Venting My Frustration Over Missing My Panorama Points!

[finley1991]

I was told that they were Mennonite but I don't remember who told me so I can't say for sure that that is accurate. I just remember because someone referred to them as Amish and that person was corrected by someone else saying that they were Mennonite, not Amish. (When Amish is a smaller sect of the Mennonite group).

 

[chefann]

I was insensitive to refer to that group as Amish, when they are Mennonite. I apologize.

But they're still inspiring!

 

[janetupnorth]

I can see a Mennonite lady doing it - they are more into the community, and not as reclusive. People confuse Mennonite & Amish for each other quite often. I wonder if it was actually a Mennonite lady?




Edited to correct my grammar so the sentence wasn't so confusing!

My sitter belongs to the Brethren church, very similar to Mennonites - she says they get confused all the time because the dress is the same. She said to tell them apart, "we have bangs, they don't"

Thought that was cute and funny...

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I was insensitive to refer to that group as Amish, when they are Mennonite. I apologize. But they're still inspiring!

I didn't think it was insensitive - just a common misconception. I used to work at a camp in Northern Michigan, and there was an Amish community up there, and also Mennonite, and Brethern churches. The biggest difference is that a Mennonite or Brethern could be your neighbor, but the Amish lived in their own community, and kept to themselves. (other than the roadside stand where they sold the most incredible frosted cinnamon rolls!:chef: ) That is why I thought it would be difficult for an Amish lady to earn TPC......it would be an extremely small group that they would be selling to.

 

[dns2202]

Can someone tell us her story?

 

[janetupnorth]

I didn't think it was insensitive - just a common misconception.

I used to work at a camp in Northern Michigan, and there was an Amish community up there, and also Mennonite, and Brethern churches. The biggest difference is that a Mennonite or Brethern could be your neighbor, but the Amish lived in their own community, and kept to themselves. (other than the roadside stand where they sold the most incredible frosted cinnamon rolls!:chef: ) That is why I thought it would be difficult for an Amish lady to earn TPC......it would be an extremely small group that they would be selling to.

I've met some of the upper Michigan Brethern group through my sitter. On occasion they will suddenly have a household of visitors. Very nice group...

 

[jrstephens]

I was insensitive to refer to that group as Amish, when they are Mennonite. I apologize.

But they're still inspiring!

I saw nothing insensitive about it at all!

 

[janetupnorth]

I saw nothing insensitive about it at all!

She felt insensitive because they are two separate groups. Amish has more cultural beliefs along with religious beliefs and Mennonites have beliefs that differ from the Amish. Until you meet each group, they "seem" the same to us but are quite distinct. I am still learning all the differences. Ann felt bad lumping them into one.

It would be like saying all Baptists are the same when we recently had a discussion on a pretty wacky group that calls themselves Baptist but no organized Baptist group will claim them. I'd hate to be associated with them.

I hope that makes sense...

 

[baychef]

We have a local store that is run by some religious sect that I am not sure exactly their particular religion. Once a custodian was at their store and answed a cell phone call. He told the person that he was at the Amish store. The man behind the counter politely corrected him and told him that they are not Amish. So he said to the person on the phone, well I am at the Mennonite store. The man again politley told him, we are not Mennonite. So the custodian then told the person on the phone...I am at the very religious store! This particular group (are first of all VERY nice and run a very clean store) have their women wear white kerchief type hair coverings. All women wear dresses that come down to either mid calf or ankle length and usually a medium blue color. The men dress in white shirts and black pants.
Yes, I too have seen women that I believe are Mennonite earn TPC. The woman that AMAZES me every year is the woman who earns TPC in sales year after year...she is wheelchair bound. My excuses just fall by the wayside when she graces the stage with her wonderful achievement.
There are also many Amish in our area. It amazes me when I see young children driving a team of work horses (and scares me!).

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

That is rough. Too bad HQ can't bend the rules for those who really did have enough points to do something with them.

I had a very paltry panorama ... only 38 points! I wish they had been "transferable" because I would have given them to my recruiter!

