Notice Something Missing From the Cn?

[Nanisu]

In my opinion it looks--stress the word LOOKS--like they are cutting way back. First no National Conference--i KNOW they are saying what they are doing instead will cost them MORE money, but it was a great chance once a year to touch base with Home Office people in person, meet others from around the country, etc...I loved it. And then one month later they are saying no sell a thon in November...once again, it LOOKS like they have to cut back, whether they do or not. If you look at the whole big picture, they restructured the earning plan back in February, (Which probably cost them a little bit more money), and then they looked like they had to cut back at National Conference with no dinners with our execs, etc....just cheesy buffet lines in a hall big enough to drive a train through....then they announced no National conference next year, then no sell a thon in the month when most consultants looked forward to earning new products...I know this is a different economy. But we are a class company and in my opinion (let the hate mail begin), too many changes that APPEAR to be big cutbacks, is making us look a little desperate. And I agree, perhaps a few less perks to the execs all the time would--just maybe would--make it look a little less like typical corporate American baloney and more like the family oriented company we are.

Just sayin'

 

[BethCooks4U]

I love being a PC consultant and director and I fully know that they don't HAVE to give us the perks but it is what is done in this business and every sales force out there (direct sales and others as well) get perks over and above their pay checks. I was just expressing my frustration that corporate america gets theirs and when they want to cut back it's from the little guys. AND they get bonuses for doing that.It's my opinion. I prefaced it with "Debby Downer" to point out that I knew I was complaining or venting. I don't feel that I should be "hated" for that.I don't really care that they changed SAT. They can offer what they want when they want but it's courtesy to let us know in a timely manner. I have one consultant who even takes vacation time from her day job in November to get time in her schedule for extra shows to earn the new products. She could have scheduled it differently if they had just told us the plan sooner. Why shouldn't she expect it to be that way since it was for the last 5 or so years since she joined? We'll all survive. They could tell us changes like this sooner. It doesn't all have to be a big secret until the last minute.

 

[dannyzmom]

I love being a PC consultant and director and I fully know that they don't HAVE to give us the perks but it is what is done in this business and every sales force out there (direct sales and others as well) get perks over and above their pay checks. I was just expressing my frustration that corporate america gets theirs and when they want to cut back it's from the little guys. AND they get bonuses for doing that.

It's my opinion. I prefaced it with "Debby Downer" to point out that I knew I was complaining or venting. I don't feel that I should be "hated" for that.

I don't really care that they changed SAT. They can offer what they want when they want but it's courtesy to let us know in a timely manner. I have one consultant who even takes vacation time from her day job in November to get time in her schedule for extra shows to earn the new products. She could have scheduled it differently if they had just told us the plan sooner. Why shouldn't she expect it to be that way since it was for the last 5 or so years since she joined? We'll all survive. They could tell us changes like this sooner. It doesn't all have to be a big secret until the last minute.

I'm pretty certain nobody is hating you Beth - we're all just expressing our opinions.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I'm pretty certain nobody is hating you Beth - we're all just expressing our opinions.

I know that. I was just "quoting" Sandra.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Here's what I just sent my team (mostly hobbyists who are in it for the perks):

First, I have to say, be sure to book two shows at least in October to earn the large designer duffel bag!! Then book one in November to submit by the 15th to get a free turkey and another November party will get you the beautiful show runner! More shows will equal more $$ in your pocket and more customers to contact for future shows!I had heard rumors that the sell a thon was changing this year so I sent a note to home office. I have forwarded their response here for you.I would urge you to still book a strong November (and October for that matter). You will enjoy those great commission checks when it's time to pay those holiday bills! Then get bookings from those shows to fill December and January. From this reply I am sure there will be opportunities in both or a combination of the months to earn the new spring products. They will tell us in the November Consultant News, available online on Nov 1. (note: guaranteed delivery for Christmas at regular shipping rates is usually around the 15th of Dec*. That info should also be in the Nov CN. *Of course you can still submit shows and sales after that in Dec. Don't let December and January scare you! I have always been able to sustain sales those months and often January is one of my best months of the year. You know all those people that say (in the fall) "I just couldn't do anything before the holidays"? Well, I first mention that people love to visit friends this time of the year, the house is decorated so why not show it off... If they still don't want to look at pre-holiday then I get their January date. I remind them that we want to see friends after being with family and that it's the start of cabin fever season. That people often have gift money to spend... *Then I keep in touch. I send my January hosts a couple of notes with recipes and holiday tips. That can be done via mail or email depending on the host. It does help!Contact me if you need help with anything. I am here to assist you in making your business what you want it to be!BethBegin forwarded message:From: Solution Center <[email protected]>
Date: October 7, 2011 4:30:04 PM EDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Other [REF:1114026323820]
Reply-To: [email protected]Dear Beth,Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Free-for-All Sales Promotion. You will have the opportunity to earn our new spring products, but not in November. To earn the maximum amount of spring products, you will want to book a strong December and continue into the New Year. You will find more details in the November Consultant News.I wish you continued success in your Pampered Chef career.

