Reach Out to Former Hosts: ExecuFlash from Jean Jonas

[Chef Kearns]

I hate beating this dead horse. There really is no point where we will come to an agreement.

I was very angry and this topic is a heated one for me. I am through it now, but I needed that moment to be "in" my anger. I know others feel/felt the way I do.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I understand this is a vent post, but I did want to discuss a point that doesn't seem to come up very much. You are totally entitled to your opinion and if you have a way to fix the problem, I would be happy to back you up and send in a request to HO, too, as I know other directors would as well. What I don't like is that people sometimes only see one side of the picture. One of the reasons I worked really hard to become a director and keep it (not saying that you're not working hard, too) is that I wanted those leads!

I'm going to get massacred for this, but, if you look at it from a director's point of view, giving leads out to consultants everywhere is a slap in the face to us. We (most of us) worked hard to get where we are and that IS a perk. I do, however, wish they would train directors to "farm out" the leads to those in their cluster who ARE working hard and WILL follow up!

I am fortunate (and blessed) enough to have a director who actually does do this! She is awesome!

 

[chefjenibel]

Okay, here I go, defending HO and I'm NOT a Director!!!!
Think of it this way......
Is HO actually taking anything away from you? NO
Are they sending packets to your past hosts? NO
You are all saying that they are taking potential business away from you. I don't see it that way. They are trying to put their product back in front of someone who had a previous interest and no longer has a consultant. Turnover in Direct Sales is HUGE and I'm sure there are many hostesses who would be thrilled to see some new info from PC! They may, in fact, receive the packet and then remember that they had your business card somewhere and contact you!
Secondly, nobody deserves to be given an HO lead other than the person HO sent it to. This business is all about being proactive and if you are working your business, you will get all of the leads you need. This business is not about leads being put in your lap. Once you have achieved Directorship, the company "rewards" you by giving you this type of opportunity. They are really a very generous and fair company! Take Sell-A-Thon or Pan-O-Rama for instance, it doesn't matter what level you are, everyone earns at the same rate!
I think it would be great if HO were to decide to offer leads based on sales instead, but until then I will continue to find my own leads and work my own business and not be mad because others are getting something I haven't yet earned.
If you have a negative attitude, it will come out in everything you do. You may not realize it, but it shows to those around you..... :angel:

 

[PampMomof3]

WOW!!! I just read this entire thread and can't believe everything i read!!

Being a NEWLY promoted Director (July) I am estatic to finally get the leads through HO. I worked my business very hard last year earning my hubby and I a trip to San Francisco and only recruiting one gal for the WHOLE year of 2006! Then 2007, I told myself that "I will walk at Conf as a Director." I set my sights on recruiting and signed 4 in 3 months. I got them qualified and promoted. I felt that I didn't change my show schedule but the way I viewed the business. It has since paid off.

I promoted July 2007 and have gotten about 15 HO leads with most of them dead leads. 2 placed orders (one for $43 and the other for $9), one is doing a show on the 31st and another girl SIGNED!! Yeah Emily!!! The other leads are I guess not interested.

I'm not going to get in the whole big debate of this but I though you would like to hear from a newly promoted director.

 

[DebbieJ]

If you want the leads, work your business and promote.

 

[Addie4TLC]

Addie, I have met her on several occations, but I wouldn't say we really know each other so much. But we are in the same town.

I was just curious! Congrats on the ring.... I recruited the 15 for the TPC period but missed out on the ring because my sales were so low. Found out later... was devastated. :cry:

 

[Addie4TLC]

I was just curious! Congrats on the ring.... I recruited the 15 for the TPC period but missed out on the ring because my sales were so low. Found out later... was devastated. :cry:

Sorry for the hijack... On the topic though... many here have very valid points and it may not be as easy to recruit or promote in some areas where there are many Directors already working the business. I agree that concerns should be voiced to the home office, if the get a lot of e-mails on the subject they may re-visit or update the lead system as they have done with the Director monthly minimum.

 

[ShanaSmith]

I was just curious! Congrats on the ring.... I recruited the 15 for the TPC period but missed out on the ring because my sales were so low. Found out later... was devastated. :cry:

Thanks! Those are actually different catagories. But you have to have 15 qualified in the TPC period to get it for recruiting. I have to say I was surprised when I got the email from HO saying I was on track. The good thing is that there is always next year!

