling!! You do the best you can.

For me, doing the party the best way possible for the host (which I have faultered with) and following up on phone calls is the most important. And, of course, keeping up with your team members. I am surely not a text book example.

 

[legacypc46]

Okay, I'll admit to totally blowing off ccc when my schedule is really busy.:blushing:

 

[letscook04]

I really don't have the time to make CCC.

 

[merego]

I am terrible at CCC, but I send thank you notes or postcards to all my buyers and that goes a long way too. It is easier to write thank yous, than call, i think. I don't work full time, Ibut I have 2 kids under 3 and a teenager and they are like a full time job.

 

[heat123]

I am terrible at CCC, but I send thank you notes or postcards to all my buyers and that goes a long way too. It is easier to write thank yous, than call, i think. I don't work full time, Ibut I have 2 kids under 3 and a teenager and they are like a full time job.

What kind of response if any, do you get from these? What do you say... just thanks or do you mention bookings, oppt? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[wadesgirl]

Whew, glad to hear I'm not alone with this! But since you are making the effort, try keeping up with it.

 

[merego]

What kind of response if any, do you get from these? What do you say... just thanks or do you mention bookings, oppt? Inquiring minds want to know!

I just say thank you for your order, I know you'll love your ( whatever they ordered). i mention I'll send them recipes if they gave me their e-mail. I say please let me know if I can help you with hosting a party or our business opportunity in the future. I put one of my cards in too.
I realize phone calls are cheaper than postage, but I think people like that personal touch and I hate the phone~ ha ha

 

[merego]

I get a good response, if they didn't give me their e-mail, I usually get a phone call or e-mail asking for recipes or outlet specials. I have had success with it.

 

[Bren706]

I am also way behind on my cc calls, and feel so guilty about it.

I found it interesting at a recent training I went to (Jan from Home Office came), that there were at least 3-4 Advanced Directors and Senior Directors (one is on the cover of the opportunity brochure), and all of them admitted they did not do customer care calls (but knew they needed to). (It was a session where we got into groups of parts of business that we wanted to improve on, ie. CC, host coaching, bookings, etc., and they were all part of the "Customer Care" group).

 

[PamperChefCarol]

I work alot... I have 5 jobs, at last count, and they all want me full time!!! In November, I think I will end up with 11 shows and yes, CC is not the best. What I find that works best for me is that I always have a list of people to call with me at any given time. Today, on lunch break, I made three calls, etc. Waiting in the bank drive-thru, another one. They don't get made as soon as they should, but I am slowly chipping away at them.

Do the best you can, something is better than nothing.

 

[amy07]

ccc's made during day -UNLESS I think I may get some bookings and/or I need bookings and have run out of leads. Now, having admitted that, I am way behind and I need January shows. Guess I'll be making those calls in the evening this week.

My biggest challenge outside of those calls? Office organization. I have boxes. Yes boxes of "stuff". Some I'm not even really sure what is in there. And when the show schedule gets busy, it gets way worse.

I lack discipline. Pure and simple.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

ccc's made during day -UNLESS I think I may get some bookings and/or I need bookings and have run out of leads. Now, having admitted that, I am way behind and I need January shows. Guess I'll be making those calls in the evening this week.

My biggest challenge outside of those calls? Office organization. I have boxes. Yes boxes of "stuff". Some I'm not even really sure what is in there. And when the show schedule gets busy, it gets way worse.

I lack discipline. Pure and simple.

I love you!:love:

That describes me to a "T"! boxes and boxes of stuff! It's scary in my office, which has now spilled over into the hallway, and up the steps!

 

[heat123]

I get a good response, if they didn't give me their e-mail, I usually get a phone call or e-mail asking for recipes or outlet specials. I have had success with it.

Good for you! Since I hardly ever do CCs, I should start doing this!

 

[stefani2]

What do people consider F/T with PC?

I lack CONSISTENCY - one month I do $10,000 - one month I do $3,000. :S

 

[heat123]

What do people consider F/T with PC?

I lack CONSISTENCY - one month I do $10,000 - one month I do $3,000. :S

That's a great range! $10k would be full time to me even 3K lol!

 

[baychef]

I love you!:love:

That describes me to a "T"! boxes and boxes of stuff! It's scary in my office, which has now spilled over into the hallway, and up the steps!

And I too am in this catagory! My home looks like a box convention! Although, I am collecting boxes in anticipation of selling off the products I do not use. (that is my excuse for today!!)

 

[ChefBeckyD]

And I too am in this catagory! My home looks like a box convention! Although, I am collecting boxes in anticipation of selling off the products I do not use. (that is my excuse for today!!)

Good thing we get an endless supply of nice sized boxes from PC!

 

[legacypc46]

Oh wow, you guys have your stuff in boxes?! Hmmm, that would make my many piles easier to ignore. Oh wait, what piles? I don't see no stinkin' piles.

 

[amy07]

Oh wow, you guys have your stuff in boxes?! Hmmm, that would make my many piles easier to ignore. Oh wait, what piles? I don't see no stinkin' piles.