 

[CoidgigBese]

Not to say that all of the previous ideas, thoughts, feelings and conjectures aren't valid cuz I agree with many of them, but I'm going to throw another thought into the mix. I see changes in personnel at HO as being behind some of this. With new people come new ideas and ways of doing things and not that sense of "this is how we've always done it." And with these changes, I have a slight feeling of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing, ie. how some of this is not getting communicated to us. We've had recruiting promos out the wazoo, the summer challenges, the "2 shows a month" incentives, even the addition of Taste of Travel (and it looks like that is happening again next year if you read the Directory or Nov. meeting planner when it talks about the Jan. announcements)... Add in the change to the national meeting schedule for next year and it appears the company is adjusting to changes in the field demographics, the economy, the hobbyist performance of many consultants and how consultants are producing and what they're getting for it and adjusting accordingly. I resist change and am quick to grumble if something doesn't come through as expected. I thought for sure we were going to have a Pan-O-Rama in Aug. to go along with the cookware host special and perhaps even a new piece of cookware. Called that one wrong! Any time HO changes things up, it keeps my interest in the biz going. I was planning on kicking it in sales in Nov. to pay for Xmas as well as earn SAT. Now I'll look at that as a way to set me up to earn SAT in Dec. and Jan., months I've typically had a harder time. I'm in it for the paycheck but all the incentives keep me going and have become an incentives whore. I'm someone who said "enough with the bags" in an HO survey and yet, darn it if I don't want to make sure I get all 4 bags. PC is smart about wanting us to have products to use and show.

I am on the bandwagon that HO needed to let us know by Oct. 1 about SAT, at least that it won't be Nov. I even listened to a fairly unhelpful HO call today just to see if anyone would ask about SAT. No one asked and no info was volunteered. Did the Execs not learn about this in Sept? I would think if they didn't that they would have been burning the phone lines to HO by now. How's the timing going to work on this? Earn it in Jan. and not get the products til mid- Feb? Hmmmm This goes against what Jean said in the call re: the change in conference, about how they heard that consultants needed Spring Launch earlier in the year.

BTW I think this has been a very civil dialogue on here. :approve: It's not even clear in my own head what I think so I'm sure what I just said doesn't make much sense. And I haven't even started drinking tonight.

 

[Sheila]

I just got back from the Upper Level Academy and didn't see any evidence of cutbacks. We had a great time. Got great FREE training. A night in the Hotel on PC. The hotel had a free continental breakfast, but PC had a veggie tray and a cheese & cracker tray out yesterday, fed us dinner last night, fed us lunch today & then had a snack table set up this afternoon. And we all got a nice portfolio binder with printed handouts that we would need and full sized note pad for taking notes.

 

[CoidgigBese]

Sounds good, Sheila. I was sending subliminal messages to you and your compadres to get the inside scoop on SAT. Nothing?

 

[Sheila]

They didn't even bring it up & I can't believe I didn't think to ask! I'll e-mail my sales manager & see what she has to say about it.

 

[Sheila]

LOL Here's the answer that I got:

Free for all is the new name. They are encouraging all to book a strong Dec and January. Hint hint.

I guess they aren't giving out much more info! But she's saying that Free For All is the new name, not a new program. So sounds like we won't be loosing out on an opportunity, just doing it at a different time. (I did send ONE more e-mail to see if she'd up more info ... LOL)

 

[Sheila]

Bwahah!

Me:

Awe, come on! LOL You can say more than that, right?

Her:

Nope.

Me:

You can't blame a girl for trying.

 

[Sheila]

Sounds good, Sheila. I was sending subliminal messages to you and your compadres to get the inside scoop on SAT. Nothing?

