My First Show Was Not Good. as a Matter of Fact, I'm Thinking I

[Nanisu]

Sorry, Deb, It's late here--I know your name isn't Julie....

 

[allisonserna]

I've said this a couple of times on different PC groups/boards but family and friends really sabitoge us when we are trying something new, just go out and meet new people...

Wear the PC logo wear, and or buttons, or even purse items, go door to door and meet your neighbors and give them a catalog/recipe and then one of these letters (I attached). Just be excited and happy when you go places, the bank grocery store, church, and people will ask you why you are so happy. You might not getting bookings right away, but you'll meet some really friendly people, who will pass your info along to others and you'll get referrals out of the blue.

I'm constantly working against my DH and my mother, and the rest of my family, who are there to show me direct sales doesn't work period, and that I'm not a people person. If you follow the 3-2-1 or in my case the 5-2-1 every other day, you will see your business increase and things will get easier.

email me if you need more docs. I have tons~!

PS: I joined a new moms meetup group, and I have a show this month and in April just from putting I am a PC consultant on my profile. They haven't even met me, tomorrow is my first meetup to attend, and they have already booked their dates with me. So joining different group's to network helps as well.

 

[chefann]

I joined a new moms meetup group, and I have a show this month and in April just from putting I am a PC consultant on my profile. They haven't even met me, tomorrow is my first meetup to attend, and they have already booked their dates with me. So joining different group's to network helps as well.

This is against policy.

From page 22 of the Policies and Procedures document:

Other than signing up for a Pampered Chef® Personal Web Site or approved vendor sites, do not list the company name when filling out personal profiles on the Internet.​

 

[KateD]

This is against policy.

From page 22 of the Policies and Procedures document:

Other than signing up for a Pampered Chef® Personal Web Site or approved vendor sites, do not list the company name when filling out personal profiles on the Internet.​

Not to hijack, but isn't that just for the internet? I am involved in MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) and we have mom profiles for our new moms that are just front and back sheets of paper that are for the group leaders to get to know the moms better, and sometimes for newsletters and the like. That doesn't count, does it?

 

[chefann]

Yes, that's different. I assumed that it was internet-based, because it said "Meetup group." Meetup is a social website for setting up in-person get-togethers.

 

[allisonserna]

I'm not even going there! MY POINT IS GET OUT THERE AND TELL OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT YOU BEING A CONSULANT - DON'T BE SECRET AGENT NOT TELLING ANYONE THAT YOUR ARE A PC CONSULTANT, AND THEN WONDER WHY YOU DON'T HAVE ANY BOOKINGS....

Should I tell those hosts to cancel because I violated policy ~ puh-lease

I hate chef police ~ if you aren't part of HO don't bother me!

 

[vtodd71]

I hate chef police ~ if you aren't part of HO don't bother me!

You got to watch it Allison. Some people on this board just LOVE to point out violation of policy and other faults. It makes you wonder if they spent less time trolling this board looking for "illegal activity" and more time on their business, their sales would hit the roof.

By the way, I've saved several of your Word Documents and found them very helpful. Thank you!

 

[ChefJoyJ]

I'm just going to jump in here and say that people are just trying to look out for their fellow consultants - they are not "policing" or trying to "point out faults". As a new consultant, I've found their points informative and educational. I sure would hate to be violating policy and not have anyone tell me that I am...just leaving me high and dry to get caught on my own. Or let my actions make other new consultants think it is okay. I don't think anyone's comments were to be "ugly", just trying to help. Try to take them in the spirt in which they were meant.

Allison - no one was suggesting you cancel those shows, but just trying to be friendly and helpful. If you want to continue to advertise on the internet, go ahead, but in the end you will get caught and I personally think I'd feel worse knowingly breaking the rules than unknowingly and having another consultant point it out so I could fix it before I came onto HO's radar. Just my 2 cents.

Oh, also - this thread was started by a newer consultant who was seeking advice on how to generate more bookings. Let's try to help her do it in a way that is not in violation of her agreement. Joining a MOMS group was a great suggestion! When you attend a meetup, let it be known then that you are a PC consultant. That would be a great way to do it! Actually, I was thinking of joining the MOMS group in town (interaction for DD and me, plus new contacts), but last time I looked into it, before I signed with PC, the meetups were all during DD's nap times. Now, that her nap times have changed a bit, I think we'd be able to make it to some of the meetups - yeah! Thanks for bringing that group back to mind!

