Struggling to Balance Life & Business: My September Dilemma

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the challenges of balancing a busy schedule with personal and professional commitments, particularly for Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their experiences of managing multiple cooking and catalog shows while also attending to family responsibilities.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration about being fully booked for September and the difficulty of turning down potential shows.
  • Another participant suggests offering catalog shows as an alternative for those who want to host but cannot secure a live show date.
  • Several users mention the idea of mega-shows, where multiple hosts gather at one location, as a way to accommodate more bookings.
  • One participant shares their experience of encouraging a potential host to sign up as a consultant, highlighting the benefits of having shows already scheduled.
  • Another participant notes the importance of double booking on weekends to maximize show opportunities.
  • Some participants discuss the idea of booking into October and reminding hosts of available rewards to motivate bookings.
  • One participant reflects on the correlation between being busy and attracting more bookings, suggesting that a full calendar can entice others to host shows.
  • Another participant shares their strategy of blocking out specific times for host coaching to streamline their efforts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best strategies for managing bookings and balancing family life, with no clear consensus emerging on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to their schedules, including family commitments and the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance while pursuing their consulting business.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to consultants facing similar challenges in balancing their business commitments with personal responsibilities, particularly those looking for strategies to manage their calendars effectively.

angmillar
angmillar
Messages
466
Okay, I never thought this would happen to me... at least not this fast.

Anyway, here's my problem. I'm just about totally booked for September. We don't arrive back on Okinawa until 9 September, and I now have 9 cooking shows and 2 catalog shows from the 11th until the end of the month. (I'm doing at least 1 here in the states the first week of September, but I'm not counting that one.)

I'm doing a social for my other home based business (I'm a Longaberger constulant, too) one evening. My husband is an air evac nurse, so he's going to be flying a few evenings. And, my 2 year old is starting pre-school.

So, I really can't do any more shows this month. I sooooooooo hate to tell people I can't do them. So, what do I do if someone else asks? Do I encourage a catalog show??

I just hate to miss out on live shows, ya know?! The sales, the bookings, everything seems to be better. But, I have to have sometime with my family, too!

UGH!
 
I would definetely offer them a catalog show. Or, I have never done one, but I have heard of mega-shows, where you have one location, such as a social hall, and have a number of hosts invite their guests. There might be more information on the threads somewhere.
 
One time, when my director had no more space on her calendar, she told the person who wanted to host that she should just sign up and do the shows herself - what did she have to lose? That person signed!


OR - you could offer a "mega-show" - where you have several hosts all at the same location - do a search for mega show and you will find alot of info.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Well, actually, I just sent an email to one gal that is hosting in September. She's been thinking about signing on for a while, but she's just not sure about it. She's hosted quite a few shows, knows a lot about the products, and would do FANTASTIC as a consultnat. She's hosting in September in order to get the new SS cookware. So, I emailed her about the pan-o-rama and told her that she'd have two shows already (hers and a friend of hers that's on my calendar).

Wouldn't it be nice if she signed!??!

As for the other idea... I hadn't even thought of a mega-show. Thanks! I'm going to research it now...
 
I would 1. offer a mega show, 2. try to get that host to sign before her show, 3. double book yourself on any dates that feel might not hold (and, if #2 goes through, make sure she has those dates available), and 4. give any double-booked shows where both hold to the new recruit. That, and catalog shows,
 
angmillar said:
Okay, I never thought this would happen to me... at least not this fast.

Anyway, here's my problem. I'm just about totally booked for September. We don't arrive back on Okinawa until 9 September, and I now have 9 cooking shows and 2 catalog shows from the 11th until the end of the month. (I'm doing at least 1 here in the states the first week of September, but I'm not counting that one.)

I'm doing a social for my other home based business (I'm a Longaberger constulant, too) one evening. My husband is an air evac nurse, so he's going to be flying a few evenings. And, my 2 year old is starting pre-school.

So, I really can't do any more shows this month. I sooooooooo hate to tell people I can't do them. So, what do I do if someone else asks? Do I encourage a catalog show??

