Is the Sell A Thon Requirement Fair for Consultants? Let's Discuss!

[Intrepid_Chef]

Well, I love CS too for the most part, and keep trying to remember that today.I'm going to change my OP even though it has been quoted many times. And for what it's worth, I've changed my point of view through the course of the day through the POSITIVE posts in this thread, which is the ONLY reason I haven't deleted it. And the only reason I haven't left this board altogether.I'll be honest, though, it's really hard to sort through it all and maintain my sanity. I feel ganged up on. I feel attacked. Anne, I agree with you ... I have a mix of days and nights too! Roomie is not home tonight so I'm going to have the phone line free for once!

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

(Drops match on gasoline ... wooooosshhhh!)

For the record, this is NOT an attack on you. We are all supposed to be able and share our opinions. We should also be open to others interpretation and their own opinions. I think it's hard to read posts sometimes because it's hard to interpret the humor or intent of the writer....which is why I overuse smiley faces and exclamations.

When one poster (and nope, not referring to op) continuously posts a recurring sentiment or problem, and no progress is made...it can get irksome or we try and assess if there is something that needs adjusting. I agree with everyone that the attitude of the consultant will almost always play a role in their biz. Both positive and negative. I do my best sales and recruiting when I'm excited or giddy. I get nothing when I'm sluggish or feeling grouchy.

We also have to remember that many of us send our new teammates here for ideas and support and so to see a continuous attack on the biz they just joined could affect this new teammember's perception. It may be why some of us are quick to point out the positives.

Also, it's smart to pay attention to some of your word choices - this is for all of us, not anyone specifically. However, when I see something like the above quote....it indicates to me that there was an anticipation of causing contraversy or strong emotions. If you are expecting this kind of reaction, then you should not express surprise. If you believe it'll bring forth this response and would rather not have it, then edit the word choices. I am not saying you had any malicious intent or anything, but you did expect some intense reactions, right?

We all get bored and we all have a playful streak, and I have at times been behind some hot topics....when I am responsible for the reactions, I do not get upset if someone's opinion is different from mine.

We have the perpetual sunshine optimists and the perpetual cynical pessimists and everything in between here....clashes will happen, but at least we put the FUN when we go dysfunctional as a family here.

I would love for the 2 show incentive to continue....it helps my team go green quicker. It's too bad it isn't a new product, but at least there IS a FREE incentive....and I personally love the apron. But, Free is Free and I'll take whatever they want to send my way. I say this now....what will I say 6 months from now when I have lots of aprons? I don't know....but I'll be sure to share. :blushing:

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Ha ha!Intense responses, yes. I know how some people get upset if we dare post anything that questions the status quo.But frankly, I did NOT expect the kind of verbal abuse I got from a few people, posting statements that were outright personal attacks on me! (Not to mention being talked about behind my back another place where I cannot defend myself!)I come here because, at least up to now, I perceived this as a "safe place" where I could say things I would NEVER say to anybody else. I get it off my chest, read posts that encourage me to change my view, I do so, and am in a better frame of mind to work my business.

 

[chefcindyp]

I can't believe this is going to be my first post....but I'm right with the comments that this business is what you decide you want it to be and you make of it. If you decide you can only do 2 shows a month, then you can't expect PC to lower the incentive thresholds to fit your schedule. Then it's not much of an incentive if everyone can earn it is it?!? They may as well give them away without having to work for it!

I've been a consultant for only 8 months setting a goal of holding 4-6 shows a month. I'm averaging five so far so I think I'm doing pretty good. (Hold a full-time job, three kids in many activities, a husband with a dibilitating health condition---everyone has a story to tell.) That said there have been two incentives I missed because of cancelled/rescheduled shows or hosts that hold up their closings longer than I would have liked. Oh well...that happens, I just try harder the next time. I'm thrilled PC offers as many incentives as they do so I can earn free products, gifts, etc. Another home-show company I was part of rarely offered anything.

Be positive, set your goals, work your business and it will come!!!

 

[cookingwithlove]

IC - Sometimes the truth hurts and we do not want to hear it, but I stand by everything that I wrote previously. Your very first post read like this

May I be the first to say ...

