....Sigh....another Month as a Tl Instead of a D

[jwpamp]

I had heard that the Canadian upper level consultants had to have 2 SC's to get their upper level commissions (even with their Directors in place). That would put a big hurt in some other upper-middle Director levels and would probably prompt a second look from HO....not sure why Director Level is being targeted as the only level to hold the SC's? I agree that we are the ones being put on the spot.At this time I am doing ok. I do NOT think that I am doing anything differently than any of you -- I know many of you personally and I know that we think alike and do the same things -- I am not looking a gift horse in the mouth and am just thanking God every day that things are going in the right direction.I have 12 lines and 8 were active in August, 4 SC lines and we have $15,000 - $18,000 in monthly team sales. We have done a total of $111,000 in team sales so far this year. My organization recruited 15 so far this year (5 were my personal recruits). I am praying daily to keep my Director structure and will add all of you to those prayers -- hugs to all of you who are going thru such an awful time. I feel for you and it's so sad to read all of the bad times that you are having....{{{HUGS}}}!!!

 

[jwpamp]

Wow -- somethin's goin' on....just opened the Sept CN online and opened the Aug CN in another tab -- compared Organizational Sales for the top 20 on both and GEEZ! What a huge drop in sales for only 1 month!

Hope it's not a trend!! ray:

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

Great responses ladies. I took offense to her post as well, Beth. I don't have anything positive to add here. I am so grateful that you guys share so openly what you are going through. I know that I can relate to you and your experiences. Good luck to everyone this fall!

I am so with Sandra on this one! I know alot of us have struggles (or still are) with the business since the changes. And life certainly does have a way of getting in the way. But we all know this is a biz that has ups and downs and our willingness to ride with them is the key. And quite honestly, some of the (seeming) gloating on here over the last few months is getting a bit annoying. If you have figured out how to make this new plan work, please DO share your ideas! But for those of us for whom life has gotten in the way, AND who have FAR more time in this biz, it's just plain annoying at this point. Perhaps I only speak for myself (and at least one or two others) on this one, but I'm not so good at holding my tongue past a point.I'm not even going into my stance on everything with my biz right now. But for the first time EVER, I am seriously contemplating whether I really do want to continue or not. I hate even typing that! I want my OLD business back! LOL!OK, my vent is done. I do hope you all get your grooves back (me too!) and we all kick ass the rest of the year!

 

[pamperedbecky]

I am so with Sandra on this one! I know alot of us have struggles (or still are) with the business since the changes. And life certainly does have a way of getting in the way. But we all know this is a biz that has ebbs and lows and our willingness to ride with them is the key. And quite honestly, some of the (seeming) gloating on here over the last few months is getting a bit annoying. If you have figured out how to make this new plan work, please DO share your ideas! But for those of us for whom life has gotten in the way, AND who have FAR more time in this biz, it's just plain annoying at this point. Perhaps I only speak for myself (and at least one or two others) on this one, but I'm not so good at holding my tongue past a point.

I'm not even going into my stance on everything with my biz right now. But for the first time EVER, I am seriously contemplating whether I really do want to continue or not. I hate even typing that! I want my OLD business back! LOL!

OK, my vent is done. I do hope you all get your grooves back (me too!) and we all kick ass the rest of the year!

Hang in there, Debi!! I know things have been REALLY tough for you lately. I truly hope things start looking up for you...in many ways!!

 

[chefkathy]

((HUGS)) for Debi!!!!!!!

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

((HUGS)) for Debi!!!!!!!

Thanks Deb! But I wasn't trying to hijack!!!! :bugeye:

 

[finley1991]

If you have figured out how to make this new plan work, please DO share your ideas!

HUGS Debi!!!!

I know for me, even with July & Aug being crap months for me personally (because I was lazy... there's no other reason!), and I've been working really hard in 2010. I decided early on that this would be my year of recruiting. That's been my focus. I also started going back to holding a monthly meeting.

After the new career plan kicked in, I was on the TL/D rollercoaster for a year. Finally, this spring, when I repromoted once again, I've stayed a D.

I think the biggest change for me personally was to work on my personal biz first and foremost. Since PC is my main income and I don't have a spouse's income to rely on, I know what I have to do each month without getting in trouble. I'm sure that's been one of my biggest motivators!!!!

I've taken a HUGE step back from micromanaging my team. If they want me, they can come to the monthly meeting or call me. I don't call them. I do coaching calls with the one (used to be 2) who want them. They get a weekly e-mail from me every Monday morning. I've gotten over listening to their lip service and empty promises. Whatever I get in overrides is a bonus.

What's funny is that when I *let all of that go* (the micromanaging, etc), I haven't demoted to TL. I've stay on the D track for 6 months now. I've only recruited 5 new people personally this year. All have qualified (except the one who returned her kit the same day she got it and I'm not counting her). My team has recruited 5.

