Power of One- New Spring Product

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores participants' thoughts and feelings regarding a new product promotion tied to recruiting efforts within the Pampered Chef community. Participants express a mix of excitement and concern about the emphasis on recruitment and its implications for the company's image and their personal experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses intrigue about the new product being offered exclusively to those who recruit, highlighting curiosity about its appeal.
  • Another participant shares frustration with the frequent connection between promotions and recruitment, feeling it detracts from the company's image.
  • Several users mention their ongoing recruitment efforts but express mixed feelings about the pressure to meet specific goals tied to new products.
  • One participant notes that while they appreciate the incentives, they do not feel comfortable pushing new recruits to meet the 30-day qualification.
  • Another participant reflects on the changing nature of recruitment incentives, suggesting that they may not be as motivating as they once were.
  • One participant identifies a significant number of new recruits in their organization, viewing incentives as a helpful boost rather than a pressure tactic.
  • Another participant shares their experience of new recruits not being motivated by product incentives, emphasizing the importance of aligning goals with recruits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the impact of recruitment incentives on the company's image and the motivation of new consultants. Some participants express concern about the perception of the company, while others defend the incentives as beneficial.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and opinions regarding recruitment and product promotions, reflecting a range of sentiments about the balance between incentives and the pressure of recruitment goals.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in understanding diverse perspectives on recruitment incentives and their implications within the Pampered Chef community may find this discussion relevant.

JenniK said:
I have a potential recruit and it's my frist recruit. Question - if I sign someone this week - what would their start date be for qualifying? As soon as they sign the contract or as soon as they receive their kit? And how long does it usually take to get your kit? It seems that to qualify in 30 days in mid November would be difficult. You only have until Dec 15th to get orders in before Christmas and I can't imagine anyone have a show after that until mid January. I'd hate to sign them now when they will hardly get any Pampered Chef bucks because they couldn't get many bookings.

Your new consultant will get an Email after they sign- and it will tell them what the 30-day and the 90-day dates are. It typically takes 5-7 days to get the kit after the contract is submitted/received by HO. They usually date the 30-day/90-day dates from when they would approximately receive their kit.

So if you signed someone Nov 10, they'll get their kit about Nov 15-17. Their 30-day mark would be probably about Dec 16-17th timeframe.

And don't underestimate this time of year for bookings! People are shopping for Christmas! I've seen so many consultants say this is their busiest time of the year! (including January!) The key would be having your new recruit line up those 4-6 Cooking shows in her first 30-days before signing.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #32
JenniK said:
I have a potential recruit and it's my frist recruit. Question - if I sign someone this week - what would their start date be for qualifying? As soon as they sign the contract or as soon as they receive their kit? And how long does it usually take to get your kit? It seems that to qualify in 30 days in mid November would be difficult. You only have until Dec 15th to get orders in before Christmas and I can't imagine anyone have a show after that until mid January. I'd hate to sign them now when they will hardly get any Pampered Chef bucks because they couldn't get many bookings.

If I recall correctly HO usually issues a small extension to consultants' 90 days who sign during the November/December timeframe. I believe they did that last year- to account for the dead period for holiday shipping cut offs. I am not sure what the policy is around this though- i.e. if you sign after X date you will receive an extension.
 
kdangel518 said:
If I recall correctly HO usually issues a small extension to consultants' 90 days who sign during the November/December timeframe. I believe they did that last year- to account for the dead period for holiday shipping cut offs. I am not sure what the policy is around this though- i.e. if you sign after X date you will receive an extension.
No, that was just an extra incentive for signing...you got an extra 30 days. No guarantees that will be an incentive again this year.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #34
ChefBeckyD said:
No, that was just an extra incentive for signing...you got an extra 30 days. No guarantees that will be an incentive again this year.

That's what it was- thanks for the correction Becky!
 
