New Pampered Chef Consultant: Tips for Success from a Year-Long 'Lurker

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Discussion Overview

This thread features participants sharing their experiences and challenges as Pampered Chef consultants, particularly focusing on strategies for expanding their customer base and overcoming personal hurdles in outreach efforts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration with their current outreach methods and the difficulty of breaking into new social circles.
  • Another participant shares a similar experience of struggling to engage with new customers and feeling like a "crazy PC lady" when reaching out.
  • Several users mention the importance of phone calls over snail mail for effective communication and follow-up with potential hosts.
  • One participant notes that attending local fairs and markets has significantly helped their business by providing new leads and contacts.
  • Another participant reflects on their own journey, stating it took them a year to host a show with someone outside their immediate circle, but now they receive inquiries for shows.
  • Some participants discuss the emotional challenges of making phone calls and the common hesitation many feel in reaching out to others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various outreach methods, with some participants advocating for phone calls while others share mixed experiences with different approaches. No clear consensus emerges on the best strategy.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and insights based on their experiences as consultants, reflecting a range of time spent in the business and varying levels of success.

Who May Find This Useful

New and existing Pampered Chef consultants looking for relatable experiences and insights on overcoming challenges in customer outreach and engagement.

K
katt7576
Messages
8
Ok...after weeks of being a "lurker" and reading everyone's incredible ideas, I'm finally jumping in. Venting maybe, or just needing a little help but here goes...I'm relatively new....September will be a year. I have managed to stay active and actually have one qualified recruit. Since conference (my first) I want to "ramp it up" and walk as a director next year. So, I wear PC logo everyday, mailed out 30 pampered a biz letters (no results), sent out the 1000 mystery host show emails/snail mails and had 3 replies. I have one show scheduled for September (hoping she will be a recruit) and so far none for August...only 5 people who said they want to host, but won't call me back! I have dropped a catalog off everywhere I have been since returning from conference, trying to talk to strangers (not easy for me) and I just can't break out of this rut. I feel like everyone is rolling their eyes and saying "not that crazy PC lady calling/emailing again". My poor friends and family probably own the whole catalog and bless their hearts, they keep buying. I have GOT to break into a new crowd! Ok...at least I feel a little better! ;)
 
Hey There...it's been 5 years for me and I still haven't figured out how to get out of my original crowd. I think also that it is because it's so hard to just up and talk to folks about the business without feeling like I am bothering them (and incidentally I actually did just have a past host email like I was the crazy PC Lady and wants me to stop emailing her :( LOL) But the good news is we get to start all over each day! You sound like you are doing great with getting your name out there! I am sure you will make your goals for next year!
 
katt7576 said:
Ok...after weeks of being a "lurker" and reading everyone's incredible ideas, I'm finally jumping in. Venting maybe, or just needing a little help but here goes...I'm relatively new....September will be a year. I have managed to stay active and actually have one qualified recruit. Since conference (my first) I want to "ramp it up" and walk as a director next year. So, I wear PC logo everyday, mailed out 30 pampered a biz letters (no results), sent out the 1000 mystery host show emails/snail mails and had 3 replies. I have one show scheduled for September (hoping she will be a recruit) and so far none for August...only 5 people who said they want to host, but won't call me back! I have dropped a catalog off everywhere I have been since returning from conference, trying to talk to strangers (not easy for me) and I just can't break out of this rut. I feel like everyone is rolling their eyes and saying "not that crazy PC lady calling/emailing again". My poor friends and family probably own the whole catalog and bless their hearts, they keep buying. I have GOT to break into a new crowd! Ok...at least I feel a little better! ;)
Click to expand...
Much of this sounds just like me! BUT, you may as well stop wasting time and money on snail mail. You have to make phone calls. If your Mystery Host show hasn't happened yet, then get on the phone and get those responses. I totally feel like people who I know are thinking "here comes that crazy PC lady". BUT, today I had a tiny breakthrough. I was trying to pick up the phone to call someone and thought to myself "who cares if she thinks that. I barely know her and it's not like we even say 'hi' to each other most of the time. I am a PC lady and have great things to offer."
 
