Tips for Staying Organized and Managing Overwhelm in a Busy Work Life

[Kathytnt]

My work has been so busy - I initially started working part-time but my hours right now are double what I wanted them. I just never feel like I can get all my PC stuff done. Perhaps it's just that I am so disorganized and trying to do too many things.

I want to qualify for one of the trips at the end of the year but I didnt plan on so much work at my regular job. Now I will start training to be an Certified Herbal Information Specialist. More stuff to do on my own time.
How do you stay organized?

I have several fundraisers going and sevearl cooking shows lined up - My second bridal show next Sunday - A craft fair next month - I am training for a Half-marathon in May. Plus tring to lose another 40 lbs. Nothing out of the ordinary but I feel like things in the office could be running more smoothly.

Any words of wisdom????

 

[Paige Dixon]

Try the Power Hour. 15 minutes on bookings, 15 minutes on host coaching, 15 minutes on customer care calls, and 15 minutes on recruiting/team building.

And don't forget that owning a business is kind of like being a mom- you could be doing everything in your power and still have ideas you don't have time to implement. Just hang in there and do your best. Also, use what's already done, follow the tips given to us by PC (host coaching, team building, meeting outline, show outline). Keep it simple.

 

[Paige Dixon]

One more thing:

Have every host do the same recipe all month or all two months. It makes life soooo much easier!

And reserve Sunday evenings to do calls, it saves you from chasing people down all week.

And book shows at the show so you don't have to follow up later!

 

[lisacb77]

Kathy, just do what you can, that's the beauty of PC! I have been busy in my personal life too with work getting more demanding and trying to lose weight (again...), so I've decided right now I need to do what i can to stay active, and everything else is bonus.

I think you are doing the right thing by focusing on fundraisers, they can be not as much work but still keep you moving in your PC biz. HTH.

 

[GeorgiaPeach]

Well, they say that busy people get more done My suggestion for earning the trips...take the new online class about earning incentive trips. I haven't taken it yet but a friend did. She said they had some great tips. Just something as simple as encouraging your host to get outside orders can really make a difference.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Here's the biggest booster ever built!

 

[cmdtrgd]

Well, they say that busy people get more done My suggestion for earning the trips...take the new online class about earning incentive trips. I haven't taken it yet but a friend did. She said they had some great tips. Just something as simple as encouraging your host to get outside orders can really make a difference.

There's an online class about earning the trips? I haven't seen it and they have only come out with 4 classes - all I have taken. Hmmm.....

 

[Kathytnt]

Problem I have been having lately is that I work in retail - I have to ask off for shows and events I am doing - I end up working almost every other night when those events are completed. There is not time to follow up. Most people are working outsife the home during the day. I know calling leads when they are fresh is vital .

 

[Kathytnt]

Besides a trip I really want us to buy a new house in the next 2 years or so. I am so tired of the water being turned off at least once week due to well issues where we live.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Try scheduling shows when your job requires 100% travel.

 

[chefann]

There's an online class about earning the trips? I haven't seen it and they have only come out with 4 classes - all I have taken. Hmmm.....

There's a Tele-Class about earning the trips, not an online class.

 

[cmdtrgd]

Ahhhh....okay....brain is a bit slow today

 

[lisacb77]

Kathy, what about trying to get more catalog shows that don't require you to ask off? I started an incentive program as I too want more catty shows to work around my schedule...will give a host cooking show benefits if they get $500 in outside orders and/or two future bookings. Just a thought.

Maybe try to do more daytime shows if you work nights? There's a lot on here about pampering businesses and dropping food and catalogs off to offices.

 

[DebbieJ]

There's an online class about earning the trips? I haven't seen it and they have only come out with 4 classes - all I have taken. Hmmm.....

Maybe she meant a Tele Class. There's one called Action Planning for the Incentive Trip.

 

[DebbieJ]

Problem I have been having lately is that I work in retail - I have to ask off for shows and events I am doing - I end up working almost every other night when those events are completed. There is not time to follow up. Most people are working outsife the home during the day. I know calling leads when they are fresh is vital .

Ask for daytime numbers. Tell them you work at night. You will only take a few minutes of their time and will not pester them.

I know that our NED asks for daytime numbers and has no problems with it.

 

[Kathytnt]

Ouch 100% travel

 

[Kathytnt]

I was working full-time when I started the biz I am just not very organized. Trying to do too many things I guess Things were very quiet in late Dec. and January. The calendar is starting to fill up. I am just hoping that we can get someone in to fill some of my hours.
I shouldn't complain I have a recruit that is working full time going to school for an advanced degree and doing PC. She is just probably more organized than me
I like the idea of giving incentives for high catalogs shows

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Ouch 100% travel

It's not so bad for a guy who loves to drive and loves the open highway. This past summer, it was like getting paid to be on vacation!

 

[Kathytnt]

Kitchen Guy - What do you do for a living??

 

[Kathytnt]

Maybe I am depressed or down - I am just so tired lately. I am almost hoping my host tomorrow night wants to convert to a catalog show. I feel like I am spinning my wheels and getting nothing accomplished - As a wife, PC consultant etc.
Sorry - just need to share.

 

[kimmers]

Maybe I am depressed or down - I am just so tired lately. I am almost hoping my host tomorrow night wants to convert to a catalog show. I feel like I am spinning my wheels and getting nothing accomplished - As a wife, PC consultant etc.
Sorry - just need to share.

You're not alone!! I know exactly how you feel. The only thing I can say is to not be too hard on yourself (I know, easier said than done .) The harder you are on yourself, the worse it seems to be. Take a deep breath, and relax. Above all else, DO NOT compare yourself to others.

Kim

 

[Kathytnt]

Thanks Kim

 

[janetupnorth]

Maybe I am depressed or down - I am just so tired lately. I am almost hoping my host tomorrow night wants to convert to a catalog show. I feel like I am spinning my wheels and getting nothing accomplished - As a wife, PC consultant etc.
Sorry - just need to share.

Get some rest, get some "me" time, and get some sun! I know that sounds funny but many women get "down" this time of year due to winter and the lack of sun. I pray that you'll feel refreshed soon.

I understand the feeling. This week has been rough for me - kids tired and borderline sick, busy at work, etc. Been sitting on Chef Success just to have a "break" from life. Hopefully things will get better soon!

 

[legacypc46]

Hang in there Kathy. I'm going thru a bit of the same thing. My business took off much faster than I anticipated and I'm struggling to manage everything. I'm trying to pull back some and refocus on the basics. Sometimes "good enough" is just that. (Don't know if that helps, but know you aren't alone...lots of support on here.)

Kris