 

[mommyhugz1978]

If you want the leads, work your business and promote.

The point of it is... We do work out business.. and sometime it just isn't a perfect world now is it???? and then there are some consultants out their that don't' want to promote for what ever reason!!!!

 

[DebbieJ]

The point of it is... We do work out business.. and sometime it just isn't a perfect world now is it???? and then there are some consultants out their that don't' want to promote for what ever reason!!!!

Leah, I read some of your earlier posts in this thread. It sounds like you're doing lots of informing, but very little INVITING. There is a difference!

Also, handing out just 4 packets at 2 fairs is not enough! You'll only get recruits when you ask enough people.

You have to do more asking! Ask every guest! You should be asking every host.

JUST ASK!!!!

 

[mommyhugz1978]

Leah, I read some of your earlier posts in this thread. It sounds like you're doing lots of informing, but very little INVITING. There is a difference!

Also, handing out just 4 packets at 2 fairs is not enough! You'll only get recruits when you ask enough people.

You have to do more asking! Ask every guest! You should be asking every host.

JUST ASK!!!!

Well Obviously you haven't read any of my other postings... BUT first off all.... I do work my business and you no nothing but what I have or haven't done for my business. I DID to 2 fairs in two weeks BY MYSELF..... Where were you ??? were was any body else in my cluster sitting on your butt not working a fair so who is working what business and where?!! I do a lot of asking... but I am quite sick and tired of people bashing on consultants who work their business. AND I DO ASK!!! so who is asking who???
and I have recruited one person or did you not know that????

 

[ShanaSmith]

Leah and everyone, I think it is important to remember that we are all here to HELP each other. Those of us that are directors did not get here over night, or have it handed to us. (Perhaps we actually know a little bit more about how to run a successful business even) I know that you are working hard towards your goals, but I think you need to step back and reread some of these posts. This does not need to be an "Us Vs Them" issue or environment. If you are that upset about it, take the necessary steps and contact HO, or better yet, promote.

 

[mommyhugz1978]

Leah and everyone, I think it is important to remember that we are all here to HELP each other. Those of us that are directors did not get here over night, or have it handed to us. (Perhaps we actually know a little bit more about how to run a successful business even) I know that you are working hard towards your goals, but I think you need to step back and reread some of these posts. This does not need to be an "Us Vs Them" issue or environment. If you are that upset about it, take the necessary steps and contact HO, or better yet, promote.

What I am upset about is that everyone goes around saying it's a PERK and Promote... well its really easy for people to say who seem to have a rather easy time getting people to join their team... I haven't been doing this very long so i am still learning..... But I do not appricate people telling me what I am or not doing with my business.

 

[Teresa Lynn]

I think the word we all need to remember in these postings is RESPECT. We all have our own opinions and we have the right to those. Some of these postings are taking on very hateful overtones. Would you talk this way to a potential recruit when defending your position on HO policies ??



Leah, earlier when I posted I didn't say you said we had territories I just stated since we don't have them I didn't think any cons. (Director or otherwise) was going to pass the leads on.
I also live in a very small town, & I know of 4 other consultants here. 2 of them are on my TEAM. There is enough business to go around. 7 MK ladies live right here in my neighborhood 300 homes. Probably more but I have contact with these 7.

There is plenty of business to go around for them. The difference between us? EVERYONE has a kitchen so that makes EVERYONE I meet a potential host, customer, Team member..... MK cons. not everyone uses cosmetics.
They are all customers of mine but I don't purchase from them... (don't wear make up of any kind).

Everyone have a Blessed Sunday.

 

[Addie4TLC]

Thanks! Those are actually different catagories. But you have to have 15 qualified in the TPC period to get it for recruiting. I have to say I was surprised when I got the email from HO saying I was on track. The good thing is that there is always next year!

You're right. I will shoot for next year again. I meant that I didn't have the minimum 15K in the TPC period to earn the ring in recruiting. I didn't know about this stipulation until I read the fine print in the Consultant News. I was less than 2k away. I work full time so I didn't do as many shows. Now I'm trying to work on both.

