Navigating Leadership When You're a Consultant - My Story

[chefann]

Here's the deal- I'm registered for Leadership, but technically right now I'm a consultant, not an FD, because 1 of my gals went inactive. Last year, I was in a similar boat, but then one reactivated (and took a leave).

The reason I'm starting to worry now is because I had a call from my NED today about it! She left a message on my voice mail that she noticed I was registered but was a consultant. Now I have to call her back, and I'm nervous that she's going to say I can't go!

Realistically, neither of my 2 inactive recruits can be counted on to have anything to submit this month to reactivate. And my recruiting track record is such that me signing someone else this month is as likely as peace breaking out in the Middle East tomorrow.

 

[ginamkiely]

oh no Ann, let us know what happens.. we all know how much you're looking fwd to going.

good luck!

 

[dianevill]

Sorry, I don't have an answer (and I have to admit, it's YOU, Ann - you're supposed to know these things for US ), but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. I know not only will you be disappointed if you can't go, but so will a lot of Cheffers!

 

[cathyskitchen]

I personally think it's a mistake that they not let you go, esp. since you have been a FD in the past. This could be just what you need to get you to the next level! I hope they don't tell you that you can't go!! Good luck!

 

[chefann]

Well, I just got off the phone with Randy (Weiss, my NED). She's going to check with HO about it. I know that I could do that, but I haven't because I'm afraid that they'll say I can't go. Randy's such a dear.

 

[PChefPEI]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, Ann! You so deserve to go!!!!!!! If they say no, we could start a petition!!

 

[chefann]

Oh, goodness, no! I don't want to be one of those people who needs exceptions to be made just for them. I just remember hearing (and I don't remember where or from whom) that if one registers and then loses FD status, HO still lets one attend. I don't know if that's true.

 

[PChefPEI]

They should, because as Cathy said, this is just what you need to get you going!! Good luck....I'll keep away from a petition!

 

[cmdtrgd]

Ann - worst case scenario - get a $200 catalog show and have one of your inactives submit it.

 

[chefann]

Yeah, but that's bending the rules, too.
If I could count each of my inactives as 1/2 a consultant, I have 2 total!

 

[finley1991]

WOW! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!!

 

[pamperedlinda]

WOW! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!!

Me too! You just HAVE to be there!!!

 

[cmdtrgd]

It isn't bending the rules. A catalog show host can choose who submits the show. This is something my NED has suggested when times were scary for my directorship.

 

[janetupnorth]

They should let you go Ann, you were FD when you registered and you can't control 100% the consultants under you. What would they do if a flight was booked too? Say, sorry, eat the cost?

I'm pretty sure they'll allow it...

 

[lkprescott]

I hope they let you go Ann! I agree with Janet... you can't control what happens with recruits.. you were FD at the time of registration... that's gotta count for something.

 

[GeorgiaPeach]

Have you already purchased a plane ticket? I would think that if you have already incurred expenses regarding going....they will take that into consideration.

 

[chefann]

Randy asked if I had a flight, too. I couldn't lie to her - I told her that I'm driving down. Actually, if I were in a room by myself, I'd be out $50, because the room cancellation date was 12/10.I do understand that it's my job as a leader to make sure my team is on track and submitting things, but I don't want to be one of "those" leaders who cares more about production as it benefits me than making sure my team has balance in their lives. The recruit who recently deactivated is very hit and miss - she generally submits 3-4 shows a year, usually in time to get the new product samples at a discount. My other inactive recruit (who knows that she only has a few more months to reactivate before she has to buy a new kit) is dealing with family issues (her husband just had back surgery for the second time in 16 months), school, and her own health issues.I know I'd get my registration fee back if HO said I can't go, but I'd hate for Alison and Colleen to be rideless.BTW- I'm gladdened by the show of support. I just needed to vent a little and find out if anyone knew the actual policy. I didn't expect all this. Hugs to everyone!

 

[finley1991]

Don't worry about us Ann! Hopefully it will work for you to go... it just wouldn't be the same without you there and I am still really looking forward to hearing all of the announcements with you there!Don't throw in the towel yet.. wait to see what HO says.

 

[ginamkiely]

ann... you ARE pampered chef to some of us. you answer our questions faster, you're always there when we need something and you have better advice. you are by my definition a leader!! i hope you can go, i'd definitely sign a petition... if by some chance you can't though, just know that we all consider you a leader here!!

i'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

 

[legacypc46]

ann... you ARE pampered chef to some of us.

