Making a Decision: Balancing Pampered Chef and Family During Deployment

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by a Pampered Chef consultant balancing business and family responsibilities during a military deployment. Participants share personal experiences and suggestions regarding maintaining business activity while relocating.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about continuing their Pampered Chef business after relocating to Texas due to family commitments and logistical challenges.
  • Another participant suggests exploring babysitting options within the consultant's hospitality cluster to facilitate hosting shows.
  • Several users mention the possibility of requesting a leave of absence to preserve career sales, although one participant notes that the leave may be limited to three months.
  • One participant shares their experience of relying on existing clientele and suggests organizing shows with committed customers to maintain sales.
  • Another participant emphasizes the potential for business growth by expanding to new locations and maintaining connections with previous customers.
  • Several users highlight the effectiveness of catalog shows as a way to stay active without needing childcare for in-person events.
  • One participant shares their plan to host catalog parties with family members to keep their business active during the transition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to maintaining business activity during the transition. Some participants encourage trying to stay active through various means, while others acknowledge the challenges and uncertainties involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the unique circumstances of military families and the impact of relocation on personal and professional commitments.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be useful for Pampered Chef consultants facing similar challenges of balancing business with family responsibilities during relocations or deployments.

S
stacieka
Messages
74
I have a dilema.
I am a Pampered chef part timer. I don't put a lot of effort into PC.Most of my shows are the same circles of people. I have been selling for a little over year now and have a little over $10,000 in career sales.

We live on a marine Corps Base in Hawaii. My husband is deploying in march. As a family we decided that it would be best if I went back to texas to save some money and so I would have some support (we have 2 boys).

the town I will be living in is smallish. Just outside of Ft. Worth. I will be living with my parents (Who are not really willing to watch the boys if I have shows)and we will only be there for about 8 months or so.i have one last show here in hawaii on the 13th. we leave the island for good on the 31st.

I just don't know if I will be able to keep up with doing PC or at least staying active. I am also going to be taking some classes while the boys are at school. It would be way expensive for me to ship all of my pc stuff home. Then there is always the risk of it being broken in transit.

If I give up PC now it will be for good. I would lose all of my career sales and have to buy a new kit which is not worth when I would be able to start again. I enjoy PC but dont rely on it for the income.

I don't know should I jus give it up or should I try and keep it going?
 
what is the name of the town you're moving to?
Maybe you can wap babysitting with someone in your hospitality cluster.
 
Can you request a leave of absence or whatever they call it? That would save your career sales and everything.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I will be living in weatherford. I am kinda weird on who I leave my kids with so I don't know if the babysitting thing would work. I know I can request a leave of absence but I believe my director told me it is only for 3 months. That just doesnt give me enough time.
 
OK, I just realized I've been around the military for way too long! (I'm retired AF.) I see Ft and instantly assume Army base! DUH! So my response below is null and void.

Being military, you should also have a support network there since you'll be near Ft Worth. Don't forget that part. The Family Center (or whatever the Army calls it) will have some great info for you. I know AF Centers even list babysitters who are CPR qualified and such (other than FCC providers). And you'll still have your current clientelle. And they can order from you no matter where you both are! I'd hate to see you give up without at least trying. It's not terribly hard to stay active, you might surprise yourself and do great!
 
Last edited:
I'd at least try to sign up for the leave--3 months is some time to see what happens---catalog shows will keep u active and outside orders!!:D
 
It is so hard being a miltary family....I know. My Marine leaves tomorrow for a 6 month deployment to parts unknown. My best advice to you is to rely on the clientele that you have. See if you can find 12 interested parties to take turns "hosting" a show for you for the next year. Have them each commit to a $20 product purchase once a month and once during that year period they will get to be the host for the show with all the benefits. Don't give up....even if that does not work you can still keep going by submitting individual orders. Plus don't forget friends and family at home. It is just $100 a month in sales to stay active.

