What Do You Do When You're Sick???

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores various experiences and strategies participants use when they fall ill and have scheduled shows. Participants share personal anecdotes about managing their business during sickness and the decisions they make regarding shows.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shared that they have never had to cancel a show due to illness and managed to conduct a show despite having a sore throat and cough.
  • Another participant mentioned that they would have someone in their downline conduct the show, emphasizing fairness in giving them the sales and bookings.
  • Several users noted that they have done shows while sick, as long as they were not contagious, and mentioned using medication to help manage symptoms.
  • One participant recounted a time they had to cancel a show due to a severe illness but later rescheduled it successfully.
  • Another participant humorously described how their husband unexpectedly took over a show for them, resulting in successful sales and bookings.
  • Some participants expressed concern about the challenges of managing a direct sales business when sick, contrasting it with traditional jobs where calling in sick is easier.
  • One participant mentioned that they would ask the host for their preference regarding rescheduling or having someone else do the show.
  • Another participant shared their experience of having to cancel a show due to a stomach virus and the difficulty of finding someone to step in.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle shows when sick, with some participants preferring to pass shows to others, while others choose to proceed with the show if possible. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences vary widely, reflecting individual circumstances and the nature of their direct sales businesses. The discussion highlights the personal and professional challenges faced when illness strikes.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants who are navigating similar situations regarding illness and show management.

Christ Follower
Christ Follower
Gold Member
Messages
4,976
Okay, I've been doing PC for over a year and have never had to cancel a show due to illness (or at all for that matter).

This past week I had a really dry, itchy throat and lost my voice. I also developed a cough. I was really worried about what to do, but I went ahead and did my show on Tues. Only 1 person showed up. That was kinda good with my voice the way it was. So last night I was still itchy throat, I went ahead and did my show.

What do all of you do when you are sick? Call and reschedule? Turn it into a catalog show? Have one of your recruits do the show for you??

I know PL has a system where they have their downlines do the show and both get a certain percentage of the commission.
 
I would have someone in my downline do the show. It would be her show totally - she would get the sales and bookings and recruit leads from that show - it's only fair - she is the one that did the demo and asked for the bookings and recruit leads.
 
I've done my show sick (but as long as I wasn't totally contagious). I would take Tylenol cold and cough before the show and that would help!

I have had to cancel 1 show due to extreme flu bug rescheduled it and was god aweful cause attendance was horrible and wouldn't ya know the first party there was full attendance and I cancel last minute! :(
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
heat123 said:
I've done my show sick (but as long as I wasn't totally contagious). I would take Tylenol cold and cough before the show and that would help!

I have had to cancel 1 show due to extreme flu bug rescheduled it and was god aweful cause attendance was horrible and wouldn't ya know the first party there was full attendance and I cancel last minute! :(
Click to expand...


This is what I am afraid of! I guess that's one of the few down falls to having your own DS business. At least at a "normal" job, you can always call in sick w/o a lot of issues.
 
pass it to someone in your downline or cluster. definately and let him/her keep the sales/bookings. better then having to cancel!
 
I have called my director before to do a show for me!
My director has, several times, passed shows to me when she was sick, or couldn't make a date for some other reason......she has always given me sales and bookings from the shows. However, I did a show this summer that was one from her, and the host was asking some red flag questions, so I passed her back to my director. She was a past host of hers, and already had a relationship with her - so I thought it only fair.
 
Well Ellen You have the start of a horrible cold and flu.... how do I know?? I have had it all week long... I was supposed to have a show tonight but I called my hostess and explained to her.. and she rescheduled her show date....... for an actual cooking show. But since the invites were already sent she is doing a catalog without me being their. I hope that helps.. and get better soon...

Christ Follower said:
Okay, I've been doing PC for over a year and have never had to cancel a show due to illness (or at all for that matter).

This past week I had a really dry, itchy throat and lost my voice. I also developed a cough. I was really worried about what to do, but I went ahead and did my show on Tues. Only 1 person showed up. That was kinda good with my voice the way it was. So last night I was still itchy throat, I went ahead and did my show.

What do all of you do when you are sick? Call and reschedule? Turn it into a catalog show? Have one of your recruits do the show for you??

I know PL has a system where they have their downlines do the show and both get a certain percentage of the commission.
Click to expand...
 
I reluctantly cancelled a show once when I was sick. Later in the evening (when I would have been doing the show) I had a fever of 103, couldn't talk or breathe! I was so glad I didn't do that show! The host also hadn't sent any invites out & didn't know if she even had anyone coming. Haven't heard from her ever again except for an $80 outlet order.

I had another show that I had to reschedule & I did her show a month later. It was a great show & we'll be doing another one in November. :) She's a great lady, customer & new friend.
 
I just, for the very first time, had to pass a show on to someone in my downline. I usually just take more drugs and get through it.
 
This happened to me last year and jokingly I told my husband he would have to go and do it for me. He had been to several of my shows that were for friends and family when I just started so he was familiar. To my complete surprise he took me up on it, grabbed my roller bag and left!!! He came back very excited because he sold $500 and booked two shows (one was for an all male BBQ!) That's the only show he ever did on his own though, I went to the BBQ show with him. It was a lot of fun. He always brags about that and so do I. :) He came home asking how much he made!
 