So I'm not sure what I'm doing that works... and I'm not sure even if it works!!! I honestly hope I'm not gloating because that's not my intention!

I guess the other thing is that I've been through a lot of job restructuring in my life. It happens. And it can suck. It is what it is. It's not going to change or go back to the old way. When they first announced the new career plan I didn't know what to think and I didn't really waste my time on it. It was here and it was here to stay so I embraced it. I haven't gone back and run the numbers compared to the old plan because what's the point? We can spend our days comparing and comparing and lamenting over *what could have been* but in the end it doesn't matter. The plan is what it is. The change was also made a year and a half ago... I'm sometimes surprised how hard people are still holding on to it. I don't mean any offense there, I'm just a move-on kind of girl when it comes to any kind of change.

So I guess I don't have any answers to offer... just my thoughts on this hot & humid sticky morning here!

I love all of you ladies SO MUCH and it breaks my heart to hear you down and frustrated and even worse, contemplating leaving PC. I would miss you so much!!!!! You've been so inspirational to me, listened when I've needed it, and I would miss our overall general sharing!!!!

Hopefully now that September is here, things will start picking up for everyone! HUGS!!!!!! :candyheart:

 

[Inomiamenda]

Yeah, I don't think any of us are "wait and see" directors - I know they exist just not among those posting on this thread. The group that posts on here are very active with our teams but have to deal with them not returning our calls, emails and attempts at contact.

I call and email my team several times a month and I take care to NOT wait for the end of the month as I don't want them to perceive that it's all about me. I call them well before the 15th and other deadlines to remind them not to miss out on promotions, etc. etc. But if they never call back you're never sure until the numbers come in.

Sorry but I took offense at this post - not just for me but for the others too.

Double triple ditto. I know these ladies on here are always in contact with their teams, looking for ways to make meetings more enticing, offering TEAM incentives, new consultant training over and above a monthly meeting,... the list can go on.
Honestly I think what we are experiencing right now is an end of summer slump... not necessarily for ourselves but for our teams.
I know my TEAM sales were down about 5k this month. I still had 10 first generation active members and 8 2nd generation. Everyone's sales were just lower. And those who typically struggle were not active at all this month.
I also noticed that trend in the Sept CN- the top 20 in sales were not ginormously high.
Anyhoo... I did not make AD this month or last month. I am just glad I have senior consultants on my team. I anticipate making it this month AND promoting another 1st generation director by Dec 1. Let's all stay positive ladies.
And hugs to everyone who took a hit this month.

 

[Chef Kearns]

Awesome! Congratulations Becky!It is totally about numbers. The more people we have on own teams the less we have to depend on the hobbyists. We all know this. I know if you WANT it you can make it happen. If you are already at the point that you aren't sure if you want it...and that's where I think the most frustrated among us are. Is the effort worth the reward?

 

[Sheila]

Here's how I see it: Managing a team is the same as rasing kids.

Some of us breastfeed, some of us don't. Some of us co-sleep, some of us don't. What works for one Mom, may not work for the next Mom. And what worked for each mother's first child, doesn't always work for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th child. We have to adapt to the various personalities and do what works for us and for the individual child.

All humans (children and adults alike) have something that they value most. I call that "money". For a 2 year old, their "money" might be their ball. At 6, they probably care more about their ability to go to sleep-overs. In Jr high it's probably their school's extra-curricular activities. And you can pretty much guarantee by the age of 16 their "money" is usually the keys to the car!!! As a child grows, their wants & desires from life change. As adults, we don't change as much, but we do change. What we may have wanted last month or last year is not always the same as what we want today.

Some of us need the approval of others to succeed and be happy. Some of us just make a game out of life, constantly trying to out-do our last accomplishment and we couldn't care less if anyone else notices or not, because we are happy with ourself! And then you have the Teachers who love to share their knowledge ... and it's okay if a handful of the kids in the class are rolling their eyes at today's lesson, because if only ONE child in your room has an "ah-ha" moment ... it was all worthwhile.

The point to all of that was, that various leaders succeed using various methods. There is no "right" or "wrong" method. Each of us has to find the right combination that works for us and our team.

As a parent, I feel that it's my job to teach my children to become independent, self supportive, happy adults. I have the same outlook on PC. For the ones who say "thanks, but I've got it from here", I give them the benefit of the doubt ... letting them know that I'm here to answer ANY questions that they might have. If they stumble and fall, I'll be here to help them get back up. If they take off running and never look back, I can pat myself on the back for a job well done! I also have the ones who like to keep in constant contact with me and I acutally think it's fun to talk to them and hear the excitement in their voice over their accomplishments.

