Share Your Worst Show Story - No Judgement Allowed!
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Discussion Overview
The thread centers on participants sharing their experiences of their worst cooking shows, focusing on challenges faced during these events, particularly regarding attendance and sales. Participants express a desire to connect over their less successful experiences to alleviate feelings of isolation in their struggles.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, recalls a show where no guests attended, resulting in only two small orders.
- Another participant shares their experience of a show with a small number of guests who placed minimal orders, compounded by a difficult host.
- Several users mention shows where attendance was low, leading to disappointing sales figures, despite efforts to promote the event.
- One participant describes a particularly challenging experience with a host who misled guests about the nature of the event, leading to a negative atmosphere.
- Another participant recounts a show where only one guest attended, but they still managed to submit an order.
- Some participants note that they have had shows with only a few attendees but have found ways to make the best of the situation.
- One participant mentions a show where a dog damaged a product, adding to the chaos of the event.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the severity of experiences, with some participants sharing similar challenges while others highlight unique difficulties. No clear consensus emerges regarding the worst experiences, as each participant's story reflects personal circumstances.
Contextual Notes
Participants share their experiences from various stages of their consulting careers, indicating that challenges can occur regardless of experience level. The nature of the shows discussed varies, with some focusing on personal events and others on hosted shows.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may resonate with consultants seeking camaraderie in their experiences of challenging shows, particularly those who have faced similar difficulties in attendance and sales.
pampered1224
Silver Member
- 3,768
OK try this one on for sizePicture this:
1) A One hour, 15 minute drive to the party
2) 60 invited guests - it is a double party - two hosts - a mom and DIL.
3) Couples show
4) I spent over $60 on food
5) The kitchen was about 120 degrees and I am a sweater any way.
6) The ladies are watching the demo - about 24 of them
7) The guys are in the connected family room getting drunk and cheering the
football game. I still have no clue how anyone heard anything.
8) The party started at 7 p.m. - I left at 11 p.m. after cleaning up and finally
getting the final order from a lady who was, well, three sheets to the wind.
9) Grand total sales for the 4 hours, all the noice and heat and food cost -
$195!
Needless to say, I was not a happy camper. A week later we finally closed out each show at $155 and $162.
Next time I hear that they want to serve booze, forget it!
The really bad part, the mom, is the sister of one of my very best hosts!
We all have em, we all chalk it up to experience and then we simply run screaming in the other direction if they want another show!
1) A One hour, 15 minute drive to the party
2) 60 invited guests - it is a double party - two hosts - a mom and DIL.
3) Couples show
4) I spent over $60 on food
5) The kitchen was about 120 degrees and I am a sweater any way.
6) The ladies are watching the demo - about 24 of them
7) The guys are in the connected family room getting drunk and cheering the
football game. I still have no clue how anyone heard anything.
8) The party started at 7 p.m. - I left at 11 p.m. after cleaning up and finally
getting the final order from a lady who was, well, three sheets to the wind.
9) Grand total sales for the 4 hours, all the noice and heat and food cost -
$195!
Needless to say, I was not a happy camper. A week later we finally closed out each show at $155 and $162.
Next time I hear that they want to serve booze, forget it!
The really bad part, the mom, is the sister of one of my very best hosts!
We all have em, we all chalk it up to experience and then we simply run screaming in the other direction if they want another show!
janetupnorth
Gold Member
- 14,814
I, as a new consultant am not seriously "worried" reading this thread because I've been around PC (and life) long enough to know these things happen. Any worries for my first show are superficial... ...I am enjoying the stories seriously and only worry on this thread in jest.
Keep going...some are really funny!
Keep going...some are really funny!
ChefinHarmony
- 372
Here's mine - I'm posting because I haven't heard this one yet!!
One of my first 6 shows - a booking off my 3rd show. This Host was so sweet, excited to Host etc. So I say "Sure." Get home, realize she is over 1 hour away!
So, go to her show - way out there (Hubby thinks I'm nuts). She has about 15 people, great! Her Mom comes in late, introducing her "new boyfriend" to the group (everyone screams) - then she says "we are in Love & Getting married" (totally lost the crowd)! In the meantime, two sister-in-laws come with their two babies who are 2 weeks apart and only about 2 months old. Lost the crowd again! It was a HUGE family reunion that I ended up catering!! During the show, the only person watching me/listening was the Past Host!!! She kept apologizing. I actually stopped talking and just finished my demo.
