Reviving a PC Business: The Challenges of Balancing Family and Career

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by Pampered Chef consultants in managing relationships with recruits who become inactive. Participants share personal experiences regarding their attempts to engage with recruits who show initial enthusiasm but later disengage from the business.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recounts a recruit who initially showed excitement but became inactive after a brief period, raising concerns about her commitment.
  • Another participant shares a similar experience with a friend who struggles with personal crises, suggesting that external factors may affect engagement levels.
  • Several users mention the frustration of dealing with recruits who go inactive after initial enthusiasm, with one noting a recruit who had scheduled shows but failed to follow through.
  • One participant highlights the importance of creating a sense of urgency regarding reactivation timelines for inactive recruits.
  • Another participant describes a situation where a recruit was unresponsive, leading to feelings of being a "pampered pest" when trying to reach out.
  • Some participants suggest that a non-pressuring approach may help ease recruits' anxiety and potentially rekindle their interest.
  • One participant humorously suggests a voicemail message that implies urgency in getting a response from an inactive recruit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the best approach to re-engage inactive recruits, with no clear consensus on a single effective strategy.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and challenges faced by consultants in maintaining relationships with recruits, emphasizing the variability in individual circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are navigating similar challenges with inactive recruits may find the shared experiences and strategies discussed in this thread relevant to their situations.

dannyzmom
dannyzmom
Gold Member
Messages
9,271
I am not sure where to post this - I just realized we don't have a category for team building/leadership type of concerns...anyway, ehere's my deal...

I recruited a gal in August of 05. She went inactive before qualifying and then pretty much fell off the face of the earth.

She, at the time, was a single mom of two teens...working a 9-5 job with a big bank...has been a PC fan for years - great outgoing personality - lots of fun...

but...she dropped off the face of the earth.

Then about 6 weeks ago she drops me an email tellnig me she met a great guy last year - a widow with 3 kids, and they're engaged. They want for her to be a SAHM (his youngest is 3) so she's hoping to get re-started with PC to supplement their income. She asks me to order her some catalogs and order forms...she comes to the training that week - gets the cats and order forms from me (and pays me for them)...is all talking about how excited she is to get started again...

...and


...then


...drops off the face of the earth again.

???????????????
 
Carolyn, how many times have you tried to contact her? Maybe if your voice sounds like its urgent she'd return your call? I dont have any recruits but thats just crazy how she doesnt return calls. How many shows away is she from qualifying?
 
Sounds like a friend of mine. My friend is a great employee but is all over the place in her personal life - new guy every few months, tons of kids activities, moving homes, car breaking down, etc. She lives in crisis mode. If there is not something super exciting, then she's not interested.

I would try to meet in person with her and explain everything she needs to do to meet her goals. Once she understands and is motivated - on her own - then she will do what needs to be done. You might want to try to get her to want some of the bonuses (Nov. sellathon) and have her focus on that. I'm sure, once there is no special, she'll disappear. But she'll reappear in full force as soon as there is another special, her man is gone or some other crisis happens.

Good luck keeping her focused.
 
I have one of those... frustrating!
She signed up and was soooo excited to get started. Orders her kit, calls me every day with questions, gets her kit and falls off the earth.
Five months go by, she calls my cell phone out of the blue, leaves a message about how busy she's been and says she's got 4 shows scheduled for October and she's going to get started....

And...

Falls off the face of the earth.
No shows submitted for October of course. LOL

Whatever :rolleyes: :confused:
 
I think there's a few of these in every cluster!

One important thing to note is the month she went inactive. She's only got 12 months to reactivate by submitting $200. If she waits longer than that, she has to buy a new kit. That's something you can use to create a sense of urgency.
 
I have been there too. I have one that disappered and her phone was disconected. I had to send her a certified letter when HO contacted me with a problem with a show. (She was still selling). I asked her to contact me and update her info with HO, nothing, then I tried her phone again and got her, and she gave me the thing about, Oh I know I should have called you back..... now she is gone again. Oh well!
 
I have one who went inactive and when I send her an email she sends back a one word answer. Then, she stopped answering me all together. So, my director offers her help, sends her a well-tought out email and then she gets a one word answer. So, its not me and its sure not YOU!

I had one other go inactive and after almost a year, she's back and she doing awesome. I guess just be there for her.

BTW: Have you left the "I'm beginning to feel like a pampered pest... if you're not ready for this, just let me know so I don't harrass you" message?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
AJPratt said:
BTW: Have you left the "I'm beginning to feel like a pampered pest... if you're not ready for this, just let me know so I don't harrass you" message?
Click to expand...

Ooooh - I love this and will jhave to try it!
 
I ask them to just give me a call, and if now isn't a good time, or they have decided its not for them its perfectly ok. (Even though I'd be disappointed!)

Two things about this: 1) No pressure may put them at ease and 2) When something is no longer is reach, it may pique their curiosity. Like when the salesman says, "You know, you're right... this might not be for you." makes the client want to buy it.

(Sorry, 13 years of broadcast advertising--LOL)
 
How about this message on voice mail:

"If someone besides Betsy is listening to this message, PLEASE have her call me because I KNOW Betsy would return my call."

If it doesn't work, write her off until her next "bi-polar high".
 
Paige Dixon said:
If it doesn't work, write her off until her next "bi-polar high".
Click to expand...

OMG! That is too funny! I was thinking more of split personalities...
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common challenges faced when reviving a Pampered Chef business while managing family responsibilities?

Common challenges include time management, finding a balance between family commitments and business activities, and dealing with potential feelings of guilt when prioritizing work over family time. Additionally, there may be challenges in re-establishing customer relationships and staying motivated amidst family obligations.

How can I effectively manage my time to balance my Pampered Chef business and family life?

Effective time management can be achieved by setting a clear schedule that includes dedicated business hours and family time. Utilizing tools like calendars and planners can help prioritize tasks. It's also beneficial to communicate your schedule with family members to ensure everyone is on the same page and can support your business efforts.

What strategies can I use to stay motivated in my Pampered Chef business while juggling family duties?

Staying motivated can be supported by setting small, achievable goals for your business and celebrating each milestone. Joining a supportive community of fellow Pampered Chef consultants can provide encouragement and accountability. Additionally, reminding yourself of your 'why'—the reasons you started your business—can help maintain your motivation.

How can I involve my family in my Pampered Chef business?

Involving your family can create a supportive environment and help you balance responsibilities. You can assign age-appropriate tasks to children, such as helping with product demonstrations or organizing supplies. Additionally, sharing your business successes and challenges with your family can foster understanding and support for your endeavors.

What resources are available for Pampered Chef consultants looking to revive their business?

Resources include Pampered Chef's official training materials, online webinars, and local consultant groups. Social media platforms can also provide networking opportunities and support. Additionally, books and podcasts on direct sales and time management can offer valuable insights and strategies for balancing business and family life.

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