Which Planner Is Best for You: Consultant vs Other Options

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various planner options used by Pampered Chef consultants, focusing on personal preferences between the consultant planner and other alternatives. Participants share their experiences with different planners and discuss the features they find beneficial or lacking.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a preference for the consultant planner.
  • Another participant mentions using the monthly PC planner and inquires about the new weekly planner.
  • Several users discuss the potential benefits of the new weekly planner, including better organization and increased booking opportunities.
  • One participant shares their experience of downloading and printing the weekly planner, highlighting its affordability.
  • Another participant notes a desire for a monthly overview in the new planner format.
  • Some participants express excitement about receiving the new planner, while others share concerns about its layout and usability.
  • One participant mentions using a combination of monthly and weekly planners for different purposes.
  • Several users reflect on the psychological aspects of using different planner formats and how it affects their booking practices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the effectiveness and usability of the new weekly planner compared to the traditional monthly planner. Some participants express enthusiasm for the new format, while others are skeptical about its practicality.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding planners, with some referencing past planners and their features. The discussion reflects a variety of planning styles and needs within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into different planner options and personal experiences shared by peers may find this discussion relevant.

Re: Planner?
Becca_in_MD said:
It sounds like you can have it folded over so that only one week shows at a time. Just turn it over to show the next week. Then flip a page to get to the following two weeks.

That is correct.
 
Re: Planner?Hmmm, I will be curious to see it. I just switched to the weekly view a couple of months ago and love it - much easier to book in close. I don't think I like the idea of having to flip the calendar over, doesn't sound very 'smooth'. No big deal though, I can just print my own since it is so inexpensive.
 
Re: Planner?I think that it's awesome that they GIVE us an official PC calendar each year. They could just have it on the supply order. It may not be what everyone likes but we've always had the option of using something different.

Personally, I like the idea of being able to show them 2 weeks at a time and I like that it's got more room for each day so I can put everything, including non-PC things in one place without it getting too busy/cramped looking. I have never used anything but a monthy calendar but I am willing to give it a good try. People are having great success with the weekly!
 
Re: Planner?i bought a 2010 calendar that has both monthly and weekly. i like looking at the monthly so i know what i have planned for the month and then i use the weekly planner for my to do lists for the week. i was going to use the pc planner to take to my shows for the bookings i get.
 
Re: Planner?I'm with Sandy. I already got my planner for 2010 (purchased myself) and I have an "At-a-Glance Quick Notes Monthly/Weekly" planner. It has tabbed months (which I must have) and each month on one page so I can see it all at once (another must)..that's on the left hand side then on the right is a 'notes' page for jotting things down. That's where I keep my Post It Collection with info for each show. Then behind that quick glance is each week with ALL 7 days & the times go to 8:45pm each day. Many planners dont give you the weekends or just Saturday but nothing for Sunday. I have always used a monthly planner since High School as I need to see "the big picture" but I am going to try the weekly as well and I do like that I can 'schedule' my evenings for Calls, host coaching etc. OH and this one has a clear folder attached at the back (behind the back cover) so that I can store things in there. Wish it had a few more then I could have the host/guest specials. Now I will just put the 3 month on one sheet version that I get from here (That rocks mind you).

The new one coming from PC does not sound like I will enjoy it.

My apologies for my opinion being so lengthy. :D
 
Re: Planner?Melissa, I think you and I have the same planner! LOL. I guess great minds think alike. Now, to just fill that planner with dates! I also do the stickey notes too. I put the name address, phone number and email on a post it (with the date incase they get taken off by the little ones) so incase they reschedule i can just move the post it note.
 
Re: Planner?Sandy I LOVE YOU! :) That is EXACTLY what I do with stickies. I hate marking up my calendar and having it look like poo. The stickies work best. I mark out my days i want to book shows with stickies and then I know what my goals are. Right now I like Wed, Fri, Sat/Sun. 3 is tops, prefer 2. Also I love the notes pages so I can jot down stuff there and currently I amworking with a sticky note process there too... I have a sticky for every show with the show date, time & hostess name at top. Line drawn under that. Then I write down the middle of the postit: (write it down the middle so that you can put the dates to the left of it and still have a little more room to write on the right hand side if need be)

Call #1 (host coaching #1)
Call #2 (HC #2)
Invites (means the date I send out invites)
Call #3 (HC #3)
Show & TY (Show date and Thank you written out and mailed)
Close Show

Then in bottom right corner I draw a box and write in it:
CCC By: (that means I need to do my Customer Care Calls by X date)

This post it creates a check off list for me, keeps everything organized, can be easily moved with the show (say to another month) AND I fill that out when the guest books the show and I plan on having post cards made up and I want to give it to them at the show when I book their show so they go right home and put it on their refrigerator/calendar. (on the post card though have the date that they have to have their guest list to me by)

Then on the DAY of the week of the show, I have a Post-It with all of the host contact info incase I am at work or on the road and stuck in traffic, I can contact them via phone, email etc. When I know the show is a solid 'go', or after the show, I remove the sticky and write the information actually on my calendar so that I have it for future reference.

Also at the top of each month I have stickies with the peeps that said they may be interested in hosting a show. I keep moving them month to month until they book or say NO for sure. Then its always there to remind me to not forget about them.

I found I was horrible at host coaching and following up with people so I took my OCD issues with organization at work and applied it to my planner. If i commit on paper and know I have to do it, it gets done. Can I just say, I LOVE MY PLANNER! :)
 
Re: Planner?wow! i love that. i am going to steal that from you! i am terrible with cc calls and that is part of my goals for 2010 is to make my 3-2-1 each month and make my cc calls and to earn the 2011 trip.
 
Re: Planner?Like the weekly set up but like the one from PC Corner that has it broken into times.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between a consultant planner and other planners?

A consultant planner is specifically designed for individuals in direct sales, like Pampered Chef, focusing on tracking sales, parties, and customer interactions. Other planners may not have these specific features and might be more general, lacking the tailored tools that help consultants manage their business effectively.

How can a consultant planner help me grow my Pampered Chef business?

A consultant planner can help you set and track goals, manage your calendar for parties and events, and keep a record of customer contacts and sales. This organization can lead to better time management and increased sales, ultimately helping you grow your business.

Are there any specific features I should look for in a consultant planner?

Look for features such as monthly and weekly layouts, sections for tracking sales and commissions, space for notes on customer interactions, and goal-setting pages. Some planners may also include motivational quotes or tips specifically for direct sales consultants.

Can I use a regular planner for my direct sales business?

Yes, you can use a regular planner, but it may not be as effective as a consultant planner. Regular planners may lack specific sections for tracking sales, customer interactions, and party planning, which can make it harder to stay organized and focused on your business goals.

What are the benefits of using a digital planner versus a physical consultant planner?

Digital planners offer the advantage of accessibility from multiple devices, easy editing, and the ability to set reminders. They can also integrate with other apps for better organization. However, physical planners can provide a tactile experience that some people find motivating and satisfying, allowing for creative expression through handwriting and doodling.

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