 

[Addie4TLC]

Addie- that's an awesome attitude! It's important to remember that if we're all adults, responsible for keeping track of our own businesses, that the other side of that is also true: we're responsible for deciding for ourselves whether to quit or stay active. I feel bad for your recruit. I'd be crushed if I had enough points to get some cookware and then forgot about them. But it was ultimately her responsibility.

Just saw this... thank you Ann. I have decided that I'm going to have a different attitude when recruiting from now on. Instead of "Please Join My Team!" It will be "Give it a try, if you prove yourself a winner we MAY keep you!"

 

[chefsteph07]

I'm sorry, but I don't see how it is my director's job to "remind" me to redeem my points, or anything else...It is my business, my responsibility, etc and if some reason I lost out on an incentive I would only have myself to blame..I would never get upset w my director for that! She has to remind HERSELF to redeem the points!
I just don't understand how consultants are upset when THEY lose out on something and want to blame someone else. It is totally wrong.

 

[Addie4TLC]

I'm with you!

I felt a bit responsible because in this case I volunteered (my mistake) to submit her orders because she doesn't have a computer or access to consultant corner or anything else. She just signed up and didn't know how everything works or where to go for information. She doesn't live near me so that she could come over and I could show her. The only info she got was from me and our monthly mag which she probably didn't read. She missed my team meetings and is one of those people that are in "let's see" mode. She was thrilled when I told her about the promo because she already had lots of people interested in the cookware. This was definitely a lesson learned for me. She is not blaming me directly but like Ann says she is crushed because she missed out on a significant freebie.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I'm so sorry. If I were there with you, I'd put my arms around you and let you have a good cry.

Rae, one of the Realtors in my office has a sign on her door that says "Put on your big girl panties and deal with it"...something to that affect...don't you say something like that?


Edited to say: Oops, sorry I posted this here, I was thinking I was in a different thread, and I did NOT mean to hijack this.

I am sorry that you have to go through these difficulties with your recruits/downline. I have been very busy the past few months but did not forget to redeem my Pan-o-rama points...it's just easier to blame someone else for not reminding us than it is to hold ourselves accountable for being absentminded.

Addie, I think you have a wonderful attitude, and I would be proud to be in your downline!

 

[Tanoi]

Getting mad at the director is uncalled for. That's like calling your mom and yelling at her for not reminding you to pay your own bills. Every adult has their OWN responsibilities. I understand why you would feel bad, but don't let it get to you simply because you were helping her more in the long run with letting her submit things on your computer.

As far as bending the rules, I'm sure everyone wishes the rules would bend a little. Like the 5 and 7 piece set I sold right after the cut off. Sure wish that could count. And the 200+ points I had left over, that would have been nice to count towards at least half of a pan. No, I didn't like that with the amount of points I had, although I had a couple of options, I own everything that was offered. Do I complain, nope. I just get giddy knowing I got both of mine for free. (Last one was from a sell-a-thon.) Just know that some people won't be happy, but you can be one that chooses to see the bright side in it all. I sure choose to be that way!

 

[Addie4TLC]

Oh I've been there several times, I even cried when I missed my Directors box one time over $50!! I didn't calculate correctly and I missed it.:cry: I tried to see if anything could be done, I was crushed. I do understand that bending the rules would make it very difficult to run a tight ship and it would get out of control with everyone coming up with 1,001 excuses. I have learned the lessons though and still am. You better believe I double and tripple check my requirements for EVERYTHING now because I've missed it "by that much!" (GetSmart)

 

[lockhartkitchen]

We do our best to be supportive, but ultimately we are all responsible for ourselves. We have all had these disappointments. A few months ago I showed up at 8:30 (Husband told me the time-I didn't check the letter myself before leaving) instead of 8:00 AM (later checked the letter and saw oops it was 8:00 am.) This was to provide my evidence for a court suit on a previous rental I was in. I automatically lost for showing up late. A $1600 lesson. I had a closed (win) case. I was mad at husband for several days, since it came out of my checks Nov and Dec. but ultimately, I should have double checked the time. Over and done with.