When it comes to recruiting I think it's essential to have a good attitude because we will run accross all kinds of people, kit nappers, hobbiest (sp?), etc. Especially with the kit nappers it is very frustrating but keeping your cool is necessary to not lose your sanity. What goes around comes around. I had one kit napper tell me that she had her lawyer look at her contract and nowwhere did it say that she HAD to do 4 cooking shows or $1250!!! She went to all the trouble just to keep the kit and do nothing. Recruitting success is a numbers game, you have to be out there constantly in front of people and "maybe" one or two out of 10 will take you up on the offer. Hit and run doesn't work either, they have to see you in action and see how others react to you and the product. Doing Cooking shows is key.

I became Director 9 months after I signed, but I have struggled with my Directorship because I work full time. I just regained my Directorship a few months before National (pheew!), but for everyone else that's also new I would recommend you recruit more than the 5 and bill a strong base especially if your sales will not keep you at the $4K min.

 

[Addie4TLC]

...but for everyone else that's also new I would recommend you recruit more than the 5 and bill a strong base especially if your sales will not keep you at the $4K min.

Boy I must be sleepy.... I meant "BUILD"... Nite nite...

 

[mommyhugz1978]

IT doesn't matter what I think because.... I am just a consultant working her rear off trying to meet my personal goals..... Who cares because obviously it is not worth the battle of defending my opinions on how I feel about something. I do live in a small town their is four consultants here two of us who are active....and 7 Mary Kay Ladies.... and several other direct sales companies reps to go along with it. I Live in a Coast Guard Town. So their is plenty of business to go around however. It is frustrating to know that someone from my home town could go to pamperedchef.com and look for a consultant but did not know their were a few of us here locally. And get a director that is two hours away. NOW I don't' know about you but MOST the people in the town that I live in can't stand driving 5 mins down the road why would they want to drive two hours??? Do you see where I am going with this?? Not only is it frustrating to me as a consultant because I am working my business. Half of Astoria Oregon knows I self Pampered Chef now because they saw my booth at the fair two weeks ago. BUT to tell me that I don't' work it enough or that I am not inviting enough people to be a consultant. Here is the other side of the token I also talk to several consultants that were trying to stay active but are having a hard time because they moved from a really large area where PC is very popular to our small town. And believe me it is not easy for them to keep afloat. I am lucky I do have a director that calls or email all of her consultants every week to touch base and to see where we are with our goals. BUT their are also a lot of directors who do not do that......and there fore consultants are struggling. Now you can bash me or gouge me because you don't' agree with me or what ever however.... I am entitled to my opinion and my feelings. And I would apriecate it that if you would be care in telling people what their doing or not doing with their business.

 

[erinyourpclady]

I really don't see why FDs shouldn't get leads if they are submitting $1250 in three out of four months but it's not up to me! It's up to HO so contact them and ask for it!!!!

I filled out a questionnaire about products right after conference. It also asked what could be improved upon. You can bet that I included that some sort of system be created to allow FD's into the lead system.

I do agree with the Directors about it being a perk though. In my almost five years with the business, I have been SO close to promoting SO many times. I have been a Fauxrector for years...running meetings, trainings and such. I would love the opportunity to generate business from leads. So I told HO that!

 

[dannyzmom]

Well Obviously you haven't read any of my other postings... BUT first off all.... I do work my business and you no nothing but what I have or haven't done for my business. I DID to 2 fairs in two weeks BY MYSELF..... Where were you ??? were was any body else in my cluster sitting on your butt not working a fair so who is working what business and where?!! I do a lot of asking... but I am quite sick and tired of people bashing on consultants who work their business. AND I DO ASK!!! so who is asking who???
and I have recruited one person or did you not know that????

Leah - Deb was offering you suggestions - trying to HELP you. Your response to her is so out-of-line and rude I am stunned.

 

[pamperedlinda]

I have been a Fauxrector for years...running meetings, trainings and such.

Great term! Actually some of the directors I know are very Faux.....

 

[pamperedlinda]

Since everyone is offering their opinions on this, here is mine. I really don't have a problem with the Lead System. There should be extra perks to those who earn and maintain their directorship. I am not a director yet, but I will be one of these days - my goal is to do it and walk at Leadership. It is not happening as fast as I want it to, and after reading some of this thread I realize that it is because I am not asking enough people (but that's me, not some of you).

