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

[climbercanoe3]

Think of it this way in a typical job that you work part time or less you would only get some of the benefits. You don't usually get health insurance or paid vacations, etc. This is the same thing. Not all the incentives can be attainable by all.
Everyone can try to earn new products and items to show. 1 Recruit is not going to make anyone a director. Since it is the directors job to train and help the recruits, then 1 recruit isn't going to majorly burden anyone.
If someone really wants a trip then they will do what it takes to get the trip. I'm not saying if someone doesn't get it, that they didn't try hard enough, just that it wasn't enough. I would love to talk to the really positive people on this board that have actively tried to get a recruit, and failed. I bet there are not very many. One knows truthfully if they do not want to recruit or are hesitant about it, the people they are trying to recruit will notice it too.Just another way to look at it.

 

[ChefJoyJ]

Not judging you or against you in anyway, but if it's just a hobby then why does it bother you that you have to recruit to earn an incentive? You can still earn product, and you are still earning commission. You don't have to recruit to stay active. $200 every two months to stay active is not too much to ask from HO. And, you can still submit anytime w/in a year to reactivate if the $200 becomes too hard. Focus on your goals. HO is giving us incentives to reach higher goals if we want to set them.

Just b/c a person is a hobbyist doesn't mean they don't want (or deserve) the opportunity to possibly earn a level. It means that they are not considering their PC business a significant source of income. Life may not allow them to consider their PC business any thing else right now. I have heard of several hobbyists who's businesses began to boom and they were able to take it to the next level or levels.

I think that the requirement to recruit may come back to bite HO. I'm afraid that there will be consultants who will meet the selling requirements that will not have the recruiting numbers. I know that if I'm going to make the money that I need to continue to be able to be a SAHM, I will make level one and level 2 is not an impossibllity, but since I'm new and still learning the products and business, I'm not sure how recruiting is going to go. Don't get me wrong, I plan on offering the opportunity, but I can't force anyone to sign.

I think it's short minded of people to discount hobbyists - they are a valuable part of PC. I'm not saying anything against this post, but throughout this debate I keep seeing people say - if you're just a hobbyist or PT, then why are you worried about the recruiting requirement? That reads to me - you aren't going to acheive the level anyway, so don't worry yourself about it. Let those who will stress about it.

I apologize if this last part is not as diplomatic as it could be, but I'm going on less than 4 hours of sleep, compounded by insomnia the last couple of days, so the filter between my head and mouth (or in this case hands) is probably not working as effeciently.

:indif:

 

[ChefJoyJ]

Think of it this way in a typical job that you work part time or less you would only get some of the benefits. You don't usually get health insurance or paid vacations, etc. This is the same thing. Not all the incentives can be attainable by all.
Everyone can try to earn new products and items to show.

1 Recruit is not going to make anyone a director. Since it is the directors job to train and help the recruits, then 1 recruit isn't going to majorly burden anyone.
If someone really wants a trip then they will do what it takes to get the trip. I'm not saying if someone doesn't get it, that they didn't try hard enough, just that it wasn't enough.

I would love to talk to the really positive people on this board that have actively tried to get a recruit, and failed. I bet there are not very many. One knows truthfully if they do not want to recruit or are hesitant about it, the people they are trying to recruit will notice it too.


Just another way to look at it.

There are several super postive, energetic, and knowledgeable people on this board who have several fence-sitters or people that acknowledge it's not the right time. Just b/c they are actively and enthusiastically recruiting doesn't mean that they will have people "bite". Quite often it's not the right time, the money or time is just not there, or they need to let the thought "percolate".

I'm just playing devil's advocate today. I'm excited about what the opportunities that PC is offering me and I'm looking forward to sharing that opportunity with others. :chef:

 

[climbercanoe3]

Joy I think you get feisty when you lack sleep.

 

[wadesgirl]

Think of it this way in a typical job that you work part time or less you would only get some of the benefits. You don't usually get health insurance or paid vacations, etc. This is the same thing. Not all the incentives can be attainable by all.
Everyone can try to earn new products and items to show.

1 Recruit is not going to make anyone a director. Since it is the directors job to train and help the recruits, then 1 recruit isn't going to majorly burden anyone.
If someone really wants a trip then they will do what it takes to get the trip. I'm not saying if someone doesn't get it, that they didn't try hard enough, just that it wasn't enough.

