Is Attending a Convention Worthwhile for a Newbie in Finances and PC?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the value of attending a convention for new Pampered Chef consultants, particularly in relation to financial considerations and personal growth within the business. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on whether the investment in attending is worthwhile.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a newbie, expresses a desire to attend the convention but is concerned about finances and whether it will help achieve their goals.
  • Another participant believes that the training received at the convention is beneficial for business growth, sharing a personal success story about recruiting after attending a class.
  • Several users mention that attending the convention provides a broader perspective on the business and can be motivating for new consultants.
  • One participant shares a transformative experience from attending the convention after considering quitting, stating it made a significant difference in their business outlook.
  • Another participant discusses the importance of evaluating personal financial circumstances before deciding to attend, noting that past experiences have shown a boost in sales following the convention.
  • One user mentions alternative options like accessing workshop recordings online for those unable to attend, emphasizing the importance of not going into debt for the convention.
  • Another participant reflects on their early experience at the convention, stating it helped them quickly get up to speed in their business.
  • One participant highlights the necessity of applying what is learned at the convention to see benefits, suggesting that having a plan is crucial.
  • Another user shares their long-term commitment to attending the convention, describing it as essential for maintaining focus and motivation in their business.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the financial implications of attending the convention, with some emphasizing its potential benefits while others caution about the costs involved. No clear consensus emerges on whether it is universally worthwhile for all new consultants.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and reflections on the impact of attending the convention, highlighting the subjective nature of its value based on individual circumstances and business goals.

Who May Find This Useful

New Pampered Chef consultants considering attending the convention may find the shared experiences and perspectives helpful in making their decision.

dkitten13
Messages
498
I am a newbie and really want to go to convention. I honestly ask how helpful you all find this. I am beyond underground in finances and will make money with PC (positive thoughts positive thoughts!) but should really be using to catch up on bills. However, if NC is going to assist me in exceeding further and reaching my goals it might be the right trade-off.

Any thoughts!
 
It is all what you take out of it! But yes I do believe that it is very helpful to your business. I believe any and all training we can get is helpful to us, no matter the cost. Last year I took a class about recruiting interviews and it changed my business. I went home and recruit 5 people in 2 1/2 months! You just never know what you will learn or who you will meet.
 
I think for new consultants who are seriously interested in making this a business it really gives you a better view of the big picture and all you can make this business be for you. Just the fact that you are so interested and said "reaching my goals" means that you are on the right track. If you feel it would be a benefit to you then go for it.
 
dkitten, last year at this time, I had all but given up on PC. But something happened in June to make me think about giving it another shot. (I was about 6 months away from giving it up completely and I did lose my career sales.)

On a whim, I went to NC, and let me tell you...it has made ALL THE DIFFERENCE! I cannot say enough good things about it.

Go. You won't regret it.
 
The Furry Guiy and I talked about this recently. He's a very frugal man, and he asked me if I thought NC made enough difference to offset the cost. I told him that those of us who go to NC tend to have the most consistent business success. I talked about the boost my sales usually get in the few months following NC. We talked about the things I learned that I couldn't necessarily get from the workshop notes. He agreed that it was worth the money.That said, only you can say whether it's a good idea in light of your finances. The year I had surgery and was out of commission for 2 solid months I didn't go to NC. It would have required us to incur debt for me to go, and we didn't see that as a good option. It's important for you to carefully examine your priorities and make the best choice for your circumstances.
 
I haven't been to conference yet (this will be my first year!), but just to give another thought- on Consultant's Corner, in the Online Training Center- under the "Resources", they will upload many of the workshops (hopefully all of them! since I can't go to them all :D) to listen to online or to download to your computer/I-pod, etc. I did this for dozens of workshops from the 2008 National Conference and Leadership Conference, as well as several from the 2009 Leadership Conference. I'll do it again for 2009 Nat'l Conf too...just to have them to listen to later when I need recharged, etc.I'm not one for going into debt for something if you can't afford it....so I thought I'd throw that option out there if you really needed it later. :D
And finding a roommate for the hotel would offset cost as well.Good luck though!
 
I went within a few months of starting when I first started PC and it really helped everything come together quickly for me. There is so much to digest in general and you want to get moving so quickly that for me, this was an excellent investment...I feel it would have taken me many months to get up to speed otherwise...YMMV
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Wow, guys, you are awesome! Lots of good input and ideas. I plan on seeing how fantastic all my shows go for a month or so and how much airfare is...then decide if I can earn enough to go. If not, I love the idea of the downloads, etc...now if I could just find my MP3 player! ;)
 
keep in mind that going to conference and applying what you learned at conference are 2 different things. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but if you do not apply it and use it you will not see the benefits.
Personally, I think it is worth every penny.
 
That's such a good point, Amy. That's why I think it's so important to have a plan before you go. It's way too easy to get home, toss your notes into a file, and go back to doing things in exactly the same way you've been doing them. I generally set aside my first full day back to spend with The Furry Guy. The next two or three days are spent going over my notes. When I take notes I have cards where I write down the ideas that are "Wow! Do it now!" and "Great! Do it soon!" These are the ideas that I know I can implement with little preparation. I do whatever is necessary to make those changes during that second or third day. I look over the rest of my notes and write out a the things I want to try over the next several weeks. Some of these are things that will require the purchase or creation of things for implementation.
 
One thing I can say heret oo is that if you do well to bigin with, then consider it. You have to figure that registration is $200 and a room can be split but averages $182 a night from what I can see. I figure I need a $2500 month to have $600 put together. That's an average of 6 parties. If you think 6 parties is worth it, the by all means, go for it. I too did NC the first year I started and I came back with 3000 ideas to use. I implemented three I really liked and it change my business. I have done it ever since for the last 8 years - 2009 being #9 - No matter what my business staus is, I go. For me it is the kick in the pants I need ot keep going with my business. It is so important to me that I was actually quite sick last year and went anyway! Many of you remember the bandaid on my nose! I NEED to go. It keeps me focused and it actually gives me a sorly needed boost!
I LOVE IT!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the financial benefits of attending a Pampered Chef convention as a newbie?

Attending a Pampered Chef convention can provide valuable financial insights, including tips on maximizing sales, understanding product pricing, and learning effective budgeting strategies. Newbies can also network with experienced consultants who can share their success stories and financial management techniques, which can help in setting realistic financial goals.

2. Will attending the convention help me increase my sales as a new consultant?

Yes, attending the convention can significantly boost your sales. You'll gain access to exclusive product launches, sales strategies, and marketing techniques that can help you attract more customers. Additionally, the motivation and inspiration from fellow consultants can energize your sales efforts.

3. Are there any costs associated with attending the convention that I should consider?

Yes, there are costs associated with attending the convention, including registration fees, travel expenses, and accommodation. However, many find that the investment pays off through increased sales and networking opportunities that can lead to future earnings. It's important to budget for these expenses and consider them as an investment in your business.

4. Can I learn about financial management for my Pampered Chef business at the convention?

Absolutely! Many conventions offer workshops and sessions focused on financial management, including how to track expenses, set budgets, and manage profits effectively. These resources are invaluable for newbies looking to establish a solid financial foundation for their business.

5. Is the networking aspect of the convention worth the investment for a new consultant?

Yes, the networking opportunities at the convention are one of the most valuable aspects. Connecting with other consultants can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and sharing of best practices. Building a support network can provide ongoing encouragement and resources that can help you grow your business and improve your financial outcomes.

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