 

[[email protected]]

3-2-1 and WEAR BUTTONS/LOGOThese two practices have completely revolutionized my business since September. I have people coming out of the woodwork to host shows!

After focusing on making 3 live contacts a day, I became a director as of Jan 1st, and have a FULL calendar for February! (10 shows!)

I started wearing my PC button on the front of my coat, and have had people practically chasing me down in the stores to get to me! I'm amazed! I thought my area was saturated!

Don't give up! You're providing a valuable product and service for people who need it! Once they get their hands on these products, they'll see the difference!

 

[wickednoodle]

I'm a newbie, tooAlthough I haven't had quite the same type of problem, I was also very discouraged after having a less-than-positive show.

In a nutshell...the crowd of 10 were not a very engaging crowd (no one would even throw me a bone in terms of asking a question or looking remotely interested in what I was saying), the sales were PATHETIC, not one booking, and to top it off, when someone asked me specifically about the mandoline, I SLICED MY FINGERS on it while demonstrating it! Blood everywhere! One woman rolled her eyes, and I felt like a total hack...which, by the way, I am NOT.

I was really embarassed, and it was my last show before starting up again in Jan (my first month was Nov, so I booked what I could then took Christmas off). When Jan rolled around, I really didn't care if any bookings I had cancelled or not, since I really didn't want to get up in front of anyone again. But no one cancelled, and thank god they didn't because I've now learned from my mistakes, as well as not to take people personally, such as the woman who rolled her eyes.

I can only imagine how discouraging it would be to start out with everyone telling you how expensive things are, instead of the positive response most people give when they hear about PC. Those people are out there.

Two suggestions...
Try doing a fundraiser for some local businesses or charities.
Also, if you have any DECENT friends who live far away, ask them to do a catalog show for you.

I may not have learned much since starting PC, but what I do know is that this is a community full of some pretty great people who will help you out in any way they can.

Good luck.

 

[vtodd71]

I'm just going to jump in here and say that people are just trying to look out for their fellow consultants....

Did you stop and think that maybe Allison didn't WANT anyone looking out for her. Besides, I'm sure she knows the Internet Policy herself. Maybe she just choses to ignore it. Guess what? THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!!!!

I guess the point she and I were making is that we are sick of these "I'm going to run to the teacher" types who constantly monitor everyones "illegal" activities. Stop it!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I'm just going to jump in here and say that people are just trying to look out for their fellow consultants - they are not "policing" or trying to "point out faults". As a new consultant, I've found their points informative and educational. I sure would hate to be violating policy and not have anyone tell me that I am...just leaving me high and dry to get caught on my own. Or let my actions make other new consultants think it is okay. I don't think anyone's comments were to be "ugly", just trying to help. Try to take them in the spirt in which they were meant.

Allison - no one was suggesting you cancel those shows, but just trying to be friendly and helpful. If you want to continue to advertise on the internet, go ahead, but in the end you will get caught and I personally think I'd feel worse knowingly breaking the rules than unknowingly and having another consultant point it out so I could fix it before I came onto HO's radar. Just my 2 cents.

Oh, also - this thread was started by a newer consultant who was seeking advice on how to generate more bookings. Let's try to help her do it in a way that is not in violation of her agreement. Joining a MOMS group was a great suggestion! When you attend a meetup, let it be known then that you are a PC consultant. That would be a great way to do it! Actually, I was thinking of joining the MOMS group in town (interaction for DD and me, plus new contacts), but last time I looked into it, before I signed with PC, the meetups were all during DD's nap times. Now, that her nap times have changed a bit, I think we'd be able to make it to some of the meetups - yeah! Thanks for bringing that group back to mind!

Joy,

This is a very insightful post. You hit perfectly on what was meant by posts made by those who are trying to guide (especially new) consultants to ethical ways to do their business and help them not make mistakes. It is very stressful to get the email or call from HO that one has "broken the rules". We are here to help each other.

Thank you!


I can't help but wonder why there is so much hostility in the posts that are critizing those who are only trying to help. tsk. tsk.

As Joy pointed out, the original poster wants help getting bookings. Let's try to help her with that and stop attacking those that are trying to help her do it right.

 

[vtodd71]

I can't help but wonder why there is so much hostility in the posts that are critizing those who are only trying to help. tsk. tsk.

As Joy pointed out, the original poster wants help getting bookings. Let's try to help her with that and stop attacking those that are trying to help her do it right.