Are you serious? I'm totally shocked at some of the responses to my previous post!Becky - I was not accusing anyone of not sharing the business. This is something I say to ALL my team members to get them thinking of their potential and current recruits! This gets them out of their head and thinking of how this business can help OTHERS! In fact, I did not accuse YOU, but you did accuse me. Most of us were asked by someone to give this business a try. And, if you're on here, it most likely worked and is working out for you or you are working hard to make it work out. I'm curious, did any of you sign solely to help someone else succeed? I'm betting the answer to that is no. I do know of people who signed at a certain time because it helped out a friend, but it also helped them out. I love what I do and I do my best to work my personal business. I work with my team members with THEIR needs and dreams, not with what I get. However, sometimes they do intersect! I have a "I might want to become a Pampered Chef Consultant sometime in the next 20 years" list that I go back to. I have a portion of that list that wants to know when the next incentive is announced, one group that wants me to contact them with every new catalog and another group that is more specialized (ie. contact me in 2 years when I'm done with school). This is what THEY have asked me to do. Why would I want to bug someone with something they don't want? Why would I want to convince someone to sign and go for an incentive if it isn't the right time? I would end up doing all the work and I'm way too lazy for that! Recruiting has ALWAYS been a part of this business - how did you get in? If you don't want to, fine! I'll recruit those who you (as in the generic you) don't. If you want to earn a trip, you need to recruit because that is part of the deal. If you look at it from the standpoint of a strong recruiter who isn't great at sales, only half of their points can come from recruits. So, if they have enough points, but more than half are recruiting points, they don't earn the trip!As for being pushy about getting $1250 in their first 30 days - huh?!? You don't want your new recruits to earn as much PC$ as possible so they don't have to invest any more of their cash into their business? You don't want them to earn Sell-a-thon products so they don't have to/need to/want to buy them when they are available? I truly don't get it!!! Yes, you can take a horse to water but can't make him drink. Same thing with recruits. You can give them all the training and support possible, but they may not make it. It is the recruiter's (or director's) job to offer all the help and support possible. In fact, I'm on the phone with my team today discussing the 2 show part of Sell-a-thon so my hobby people don't miss out. If they go on to hit $1500 - great! IF they aren't interested - great! I've done the job I'm paid for (overrides and activity bonuses) by making sure they are aware and know how to accomplish what is going on. I also call them when they are close to getting a monthly increase in commission. Am I telling them they have to sell? NO! I'm letting them know that if they are interested, they can earn more money just by hitting $750, $1250, $2500 or $4000 in sales...they decide what they are going to do!So, I highly suggest (if you're interested in recruiting) that you think about how it will help THEM and be excited when it also helps you.
 
cmdtrgd said:
Are you serious? I'm totally shocked at some of the responses to my previous post!

Becky - I was not accusing anyone of not sharing the business. This is something I say to ALL my team members to get them thinking of their potential and current recruits! This gets them out of their head and thinking of how this business can help OTHERS! In fact, I did not accuse YOU, but you did accuse me.

Most of us were asked by someone to give this business a try. And, if you're on here, it most likely worked and is working out for you or you are working hard to make it work out. I'm curious, did any of you sign solely to help someone else succeed? I'm betting the answer to that is no. I do know of people who signed at a certain time because it helped out a friend, but it also helped them out.

I love what I do and I do my best to work my personal business. I work with my team members with THEIR needs and dreams, not with what I get. However, sometimes they do intersect! I have a "I might want to become a Pampered Chef Consultant sometime in the next 20 years" list that I go back to. I have a portion of that list that wants to know when the next incentive is announced, one group that wants me to contact them with every new catalog and another group that is more specialized (ie. contact me in 2 years when I'm done with school). This is what THEY have asked me to do. Why would I want to bug someone with something they don't want? Why would I want to convince someone to sign and go for an incentive if it isn't the right time? I would end up doing all the work and I'm way too lazy for that! Recruiting has ALWAYS been a part of this business - how did you get in? If you don't want to, fine! I'll recruit those who you (as in the generic you) don't. If you want to earn a trip, you need to recruit because that is part of the deal. If you look at it from the standpoint of a strong recruiter who isn't great at sales, only half of their points can come from recruits. So, if they have enough points, but more than half are recruiting points, they don't earn the trip!