Anyway, left the show with about $300 in orders - not bad. That WEEK, three people call me and say "I changed my mind, I need to cancel my order, I can't afford it, etc" So her show goes down to about $130. I can't get the Host to meet with me to close it - she scheduled meetings then didn't show up! So about a month later, we meet to close out a show and the GUESTS who cancelled, NEVER told her!! She barely made $200 and was shocked! I was embarrassed.
Here's the funny part... First Host (one who paid attention to me at the nightmare show) repeats a show THIS Feb - the same Guest/Past Host is there and can't wait to book again!! The Host tells me "Book her show and then cancel on her because you can't go through that again!" How am I supposed to do that?!?!? So, I scheduled a show for this past Sunday, and prayed she would cancel!! She ended up cancelling due to weather (ice storm) and didn't say anything about rescheduling, so I let it go! WHEW!!!
Anyone ever have a worst show/host try to repeat!?!?! How did you handle it??
Open Houses - I did one. Too much money, too much time. I did get 3 bookings out of it, but it wasn't worth it. I was warned told by various directors, my recruiter, etc, that they weren't worth it. Pampered Chef doesn't seem to be that type of business - it seems like your Guests come for the Host - personal friends and family to help the host out. That's what I learned. Now, I did a "Mystery Host" catalog show in Nov - and that was HUGE success. I only picked my "Top Hosts" of the year though and they worked it, not me!
This was a fun thread!!
Joanne
One of my first 6 shows - a booking off my 3rd show. This Host was so sweet, excited to Host etc. So I say "Sure." Get home, realize she is over 1 hour away!
So, go to her show - way out there (Hubby thinks I'm nuts). She has about 15 people, great! Her Mom comes in late, introducing her "new boyfriend" to the group (everyone screams) - then she says "we are in Love & Getting married" (totally lost the crowd)! In the meantime, two sister-in-laws come with their two babies who are 2 weeks apart and only about 2 months old. Lost the crowd again! It was a HUGE family reunion that I ended up catering!! During the show, the only person watching me/listening was the Past Host!!! She kept apologizing. I actually stopped talking and just finished my demo.
Anyway, left the show with about $300 in orders - not bad. That WEEK, three people call me and say "I changed my mind, I need to cancel my order, I can't afford it, etc" So her show goes down to about $130. I can't get the Host to meet with me to close it - she scheduled meetings then didn't show up! So about a month later, we meet to close out a show and the GUESTS who cancelled, NEVER told her!! She barely made $200 and was shocked! I was embarrassed.
Here's the funny part... First Host (one who paid attention to me at the nightmare show) repeats a show THIS Feb - the same Guest/Past Host is there and can't wait to book again!! The Host tells me "Book her show and then cancel on her because you can't go through that again!" How am I supposed to do that?!?!? So, I scheduled a show for this past Sunday, and prayed she would cancel!! She ended up cancelling due to weather (ice storm) and didn't say anything about rescheduling, so I let it go! WHEW!!!
Anyone ever have a worst show/host try to repeat!?!?! How did you handle it??
Open Houses - I did one. Too much money, too much time. I did get 3 bookings out of it, but it wasn't worth it. I was warned told by various directors, my recruiter, etc, that they weren't worth it. Pampered Chef doesn't seem to be that type of business - it seems like your Guests come for the Host - personal friends and family to help the host out. That's what I learned. Now, I did a "Mystery Host" catalog show in Nov - and that was HUGE success. I only picked my "Top Hosts" of the year though and they worked it, not me!
This was a fun thread!!
