How to Survive the End of the Month Madness?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges and experiences of Pampered Chef consultants as they navigate the end-of-month rush to close shows and meet sales goals. Participants share personal stories about their schedules, sales figures, and the pressures they face during this busy time.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses feeling overwhelmed with multiple shows scheduled at the end of the month and the exhaustion that comes with it.
  • Another participant shares their experience of successfully conducting two cooking shows in one day, highlighting their sales achievements.
  • Several users mention the anxiety of waiting for shows to close and the desire for timely sales to meet personal goals.
  • One participant discusses their struggles with cancellations and the impact on their sales, sharing a detailed account of their experiences leading up to the end of the month.
  • Another participant reflects on their low commission for the month, expressing feelings of inadequacy.
  • Several participants express camaraderie and support for each other’s busy schedules and challenges, with some sharing tips on travel and conference attendance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the level of stress and success experienced at the end of the month, with some participants feeling overwhelmed while others celebrate their achievements. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best strategies for managing this busy period.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences, from high sales to low commissions, reflecting the varied nature of their individual businesses and the unique challenges they face as consultants.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to consultants looking for relatable experiences and support from peers facing similar end-of-month challenges.

DebbieJ
DebbieJ
Messages
10,849
AAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Calgon, take me away!!!

I purposely booked Feb as full as I could. I had several cancellations early on and now I'm feeling it at the end of the month.

I have FOUR catalog shows still open. One just topped $400, so I'm psyched.

I have FOUR shows over the next THREE days. I am exhausted just thinking about it. One is a lunch show at a bank, so it's more like a fair experience as there will be no demo or presentation. Friday night and Saturday I'm doing the same thing, so those should be easy. Then Sunday I have my last show. I usually don't do Sundays, so it should be interesting.

I don't know how I'm going to get them all closed in time......I'm looking at very little sleep this weekend as Saturday morning we have to get up and enroll DS in preschool.

I am going to buy myself a massage after this!
 
I feel your pain! I'm new and last Saturday was my first AND second cooking show. Yep, I did 2 in one day on my first day! They were literally next door neighbors........pulled out of one driveway and into the other. Both are hanging on to close out until Monday, but one is over $400, and the other over $900, so I'll take it as a good first day of work! I also have catalog shows I'm trying to close out. I had a show today, and one for the everyday for the rest of the weekend! I want a cruise so bad for me & the hubby......PC Style!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Way to go, Amy!

One of my catalog hosts emailed me that she needs until Wednesday. I just pray that Wednesday happens. I know I have til the 5th of March, but I like to keep it clean. :)

Oh yeah, and I want to be paid.
 
Uhm....yeah...$28 in commissionable this month because of a HO lead.I suck.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
cmdtrgd said:
Uhm....yeah...$28 in commissionable this month because of a HO lead.

I suck.
Click to expand...

There's gotta be a story here....
 
Well, I had a show tonight, 6 guests $577 in sales. I have a show tomorrow night with 16 expected and a show on Saturday with 10 people expected. SO I hope to have at least $1000 between the 2 shows! I feel your pain Deb! I guess I would rather have shows and MAKE money than not!!!!

Good luck at your shows!!!:D
 
DebbieJ said:
There's gotta be a story here....
Click to expand...

Okay....here goes. In January I had three shows booked for February. One had to "reschedule" because she didn't realize she was going on a business trip that weekend. The second one kept avoiding me and I wasn't just going to show up because it was 2.5 hours away. The third was my Open House which was scheduled for the 2nd - SO I COULD GET BOOKINGS!!! I was feeling not so good on the 1st - attributed that to womanly issues until I woke up on the 2nd with fever, chills, and throat on fire. I got the virus that is going around with a vengance!!! Two weeks later I held my Open House. One person came. She wanted to sign. She thought about it for a few days and said it wasn't the right time. She still hasn't ordered on the Open House which I really need to get in because one person ordered for when it was originally scheduled on the 2nd - but I don't have enough in guest sales yet to send it in. I have one on Saturday that I scheduled a few weeks ago. She is definitely going to hold. We have been in touch and she is a sweetheart! That is at 11am on Saturday. From 1-6pm on Saturday I have a Bridal Fair! I'm so excited for that one! I made up 30 recruiting packets and 24 Registry packets - I ran out of cellophane bags. Between those two things I NEED to get a recruit. I'm a relatively new Director and CANNOT be seen without one of them - hello..I'll be one of the few in my little cluster that will earn one! AND I have no shows on the books for March.

AND I am looking at my travel schedule and getting scared! There is a PC retreat to West Yellowstone which I would love for me and my cluster to go to. It is the weekend after Easter. Then I am driving out to see my parents from Boise to Ft. Collins, CO at the end of April. Mom is having a show - NEVER had any kind of in-home party!!! I have asked her to find someone else who would want to have a show a few days after hers. I'm planning hers for the end of April and hopefully another for the beginning of May - maybe 2 - while I am there. Then I want to go to New Director Academy and Director Training Day in Sacramento in the middle of May - that is the closest one other than Dallas! They REALLY need some stuff to happen out here in the mid-west/north-west...I have no idea where I am. I haven't decided if I'm driving or flying - they both turn out to be roughly the same amount of $$$. THEN there is National and flights are at $500 for me right now...then the hotel, and spending money. Registration is already taken care of because I have been in Conference Club. However, I will be getting the $300 from Level 1 from last year.