As for being pushy about getting $1250 in their first 30 days - huh?!? You don't want your new recruits to earn as much PC$ as possible so they don't have to invest any more of their cash into their business? You don't want them to earn Sell-a-thon products so they don't have to/need to/want to buy them when they are available? I truly don't get it!!! Yes, you can take a horse to water but can't make him drink. Same thing with recruits. You can give them all the training and support possible, but they may not make it. It is the recruiter's (or director's) job to offer all the help and support possible. In fact, I'm on the phone with my team today discussing the 2 show part of Sell-a-thon so my hobby people don't miss out. If they go on to hit $1500 - great! IF they aren't interested - great! I've done the job I'm paid for (overrides and activity bonuses) by making sure they are aware and know how to accomplish what is going on. I also call them when they are close to getting a monthly increase in commission. Am I telling them they have to sell? NO! I'm letting them know that if they are interested, they can earn more money just by hitting $750, $1250, $2500 or $4000 in sales...they decide what they are going to do!

So, I highly suggest (if you're interested in recruiting) that you think about how it will help THEM and be excited when it also helps you.

That was very nicely put Kate. I agree with you totally on all of it.
 
Thanks, Becky. That means a lot!
 
I just hate it when intentions and words (and feelings) get misunderstood or come across wrong in a post. I like too many of the posters in this thread to see it generate hurt feelings. (Those who've been around here awhile know what I'm referring to...)

(sorry, I'm just in a mama-hen mood today)
 
Leggy - no problem! I love it when you're a mama-hen :)I use strong words because I need to be hit upside the head many times before it gets in there. And, once it is there, I am passionate about it. I just hope that people can change their focus and help to change other peoples' lives!
 
Hasn't there been a phrase used in our business stating that....why would not want to share the business and deny others the benefits you have enjoyed? I think that symantecs come in to play rather than a personal attack on anyone being selfish.

As Kate stated, recruiting is about anything but selfishness. The more you think of your own benefits, the less successful you are at recruiting. I have seen this time and time again. Once I am able to help someone with that recruiting interview, they soon see it too. The more the recruit lead talks, the more they are to sign. Just keep asking them open ended questions abou themselves and you will see them come up with their own solutions as we sprinkle (not barf) information in. Sure, someone has to have the interest and some have more than others but when their fears become reasons as to why the want to do it, they are more likely to sign.

I too have seen those that hit $1250 in sales in their first 30 days get the momentum they need and the bookings they need to keep their business going.

For me recruiting is not the easiest but I am determined to get better at it. That is my own personal goal. We each can have our own:chef::love:!
PC is only trying to get us what most of us want...to have more financial freedom and fun with our business.

I found when I never mentioned recruiting at my meetings (thinking I didn't want to push someone to recruit)...my team did not grow. Then I started mentioning it and eventually mentioned it at every meeting with a bit of tips or training mixed in. I now have 3 people very close to obtaining directorship...and their own teams. I am so excited for them because I know how much fun it has been for me to see others do well. It has not all been a bed of roses, but nothing worth achieving rarely is easy!!
 
legacypc46 said:
I just hate it when intentions and words (and feelings) get misunderstood or come across wrong in a post. I like too many of the posters in this thread to see it generate hurt feelings. (Those who've been around here awhile know what I'm referring to...)

(sorry, I'm just in a mama-hen mood today)

Well put, Mama-Hen!!!! I feel the same way. After meeting fellow cheffers at conference this past summer, I just can't picture others meaning to attack others. Especially after a few drinks!!!:D:sing:
 
I want the product too ... but I'm not going to cry into my diet coke if I don't get it.

I, too, dislike the intense focus on recruiting and the 30 day qualifying rule.

I "qualified" in my first 30 days because I submitted 4 shows. But they "only" totaled $1123. It was the best I have done almost any month since, and much better than my launch into jewelry sales three years before. But if the new rules were in effect, I would have felt like a failure as well.

Go, Becky, go!
 
After all of this I went to last night's show with the intention of really sharing the business. So, even though it might be touchy - it's good to get it all out.

I have 3 strong recruit leads!...and...I tried the weekly calendar idea and booked a show for next Thursday!

So, by erasing my fears of being pushy I could help 3 people have cash in their accounts rather than debt on a credit card after the holidays...if they do their $1,250 in 30 days:)
 
Jen1409 said:
Can I have you for my director instead? ;) Before I joined I had hosted enough shows to know how to add up my free products and such but it seems my director has left me high and dry.

Aw thanks Jen! :blushing: I really want a happy team and hope that I am properly supporting each member. Some days I wonder if I am. I'm sorry you are feeling abandoned...it's smart to stay connected with the team....your success helps her with her own.

