Phone Phobia and Bookings - Great Info

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the challenges some Pampered Chef consultants face with making phone calls for bookings, often referred to as "phone-aphobia." Participants share their experiences and strategies for overcoming this fear and increasing bookings through various methods.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, humorously describes symptoms of phone-aphobia and suggests that making calls consistently can help overcome the fear.
  • Another participant shares their intention to dedicate time to making phone calls, indicating a personal commitment to overcoming their own hesitation.
  • Several users express appreciation for the shared ideas, noting their relevance and usefulness in motivating them to make calls.
  • One participant mentions feeling nervous about making calls but acknowledges the importance of this activity for building their business.
  • Another participant expresses enthusiasm for the ideas presented and plans to share them with their team or include them in a newsletter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges of making phone calls and the importance of overcoming these hurdles to secure bookings. However, individual experiences and levels of comfort with making calls vary, indicating no clear consensus on the best approach to address phone-aphobia.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a shared experience among consultants regarding the anxiety associated with phone calls and the various strategies that can be employed to mitigate this fear.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for motivation and strategies to improve their booking rates through phone calls may find the shared experiences and ideas beneficial.

Bren706
Gold Member
Messages
2,380
This was posted on my cluster's loop.

ATTENTION, ATTENTION, ATTENTION!!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCMENT!!

This just in--there is an epidemic sweeping the nation! It is called phone-aphobia and it tends to strike Pampered Chef Consultants especially when they need to call hosts or follow-up on the booking lead from last June.

Symptoms include:
*you walk past your phone and stare at it like it will attack you
*you shout "Hallelujah" when you get a busy signal
*you suddenly develop a stutter
*you try to pick up the phone and suddenly you have an irresistible urge to take out the trash or do more laundry
*you decide to catch up on your emails and you justify spending several hours because "at least you are reading about Pampered Chef stuff"
*you walk around your house practicing different ways to start your conversation, "Hi Mary, Hello Mary, Howdy Mary..."
*when someone answers the phone, you run to the front door and ring the doorbell and say, "Oh my, someone's at my door. I'll call you later."

The Cure: MAKE THOSE CALLS!
Just pick up the phone and DO IT! The only way to get over the fear is to make calls consistently.
Schedule a number of calls to make before a designated time and then reward yourself when you reach that number. Of course, eating a whole box of cookies after making one call is NOT the best thing to do.

Maybe start with a 10-minute period then build up daily and weekly. Believe in yourself. You can do it!


And if you need a big pat on the back, email or call your director and I will make you feel GREAT!!

There are great perks for doing cooking shows...the only way to book shows is to make calls.

Repeat after me: "The phone is my friend...the phone is my friend...the phone is my friend!!"

Make the time, take the time, dial the phone!!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!



I NEED A BOOKING....TODAY!!

This information came from Director Tammy Boswell. It was share with the Director Loop.

Imagine...for a minute that your life depends on getting 3 more bookings on your calendar by Friday. What would you do??? Sometimes we are mistaken to think that our calendar is filled only at kitchen shows. YOU are in charge of your calendar and getting the shows booked the you want to do. What if your life DID depend on getting three bookings immediately?? Here are some suggestions of what you could do....try them and see if they work!!!!!

"Pick up the Phone"
1. Call 10 people a day and don't stop with 3 bookings.
2. Family members for past promises.
3. Call past hostesses to renew 10% discount.
4. Host your own show; have an open house.
5. Gift for current host that has 2 bookings when you walk in the door.
6. Call outside orders from shows.
7. Offer a FREE new fall product.
8. Offer to bring the food for the show; Express Show.
9. Call during "Power Hour."
10. Wear PC clothes and jewelry everywhere for the next week.
11. Check old receipts for lots of circled items.
12. Call up for favors.
13. Exchange shows with other Direct Sales representatives.
14. Mystery Hostess show
15. Customer Care calls
16. Product interest calls—“Out of the box” calls—just calling to see if your product is “out of the box” and how you like it!
17. Call and share the discontinued list
18. Take PC fudge to Doctor's office (from cookie press)
19. Ask your tax preparer to have a show
20. Drop new catalogs with flyers off at bank, doctors, nail salon, etc.
21. Promote the new catalog
22. Specific dates get specific gifts
23. Go to mall and advertise what you do
24. Raffle a non-PC item along with PC items
25. Have a couples show
26. Offer gifts/gift certificates
27. E-mail specials to everyone.
28. Offer to write and send invitations for host.
29. School bingo's and functions; donate PC gift certificate
30. All show incentives, designed for host.
31. Pass out info to Moms, coworkers, friends, and follow-up immediately.
32. Call past high show host.
33. Run a contest for all prospective hostesses-make it good.
34. Call all past leads. (Maybes and yes)
35. Call church/school for fundraiser
36. Plan social event at your house for kids and parents
37. Call anyone you're involved with in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, sports, nursery schools, etc.
38. Ask spouse to ask his work people to have a show.
39. Talk up "THEME SHOWS."
40. Talk about your business-ALWAYS!
41. E-mail database
42. Have bookings log
43. "Call-In" show
44. Call anyone who hasn't rescheduled from their postponement date.
45. Discount at different times, EX: 25% off for first week, 15% off for second week of the month, etc.
46. Door prize slips with specials marked; it's now your hostess special.
47. Free stone/free cookbook
48. Do a fair booth
49. Book your fence-sitter recruit leads
50. Follow through with everything and don't ever give up!



:chef:thanks to Helaine Balsamo and Don Funt for sharing :chef:
 
What perfect timing. I have been putting off the phone calls and I AM going to do at least 1 hr's worth tonight. :)
 
Thanks I needed that!
 
Thanks for posting! I think we all need these once in a while! :)
 
I LOVE this and will copy this off to my team or put it in a newsletter!!! Thank you!
 
Those a SUPER ideas. I was just calling my director the other day telling her how nervous I was about making calls. She told me that if you want to build you business, this is a big part of your business. I hope that nervousness goes away. I really need to supplement my income and earn BIG money with PC!!! Anyone up for the challenge>?
 
great ideas
 
Thanks so much for posting this!! I am at work and can't read it right now, but I copied it and emailed it home!!
 
This is great info!!! LOVE IT!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is phone phobia in the context of direct sales?

Phone phobia refers to the anxiety or fear that some individuals experience when making phone calls, particularly in a sales context. This can hinder their ability to reach out to potential clients or book parties, which is essential for success in direct sales like Pampered Chef.

How can I overcome phone phobia when booking parties?

To overcome phone phobia, start by practicing your script or talking points before making calls. Role-playing with a friend or using positive affirmations can also help build confidence. Additionally, setting small, achievable goals for the number of calls you make can gradually desensitize you to the fear.

What are some effective strategies for booking parties over the phone?

Effective strategies for booking parties over the phone include being prepared with a clear agenda, actively listening to the potential host's needs, and offering incentives or promotions. Building rapport and showing enthusiasm about the products can also make the conversation more engaging.

How can I make phone calls feel less intimidating?

To make phone calls feel less intimidating, create a comfortable environment for yourself, such as a quiet space with minimal distractions. Use a checklist to keep track of what you want to say, and remember that the person on the other end is just a human being. Taking deep breaths and reminding yourself of your purpose can also help ease anxiety.

What resources are available for improving phone skills in direct sales?

Many resources are available for improving phone skills in direct sales, including training webinars, online courses, and books focused on sales techniques. Joining support groups or forums with other direct sellers can provide valuable tips and encouragement. Additionally, Pampered Chef often offers training materials specifically designed to help consultants enhance their communication skills.

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