Boy, that one statement just about sums it up. Jeez, how can they have a PC get-together without Ann?

 

[vwpamperedchef]

i was just about to agree with you legacypc46!!

Keep us posted Ann!

 

[chefann]

Great. Now I'm crying at my desk. Everyone here at work is going to think I'm weird(er).

http://www.forumup.com/images/smiles/slider_grouphugg.gif

And, since I already have the time scheduled off work, if HO says I can't go - I'm still going! So I won't be able to go to workshops and things. I can still hang out with you gals in the evenings.

 

[vwpamperedchef]

I say just go. Who knows you may be able to get into some workshops. Heck you're registered. I think it would look bad if they took it away. IMHO.

Do you have to call HO?? Or is your director calling?

 

[ChefKrisB]

Just wondering if you heard anything....I really hope they let you go! I know another consultant in the same boat, but she has plane tickets that are not refundable!!!

 

[chefann]

I say just go. Who knows you may be able to get into some workshops. Heck you're registered. I think it would look bad if they took it away. IMHO.

Do you have to call HO?? Or is your director calling?

Randy was going to send a note to HO and get back to me.

I wouldn't be able to get into workshops because they require name badges and tickets, just like at Conference.

I guess I'll try to pull a catalog show together and have one of my inactives submit it (although that still feels like cheating, since I'm the one making the sales, not her).

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Could you have one of your inactives help you put the show together? Is there one of them who would be willing to gather a couple orders for you?

 

[chefann]

Maybe. I hate to call them about it, because it just reeks of the "I'm falling short of my goal and here's what you need to do so I can still get it" non-leader. (We've all heard horror stories about Directors who do that to their teams when they're not going to make their $4k for the month.)

I have been in touch with my inactives, at least through email, for the past several months. And yesterday I called both of them, just to open up communication again, although I got answering machines for both of them (so I left "just keeping in touch and Merry Christmas" messages). I think I'll try Margie again today. She's been inactive since April and does want to reactivate before she'd have to order a new kit. Her DH just had back surgery, and she's in school plus getting some health issues of her own lined up (she may have gastric bypass in 2008), which is why she hasn't had a chance to do anything recently.

OK, I'm rambling. I'm just fixated on this today. Well, this, and Angie's terrible experience with the new PC Visa company. :yuck:

 

[legacypc46]

{{{hugs}}} Hang in there Ann. Your fellow-cheffers luv ya!

 

[chefann]

Thanks, Kris.

I sent a note to my team this afternoon and will follow up with phone calls tonight. This is what I sent:

HELP!
I need your help. As you may know, I'm planning to attend Leadership in Cincinnati in January. Yesterday evening I got a call from our National Executive Director, Randy Weiss, about my status. Because of inactivity in the group, I've been bumped down to Consultant status from Future Director. Randy was unsure whether I will be allowed to attend Leadership, even though I am currently registered.

If you are currently inactive, it would help me so much for you to reactivate this month by submitting $200 or more in orders. That will bump me back up to Future Director and I'd definitely be able to go to Leadership.

I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO PLACE AN ORDER THEY NEITHER NEED NOR CAN AFFORD.

But if you have any customers who have expressed interest in products or gift
certificates, please gather those orders and submit them to Home Office. The best thing all around would be if someone had a catalog show - you'll get commission, they'll get free products, and I'll repromote to Future Director.

I've got some business tools at home that I'll give to the person who activates this month. So you'll not only get to earn some money, you'll get things you can use to increase your sales in the future. Additionally, you'll receive the Spring season changeover package from Home Office, because you'll be active through February.

Leadership is a great opportunity for me to pick up training I can pass along, and I'm just heartbroken that I may not get to go. The entire team will benefit from the tips and announcements that I'll learn.

I'm going to be calling everyone on the team who is inactive. If you need catalogs and order forms, let me know. I'd be more than happy to give you what you need to reactivate. Let's brainstorm some ideas for sales.

Thanks, actually, to everyone who has been so supportive. I've calmed down a bit and know that $200 is very doable in the 12 days left this month. I was just freaked out a bit when Randy called. I'm calling my Director tonight, too, to keep her informed. She's not going to Leadership, so she's probably blissfully unaware of this whole situation.

 

[cmdtrgd]

Ann - I had to do a similar thing when I was going to lose directorship unless I got three more people to reactivate. I'm still a director. Those who reactivated emailed me to let me know to let them know if this happened again. They were very part time (only ordered at holidays or if friends/family wanted something) and were happy to help. They signed with you for a reason, remember that!