 

[Addie4TLC]

We do our best to be supportive, but ultimately we are all responsible for ourselves. We have all had these disappointments. A few months ago I showed up at 8:30 (Husband told me the time-I didn't check the letter myself before leaving) instead of 8:00 AM (later checked the letter and saw oops it was 8:00 am.) This was to provide my evidence for a court suit on a previous rental I was in. I automatically lost for showing up late. A $1600 lesson. I had a closed (win) case. I was mad at husband for several days, since it came out of my checks Nov and Dec. but ultimately, I should have double checked the time. Over and done with.

OUCH!! I may have to share your experience! I have for the most part missed out on things, but I haven't had something cost me this much. Sorry that happened to you. I guess everything is relative. If we focus on the important things there is always someone that is going through something worse. I rather miss out on things with PC than deal with bigger things like sickness or other tragedies. You win some you lose some, but you win mostly if you learn a lesson and manage to keep a good attitude in the process.

 

[jcwarr]

so happy!!!!!!i just got this email!!! wanted to share with those of you who maybe didn't see it!!!!


Dear Consultant, As you know, you earned Pan-O-Rama points by selling The Pampered Chef® cookware from Aug. 1– Nov. 30, 2007. These points could be redeemed for free Stainless or Executive Cookware pieces. As stated on the promotional flyer, the Pan–o–rama redemption page and in Weekly Bites, all points had to be redeemed by midnight on Dec. 31, 2007 or they would be forfeited. It has come to our attention that there was some confusion regarding the forfeiture of unused points. Because we know how important it is for you to have cookware to demonstrate at your Shows, we will make a one–time exception to the rule. As a result, you will have until Jan. 31, 2008 to redeem your unused points. Please be aware, after this date, the unredeemed points will be forfeited and no exceptions will be made. Also, going forward, exceptions will not be made to promotional rules, so please make sure you read the promotional flyers carefully and adhere to any deadlines. To redeem your points, go to Consultant’s Corner > Consultant Incentives > Promotions and Programs > Redeem Pan-O-Rama Points. Remember, you only have until Jan. 31, 2008 to redeem your points or they will be forfeited. Don’t wait! The Pampered Chef

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Oh - I'm so happy for you! And for Addie, and her consultant that was so upset - what a wonderful company we represent! That is just GRACE!

 

[raebates]

Wow, do we work for an amazing company, or what?

 

[JAE]

Wow! I wonder what the "confusion" could have been. It probably was just grace, but HO can't sound wimpy. Congrats to those who still get to redeem their POR points.

 

[Addie4TLC]

Someone from the Home Office called me personally to let me know about this and that I could let my consultant know that they will let her redeem her points!!!! AWESOME!!!! I was just coming on here to tell the original poster of this thread that they can redeem theirs!!! WHOOOHOOO!!!

BTW- I just called my consultant and she is thrilled, I told her that I was shocked because PC has never done something like this. She now wanted to know what she had to do to stay active and will be turning in her $200 show this month.

 

[Addie4TLC]

I think I may know what they're talking about as far as confusion... I was told that most of the people that missed out on redeeming their points were from the Hispanic Market, they may have not understood the word forfeiture.

 

[Gina M]

Good deal on this - now go and redeem your points now!

 

[pamperedlinda]

I am surprised at this. Good news for all of you!

 

[Addie4TLC]

I am surprised at this. Good news for all of you!

Thank you!! Doing the HAPPY DANCE!!! If this consultant turns out to be Director material I will remind her that she almost quit one time...

 

[Addie4TLC]

Calling my consultant to redeem her points before I get too busy with Leadership coming up and a I can't get in touch with her. grrr..

 

[kspry]

I drove 40 miles tonight so I could connect with my recruit without a phone, Addie4TLC. She finally called me yesterday and said she'd be home all day.

I know they are tax-deductible miles, but that doesn't equal free.

Nothing like coddling the illiterate with "forfeiture", eh?
Don't y'all stone me at once, it's a joke. And in every joke, truth is found.

 

[Addie4TLC]

True there's a lot of running around that doesn't pay off, then again maybe not right away but hopefully "eventually" people realize you go the extra mile (pun intended) Whatever the confusion was I'm glad that both markets will benefit from it.