Trouble with the Neighbor Across the Street: E's Unspoken No

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by participants when trying to engage potential hosts who do not respond to communication. Participants share their experiences with individuals who have shown initial interest but later become unresponsive, leading to frustration and confusion.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recounts a situation where a neighbor, E, has not responded to calls about hosting a party, leading to frustration over her lack of communication.
  • Another participant expresses a similar sentiment, feeling irritated by the lack of maturity in not being told directly if someone is no longer interested.
  • Several users mention the idea of sending promotional materials to encourage responses, with one participant suggesting that the word "free" might entice potential hosts.
  • One participant shares their experience of having a host cancel multiple times and feeling the need to move on after repeated attempts to reach her.
  • Another participant notes the importance of setting boundaries, mentioning a "three strikes you're out" policy for follow-ups with potential hosts.
  • Several participants agree on the frustration of being left without a clear answer, with some suggesting that a straightforward "no" would be preferable to ambiguity.
  • One participant reflects on the emotional toll of pursuing unresponsive leads, emphasizing the need to focus energy on those who are genuinely interested.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle unresponsive potential hosts, with some participants advocating for continued attempts to reach out, while others suggest moving on after a few tries. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and frustrations related to communication with potential hosts, highlighting the emotional aspects of direct sales and the varying approaches taken by individuals in similar situations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants facing similar challenges in engaging potential hosts and navigating communication barriers.

DebbieJ
DebbieJ
Messages
10,849
I was at my neighbor's (T) this morning and we got to talking about the neighbor (E) across the street.

So T tells me that E isn't really interested in having a party so I should stop calling her. WTF???

E booked from T's show last summer and then cancelled and said she wanted to reschedule. I am not stalking E--I think I've called her about once every 6 weeks or so to see if she's still interested. She's never picked up and never called me back.

T said that E isn't one to say no. She doesn't want to hurt my feelings. :confused:

I told T that if E would just tell me, I would stop calling her.

Makes me want to keep calling her even more. :evil grin:
 
I would send something in the mail. I usually have some sort of promotion going ie. book to look. So I would send one to her stating that I am holding a special for anyone who books with me in "APRIL". if she books a show and holds the date she will receive "x" item at her party. If she really is interested then the word "free" will get her and she will call. If you do happen to get ahold of her you could also see if she is interested in holding a catalog show instead, sometimes people think that is easier for them and they can still earn host benefits!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Oh believe me, I've thrown her tons of "bones."
 
Why don't people grow up and be mature. I am not going to die if you tell me have changed your mind about being a consultant or having a show. What irritates me is wasting my time by not having the courtesy to contact me and let me know you are not interested. I have better things to do then talk to your answering machine or waiting for you as you stand me up Starbucks - I will now step off my soap box
 
I couldn't agree more Kathy!!!:D
 
I also agree, it agrrivates me that you call and call and never get an answer in return. Is there someway we can stress return calls AT the show, when handing out packets or something.
 
If I got info like that...I would chalk it up to imurturity and just stop bothering.
Why waste the energy? Some saying about beating a dead horse, I think.

If I get no answers after three tries, I am done and move on.

I have more important things in my life to do than waste 5 minutes even if it is only once ever 6 weeks. If this has been going on since last summer, then I would figure you lost one hour of call time to people who are interested or may be interested. She apparently is NOT. And your neighbor (T) told you so.
I would simply STOP wasting the time.
 
Kathytnt said:
Why don't people grow up and be mature. I am not going to die if you tell me have changed your mind about being a consultant or having a show. What irritates me is wasting my time by not having the courtesy to contact me and let me know you are not interested. I have better things to do then talk to your answering machine or waiting for you as you stand me up Starbucks - I will now step off my soap box
Click to expand...


Amen, sister!

I'd keep calling. . .just to be a pain!!
 
I umpteenth that! I HATE IT when people avoid me. My last message usually is something like, "It's fine if you don't want to have your party/become a consultant, just please let me know so I can stop bugging you about it! If I don't hear from you, I'll just assume you're busy and will keep trying!"
 
Three strikes you're out!!I think maybe we should all adopt a three strikes you're out, mentality. That way we don't go nuts!!!! :eek:

I used to do two times but now I have tried three times. This way I know for sure. I mean we can only leave so many messages without getting the hint. I usually only try a few times and then I strike them off my list. I feel like I'm begging if I call more than this.

Along with the calls I do send a postcard with my info and that's it.

If I don't get a call back, I can safely assume they are not interested, no matter how excited they acted or sounded when I talked to them about it.
I have had so many of those ladies that I fantasized about being another $1,000 host or even a $2,000 host for me. Unfortunately some didn't pan out but I am grateful for the ones that did!