Joanne
SillyChef
- 1,091
ChefinHarmony said:
I am starting to begin to think that my open houses are the ones that are bogging me down. I love having cooking shows and seem to reap MORE rewards off that, personally and in a business sense. But Open Houses totally bomb for me. I think that is where I went wrong. As a matter of factly that IS where I went wrong...
kltaylo
- 51
My worst show would have to be the one I did tonight. Commissionable sales are $154. I get ready to leave her house, and back up my car....right into her boyfriends car. Oh...and let me add he is a cop and it was his patrol car that I hit. No damage to his car, but I dented mine pretty good. At least he was very nice to me and I didn't get a ticket. I have been selling PC for 4 1/2 yrs so this isn't going to discourage me in my business...it just really sucks!
dollfangs
Silver Member
- 320
kltaylo
- 51
jenniferlynne
- 1,995
I love these threads!!!! I love to read the stories. Almost all of my shows are just fine, but there is one that I will never forget!!
Ok, it started with a friend of mine booking a Mommy and Me show. One of her friends came that has three out of control kids. They were jumping on the couch, destroying my friends kid's bedroom, and she never said a word to them! My friend had to keep getting onto them. Her oldest son kept walking up to me in the middle of the demo and yelling "Drink!!!!" in my face. He is about 8 years old or so and he just kept screaming one word sentences. I knew that his Father was a brick shy of a full load, so I just assumed he had inherited it. I honestly thought he had a mental disability.
Anyway, the Mother of these kids books a show and this is where my worst show comes in. I don't get as many shows during the warmer months, so I was offering free shows last year during the Spring Sell-A-Thon. I mailed out the invites and bought all the food. I kept it simple by doing Hot Pizza Dip and a pull apart bread. Both easy and fairly cheap, especially if bought in bulk for all of my shows. A week or so before show I have to stop at her house and pick up her guest list because she is behind in sending it out. I have the whole family with me because we were on our way home from Church. Her two boys are outside on bikes and they run up to the van when I pulled in. I asked if their Mom was home and they just stare at me. I go and knock on the door. She answers and lets me in. The house is a total nasty mess. It takes her forever to find the guest list. When I finally get back out to the van, her kids have their faces pressed up against the window and one of them is even licking the window! I try to get in but the doors are locked. My husband said he had to lock them because they kept opening them and trying to get in. When I go to back out, I have to drive like 1 mile an hour because they are chasing me like a dog would. I was afriad I might hit one of them.
The day of the show, I make my step-daughter Emily go with me so she can help me keep the kids out of my stuff. When we get there I notice the host's car is sitting there with the doors open. I saw her oldest boy (the one I thought had a mental disability). I try to make small talk by asking him where his younger brother is. He answers in a normal voice that he is sleeping. I start carrying my stuff in. On one of my trips in, I see the younger brother come climbing out of the car. I said "Oh, there you are!" The older one says "I told you he was asleep!" Can you believe she left him in the car to sleep!! He was probably only about 4 or 5, and it was 90 degrees outside!!
Anyway, as I'm getting set up, it becomes clear that there is nothing wrong with the older boy at all. He can talk normal and was actually behaving fairly well. I guess he was just being a major brat at the other show. However, the younger brother and the baby sister were into everything!!! Emily had to guard my stuff while I was carrying it in. Time for the show to start and no one is there. We wait and finally a Sister-In-Law shows up. I start doing the demo. While I am doing it the younger boy picks up a bamboo stick and hits me across the back with it. The Mother never says a word so the SIL has to get onto him. He won't listen so she finally gets up and just takes it away from him. I set the food out on the coffee table. Before I can move, the older boy grabs my bamboo tongs out of my TTA and sticks them up his nose. Then he sticks them in the pull-apart bread. The baby sister goes over and starts playing in the pizza dip. Not only is she covered in it, it's all over the coffee table and carpet (this house was very dirty to start with). The Mother just lets her do it!! I could not wait to get out of there! I ended up with about $75in orders, so I added her's on to another show and just gave her $10 free plus the tongs that had been up her kids nose.
The first host from the Mommy and Me show is a new recruit of mine, so I guess this friend of hers will be one of her customers. I feel sorry for her.
Ok, it started with a friend of mine booking a Mommy and Me show. One of her friends came that has three out of control kids. They were jumping on the couch, destroying my friends kid's bedroom, and she never said a word to them! My friend had to keep getting onto them. Her oldest son kept walking up to me in the middle of the demo and yelling "Drink!!!!" in my face. He is about 8 years old or so and he just kept screaming one word sentences. I knew that his Father was a brick shy of a full load, so I just assumed he had inherited it. I honestly thought he had a mental disability.