I would love to talk to the really positive people on this board that have actively tried to get a recruit, and failed. I bet there are not very many. One knows truthfully if they do not want to recruit or are hesitant about it, the people they are trying to recruit will notice it too.


Just another way to look at it.

Ask away... What questions do you have for someone who has tried recruiting for over a year and has a lot of fence sitters and not one recruit? I was the top sales in my cluster for 2007 having just signed in November 2006 (over $25,000 in my first full year). Earned most incentives last year including Level 1 $300 conference cash. Had two of my best months $4000 and $5300. All while working full time, working my business and having a life. Why can I not get someone to recruit? I really couldn't answer that for you. I work with them, keep in touch with them, talk to my director about them but not one has signed yet. I am going to have to try harder this year if I want to hit Level 1 again since I need to have 1 recruit but will not be very happy if I get the sales requirements but still cannot get 1 person to sign.

 

[pclinskie]

I haven't read all the posts. So I my be repeating.
But I've been in PC 8 years and feel every conference and incentive has focused on recruiting. This is the first time it is required for a trip.
Every other direct sales company requires recruiting to earn trips.
One company requires you to have your first 6 shows in 2 weeks.
I understand not everyone wants to build a team, took me 6 years to get on that band wagon., but it is working smarter.

 

[wadesgirl]

One of my recruit leads I thought was in the perfect situation: lived in a town that was loosing it's biggest manufacturing company. What a better way to help others save money or earn money. But she saw it as a negative because she figured people wouldn't want to spend money and she was worried about people booking. It was in her mindset that this wasn't going to work for her. I tried to give her every recruiting line I've ever heard with the excuses she came up with. Nothing has worked yet.

One of the things I want to do this year is to send all my recruit leads the new recruiting incentive and follow up with them all. This week is pretty slow for me so I need to get them out the door tomorrow. Wish me luck.

 

[ChefJoyJ]

Joy I think you get feisty when you lack sleep.

Keri-Lyn - you have no idea!

I'm glad you realized there was no malicious intent...

 

[ChefMoore]

I probably shouldn't talk for others, but I don't think the main complaint here is the actual concept of recruiting. I think many people feel that it just clashes with the "My business, my way" phrase that PC uses. Probably many consultants themselves were recruited based on information about the free trips, etc. As a new recruit myself, I can see where this would bug people, especially newer consultants because they were told about the opportunity for a free trip, told about the requirement, and now that they have the chance to earn it, the requirements have changed. I don't think people are against recruiting, I just think that they may feel as if they were a little mislead when they signed on (like I said...this mostly applies to newer consultants.)

 

[legacypc46]

I know this much about PC, we are not overly pushy, we are NOT in people's faces, and we are NOT tacky.

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!)

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I beg to differ...

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

Wow! You are just Beeeyoooteeefulll!

 

[Chef Kearns]

Are you going to let the world know your secret Leggy?

 

[Shawnna]

I have been with PC for almost 7 years. I have 1 recruit who barely stays active...I have to remind her that she needs to submit xx amount of $$ in order to stay active. I knew this when I recruited her. She just wants to earn a discount nothing else. I HAD a new recruit last spring. She signed in April and was so excited. She loved PC had lots of products and was wanting to do this full time because she stayed home with her boys. She was actually a HO lead for my hospitality director but lived to far away for her to travel. So, she emailed me, I contacted the customer who told me she not only wanted to have a show, but wanted to sign. GREAT!! I will now be a FD. So, she signed had 4 shows to qualify...not even 1250 in sales. She earned lots of stuff and then said "I am tired of pushing my family to have parties. I am taking a full time job as a teacher and won't have time for PC". No amount of talking could change her mind. I gave her all of the reasons why/how she could work PT and still teach. NO WAY NO HOW!! I always talk about the opportunity at my shows. I share my story and talk to every guest. In almost 7 years these are the 2 people I have been able to recruit.


It doesn't bother me that PC is pushing to recruit. I will still continue to work my business how I want...PT. My personal oppinion is that level 1 should not require a recruit. I can see a trip requiring a recruit, but level 1 is rediculous. But, obviously that is not my decision.

I am not trying to be negative in any way. But, I personally feel that since PC is now owned by a corporate minded person the focus has shifted from helping people to helping the company. As a business owner I understand this. This is how society is these days. It is the world view...big companies make all the money and the little companies get squeezed out. I just hope our company doesn't become just like the other DS companies...such as Amway. I joined PC because it was different than all the other companies I had looked into.