Addie4TLC said:
This happened to me last year and jokingly I told my husband he would have to go and do it for me. He had been to several of my shows that were for friends and family when I just started so he was familiar. To my complete surprise he took me up on it, grabbed my roller bag and left!!! He came back very excited because he sold $500 and booked two shows (one was for an all male BBQ!) That's the only show he ever did on his own though, I went to the BBQ show with him. It was a lot of fun. He always brags about that and so do I. :) He came home asking how much he made!
Click to expand...
How cool was that!! Good for him! (Be careful though - our insurance would not have covered him.)

In my comments above I neglected to say that I would ask the host what her preference would be (someone doing it for me, rescuduling...).

Another thing I would do if I'm not contageous is ask the host and guests to do the demo for me while I "direct" so no one worries about me breathing on the food - you could also wear a mask...
 
I've done two shows sick...one, I had the onset of the flu, I could feel it coming on, and I did have a temp, body aches, the works, I drugged myself up, got through it, didn't get one booking (I didn't even try bc I was feeling so bad) and it ended up being about $400. Last time I was sick was about a month ago, had bronchitis pretty bad, coughing, but I did take some meds RIGHT before I left the house, only coughed a few times while at the show and I think I said I had a dry throat, but if I were really bad off, I wouldn't hesitate to send my husband, he has been with me to tons of shows and I know he'd do a great job!
 
I can't even imagine my husband doing a show for me. He's never been to one, and he isn't very outgoing. That's great that your husbands would do that. I don't get sick very often, but I probably shouldn't have typed that.
 
This just happened to me this past weekend. I hardly EVER call in sick from work (I had 2 years of perfect attendance - I was like that in school, too) and I have NEVER in 4.5 years had to cancel a show b/c of illness, so you know it had to be bad.

I had a bridal event planned at a bridal shoppe for the past 4 months this past Sat. - the owner also does Arbonne, and two of her other friends to Southern Living and Tastefully Simple. We had flyers all over town and invited everyone we knew.

I woke up Sat. morning with the worst stomach virus I've ever had. I couldn't even get out of bed, unless it was to go to the bathroom. It was awful. I waited all morning to call the host/owner, since I really didn't want to let her down. I only have 1 downline girl right now, and she left for Chicago on Friday night. My director was also away, and I don't have anyone else's phone number (my director hardly ever has meetings, so I don't know any actives around here). I was trying to think of SOMETHING, but I couldn't. My DH was busy with the kids all day (soccer, etc.), so he wasn't available to help. I reluctantly called her and explained the situation, and that I really didn't want to give anyone my stomach virus or cause problems at the event. She totally understood, and even though she was disappointed that I couldn't be there, there was really nothing anyone could do. I haven't had a chance to talk to her, but hopefully the day went well. I stayed in bed all day and didn't start feeling better until around 8pm. UGH!!

I had a fundraiser today for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - I'm so glad I was feeling better today, b/c I really didn't want to miss that, too.

OK, nightmare over - just had to share what has happened to me. I've had the "sniffles" before, and if I could have, I would have rescheduled this, but since it was a vendor event, I basically missed out. Bummer :(
 
I haven't had to reschedule any just yet.

Although, when I had my knee surgery a month ago... the surgery was on a Thursday morning, and I did four shows that weekend- 1 Friday night, 2 Saturday, and 1 on Monday night. But, boy was I sore after that weekend.
 
I have only been sick on one. I had an aweful headache and was sticky feeling. I called a friend (consultant), but she had company. I decided to do a quick demo. I'm glad I went. I had and $800 show with 4 bookings.
 
I have only had to reschedule 1 show and it was a good thing I did-I had major "female" issues and couldn't have stood up to save my life! The Host was really understanding and had a great show when she had it.
My Director has passed 2 shows to me when she was sick (was actually hospitalized once and the other her DD was...!)
I would recommend asking what the Host prefers-some people have really bought into the relationship with you and don't want someone else in their home!
 
Definitely ask the host. I'd MUCH prefer any person coming into MY house giving me the opportunity to reschedule. I'm very aware of passing germs onto others. After all, it's supposed to be a fun party for them, not an opportunity to get a cold or flu. YIKES! I think if you are getting over something, I like the idea of having others handle the food (even if you wear gloves) since it's very easy to talk all over the food...ick. I haven't had this issue yet, but then my daughter just started preschool so NOW the colds are coming home.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I get sick before a party?

If you feel unwell before a scheduled party, it's best to notify your host as soon as possible. Discuss the possibility of rescheduling the party or consider hosting it virtually if you feel up to it. Your health is the priority, and most hosts will understand.

How can I manage my business if I'm sick for an extended period?

If you're sick for an extended time, focus on communication. Inform your customers and team members about your situation. You can also delegate tasks to trusted team members or utilize social media to keep your business active without needing to be physically present.

Is it okay to cancel a party if I'm not feeling well?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to cancel a party if you're not feeling well. Your health should come first, and most hosts will appreciate your honesty. Offer to reschedule when you're feeling better to maintain a good relationship.

What if I have a virtual party scheduled and I get sick?

If you have a virtual party scheduled and you become ill, consider postponing it if you're unable to engage with your guests effectively. If you feel capable, you can still host the party but keep it low-key and let your guests know you're not at your best.

How can I prepare my business for potential illness in the future?

To prepare for potential illness, consider creating a backup plan. This could include training a team member to take over your responsibilities temporarily or setting up automated messages for your customers. Having a solid plan in place can help ensure your business continues to run smoothly even when you're not feeling well.

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