Time Management/Scheduling Questions

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores various time management and scheduling strategies among participants who are involved in the Pampered Chef business. Participants share their personal experiences and challenges in allocating time for different tasks related to their consulting activities.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about how much time to allocate for tasks such as host coaching, customer care calls, and prospecting.
  • Another participant shares their experience of needing to schedule work around family commitments, indicating the importance of timing in their business activities.
  • One participant mentions struggling with time management for eight years and humorously notes their reliance on a time management book.
  • Another participant discusses their goal of reaching a specific posting target as part of their time management strategy.
  • One participant describes using a structured approach called the Power Hour, breaking tasks into 15-minute blocks to enhance productivity.
  • A participant shares their routine of blocking two hours each morning for essential tasks and an additional hour in the evenings for calls, emphasizing the importance of host coaching.
  • One participant notes that their biggest time-wasters include over-organizing and the addictive nature of community forums like ChefSuccess.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the best methods for managing time effectively, with no clear consensus emerging on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants come from various backgrounds and levels of experience, which influences their time management strategies and challenges. Some are newer consultants, while others have been in the business for several years.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants looking for insights into time management practices and personal experiences shared by their peers.

MomToEli
MomToEli
Messages
1,003
Not real sure where to put these questions ....

How much time to you set aside each week/day for... (day or evening?)

Host Coaching?

Customer Care Calls?

Prospecting?

CS time?

Putting together paperwork?

What am I missing?


I am really trying to get a grasp of my time. I just about have host packets put together to meet my July show (cooking and catalog) goals, so I'll be able to just grab those. Any tips would be appreciated here.
 
I would be interested in this too. In order for this business to work for my family, I need to schedule blocks of time when my husband is home or my kids are busy to do PC stuff.

I just switched to Host 3-Ring Binders, so I should be able to reload those (minus monthly specials) as I get them back, and then have a few that are ready for specific months to take to shows.
 
8 years and I still struggle with this! But that is me personally! I got a book yesterday called Time Management for Dummies!!!! I'm bad! Like now, I should be putting together my stuff for my show tonight, but dang I love this site!:o
 
I'm also trying for my star so I'm posting like crazy. When I get to 700 for today, I'll be happy which is only like 2-3 more and then I'll come back and get to 800 in the next couple days!:D
 
MomToEli said:
Not real sure where to put these questions ....

How much time to you set aside each week/day for... (day or evening?)

Host Coaching?

Customer Care Calls?

Prospecting?

CS time?

Putting together paperwork?

What am I missing?


I am really trying to get a grasp of my time. I just about have host packets put together to meet my July show (cooking and catalog) goals, so I'll be able to just grab those. Any tips would be appreciated here.
Click to expand...

My answer to all of the above... NOT ENOUGH! But, I'll have GREAT tips for you after conference... I'm going to the time management workshop... wonder how many people will be late for this one?
 
Okay, I will bite at answering this......I am doing a version of the Power Hour (Belinda Ellsworth popularized it). Take one hour each day (if you are not a director) and separate it into 15 minute blocks. Assign a task to each 15 minuts, and do THAT TASK ONLY. Host coaching calls, CCC, watever.

I look at CS a couple times during the day, but my evening work hours are set up more like a Power Hour. The tasks and 15 minute periods vary based on what day it is and what I had going on.

Some people set a day of the week per task. So, CCC on Mon, Host Coaching on Tues, et.

If you area director or above, you need to set aside a second hour for managerial stuff.

I make up my host packets for the next few months, so I have them handy. Show planner, OOF from main website, catalogs, opportunity bochure. Add a letter before I mail it out. Ready to go, and I use the USPS website to print off postage.

I work about 1.5 hours per day when I do not have a show...I want to be a director before the end of the year, so I am dedicating a little more time to adding shows to my schedule and recuiting interview. OH, and I sometimes need to contact host outside of my normal hours in order to close their show.

Okay, that was my CS time ;) !

Robin
 
Hi Sandy,

I think this is one of the biggest challenges we face...because there is always more we can do and better ideas to implement (especially from this site). I am just now getting into a routine I think will work for me, but am sharing in case it helps you. (My background: consultant for 8 months, came out of a corporate (kinda) environment, and aim for 8-12 shows per month.)

I block two hours every morning for the 'have to's": inputting web orders into P3, checking status of shows and recruits, prepping host packets, noting calls I need to make later that day, supply orders, etc.