As far as people "whining about recruiting"...you can whine to me all you want. I don't think you are whining. You are welcome to voice your opinions and concerns to me at any time. That is what we are here for...to help each other and listen to each other.

 

[heather223]

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!)

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

 

[stefani2]

I agree there has been a change in focus..........I am still new compared to others out there (almost 1 year). When I joined, recruiting wasn't talked about as much - we now have a "Directorship Training" class every 2nd week, an Opportunity Talk/coffee every week, a weekly check-in from our D, Conference Calls (1-2 times a month) on recruiting, emails from HO, Recruiting Incentives, Trips requiring Recruiting to be able to qualify/earn, and Recruiting Challenges (our newest one is from our D to talk to EVERY guest at 3 Shows this month)......these challenges and opportunity talks were not around last year.

I am looking forward to begin sharing the business opportunity with others because it is a fear that I want to conquer...I am the same as many out there that takes the answer 'no' personally and therefore shys away from asking 'the horrible question' of the business opportunity. It is a personal challenge to myself to get over it.

As far as recruiting being pushed into our faces - I need a break from it (and I am someone who is looking forward to recruiting and sharing -- I can't imagine how those who are not ready to recruit are feeling!!!) And I told my D that this morning. I am up to the challenge of recruiting and sharing - but I want to do it at my own pace WITHOUT constant harrassment (that is how I feel it is sometimes) about it ALL the time - every email, phone call, new promo!! BUt, as my D said, 'recruiting is a problem for me NOW because I am almost a year into my business and I should have been doing it all along -- you share your love for the products, as you do your love for the business. I agree....but I just need a little less pressure so I can do my thing.....

 

[stefani2]

psMy daughter likes your pic (she is 2), she thought you look 'pretty'. LOL. Oh yeah, and she asked for a piece of gum (she knew that were blowing a bubble, but doesn't under the 'gum' part).

 

[Shawnna]

I am very fortunate to have 2 wonderful directors who help me. My director calls me every so often and gives me encouragement but she does not pressure me in any way. She has always said that my business is about me and I need to work it the way that is comfortable to me. I also have a FABULOUS hospitality director who treats me like I am one of her own personal recruits. She gives me lots of encouragement but she does not pressure me. She never pressures her girls in any way. She encourages them. She is one of the reasons I have stayed with PC for this long. I have been in other DS companies and the constant push to recruit and purchase more sales aids/training aids drove me away. PC is so much better.

 

[fruit76loop]

In my humble opinionWow, is all I have to say. After not being on Chef Success for awhile, I was disappointed as I started to read this thread.

The Pampered Chef is offering you perks for doing your job, and some of you complain. How many other jobs do you get to earn trips, diamonds, free products, spa trips?? Are we never happy?

Sharing the opportunity is part of our job. And why wouldn't I want other people to do what I do? Since I have started with the Pampered Chef I have stayed home with my children, bought a new house, bought a new car, have a sense of accomplishment, reach goals I never thought possible, get away from my children , have taught my children that hard work does pay, have taught my children to goal set (even at 3 and 5), have helped others to realize their dreams, met some of my best friends, have helped hundreds of hosts get free products, and I have traveled the world.

You don't know who needs what you have.

Recruiting is not an option, promoting is.

Sharing the opportunity is part of our job! That would be like going to work for McDonalds as a cashier and saying I'm sorry, I don't feel comfortable dealing with cash??!!??? HUH?

As I said, this is just my humble opinion and you may not care, but I couldn't stay silent when you are bashing The Pampered Chef.

I was coming back on to check out the posts so I could let my team know about this website; however, due to the negativity I will not recommend this site to my team and I am disappointed.

 

[stefani2]

i agreeThere are different Ds out there with different goals - my D and her D want to promote by August......so recruiting is THEIR focus right now.

I just need a minute to breathe (and not be so smothered with Recruiting)


Shawna, I am glad your D recognizes YOUR goals - my D is the same, but also shares HER goal and wishes for me..........

 

[Shawnna]

Nobody is bashing PC. I love PC and everyone has made it very clear that they love PC. People are just stating their opinions and lack of enthusiasm for the recruiting requirement for incentives. As I stated earlier, I talk about the opportunity at every show and with everyone I meet, but I have only been able to recruit 2 people and 1 quit as soon as she qualified.

