Organizing Show Files: Tips and Best Practices

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various approaches to organizing show files among Pampered Chef consultants, particularly focusing on the retention of order forms and related paperwork.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, files each show in a folder with original order forms and is inquiring about how long to keep them.
  • Another participant shares their experience of keeping all order forms in a plastic container, noting they have only been in the business for a year and a half.
  • Several users mention that they do not keep any physical paperwork, relying instead on digital backups stored on their computers and external drives.
  • One participant expresses a desire to shred their paperwork after confirming that all orders have been delivered correctly.
  • Another participant echoes the sentiment of disliking paperwork and prefers digital organization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the retention of physical order forms, with some participants choosing to keep them while others prefer to discard them in favor of digital records.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and preferences regarding the management of show files and paperwork within the context of their consulting practices.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to consultants looking for different methods of organizing show files and managing paperwork in their business.

Tara1021
Messages
612
I currently file each show in a folder with the original order forms etc.

A. Do you keep those forms?
B. If so, how long? Just till the show is delivered? a couple of months? a year? Forever?

Just checking!:confused:

tara
 
I do keep these forms & still have all of them. I've only been doing this a year & a half, so I don't have too many yet. I store them in a plastic container.
 
Same here.
 
I am going to start pitching mine. All the info I need is in my computer, which I back up regularly.
 
I dont keep anything... everything is on my PC and that is backed up to the C drive, a networked PC, and a little USB zip drive. Ain't no way I'm going to keep every piece of paper. ;)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
See, everything is in my confuser too...that's why i'm wondering how long i need to keep this stuff. I'm thinking long enough to be sure everyone has gotten their orders and that they're right. I"m gonna go shredder happy in the next week....VACATION started yesterday, so after christmas i'll have a couple of days to get organized for the new year.

You guys are so cool. I love this place! :D
 
Pampered Laura said:
I dont keep anything... everything is on my PC and that is backed up to the C drive, a networked PC, and a little USB zip drive. Ain't no way I'm going to keep every piece of paper. ;)

I'm right there with ya sister!!!:D I hate paperwork...
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are show files in direct sales, and why are they important?

Show files are organized collections of materials related to a specific sales event, such as product information, customer orders, and promotional materials. They are important because they help consultants keep track of their sales activities, streamline the order process, and ensure that all necessary information is readily accessible for follow-up and reporting.

How can I effectively organize my show files?

To effectively organize your show files, consider using a digital filing system with clearly labeled folders for each show. Include subfolders for different categories such as customer orders, product details, and marketing materials. Additionally, using a consistent naming convention for files can make it easier to locate specific documents quickly.

What tools can I use to manage my show files?

There are several tools you can use to manage your show files, including cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access and sharing. Project management apps like Trello or Asana can also help you track tasks and deadlines related to your shows. Additionally, using spreadsheets can help you keep track of customer orders and sales data.

How often should I update my show files?

You should update your show files regularly, ideally after each show or event. This includes adding new customer orders, updating inventory lists, and incorporating any feedback or notes from the event. Regular updates ensure that your files remain accurate and useful for future reference.

What are some best practices for maintaining show files?

Some best practices for maintaining show files include regularly backing up your files, using a consistent organizational structure, and archiving older shows to keep your active files manageable. Additionally, schedule regular reviews of your files to ensure everything is up-to-date and relevant, and consider using tags or labels for easy searching.

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