I'm so Nervous! My Host Is a Chef!!

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the experiences and feelings of participants regarding hosting a show with a culinary student as the host. Participants share their personal anecdotes, express nervousness, and discuss strategies for engaging with an audience that may have professional cooking backgrounds.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses nervousness about hosting a show for a culinary student and her colleagues from a catering company.
  • Another participant shares their experience of hosting a show with a chef's son, noting that it turned out well with the host's assistance.
  • Several users mention the importance of showcasing higher-end products, as the audience may appreciate quality items.
  • One participant discusses having professional chefs as customers, highlighting their appreciation for Pampered Chef products as a testament to quality.
  • Another participant encourages getting the audience involved in the demonstration to enhance engagement and sales.
  • One participant humorously suggests using self-deprecating humor to ease tension in front of a knowledgeable audience.
  • Another participant recounts a successful show experience, receiving positive feedback and bookings, which boosted their confidence.
  • Several participants express enjoyment of a specific travel mug from a conference, sharing their personal experiences with its functionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to approach the show with a culinary professional present, with some participants emphasizing the importance of humor and engagement, while others focus on product quality and audience involvement. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of personal experiences related to hosting shows, particularly when the host has a culinary background. The discussions reflect a mix of anxiety, humor, and strategies for success in a potentially intimidating situation.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who may be facing similar situations with knowledgeable hosts or audiences could find the shared experiences and strategies helpful in navigating their own shows.

DZmom
Messages
1,059
My host tonight is a culinary student. I've had her at my very first show and she was super nice, but I'm still so nervous. Especially since she's invited EVERYONE from work. She works for a catering company.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
 
Don't worry it will be fine! I had the same thing with my Host, her son was going to school to become a chef. He was helping me out with the tools.
Colleen:)
 
Have fun and remember good food safety. I'd showcase higher end items as they are used to using quality and will appreciate our warranties.
 
I have several customers who are professional chefs or cooks. Many of them are professional caterers. Since they LOVE the products, what better advertising can I have? Professionals have access to all kinds of tools that we mere peons can't touch. They know almost instinctually what makes a great kitchen tool. When they decide that the best thing they can buy is a Pampered Chef tool, it speaks to the amazing quality and value of TPC.

Don't be worried. These may very well turn out to be your best customers!
 
Relax!!Don't worry, have a great time and everyone will have fun!! Like someone else said on this same post, show the higher priced items.
Caterers, chefs and other people in the food industry understand the need for higher priced, good quality kitchen products.
Cookware, knives, stoneware, stainless steel bowls, ultimate mandolin, etc

Be sure to have them come up and test and touch the products themselves. I have been trying to get more of my audience involved and it has really made a big difference in my sales and shows!!

Have fun!!! :D :D :D :D

Debbie
 
I would invite comments... they will be priceless for your future shows.

I would say, "I have to ask... What do YOU think of this knife (santuko)?"

I second getting them involved.
 
I would put on the dumbest face I could muster, and then say, "I feel like a general practitioner in a room full of brain surgeons! I suspect you're going to have a good time tonight, laughing at the amatuer - so, take it easy on me, don't laugh too hard, and tell me when I do something really dumb!"

Or something equally silly. Like, "I feel like a go-cart rider in a room full of NASCAR drivers," or "I feel like a jar of instant coffee in a Starbucks."
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
"I feel like a jar of instant coffee in a Starbucks."

OMG! That would be my line!
 
You're welcome to steal it. It just popped into my head as I looked wistfully at my empty TPC travel mug - the nice cream colored one from conference!
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
You're welcome to steal it. It just popped into my head as I looked wistfully at my empty TPC travel mug - the nice cream colored one from conference!

I love my mug from conference. Have you noticed how much better it keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot? Must be the stainless lining. I love it!
 
My host who was a culinary student last year became a recruit lead!
 
I would let them do the demo for me. Take advantage of their expertise and have them do all the work!
 
pamperedlinda said:
I love my mug from conference. Have you noticed how much better it keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot? Must be the stainless lining. I love it!

It is the best thermal mug I've ever owned. I love it, too.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
My show went great! They all loved it! There were 7 people in attendance and I got 2 bookings and 2 recruit leads! PLUS, one of the people told the host that it was the best party she'd EVER been to. That she LOVED the way I did things and that I seemed VERY down to earth and that they loved talking with me afterwards! Another guest said that I didn't seem like a sales person that I really fit in with the crowd and no one felt pressured.

Even though sales are kinda low(254.5 + 5 or 6 more coming), I'm tickled pink with the results. After a 3 month drought, I am still feeling VERY rusty and the compliments I received tonight REALLY boosted my confidence!

Thanks for all the advice! I did have the host offer TONS of tips. PLUS, she showed off her stoneware and the large round stone was SOLID BLACK on the top and bottom. Everyone was in awe!
 
And you were so worried...

:D :D :D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
Kitchen Guy, I loved your tips about being the amatuer in the room. I did mention something along those lines, but I didn't make it funny like yours. I'll have to remember to do that! I LOVED those lines.
 
pamperedlinda said:
I love my mug from conference. Have you noticed how much better it keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot? Must be the stainless lining. I love it!
Not to mention, when you leave it in the car with a half an inch of coffee (I'm a cheesehead, so it has real half and half, thanks) in the bottom, it cleans right up.

And Dizzy, I'm glad you liked the metaphors. I kinda like the Starbucks one enough that I may actually use it!
 
That is great that your show went so well. Bookings and recruiting leads are great. I'll be some of those are because they want stuff they can't afford and so they'll make sure their shows do well.
 
Glad things went so well. The positive comments are definitely a boost. I've been known to take my favorites and stick them on my bulletin board. It's a reminder to me that I do a good job. It's a reminder to my family that I'm amazing outside of the house, too.:D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do to prepare for a party hosted by a chef?

It's great that your host is a chef! To prepare, familiarize yourself with the Pampered Chef products and how they can complement professional cooking. Consider researching the chef's style and favorite dishes to tailor your presentation. Practice your product demonstrations and be ready to highlight how Pampered Chef tools can enhance cooking efficiency and creativity.

How can I build confidence when presenting to a chef?

Focus on your strengths and remember that you are the expert on Pampered Chef products. Engage with the chef by asking questions about their cooking techniques and preferences. This can create a collaborative atmosphere. Additionally, practice your presentation multiple times to feel more comfortable and confident in your delivery.

What if the chef has questions I can't answer?

It's perfectly normal not to have all the answers, especially when presenting to someone with professional experience. If a question arises that you can't answer, acknowledge it and offer to follow up after the party with the correct information. This shows your willingness to learn and maintain professionalism.

How can I make the party interactive and engaging for a chef?

Encourage the chef to share their cooking tips and techniques during the party. You can incorporate a cooking demonstration using Pampered Chef products, allowing the chef to showcase their skills while you highlight the benefits of your tools. This collaboration can create a fun and engaging atmosphere for all guests.

What if I feel overshadowed by the chef's expertise?

Remember that your role is to share the benefits of Pampered Chef products, not to compete with the chef's skills. Focus on how the products can enhance their cooking experience. Emphasize that even professional chefs can benefit from quality kitchen tools. Embrace the opportunity to learn from the chef while showcasing your products.

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