See if there are any fairs/festivals/farmer's markets in your area. I moved in March, and since I have been at the Farmer's Market, my busienss is exploding, due to the leads/contacts/bookings. That is a great way to get out of your circle of friends/family.
 
It took me about a year to finally have a show with someone I didn't know. Now, I have people contacting me to do shows, so you CAN do it. If you are sending things out, that's great, but very few will contact you even if they think about it. So be sure to follow up with them. The mystery host show is great so have a flyer with you and talk to everyone you know about it. Make it sound really easy. $100 in orders is about 3-5 orders!! That doesn't seem as much as $100.

Try looking into doing some expos. There are tons of people that don't have a consultant. Do you know a lot of others from other companies? Do your own expo. Do you have a local charity you love? Get together and do a fundraiser. It doesn't make you much, but gets you new contacts. The advertising is usually free as is the location since it's a fundraiser.

As for being the crazy PC lady...just don't make it the only thing you talk about. Some people are going to feel that way. They will give you their email and freak out when you use it as though you just found it somewhere. That isn't always the case when people don't contact you though. They are busy and this is NOT the main thing on their minds. I have tons of things I've thought...I have to do this and by the time I think of it it's too late...day after day after day. Be sure you are happy when you call and that you really are excited and believe that you have something to offer. IF you are hesitant, they don't believe it anymore than you.

Check out more info on here and grabs lots of ideas. It won't happen instantly. It takes time. Good luck!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! You all are exactly right! I have GOT to learn to use that phone!
 
JAE said:
Much of this sounds just like me! BUT, you may as well stop wasting time and money on snail mail. You have to make phone calls. If your Mystery Host show hasn't happened yet, then get on the phone and get those responses. I totally feel like people who I know are thinking "here comes that crazy PC lady". BUT, today I had a tiny breakthrough. I was trying to pick up the phone to call someone and thought to myself "who cares if she thinks that. I barely know her and it's not like we even say 'hi' to each other most of the time. I am a PC lady and have great things to offer."
Click to expand...

THAT is soooo true!!
 
You need to be willing and able to get on the phone. If you aren't do not waste your time and $ on fairs or expos.

I understand your frustration. Getting on the phone is the hardest thing for me to do. I do know though that my business will not be where I want it to be untill I PICK UP THE PHONE
 
The phone is so hard for so many of us - myself included!!

Why is that??
 
redsoxgirl said:
The phone is so hard for so many of us - myself included!!

Why is that??
Click to expand...
Hey! New avatar. I like it.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps a new Pampered Chef consultant should take to start their business?

As a new consultant, it's important to familiarize yourself with the Pampered Chef product line and the tools available to you. Start by attending any training sessions offered by the company, and connect with your upline or mentor for guidance. Set up your launch party to introduce your business to friends and family, and utilize social media to reach a wider audience.

How can I effectively market my Pampered Chef business?

Utilize social media platforms to showcase your products and share cooking tips. Create engaging content, such as recipe videos or live cooking demonstrations. Additionally, consider hosting virtual or in-person cooking shows to demonstrate the products in action. Networking with other consultants and participating in local events can also help increase your visibility.

What are some common challenges new consultants face, and how can I overcome them?

New consultants often struggle with time management and building a customer base. To overcome these challenges, create a structured schedule that allows you to dedicate time to your business while balancing other responsibilities. Focus on building relationships with customers through excellent service and follow-ups, and don't hesitate to ask for referrals.

How important is it to have a support system as a new consultant?

A support system is crucial for success as a new consultant. Connecting with other Pampered Chef consultants can provide motivation, advice, and encouragement. Joining online groups or local meet-ups can help you share experiences and learn from others. Your upline or mentor can also offer valuable insights and support as you navigate your new business.

What are some tips for maintaining motivation throughout my journey as a consultant?

Set clear, achievable goals for your business and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Keep a positive mindset by surrounding yourself with supportive individuals and engaging with motivational content. Regularly revisit your reasons for joining Pampered Chef and remind yourself of the potential rewards. Lastly, stay involved in the community to keep your passion alive.

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