Let us know if we can help...
 
We have friends near Weatherford, I think they have a great farmers market
keep your chin up, devote yourself to your kids as they re-adjust you can submit $200 to stay active that will be easy with the new products either from new contacts here in Texas or a commited buddy where you are now,.
You can do it!!
Teresa
 
Moving can be great for your business!

Imagine if there were only one McDonalds...how many hamburgers could one McDonalds possibly sell? The reason they are so successful is because they have branched out and have stores everywhere. Think of your business as a store, you can keep your Hawaii "store" available to your customers, work like crazy to make your Texas "store" a continued success, and start a new "store" at the next location.
 
Paige Dixon said:
Moving can be great for your business!

Imagine if there were only one McDonalds...how many hamburgers could one McDonalds possibly sell? The reason they are so successful is because they have branched out and have stores everywhere. Think of your business as a store, you can keep your Hawaii "store" available to your customers, work like crazy to make your Texas "store" a continued success, and start a new "store" at the next location.
Click to expand...

Good call, Paige! I think that's great advice!:)
 
Don't forget about catalog shows too. Even if you can't get someone to watch your kids, you can at least do catalogs shows. I had one that was over $600 in November, and none of mine have been under $200, so even one a month would keep you active. Or do kid themed shows for moms with younger kids and bring yours to the show to help out (depending on their ages). That's what I'm trying to do with my 4 kids since my husband is now working for himself and rarely home. Use the "Let's Eat" cookbook for some easy ideas to do with the kids. I even got the apron and hat for my 3 year old to wear and he loves them!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Thanks for all of your ideas and help. I think I will put in for leave right before I "go inactive" from my last show so that should give me about what like 5 months? hten I am sure I can get my mom to host a catalog party and probably my mother in law too. I will just space them out so that they are just enough to keep me active. I really hate to give up my career sales. Hopefully this will take care of that :)
 
Good luck with everything. I'm sure it's a hard decision. For just doing this to have fun basically, having over 10,000 sales is great in one year! You're almost to your raise! Maybe once you're there, you can set up at a booth of some sort to meet new people. And, like others said, the catalog shows can keep you active also. Good luck:)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I effectively manage my time between Pampered Chef and family during deployment?

Managing your time effectively requires setting clear priorities and creating a structured schedule. Allocate specific times for your Pampered Chef business activities, such as hosting parties or planning promotions, while also ensuring you dedicate quality time to your family. Use tools like calendars or planners to keep track of both personal and business commitments, and communicate openly with your family about your schedule to ensure their support.

What strategies can I use to involve my family in my Pampered Chef business?

Involving your family can create a supportive environment and make your business more enjoyable. Consider hosting family-friendly cooking nights using Pampered Chef products, where everyone can participate. You can also assign age-appropriate tasks to your children, such as helping with social media posts or setting up for parties, which can foster teamwork and strengthen family bonds.

How do I handle feelings of guilt for spending time on my business instead of with my family?

It's natural to feel guilty, but it's important to remember that pursuing your business can ultimately benefit your family. Set realistic expectations for yourself and recognize that balancing both roles is a process. Focus on the positive aspects of your business, such as the skills you're developing and the financial contributions you're making, and remind yourself that quality time spent with your family can happen even in short bursts.

What are some ways to stay connected with my family while I’m focused on my Pampered Chef business?

Staying connected can be achieved through regular communication and shared activities. Schedule daily check-ins via phone or video calls to catch up with your family. You can also share your business successes or challenges with them, making them feel involved. Consider planning family activities around your business events, so they can see your work firsthand and feel included in your journey.

How can I set realistic goals for my Pampered Chef business during deployment?

Setting realistic goals involves assessing your current situation and understanding your limitations. Start by evaluating how much time you can realistically dedicate to your business each week. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks that can be accomplished in the time you have available. Regularly review and adjust your goals based on your family's needs and your business progress to ensure they remain achievable.

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