Shy Cheffers... I Need Your Help!!!

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a participant's experience with a new consultant who is shy and struggling to engage with potential customers. Participants share various strategies and personal experiences related to helping shy consultants build confidence and improve their outreach skills.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their new consultant as very awkward and shy, sharing a specific incident at an expo where the consultant struggled to approach potential customers.
  • Another participant suggests that practicing with friends, family, and cluster members could help the consultant become more comfortable in engaging with others.
  • One participant shares their experience of providing scripts to a shy consultant, which helped her gain confidence and eventually speak in her own words.
  • A participant mentions the effectiveness of role-playing during cluster meetings to help shy consultants open up, while another expresses discomfort with this method.
  • One participant notes that their new consultant has been hesitant to follow up with leads and has not attended shows, indicating a lack of motivation.
  • Another participant suggests that finding what motivates the consultant could be key to encouraging her to take action.
  • Several participants reflect on their own experiences with shyness and how they overcame it, emphasizing the importance of motivation and support.
  • One participant raises the possibility that age may play a role in the consultant's hesitance, sharing their own experiences of being more settled at a younger age.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges faced by shy consultants and the need for support and motivation. However, views differ on the best methods to help them, with some advocating for role-playing and others expressing discomfort with that approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and observations regarding the challenges of mentoring shy consultants, highlighting the varied backgrounds and motivations of those involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to consultants looking for insights on supporting new team members who struggle with shyness and engagement.

AJPratt
AJPratt
Silver Member
Messages
6,674
So, I guess you can all imagine that I'm not shy. The tough thing is, I have a new consultant who is very awkward and very shy. I don't want to come off mean, because I adore this girl, but I want to give you and honest description so you can possibly help me. For example, at one expo, where we always try to get people to fill out entries, I kept encouraging her. I was very proud that she was there at all. She sees a lady come near, I can see her working up her courage and then lunges at the lady and blurts out: "Do you want something free!?" The woman looked at her like a nut, giving her a weird look, and kept on going. I thought that was rude of the lady, but whatever. So... what can I do to help? I can't pretend to know what she's going through because I'm just not shy. Please help. I don't want her to be discouraged and I want to be able to help her be successful. I want this to be a good thing for her because I really think she needs it.
 
Have her practice a lot with you, with others in your cluster, and with friends and family. The more she practices the more comfortable she will get. Yes I really do mean walking up to people at cluster meetings and saying "would you like to get free kitchen products". Prep the cluster people to give her different responses from positive to "blah" to negative. Find other events where you can go with her to be "back up" so she can work on the hook and then hand them over to you at first. I
 
I would also make sure that she has "scripts". That is what I did with a consultant of mine that was the same way, I gave her scripts (that are long gone...the computer they were on died) and she memorized them. Once she used those scripts she learned how and what to say and eventually came out of her shell and began to use her own words.
 
At cluster meetings, does your team ever do "role playing"? This is a great way to get shy consultants to open up a bit. Let her know before the meeting what you'd like her to do, and set her up with a more seasoned consultant as her role playing partner to come up with dialogue.

Good Luck!
 
I agree with the role playing..... But, as someone who is shy myself, I'm not comfortable with role playing. In my mind, it just seems so silly. Is there anyway you can talk with her about what she sees her own trouble areas as? That way you're not the one deciding what she needs to change/focus on, she is. Just an idea.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
My new consultant has been doing this since June. She has done two shows (very small) and submitted one huge personal order. She still has to qualify. She has nothing on her calendar. She has had people told her that they want to do shows, but she won't follow up. I have given her some scripts but I don't know if she has used them. I ask her if she has tried them and I get strange answers. She hasn't been to a show. I have tried to get her to my shows or anyone's in my area. Her job (Shoprite) has unpredictable hours. She talks herself out of everything. She seems like she quits before she even gets started. I have spent a lot of time with her and so has my director. We come up with lists of things to do, that she says she's comfrotable with doing and then she either loses that list or doesn't do anything. She is very young, and lives with her Dad, but I just can't reach her.
 
It sounds like she hasn't found anything to motivate her...she doesn't have that "thing" to make her get going. Have you tried finding what her "thing" might be and stressing that?
 
The girl that signed up with me on the 24th is the same way. She is 22 & still lives at home. Maybe this is an age thing? Anyway, I do know what you're feeling.... Knowing that someone would do so well at something & then they aren't as motivated. My recruit is so difficult to read sometimes, but I know that she'll do well. She called last night to ask some questions, so at least I know that she's trying & will contact me if she needs help. It sounds like she just needs to see that this will benefit her & get motivated, like Andrea said!
 
Yes, Anne, I can't imagine you being shy;) I was really shy in school, I'd gotten a little better in college. But this has helped me soooo much. Just getting up there in front of people, teaching them new things is exciting to me. I used to get so nervous, but I really don't anymore. Let her know just fake it 'till she makes it! That's the motto I went by in the beginning. Now I have so much more confidence in myself that I love being up there in front of the crowd! Just help her keep motivated, that does help too!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
soonerchef said:
It sounds like she hasn't found anything to motivate her...she doesn't have that "thing" to make her get going. Have you tried finding what her "thing" might be and stressing that?
Click to expand...
She has lots of "things": wanting to quit her job, going to college FT, money, free stuff... she just can't seem to get out of her own way.

crystalscookingnow: Maybe it is an age thing... I have trouble relating to that, I was married with a house by 21.

I just try to lend support where needed.
 
I agree, I was married with a house & all of the responsibilities that go with it at 19.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Its just tough for me to relate. I'm glad I'm not alone.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Shy Cheffers... I Need Your Help!!!"?

"Shy Cheffers... I Need Your Help!!!" is a supportive community or initiative within the Pampered Chef direct sales organization aimed at helping individuals who may feel shy or hesitant about selling products. It provides resources, encouragement, and strategies to boost confidence and sales skills.

How can I get involved with "Shy Cheffers... I Need Your Help!!!"?

You can get involved by joining the community through social media groups, attending workshops or meetings, and participating in discussions. Look for announcements from your Pampered Chef team or leaders about events or resources related to this initiative.

What kind of support can I expect from "Shy Cheffers... I Need Your Help!!!"?

The support includes mentorship from experienced sellers, tips on overcoming shyness in sales situations, role-playing scenarios, and access to training materials. Members often share personal experiences and strategies that have helped them succeed.

Are there any specific resources available for shy sellers?

Yes, "Shy Cheffers... I Need Your Help!!!" often provides resources such as training videos, downloadable guides, and access to webinars focused on building confidence in sales. These resources are tailored to help shy individuals find their voice in direct sales.

Can I participate if I'm not currently a Pampered Chef consultant?

While the initiative primarily supports current Pampered Chef consultants, anyone interested in learning about direct sales and building confidence in selling can often participate in community events or resources. Check with local leaders for opportunities to join in.

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