If I have time left over, I try to use for the "nice to do's": organizing, researching new ideas (another way of saying I go onto ChefSuccess:)), etc.

I try to block one hour a couple evenings a week for calls (host check-ins, customer care, HO calls, bookings, etc.). In truth, this sometimes streches to more than an hour...I'm working on that.

My biggest time investment though, is my host coaching (always in person). I generally spend 30 minutes to an hour with my hosts (especially if we get to chit-chatting). In the long run, it's worth it to me....both in terms of sales and avoiding potential aggravations. If possible, I stack my host-coaching...i.e. I did five on Tuesday. (I also like (need?) the social aspect of this business., so this approach isn't for everyone.)

My biggest time-wasters have been (are) trying to over-organize....which, given my personality, is a lost cause anyway...and forgetting that 'good enough' is, well, good enough.

I didn't allot any time to prospecting in my first five months...other than participating in the Step Up to Director program. (Learning the business was demanding enough for me.)

As for ChefSuccess...it's addicting. In my first few months I was really strict about what threads I spent time on. If it wasn't something that was going to help my business, I gave it a pass (except for the occassional indulgence on the weekends). Now I give myself the time to participate more:)

Okay, this is long enough....hope it helps. ?

kris
 
P.S. - I learned a lot of this from my hospitality director...who is on tap to give a class on time management during Wave 1.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I effectively schedule my Pampered Chef parties around my full-time job?

To effectively schedule your Pampered Chef parties around a full-time job, consider hosting parties during evenings or weekends when you are available. Use a calendar app to block out time for parties and set reminders. Communicate with your hosts to find out what times work best for them and their guests. Additionally, consider virtual parties that can be held at any time, allowing you to reach more people without the constraints of physical gatherings.

What are some tips for managing my time when planning multiple parties?

When planning multiple parties, create a detailed timeline for each event. Break down tasks into manageable steps and prioritize them based on deadlines. Use checklists to keep track of what needs to be done for each party, such as sending invitations, preparing recipes, and setting up the party space. Batch similar tasks together to save time, and don’t hesitate to delegate responsibilities to co-hosts or family members to lighten your load.

How do I balance my Pampered Chef business with family commitments?

Balancing your Pampered Chef business with family commitments requires clear communication and planning. Set specific work hours for your business and share these with your family so they understand when you are working. Involve your family in your business by hosting family-friendly cooking events or parties. Additionally, use a planner to schedule both business and family activities, ensuring that you allocate time for both without feeling overwhelmed.

What tools can help me manage my time more effectively in my direct sales business?

Several tools can help you manage your time effectively in your direct sales business. Consider using digital calendars like Google Calendar for scheduling events and reminders. Project management apps like Trello or Asana can help you organize tasks and deadlines. Additionally, using social media scheduling tools can save time when promoting your parties and products. Finally, a simple planner or notebook can also be effective for jotting down ideas and tracking your progress.

How can I ensure I have enough time for follow-ups after my parties?

To ensure you have enough time for follow-ups after your parties, schedule follow-up time immediately after each event. Block out specific days in your calendar dedicated to following up with guests and hosts. Prepare follow-up messages in advance so you can quickly send them out. Consider using a customer relationship management (CRM) tool to keep track of your contacts and follow-up schedules, making it easier to maintain relationships and encourage future sales.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

How Can Time Management Boost Your Direct Sales Productivity?
  • Bren706
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
7
Views
2K
raebates
Improve Time Management and Productivity Strategies for Your Business"
  • Kathytnt
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
28
Views
3K
Kathytnt
Two Time Management Questions for Y'all!
  • KellyTheChef
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
19
Views
2K
janetupnorth
My #1 Recommendation for Newbies and Those With Questions...
  • kdangel518
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
9
Views
2K
AmyDare
Another Great Article From Success Factory
  • mrssyvo
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
6
Views
2K
mrssyvo
"Scheduling: a Major Key to Your Success"
  • esavvymom
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
How do you organize your home office for direct sales success?
  • PamperedK
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
26
Views
3K
Melissa78
My Business Is Incredible - Thanks to Tough Love
  • Chefgirl2
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
14
Views
3K
Bren706
Achieving Your Five Year Plan: Tips from The Success Factory
  • PChefPEI
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
4
Views
2K
3RingChef
My Notes From Quarterly Training 8408
  • COOKINWITHSHERRI
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Back
Top