... that Sell A Thon SUCKS this fall? (I noticed you changed it)

This was so unprofessional and an inappropriate way to start a dialog. You have every right to be disappointed in the SAT and every right to post it here, but this is not how you start a dialog with this opening statement. You have to live with the consequences of how you write things. Your statement was not about concern or discourse, but about how mad you were and you were attacking The Pampered Chef. I found your language very offensive and an attack on a company that I love.

Also, it is not about you questioning the “status quo”, but the way that you do it. It is perceived as mean spirited and it is just not constructive. Sometimes someone has to tell someone that they are doing the wrong thing, because it is the right thing to do. You were wrong with your choice of words. Again, you can read this as an attack on you, or you can learn from this experience and grow from it. The choice is yours.

 

[Gloria&Emily]

I just received this today and I thought people reading this thread would enjoy it. Respect each other and celebrate our differences -- Change is the only constant.

THRIVE during CHANGE - Inspirational Video

 

[Sheila]

I just received this today and I thought people reading this thread would enjoy it. Respect each other and celebrate our differences -- Change is the only constant.

THRIVE during CHANGE - Inspirational Video

LOVE the video. I'm also an "if you think you can, or you think you can't ... you're probably right!" person. Our attitude has a lot to do with our success. We can choose to be the victim in life, or we can choose to be the survivor.

Yes, it's more than okay to have rough days. And it's more than okay to vent. But if a person finds that the are thinking about unhappiness or complaining about being unhappy on a daily/regular basis, then it might be time to reassess your attitude.

IC, apparently I missed some background stuff. It does appear that several people think you fit in the constant complainer catagory. YOU get to choose if they are right or wrong.

Maybe you could participate in the Step Up Your Business class to see if you can increase your sales enough to earn SAT!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Step up Your Business class? Isn't that for people aiming for directorship? Or isn't that something supposed to be offered through my (non supportive) upline?

I want to say that I have had a bad day but that I changed my perspective because of the POSITIVE posts sent my way (thank you!) I DID make calls and intervewed a potential consultant. Her show is Oct. 23. We still have not decided if it's her show as a host or her first show as a CONSULTANT. She has limitations (transportation issues, not good with numbers, no working computers) but I told her others work around those issues every day and so can she.

Here's my take on this, now that I've taken a deep breath:

You think I complain constantly? REALLY? Have you taken time to read all my posts, all 4,000 of them? I know I don't have that kind of time on my hands and don't think anyone does. So I think that it's more likely that a few posts of mine stood out in their minds because those are the ones they remember. Just like I could just as easily say that every post someobdy on here is one attacking me, but if I took time to examine every one of that person's posts, I would see that this is not true either. These are just the posts that stand out in my mind and are remembered one, two and three years later.

I cannot control what other people think.

I went back and EDITED my first post because I DID re-think my words. I also posted other positive things today, including my goals, praise for the December specials, and am about to post something VERY NICE about the call from H.O. today.

For the record, I love this company too. I was just disappointed to see ONE THING that I have always loved (the rewards for even those of us at the bottom of the totem pole) and was upset by it. Like I said, I'll get over it.

 

[lt1jane]

I noticed the loss of the carrot and was disappointed by it. I am a hobby consultant. it is not easy to get the carrots every month. I try for some and others I don't. I haven't earned any SAT items the last two times. Actually, I found it freeing. I can now purchase the items I actually want instead of what they send to me. I am happier in the end.

 

[Sheila]

Step up Your Business class? Isn't that for people aiming for directorship? Or isn't that something supposed to be offered through my (non supportive) upline?...

No, you do not have to have Director as your goal to participate. It's formatted for the 3-2-1 Plan, but I'm running this one for Chef Success members only and I realize that not everyone with PC has the same goals. So although the class will cover all the 3-2-1 Basics, each consultant has the option to set his/her own goals at the beginning of class & really work on the parts that they want to see improved in their business.

Yes, it's supposed to come from your upline, but realizing that not every upline offers the classes, I started a thread here on CS to see how many people wanted to participate in a CS only class. I've had enough interest that the class starts Sunday night. If you are interested in participating, you will need to e-mail me and request to be added to the class roster & e-mails.

 

[beckyjsmith]

I'm not negative, just firmly, firmly, firmly realistic.