Why is it that nobody can disagree with PC in any way without being labeled a basher? Nobody likes everything about their job. I am 40 years old and have never worked for a company...even my husbands business...that I agreed 100% with everything. That does not mean that I did not love my job or the company I worked for. I personally think all the negativity that so many talk about comes into the picture when people begin to get so defensive because someone disagrees with something...anything...HO does.

We are suppose to be hear to help each other, listen to each other, and encourage each other. This site is not just about getting great flyers that some wonderfully talented person is willing to share with us. It is a community...just like your neighborhood. Do you agree with everything your neighbor does? If you say you disagree does that mean you are bashing your neighbor? NO. We don't have to agree with everything each other does/thinks and we don't have to agree with everything PC does. If it gets to the point we can't stand it anymore we have the option to not work for PC. But simply stating that you are uncomfortable with, disagree with, DON'T LIKE, something about the company does not mean you are bashing the company. If for example someone is upset about something and I personally think they are just being a baby do I have to post "Stop being such a baby"? No, I can choose to let them work it out or I can offer them something encouraging. If I post that they are being a baby then that just starts an arguement and then everything becomes negative. We don't have to say evereything we think. It is possible to read the first few posts and figure out what the thread is all about. If I don't agree then I shouldn't read anymore and I don't have to post my disagreement and start a fight.

 

[Shawnna]

I also want to add that recruiting is NOT part our job. Sharing the opportunity is one aspect of our job. You can share the opportunity 100 times a day and that does not mean that you will recruit anyone. OUR "JOB" IS TO SHARE THE OPPORTUNITY...NOT RECRUIT. There is a difference and you can see the difference when you attend other DS parties. Recruiting is for the Army, not my business.

 

[fruit76loop]

Again, in my humble opinionAs I started the last thread out, this is just my opinion.

I don't know if you know the reason why there is a push for recruiting from the HO. But we have lost over 10,000 consultants in the past couple years. We were at a high of almost 70,000 consultants and right now we are at 55,000.

I have been on this community to see a lot of posts and I understand that it is a community. But it is just discouraging to come on and see threads like this. Like I said I was looking forward to recommending this site to my team because it helped me so much. But, why would I want my team to come to the site and read negative threads like this one? To let them think that because many can't recruit, the can't. Just like at my meetings, we do not delve into negative thinking.

Again, this is just my feelings and my opinion, like you said it is a communtiy.


A couple quotes for a positive ending!

"What we see depends mainly on what we look for." Sir John Lubbock

"Life reflects your own thoughts back to you." Napoleon Hill

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt

"...positive attitudes...come in unlimited quantities. Everybody can have one free!" Harvey Mackay

 

[ChefBeckyD]

As I started the last thread out, this is just my opinion.

I don't know if you know the reason why there is a push for recruiting from the HO. But we have lost over 10,000 consultants in the past couple years. We were at a high of almost 70,000 consultants and right now we are at 55,000.

I have been on this community to see a lot of posts and I understand that it is a community. But it is just discouraging to come on and see threads like this. Like I said I was looking forward to recommending this site to my team because it helped me so much. But, why would I want my team to come to the site and read negative threads like this one? To let them think that because many can't recruit, the can't. Just like at my meetings, we do not delve into negative thinking.

Again, this is just my feelings and my opinion, like you said it is a communtiy.


A couple quotes for a positive ending!

"What we see depends mainly on what we look for." Sir John Lubbock

"Life reflects your own thoughts back to you." Napoleon Hill

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt

"...positive attitudes...come in unlimited quantities. Everybody can have one free!" Harvey Mackay

Some people are just determined to see their glass as half empty!

Those who do, seem to think they have some inalienable right to share the negative with everyone else......I don't think they even realize how bad it sounds, and how it drives people away.....

 

[wadesgirl]

When I do my recruiting talk at my shows, if I see a couple eye rolls or lack of interest I simply say "I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't share it with you."

 

[Shawnna]

It is a reality that every year people leave...what is that saying...1/3 are leaving 1/3 are coming, 1/3 are staying, something like that. I think all DS companies are seeing the same thing. It is life. Peoples priorities shift, the economy of their area changes, etc.

Some people choose to see their glass half empy...its true. But, sharing their feelings with us does not make them a company basher. Each person knows what they are capable of. If someone reads that I don't feel I can recruit, and thinks if I can't then they can't, they have a problem with their own self-esteem. I don't base my goals or what I can do on anyone else.