A text message would have been more effective. :veryfunny:

 

[pamperedlinda]

I talked with my NED yesterday and all she knows is pretty much the same thing. December and January. January is typically one of my highest months of the year, so I'm hoping for a strong January too. Just hope it's not a challenge that ends on the 15th....I typically get a lot of shows the middle to the end of Jan. And, I hope the weather complies too, last year we had an ice storm that shut the city down for a week the first part of January

 

[finley1991]

January is usually great for me as well but horrid for my team. Maybe this will get them working. Plus, a good January can get them off to a good start for the year/trip/etc. I like the Free For All name as well. At least we have the Table Runner incentive in November so there is *something* to earn.

 

[pamperedlinda]

January is usually great for me as well but horrid for my team. Maybe this will get them working.

It's all in the attitude and how you sell it Colleen (pretty much true for any month!). I find January to be great because people are ready to get back to their normal routines. They want to get out and mingle with their friends again, they are 'over' family and the kids are back in school. Plus, many of them got money for Christmas that is burning a hole in their pockets!

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

At ULA, they mentioned that the avg number of shows submitted by consultants is 1.6 shows a month! That was shocking to me that our consultants aren't even motivated enough for the 2 show incentive. It also made me feel a bit better about the basic activity of the team. Sad, but true.

We were also told months ago on one of those "announcement" calls that the 2 show promo would continue and that they would continue to target c-tls extras...why? To hopefully motivate everyone for more productivity...which in turn means, we (leaders) would get paid as our title more often and hopefully frequently. That we would benefit with better paychecks. I don't think the company's changes are money driven. I think the company is trying to help us get more motivated team members until it clicks to our consultants that our biz can be more than just free bags.

As much as I love this, I do miss the perks....I am a carrot junkie myself. lol I am happy for increased productivity, but I also wish we could participate in some of the great things offered from time to time to TL's and below. It is what it is.

Another thing ive noticed is that most have low numbers Dec and Jan. We hear how no one wants to book because of holidays and how we ourselves want to slow down during Jan and December. Mostly because we're so tired from working so hard for our trips and we also want the time off for the holidays. I think the company wants to give us some fire to do whatever it takes to end and start strong. Free for all is a smart word choice. Free goodies vs sellathon which to me means sounds like work.


Personally, I think it's smart on the company's marketing campaign. I also think they're looking for a fix to the Dec/Jan slump. I am one of those who personally likes taking 2 weeks off in Dec and kind of flounder in January because I am wanting to recharge.



It really does come down to attitude and do we want it enough. Meaning, we do better in sales and bookings when WE are excited. I've seen that if something is so so to me, that's the kind of month I have. I need to be sure I am checking in with my biases and remembering that there is something for everyone, whether I agree or not. I have to remember to find what about that particular promo or perk is exciting to me so I can share it enthusiastically, and then go back to the lead or teammate and focus on their pull. I think the company is hoping and expecting us the leaders to push the incentives and dress the excitement up for our team.

The problem is also that for the past 2 years, those in the North have been seriously snowed in or had problems due to nature. It's going to be hard to ask the team to be creative and to get through that obstacle. And if we aren't given enough time to set up and be proactive, then it's even more discouraging.

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

Hate my auto correct....excuse the poor grammar...will fix later when by a computer I

 

[baychef]

From my vantage point they are letting me down as someone who is in this business for the perks! That is one of the bonuses of our business...PERKS! We sell that to our potentials. I am not in this for the money. I AM in it for the FREE products and other gifts and things. When they start taking that away I do question if I want to stay. Do I still believe in the company? They are changing so much of the things that I love(d) about being a PC consultant.

One thing PC has done well is to develop loyalty in its field team. We are some die-hard faithful consultants!! However, when they start to drop the ball on their side of things I think it is perfectly acceptable to be let down.

That's my two-cents anyway...let the hating begin (or continue...LOL!)

You said what I have been feeling for a long time. It seems whenever they have an "exciting announcement to make"...I cringe. And I am so sad that I am even thinking or feeling this way. Yes, it could be worse and they could give us nothing but how can things change so fast in just the last 5 years?

 

[baychef]

Haven't been on in many days but this thread is a great one. I love the opinion sharing. Keep it coming on all sides!

The "not sharing until the last minute" does bug me as well. Again, Directors used to be afforded this opportunity of knowing just a little bit more but now the focus (to me) is on the Exec. side.