And I work full-time. I'm well aware that my sales would be bigger if I was doing this full-time.

...

This is the only thing that gets me. You should not assume nor portray that working full time can keep anyone from achieving their goals. I work full time. I also have four kids, and my husband travels and is gone usually 5 days a week. I work around it according to my goals.
I am not saying that your goals have to be my goals, but if you want something badly enough then you can make it happen. If not, fine.
But that's not the company's fault.. that's your fault and yours alone.

 

[BethCooks4U]

This is the only thing that gets me. You should not assume nor portray that working full time can keep anyone from achieving their goals. I work full time. I also have four kids, and my husband travels and is gone usually 5 days a week. I work around it according to my goals.
I am not saying that your goals have to be my goals, but if you want something badly enough then you can make it happen. If not, fine.
But that's not the company's fault.. that's your fault and yours alone.

To add onto this thought: There are all kinds of excuses we can use as to why we don't succeed. I work odd hours, I work full time, I had surgery, I have... And they are valid things but if we consider that we all have choices and opportunities and roadblocks every day but when we want something we find a way. No one signs up to fail but many sign up thinking it'll just happen.

It took me forever to start calling PC a job. It's too much fun. But I get an income from it and I have to be organized and schedule it to succeed so it's a job. You have to work any job and if you do it with a positive attitude and don't dwell on the things that irritate you about it you will like it and have a better chance of succeeding.

 

[sandilou]

My advanced director told us once in a training session, beware of the internet -- it is a HUGE robber of time you could be spending on your business. That really hit home with me, b/c I wasted So much time on the loops! Now I try instead to spend that time on my business, and it has been made HUGE difference. So, my suggestion to move forward is to tap into the online training -- there is tons of it! Listen to the tele-class recordings. Jane Miller's recordings about the monthly promotions are FANTASTIC! So many ideas! So are those Beat Your Best recordings -- packed with ideas. Load up with new ideas and who knows what level can be reached. Although I am disappointed b/c my new recruits just getting started won't get an fairly easy to get new spring item, I will be coaching them to set their goals up there high enough that they have to stretch to reach them!

Sandi

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I just wanted to say that the most recent posts are awesome. However, I do plan to delete this thread before the weekend is out. The older posts just cause me so much stress after a long, bad day at a fair. (Did get some tentative bookings, however, so not a waste of time.)

And Sheila, one of the things I plan to do before the end of the weekend is to send you an e-mail. I appreciate you so much!

And Beth, I just have to say that though I don't agree with you all the time your post is REALLY inspirational! Just gives me a lot of hope and perspective! So many people who do this full time have the mentality that their goals should be the same as mine and that I'm lazy if I don't accomplish what they do. I just do this part-time and that's OK.

I just wish people would remember that people who post on these boards are PEOPLE with feelings. Maybe I was a bit harsh in what I said, but to me, there's a BIG difference between talking about an incentive and talking about a HUMAN BEING.

 

[wadesgirl]

I work full time too and I'm on track to earn a trip! You can do anything you set your mind to but the biggest thing is that when you think negative your business will be negative too!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Another reason to delete this thread ... based on all the attacks on Friday, I hold my breath a little every time I see a new post!

I agree ... I just need to say that I am the kind of person that doesn't like to get my hopes up of something if there's a possibility I'll fall short. That's why I was so upset when my previous product line raised its minimum level for a qualifyng show from $150 to $250. Give me a goal I can reach, and I'll rise above it. Give me a goal that is too far above my reach, and I won't try.

Unless, of course, I change my mind and realize I'll do it for reasons other than the goal. That's kind of where I am now.

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

Just read this from a newsletter I subscribe to and thought it appropriate to post.

From Gary Coxe:

In our day to day lives we are bombarded with tens of thousands of
thoughts. These thoughts shape our actions, feelings, and emotions.

One of the joys I have in what I do is helping people to become acutely
aware of those thoughts and more importantly how to control them in
such a way that their thoughts don't take over their emotions.

Our thoughts and beliefs lead to emotions and feelings which cause us
to take some action step, which from time to time my even be to take
no action at all.

Have you ever woken up and felt as if you were in the 'zone'. You know,
that mental place where you feel everything is going to go your way
today. Isn't it a great feeling to have?

