Where Is Everyone? August Ambush Challenges & Results

[finley1991]

Where is everyone? I hope since you're not here, that means you're away on vaca somewhere nice!!!

Did anyone participate in the call from our Sales Managers at HO? Yesterday I participated in a call with Amy Neal. I originally wasn't going to make it and asked if it was going to be recorded and she said no... it was interactive and recording it wouldn't work. So I rescheduled myself to be on the call. We were on for about 15 minutes where she introduced the August Ambush concept... we were to make calls starting right then for 30 minutes to *Makeover* our businesses. Then we called back in and reported our results.

Now, I'm one that doesn't like things sprung on me. :sick: But I sucked it up and made 30 minutes of calls. I didn't get any yeses or nos but that was okay. I was pretty scattered... I didn't have a plan of who to call or what to say so it was tough.

Then she challenged us to make 30 minutes of calls every day for a week. :yuck:

I just finished day #2 of my 30-minute calling blitz. This is like bootcamp! It was better today and a bit less stressful... I got 3 that might be interested in hosting in the fall... need to call back after Labor Day (seems to be a common theme) and got 1 no... but then she thought about it and wants to talk in September. I made a script for voicemail messages (revised several times as I made the calls) and then when I got a live person, I used the Full-Service Customer Care Call Script from the July meeting planner.

So we will see... at least it's good that I'm back on the phone! arty: And I'm feeling proud if myself!

Who else is participating in the August Ambush (or whatever your HO sales manager is calling it)? What do you think about it??

 

[BethCooks4U]

I did, with Linda Bowles.

During that time I got in touch with someone who said they wanted to sign last November but then this and that kept her from it. Well, she said that she was ready now and we talked briefly about her intro show, bookings and who would she know who might want to join with her and left it that she would call me yesterday evening - not my ideal but it's what she'd commit to.

She didn't call but this morning I was on CC and she is listed as a new consultant. arty:

Other than her I mostly got machines.

I didn't do my 30 minutes of calls yet but I will - and I will do this with my team.

 

[finley1991]

Way to go Beth! Congrats on the new consultant!!!! arty:

 

[BethCooks4U]

Way to go Beth! Congrats on the new consultant!!!! arty:

Thanks! Now to fill those last 2 August and last 3 September dates...

 

[Gagescorpages]

Colleen-
Would you mind sharing your VM script?

 

[finley1991]

Colleen-
Would you mind sharing your VM script?

Here you go... I don't say it verbatim every single time but it's pretty much what I cover...

Hi, this is Colleen calling from The Pampered Chef. I’m doing some service calls today. It’s been a while since you attended a show that I did and I wanted to call today to let you know what is new with The Pampered Chef. We have great new theme shows and recipes that will help you get in and out of the kitchen fast. I’m setting dates for shows in September and October so if this sounds like something you're interested in, please let me know. My average host receives $150 in free products and I’ve love for you to be able to take advantage of that. Give me a call and we can talk more about it. My number is 248-xxx-0583. Again, it’s Colleen with The Pampered Chef and my number is 248-xxx-0583. Have a great day!

 

[cheftiffany]

Great Script, Colleen!!!

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

Were these calls ONLY for Director and above?

 

[finley1991]

Were these calls ONLY for Director and above?

I believe so... we were trained by actually doing it and our next step is to do it with our teams.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

We're doing it tonight with our teams for our cluster meeting!

 

[Sheila]

Congrats Beth on your new recruit!!! I've been horrible about checking all the corporate e-mails since our move to Tokyo, so I didn't even know about the call. I just have too many boxes to sort through! The first 2 shipments came & I'm trying to make room for shipment #3 that's here & ready to be delivered on the 20th!I also only know a handful of people so far, the ones who were at my first show here in Tokyo! LOL I'm working my way into some spouse groups to try & make new contacts. I think I need to start talking PC at the park to the other Moms too and see if I can find some leads. I just don't have local people to call yet! LOLI'm green for this month. If I don't get shows on the calendar for Sept soon then I'll resort to catalog shows from friends/family in the states & on Okinawa!I've never done the 3-2-1 plan, but I think it's time that I start!!! LOL

 

[Nanisu]

OK, it's been a really bummer of a summer, second month for me that I will not be paid as a director...sent an evite to my team members for the cluster meeting, even met with 6 of them one on one two weeks ago for coaching, taking 6 days out of my month that I really did NOT have to spare.... only 2 team members even OPENED the evite, and have not responded...so I cancelled the meeting. Geez, they couldn't even OPEN the d*&* email..... Thinkin' i'm done with this director stuff.

