Vent and Share your Struggles: Starting a Business After College

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the challenges faced by participants, particularly new Pampered Chef consultants, in maintaining bookings during the summer months. Participants share their frustrations, experiences, and strategies related to their businesses as they navigate this period.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over a lack of bookings and canceled shows, particularly during their first summer in business.
  • Another participant mentions that summer can be challenging due to people being away and suggests hosting themed events to encourage bookings.
  • Several users note the importance of motivated hosts and maintaining communication to secure successful shows.
  • One participant shares their experience of having a slow summer and reflects on their own efforts in the business.
  • Another participant discusses the emotional impact of canceled events and the need to reschedule, acknowledging the disappointment involved.
  • One participant expresses hope that securing a full-time job will help expand their network and lead to more bookings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the reasons for slow bookings and the effectiveness of various strategies. No clear consensus emerges on how to best navigate the summer challenges.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to their businesses, particularly focusing on the difficulties of maintaining engagement and bookings during the summer season.

Who May Find This Useful

New consultants or those experiencing similar challenges in their business may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their situation.

pampermejolene
pampermejolene
Gold Member
Messages
816
grrr..

Is anyone else having problems keeping bookings right now. I'm only in my fourth month of business, this is my first summer. Things are looking very bleak! I haven't had a cooking show since APRIL!! Catalog shows were sustaining me but now I have had 5 of those cancel for this month!
I'm so frustrated right now! I started this because I love PC and wanted some extra money. and I just graduated college and am having problems getting a full time job. I just don't know what to do!

I don't know if I'm even looking for advice, I just wanted to vent. BLEH!! Feel free to post back though.
 
Summer can be tough. The key is to host coach your tushie off, and realize that weekends, while GREAT in the fall, are usually bad in the summer. That's when people head out of town to camp or do things. You can also offer some summer-only themes and recipes to get bookings to stick: ice cream social, no-bake, pot luck favorites, etc.
 
Ditto. I've had good success when the host is motivated, knows she is going to get tons of free stuff; but, had some blow it off when they've only heard from me once.
 
I agree. Just look at things you can do during the week. Recipes that you can include children, and move them to brunch, lunch time. What would appeal to a bunch of moms, then taking their children some where we they wont have to cook for their children, maybe something the children can do the recipe. Good Luck and Never give up... I have been doing this for over 3 years and go through it every summer.
 
My June fell apart over the weekend....sigh... trying to reschedule.. but I know what to expect... disappointing nonetheless
 
My summers have always been slow. I thinks some is the customers and some is me not working the business like I should.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Thanks everyone. I'm going to hang in there. Hopefully whenever I do get a full time job that will open up my contacts too and I can get some shows with my new co-workers :)Thanks again for the support!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common struggles faced when starting a business after college?

Many new entrepreneurs face challenges such as lack of experience, limited financial resources, uncertainty about the market, difficulty in building a customer base, and managing time effectively. These struggles can be overwhelming but are part of the learning process.

How can I overcome the fear of failure when starting my business?

To overcome the fear of failure, it's essential to shift your mindset. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Set realistic goals, seek mentorship, and surround yourself with supportive peers. Celebrating small successes can also help build confidence.

What resources are available for recent graduates looking to start a business?

There are numerous resources available, including business incubators, online courses, networking events, and local small business development centers. Additionally, platforms like SCORE offer free mentoring and workshops tailored for new entrepreneurs.

How important is networking when starting a business after college?

Networking is crucial for new entrepreneurs. It helps you build relationships, gain insights from experienced professionals, and create potential partnerships. Attend industry events, join local business groups, and utilize social media platforms to connect with others in your field.

What role does social media play in promoting a new business?

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting a new business. It allows you to reach a wider audience, engage with potential customers, and build brand awareness. Creating valuable content and interacting with your audience can help establish your business's online presence and credibility.

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