Restarting My PC Business: Lessons Learned and Tips for Success

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores personal experiences and strategies related to restarting a Pampered Chef business after a break. Participants share their challenges, successes, and various methods for generating bookings and expanding their customer base.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, reflects on the challenges of taking a break from their business and the difficulties in regaining momentum afterward.
  • Another participant shares their experience of successfully booking shows by reaching out to potential hosts and leveraging seasonal promotions.
  • One participant discusses the impact of wearing logo apparel and using a catalog tote to promote their business, although they face challenges with carrying multiple items as a parent.
  • Another participant expresses interest in exploring booth opportunities to diversify their approach to gaining bookings.
  • One participant mentions their successful experience with a Christmas party that resulted in a significant show, highlighting the potential of new events for client acquisition.
  • Another participant shares their strategy of finding vendor events through online searches and local listings to boost their business after a long break.
  • One participant notes the effectiveness of trade shows for generating leads and suggests collaborative efforts with others in their cluster to share costs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods for generating bookings, with some participants advocating for booths and events while others focus on personal outreach and shows. No clear consensus emerges on a single effective strategy.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences from various locations and circumstances, including military relocations and personal challenges, which influence their business practices and strategies.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking to restart or enhance their Pampered Chef business may find insights and experiences shared by others in similar situations helpful.

C
Cr8vKitchen
Messages
103
In all the training I listened to (and there was a LOT), there was always advice about keeping your business consistent. Well, I didn't listen! Late in the summer, I was feeling very overwhelmed and decided I needed to take a break from PC. I stayed active but really only did a show, maybe 2, a month. Well- huge mistake! Once you take even just a month off, it's like starting all over again.

In the past, I haven't had an issue getting the bookings I wanted for the most part but the trick was this- I GOT THEM AT MY SHOWS! If you stop having shows that equals no upcoming shows. I've struggled along, really since August, just keeping my head above water and staying active.

Now as the new year approaches I very much want to get my business jump-started again. I know I need to practice 3-2-1 faithfully and I plan to but let me ask you this- other than that, what are one or two things you do/use to increase your customer base/get bookings (outside of shows)?

Thanks so much and best wishes for the New Year!
 
Last edited:
Hey Sheila!
You can do it girl!
I know my Nov/Dec shows were very hard to get bookings out of....sure I got bookings - for Feb & March! What was I supposed to do until then.....
Well I have convinced my mom to host a show for me in Jan! Its a super awesome host special, so I want her to earn tons of goodies!
But I also called/emailed/went and talked to all the ladies who had said "maybe" this past year....and I explained how they can earn 50% more FREE and how its a super awesome month to host a show!!! and I explained that I knew people would be tired/broke from Christmas so lets do them towards the end of the month... I also said that alot of people probably have a resolution to eat healthy/lose weight this year, so lets use the grill pan/press and make some delicious chicken and do a salad in my bamboo bowl as the side!
It totally worked! I got 5 shows booked and the ladies are all excited about their shows! It is really weird not doing my first show until the 17th of the month....but hey, I'll do whatever I can to keep having shows and filling people's lives w/PC! hehe! I'm so totally addicted!
Oh, my mom and I also knit scarves and we decided we are going to split a booth at the local farmer's market! I am going to take a million mini catalogs and a few super awesome products and hope to make some new friends that way!
Good luck girl!!!!! Wishing you great success this new year!
 
The military just moved us to a new base in Japan. The logo on my car has gotten the most attention thus far. I wear logo shirts just about every time that I go out in public, but no bites yet.

I have a catalog tote, but with a 1 year old, a 3 year old, my purse & the diaper bag already in tow, the catalog tote pretty much gets left in the car. I haven't been able to strip down to bare minimum yet & put the essentials in the catalog tote so that I can leave the purse & diaper bag behind. I can't bring myself to drop the sippy cups down in the bag! I know they will leak. :(

Hubby & I both wore Pampered Chef aprons at Halloween & I handed out mini catalogs to the parents. LOL

In Okinawa, I did a LOT of booths and that's really when my business took off and started exploding. I don't have booth opportunities on this new base.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Thanks so much, Sheila & Abigail. It sounds like you both do booths which I've never really done. How do you go about finding these opportunities? I would really like to try something new with my business instead of just depending on my shows to get bookings.