What I would like to see available on the PC website is a search option to find a consultant. You know, the kind where you know either the first or last name. I know that before I was a consultant I could tell you the first name of every consultant at every DS party I went to, I could never tell you what their last name was. (Actually I could because I kept my catalogs....but if I were talking to someone I'd say you know Becky what's her name, the PC lady.)

 

[pchefkristin]

Well Obviously you haven't read any of my other postings... BUT first off all.... I do work my business and you no nothing but what I have or haven't done for my business. I DID to 2 fairs in two weeks BY MYSELF..... Where were you ??? were was any body else in my cluster sitting on your butt not working a fair so who is working what business and where?!! I do a lot of asking... but I am quite sick and tired of people bashing on consultants who work their business. AND I DO ASK!!! so who is asking who???
and I have recruited one person or did you not know that????

Wow! I understand you are frustrated with this topic, but I think Deb was just saying that asking everyone would be a great way to approach recruiting. (and promoting to be able to receive leads)

I do not know you, and I have not read many of your posts outside of this one, but you strike me as someone who is focused on the negative. Again, I understand your concern for this deal. I am not sure what to think of this myself, and I am a director.
I too am in a small town. About 4,000 at most. I currently have 7 consultants in MY TOWN! Can you imagine? It makes me work only harder....

I recently have one gal on my team who is using me as an excuse for her business. Everyone knows me. But, I KNOW there are people she knows that I do not, so excuses are for those who do not set a goal and a dream. If you set a goal~ then write it down... if you do not have a goal, then what are you working for?!

I know that my rantings are off subject, but my other concern for you is why your people are not signing. I know you have taken all the courses, training and what not, I did read that correctly. I have one gal on my team that has had tons of leads. Nobody signing... I went to an interview with her and one of her gals and let her do all the talking... she was vomiting too much information onto those potentials! I couldnt believe she was "working it" so hard like that. Sometimes it is overkill and people get scared that there is too much to learn and know and they begin to doubt themselves and bail! Maybe you are too enthusiastic when approaching your potentials. I say go in with the basics. Cost of the kit, requirements for business (meeting once a month, four shows to qualify), who to contact for shows and then let them decide from there. The rest of the training can come after they have signed.

OK... I guess more than I wanted to type. Hope I dont get a bashing from you, but honestly.... why beat a dead horse? HO doesnt go into things like this willy nilly, so they must know what they are doing here... go with it, and hopefully it will work out for ALL OF US.

 

[DebbieJ]

Well Obviously you haven't read any of my other postings... BUT first off all.... I do work my business and you no nothing but what I have or haven't done for my business. I DID to 2 fairs in two weeks BY MYSELF..... Where were you ??? were was any body else in my cluster sitting on your butt not working a fair so who is working what business and where?!! I do a lot of asking... but I am quite sick and tired of people bashing on consultants who work their business. AND I DO ASK!!! so who is asking who???
and I have recruited one person or did you not know that????

Sorry, just trying to help! Obviously if you are working your business and getting the same results, something needs to change.

As to where I was, I was at the New Director Academy in St Louis where I was again reminded there is a small but significant difference between informing and inviting and I need to ASK EVERYONE if I want to grow my team.

 

[erinyourpclady]

Great term! Actually some of the directors I know are very Faux.....

Thanks! That is me..a Fauxrector. Eventually a Sales Director but I have to make that happen so until then I will be working it like I am already a Director without the benefits!!!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I was one who threw up all over everyone and people were either coming and leaving quickly or being scared away. Then I "got it" - something finally clicks. And I promoted within in 4 months. Then life happened and I lost my momentum. Got a few new team members but basically was hanging on.

Since the first of the year I have been more focused and have "gotten it" again. I offer the opportunity to everyone (especially my hosts) and give those who are interested the Your Life Your Way flyer and FOLLOW UP. But when I follow up I let THEM do the talking. If they are interested in more I meet with them or send them the additional papers that PC provides for us and the DVD (don't give them TOO MUCH - it overwhelms). I let them decide and I help them get off to a good start.

It's working! I have recruited 7 people this year so far and have several others who are very close.

Give everyone the opportunity to try this business - don't prejudge. Then make it about them and let them decide why they want to do this. And keep having fun - if you are having fun they want to get in on the party!

HTH

 

[PampMomof3]

Leah - Deb was offering you suggestions - trying to HELP you. Your response to her is so out-of-line and rude I am stunned.