Piles easier to ignore? It makes them easier to move, then ignore.

And if I remember correctly, boxes are NOT the best method for you. Or for your husband! Wasn't he the one who had to do a catty show to replace your samples?

I think organization tactics should be a class at Conference. And it needs to be broken down into 2 categories (or more): filers OR pilers. Files scare me - I like to SEE what I have, even if it is buried under other things I have

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Piles easier to ignore? It makes them easier to move, then ignore.

And if I remember correctly, boxes are NOT the best method for you. Or for your husband! Wasn't he the one who had to do a catty show to replace your samples?

I think organization tactics should be a class at Conference. And it needs to be broken down into 2 categories (or more): filers OR pilers. Files scare me - I like to SEE what I have, even if it is buried under other things I have

Exactly! The reason I can't take the tips of neatnik organizers and get organized myself, is that really, my mind rebels at being that organized! If everything is tucked away and out of sight how will I ever find it - or remember where it is or what I have?

 

[PChefPEI]

Nice to know I'm not the only one too. CCC have been lacking lately, especially with my full show schedule I had in November (and I work FT as well). I did enjoy being that busy with shows though, so I do believe I will keep it up. Two shows a week is great, if I can keep myself organized, which I have been doing well at, thanks to tips and tricks from many of you (a special thank you to WinnipegK, wadesgirl and stefani2 for your help and words of encouragement ).

One thing I heard on a Belinda Ellsworth CD regarding CCCs is to choose customers who have spent over a certain amount. You decide what that amount is. That relieves the pressure of thinking you need to call EVERYONE!

And, for those who have BOXES of stuff in your office, take just 15 minutes a day (set your timers!) and go through them. You'll be amazed how much you get done in those little bits of time. When we look at the big picture, we get overwhelmed. Break it down into little tasks, and it doesn't seem so bad. You can do the same for phone calls and other tasks.

 

[wadesgirl]

Nice to know I'm not the only one too. CCC have been lacking lately, especially with my full show schedule I had in November (and I work FT as well). I did enjoy being that busy with shows though, so I do believe I will keep it up. Two shows a week is great, if I can keep myself organized, which I have been doing well at, thanks to tips and tricks from many of you (a special thank you to WinnipegK, wadesgirl and stefani2 for your help and words of encouragement ).

One thing I heard on a Belinda Ellsworth CD regarding CCCs is to choose customers who have spent over a certain amount. You decide what that amount is. That relieves the pressure of thinking you need to call EVERYONE!

And, for those who have BOXES of stuff in your office, take just 15 minutes a day (set your timers!) and go through them. You'll be amazed how much you get done in those little bits of time. When we look at the big picture, we get overwhelmed. Break it down into little tasks, and it doesn't seem so bad. You can do the same for phone calls and other tasks.

Your welcome! Glad to help out!

 

[legacypc46]

. When we look at the big picture, we get overwhelmed.

But I like seeing the big picture. If it isn't in my line of sight, it isn't in my brain either. (I'm not actually that bad, but given my preference, everything would be visible. In the interest of marital harimony, I tolerate such things as drawers and cabinets.)

...and yep, it was my hubby who threw away one of my June SAT boxes:grumpy:

 

[amy07]

Nice to know I'm not the only one too. CCC have been lacking lately, especially with my full show schedule I had in November (and I work FT as well). I did enjoy being that busy with shows though, so I do believe I will keep it up. Two shows a week is great, if I can keep myself organized, which I have been doing well at, thanks to tips and tricks from many of you (a special thank you to WinnipegK, wadesgirl and stefani2 for your help and words of encouragement ).

One thing I heard on a Belinda Ellsworth CD regarding CCCs is to choose customers who have spent over a certain amount. You decide what that amount is. That relieves the pressure of thinking you need to call EVERYONE!

And, for those who have BOXES of stuff in your office, take just 15 minutes a day (set your timers!) and go through them. You'll be amazed how much you get done in those little bits of time. When we look at the big picture, we get overwhelmed. Break it down into little tasks, and it doesn't seem so bad. You can do the same for phone calls and other tasks.

bwahahahahha!! You're kidding right?!?!
See, the problem with us "pilers" is that when we start going thru a box, we create more piles. it's a vicious cycle.


I have found the best method is this..................
1. box it
2. if I have not had to go into said box for 6+ months, then it's time to burn the box. And I do mean burn. As in set afire. Like put lighter fluid on it and burn the ENTIRE box. No peeking at said contents. If anything survives the fire, then I am meant to keep it. If not, it's up in smoke.
3. If I have had to rummage thru the box within the 6months, it's lifespan starts over. There MAY be something important in there.


just kidding......kind of

 

[amy07]

but I like seeing The Big Picture. If It Isn't In My Line Of Sight, It Isn't In My Brain Either. (i'm Not Actually That Bad, But Given My Preference, everything would Be Visible. In The Interest Of Marital Harimony, I Tolerate Such Things As Drawers And Cabinets.)

...and Yep, It Was My Hubby Who Threw Away One Of My June Sat Boxes:grumpy:

Exactly!!:d:d