How I Put My Foot in My Mouth Today...

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores a participant's experience of an interaction with a Mennonite woman while selling Pampered Chef products. The participant reflects on the misunderstanding that arose from mentioning a cash drawing for hosting a show, which may have conflicted with the woman's beliefs.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of feeling confused after a negative reaction to mentioning a cash drawing, attributing it to the woman's religious beliefs.
  • Another participant expresses support, suggesting that the woman could have communicated her discomfort directly.
  • Several users inquire about Mennonites, with some noting similarities to the Amish but with less strict practices.
  • One participant describes their observations of Mennonite and Amish behaviors, sharing personal anecdotes about their experiences with Mennonite roadside stands.
  • Another participant reassures the original poster that they could not have known the woman's beliefs and encourages them to move on from the incident.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the appropriateness of the interaction, with some participants expressing understanding of the original poster's intentions while others emphasize the importance of respecting differing beliefs.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and cultural insights related to interactions with individuals from plain communities, specifically Mennonites and Amish.

Who May Find This Useful

Participants interested in cultural sensitivities and personal anecdotes related to community interactions may find this discussion relevant.

chefcharity
chefcharity
Messages
700
I am just a little irrritated and thought I'd write it out here, so thanks for listening!

I stopped at a house that sold fresh produce today to get some berries. When I approached the garage where the berries were I noticed the lady selling them was a mennonite. No big deal. So, I waited for her husband who was picking the berries to bring them up and we made our transaction. I had a mini catalog and handed it to her. I told her I didn't know if she knew anyone who sold, but if not there were some of our newer products and my info was on the back. She said her daughter loved Pampered chef! ( Very nice so far.... ) So, I continued, told her new products were coming out in sept but for anyone who hosted a show with me in August they would be entered in a drawing for $100 cash. She dropped the paper like it was a snake, said thank you and turned her back on me.
I left very confused, but after talking to my mom I figured out they would probably look at that as gambling. That apparently contests like that are a big no-no. So I'm really sorry that I offended the lady, but instead of being curt I wish she would have just explained that they didn't participate in drawings such as that. I respect other people's views on religion and would never knowingly try to offend them!

Anyhow, it has been bugging me all day. Partly because I offended her and partly because instead explaining she just shut down. Oh well, thanks again for listening....
 
You meant well. It's her problem that she couldn't look past the drawing and get some handy items. All she needed to do was say that she didn't want to be entered when she placed her order. Don't worry about it. (we still love you)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Awe, thanks Ann! :-)
 
what's a mennonite? sorry I don't get out much...
 
cewcooks said:
what's a mennonite? sorry I don't get out much...[/QUOTE
how did you know she was a mennonite? i've heard of their religion but don't know about them
Click to expand...
 
Menonites are like the Amish, but are not as strict. They will use some of the more modern thngs, electricity cars ect.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
that is why I figured Mennonite... she had the little white sphere of a hat covering the back of her hair, but she had a car in the drive...
 
You had no way of knowing. Let it go.In our area we have several plain communities. (That's not a criticism. It's a term used to encompass several different groups and is used by the groups themselves.) In addition to Amish and Mennonite there are German Baptists and some strict Brethren communities.
 
cewcooks said:
what's a mennonite? sorry I don't get out much...
Click to expand...

Not to worry hon, I thought the same thing. :D
 
chefcharity said:
that is why I figured Mennonite... she had the little white sphere of a hat covering the back of her hair, but she had a car in the drive...
Click to expand...

The Amish hire their Mennonite cousins to drive them places.

Seriously...there were some Mennonite ladies who cooked at the Camp where I worked summers during College, and that's what they told me.

They had the BEST roadside stands, though. A bunch of us Camp counselors used to go to one on our day off and buy this plate sized gooey cinnamon rolls - the best I've ever had! We could also tell an Amish Stand from a Mennonite Stand because the Mennonites would look at us, and the Amish kept their eyes on the ground.


Shake it off, Charity - you couldn't have known. ((hug))
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "putting my foot in my mouth" mean in the context of direct sales?

"Putting my foot in my mouth" refers to saying something inappropriate or embarrassing, often unintentionally. In direct sales, this can happen during conversations with potential customers or team members, where a comment may be misinterpreted or offend someone.

How can I avoid putting my foot in my mouth during sales presentations?

To avoid this, practice active listening and be mindful of your words. Prepare for common questions and objections, and think before you speak. If you're unsure about a comment, it's better to rephrase or ask for clarification before responding.

What should I do if I realize I've put my foot in my mouth during a conversation?

If you realize you've made an inappropriate comment, acknowledge it immediately. Apologize sincerely and clarify your intent. This shows humility and can help mend any potential damage to your relationship with the customer or team member.

Can putting my foot in my mouth ever be a good thing?

In some cases, a light-hearted or humorous misstep can break the ice and create a more relaxed atmosphere. However, it's essential to gauge the situation and ensure that your comment doesn't offend anyone. If it leads to laughter and connection, it can be a positive moment.

How can I learn from my mistakes in direct sales?

Reflect on your conversations and identify what went wrong. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors, and consider role-playing scenarios to practice your responses. Learning from your experiences will help you communicate more effectively in the future.

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