Struggling with Mental Blocks as a New Consultant: Any Tips?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by new Pampered Chef consultants in overcoming mental blocks when discussing their business and seeking bookings. Participants share their personal experiences and strategies for building confidence in their roles.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a new consultant, expresses anxiety about discussing Pampered Chef and seeks advice on overcoming mental blocks and gaining confidence.
  • Another participant shares their experience of still feeling nervous after 11 years in the business and suggests carrying recipe cards and catalogs to distribute in everyday situations.
  • Several users mention their struggles with feeling inadequate when offering products to others, despite their love for the products and the business opportunity.
  • One participant notes the importance of pushing out of comfort zones and recognizing the value they bring to potential customers.
  • Another participant suggests catalog shows as a way to reach family and friends who are far away, sharing their own success with this method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approaches to overcoming mental blocks, with some participants sharing specific strategies while others express general feelings of anxiety without consensus on a single solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are primarily new consultants navigating the early stages of their business, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences related to building confidence and seeking bookings.

Who May Find This Useful

New consultants looking for relatable experiences and strategies to overcome mental barriers in their business endeavors may find this discussion helpful.

N
Nynaeve
Messages
7
Hi! I have *no* idea if I'm doing this part right (I hang out on boards, but every place is a little different). This seemed like the right place to pick some brains.

I have a mental block about talking about PC (I'm a new consultant working on qualifying - about halfway there). I know part of the answer is "just do it" (LOL), but I'm wondering, is there some good verbiage to help me not sound like an idiot? Plus, any tips on how to work up that mental courage that I'm not asking people to do me a favor, but I'm actually doing something FOR THEM? (I think it was because, like when people decide to tell a pregnant woman every birth horror story, several people decided to use me as the target for their 'let me tell you about this horrendous party I had to go to' stories).

I need an attitude check (my recruiter has been WONDERFUL and is the one who sent me out here). Right now I keep waffling between "stick with it until it's successful' and 'just qualify and RUN' (and I know that it's because of the anxiety, which just makes me then push back to sticking with it because of things like Kathy Bates and Fried Green Tomatoes). I need bookings, though, in a fierce kinda way (no family within a 300 mile radius and just moved...yikes! My grand opening was a dud). What kind of mental exercises help keep the choking to a minimum when doing things like Pampering a business or handing out recipe cards to people I meet in the check-out line?

Thanks for listening to me ramble. :: peace out ::
 
First do not feel alone! Even us old fogies get those mental blocks. I think the easiest thing to do is to practice. I have been at this for 11 years and I still get cotton mouth and run most of the time when it comes to approaching strangers. One thing to do is put two things in a pocket whenever you go to the doctors, the beauty shop, or to get the tires changed, are some recipe cards or mini-catalogs with your info on them and a small notebook to get their info. Ask a nurse if you could leave a few catalogs in the waiting room, then hand her a card or mini and tell her about how you can pamper a business. Same at the beauty shop or salon. Heck, hand a business card to the guy changing your oil even! I got small catalog party at a Scrub-a-dub that way a few years back. HTH!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Glad to know I'm not the only one. I've been carrying them with me. Today at the coffee shop, a lady was talking to my little boy (who is uber-extroverted - kid can talk to ANYONE and has no shame in asking ANYTHING - is it sad to envy him?). Anyway, I offered her a recipe card and she took it but instead of feeling yay! I felt...meh. I also just texted a friend of mine to see if she wanted to do a last minute show (trying to hit my 30-day, but not looking good). She was like "No, no, you're show will come soon enough in May/June" (when she moves). I tried to point out it was for her, not me. But...*sigh*Must. keep. going.I think I'm going to call a local salon tomorrow and see if I can 'pamper' with some treats and catalogs :)
Sorry, this is pushing me out of my comfort zone, which is a GOOD thing. I'm selling a good product, one I love!! Other people love it!! They are not doing me a favor, I'm doing THEM the joy of having me in their home.I think I can...I think I can... LOL
 
That's it! I know I have to do more too but I too am fighting it internally. the really dumb part is that like you, I love our products, I love the opportunity but apparently my mind and heart just do not want to compete with each other and my mind wins! Geez, I just realized how warped I really am!
 
hang in there! Go to consultant corner under online training resources there are great workshops you can listen to that are geared to help you check them out!
 
Nynaeve - have you thought about doing catalog shows for the family that's further away? That's how I qualified in my first 30 days, living here in Alaska :) If you don't have a web site yet, you can just send a host packet and do it the old fashioned way and ask that payments either be done soley by credit card or have anyone who needs to, write checks to the host and have her put that on her card. Don't just pick one relative/friend - if more then one says "yes" do more because catalog shows are often smaller in sales.
Things really picked up for me when I started going to hospitality meetings since my director was in ID - HUGE HUGE difference :)
Hope things improve for you! :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common mental blocks new consultants face in direct sales?

New consultants often face mental blocks such as fear of rejection, self-doubt, and overwhelm from the amount of information they need to learn. These feelings can stem from a lack of experience or uncertainty about how to approach potential customers. It's important to recognize these feelings as normal and part of the learning process.

How can I overcome the fear of rejection as a new consultant?

To overcome the fear of rejection, try to reframe your mindset. Instead of viewing rejection as a personal failure, see it as a learning opportunity. Practice your pitch with friends or family to build confidence, and remember that not everyone will be interested, which is perfectly okay.

What strategies can help me build confidence in my sales skills?

Building confidence takes time and practice. Start by setting small, achievable goals for yourself, such as reaching out to a certain number of people each week. Attend training sessions, watch videos, and engage with other consultants to learn from their experiences. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, to boost your confidence.

How can I manage feelings of overwhelm when starting my direct sales business?

To manage feelings of overwhelm, create a structured plan for your business. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and prioritize them. Set aside specific times each week to focus on your business activities, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from your upline or fellow consultants when needed.

What resources are available to help new consultants with mental blocks?

Many resources can help, including training materials provided by Pampered Chef, online forums, and local consultant groups. Consider joining a support group or finding a mentor within the company. Additionally, self-help books and podcasts focused on sales and personal development can provide valuable insights and motivation.

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