I just hate to miss out on live shows, ya know?! The sales, the bookings, everything seems to be better. But, I have to have sometime with my family, too!

UGH!
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Offer Oct Shows!!! If they want the September cookware special then let them know that your booked but you can do a catalog shows for them!!! I am in the same situation as far as my calender is booked!!!!
 
This may be the first time in a year, but if I get one or two more shows in September, I will be booked too!!! Now, I only have 1 cooking and 1 catty for October so obviously I would be shooting for then. It's a good sign to people wanting to have a show, that your shows are so much fun that you're already booked! It makes them want to have one even more I think!
 
The other thing that you can do is put post it notes on the dates you want to book and once those are gone then you moved to the next month.
 
Try to book into Oct and remind them of the Host Rewards - the half price combinations in the back of catalog - both stainless and executive cookware sets are back therefor 1/2 price plus they could get the host special for Oct.
 
ChefChris said:
Try to book into Oct and remind them of the Host Rewards - the half price combinations in the back of catalog - both stainless and executive cookware sets are back therefor 1/2 price plus they could get the host special for Oct.
Click to expand...

Great idea, that would also motivate them to get higher sales as well...more 1/2 off items!
 
Great job on getting your calendar so full!!:D :D

This is the first time that I have been in this situation since my first month, and I'm loving it!!:thumbup: I made up my mind that I was going to do as much as I possibly could from now until the end of the year. So, after listening to some cd's I took the advice and took control of my calendar. I offer 2 time slots on Saturdays so that I can double book. It is working!! I still have some empty slots on the weeknights, but even they are starting to fill in. As is October, and now even November! I think it is true, that the busier you are, the more people want to book with you! I just hope I can keep up the momentum!;)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
I didn't even think about double booking Saturday shows.... and, I actually have one at 10 AM, so I could easily do an evening show as well.

GREAT IDEAS EVERYONE!! You guys are helping me soooo much. I already have 3 cooking shows on the books for October, so maybe I'll start filling in the other October dates, too.

I pray I can keep this momentum going... :)
 
amy07 said:
Great job on getting your calendar so full!!:D :D

This is the first time that I have been in this situation since my first month, and I'm loving it!!:thumbup: I made up my mind that I was going to do as much as I possibly could from now until the end of the year. So, after listening to some cd's I took the advice and took control of my calendar. I offer 2 time slots on Saturdays so that I can double book. It is working!! I still have some empty slots on the weeknights, but even they are starting to fill in. As is October, and now even November! I think it is true, that the busier you are, the more people want to book with you! I just hope I can keep up the momentum!;)
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Once I start back to shows in November after having my baby in Oct., I plan on having 2 shows available on Saturdays. I figure it'll be easier to do Sat shows than tons of weeknight shows with a newborn & toddler & so I can actually SEE my DH once in awhile!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
That's my thing, too. I actually want to see my husband once in a while!!

BTW, I have a 2 year old and a 9 month old, so I totally know where you're coming from having a newborn and a toddler!!!
 
I had always steered away from weekend shows bc I wanted to be with my family, then my director told me that she blocks one weekend a month to work. She schedules a Fri night show, 2 Sat shows, & a Sun afternoon show. Then she just schedules weekday (preferably during the day) shows around her schedule (at least one each week). That gives her at least 8 shows a month! I haven't accomplished it yet, but I am trying! I had a really slow summer, so I am really having to work for my bookings!
 
