Need Advice on How to Respond to an E-Mail From My Catty Host

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Discussion Overview

The thread revolves around a participant's experience with a challenging email from a host who is dealing with personal issues and struggling to manage a Pampered Chef catalog show. Participants share their thoughts on how to respond and express their views on the situation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses concern about the host's situation and suggests wishing her well while acknowledging her honesty in the response.
  • Another participant shares the view that the email could be seen as a brush-off and proposes a simple response wishing the host well and suggesting to reconnect after Thanksgiving.
  • One participant outlines a draft response that conveys understanding of the host's stress and offers options regarding the catalog show, emphasizing that it should not add to her stress.
  • Several users express appreciation for the drafted response, particularly the idea of allowing the host to facilitate holiday shopping for her classmates.
  • One participant mentions their worries about their own sales goals and the challenges faced by another consultant with her show, highlighting the pressure of meeting sales targets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be general agreement on the importance of responding with empathy and understanding towards the host's situation. However, views differ on how to approach the response, with some suggesting a more straightforward reply while others appreciate a detailed draft.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the personal experiences of consultants navigating the complexities of managing shows while dealing with hosts facing significant personal challenges.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are encountering similar situations with hosts or are looking for ways to handle challenging communications may find the shared experiences and responses beneficial.

babywings76
babywings76
Gold Member
Messages
7,266
I just got an e-mail from one of my catty hosts. I'm not sure what to say in response.

Hi Amanda,

I hope this note finds you and your family well.

I'm just getting around to checking my emails. The past couple of weeks
have been tougher than I had planned. This college class I'm in is an
'immersion' class and demands most of my time if I am to pass. Also, the
commute turns out to be almost 3-hours each way! ugh! I leave for class
at 6:15 a.m and I don't get back until 7:00 p.m.---and that's if I catch
the train and subway in time. Then I have to study usually until
11:30-12:00 each night. Even my weekends have been devoted to study and I
haven't been able to go back home each weekend as I had planned. (thank
God this class is over mid-December) :) I honestly do not have the time to
call everyone. I have mentioned the show to the few family members I have
had time to talk to.

I am sorry this show hasn't worked out as planned. I am planning on going
home for Thanksgving; although this too could change and I may be flying
out to Oregon. You see, my Aunt has gone into a coma and she is in very
critical condition.

If I do make it home for the holiday, I will take your idea about sending
out emails to everyone from my own list. I can't do that now as I do not
have their email addresses with me.

I have to go now, thank you for all of your help and support.
 
I'd wish her and her family well.
Atleast she responded to your attempts. She may come thru, but if not I think she'll try again later. I'd be thankful for her honesty.
 
well golly, guess that's a very elaborate brush-off! I would respond along the lines of "I understand, I wish your Aunt well, let's get in touch after Thanksgiving"

Really there's no way I can see to rescue this....I'm sorry!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I'm brainstorming... so far this is what I was thinking I could say. It's definitely a work in progress, so any feedback would be great. :)Hi xxxx,I am so sorry that you are having such a stressful month. I don't want you to worry about this Pampered Chef catalog show. Don't worry about making phone calls if you don't have the time. I appreciate you letting me know how things are going. We can cancel your show if you want. Or, if you want to let the month play out, we can see if you are able to round up any orders. I know you do have one order so far. xxxxxx ordered something and has it set to do direct shipping. Have you thought about taking a catalog to your class? They might be super busy like you and this might be a way to help them cross off Christmas shopping from their lists. You can just give them my website and tell them to enter in your name as the host and go from there. They can check the direct shipping option and pay by credit card all real quickly and safely on-line. This show is supposed to be a way for you to be able to get some free stuff and great deals on things. I don't want it to be adding to your stress. Please know that I understand and whatever you decide to do will be fine.
 
Nicely done. I like the comment about bringing the book to class to let others do holiday shopping to relieve stress!
 
I agree you show her how she can make others stress during this time a little bit easier.
Well Done!!!!
 
great strategy amanda!
 
I love your response! Go with it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Thanks for the feedback! :) I went ahead and sent it. We'll see what happens. I worry that she might not be even looking at her e-mail until it too late. But oh well. It's out of my hands and I tried my best. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.I'm down to these last catty shows. I really felt like I could hit $6000, but now with this one not looking so good I'm worried. I just checked in with my SIL who is also doing one, and she has 2 extremely small orders. It's not even going to qualify. I worked with her on giving her ideas on how to increase her sales, so we'll see. She used to be a consultant for PC and was thinking she only needed 5 orders. (I guess it used to be 5 orders or $150?) I also have 2 other catty shows out there and one might be cutting it close to the deadline. I'm so close though, I just need $795 to reach the $6000 goal!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my host is being unresponsive to my emails?

If your host is unresponsive, try reaching out through a different communication method, such as a phone call or text message. Sometimes, a more personal touch can prompt a quicker response. Additionally, ensure your emails are clear and concise, and consider following up with a friendly reminder about the event.

How can I address a host who is being overly critical or negative?

It's important to remain professional and positive in your response. Acknowledge their concerns and express your willingness to help resolve any issues. You might say something like, "I appreciate your feedback and want to ensure we have a successful event. Let's discuss how we can make this better together."

What if my host is not following through on their commitments?

In this case, it’s best to have an open and honest conversation. You can gently remind them of their commitments and ask if there are any obstacles preventing them from following through. Offer your assistance to help them fulfill their responsibilities, which can foster a more collaborative relationship.

How do I handle a host who is trying to change the terms of our agreement?

Stay calm and listen to their concerns. If they propose changes, evaluate whether they are reasonable and feasible. If you can accommodate their requests, communicate that clearly. If not, explain your position and the importance of sticking to the original agreement for the benefit of the event.

What should I include in my response to a difficult host?

In your response, be sure to include empathy, clarity, and a solution-oriented approach. Start by acknowledging their feelings, then address their concerns directly. Offer suggestions or alternatives that could help improve the situation, and invite them to share any further thoughts or questions they might have.

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