Starting Over as a Consultant: Coping with Post-Holiday Business Challenges

  • Context: Director 
  • Thread starter Thread starter mrssyvo
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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges faced by consultants after the holiday season, particularly in terms of booking shows and maintaining motivation. Participants share their personal experiences and strategies for coping with feelings of frustration and the pressure to succeed in their businesses.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses feelings of starting over and frustration with canceled shows and unresponsive hostesses.
  • Another participant shares that they believe stress can affect communication, suggesting that a positive mindset may help in business interactions.
  • One participant recounts their experience from the previous year, highlighting the importance of support from their director and brainstorming new ideas to fill their calendar.
  • A different participant reflects on their reliance on their upline for guidance, expressing concern about overburdening them with calls.
  • Another participant suggests setting up regular calls with a director to address pressing questions and emphasize the importance of prioritizing personal business.
  • One participant encourages hosting shows in various community settings as a way to generate business, while also acknowledging their own struggles with making calls.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best strategies to cope with post-holiday challenges, with some participants advocating for proactive outreach and others focusing on mindset and support systems. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the experiences of consultants navigating the transition back to business after the holiday season, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for shared experiences and strategies related to post-holiday business challenges may find this discussion relevant.

M
mrssyvo
Messages
1,929
Like I am starting over as a new consultant again? I did not take much of a break- Just from Dec 18th, until New Years Day- I come back to focus on my business again, host calling , booking, etc( I did send out the December Host coaching letters, etc) and now 1 January show has canceled, and 2 more hostesses are MIA. I started calling last night for bookings, starting with the ones that said, call me after the holidays, and the no's have me back to where I felt frustrated like a new consultant. Maybe God allows this to happen, so I that I can sympathize with my new consutlants? I am now looking at 2 "for sure "January shows, and the 2 that I have not confirmed because I can not reach the hostesses, and only 1 on the books for February. Please tell me that this is normal. I am excited about Leadership, but I would really like to go to Denver knowing I have my calendar full. I am trying to put together a booking blitz for Sunday for my team, so far only 1 out of 6 are in. Any suggestions? I do not want to get back to where I sound desperate when I make my calls.
 
I think they can always hear the desperation in our voices if that is what we're feeling. Would it help to tell yourself what you have on the books is okay (and believe it) and then anything else you get is simply icing on the cake? I know for me, if I am stressing, it comes thru my voice no matter how cheery and upbeat I try to sound. When I let myself relax, the business seems to flow better.

You know Leadership is going to energize and motivate you, so smile, knowing that you are going to come back and kick butt! :)
 
This is where I was last year. I had hardly anything on my books. I called my director (she was newly my director since my original director resigned). She brainstormed with me and helped me come up with lots of ideas and enthusiasm to get things going again. One of her suggestions was a show of my own. I have done lots of open houses that were not successful but she encouraged me to do it again but differently than I had always done them before. We did weekly calls and knowing that we were going to talk and her time was valuable made me make that effort to get on the phone. Once on the phone I got some yeses sprinkled in with the nos.

Because of her encouragement I was able to fill my calendar! You can do this! Call your upline and let them do their job!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Kris, thank you !! I can always count on your for good advice. I reflect often on your phone call, and the wisdom you gave me that day as well. I earned the Miami trip, and I survived that crazy time of too many shows, and now here I am 2 months later- stressing out over not enough. This is a crazy business we are in, isn't it?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Beth, good ideas as well. I do not think I can have a show of my own right now, though, because I had 2 in December, to make sure I earned the trip. I will brainstorm with my upline though, although how much is too much bothering. Being a new director, I have been leaning on them to figure out this director stuff, and I do not want them to look at caller ID, and think, there she is again!!! I have not called them as much as I thought I would need to though.
 
Ask her to set up a weekly call with you. Just a half hour a week and have your new director questions ready. Start with what you need most - right now it's your personal business, then go to the other issues. One step at a time. Remember that you are a consultant first. The things you learn to help others on your team will help you too.

One other hint is make customer care calls a priority. Call all those people you met at the shows that month when you had too much business and do out of the box calls, offer recipes and ask for business (referrals included).
 
Beth, Kris...Amazing advice. Thank you
 
Going back to being a new consultant. How about hosting your own show, or do a mystery host show at your work,gym,kids school, church. YOu can do it.
I do have to admit I havent been on the phone this week while we were out of school but I'm locking my self in the room and calling everyone. I'll have to remind my self it's not a no to me it's just a no for right now.
YOu can do it.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common challenges faced by Pampered Chef consultants after the holiday season?

After the holiday season, consultants often face a slowdown in sales as customers shift their focus away from gift-giving. Additionally, many consultants may experience a dip in motivation and engagement as the excitement of holiday sales fades. There may also be increased competition as new consultants join the business, making it essential to differentiate oneself in the market.

How can I re-engage my customer base after the holidays?

Re-engaging your customer base can be achieved through personalized follow-ups, such as sending thank-you notes or checking in on their holiday purchases. Hosting virtual cooking classes or product demonstrations can also reignite interest. Consider offering exclusive promotions or discounts to encourage repeat purchases and remind customers of the value of your products.

What strategies can I implement to boost my sales during the post-holiday slump?

To boost sales, focus on creating themed promotions around upcoming holidays or events, such as Valentine's Day or spring cooking. Utilize social media to showcase new recipes or cooking tips using Pampered Chef products. Building partnerships with local businesses for cross-promotions can also expand your reach. Additionally, consider setting personal sales goals to keep yourself motivated and accountable.

How can I maintain my motivation as a consultant during slower months?

Maintaining motivation can be challenging during slower months, but setting small, achievable goals can help. Surround yourself with supportive peers or join a consultant group for encouragement and accountability. Regularly reviewing your successes and celebrating small wins can also keep your spirits high. Engaging in personal development activities, such as reading or attending workshops, can further inspire you to stay focused on your business.

What resources are available to help me navigate post-holiday challenges?

Pampered Chef offers various resources, including training materials, webinars, and support from your upline or mentor. Joining online communities or forums for Pampered Chef consultants can provide additional insights and strategies from others who have faced similar challenges. Additionally, utilizing social media platforms for networking and sharing ideas can be beneficial in overcoming post-holiday hurdles.

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