Is there too much emphasis on recruitment in the direct sales industry?

[RebelChef]

Well said, Shawna!

As far as bashing PC...Sorry, I'm not gullible or naive enough to expect everything with every company to be perfect. I do, however, have the right to express my opinion. Ok, I'm going to stop there because the rest of what I was writing is sure to start a fight. lol

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

In any hierarchical organization, there's always about 10% on the top that is on fire for the cause. They see the company letterhead as valentine, the operation wonderful, everything the company does is just wonderful. The company can do nothing wrong.You have 30% that is always happy but never says much of anything. They just happily do their thing.45% are just there. They do what needs to be done, they get and read the magazine, whatever happens is just fine.The very bottom 5% is comprised of crooks, whiners, and jerks and you needn't really pay attention to them, they're just the bottom feeders that all always just there.The other 10% on the lower end are the ones who point out everything that is wrong. The shipping company is wrong. The prices are too high. The products are all wrong. The catalog looks awful. You roll your eyes when you see them coming because you just don't want to hear it.The Pollyannas in the top 10% say the bottom 10% is too negative, but the fact is, that 10% is just as on fire for the cause as the top 10%. You need to pay attention to them, because they see the problems that the Pollyannas will never see. Maybe the shipping company is wrong. (It is, isn't it? We seem to have proven that here.) Maybe the product line does need some revision. Maybe the catalog could be better. THIS 10% of the group is where the suggestions come from.So listen to them. Constructive criticism is not negativity. If you want negativity, go listen to the bottom 5% while the rest of us talk to the lower 10% of on fire for the cause people.

 

[stefani2]

to be positive or to be negativeIf you are a person who has ALWAYS agreed 100% with HO or who can ALWAYS see the glass half-full - then good for you! (ps, I am envious of you)

Unfortunately, not every message on here is going to be positive. You know, I remember getting a few comments on here a few weeks ago from people saying 'not everyone is so happy-go-lucky' in response to ME being excited over my SAT products - HMMMMM.....I was positive then and was able to annoy people, now I am voicing my opinion in a not-so-positive manner and I am frustrating people. PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO SPEAK THEIR OPINION - the reality of ANY DS biz is that it will be a rollercoaster - and you can not expect to shelter your Team by only exposing them to 'positive' feedback - they are going to have frustrations in their biz - that is inevitable - so let them into the 'real' world.

This is such a fantastic board to have available to solve problems - good or bad! Positive or negative - just let people have a place to go to deal with problems that arise in their biz...................

 

[janetupnorth]

I'm just watching this whole exchange and really don't have much to say because I am comfortable in my role with PC right now.I am a hobbyist borderline part-time once in awhile with 1 recruit that I give plenty of attention to and maybe there will be more in the future, maybe not. Who knows?If I didn't want to ever be a director or recruiter I am comfortable with the fact I can recruit and tell my director they are hers to care for and she will. However, with my recruit, I CHOOSE to take care of her and I have my ED's support.I guess I look at the incentives plan from a corporate side. They are INCENTIVES. The company doesn't have to offer them but chooses to so they have the right to tie whatever rules they want to them. If they tie recruiting to it, I may or may not make it but it makes me work on what the INCENTIVE is for.If I do a safety incentive at work and a rule is safety, I can CHOOSE as a worker not to go for the incentive or to go for it. It may or may not be an INCENTIVE to me personally. But, the company goal is safety so they are setting the plan for what they want.Get my drift? If you want a trip with PC but don't want to recruit. Sell away and save your commission. You still EARNED a trip! You worked hard for that money and can go where you want.P.S. KG - I do like your recruit and pass on concept. I really wish that could logically happen and be of benefit to consultants without become a "jumping director or upline" thing.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I'm glad somebody noticed. I think it's a viable solution to all of this but the idea just seems to have died without a thud.

 

[janetupnorth]

I'm glad somebody noticed. I think it's a viable solution to all of this but the idea just seems to have died without a thud.

Have you ever submitted it to someone of consequence at HO and gotten any feedback on it?

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I don't always agree 100% with anyone or anything. I am not a "pollyanna".

I have had many years in leadership and management roles - and I have seen over and over and over again how negative thinking impacts EVERYONE on a team. There is never a time that speaking negatively, or complaining, doesn't start to effect job performance and teamwork.

IF you have an issue with a policy, procedure, supplier, etc....it never does any good to complain or "discuss" sideways. The only way to find a solution to your problem is to talk to someone who can do something about it. Discussing it with peers only fuels a fire and also (as Marlene said) presents a negative viewpoint for new people.