I agree. Leah, I think the way you've been responding to these messages have been so hateful.:grumpy: We are all here to help each other and honestly I feel like CS has been so negative lately. I'm not saying it's your fault but PC has been in the business for 27 years and they know what they're doing. If you don't like it, think about selling for some other DS company. THe grass isn't always greener. I'm probably going to get a lashing from you but I'm just SO tired of all the damn complaining on this site that I'm barely on it anymore! I don't think I'll be sending any of my new recruits here either. It's not because I feel I need to shield them from anything but when you're new, you want all positve information and it just seems that people are complaining that I don't get this and I don't get that. My DH always tells me to work smarter not harder. Take a step back, re-evaluate where you're going wrong (with getting them to sign) and actively sign them. Good LUck.

I also have to tell you that my recruiter is great BUT she has an attitude. She's been selling for almost 4 years and she currently has me and another gal. Well, she's about to lose me since I promoted to Director before she did. She can't understand why she's not signing new leads. I've told her its the way she talks to people and its sad because she really does have good intentions. Maybe that's what's going on with you?

 

[ShanaSmith]

Addie: I didn't know that either! Wow! I'm sorry you missed it, that would be really hard. I hope this year goes better for you.

 

[BethCooks4U]

It's sad that this has become an us vs them thread. Directors have earned the perks. I wanted them and I set my goals to achieve it. I had a lot of setbacks and it took longer than I wanted but I never felt that I should get those rewards no matter how hard I was working. I achieved some things that directors didn't and they got more rewards because they did the minimum. I FELT it wasn't fair but I KNEW that they had done things in the past to earn where they were.

I don't think any of the directors chiming in here is saying anyone isn't working their business. What we are saying is work your business. If you are really working and not succeeding, then look at what your doing and change out some things to see it that works. We have all done that. We have all been where you are.

We are here because we care about you and want to help you succeed in your business.

 

[mommyhugz1978]

I do have a goal, I have met one half of that goal with my bookings, I decided to do two county fairs back to back. Their a week apart...... I booked 14 shows and sold over $1031.00 worth of products... one of those 4 recuriting packets.... Was someone walking up to me and asking me about becoming a consultant. I had packet pre-made up so I didn't' have to take things out of my display. I showed her what was in the packet. She is also pregnant and wants extra income, I open my calender and asked when would be a good time this week to sit down with you. Well we had one little problem she went into labor, so we are waiting until next week to talk. I wanted to give her a little time to settle down with the baby. Being a mom myself I understand how she would feel a little overwhelmed after having a baby. thats just one of the recuriting packets that I gave out.... NOW I do have over 200 drawing slips that I am still going through and half of them people have marked that their interested in information about the biz.

Now I never said I didn't' want to sell PC anymore nor did I imply it what I am upset about is the approach with this letter/email that they sent out and the packet that their sending out to past host. That is what I am upset about..... and that you can't go to pamperechef.com and search for a consultant either by their last or first name. I understand their is a perk system for being director but having tossed around in my face by others is not my idea of helping someone.

Now I have to agree with Chef Kearns...it's beating a dead horse at this point.
And now that everyone thinks that I am being rude, or negative becasue of how I feel... well I am sorry but I am intitled to being upset or frustrated am I not? Or is that just left up to everyone else??!!! But I am done trying to defend myself or my opinions....... becasue their is simply no point in it....


To get anywhere you have to work hard and promote..... well I have my goals wrote down in front of me. I have refocused my business starting in January of this year...... I have had to change a lot of things... but then again most people wouldn't' know that about me because you don't' know me outside of chatting online.

 

[MGG]

I do not have a problem with the lead system--it motivates me to keep working towards directorship. I have a few leads from fairs that I have been in touch with who had shows "a while back" or "used to do PC parties" NOT WITH ME and I called them when I first met them, send my monthly newsletter and an occasional postcard or to some a mini catalog. Now that I know some of them may be getting a packet I will use that to motivate me and do alot of calling this coming week so they have me fresh in mind when their packet comes. Hopefully they wil prefer someone they have met over a name on paper.

I choose to work this to my advantage--at least I won't be using my postage!!

Any suggestions on what I should say when I call--I am not sure ofcourse who will get a packet and who will not.
Marisol