Debbie :D
 
I had a lady "book" a show (yeah, right) from another show a year ago. I mailed her the host packet (she was an outside order that's why I didn't give it to her that night) and asked her to send me her guest list and I would mail out the invitations for her. Well she changed the date twice then when I believed that it was actually going to happen, still no guest list. She asked me to send her the invites and she would get them done. I tried to get a hold of her for host coaching, etc but always got the machine. About 4 days before her show she called and left a message on my machine saying she wasn't going to be able to do the show then, but would like to re-schedule. I have called, sent e-mails, newsletters (not to the point of stalking status... LOL) and even reminded her that Miss X would not be entitled to the host special IF she didn't follow through with her show by this date. NOTHING. I feel like calling her and just playing the message (probably to HER machine) that she left on my machine about 7 months ago (yes, amazing that I saved it) and just hanging up. You think she would get it?
 
bless and release, and move on, their are other fish out there who want to host a show
 
ChefLoriG said:
bless and release, and move on, their are other fish out there who want to host a show
Click to expand...

In the wise words of Ilene Meckley:
"Some will, some won't, so what? Who's next?"
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
Yeah, I know...bless and release....

really, I haven't called her that much. It takes about 10 seconds of my time. I know she works nights so I've tried at all different times and figured I would keep trying b/c her schedule is so wacky.

But the fact that my one neighbor, T, who I consider my friend, would feel a need to tell me....it just really puts me off. She's in direct sales, too, so I though she would understand my frustration. I know she runs her business differently (barely picks up the phone) so I shouldn't be surprised at her attitude. Oh well...
 
I completely understand the frustration. I think we've all had it. I also understand that sometimes they are excited at the show but then change their mind. I wish they would understand that we'd actually prefer a NO to a false yes or maybe. We feel great when we get a yes, but a no is really okay.I tried calling someone that was told she should really have a show b/c it would be great and she said yes. I called her and called her and...you get the picture. Last time, I called and her husband said she was just pulling into the driveway and to give her a few minutes to settle. Called back and he said she isn't interested in having a show. I would never make my husband do that. I would just be honest. Bad time, whatever. I suppose she knew I'd have suggestions (book party...whatever).I try to adopt the call three times with the last call telling them to call me if they decide to have a show or need any other service. I think I'll start with the postcard too.Feels good to vent. But YEAH to the people that call me as an outside order to book a show!! I've had great luck with that lately (lots of catalog shows) and they get going right away. Love the $500-600 catalog shows!!
 
I have a three strikes they are out policy. If someone books, and reschedules at least twice, I don't call them to book anymore. Same with calling for bookings. If I have left three messages, I drop them. I just don't have the patience or the time

plus I like baseball and like saying I have a three strikes your out policy:D
 
It sounds like a "no" to me. A no is so freeing. Move on and spend your time and energy on people that actually want your services.
 
My last message is something like I haven't been able to reach you so if you are still wanting to have a show give me a call.
 
I have the same issue sometimes, but I thought it might help to hear that it isn't just those of us in direct sales who have this issue. DH is a financial planner, and sometimes his customers (even those who have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested with him) avoid his calls to evaluate their accounts. The same thing--messages unreturned, and calling when they say they'll be there and they don't pick up. It's not just us! People just hate to say no, and they'd rather be tremendously rude and avoid the no rather than just bucking up. What can you do?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Trouble with the Neighbor Across the Street: E's Unspoken No" about?

"Trouble with the Neighbor Across the Street: E's Unspoken No" is a narrative that explores the complexities of neighborly relationships, focusing on the unspoken boundaries and conflicts that can arise between individuals living in close proximity. The story delves into themes of communication, misunderstanding, and the importance of respecting personal space.

Who are the main characters in the story?

The main characters include E, who represents the individual facing challenges with their neighbor, and the neighbor across the street, who embodies the conflicting interests and perspectives that lead to tension. The interactions between these characters highlight the nuances of their relationship and the underlying issues at play.

What are some key themes in the story?

Key themes in the story include communication barriers, the significance of personal boundaries, and the impact of assumptions on relationships. The narrative emphasizes how unspoken feelings and misunderstandings can escalate conflicts and the importance of addressing issues directly to foster better neighborly relations.

How does the story resolve the conflict between the characters?

The resolution of the conflict involves a moment of clarity where both characters confront their feelings and assumptions. Through open dialogue, they begin to understand each other's perspectives, leading to a resolution that respects their boundaries and fosters a more amicable relationship moving forward.

What can readers learn from "Trouble with the Neighbor Across the Street: E's Unspoken No"?

Readers can learn the importance of communication in resolving conflicts and the value of addressing issues directly rather than allowing them to fester. The story serves as a reminder that understanding and empathy are crucial in maintaining healthy relationships, especially in close living situations.

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