Here is a link to a website and book that is excellent on this very subject:

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy | by Jon Gordon

 

[wadesgirl]

If you are a person who has ALWAYS agreed 100% with HO or who can ALWAYS see the glass half-full - then good for you! (ps, I am envious of you)

Unfortunately, not every message on here is going to be positive. You know, I remember getting a few comments on here a few weeks ago from people saying 'not everyone is so happy-go-lucky' in response to ME being excited over my SAT products - HMMMMM.....I was positive then and was able to annoy people, now I am voicing my opinion in a not-so-positive manner and I am frustrating people. PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO SPEAK THEIR OPINION - the reality of ANY DS biz is that it will be a rollercoaster - and you can not expect to shelter your Team by only exposing them to 'positive' feedback - they are going to have frustrations in their biz - that is inevitable - so let them into the 'real' world.

This is such a fantastic board to have available to solve problems - good or bad! Positive or negative - just let people have a place to go to deal with problems that arise in their biz...................

Not everyone is going to agree with every rule or incentive PC offers. That's why this thread isn't necessarily negative. The original poster was just trying to vent some frustration. I posted yesterday about being upset with hosts lately but ended the post by pulling my tail from between my legs and making an effort to change my business (since we cannot change our hosts!). I got a lot of positive comments and feedback. So instead of pulling the negativity card, try looking at the situation from the other person's side.

 

[Shawnna]

Coming here to vent frustration is just that...venting. If I vent and someone gives me some encouragement it might help me to see things differently. If someone jumps on me and tells me I am being negative and that I shouldn't be, blah, blah, blah, then my perspective doesn't change. I get more fired up because you are telling me I am wrong and you are right.

I can vent here and it helps me to calm down and then if I still feel the same way after someone gives me (nicely) an new perspective, then I might contact HO and voice my opinion or I might say it doesn't really matter in the long run. If I just contact HO immediately without venting here, I might do or say something I wouldn't normally do or say. I am happy to be a sounding board for anyone here. Most of the time all the poster needs is encouragement. So it does do good to vent to your peers.

 

[RebelChef]

First of all, KG, very nicely illustrated. That top 10% is what we used to call 'company men'.

As far as this being a negative thread and people shouldn't be on here complaining or whining as some put it, this site is where PC consultants feel comfortable being able to express their opinions and feelings. They know they can expect feedback or encouragement or just someone to validate those feelings. It's a good thing, I believe. If we didn't have this, we'd end up keeping those feelings inside and resentment or unhappiness would build. Our customers would see this and pick up on it. Very few people in this world are 100% satisfied 100% of the time. Just because we don't agree or like the way something is done, does not mean we're ready to throw up our hands and walk away. It also doesn't mean we're bashing the company.

As for discussing it with peers only fueling fires...most people do this to see if anyone else has the same opinion or if they're just being too sensitive. Just like the threads about FedEx. It was started to see if anyone else was having the same problem, not just to complain. If only one person contacts someone who can make changes, it's not very effective but if there are several or lots who feel the same way, it can be. There is power in numbers so don't discredit those who have opinions and voice them as just whiners and complainers. They're just the squeeky wheels that get things rolling.

I wonder if HO has considered doing an exit poll of those 10-15,000 consultants who've left? I would think it would shed some insight on things, good or bad.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I'm glad somebody noticed. I think it's a viable solution to all of this but the idea just seems to have died without a thud.

I noticed too. It's a great idea in some ways but some directors would try to talk a new consultant (for instance) into giving her the recruit because "you aren't ready" or some such reason. It's a sticky subject.

I have one recruit that was recruited by a downline who refused to sign him. She said she did not want a team and insisted I sign him. I tried to talk her out of it "what if down the line you change your mind" "I will still train him just the same"... She refused and he was fine with me signing him. If a consultant absolutely does not want to recruit (and I can not even start to understand why they wouldn't with the perks we get) they do have that option.

It's all about the ethics of people involved.

 

[stefani2]

DS is a rollercoaster ride - ups and downsTelling your Team about this AMAZING WebSite is great because it provides support for their UPS and DOWNS which is the reality of ANY DS biz. I would feel mis-led to be under the impression that EVERYTHING with this biz is happy-happy. You are going to run into unpleasant experiences and HOW SAD that a New Consultant wouldn't have a place to turn to share their frustration (by NOT knowing about this WebSite).

For the Consultant's who are not ready to begin recruiting and who are not on-board with PC's Recruiting Promos - there is NOTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT THAT!

 

[redsoxgirl]

I agree that this thread is not negative - it's people expressing concerns and not liking something.

 

[rennea]

KG your a very wise man................


And I do feel HO is pushing us to recruit, and no it's NOT my job to do so and NO I'm NOT going to. But when I joined PC I new I wouldn't be in it for the free trips, cars etc that DS companies offer for recruiting. Remember everyone "your business, your way" for those who don't want to recruit hold your heads high and continue doing what your doing. Enjoy the extra money and product!!!

