Overcoming Discouragement: My Journey as a PC Consultant

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a participant's experience with discouragement as a Pampered Chef consultant, detailing challenges faced in securing bookings and managing shows. Other participants share their personal experiences and suggestions for overcoming similar obstacles.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses feelings of discouragement after multiple show cancellations and a lack of responses from potential recruits and customers.
  • Another participant shares their experience of ups and downs in the business, emphasizing the importance of viewing the journey as a long-term adventure.
  • Several users mention the idea of leveraging fundraisers and suggest creative ways to encourage bookings, such as using booking balloons or offering incentives for hosts.
  • One participant notes the importance of customer care calls and reaching out to past guests, framing it as a service rather than a nuisance.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in contacting past guests due to feeling like they would be bothering them, particularly after a sensitive event.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best strategies for securing bookings and managing customer relationships, with no clear consensus emerging on a singular approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the emotional and practical challenges faced by new consultants in building their businesses, particularly in the context of cancellations and limited initial networks.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are experiencing similar feelings of discouragement or seeking strategies to improve their booking rates may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

The best thing you can do right now is take yourself off the rollercoaster. Any DS business (and most any business you own yourself) has peaks and valleys. It is so easy to get all excited when you have a great show and then crash when someone cancels.

Great shows and sudden cancellations though, are BOTH part of this business. Don't let either determine how you feel. I'm not saying don't enjoy having great shows...but recognize they are a part of the successful cycle of direct sales. So are cancellations and 'no's'.

The key is to recognize that disappointments are going to happen, but they are just blips on your screen. Accept them and then move on to the things that have proven to be successful again and again. The training on CC is there because it works....and there are lots of folks on this board who have been where you are and now have successful businesses. There is no magic bullet or final moment of achievement. We succeed by consistently doing what has consistently been proven to be successful (and enjoying what we're doing too!).

You have some tremendous support on this board and from the company itself (a lot of DS businesses make promises, but this one has, IMHO, the best reputation for standing by both their promises and their policies). Stay focused on the good things and on where you want to be a year from now...and go to conference. It is so empowering to be around others who are making this business work for them. If you have questions, reach out; we're here to help.

leggy
 
cathyskitchen said:
Flyers, IMO, are a waste of your time and the cost of the paper you print them on. Trust me, I've tried every flyer known to man, and they didn't do a thing. The only thing that works is making contacts and building relationships. You just have to do it EVERYWHERE.
Click to expand...


I heard this once and it's one of my favorites: "NEVER RELY ON A PIECE OF PAPER TO DO YOUR JOB FOR YOU." So true.

And when planning to do the flier thing...think about how many we get everyday and how many do we actually respond to? I can honestly say, of all of the fliers stuck in my mailbox or in my door, I have never once responded to one... It's the personal touch that works best...
 
I agree with the flyer statements here. I used to do so many flyers it was crazy. Then I learned that my hosts weren't even looking at them. Why spend all that time and money for something that's just going to be tossed anyway?

Now I just give them the basics which I get from PC. I do only 1 flyer which I give to hosts usually at their show which shows the specials for the next several months (DYLAB).

I am saving so much on printing and copying now. PC provides all the "flyers" we could possibly need!
 
finley1991 said:
I heard this once and it's one of my favorites: "NEVER RELY ON A PIECE OF PAPER TO DO YOUR JOB FOR YOU." So true.

And when planning to do the flier thing...think about how many we get everyday and how many do we actually respond to? I can honestly say, of all of the fliers stuck in my mailbox or in my door, I have never once responded to one... It's the personal touch that works best...
Click to expand...

Flyers provide information. So, if there is information you want to get into the hands of people - they can be useful.

They are only as useful as the follow-up that you do though. For instance, I use the "Do You Love A Bargain" flyer. It's full of good info. But I follow up with talking about the great host specials, and let people try out the tools themselves. Then, when guests check out, I ask each of them if they would like to host a show. The flyer gave them info, and a visual - but they aren't going to book until I ask them!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #35
Becky, could you tell me about what you put on the bargain flyer?
I am not relying on flyers to pass around and such, just for this FR. There are going to be so many people there and I will only have 10-15 mins to talk. So I want something on each table to spark interest. I will ofcourse bring it up while talking and again at checkout, but figured a flyer will help things along.
 
Becky - the DYLAB flyer is by Joy of Tastytidbits.net - Click on Free Flyers in the upper left. It is the first one.I also use her cheapest newsletter service for my customers.
 
Okay - I was getting confused there for a minute with all of the "beckys" flying around.:balloon:

But yes - what Janet said.

http://www.tastytidbits.net/
 
  • Thread starter
  • #38
thank you everyone
 
Becky - I was pretty tired when I posted last night, so I'm not sure what I wrote came across the way I intended. My point is simply to find a balanced perspective that works for you. There are always going to be some cancellations, flaky hosts, and team leads that turn cold. More importantly though, there will also be high shows sales, incredible hosts, and folks who see the opportunity and embrace it. ;)

leggy
 
  • Thread starter
  • #40
Legacypc46- I didn't think your post seemed rude or anything. I understood what you were saying and appreciate your input.
Thank you again.
 
Hey, Becky, did you check out eventlister for fairs and stuff?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired you to become a Pampered Chef consultant?

My journey began with a passion for cooking and a desire to share that passion with others. I was inspired by the idea of helping people create memorable meals and experiences in their kitchens. Additionally, the flexibility and potential for income as a consultant appealed to me, allowing me to balance my personal and professional life.

How did you handle discouragement when starting your Pampered Chef business?

Initially, I faced challenges and setbacks, like low sales and recruitment struggles. I learned to focus on my goals and remind myself of my 'why.' Surrounding myself with supportive fellow consultants and seeking mentorship helped me stay motivated. I also set small, achievable milestones to celebrate my progress, which kept my spirits high.

What strategies did you use to overcome feelings of self-doubt?

To combat self-doubt, I practiced positive affirmations and visualized my success. I also kept a journal to track my achievements and reflect on my growth. Engaging with my team and participating in training sessions helped reinforce my skills and confidence. Remembering that everyone faces challenges helped me realize I was not alone in my journey.

Can you share a specific moment when you felt discouraged and how you overcame it?

There was a time when I hosted a party that had very few attendees and resulted in minimal sales. I felt disheartened, but instead of giving up, I reached out to my mentor for advice. She encouraged me to analyze what went wrong and suggested new strategies for future parties. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of learning from setbacks.

What advice would you give to new consultants facing discouragement?

My advice would be to stay connected with your support network and seek guidance from experienced consultants. Set realistic expectations and remember that success takes time. Celebrate small victories and focus on building relationships with your customers. Lastly, keep your passion for cooking and sharing it with others at the forefront of your journey.

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