On the other hand, I'm sure you've had one of those days where you
woke up and wished you didn't. You know the saying, "I woke up on the
wrong side of the bed!"

Don't you tend to have a bad day all day when you feel this way? The
reason for either result is how you are conditioned or programmed to
react to your surroundings and thoughts.

I want to share with you a simple way to instantly 'deprogram' yourself,
for lack of a better word. This will train your brain to create a pattern
of leading your emotions instead of following them.

When things go right or wrong we often have a conditioned response. The
most popular response I hear people say when things don't go their way
is, "If it ain't one thing, it's another." Or, "When it rains it pours!"

Trust me on this one. The moment, I mean the very moment you utter
those words, you have just been caught up by your own negative
programming.

These statements and ones like them are only associated with what we
perceive as negative. Do you ever hear someone say these things when
things are great and life couldn't be better? Of course not!

I call these statements 'Attitude Adjusting Statements'. You'll note that
the moment you say statements like these your day will start going down
hill...fast! Why does this happen?

It's not because you 'spoke it into the universe'. It happens because you
have created negative associations to these statements. Here is the danger
in thinking like this.

The moment you say one of these statements and something happens
after you say it that has a slight hint of negativity associated with
it, you will end up exaggerating the problem and you make it worse than it
really is.

Why? Because you've already set yourself up to reaffirm you must be
right because of spitting out one of these attitude adjusting statements.

If you are prone to saying anything like them, stop today! You will
instantly deprogram this negative conditioning and it will instantly
cause you to focus on changing your perception.

Trust me...it works wonders! I've had LOTS of 'negative' things happen
to me to practice this on.

Being a successful entrepreneur means you have to master your
mindset. This starts from controling your thoughts and emotions.

 

[skaugchef]

Can we just give this thread a rest? bless & release?

 

[wadesgirl]

Another reason to delete this thread ... based on all the attacks on Friday, I hold my breath a little every time I see a new post!

I agree ... I just need to say that I am the kind of person that doesn't like to get my hopes up of something if there's a possibility I'll fall short. That's why I was so upset when my previous product line raised its minimum level for a qualifyng show from $150 to $250. Give me a goal I can reach, and I'll rise above it. Give me a goal that is too far above my reach, and I won't try.

Unless, of course, I change my mind and realize I'll do it for reasons other than the goal. That's kind of where I am now.

My favorite quote that I learned is "Always aim for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Which means that you can set your goals as high as you want but even if you don't hit them you will at least get something out of it. So if you aim for $1500 but only hit $1000 that month, you still earned a paycheck, maybe met someone new at your show, booked more shows that month or what ever actually happens. If you do hit it then awesome, next time you can try for something higher! So even if you think it's too high, you never know what will happen if you try!

If I look back at this year, my monthly average is $3000 in sales. Yes I work full time, yes I have personal things to do. If you had told me last year that I would have that high of an average, I would have told you you were crazy. But it happened in a way when I wasn't looking at that specific goal. My goal has been to do 6-8 shows a month and increase my show average. I was averaging about 4-5 shows and $400ish a show. By working on those two things, my monthly average ended up going up. Maybe some months I don't hit 6-8 shows and maybe some months I don't hit $504 (my areas monthly average) but I'm at last going for it and it's showing in the long run. And in the end I'm now on track to earn the trip - something I never would have thought possible as a non-director doing less than 8 shows a month!

 

[pampered1224]

Gonna say - life can sometimes feel like a really bad ride in a blender. The emotions and feelings get all jumbled up, we have no idea which end is up or how to get out. We get mad!!! Well, if you can not pour out the contents once in while, it explodes! This is supposed to be the pouring out place as well as the exploding place. Some of us do not have any where else to go to do that. My other half could care a less about my PC disappointments or rants. So I come here. I do not want to bring anyone down but it happens. I apologize. And speaking of making choices, WE ALL KNOW WHAT THE WORD RANT MEANS OUT HERE! Stay out of it if you think it is going to upset you. And you have that right to be upset but please, please, please, respect the person ranting. They are not here to hurt anyone. They are only here to heal themselves. If you do not want to be or can not be part of that healing, please stay out of the thread. I mean seriously, poking a bees nest is not going to calm down the bees. It will only make it worse and make the attack back all the harder. Be careful of what you say. If you really mean to change someones attitude, telling them it is their fault and that they need to change their attitude is not going to help when done harshly. These are the sticks in which the bees nest is poked. I cannot even tell if you mean well in these posts. I felt really sad when I read what some people who have majorly helped me with my attitude said to IC.