And no I'm not bashing PC and yes I believe people should be able to vent and share there feelings.

 

[stefani2]

u r doing NOTHING wrongThe ORIGINAL post was asking if others felt like PC has switched their FOCUS to recruiting - there is NOTHING negative about that.

People are stating that they are not ready to do that in their business - there is NOTHING negative about that, either.

 

[rennea]

I agree with you Jenna 100%

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I noticed too. It's a great idea in some ways but some directors would try to talk a new consultant (for instance) into giving her the recruit because "you aren't ready" or some such reason. It's a sticky subject.

I have one recruit that was recruited by a downline who refused to sign him. She said she did not want a team and insisted I sign him. I tried to talk her out of it "what if down the line you change your mind" "I will still train him just the same"... She refused and he was fine with me signing him. If a consultant absolutely does not want to recruit (and I can not even start to understand why they wouldn't with the perks we get) they do have that option.

It's all about the ethics of people involved.

This is good news and bad news.

The good news is that I think it's an excellent idea to pass a recruit to someone who wants to recruit and wants to build a team.

The bad news is that the one who passed the recruit doesn't get any credit toward incentives. That just isn't right.

 

[chefmeg]

I'm glad somebody noticed. I think it's a viable solution to all of this but the idea just seems to have died without a thud.

I have told my new recruits at their first training that it is my job, as the Director, to train and teach....they can stay an FD forever as far as I am concerned! If they are inviting and I am training and answering questions, then we are all doing our jobs!

 

[kitchenfun2day]

Here ya go. I just bumped The Acronym Thread for you.

Now you can find out what an Easy Accident Decorator is.

The Kitchen Guy:

You are very entertaining!! Like your sense of humor!

 

[kitchenfun2day]

WOW!! I have been proven wrong!! Sometimes we are tacky!!! LOL!!!! :chef:

Wow, this place is entertaining!!! What a great picture ... LOL

 

[lacychef]

First off....Leggy---wow! Love the pic

Marlene---nice to "see" you! I hope any negativity you've seen hasn't completely ran you off. You always share great wisdom & insight; I hope to see you here more!

KG, I noticed your opinion also. That would be nice for those that don't want/aren't ready for a team, but still want the incentives.

And, I'm another consultant that really does try to recruit; but only since the past year have I really pursued directorship. I have been very actively trying to recruit. I signed my first in late Sept, & my second in Nov. Both are now going inactive I've got several other 'fence-sitters', but the time isn't right for them. They are still leads though; but just because I'm actively recruiting, I"m no director (yet).
I do believe that HO does have our best interests in mind; PC is a fabulous company

 

[kitchenfun2day]

I beg to differ...

I want you to know that I won the title of "Miss Tacky" that evening...it was a 'tacky party" (Thought this thread could use a little levity!)

What a great picture ... LOL

 

[BethCooks4U]

This is good news and bad news.

The good news is that I think it's an excellent idea to pass a recruit to someone who wants to recruit and wants to build a team.

The bad news is that the one who passed the recruit doesn't get any credit toward incentives. That just isn't right.

I did give that recruiter 25 catalogs. She was no where near to on track for any trip (it was in the fall) so the only thing she really lost is that if she changes her mind she will have to recruit 5. She'd probably have to do that anyway since he's in and out of being active.

If she was anywhere near earning a trip I would have forced her to sign him! And I DID point all the positives of HER doing the signing MANY times. lol

 

[BethCooks4U]

I beg to differ...

I want you to know that I won the title of "Miss Tacky" that evening...it was a 'tacky party" (Thought this thread could use a little levity!)

This is exactly how I pictured you, Leggy!

 

[fruit76loop]

Real world?Community? One thing I find funny about this community is that when someone does share a different point of view, everyone jumps on the bandwagon of why that person is wrong. You all chime up saying that you want to express your opinions, and that is fine...but allow me mine as well please.

You see, like I said in all my posts, these are just my opinions. I did not mean for anyone to take offense and yes, I personally do see a lot of these posts as negative. The first post was great, but everyone jumps on the bandwagon of "yes, I agree this is aweful because....." And of course I am generalizing, but not in many posts do I see helpful insight of how this thread is helping.?. And when someone does put in an insightful comment it doesn't seem to get good attention. Like Becky's , Colleen's and Jae's comments for a few.

AND I LOVE Keri Lyn's post comparing this to other jobs. You go girl!! Not everyone is going to be able to earn everything. If you are a hobbiest, that is fine, if you are a part timer that is fine....The Pampered Chef has decided to STEP UP the requirements for incentives, trying to help all of us STEP UP with them.

As I was always taught with a business like this, you never complain down the chain or across the chain, you always go up the chain. So, if you are disgruntled or unhappy about the new recruiting requirements, go to your director, your Executive and Home Office. These are the people that can make changes or tell you why the Home Office does what they do.

so let them into the 'real' world.