Good thing CS and all the gurus are here. We'll be your support system. :D
 
I share the business with everyone I can, but when a recruit signs, the main thing that I stress is to keep it fun. My last recruit said that she wasn't going to be a top seller and in her first 3 weeks she hasn't done anything, but I told her to do what she wanted however she wanted. Just have fun doing it.
I wasn't impressed at conference with the "power of one demo" they did on stage. It made it look like recruits were going to be falling off trees. We just have to go gather them up.
 
Chefgirl2 said:
After all of this I went to last night's show with the intention of really sharing the business. So, even though it might be touchy - it's good to get it all out.

I have 3 strong recruit leads!...and...I tried the weekly calendar idea and booked a show for next Thursday!

So, by erasing my fears of being pushy I could help 3 people have cash in their accounts rather than debt on a credit card after the holidays...if they do their $1,250 in 30 days:)

I have 3 people signing this week. It's not about a fear of being pushy.
 
I still consider myself to be new (5mo) and my Director shared a story with me how she was at Conference and a higher up asked her how many recruits she had. When she said none, that person also asked her/said something about being rude and keeping the business all to herself. I loved the story and it put it in a new perspective. She shared with me b/c I totally stink at recruiting (obviously as I have zero and zero with interest) so I stopped trying all together b/c I figure why bother. She shared the story and said exactly that "why be selfish and keep it all to yourself?" and I never took it as rude. Guess it depends on personality types.

I love the incentives and think dangling a carrot is good. If you recruit for the right reasons (to share the opportunity) then you shouldn't care about the incentive anyhow, instead think of it as just icing on the cake.

Until I find that needle in the haystack that they call a recruit, I'll keep drooling for the carrot. (And personally I wish they put more incentives out there for sales than recruiting. Then I could compete! I'll prob make free conference in sales but won't get it due to no recruits so that aspect of the carrot dangling is less than ideal (nice way to say sucks) in my opinion)
 
ChefBeckyD said:
I have 3 people signing this week. It's not about a fear of being pushy.

Glad you wrote this....offering the opportunity and helping others is one of the wonderful perks we have, *offering* being key....I don't know where offering the opportunity and perks as being pushy became the subject...

When I wrote not wanting to "push", I was referring to the 30 day window. As much as *I* WANT this, I wanted to be mindful of my team mate's agenda. I agree with many comments about wanting to be supportive, of training them as best as possible, of letting them know how close they are to that next "bonus"....I had just meant that *I* would love to have 60 days for each new recruit...not that I did not enjoy the recruiting incentive....not that I did not want my recruits to start strong...not that I did not understand my role in supporting and training....not that I did not want them to avail themselves of all the bonuses our company offers....not sure how we all got fired up on should do's and don't do's.....thought we were all referring to "I wish"....

I think I may start considering Becky J's idea of having 6 shows lined up BEFORE the official signing....smart move....
 
Melissa78 said:
I love the incentives and think dangling a carrot is good. If you recruit for the right reasons (to share the opportunity) then you shouldn't care about the incentive anyhow, instead think of it as just icing on the cake.

Until I find that needle in the haystack that they call a recruit, I'll keep drooling for the carrot. (And personally I wish they put more incentives out there for sales than recruiting. Then I could compete! I'll prob make free conference in sales but won't get it due to no recruits so that aspect of the carrot dangling is less than ideal (nice way to say sucks) in my opinion)

Yup...I do not want the incentives to stop....I'll take them if they ask me to twirl around and chant for the next free item! lol

I think that recruiting incentives should continue, AND I agree that sales should also receive kudos. I have neglected my personal biz that my sales are suffering....I would not reach those incentives if based on sales :( but I think that the powerhouses like you deserve the kudos too! An incentive for each facet of our biz, bonus for those who are rocking both (like Miss Becky D) would be fabulous! Again....my post is an "I wish"....not I don't understand why....
 
Jolie_Paradoxe said:
Glad you wrote this....offering the opportunity and helping others is one of the wonderful perks we have, *offering* being key....I don't know where offering the opportunity and perks as being pushy became the subject...