Allison was trying to help a new consultant too and got slammed with a "you are violating policy" remark. Did anyone stop and consider HER feelings? She was only trying to help. I only posted what I did to let Allison know she wasn't alone in her thinking.

I'm just sick of the "Chef Police" trolling around! I bet they have HO on speed dial just waiting to report someone. That is my point! These people need to mind their own business. Period.

 

[ChefJoyJ]

Did you stop and think that maybe Allison didn't WANT anyone looking out for her. Besides, I'm sure she knows the Internet Policy herself. Maybe she just choses to ignore it. Guess what? THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!!!!

I guess the point she and I were making is that we are sick of these "I'm going to run to the teacher" types who constantly monitor everyones "illegal" activities. Stop it!

No need to attack me, I was just trying to put a positive spin on things. I'm sorry if you feel it is none of my business, and maybe it's not, but as a "cyber-friend", I try to treat my fellow "Cheffers" as I would treat my friends. If one of my friends was breaking the law (you know what I mean), I would tell them. If they chose to continue, then that is their choice, I might try to discourage it, but I can't stop them. I value my fellow Cheffers and their different points of views - I've learned so much from being on here - but I don't want people who are knowingly and flagrantly ignoring the rules to influence new people who migh not know that it is wrong. And wouldn't it be terrible if someone got in trouble with HO and quit PC b/c of doing something they saw on here and they didn't know it was wrong?

I don't consider it running to the teacher if someone tells someone else they are breaking the rules. What if they don't know? Aren't we a group of PC consultants who are supportive and helpful of one another? Doesn't that include making sure we are following the rules?

I'm not going to try to debate you. Please don't attack me again.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Allison was trying to help a new consultant too and got slammed with a "you are violating policy" remark. Did anyone stop and consider HER feelings? She was only trying to help. I only posted what I did to let Allison know she wasn't alone in her thinking.

I'm just sick of the "Chef Police" trolling around! I bet they have HO on speed dial just waiting to report someone. That is my point! These people need to mind their own business. Period.

WOW!

Take a breath! Ann was only stating a fact to HELP a fellow consultant and more important to point out to NEW consultants that this behavior is against policy. And Joy was VERY NICELY pointing out that we are just trying to help each other follow our company's policy. This helping each other is why this forum exists in the first place.

If you don't like the fact that some of us are ethical about our business you don't have to read our posts.

I can't help but wonder why you are so defensive? (Please don't answer this on this thread. Let's let Deb learn how to get bookings here. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss this further.)

 

[BethCooks4U]

So... Deb,

What kind of things are you doing to get your business off the ground? It's not about who we know but who THEY know.

Start a list of all the people you know and all the people you know through them. Not just your immediate family and close friends - everyone!

Wear something that says Pampered Chef or carry a catalog or cookbook in a way that people will see it. When they ask for a catalog be sure to get their contact info so you can check back with them.

Get into a fair or two to meet new people.

Always take Pampered Chef recipes in Pampered Chef products to every event.

...a few ideas to start with.

 

[ChefJoyJ]

Allison was trying to help a new consultant too and got slammed with a "you are violating policy" remark. Did anyone stop and consider HER feelings? She was only trying to help. I only posted what I did to let Allison know she wasn't alone in her thinking.

Allison was trying to help - you are right - but what she mentioned was in violation of the consultant agreement. Breaking the rules to get bookings is not necessarily the best way to go about it.

I'm just sick of the "Chef Police" trolling around! I bet they have HO on speed dial just waiting to report someone. That is my point! These people need to mind their own business. Period.

I don't recall anyone saying they were going to turn her in or anything of that nature. It was simply a friendly reminder of the consultant agreement we all signed and *agreed to abide by*.

Joy,

This is a very insightful post. You hit perfectly on what was meant by posts made by those who are trying to guide (especially new) consultants to ethical ways to do their business and help them not make mistakes. It is very stressful to get the email or call from HO that one has "broken the rules". We are here to help each other.

Thank you!


I can't help but wonder why there is so much hostility in the posts that are critizing those who are only trying to help. tsk. tsk.

As Joy pointed out, the original poster wants help getting bookings. Let's try to help her with that and stop attacking those that are trying to help her do it right.

Thanks Beth! I agree - let's brainstorm some positive ways to help the orginal poster! :chef:

 

[Christ Follower]

One thing that has got me several leads and orders is to take out my catalog and set it on the counter when I reach into my purse for my wallet or checkbook. I almost always get a response from it.