Anyway, the Mother of these kids books a show and this is where my worst show comes in. I don't get as many shows during the warmer months, so I was offering free shows last year during the Spring Sell-A-Thon. I mailed out the invites and bought all the food. I kept it simple by doing Hot Pizza Dip and a pull apart bread. Both easy and fairly cheap, especially if bought in bulk for all of my shows. A week or so before show I have to stop at her house and pick up her guest list because she is behind in sending it out. I have the whole family with me because we were on our way home from Church. Her two boys are outside on bikes and they run up to the van when I pulled in. I asked if their Mom was home and they just stare at me. I go and knock on the door. She answers and lets me in. The house is a total nasty mess. It takes her forever to find the guest list. When I finally get back out to the van, her kids have their faces pressed up against the window and one of them is even licking the window! I try to get in but the doors are locked. My husband said he had to lock them because they kept opening them and trying to get in. When I go to back out, I have to drive like 1 mile an hour because they are chasing me like a dog would. I was afriad I might hit one of them.
The day of the show, I make my step-daughter Emily go with me so she can help me keep the kids out of my stuff. When we get there I notice the host's car is sitting there with the doors open. I saw her oldest boy (the one I thought had a mental disability). I try to make small talk by asking him where his younger brother is. He answers in a normal voice that he is sleeping. I start carrying my stuff in. On one of my trips in, I see the younger brother come climbing out of the car. I said "Oh, there you are!" The older one says "I told you he was asleep!" Can you believe she left him in the car to sleep!! He was probably only about 4 or 5, and it was 90 degrees outside!!
Anyway, as I'm getting set up, it becomes clear that there is nothing wrong with the older boy at all. He can talk normal and was actually behaving fairly well. I guess he was just being a major brat at the other show. However, the younger brother and the baby sister were into everything!!! Emily had to guard my stuff while I was carrying it in. Time for the show to start and no one is there. We wait and finally a Sister-In-Law shows up. I start doing the demo. While I am doing it the younger boy picks up a bamboo stick and hits me across the back with it. The Mother never says a word so the SIL has to get onto him. He won't listen so she finally gets up and just takes it away from him. I set the food out on the coffee table. Before I can move, the older boy grabs my bamboo tongs out of my TTA and sticks them up his nose. Then he sticks them in the pull-apart bread. The baby sister goes over and starts playing in the pizza dip. Not only is she covered in it, it's all over the coffee table and carpet (this house was very dirty to start with). The Mother just lets her do it!! I could not wait to get out of there! I ended up with about $75in orders, so I added her's on to another show and just gave her $10 free plus the tongs that had been up her kids nose.
The first host from the Mommy and Me show is a new recruit of mine, so I guess this friend of hers will be one of her customers. I feel sorry for her.
speedychef
- 1,035
WOW Jennifer! That is obscene! I have no idea what I'd do in that situation!! I was at one show where the kids were screaming and running around in the background and I wanted someone to stop them, but they were just being kids, they weren't being destructive or sticking things in their nose and the food...They just needed to be a little further away than the next room...
C. Schapker
- 38
Short and sweet. This is not neccesarily a bad show, ended up quite well because the guest felt bad for the host, but it is funny.
Before the show started I noticed the host was very nervous. I was constantly reassuring her people would come and we will all fit. (Extremely small house) I went to the rest room and fixed my apron and "got ready" about a few minutes before the show started and this is when the chaos began. Upon flushing the toilet (o.k you can laugh) the toilet OVERFLOWS EVERYWHERE!!!!
Trying to be calm because of my nervous host I pulled her aside to inform her of the not so good news and start cleaning up when she looses it and almost yells...."That ****toilet" Well all of her "crammed in 15 guests" started laughing. She calmed down and we continued on.
Trying to keep my composure and keep her calm we did continue on but needless to say after about 20 minutes into my demo. the doorbell rand and in walked the ROTO ROOTER guy!! I am glad I don't embarrass easily!
We all had a laugh and moved on. It was quite awhile ago but a very rememerable experience and one I laugh at all the time. It could always have been worse. But, the host, believe it or not said she had a great time. We did have another show together. And yes, at that show we laughed then too......