Keeping in mind that no one method is RIGHT for everyone, here's what I do: I don't like to micro manage. I tell my downline that I'm their mentor, not their boss. I'd love to see each & every one of them excel, but it's their business and ultimately their decision to make it or not make it as a consultant. I do everything that I can to give them adequate training & see that they are off to a good start. Like I said previously, some really like to talk to me on a regular basis, other's I never hear from unless they have a question. No two people are alike so I try to respect that what one consultant wants from me (weekly phone calls to check in) isn't always what another one wants.

I do send out friendly reminder e-mails if I notice that they are close to earning something to make sure that they are aware how close they are. I don't want any of them to feel pressured to perform, but I don't want them to miss out on something & then figure out how close they were to getting it. So far, they all seem to like that.

I also offered extra incentives this year and some are striving really hard to achieve them. So even if they don't make it to Toronto, I have 2 who have already earned gift cards from me personally (I've been saving the activity bonuses to pay them at the end of the year) and I have a couple more close to earning gift cards from me.

Prior to moving to Tokyo, I started a private group for just my downline where I can post accomplishments. It has really been a great motivation! Some do better, so they can see their name get higher on the list. If it motivates just ONE of them to make sure & be "active" so their name won't be ommitted from the "look who's green" list, then it's worth it! And what if it encourages someone to get off their duff & recruit because they saw that _____ just got 3 recruits in the last 2 months?

It's only been a year since my 1st recruit signed. I have one currently backing out due to a complicated pregnancy. She'll be my first drop-off. And I have 2 that are currently inactive. But the other 16 girls on the team seem to be motivated to keep their career sales. Most stay active on a regular basis and I have a handful who are adamant about not only making money with PC but promoting as well.

In the year since recruit #1 signed, I've never been "paid as" a lower level.

I really hope those of you who have lost your motivation and/or have hit a rough patch will find the right combination to help motivate the current team members and/or find a new downline who will be motivated to keep active and promote! Here's a thought ... you were just in a flash flood. Now you are out in the water. What do you do? You can panic & wear yourself out really quickly ... or you can quickly devise a plan of attack for how to escape this disaster. Once the storm has passed & you are safely back on dry land, take a moment to sit down and look back on your accomplishment ... oh and of course enjoy the beauty of the rainbow that will emerge after that crazy a$$ storm that caused you to be treading water in the first place!

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

HUGS Debi!!!!

I know for me, even with July & Aug being crap months for me personally (because I was lazy... there's no other reason!), and I've been working really hard in 2010. I decided early on that this would be my year of recruiting. That's been my focus. I also started going back to holding a monthly meeting.

After the new career plan kicked in, I was on the TL/D rollercoaster for a year. Finally, this spring, when I repromoted once again, I've stayed a D.

I think the biggest change for me personally was to work on my personal biz first and foremost. Since PC is my main income and I don't have a spouse's income to rely on, I know what I have to do each month without getting in trouble. I'm sure that's been one of my biggest motivators!!!!

I've taken a HUGE step back from micromanaging my team. If they want me, they can come to the monthly meeting or call me. I don't call them. I do coaching calls with the one (used to be 2) who want them. They get a weekly e-mail from me every Monday morning. I've gotten over listening to their lip service and empty promises. Whatever I get in overrides is a bonus.

What's funny is that when I *let all of that go* (the micromanaging, etc), I haven't demoted to TL. I've stay on the D track for 6 months now. I've only recruited 5 new people personally this year. All have qualified (except the one who returned her kit the same day she got it and I'm not counting her). My team has recruited 5.

So I'm not sure what I'm doing that works... and I'm not sure even if it works!!! I honestly hope I'm not gloating because that's not my intention!

I guess the other thing is that I've been through a lot of job restructuring in my life. It happens. And it can suck. It is what it is. It's not going to change or go back to the old way. When they first announced the new career plan I didn't know what to think and I didn't really waste my time on it. It was here and it was here to stay so I embraced it. I haven't gone back and run the numbers compared to the old plan because what's the point? We can spend our days comparing and comparing and lamenting over *what could have been* but in the end it doesn't matter. The plan is what it is. The change was also made a year and a half ago... I'm sometimes surprised how hard people are still holding on to it. I don't mean any offense there, I'm just a move-on kind of girl when it comes to any kind of change.

So I guess I don't have any answers to offer... just my thoughts on this hot & humid sticky morning here!

I love all of you ladies SO MUCH and it breaks my heart to hear you down and frustrated and even worse, contemplating leaving PC. I would miss you so much!!!!! You've been so inspirational to me, listened when I've needed it, and I would miss our overall general sharing!!!!

Hopefully now that September is here, things will start picking up for everyone! HUGS!!!!!! :candyheart:

Colleen, I think this post makes it completely clear WHY you are maintaining Directorship! Congrats to you and THANK YOU for sharing what you're doing that is working for you!!!! Not an ounce of gloat in here if you ask me. You are talking like a leader! Colleen, YOU encourage ME!!!! THANK YOU!!!! And (((HUGS)))!!!!