Just an update- I sent an email to all of my friends, family, neighbors, past hosts, etc. basically saying the same thing but "I need your help" and talked about the Jan. special. I've already booked one show from that for January so I'm very excited!

Thanks again!
 
I carry my catalog tote. It's been pretty helpful. We just moved here in June (military) and I just decided to step up my business in October. It's been going well (not smooth though).
On Monday I got a great lead off my catalog tote. (See the thread I posted "I think my catalog tote just paid for itself" under Bookings) Wearing logo wear is also a great way to make people say "HEY! Pampered Chef! I need something!"
 
Cr8vKitchen said:
Thanks so much, Sheila & Abigail. It sounds like you both do booths which I've never really done. How do you go about finding these opportunities? I would really like to try something new with my business instead of just depending on my shows to get bookings.
Click to expand...

I haven't actually done booths before! But I really want to meet new people and expand my client base! I got asked to do a christmas party and that went great! $750 show of all new clients! So I really want to just put myself out there and try new things! The great thing about splitting the booth w/ my mom is that it will only cost us $10 each! I live in a super small town...about 10k people, and I want to sell to them all! hehe!
You can always go by like the Chamber of Commerce, or a community center or something....that lists local events in town and then ask how you can get involved with it!
Congrats about your show you booked so far! How exciting!
Happy New Year!
 
I took a very long break from PC to the tune of 2years and resigned up in September of last year!! After some soul searching and floundering around with other direct sales companies I decided it was time to come back to what I really know how to do!! I started off with a bang in Oct with my first show and completed my first 100 day's of business in quailfed :) However I was able to find small vendor events that didnt' cost very much for the holiday I found a lot of them on craigslist. How I find county fairs and home and garden shows etc is I google county fair 2011 and my state which is Oregon and it gives me a list of all the counties in oregon and when their fairs are! And just decide which one you want to do. I am trying to figure out how to really start 2011 off with a huge bang and keep up the momentium that I have built for myself!! I hope that helps you out
 
Trade shows are really great for getting leads. Have a drawing with a prize and you would be surprised on how many you can get. Bridal fairs, Taste of Home, and County Fairs are a good place to start. They do cost money so if others in your cluster want to go in on it. Ask your Director for some help.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key lessons learned from restarting a direct sales business like Pampered Chef?

One of the key lessons is the importance of understanding your target market and adapting your approach to meet their needs. Additionally, leveraging social media and online platforms for marketing can significantly enhance your reach. It's also crucial to stay organized and set clear goals to track your progress effectively.

How can I effectively market my Pampered Chef business after restarting?

Utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest can be highly effective for marketing your business. Create engaging content that showcases your products, share cooking tips, and host virtual cooking demonstrations. Additionally, consider collaborating with influencers or hosting giveaways to increase visibility.

What strategies can I implement to build a strong customer base?

Building a strong customer base involves consistent communication and relationship-building. Offer exceptional customer service, follow up with customers after purchases, and ask for feedback. Consider implementing a referral program to encourage satisfied customers to share your business with their friends and family.

How can I stay motivated during the challenges of restarting my business?

Staying motivated can be challenging, but setting small, achievable goals can help maintain your momentum. Surround yourself with supportive peers or mentors who understand the direct sales industry. Additionally, celebrate your successes, no matter how small, to keep your spirits high and remind yourself of your progress.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when restarting my Pampered Chef business?

Common mistakes include underestimating the importance of planning and organization, neglecting to follow up with leads, and failing to adapt to changing market trends. It's also important to avoid spreading yourself too thin; focus on a few effective strategies rather than trying to do everything at once.

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