When I wrote not wanting to "push", I was referring to the 30 day window. As much as *I* WANT this, I wanted to be mindful of my team mate's agenda. I agree with many comments about wanting to be supportive, of training them as best as possible, of letting them know how close they are to that next "bonus"....I had just meant that *I* would love to have 60 days for each new recruit...not that I did not enjoy the recruiting incentive....not that I did not want my recruits to start strong...not that I did not understand my role in supporting and training....not that I did not want them to avail themselves of all the bonuses our company offers....not sure how we all got fired up on should do's and don't do's.....thought we were all referring to "I wish"....

I think I may start considering Becky J's idea of having 6 shows lined up BEFORE the official signing....smart move....


WE were....;)
 
ChefBeckyD said:
WE were....;)

Oh good....I have to remember to refresh before posting....need to work on think before posting too, though I'm still working on the think before speaking technique! :D I'm known as Loopy Laurie and Calamity (meds) with fondness (or so I tell myself) and thought I missed the boat again! LOL
 
Laurie - so nice to see you around again :). Miss chatting with you chica!
 
Melissa78 said:
Laurie - so nice to see you around again :). Miss chatting with you chica!

I know...I've been missing you and our chats....I'm around, just sporadically and quickly! Life have been hectic...still trying to manage being a good PTA mom, great team leader and a decent PC consultant! Some days, I'm good at one, ok at another and others dropping the balls all around! LOL

We need to find a time to chat....I'll write it down! He He I don't want to lose touch with you as I enjoy our connections....I was worried I hadn't seen you. :)
 
Jolie_Paradoxe said:
I think I may start considering Becky J's idea of having 6 shows lined up BEFORE the official signing....smart move....

I'm a big believer in having shows lined up before signing. Of the 24 recruits I had in my first two years*, almost all of them qualified within 30 days (had a couple kitnappers and a couple who had other major committments). During my interviews, I tried to focused on making this a sucessful opportunity for them from the get go (verus focusing on the actual signing).

The truth is: qualifying within 30 days sets them up for greater success.

*I haven't recruited in over a year; I'm enjoying retirement and going to culinary school full-time. I still do a catalog or cooking show every month to stay active and not lose my career sales (100K+)....and because I am such a pc-junkie:chef:
 
Other direct sales companies make you have so many shows lined up before you sign your agreement. If you don't have names and numbers you agreement won't be submitted. I understand sometimes its hard to have shows lined up before hand, but it makes sense.
 
Just to be very clear...


1. I offer the opportunity to everyone at my shows

2. I have a very busy show schedule - 12 this month, plus 3 catalog shows

3. I have a team of 12 active consultants...one is a Team Leader herself, and another will soon be a Sr. Consultant.

4. VERY soon, I will also be able to go "behind the apron"...;)

5. I'm someone who doesn't gossip - if I have an issue with you, I'll take it up with you - not with others. ;););)
 
ChefBeckyD said:
4. VERY soon, I will also be able to go "behind the apron"...;)

Hmm, now I'm intrigued, and isn't that how this whole thread started? Not sure what this means, Becky. Did I miss something?
 
Becky - you apparently had/have an issue with me, but what I originally wrote had nothing to do with you specifically. Let it go.
 
cmdtrgd said:
Becky - you apparently had/have an issue with me, but what I originally wrote had nothing to do with you specifically. Let it go.

Already gone! ;)

And I'm not sure why you would think I"d have an issue with you? :rolleyes:
 
To tell you the truth, I felt attacked when you responded to my post. It didn't seem like a generic response, it seemed like (forgive my words, I'm not able to type the way I want this to come out) "how dare you say something like that to me, here are my numbers, I work my biz...etc". If I had read your response to be something like "Kate, um, don't be so harsh to everyone" it would have been different.This was the actual phrase that kicked me out of my head and into thinking of how this business can help others. Whether it be with cash, products, a way to get out of the house, etc. I was trying to give that gift (and, yes, I do think of that harsh phrase as a gift) to someone else and it seemed that you responded as if I was only talking to you. I know you have a stellar business, but some don't. And, I find it funny that nobody responded to the commend I made about there being tons of incentives for sales and, just recently, more about recruiting. Not many people complain about the sales/shows incentives. It just upsets me that people are complaining about getting something else FREE!
 

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