If you can't have fun, be the fun!
Before the show started I noticed the host was very nervous. I was constantly reassuring her people would come and we will all fit. (Extremely small house) I went to the rest room and fixed my apron and "got ready" about a few minutes before the show started and this is when the chaos began. Upon flushing the toilet (o.k you can laugh) the toilet OVERFLOWS EVERYWHERE!!!!
Trying to be calm because of my nervous host I pulled her aside to inform her of the not so good news and start cleaning up when she looses it and almost yells...."That ****toilet" Well all of her "crammed in 15 guests" started laughing. She calmed down and we continued on.
Trying to keep my composure and keep her calm we did continue on but needless to say after about 20 minutes into my demo. the doorbell rand and in walked the ROTO ROOTER guy!! I am glad I don't embarrass easily!
We all had a laugh and moved on. It was quite awhile ago but a very rememerable experience and one I laugh at all the time. It could always have been worse. But, the host, believe it or not said she had a great time. We did have another show together. And yes, at that show we laughed then too......
If you can't have fun, be the fun!
Teresa Lynn
Gold Member
- 3,447
A year ago I did a show over an hour away.
halfway down the sidewalk I was gagging from the smell.
Every surface was sticky & dirty, food on plates scattered everywhere even on the window sills, clumps of mac and cheese on the carpet under the table, hard candy stuck to the tiles, chewed gum on the arm of the sofa. sofa cushions ripped and /or missing. (tricky for the guests)
the house reeked of something I'm unsure what it was.
There were roaches were everywhere walls, counters all over my products.
I have never witnessed anything that nasty. Her guests were late so I had to keep "busy" on my laptop to avoid sitting down. I was totally freaked out and stripped my clothes off as soon as I walked in the garage and chunked them in the washer.
My products were thoroughly washed that night & I left my showcase outside...... didn't even talk about bookings or the opportunity.
halfway down the sidewalk I was gagging from the smell.
Every surface was sticky & dirty, food on plates scattered everywhere even on the window sills, clumps of mac and cheese on the carpet under the table, hard candy stuck to the tiles, chewed gum on the arm of the sofa. sofa cushions ripped and /or missing. (tricky for the guests)
the house reeked of something I'm unsure what it was.
There were roaches were everywhere walls, counters all over my products.
I have never witnessed anything that nasty. Her guests were late so I had to keep "busy" on my laptop to avoid sitting down. I was totally freaked out and stripped my clothes off as soon as I walked in the garage and chunked them in the washer.
My products were thoroughly washed that night & I left my showcase outside...... didn't even talk about bookings or the opportunity.
M
mistym
http://www.chefsuccess.com/showthread.php?t=11280&highlight=mooned
This was my worst party I think - some of you guys will remember...its where the host mooned me!
However, I had a TERRIBLE open house in December but the hubby of the host who was doing the joint OH with me (she sells fancy candles) just signed under me and booked his first party! I think that something good comes from EVERY situation. Even if its just spreading your name or learning what you can fix, there is always a silver lining.
Ciao!
Misty
This was my worst party I think - some of you guys will remember...its where the host mooned me!
However, I had a TERRIBLE open house in December but the hubby of the host who was doing the joint OH with me (she sells fancy candles) just signed under me and booked his first party! I think that something good comes from EVERY situation. Even if its just spreading your name or learning what you can fix, there is always a silver lining.
Ciao!
Misty
Last edited by a moderator:
janetupnorth
Gold Member
- 14,814
Miss Cori
- 251
I went to a pc party the other night to watch and learn. The pc lady did awesome keeping her cool I wouldve gone nuts. It was for this one host who i guess she had done shows for before. Well the Host had a daughter who was seven. She was into EVERYTHING. And she kept sneezing right over the table. And playing with all of her stuff. The mom would SCREAM at the top of her lungs at her. I jumped a few times not expecting it. So finally her SIL showed up with her 3 kids then another SIL with her 3 kids the kids were from 7 to 5 mo. All running around screaming Crying. I was going insane. But she just kept talking even though you couldnt hardly hear her over the kids. When she was finished with the spinach dip, the same 7 yr old girl had her hair all in it .By the end of the night the hostess' wedding pic ended up being broken, and two figurines she had. I couldnt wait to leave. Not to mention the sales were only 224.00 which isnt bad i guess seeing how there was only 5 people there.