Hmmm... real world??? :grumpy: What is that supposed to mean, really? Is the real world how I was at a point in my business this year where I almost quit because life was throwing too much at me? (Death of best friend in mining accident and my mother-in-law in ICU almost dying) Or is the real world how I share this experience with my team and tell them that there will be highs and lows and without my team I wouldn't have made it through this low. Because of this low (lowest in 5 years) I needed over 19,000 points December 1st to earn Level 4. Did I quit? Nope I showed my team that you can do anything you want to put your mind to. And they all expect a gifr from London~ .

Just so you all know, I am not a fabulous recruiter, my strong point has always been my personnal sales. It took me 2 years to promote to Director, but each year I get better and better at recruiting. It is something that if you don't have the skill when you start, you can learn the skill. This year I am on track for TPC in recruiting. But most exciting is that I have a team that loves what they do. AND yes, they do LIVE IN THE REAL WORLD.

So, please if you preach to allow others their opinions, please allow all opinions, not just the ones you agree with. Thanks!:angel:

Hi Lacy! Good to see you too!!

Hi Beth, thanks to your email I got into this discussion! After you emailed me about Chef Success, I thought hmmmm I will go see how it is going...

 

[stefani2]

clarifyingWhat I meant by the 'real world' is acknowledging that there are ups and downs in this biz - things you will agree with and not agree with - some unpleasant and some amazing situation - some positive and some negative-- that is life in DS (including PC). Life is not always positive - that to me is my defination of 'the real world'.

To not notify your Team of CS because of this 'negative' post I feel like you are letting the odd 'venting' or 'negative' thread to over-ride the THOUSANDS of positive threads! This Website has SAVED a lot of ppls biz because of the amazing support system, great ideas, etc,. etc,.

IMO, it should be up to a Consultant if they CHOOSE to recruit or not. It should NOT be expected to go hand-in-hand with the rest of the biz.

 

[Shawnna]

Everyone's opinions are valued here. But it would be nice that if I don't agree with someone's opinion I don't tell them they are all wrong and negative and company bashing. A better approach would be "I don't see it that way and this is why I disagree" or "this is my take on the situation".

When I am having a problem I vent to my best girlfriend. She listens and then if she thinks I am looking at the situation wrong, she tells me in a nice way how she sees it and why she looks at it differently...and I do the same for her. She doesn't say "well that is just stupid. You are wrong and have no right to feel that way". After our discussion we have either helped each other or agree to disagree. And that is the way it should be here.

It seems that some people want to tell others that they are wrong for being upset or discouraged or whatever, but don't like it when someone else points out that they are not helping the situation...that the person just wants someone to listen to them.

How many times have you come home from work and vented to your spouse about something? If he/she just listens and lets us vent we generally feel better to just get it off our chest. We don't want them to fix the situation, we don't want them to agree with us, and we don't want them to disagree with us. We just want them to listen. Most of the time when we are finished venting and have had time to think we begin to see things in a different light....we may still not agree with it, but we may begin to see how we can make it work for us.

I have never said you shouldn't be able to voice you opinion...good or bad...I am just saying that just because you don't agree or think what I say is negative doesn't mean that you should say "you're wrong, you're negative, you're bashing PC". There are better ways to say things when you disagree with someone.

And, I am using myself for the example because I am not in a position to earn any level because I am very part-time. So, I can see both sides of this issue. I understand why HO is pushing to recruit...lost revenue from lost consultants, want more revenue because we are a corporation and that means money, money, money. But, I also see that for people who work hard at sales to reach level 1 and then don't earn it because they have not been able to recruit anyone, it can feel like a big letdown. What if your sales were enough for level 2 but you didn't recruit and someone else barely reaches sales for level 1 but have a recruit...maybe a last minute recruit...the way it is that 1st level person seems more important than your huge sales. And I realize that is a stretch to be a good example. PC has the right to give incentives however they want, its their company. We have the right to agree or disagree. We have the right to shift our focus along with the company or just keep doing what we are doing...or quit. Nobody is right or wrong. Noone's opinion is more important than any other.

 

[pamperedlinda]

I beg to differ...

I want you to know that I won the title of "Miss Tacky" that evening...it was a 'tacky party" (Thought this thread could use a little levity!)

Leggy - You are adorable!

 

[legacypc46]

My husband rolled his eyes when I posted that photo (he's secretly mortified I think). I was supposed to be pregnant, but the pillow kept sliding done. Just a bunch of gals being silly.

 

[janetupnorth]

My husband rolled his eyes when I posted that photo (he's secretly mortified I think). I was supposed to be pregnant, but the pillow kept sliding done. Just a bunch of gals being silly.

Hey, just tell them you were about to give birth...baby dropping...