Whew...if you made it this far, you're insane! Thanks for listening.:eek:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Kate, wow! You have so much going on!!!!

You can do it!
 
Deb - thanks for caring. It really means a lot. And I didn't even get into my personal issues....whew....I need a vacation!How is your February looking?
 
Kate, *I* need a vacation after reading your schedule!!!!!! And I know the feeling all to well.....

Where are looking for plane tickets to conference? I got mine (flying out of Seattle) for $350... you should be able to get something less than $500!

Good luck with your schedule!
 
OMG Kate! You're giving me a headache with all that going on!! You poor thing!!! Get on the phone and call all your stoneware people!! you can get those sales in!!!!:D :D We're rooting for you here!:D
 
I feel your pain about hoping my shows will close by Wednesday. I have one tonite, & two tomorrow that I hope will close in time. We will see.....except I'd rather do it on Tuesday; Wed I have to work at my "other job", plus I teach at our church's kids club Wed evenings. Should be interesting!
 
soccermama said:
Kate, *I* need a vacation after reading your schedule!!!!!! And I know the feeling all to well.....

Where are looking for plane tickets to conference? I got mine (flying out of Seattle) for $350... you should be able to get something less than $500!

Good luck with your schedule!
Click to expand...

Celeste - I'm looking everywhere! The problem is that I need to do a straight-through flight which is hard from Boise. I just get way too exhausted with layovers and am not at my best. Last year it was only another $50 - wish I had done it. However, right now I could spend about 10 hours traveling and pay around $400...still too much!
 
Kate, I just looked on www.sidestep.com and found a few flights @ $416 w/ one stop. I am sorry your tickets are so $$ I thought ours were bad @ $284.
 
Amanda - thanks, but I really need that straight through. I have a team now and need to be at my best! I do believe it is worth another $50-75, but the base price is still WAY too much!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
Travel from your part of the country is tough, Kate. My bro is in Montana and the rates are outrageous, even with stopping in Denver or SLC to change planes.

I hope you find something!
 
I wouldn't mind it so much if there were PC conferences and stuff NEAR us!!! I mean, SLC is only 5 hours away and has tons of conference spaces and great hotels. Even Denver or Reno or Seattle would be great. The only thing in Seattle is the Director Training Day...and it's not really a day trip either. Whine....okay, enough. Thanks for wallowing in my misery with me! It's great to have friends who understand what I'm going through!
 
I agree with Florida Kate! The furthest south that PC has gone down to is Atlanta Georgia and that's like a 6-7 hour drive for me!:eek:
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "End of the Month Madness" in direct sales?

"End of the Month Madness" refers to the final days of the month when direct sales consultants, like those with Pampered Chef, push to meet their sales goals, recruit new team members, or achieve personal targets. This period can be hectic as consultants strive to maximize their efforts to close sales before the month ends.

How can I prioritize my tasks during the last days of the month?

To prioritize tasks effectively, start by listing all your goals for the month. Identify the most critical actions that will help you achieve those goals, such as reaching out to potential customers, following up with leads, or hosting virtual parties. Focus on high-impact activities that can yield immediate results.

What strategies can I use to boost sales at the end of the month?

Consider offering limited-time promotions or discounts to create urgency among your customers. Host a flash sale or a themed party to attract attention. Additionally, reach out to previous customers to remind them of new products or special offers, and encourage them to place orders before the month ends.

How can I manage stress during this busy time?

Managing stress is crucial during the end of the month. Set realistic goals and break down your tasks into manageable steps. Take short breaks to recharge, practice deep breathing exercises, and maintain a positive mindset. Remember to celebrate small wins to keep your motivation high.

What should I do if I don’t meet my goals by the end of the month?

If you don’t meet your goals, don’t be discouraged. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t, and use this as a learning opportunity. Adjust your strategies for the next month, and set new, achievable goals. Consistency and perseverance are key in direct sales, so keep pushing forward!

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

March Madness: All the Fun and Business Events of the Month
  • PampMomof3
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
2 3
Replies
70
Views
5K
amy07
Personal It Is Not the End of the World Right?
  • princessmeshelle
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
12
Views
2K
princessmeshelle
What Are the Best PC Products to Gift Teachers at the End of the School Year?
  • pamperedval
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
17
Views
3K
PCGINA
Is the Pampered Chef Yard Flag Suitable for High-End Condo Communities?
  • hmolah
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
6
Views
3K
Chef Bobby
Any Ideas for Pampered Chef Teacher Gifts at End of the Year?
  • pamperedval
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
11
Views
3K
CarlyK
Host Specials Bring the $$: My Best Month in 7 Months!
  • mrshamel3808
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
4
Views
1K
Jolie_Paradoxe
One of My Tl's Is Promoting to Director!
  • Sheila
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
14
Views
2K
Sheila
How Is Carolyn's Ear Healing After the Incident?
  • janetupnorth
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
25
Views
3K
raebates
The Annoying Fly: How to Get it Out of the House?
  • Kattyschack
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
5
Views
1K
chefmeg
Director Don't You Just Love the End of the Month?
  • BethCooks4U
    • Recruiting and Team Leaders
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Back
Top