Its amazing to me how rude people are.
.By the end of the night the hostess' wedding pic ended up being broken, and two figurines she had. I couldnt wait to leave. Not to mention the sales were only 224.00 which isnt bad i guess seeing how there was only 5 people there.Its amazing to me how rude people are.
Teresa Lynn
Gold Member
- 3,447
crazy4dabug
- 159
OMGosh! The mooning story was hilarious!
I would've changed into evil deanna and had alot of fun at her expense at that one!
crazy
Ok so I'm hearing alot of ppl have horror stories about children and while I know it's not always possible to keep them away I still try. Here's part of my host coaching letter.....
"A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:
*While everyone loves your furries, they may not feel it is appetizing to have Lassie licking their toes while watching a cooking demonstration. So, it is recommended that if you have pets they be put in a room somewhere nice and comfy so that we can be too.
*Kitchen shows are a fun time out for many parents, so I encourage those with small children to find a babysitter or bring along something to occupy their child away from the demo area. I have sharp objects in my display and we’ll have hot stones or cookware around. Your children are of course welcome! Older kids are great; whereas toddlers can be very curious and want to touch everything. I truly want all little people to be safe at the same time the adults are enjoying our show!"
I've found just having that in there helps alot.
Ya might try it if you don't already have something like that in yours.
I would've changed into evil deanna and had alot of fun at her expense at that one!
crazy
Ok so I'm hearing alot of ppl have horror stories about children and while I know it's not always possible to keep them away I still try. Here's part of my host coaching letter.....
"A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:
*While everyone loves your furries, they may not feel it is appetizing to have Lassie licking their toes while watching a cooking demonstration. So, it is recommended that if you have pets they be put in a room somewhere nice and comfy so that we can be too.
*Kitchen shows are a fun time out for many parents, so I encourage those with small children to find a babysitter or bring along something to occupy their child away from the demo area. I have sharp objects in my display and we’ll have hot stones or cookware around. Your children are of course welcome! Older kids are great; whereas toddlers can be very curious and want to touch everything. I truly want all little people to be safe at the same time the adults are enjoying our show!"
I've found just having that in there helps alot.
Ya might try it if you don't already have something like that in yours.
pampered1224
Silver Member
- 3,768
One more for the record...I did not use this one as to me it was just the absolutely weirdest thing.
I did our State Fair and got a booking from a very nice young lady. She lives about 40 minutes away in a very old farm house. Nothing odd there. The date of the show is October 13th, 2002. Now, I get everything together in the a.m. and start out early as I don't know where this place is. Already the day has had a few odd quirks. I had trouble with our garage door closing, I dropped a bag of flour in the kitchen. Or should I say all over the kitchen. Just an odd feeling to the day all around. Now thankfully I have a cell phone. I get into Muskego where Yahoo Maps pointed me. I can't find the address so I call the host. Well, I am on the phone with her and I notice that something seems odd but I get directions to a certain point and she tells me to call back when I get there. I am back on the right track. I was totally lost and needed to go almost to the next town over. Well, I get to the turn off point but I can't find the little side road I need. I call the host again. Well, this time I know what is off. SHE IS MAJORLY DRUNK! I can't get the right instructions out of her and I am worried. Her boyfriend gets on the phone and directs me all the way to the driveway. He too sounds rather odd. Well, I pull up this 1/2 mile driveway and Mary is standing outside with a drink in her hand. She is swaying slightly. I also notice the neat Halloween decorations. As I am getting out of the car and with a handfull of stuff, I am appologizing for not getting directions ahead of time and getting lost, she simply says it doesn't matter. I take a few bags into the house and come back for round two. That's when I notice that the entire front of the house is splattered with red blotches. I am thinking, "Wow, these people go all out for Halloween." There is a really scary looking scarecrow, with a big knife or something in his hand and a few bales of hay strewn around and blood all over the place. I mention the neat decorations to the host and she's says, and I don't remember exactly what she said but something to the jist of "Oh, that. My best friend from California shot himself in the head last night. The police just left a few hours ago." And walked into the house. My mouth simply hit the driveway. She had decided mot to cancel as it was only two left until show time. So relatively no one else knew what had happened either. It wasn't the worst show I ever did because we closed at $835. I left almost 5 hours later. There really wasn't a show. Some of the guests and I simply made the recipes and consoled the host and her boyfriend. I remember barely remember leaving but got about two miles away and stopped at a little gas station. I called my director. I went into shock somewhere along the way and was babling to her. She calmed me down, I got home and just still can not get the sight of the front of that house out of my mind!
