Living in Two Totally Different Areas

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges and strategies faced by a Pampered Chef consultant managing a business while living in two different locations due to military relocation. Participants share their experiences and ideas on maintaining client relationships and conducting business across distances.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience of starting a business while stationed in Guam and wanting to maintain a client base in Connecticut.
  • Another participant suggests planning ahead for visits to Connecticut and utilizing monthly host specials to book catalog shows during those times.
  • Several users mention the idea of hosting online shows and using a personal website to facilitate sales and communication with clients.
  • One participant discusses the logistics of setting up a mystery host show, highlighting concerns about shipping and order management.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for a mystery hostess format where one host receives all benefits, citing ease of management.
  • One participant shares their experience of combining business with travel, suggesting it can be beneficial for tax purposes.
  • Another participant expresses excitement about connecting with a new customer moving to Guam, indicating the potential for building a local network.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to managing mystery host shows and the logistics involved, with no clear consensus on which method is superior.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the unique challenges faced by consultants in military families, particularly regarding client engagement and business operations across different geographical locations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar circumstances of relocation or those interested in online sales strategies may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

C
cookingmommy
Messages
162
Hi Everyone.

I have a weird situation. Well not weird for the military!!!! My husband is in the Navy and we are stationed in Guam. I just started my business however I had my starter kit send to my hometown in CT because I am here for two months (5 weeks left) So, technically my only client base is in CT not Guam.

Once I go back to Guam I am going to continue with my business even though I am a bit frightened because I don't know alot of people and the shipping is kindof expensive but I am going to do my best.

I want to keep my client base in CT strong even though I am only home about 3 months out of the year. Does anyone have any suggestions? I love reading about the different phone sales and mystery hosts but I don't know how I would do that with the 15 hour time difference and 10,000 mile distance.

Any ideas.

Gosh, I'm feel so bad. I keep asking for ideas. Hopefully soon, I will have some experience and can give some,lol. This website is great and I can't leave my computer. My husband is starting to feel neglected. Well, at least it will give me something else to do when he is out to sea!!!!!
 
Erin,

Do you know ahead of time when you'll be in CT? If you do, you can plan ahead and get those months booked really solid. Use the monthly host specials as a real tool for booking catalog shows in CT when you're not there. You can communicate to that customer base via email and your PWS (if you have one).

Don't fret about asking a lot of questions. That's what we're here for! Some of us (me! me! me!) mostly like hearing ourselves talk, even if it's via typing instead. :)
 
chefann said:
Don't fret about asking a lot of questions. That's what we're here for! Some of us (me! me! me!) mostly like hearing ourselves talk, even if it's via typing instead. :)
Click to expand...

ROFLMAO - I just love you Ann!
XOXOXOXO
 
Hi Erin!

I would strongly recommend you have a Pampered Chef Website, and you could have people host online shows for you - like catalog shows, but without the paper. You could do mystery host shows that way, but everyone would pretty much have to use direct shipping, since you don't want the show items sent to your house! You can do an email version of a phone sale. I would do a regular newsletter. Or, rather than that, send a link to your website and post specials and recipes and such on that.

If you want to make this work, it will, I'm sure!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
How would I set up a mystery show with my problems. There would be 10 people who submit orders to my personal website for $100 or more. Each person would have to charge direct shipping and tax for their each of their orders. Then I would pick the mystery host. I would plug her in as the host and have her stuff and her host benefits sent to her with free shipping.

Did that sound like it would work out? I guess the biggest problem would be the shipping for the mystery hosts to figure out since I wouldn't have the ease of just shipping it to me and then giving it to my hosts.

Gosh, living in Guam is not easy for Pampered Chef. Hopefully only one more year there and then who knows where!!!

Also, I have seen some mystery host flyers where the one host gets all the benefits and then I have seen some where every host gets something ( 1 gets free product, 4 get half-price, 1 gets host special, and 4 get 30% off)

Does anyone think one works better than the other?
 
I would recomend doing a mystery hostess where one host gets all of the benifits. The other way I have to enter all of the winners orders on the host, and divide it when it comes in.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Now that I think about it, I guess for my Connecticut mystery host show I would have do it that way since I wouldn't be there to divide everything up.

I'll just need to get creative.
 
Erin,

Definitely book shows for when you are back in CT. My director was in Italy and is now in the states. She came back to Italy earlier this year and combined vacation with several shows (tax write-off!).

I have a customer who is PCS-ing to Guam this week. I told her about you yesterday and she was soooo excited to know she would have a rep there (her husband loves the executive cookware). She is very outgoing and is bound to acquire a great circle of friends very quickly. :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Thanks for sharing my information with your friend moving to Guam. It would be wonderful to get to know someone from the opposite end of the island...not that Guam is that big!!!! Plus, if she loves Pampered Chef and is outgoing her love for PC will just spread.

If she has any questions about the island in general feel free to share my email with her. I would love to answer any questions or concerns she has about the island. [email protected]

We still have anywhere between 15 months and 2 years left on the island.

Thanks,
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to live in two totally different areas?

Living in two totally different areas typically refers to having a residence or significant presence in two distinct geographical locations, which may vary in culture, climate, lifestyle, or community dynamics. This can occur due to work commitments, family obligations, or personal preferences.

How can I manage my Pampered Chef business while living in two areas?

Managing your Pampered Chef business across two locations can be streamlined by utilizing online tools for communication and organization. Schedule virtual parties, use social media for marketing, and keep a consistent inventory and supply chain to ensure you can serve customers effectively in both areas.

Are there any challenges to running a direct sales business in two different locations?

Yes, there can be challenges such as differing local regulations, varying customer bases, and logistical issues related to inventory management. It's important to research each area’s market potential and adapt your strategies accordingly to meet the needs of diverse customers.

How can I build a customer base in both areas?

To build a customer base in both areas, leverage local networking opportunities, attend community events, and utilize social media to connect with potential customers. Offering promotions or hosting events in each location can also help attract and retain clients.

What should I consider when planning events in two different areas?

When planning events in two different areas, consider the local demographics, preferences, and cultural differences. Choose venues that are accessible, promote your events through local channels, and tailor your offerings to suit the tastes and interests of each community.

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