 

[ChefJoyJ]

Deb - I've gotten a booking and a few potential bookings by mentioning PC. People love PC and are excited to find someone who sells it. Always carry your calendar and a few cattys or mini's (or business cards with your info). And make sure to get their info!!

Always ask for referrals (easier said than done, I know).

Do you do a newsletter?

These are a just few thoughts...

 

[ChefJoyJ]

One thing that has got me several leads and orders is to take out my catalog and set it on the counter when I reach into my purse for my wallet or checkbook. I almost always get a response from it.

Great idea! I need to start doing that too!

 

[chefann]

Where's that list of 118 ways to get bookings? That list has some ideas that are easy to implement (although as Colleen said in another thread, the passive ideas are the easy ones, but the active ideas are the ones that get results).I always indicate "Bring a friend and get a gift" on show invites - it can help boost attendance and get your name in front of new circles of people.

 

[blestmom]

Always take Pampered Chef recipes in Pampered Chef products to every event.

This is a GREAT idea!

 

[BethCooks4U]

With strangers: Start your conversations with some observation about THEM. If you start it by telling them you are a consultant they will be turned off thinking you are pushy even if they love the product. People will open up to you once they feel you care about them as people first. It's amazing how easy it is to bring any conversation around to The Pampered Chef when it's the right time.

 

[blestmom]

One thing that has got me several leads and orders is to take out my catalog and set it on the counter when I reach into my purse for my wallet or checkbook. I almost always get a response from it.

And this is a GREAT idea, too!

 

[dianevill]

Thanks Ann, Beth and Joy. No one is trying to act like the police; everyone just wants to help, and part of that help is ensuring the rules are followed (I know I'd rather get a post from a Cheffer than a call from Home Office!)

Back to the subject, keep on trucking, Deb. The leads are out there. There has been so much good advice offered. You said your list of 100 got you nowhere. Can you expand on that? Were they just not interested in hosting right now, or not interested at all, or ??? Maybe you can ask for referrals. All you need is that one yes, and it will open doors.

Keep holding your head up high. It will happen!

 

[blestmom]

With strangers: Start your conversations with some observation about THEM. If you start it by telling them you are a consultant they will be turned off thinking you are pushy even if they love the product. People will open up to you once they feel you care about them as people first. It's amazing how easy it is to bring any conversation around to The Pampered Chef when it's the right time.

I like this...great insight.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Back to the subject, keep on trucking, Deb. The leads are out there. There has been so much good advice offered. You said your list of 100 got you nowhere. Can you expand on that? Were they just not interested in hosting right now, or not interested at all, or ??? Maybe you can ask for referrals. All you need is that one yes, and it will open doors.

Keep holding your head up high. It will happen!

And stay excited!!:love: :chef:

 

[muffetts]

Chin Up!My Nana always said "a bad beginning makes a good ending" - so hang in there, baby!

A couple of suggestions, definitely host a Grand Opening Show - you may even want to do a spring Launch or Preview (I'm holding mine on march 1) - tell people it's not a buying show (but they certainly can place orders if they like) but merely a peek at the new products, recipes etc. Hold a draw for people who book - either the new Grilling cookbook or the salad cookbook (to be ordered at their show - you put it under their name and use their discount, so it doesn't cost much). You can also hold a draw for a "free" show (that's where you pick up the groceries).

don't deliver flyers for such a show, but mail out personal invitations to everyone on your street and the streets surrounding and include either the catalogue or the mini catalogue. make the new SS 2008 recipes.

Also, go to your local arenas etc. and find out what local clubs are around and offer fundraiser shows! they all count, don't forget.

And, remind everyone on your email list of the discontinued items - only avail until Feb 29. Good luck!

 

[vtodd71]

I'm not going to try to debate you. Please don't attack me again.

Great. So if you don't agree with what I have to say I'm "attacking" you.

Listen. Let us just end this discussion because apparently this is going know where. You clearly don't see my point.

 

[Mwalker]

I hate to have to chime in here but it seems my fingers are already typing....

I think it was more of HOW it was said, not WHAT was said. Nothing personal against Ann (Dear lord we'd be lost without her insight. lol) but the post lacked a little personal touch. "Just the facts, Ma'am" kind of attitude that I can see how it could rub someone the wrong way

So Deb - Just be consistant with your efforts. They will pay off. Some days you'll have a ton of leads, then there could be long gaps where nothing happens. True success doesnt happen overnight. Its a well planned struggle. Happy struggling.