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

I hope no one took my post as an attack. I read Gary's email and thought it appropriate for here since everyone was talking about attitude. I think he makes a good point and that sometimes we all need to be reminded that we can control and alter our way of processing setbacks and disappointments.

I am not trying to stir the pot and I think for the most part, the latest posts have been to help IC and those reading this thread with alternatives and positive support. We are trying to tell IC that she can achieve whatever it is she wants. I have enjoyed reading the posters experience of a hectic and full schedule and how they manage to acheive these amazing numbers (sales and shows). It gives me the inspiration to know that I can do better. =)

So IC....I do hope you do not feel attacked on my end. I try to not judge or attack....because then that makes it ok for others to do the same to me. he he

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Gonna say - life can sometimes feel like a really bad ride in a blender. The emotions and feelings get all jumbled up, we have no idea which end is up or how to get out. We get mad!!! Well, if you can not pour out the contents once in while, it explodes! This is supposed to be the pouring out place as well as the exploding place. Some of us do not have any where else to go to do that. My other half could care a less about my PC disappointments or rants. So I come here. I do not want to bring anyone down but it happens. I apologize. And speaking of making choices, WE ALL KNOW WHAT THE WORD RANT MEANS OUT HERE! Stay out of it if you think it is going to upset you. And you have that right to be upset but please, please, please, respect the person ranting. They are not here to hurt anyone. They are only here to heal themselves. If you do not want to be or can not be part of that healing, please stay out of the thread. I mean seriously, poking a bees nest is not going to calm down the bees. It will only make it worse and make the attack back all the harder. Be careful of what you say. If you really mean to change someones attitude, telling them it is their fault and that they need to change their attitude is not going to help when done harshly. These are the sticks in which the bees nest is poked. I cannot even tell if you mean well in these posts. I felt really sad when I read what some people who have majorly helped me with my attitude said to IC.

John, my friend, what can I say? You are the BEST. The absolute BEST!

I REALLY need a like button for that!

I need to read your post, others need to read your post, and so it is the reason I'm at least holding off on deleting the thread.

I appreciate Jolie's post as well. Jolie, I did NOT feel attacked in the slightest. I DID feel attacked by most of the posts in the first 2 pages, and I suspect many friends of mine stopped reading after the first 2 pages. Some have told me so. Seriously, I was going to ask you to e-mail it to me so I'd have it after the thread was deleted.

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

Thanks Intrepid! Glad you weren't hurt by it and knew it wasn't meant negatively.

 

[dannyzmom]

Step up Your Business class? Isn't that for people aiming for directorship? Or isn't that something supposed to be offered through my (non supportive) upline?

Ahem...yes...you complain an awful lot. So, you have a non supportive upline? Big deal!!! I have a friend who is a Senior Director who NEVER EVER got any support from her upline yet she worked her business and has made it to SD. Reach out of hospitality if you want support, make friends in the business, speak to your sales manager at HO...don't complain...take action.

 

[pampchefsarah]

Ok, I have held my tongue (so to speak) as long as possible. I'm sorry, IC, I'm breaking my promise to you.

Carolyn, I have always had a lot of respect for you, and appreciated how encouraging and helpful you have been in the past, but your attack on IC in this thread is outrageous. Give me a frigging break!! All she said was that she didn't like the new structure of the SAT this November, and that she wishes HO was offering more incentives for people who are working their business, but don't have the goals to aim for a $1500 month. She has every right to her feelings on this matter, and to express them in this forum. How did this become a 3 page tirade on how she is a negative person with a bad attitude??