People have just shared that they are unhappy that they can't reach an incentive without recruting. I don't think they were saying they can't recruit...just that they don't like the fact that they have to in order to achieve an incentive.

"What we see depends mainly on what we look for"...this is true. When I read their posts I did not see negativity. I did not see PC bashing or whining. I saw frustration and the need to vent about personal feelings. Negativity comes in when we start telling them they have no right to feel that way or tell us that they feel that way. They did not post anything that wasn't true. If a recruit comes here and sees that someone is upset about having to recruit to receive an incentive, it does not hurt the recruit. It has no bearing on their business what so ever. They have just learned that not everyone recruits and that if they want to earn an incentive then they will have to recuit. That is good information to know...not everyone has the same goals and everyone runs their business the way they want to, and I don't have to depend on them to run mine.

 

[etteluap70PC]

This is a great exchange.... I have seen nothing I perceived as Bashing PC.
I have been a con. for almost 5 years and have not had 1 person sign. I have had many fence sitters and inquiries but none so far. It is not for lack of desire or information. I have also earned level 1 before.
Although I do Love PC for all it's products and opportunities it provides I am having a hard time with the recruiting push. As others have said it feels like it goes against the "your life your way" motto. All I can do is inform, it is ultimately not up to me if others feel that PC is a good fit for them.


ETA: I can see how some would see this as a negative post but I do not. I see it as opinion. I have seen good points made on both sides. My future is to be a director. It will happen for me when the time is right. I will continue to share the PC opportunity because I believe in it. When things like this happen it feels more "Corporate" I wnat PC to continue to feel like a "family".

 

[hperschnick]

I have read quite a few of the posts and I agree that there is a stronger focus on recruiting... or sharing the opportunity. I'm only 7 months into this and I think adding the recruiting part to the incentives is just to make sure we are doing our job. I know I haven't been as consistent as I should have been with sharing the opportunity... as a new consultant I wasn't comfortable asking people to join my team... (my TEAM?) - I barely know what I'm doing! But since my AD and my hospitality are both offering more training on recruiting (voluntary) I have realized that it is my responsibility to OFFER the opportunity and then my director can answer the questions that I can't. I know the focus has helped me understand the process better and the responsibility that I have to help others. Ultimately the bottom line for the company is to grow business... it is a business and that is what it is about but we do need to share how awesome this company is and if we also benefit in the process...

 

[stefani2]

Your Life, Your WayYahoo Shawna!

The beautiful thing about PC is that EACH Consultant can CHOOSE how to run THEIR OWN business -- Anyone remember 'YOUR LIFE, YOUR WAY'?
If you CHOOSE to recruit, or NOT -- Do 2 or 10 Shows a month -- IT IS UP TO YOU! Recruiting DOES NOT go hand-in-hand with some peoples business AND THAT IS OK! - Run your PC biz the way YOU want because you are your OWN boss.........

.....we are ALL on here because WE LOVE PC - but, as Shawna said, may not ALWAY 100% agree with their choices/promos, etc. Why is that not ok to voice our opinion on this site? No body is BASHING PC by voicing an opinion (negative or not). We all know what 'bashing PC' is or could be - this thread is NOT bashing.......and not everyone's opinion is ALWAYS gonna be positive. Maybe there was a misunderstanding as far as the 'bashing' comment????

Everyone has different goals and agendas for their biz - it is YOUR biz, so run it the way YOU want.

 

[etteluap70PC]

Some people choose to see their glass half empy...its true. But, sharing their feelings with us does not make them a company basher. Each person knows what they are capable of. If someone reads that I don't feel I can recruit, and thinks if I can't then they can't, they have a problem with their own self-esteem. I don't base my goals or what I can do on anyone else.

People have just shared that they are unhappy that they can't reach an incentive without recruting. I don't think they were saying they can't recruit...just that they don't like the fact that they have to in order to achieve an incentive.

My point EXACTLY!

Thanks Shawna!

 

[wadesgirl]

I don't see this thread as negative, it's a great way to get things out. Just because one person is a great recruiter doesn't mean the next person is. I agree, that's the reason why this company is great, you can do your business the way you want to. Doesn't mean everyone has to fit into the same form. It's like going to a group of people and selecting one person because you think she looks like a generic PC consultant. There is no one consultant out there. We can be women, men, young, old, moms, single, married, full time jobs, etc. I bet there is at least one person in your cluster that you could point out that you would have never thought they would be a consultant if you met them on the street.