I was demoted to Director for this month, but am determined to repromote to AD for Oct and Nov at least. Trying to get the 'mojo" going back in my business. If it is to be, it is up to me.ray:

To help get the mojo going for the downline, I am having a multi cluster meeting on Monday evening...the first in over a year. Knowing what I have learned on this thread will help me to help others. Not knowing this until mid Nov. or December 1st would terrible. These secrets are the things I do not understand.

 

[Malinda Klein]

I live in Ohio - and I HATE January - I had 7 shows booked this past January and had all but 1 cancel - due to bad weather - that is something out of my control.

It's not due to bad attitude, but bad weather

 

[Sheila]

(((hugs))) Ann! I hope you can re-gain your title ASAP!

 

[Ginger428]

At ULA, they mentioned that the avg number of shows submitted by consultants is 1.6 shows a month! We were also told months ago that the 2 show promo would continue and that they would continue to target c-tls extras...why? To hopefully motivate everyone for more productivity...which in turn meana we get paid as and better paychecks. I don't think its money driven. I think the company is trying to help is get more motivated team members until it clicks that our biz can be more than just free bags.

Another thing ive noticed is that most have low numbers Dec and Jan. I think the company wants to give us some fire to do whatever it takes to end and start string. Free for all is a smart word choice...imiea free goodies vs sellathon which to means sounds like work.

JUst mt initial thoughts based on posts.

It really does come down to attitude and do we want it enough.

I totally agree with what you have said, But like someone else stated, in certain areas of the country we cannot control the weather. I for 1 usually have Great Januarys, but last year I had all but 1 postpone on me. Luckily for me they pushed their shows to Feb. which gave me great double points, but even last Feb. was also very bad weather & had a few push to March!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I totally agree with what you have said, But like someone else stated, in certain areas of the country we cannot control the weather. I for 1 usually have Great Januarys, but last year I had all but 1 postpone on me. Luckily for me they pushed their shows to Feb. which gave me great double points, but even last Feb. was also very bad weather & had a few push to March!

Even in the south we have issues with the weather in Jan and Feb. We get ice storms and when it snows it paralyzes everything. I'm from WI and much less weather here shuts everything down for much longer.

 

[pamperedlinda]

The "not sharing until the last minute" does bug me as well. .

I had this same conversation with my NED the other day. I still don't have my CN and with the Monday holiday, I won't get it until the 11th at the earliest....grrrr! (I know I can read it on-line...but I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO!!! I hate sitting in front of my pc all day every day, I want it in pretty colors in my hands....either stop sending it all together and make me print it myself or send it to me in a timely fashion so that I can actually USE the tips to better my month! whew, feeling a little better now...lol! She said that this should be the last month that we see such late deliveries and that HO doesn't want us to have them before the 1st. She said that the reason is that they don't want to announce the recruiting promos early. In my opinion, what difference is is going to make...really? I can't imagine that this is such a huge percentage that it makes THAT much of a difference. They are either going to sign-up or they aren't, who cares when or which promo they sign under...and supposedly there aren't any more for a while.

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

I re-edited my post now that I'm at a computer. I agree that we should be given more notice. We can't prepare if we aren't aware. We should be able to plan our next few months and knowledge will help. I think there have been lots of things coming our way...lots of promos and incentives tossed our way, which is great. But last minute gives me a sense of stress rather than the urgency the company is hoping for. It is forcing everyone to do those actual contacts....did you know calls, but doing it every month makes it repetitive and sometimes like we're nuisances on high alert all the time.

Also, the weather is definitely a problem. I've read that for the past 2 years. You get hit hard and then lose all the shows you worked so hard to get. It would be nice if the company had an action plan for those. Just my recommendation, and I don't know if it's even a good one as I have personally not gone through it. But remember all those ideas being sent last year from sales managers and our upper line...the call in catalog shows? Could you prepare the hosts to have those outside orders ready and mention that in the event of weather, we'll X and Y. That another party can be rescheduled for later, but that the "show must go on" for the one scheduled?

Not sure. I do feel for you all in snow country, that's just another frustrating variable to add to the mix. I think they'll do what they typically do for Nov/Dec for Dec/Jan. As in December will be sellathon and Jan will be an added item for 2 shows by the 15th with the potential to earn PCD with sales.

Not sure...just theorizing.

 

[CoidgigBese]

Remember how last Jan. you had to submit 2 shows (I think that was the requirement) to be able to earn the double points in Feb? That was a new twist. Wonder if or how that will play into SAT for this Jan. I remember the Jan.'s that were double points months.