 

[Sheila]

OK, it's been a really bummer of a summer, second month for me that I will not be paid as a director...sent an evite to my team members for the cluster meeting, even met with 6 of them one on one two weeks ago for coaching, taking 6 days out of my month that I really did NOT have to spare.... only 2 team members even OPENED the evite, and have not responded...so I cancelled the meeting. Geez, they couldn't even OPEN the d*&* email..... Thinkin' i'm done with this director stuff.

(((hugs)))

 

[BethCooks4U]

OK, it's been a really bummer of a summer, second month for me that I will not be paid as a director...sent an evite to my team members for the cluster meeting, even met with 6 of them one on one two weeks ago for coaching, taking 6 days out of my month that I really did NOT have to spare.... only 2 team members even OPENED the evite, and have not responded...so I cancelled the meeting. Geez, they couldn't even OPEN the d*&* email..... Thinkin' i'm done with this director stuff.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

I totally understand how discouraging it can be. I've been right there too. IMHO this new program sucks for people at our level. It's great for consultants who decide to recruit (immediate rewards) and obviously for upper level (have you noticed how many promoted at the top levels - 8 NED's in one year?!) but for Directors and AD's ...it has been demoralizing for many.


So, what did they say when you met with those 6? What changed in the last 2 months? Is it summer or does it happen that several decided at the same time to step away from their businesses?

I have a whole team of hobbyists and often I am paid as TL 1 or 2 months in a row and rarely paid as director more than one month in a row. My director (SED) suggested I call/meet with each person and ask them "Is there any part of your business you'd like to change?" <listen> and no matter what they answer say "Tell me more about that." That will get them to tell you what they're really feeling and how much effort you need to put in to them. Mine are happy where they are and that's fine. I still appreciate them and they have helped me keep the director title but I know I need to find new people too if I want to stay a director and beyond...

 

[Nanisu]

I met with them, went through the new Getting Started book just like they were new consultants, set up new goals, did follow up calls, they were all excited....follow up calls they had all done NOTHING they said they wanted to do (follow up calls were two weeks after our meeting). I expected this, they are a very "in the moment" team (love what they are doing, including cluster meetings, 'in the moment'), but geez, can they not even open their emails?

So IF we have ameeting this Monday night (I sent a follow up email after I cancelled it asking if any of them wanted to have a meeting and 2 responded yes), I am going to just try to figure out WITH THEM what we need to change.

On another note, what is up with people contacting PC for business info and then not returning calls or emails? I have had 4 of these the past two months--HO leads--I am VERY NICE and professional on the phone and email, and they don't even respond--you just want to go "look, YOU contacted US...".

there, vent over. On to a better day! But still thinking this director thing is not working.

Interesting, i had a conversation with Karen Logston at National while we were in the new product room, she asked me how it was going and I casually mentioned (with a smile on my face I might add) that I was struggling with the new plan and needed to get my head around it better. Now, Karen is normally a VERY NICE person, we have had several conversations over the years, and she very abruptly said to me "well, the new plan isn't going anywhere!". I thought to myself ""um, ok....YOU asked ME how it was going..."--tells me they are getting a little bit of flack maybe??

 

[BethCooks4U]

I met with them, went through the new Getting Started book just like they were new consultants, set up new goals, did follow up calls, they were all excited....follow up calls they had all done NOTHING they said they wanted to do (follow up calls were two weeks after our meeting). I expected this, they are a very "in the moment" team (love what they are doing, including cluster meetings, 'in the moment'), but geez, can they not even open their emails?

So IF we have ameeting this Monday night (I sent a follow up email after I cancelled it asking if any of them wanted to have a meeting and 2 responded yes), I am going to just try to figure out WITH THEM what we need to change.

On another note, what is up with people contacting PC for business info and then not returning calls or emails? I have had 4 of these the past two months--HO leads--I am VERY NICE and professional on the phone and email, and they don't even respond--you just want to go "look, YOU contacted US...".

there, vent over. On to a better day! But still thinking this director thing is not working.

Interesting, i had a conversation with Karen Logston at National while we were in the new product room, she asked me how it was going and I casually mentioned (with a smile on my face I might add) that I was struggling with the new plan and needed to get my head around it better. Now, Karen is normally a VERY NICE person, we have had several conversations over the years, and she very abruptly said to me "well, the new plan isn't going anywhere!". I thought to myself ""um, ok....YOU asked ME how it was going..."--tells me they are getting a little bit of flack maybe??

At least you're getting leads! I've remainded eligible for leads all along and haven't gotten ANY for many, many months. I do get one or two orders each month and some are from distant states. I can't believe there are that many TL's & D's in my area that I'm not getting local leads.