I'm sorry, but going around saying "I'm better than you because I achieve more than you, even though I also have challenges" does not seem to me as a very positive attitude, either. It is self-righteous, small-minded, and mean-spirited. I'm not directing these comments at only Carolyn, either (she just happens to be the most relentless poster in this thread). If you have been blessed enough to have several shows a month, with show totals in the $1000s, even though you work full time/have a houseful of kids/are dealing with an illness or disability, etc., that's wonderful! We're all happy for you, and many of us would love to learn from you. If I, or anyone else, though, do not have those goals, and am content with 1 or 2 shows a month, for whatever reason, but would still enjoy receiving little incentives now and then (which may lead us to aim for higher goals and incentives down the road), then that's up to me, and NOT FOR YOU TO CRITICIZE. Which is all you "bad attitude claimers" have done. You have not encouraged, only demeaned and discouraged. Shame on you!

I have committed myself to the SUYB course Sheila is leading (Sheila is a shining example of someone who sees a need and takes a positive step towards filling it). After that, I probably will not be spending much time on CS. I'll leave it to the self-righteous, small-minded, mean-spirited few so they can hen-peck each other.

I do have one last point and a question. It has been stated (more than once) in this thread that IC's posts are 'mostly negative.' I completely disagree. Perhaps some people need to learn the difference between realism (ie "HO has changed the SAT structure, and, since I rarely, if ever, reach $1500 in a month, it's unlikely I'll earn any new Spring products"), and negativity (ie "You have a bad attitude, and that's why you're a failure"). If, though, you feel a poster is negative, why would you read not only a post from them, but a thread STARTED by this person, especially one marked as a RANT? Also, to the person who pointed out IC has something like 4000 posts in 3 years, twice as many as you in twice as many years, so she must be wasting time on the internet; besides the fact it is not your place to say how a person should be spending their time, did you ever consider the fact IC just has more of value to share here than you? Really, I see Intrepid_Cook, I immediately recognize the name. I see your screen-name, and I have no idea who you are, or what you've ever contributed to this forum.

 

[otisbg]

Sarah - You hit the nail on the head and expressed my sentiments much better than I could have. Bravo to you and John and IC~
You will never walk alone

 

[beckyjsmith]

Ok here's the thing. If you click on IC's name and research past posts, the majority are alluding to how this or that cannot be done and are full of excuses why. Now I am a total dunce when it comes to the multi quote procedure, so I will leave it to anyone who cares enough to check it out.
Carolyn has never been a" I can do this so I am better than you" kind of poster. She typically offers constuctive advice.
So stating the truth does not make anyone a mean person.. it makes them a truthful person. Sometimes the truth hurts.
Having said that, I get why you back up your friends and I get how feelings can be hurt.
As for the person who mentioned this website being a timesucker, she was spot on.
If a person has 4000 posts and 80% of them are related to how she cannot get business because of x, y, and z, then maybe a person should rethink her priorities and spend that time usually spent here on doing things that will actually contribute to building and boosting your personal business. If a poster really would rather just complain than take action, then that is her choice. What is disturbing about it is that it can influence newer consultants and make it seem like it is not possible to make money with a business like ours, rather than showing how, when worked consistently, this business can be a great source of income.
It's all in your approach and your attitude. I personally wouldn't want to book a show with someone who is consistently negative about everything. If I were to meet a consultant who said, yes the company offers monthly incentives that suck and larger incentives that are unattainable, I can't for the life of me think why I would want to book or sign with said person.
Just some food for thought.

 

[BethCooks4U]

No matter what is said, people are going to believe what they want to believe.

I agree with Becky and Carolyn in that I have seen the OP MANY times complain about things. Even winning the shopping spree wasn't all good. BUT, in IC's defense, some people just come off that way. They don't mean to, it's just how what they say is taken. I know people often take my intentions wrong too so I can totaly relate.

We can debate back and forth about who's right and who's wrong but in the end all we'll do is divide ourselves and hurt feelings.

Let's agree to disagree. Both sides have said their piece now let it rest.

IC: I hope you don't delete this thread because while there are things on it that I know you feel hurt about there are also some really good pieces of advice. I would however urge you to lock it so no further debate can continue.

 

[NooraK]

IC: I hope you don't delete this thread because while there are things on it that I know you feel hurt about there are also some really good pieces of advice. I would however urge you to lock it so no further debate can continue.

I think only admins can lock a thread...

 

[BethCooks4U]

I think only admins can lock a thread...

I believe the OP can too. If I recall correctly it has been done in the past.