I'm feeling like the new product packages for the spring aren't going to be that big. This was nice big Fall new product season. Spring typically isn't as big. Maybe there's not going to be that much to earn? I certainly hope not!

Funny how they instituted the seasonal marketing guide but still have to give us the Dec. host specials before the marketing guide comes out. Is that strategy working?

 

[BethCooks4U]

I re-edited my post now that I'm at a computer. I agree that we should be given more notice. We can't prepare if we aren't aware. We should be able to plan our next few months and knowledge will help. I think there have been lots of things coming our way...lots of promos and incentives tossed our way, which is great. But last minute gives me a sense of stress rather than the urgency the company is hoping for. It is forcing everyone to do those actual contacts....did you know calls, but doing it every month makes it repetitive and sometimes like we're nuisances on high alert all the time.

Also, the weather is definitely a problem. I've read that for the past 2 years. You get hit hard and then lose all the shows you worked so hard to get. It would be nice if the company had an action plan for those. Just my recommendation, and I don't know if it's even a good one as I have personally not gone through it. But remember all those ideas being sent last year from sales managers and our upper line...the call in catalog shows? Could you prepare the hosts to have those outside orders ready and mention that in the event of weather, we'll X and Y. That another party can be rescheduled for later, but that the "show must go on" for the one scheduled?

Not sure. I do feel for you all in snow country, that's just another frustrating variable to add to the mix. I think they'll do what they typically do for Nov/Dec for Dec/Jan. As in December will be sellathon and Jan will be an added item for 2 shows by the 15th with the potential to earn PCD with sales.

Not sure...just theorizing.

I agree. I can not get the reason for all this last minute stuff - well, actually I do. They don't want us to wait to work for the next thing instead of the current thing and they are trying to create excitement and urgency. But IMHO all the secrecy creates is frustration and people waiting because something better might be there next month. Ugh. Just tell us in a timely manner. Actually most of the time I don't mind not knowing but this sell a thon thing really upset me since it was the same for at least five years. Change it but at least tell us "watch for something new". As far as not sending the CN because of the recruiting promotions - most people sign when it's best for them but others have been upset "if I had known I would have waited a couple days as I'd rather have had that one (or) I would have signed earlier with that special if I had known".

I don't have my October CN either yet... Like Linda I like to be able to sit down with it. I miss stuff with the online version.

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

Right there with you Beth. I want to know because I can just plan better. As you state, people will sign when it's best for them. The promo should be a bonus rather the reason to. I know we need to be working our current month, etc...but it's a bit more scatter brained learning at the last minute. I won't be sharing that fact with the team. Funny thing is that they think I'm holding out on the info because it used to be that D's and above knew before everyone.

In addition, when someone works their biz and becomes a leader....it is usually because they have been working the 3-2-1 and understand the need for consistency. We also know "THIS month is the month to host, to sign, to order" because we know that the promo is just an extra. Soooooo...I would assume that we would not be holding out for 2 or 3 months down the road because we saw an awesome promo up ahead.

There will always be people who "jump the gun" or who complain because "shoulda, coulda, woulda". I just try and realign the picture....the gripers will always be that...whether they had been informed or not. But as you stated, most just sign because the timing was right.

I do wish we could be kept better informed and be given all the info quarterly. Helps us in our short term and long term goals. SAT is huge for everyone and this shift SHOULD have been announced during the Fall Marketing Guide release.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I know! My team is always thinking I am holding back info on them. I have sent only positive spins on this to my team (see the email I sent back a page on this thread). I am frustrated knowing that they will be complaining about it and I do agree with them to a point. I have no problem with change I just want to know about it in a timely manner.

I have one who is already saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" and my response to her was that they are always mixing things up to keep things fresh and that they used to do the SAT in Dec/Jan and it worked great then too. It's just too bad they did it the same way for 5 or 6 years and everyone grew to expect it and then when they changed it they didn't think to give us a clue that it would be changing, that's all.

 

[richsimpkinsg]

Well my December and January will be interesting as I have to have 'female' surgery 12/21. I typically take the last two weeks of December off and will this year too. Trying to get all my Christmas fun stuff and baking, plus a wedding I am going out of town for 12/17....Will be down for about 2-3 weeks before I can do a show again, though will have BTB meeting in my house 1/5/12. I am looking forward to some down time...guess I'll be working the phone on pain meds LOL...who knows what could happen!