I did our State Fair and got a booking from a very nice young lady. She lives about 40 minutes away in a very old farm house. Nothing odd there. The date of the show is October 13th, 2002. Now, I get everything together in the a.m. and start out early as I don't know where this place is. Already the day has had a few odd quirks. I had trouble with our garage door closing, I dropped a bag of flour in the kitchen. Or should I say all over the kitchen. Just an odd feeling to the day all around. Now thankfully I have a cell phone. I get into Muskego where Yahoo Maps pointed me. I can't find the address so I call the host. Well, I am on the phone with her and I notice that something seems odd but I get directions to a certain point and she tells me to call back when I get there. I am back on the right track. I was totally lost and needed to go almost to the next town over. Well, I get to the turn off point but I can't find the little side road I need. I call the host again. Well, this time I know what is off. SHE IS MAJORLY DRUNK! I can't get the right instructions out of her and I am worried. Her boyfriend gets on the phone and directs me all the way to the driveway. He too sounds rather odd. Well, I pull up this 1/2 mile driveway and Mary is standing outside with a drink in her hand. She is swaying slightly. I also notice the neat Halloween decorations. As I am getting out of the car and with a handfull of stuff, I am appologizing for not getting directions ahead of time and getting lost, she simply says it doesn't matter. I take a few bags into the house and come back for round two. That's when I notice that the entire front of the house is splattered with red blotches. I am thinking, "Wow, these people go all out for Halloween." There is a really scary looking scarecrow, with a big knife or something in his hand and a few bales of hay strewn around and blood all over the place. I mention the neat decorations to the host and she's says, and I don't remember exactly what she said but something to the jist of "Oh, that. My best friend from California shot himself in the head last night. The police just left a few hours ago." And walked into the house. My mouth simply hit the driveway. She had decided mot to cancel as it was only two left until show time. So relatively no one else knew what had happened either. It wasn't the worst show I ever did because we closed at $835. I left almost 5 hours later. There really wasn't a show. Some of the guests and I simply made the recipes and consoled the host and her boyfriend. I remember barely remember leaving but got about two miles away and stopped at a little gas station. I called my director. I went into shock somewhere along the way and was babling to her. She calmed me down, I got home and just still can not get the sight of the front of that house out of my mind!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Share Your Worst Show Story - No Judgement Allowed!" concept?
The "Share Your Worst Show Story - No Judgement Allowed!" concept is a supportive initiative within the Pampered Chef community where consultants can share their most challenging or embarrassing experiences from cooking shows. The goal is to create a safe space for sharing, learning, and bonding over the ups and downs of direct sales.
Why is it important to share these stories?
Sharing these stories helps to normalize the challenges that come with hosting cooking shows and direct sales. It allows consultants to learn from each other's experiences, gain perspective, and realize that everyone faces difficulties at some point. This camaraderie can foster a stronger community and encourage resilience.
How can I participate in sharing my story?
You can participate by joining Pampered Chef's online forums or social media groups dedicated to consultants. Look for threads or posts inviting members to share their worst show stories. You can also create your own post to invite others to share their experiences, ensuring that the environment remains supportive and non-judgmental.
What should I keep in mind when sharing my story?
When sharing your story, it's important to focus on the lessons learned and the humor in the situation, if applicable. Be respectful of others' experiences and avoid placing blame. Remember that the goal is to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing their challenges.
Can sharing my story help me improve my future shows?
Absolutely! By reflecting on your experiences and sharing them with others, you can gain valuable insights and tips that may help you avoid similar situations in the future. Additionally, hearing how others overcame their challenges can inspire you to adopt new strategies and approaches for your own shows.
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