What Karin said does not surprise me at all. They are very defensive of the new plan and are constantly saying people are making more money in it. Yes, consultants & upper level and the sales managers (bonuses) sure. I have decided to just forget about the annoying feelings I get from this whole issue and concentrate on my business and what I want from it and what I can do to help others through it. That's the important thing. You'll all be glad to hear that I plan to try not to vent on this subject any more (not a promise, a plan )

Ahhh... on to positive things about my business! I just forwarded onto my team "7 steps to goal getting" from a post that Lyn Conway sent out and I have a host coach call in a few minutes and then a conference call - to start.

 

[Nanisu]

Can you forward that email to me? [email protected]. Thanks, Beth!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I'll email it to you but I'll also post it here for everyone.



7 Simple Steps to Goal GETTING By Blogger Kelly Wissink

1. Don’t Think, Just Do! – Although you need a plan and a vision, believing that your thinking will create the success you desire is wrong. Once your plan is in place, and believe me, it will never be perfect, then it is time to get into action. Don’t believe that you can think it into reality. There needs to be action backing it up. Don’t spend your time thinking about it…make it happen!

2. One Step at a Time – I ran my first 2.5 miles a few days ago and I did it one step at a time. I knew where I was headed but I kept my vision on the road, about 10 feet in front of me. This is how you need to also run your business. My greatest challenge in running is the boredom, and I dislike that word very much. Your business needs to be one step at a time before reaching the milestones by doing the mundane daily. Don’t expect daily mountain top experiences BUT do work towards them and treasure the small achievements along the way.

3. Get the Right Equipment – In running, I need water, the right shoes, and even shirts and shorts that “breathe”. Having the right equipment in business includes filling your mind with positive books that will help you grow.

My family lives by this motto – “If you want to live differently, you need to think differently and to be different!” When we go to the beach, you may see me reading “The Go Giver” by Bob Burg; my husband, a leadership book on coaching soccer by Anson Dorrance; my kids, “Think Big” the autobiography of Ben Carson or a classic like “Anne of Green Gables”.

Commit thirty minutes a day to growing your mind and growing your business. The two go hand in hand!

4. Push It! – This is always a challenge! I want to be very honest with you. In running, when I get tired, I want to stop. Running is truly mind over matter. I tell myself to keep going, even when stopping seems to be the only option. You will need to do the same in your business.

How bad do you want it?
What is the driving force behind your hard work?

If you don’t have a strong why, then there is no point or purpose in doing something that is hard. You just won’t do it. You will quit or try to find the next “sparkly thing” before you even get close to the finish line. Please understand, in business, there is no finish line. Once you achieve one goal, set a bigger goal, aim for a higher achievement or title. If you think that you have achieved “IT”, you are done and will find yourself stuck. As Walt Disney once stated, “Keep Moving Forward!”

5. Get Your Rhythm Back - There is a difference between stopping and quitting. There will be times in your business where you will need to stop, take a breath and get right back into it again. Kids, schedules, illness, family will throw a kink into your well planned days. It’s a guarantee! If you let them, they will sabotage your forward movement. Business has a rhythm to it and when you are open to and focused on it, your journey will go so much more smoothly.

6. Re-Evaluate – When you work your business correctly, it may feel monotonous. Routine in your business is a good thing!

There will be times in your business, however, where what you are doing just isn’t working anymore. Be honest and take a step back to figure out what changed and what you need to do next. Leave out the judgment of yourself and others. Take a solid look at where you were, what worked, what didn’t and what you want to do to reach your goals and then adjust your course. Even an expensive GPS system has given the wrong directions on occasion.

7. Buddy Up – A few days ago during a 2 mile run, my knees were swollen and I was just plain tired. My husband, Curt, who had run a 25K (over 15 miles) was walking the dog while I struggled to complete my run. On this day, he did something he had never done before, he joined me during my last mile. I had stopped a few times and was frustrated in my speed. To encourage me, he joined me. His support helped me to finish that goal.

Having a support network will keep you going when you want to quit. Make sure that you enlist the encouragement of those who know your goals and can offer the inspiration and accountability that will help you get to your finish line! You can do it!

 

[chefkathy]

Nancy, I am with you. I was over at NJR's office the other day picking something up, and she asked me how things are going. My biz is at a low/plateau and I'm okay with it because of everything that has been going on in my personal life. My team is out of touch, they don't respond to emails. I just count my blessings when they submit something.I told her that I have people, but they just don't work. She pulled up my team on Consultant Connection and said "you're right--they just don't work!"We can do all the training and goal setting and coaching and encouraging in the world, but if they don't put the time in and WORK, then we have nothing.