I wish I had that problem:D
 
Now, I did have that problem in June - 10 live shows booked, but only 2 held. HOST COACH THEM LIKE CRAZY!!! I do suggest taking one block of time a week (mine is 7-9pm Wednesday nights) and do ALL your host coaching calls at that time. That way you get it all done and you don't have to try to remember if you contacted so and so...etc.
 
pamperedtara said:
I had always steered away from weekend shows bc I wanted to be with my family, then my director told me that she blocks one weekend a month to work. She schedules a Fri night show, 2 Sat shows, & a Sun afternoon show. Then she just schedules weekday (preferably during the day) shows around her schedule (at least one each week). That gives her at least 8 shows a month! I haven't accomplished it yet, but I am trying! I had a really slow summer, so I am really having to work for my bookings!
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I like the idea of booking one weekend solid... then you feel like you have the rest of the weekends of the month to enjoy with family. I'll have to run that by my dh and see what he thinks. I am kind of in the same boat for Sept--out of town until the 5th and then I have 10 kitchen shows booked, only like one that I am questioning whether it will hold or not (invites already mailed for like 5 of them), and 5 catalog shows.

Another idea, if they really want the 60% off cookware, get them to do October, use a half price item towards cookware, then offer them the additional 10% off out of your pocket as a thank you for being flexible.
 
Wishing the full calendar fairy would swirl her wand my way...:rolleyes:
 
Sept. is turning out to be CRAZY! I've got 7 cooking and 4 catalog shows. I also just got home to an email from a past host, asking if she could do a catty show in Sept or Oct. OF COURSE! DUH!!!

It's a little scary b/c I have NOTHING for October yet....ZILCH!:confused:
 
Do the 10 min BBQ Pork Tenderloin at your Sept shows & I bet your Oct fills up just as quickly for the DCB host special.
 
With that many shows for September, you are bound to have a great October!
 
At least that's what I'm hoping because I only have 1 cooking and 1 catty for October so far.
 
Full Calendar?I work full-time as a teacher and I'm a mother of three. I too, have a full schedule for September and only 2 available dates in October. I'm using the new theme shows to really build interests in future shows. I believe when I tell people my schedule is full for the next two months, they will want to book now for November and December so they too can hold a cooking show with me. If the current host benefits are what they want, I will encourage a catalog show and have them book a cooking show before the six months is out, so they can take advantage of double host 60% off.
 
My Calander for September is completely full too! I have 8 cooking shows scheduled and two catalog shows - one of which I already have about $70 in orders come in. I can't do anymore in Sept, because I am pregnant and due in October, plus I still have to chase after my other three kids (3, 4 and 6) I have one more date left to book in October and then I'm taking a break from cooking shows until towards the end of November.

A great idea my upline director had though was to offer all those who still want September or who want shows for while I'm taking my break is to offer them the chance to catalog shows and as long as they reach a certain $ value turn them to cooking shows, so they get the extra product value.
 
ChefHarri said:
A great idea my upline director had though was to offer all those who still want September or who want shows for while I'm taking my break is to offer them the chance to catalog shows and as long as they reach a certain $ value turn them to cooking shows, so they get the extra product value.
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I believe that technically we are not supposed to do that (turn a catalog show into a cooking show). I have all my catalog hosts cook something simple using pampered chef products and take it to work so that I'm able to turn their catalog shows into cooking shows.
 
tlennhoff said:
I believe that technically we are not supposed to do that (turn a catalog show into a cooking show). I have all my catalog hosts cook something simple using pampered chef products and take it to work so that I'm able to turn their catalog shows into cooking shows.
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That is a great idea Tasha! OR - you could bake something and take it in to their workplace and just say hello to everyone!
I have found that when I can actually meet and talk to the people for even just a minute or two - they feel the personal connection, and are more likely to consider me "Their Consultant".
 
I can't take credit for the idea, I suspect it was beth or ann or one of our other frequent knowledgable posters. Its worked great for my friends as most of them our out-of-state but they all own something pampered chef.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #29
That is a good idea!!!

And, since I started this thread, I've booked a few more shows. I'm up to 10 cooking and 3 catty for Sept. and 4 cooking in Oct. Whew!

I'm really going to concentrate on adding to my team, so when this continues, I can share some bookings if needed. =)
 
angmillar said:
And, since I started this thread, I've booked a few more shows. I'm up to 10 cooking and 3 catty for Sept. and 4 cooking in Oct. Whew!
Click to expand...

Fantastic, go you. :D
 
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