 

[finley1991]

I agree with what everyone is saying. I thankfully am at the point where I do have a team that is working, while still listening to those who just talk about it.I finally said on Monday in my SUYB segment that unless they stepped it up, they weren't going to get training from me moving forward. It was harsh I suppose, but I am at the point where I am not going to waste my time. It will be interesting to see who steps up...

 

[pamperedbecky]

One of these days I need to REMEMBER to call in for these calls! Kinda shows you where my biz is on my list of priorities! I know some have provided some call in #s for past calls that were recorded. I need to make myself call in and listen and get this train back on the track.....

 

[Nanisu]

You're right-- I can't work harder for them than they do....Just overwhelmed a little bit with life right now and PC is just another part of that. I have 7 shows for August and 6 for Sept. already, so i am going to keep on going....new recruits have GOT to come!

 

[chefkathy]

Nancy, you and I just need to build new teams. Let's do it!

 

[Nanisu]

Ok-- shall we keep each other pumped up? BTW, so you like Starbucks? I was going to send you a SB card to thank you for the CD's.

I think I have a new one signing this weekend....we'll see. I got a quickstart box from a girlfriend just in case.

 

[chefkathy]

Ok-- shall we keep each other pumped up? BTW, so you like Starbucks? I was going to send you a SB card to thank you for the CD's.

I think I have a new one signing this weekend....we'll see. I got a quickstart box from a girlfriend just in case.

there's a drive thru Starbucks a mile from my house.

I signed one over the weekend and she is so excited. She is energizing ME and making me want to be a better leader. I love it!

Let's do it!

 

[finley1991]

WAY TO GO LADIES!!!! KEEP IT UP!!!! arty:

 

[baychef]

Oh boy...agree with everyone! My 1st gen said that her parties for August are again tanking.

I did make the call with Amy Neal but have bits and pieces of it now. Ambush? Hmmm...no wonder it felt like bootcamp. And I am not in a negative place with my business just wondering what is going on. This is not just in one area.

This week I had no choice but to replace my van. Budget wise it was not possible until Spring but now it HAS to be. I did get 3 leads for bookings in the 2 days I was out and about. I have one new person signing and have a grand opening a week from Sunday. Hoping my team will spark up some.

 

[akaskydebil]

Wow when I read the post by BethCooks4U I felt like I was reading my thoughts. I promoted July 1 and tanked both July and August. I went from a $10k month in february to not having $10K in sales in all the months afterwards combined. I have a team of 6 hobbyists and a show schedule that isn't even something I would tell anyone about (1 show in July and AUgust). Its the 22nd and no one on the team has submitted but me. I just started the new Director phone calls and booked my flight and reservation for New Director Academy in September (figure I won't be a director for October so get it in). I didn't change my shows and I can't get a party to book to save my life. When I do have them I have great sales (my avg is over $800). I love what I do but at this point I feel like saying screw it, throw my hands up in the air and be done with feeling beat down. I can't even be happy for those around me who are very successful b/c I feel slapped in the face. (How horrible am I for being so selfish...) This post all made me feel a tad bit better knowing that I'm not the only one who is struggling to dig out and has a team of hobbyists. Thanks for posting this. I wish you all the best and congrats to those who have a rockin business! You are an inspiration.

 

[PCJenni]

Glad to hear I am not alone. I stopped counting at 10 cancellations in July and August.. there were more like 15 though. I was averaging over 6000 in sales Feb to June and have barely squeek by with 1250 for July and August. I have 4 downline directors and only 1 has made it to D in the past 2 months. It is as if someone turned off a faucet these past 2 months. My phone is not ringing at all. No one will return calls. I have not had a HO lead for a show or recruit since June. Normally I get at least 2 a month for recruit or show. Feels like a ghost town. Melissa, I totally understand the "slapped in the face" feeling. I did not change anything I was doing, yet everything changed!

 

[baychef]

Jenni & Melissa, I thanked you for your honesty. My business is ok, but I too have wondered...is it my breath? Did my evil twin sister emerge from no where and call all my customers and brain wash them from know about PC? My recruiting interest is good and I think I will sign at least one more before the month is out...promised two more to make a total of 4 but not sure how much more I can push the last two hold outs.

I am back to work but still find myself not getting on the phone...very stupid of me. I have to get this back before Labor Day weekend. I have 2 of my 4 shows confirmed for Sept. No return calls from some hosts.

Determined to give my business more phone time so let's cheer each other on!arty: